Pub Date : 2024-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2024.100125
John E. Moore , Beverley C. Millar
Background
People with cystic fibrosis (CF) may develop clinically significant chronic respiratory infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Open water has been suggested to be an important source for continuous or intermittent exposure to these pathogens. To date, there has been a paucity of studies examining the relationship between chronic PA and NTM infection in CF patients and surfaces waters, including blue spaces. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the relationship between chronic pulmonary infection with PA and NTMs in children and adults with CF in European countries and area of surface waters, including blue spaces.
Methods
European CF registry data detailing incidence of chronic PA and NTM infection in adults and children with CF in Europe (n=41,486 in 24 European countries) was correlated with surface water area data from the same countries (approx. 678,278 km2) employing Spearman coefficients.
Results
Correlation of chronic PA infection in children and adults and surface water area were not significant (p=0.0680 and p=0.8448, respectively), as was NTM infection (p=0.7371 and p=0.0712, respectively).
Conclusions
Acquistion of PA and its avoidance in people with CF is a complicated dynamic, not solely driven by close association with surface water, but through the integration of several other factors, including mitigations by people with CF to avoid high risk scenarios with surface water. This study was unable to demonstrate a correlation between PA and NTM infection in people with cystic fibrosis and surface water area at a national level. CF patients should continue to be vigilant about potential infection risks posed by water and take evidence-based decisions regarding their behaviour around water to protect them for acquiring these organisms from these sources.
背景囊性纤维化(CF)患者可能会因铜绿假单胞菌(PA)和非结核分枝杆菌(NTM)而发生临床上严重的慢性呼吸道感染。有人认为,开放水域是持续或间歇接触这些病原体的重要来源。迄今为止,有关 CF 患者慢性 PA 和 NTM 感染与水面(包括蓝色空间)之间关系的研究还很少。因此,本研究旨在探讨欧洲各国儿童和成人 CF 患者肺部慢性 PA 和非淋菌性结核感染与地表水(包括蓝色空间)面积之间的关系。方法采用斯皮尔曼系数将欧洲 CF 登记数据与来自同一国家的地表水面积数据(约 678,278 平方公里)相关联,这些数据详细记录了欧洲成人和儿童 CF 患者慢性 PA 和非淋菌性结核感染的发病率(24 个欧洲国家,n=41,486 人)。结果儿童和成人的慢性 PA 感染与地表水面积的相关性不显著(分别为 p=0.0680 和 p=0.8448),NTM 感染与地表水面积的相关性也不显著(分别为 p=0.7371 和 p=0.0712)。本研究无法在全国范围内证明囊性纤维化患者的 PA 和 NTM 感染与地表水面积之间的相关性。CF患者应继续警惕地表水带来的潜在感染风险,并就其在地表水周围的行为做出基于证据的决定,以防止从地表水中感染这些微生物。
{"title":"Lack of correlation between surface water area and infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF)","authors":"John E. Moore , Beverley C. Millar","doi":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100125","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100125","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>People with cystic fibrosis (CF) may develop clinically significant chronic respiratory infections with <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> (PA) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Open water has been suggested to be an important source for continuous or intermittent exposure to these pathogens. To date, there has been a paucity of studies examining the relationship between chronic PA and NTM infection in CF patients and surfaces waters, including blue spaces. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the relationship between chronic pulmonary infection with PA and NTMs in children and adults with CF in European countries and area of surface waters, including blue spaces.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>European CF registry data detailing incidence of chronic PA and NTM infection in adults and children with CF in Europe (<em>n=</em>41,486 in 24 European countries) was correlated with surface water area data from the same countries (approx. 678,278 km<sup>2</sup>) employing Spearman coefficients.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Correlation of chronic PA infection in children and adults and surface water area were not significant (<em>p=</em>0.0680 and <em>p=</em>0.8448, respectively), as was NTM infection (<em>p=</em>0.7371 and <em>p=</em>0.0712, respectively).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Acquistion of PA and its avoidance in people with CF is a complicated dynamic, not solely driven by close association with surface water, but through the integration of several other factors, including mitigations by people with CF to avoid high risk scenarios with surface water. This study was unable to demonstrate a correlation between PA and NTM infection in people with cystic fibrosis and surface water area at a national level. CF patients should continue to be vigilant about potential infection risks posed by water and take evidence-based decisions regarding their behaviour around water to protect them for acquiring these organisms from these sources.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100667,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Medicine","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100125"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X2400039X/pdfft?md5=71968735bfcb1bc76cb115224864246f&pid=1-s2.0-S2772431X2400039X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142229843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2024.100127
Chidozie Declan Iwu
Health care-associated infections (HCAIs) pose a substantial threat to immunocompromised individuals and represent a frequent adverse event in health care delivery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the global research landscape of HCAIs among immunocompromised populations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic search of articles published between 2013 and 2022 in the Web of Science Core Collection database was conducted, and content analytics and integrated science mapping were used for data analysis and interpretation. The review identified 1,473 articles. Only 633 articles authored by 4,151 individuals and published in 366 journals were included. The average citation rate was 14.27 per document, and research production grew annually by 9.07% peaking in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic but declining in 2022. The United States emerged as the most productive country, with 743 publication appearances and 2,485 citations. Keywords such as “epidemiology,” “infection,” “mortality,” and “risk factors” were frequently encountered in the analyzed literature. The main research themes, including “mortality,” “sepsis,” “immunosuppression,” “expression,” and “pneumonia,” underscored the focal points of importance within this domain. This study highlighted the growing interest regarding HCAIs in immunocompromised populations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study findings underscore the need to advance research efforts to understand different immunocompromised states, develop tailored infection prevention measures, and address health care disparities to mitigate the burden of HCAIs among immunocompromised individuals.
{"title":"Global research landscape of health care-associated infections among immunocompromised people before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic","authors":"Chidozie Declan Iwu","doi":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100127","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100127","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Health care-associated infections (HCAIs) pose a substantial threat to immunocompromised individuals and represent a frequent adverse event in health care delivery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the global research landscape of HCAIs among immunocompromised populations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic search of articles published between 2013 and 2022 in the Web of Science Core Collection database was conducted, and content analytics and integrated science mapping were used for data analysis and interpretation. The review identified 1,473 articles. Only 633 articles authored by 4,151 individuals and published in 366 journals were included. The average citation rate was 14.27 per document, and research production grew annually by 9.07% peaking in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic but declining in 2022. The United States emerged as the most productive country, with 743 publication appearances and 2,485 citations. Keywords such as “epidemiology,” “infection,” “mortality,” and “risk factors” were frequently encountered in the analyzed literature. The main research themes, including “mortality,” “sepsis,” “immunosuppression,” “expression,” and “pneumonia,” underscored the focal points of importance within this domain. This study highlighted the growing interest regarding HCAIs in immunocompromised populations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study findings underscore the need to advance research efforts to understand different immunocompromised states, develop tailored infection prevention measures, and address health care disparities to mitigate the burden of HCAIs among immunocompromised individuals.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100667,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Medicine","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100127"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000418/pdfft?md5=646381eb720ec7b38a680cc062964e8f&pid=1-s2.0-S2772431X24000418-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142232342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2024.100126
Tze Shien Lo , Michihiko Goto , Kimberly D.P. Hammer
Background
The Alere PBP2a SA Culture Colony Test is an FDA-cleared in vitro immunochromatographic assay for rapid detection of penicillin-binding protein2a (PBP2a) in Staphylococcus aureus.
Methods
We investigated the performance of the PBP2a SA Culture Colony Test with 78 coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) isolates from different body sites, with the Vitek 2 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) as a reference standard.
Results
The CoNS species were 62 S. epidermidis; 6 S. lugdenensis; 3 S. hominis; 2 S. capitis; 2 S. haemolyticus; and 1 each of S. simulans, S. auricularis, and S. warneri. Of the 78 CoNS isolates, 68 showed concordance in the PBP2a IC assay and Vitek 2 AST. Discordance was seen for 10 S. epidermidis isolates, which showed negative in the PBP2a assay, despite oxacillin-resistance detection using the Vitek 2 AST (66.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity). All non-S. epidermidis CoNS were identified with 100% concordance using the PBP2a IC assay and Vitek 2 AST.
Conclusion
We demonstrated that, while the PBP2a IC assay has low sensitivity in determining the susceptibility of S. epidermidis to oxacillin, it highly accurately predicted the susceptibility of non-S. epidermidis CoNS to oxacillin. The diagnostic accuracy for non-S. epidermidis CoNS needs further assessment with more isolates to confirm our findings.
{"title":"Evaluating the performance of the Alere PBP2a SA Culture Colony Test with the Vitek 2 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Card System as reference standard in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species","authors":"Tze Shien Lo , Michihiko Goto , Kimberly D.P. Hammer","doi":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100126","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The Alere PBP2a SA Culture Colony Test is an FDA-cleared <em>in vitro</em> immunochromatographic assay for rapid detection of penicillin-binding protein2a (PBP2a) in <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>We investigated the performance of the PBP2a SA Culture Colony Test with 78 coagulase-negative <em>Staphylococcus</em> (CoNS) isolates from different body sites, with the Vitek 2 Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test (AST) as a reference standard.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The CoNS species were 62 <em>S. epidermidis</em>; 6 <em>S. lugdenensis</em>; 3 <em>S. hominis</em>; 2 <em>S. capitis</em>; 2 <em>S. haemolyticus</em>; and 1 each of <em>S. simulans, S. auricularis,</em> and <em>S. warneri</em>. Of the 78 CoNS isolates, 68 showed concordance in the PBP2a IC assay and Vitek 2 AST. Discordance was seen for 10 <em>S. epidermidis</em> isolates, which showed negative in the PBP2a assay, despite oxacillin-resistance detection using the Vitek 2 AST (66.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity). All non-<em>S. epidermidis</em> CoNS were identified with 100% concordance using the PBP2a IC assay and Vitek 2 AST.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>We demonstrated that, while the PBP2a IC assay has low sensitivity in determining the susceptibility of <em>S. epidermidis</em> to oxacillin, it highly accurately predicted the susceptibility of non-<em>S. epidermidis</em> CoNS to oxacillin. The diagnostic accuracy for non-<em>S. epidermidis</em> CoNS needs further assessment with more isolates to confirm our findings.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100667,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Medicine","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100126"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000406/pdfft?md5=5e42b688ea687e5e6b0098af695bcbc1&pid=1-s2.0-S2772431X24000406-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142151847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-01DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2024.100130
Yixin Liu , Xugang Wang , Qi Li , Shuo Zhu , Wenjing Zhu , Huanchun Chen , Youhui Si , Bibo Zhu , Shengbo Cao , Zikai Zhao , Jing Ye
Background
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a leading cause of viral encephalitis worldwide. JEV exhibits significant neuroinvasiveness and neurotoxicity, resulting in considerable damage to the nervous system. Japanese encephalitis is associated with high morbidity and mortality rate, seriously harming both human health and livestock production. The current lack of specific antiviral drugs means that the development of new therapeutic agents for JEV has become urgent.
Methods
Anti-JEV drugs were screened from 111 inhibitors of neurotransmitter receptor-related molecules by high content technology. The antiviral effects of clomipramine HCl were evaluated through plaque assay, real-time quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence assay and western blotting assay. Bioinformatic tools were utilized to cluster the altered signaling pathway members after clomipramine HCl treatment. Finally, the anti-JEV mechanism was deeply resolved in vivo via such molecular biology and virological detection techniques.
Results
In this study, we screened nine compounds with significant anti-JEV activity, of which clomipramine HCl demonstrated the most potent antiviral effect and exhibited dose-dependent activity. Mechanistically, clomipramine HCl may activate endoplasmic reticulum stress and modulate the unfolded protein response, thus inhibiting the assembly stage of JEV infection.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of clomipramine HCl as a promising approach for JEV infection protection, which may lead to new host-directed antiviral approaches to such mosquito-borne viruses.
{"title":"Screening a neurotransmitter-receptor-related inhibitor library identifies clomipramine HCl as a potential antiviral compound against Japanese encephalitis virus","authors":"Yixin Liu , Xugang Wang , Qi Li , Shuo Zhu , Wenjing Zhu , Huanchun Chen , Youhui Si , Bibo Zhu , Shengbo Cao , Zikai Zhao , Jing Ye","doi":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100130","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100130","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a leading cause of viral encephalitis worldwide. JEV exhibits significant neuroinvasiveness and neurotoxicity, resulting in considerable damage to the nervous system. Japanese encephalitis is associated with high morbidity and mortality rate, seriously harming both human health and livestock production. The current lack of specific antiviral drugs means that the development of new therapeutic agents for JEV has become urgent.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Anti-JEV drugs were screened from 111 inhibitors of neurotransmitter receptor-related molecules by high content technology. The antiviral effects of clomipramine HCl were evaluated through plaque assay, real-time quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence assay and western blotting assay. Bioinformatic tools were utilized to cluster the altered signaling pathway members after clomipramine HCl treatment. Finally, the anti-JEV mechanism was deeply resolved in <em>vivo</em> via such molecular biology and virological detection techniques.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>In this study, we screened nine compounds with significant anti-JEV activity, of which clomipramine HCl demonstrated the most potent antiviral effect and exhibited dose-dependent activity. Mechanistically, clomipramine HCl may activate endoplasmic reticulum stress and modulate the unfolded protein response, thus inhibiting the assembly stage of JEV infection.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study highlights the importance of clomipramine HCl as a promising approach for JEV infection protection, which may lead to new host-directed antiviral approaches to such mosquito-borne viruses.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100667,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Medicine","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000443/pdfft?md5=aaef6a2889ea4983ae1d9f28bfc46d0d&pid=1-s2.0-S2772431X24000443-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142171850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-08-10DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2024.100131
Malala Mulavu , Cynthia Sipho Khumalo , Lavel Moonga , Kyoko Hayashida , Benjamin Mubemba , Katendi Changula , Edgar Simulundu , Walter Muleya , Simbarashe Chitanga
Background
The microbiome composition of an arthropod vector may impede the growth of some pathogens, aid colonisation by pathogens or affect vector behaviour in ways that impact the transmission of pathogens. In Zambia, little is known of the microbial communities hosted by ticks and how pathogens like Rickettsia play a role in the microbiome composition.
Objective
This study sought to determine the microbiome of Rickettsia-negative and Rickettsia-positive ticks in selected districts of Zambia.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 94 ticks collected from cattle in Chongwe and Chisamba districts. The overall prevalence of Rickettsia spp. was detected using PCR amplification of the ompB gene. Thereafter, both Rickettsia-negative and positive ticks underwent 16S rRNA gene amplification and Illumina high-throughput sequencing. Data was analysed using QIIME2 analysis pipeline.
Results
The prevalence of Rickettsia was found to be 47.9% (45/94) with prevalence in Amblyomma at 78.5% (22/28), Hyalomma at 68.9% (20/29) and Rhipicephalus having the lowest at 8.1% (3/37). Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota and Euryachaeota were the most common phyla, while endosymbionts were uncommonly detected in the ticks. Further analysis showed significant differences in microbiome composition based on Rickettsia detection status (p=0.001) and location (p=0.001), based on the alpha diversity Shannon index, Bray Curtis beta diversity and PERMANOVA, whilst differences according to life stage, tick species and genus was only shown based on the Bray Curtis beta diversity and PERMANOVA analysis.
Conclusion
Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights into the structure of the tick microbiome in parts of Zambia and how it is affected by the presence of Rickettsia.
背景节肢动物载体的微生物组组成可能会阻碍某些病原体的生长、帮助病原体定植或以影响病原体传播的方式影响载体行为。在赞比亚,人们对蜱寄居的微生物群落以及立克次体等病原体如何在微生物组组成中发挥作用知之甚少。 Objective This study sought to determine the microbiome of Rickettsia negative and Rickettsia-positive ticks in selected districts of Zambia.Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 94 ticks collected from cattle in Chongwe and Chisamba districts.这项研究是一项横断面研究,从Chongwe和Chisamba地区的牛身上采集了94只蜱。采用 PCR 扩增 ompB 基因的方法检测立克次体的总体流行率。随后,对立克次体阴性和阳性蜱进行了 16S rRNA 基因扩增和 Illumina 高通量测序。结果发现立克次体的感染率为 47.9%(45/94),其中 Amblyomma 感染率为 78.5%(22/28),Hyalomma 感染率为 68.9%(20/29),Rhipicephalus 感染率最低,为 8.1%(3/37)。蛋白细菌、固着菌、放线菌群和极鞭毛菌群是最常见的菌群,而内共生菌在蜱体内很少被检测到。进一步分析表明,根据α多样性香农指数、布雷-柯蒂斯β多样性和PERMANOVA分析,立克次体检测状态(p=0.001)和地点(p=0.001)在微生物组组成方面存在显著差异,而根据生命阶段、蜱种和属的差异仅在布雷-柯蒂斯β多样性和PERMANOVA分析中显示出来。
{"title":"Defining the bacterial microbiome of ticks in Chongwe and Chisamba Districts of Zambia","authors":"Malala Mulavu , Cynthia Sipho Khumalo , Lavel Moonga , Kyoko Hayashida , Benjamin Mubemba , Katendi Changula , Edgar Simulundu , Walter Muleya , Simbarashe Chitanga","doi":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100131","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100131","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The microbiome composition of an arthropod vector may impede the growth of some pathogens, aid colonisation by pathogens or affect vector behaviour in ways that impact the transmission of pathogens. In Zambia, little is known of the microbial communities hosted by ticks and how pathogens like <em>Rickettsia</em> play a role in the microbiome composition.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study sought to determine the microbiome of <em>Rickettsia</em>-negative and <em>Rickettsia</em>-positive ticks in selected districts of Zambia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 94 ticks collected from cattle in Chongwe and Chisamba districts. The overall prevalence of <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. was detected using PCR amplification of the <em>ompB</em> gene. Thereafter, both <em>Rickettsia</em>-negative and positive ticks underwent <em>16S rRNA</em> gene amplification and Illumina high-throughput sequencing. Data was analysed using QIIME2 analysis pipeline.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The prevalence of <em>Rickettsia</em> was found to be 47.9% (45/94) with prevalence in <em>Amblyomma</em> at 78.5% (22/28), <em>Hyalomma</em> at 68.9% (20/29) and <em>Rhipicephalus</em> having the lowest at 8.1% (3/37). Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota and Euryachaeota were the most common phyla, while endosymbionts were uncommonly detected in the ticks. Further analysis showed significant differences in microbiome composition based on <em>Rickettsia</em> detection status (<em>p</em>=0.001) and location (<em>p</em>=0.001), based on the alpha diversity Shannon index, Bray Curtis beta diversity and PERMANOVA, whilst differences according to life stage, tick species and genus was only shown based on the Bray Curtis beta diversity and PERMANOVA analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights into the structure of the tick microbiome in parts of Zambia and how it is affected by the presence of <em>Rickettsia</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100667,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Medicine","volume":"3 4","pages":"Article 100131"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142432490","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-17DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2024.100116
Nannan Xu , Lintao Sai , Gang Wang , Gregory A. Dasch , Marina E. Eremeeva
Background
Scrub typhus, an acute febrile disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is transmitted to humans through infected chigger mites. We present a case of scrub typhus in a previously healthy man from Shandong Province diagnosed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and PCR and review recent literature on NGS for scrub typhus diagnosis.
Methods
NGS was utilized for testing whole blood collected on admission. Confirmatory testing was done by detecting IgM and IgG antibodies to Orientia in acute and convalescent sera by ELISA. Orientia 47-kDa protein gene TaqMan and standard PCR of the 56-kDa protein gene and Sanger sequencing were performed on eschar scab DNA.
Results
The NGS diagnosis was confirmed by 47-kDa protein gene TaqMan and sequencing of a fragment of the O. tsutsugamushi 56-kDa protein gene from the eschar scab. Analysis of this sequence and the NGS data indicated O. tsutsugamushi strain Cheeloo2020 is a novel genotype. Mapping of the NGS data against the O. tsutsugamushi Gilliam strain genome sequence identified 304 reads with high similarity.
Conclusions
NGS is not only useful for multiplex diagnosis of scrub typhus, but also provides insight into the genetic diversity of O. tsutsugamushi. The common failure to submit sequences to databases makes it difficult to determine the minimal quantity and quality of NGS data being used for the positive identification of Orientia DNA in clinical specimens.
{"title":"Utility of next-generation sequencing for the etiological diagnosis of Orientia tsutsugamushi infection","authors":"Nannan Xu , Lintao Sai , Gang Wang , Gregory A. Dasch , Marina E. Eremeeva","doi":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100116","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100116","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Scrub typhus, an acute febrile disease caused by <em>Orientia tsutsugamushi,</em> is transmitted to humans through infected chigger mites. We present a case of scrub typhus in a previously healthy man from Shandong Province diagnosed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and PCR and review recent literature on NGS for scrub typhus diagnosis.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>NGS was utilized for testing whole blood collected on admission. Confirmatory testing was done by detecting IgM and IgG antibodies to <em>Orientia</em> in acute and convalescent sera by ELISA. <em>Orientia</em> 47-kDa protein gene TaqMan and standard PCR of the 56-kDa protein gene and Sanger sequencing were performed on eschar scab DNA.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The NGS diagnosis was confirmed by 47-kDa protein gene TaqMan and sequencing of a fragment of the <em>O. tsutsugamushi</em> 56-kDa protein gene from the eschar scab. Analysis of this sequence and the NGS data indicated <em>O. tsutsugamushi</em> strain Cheeloo2020 is a novel genotype. Mapping of the NGS data against the <em>O. tsutsugamushi</em> Gilliam strain genome sequence identified 304 reads with high similarity.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>NGS is not only useful for multiplex diagnosis of scrub typhus, but also provides insight into the genetic diversity of <em>O. tsutsugamushi</em>. The common failure to submit sequences to databases makes it difficult to determine the minimal quantity and quality of NGS data being used for the positive identification of <em>Orientia</em> DNA in clinical specimens.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100667,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Medicine","volume":"3 3","pages":"Article 100116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000303/pdfft?md5=88451a4d2be464bfdaff10ab76f2aa24&pid=1-s2.0-S2772431X24000303-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141962621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2024.100113
Avishek Ghosh
Background
Vibrio cholerae N-acetylglucosamine-binding protein (GbpA) is a four-domain, secretory colonization factor which is essential for chitin utilization in the environment, as well as in adherence to intestinal cells. GbpA is also involved in inducing intestinal inflammation by enhancing mucin and interleukin-8 secretion. The underlying cell signaling mechanism involved in the induction of the pro-inflammatory response and IL-8 secretion has yet to be deciphered in detail.
Methods
Herein, the process through which GbpA triggers the induction of IL-8 in intestinal cells was investigated by examining the role of GbpA in intestinal cell line HT 29.
Results
GbpA, specifically through the fourth domain, forms a binding connection with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and additionally, recruits TLR1 along with CD14 within a lipid raft micro-domain to initiate the signaling pathway. Notably, disruption of this micro-domain complex resulted in a reduction in IL-8 secretion. The lipid raft association served as the catalyst that invoked a downstream cellular inflammatory signaling pathway. This cascade involved the activation of various MAP kinases and NFκB and assembly of the AP-1 complex. This coordinated activation of signaling molecules eventually leads to enhanced IL-8 transcription via increased promoter activity. These findings suggested that GbpA is a crucial protein in V. cholerae, capable of inciting a pro-inflammatory response during infection by orchestrating the formation of the GbpA-TLR1/2-CD14 lipid raft complex. Activation of AP-1 and NFκB in the nucleus eventually enhanced IL-8 transcription through increased promoter activity.
Conclusion
Collectively, these findings indicated that GbpA plays a pivotal role within V. cholerae by triggering a pro-inflammatory response during infection. This response is instrumented by the formation of the GbpA-TLR1/2-CD14 lipid raft complex.
{"title":"Elucidation of cellular signaling mechanism involved in Vibrio cholerae chitin-binding protein GbpA mediated IL-8 secretion in the intestinal cells","authors":"Avishek Ghosh","doi":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><em>Vibrio cholerae N</em>-acetylglucosamine-binding protein (GbpA) is a four-domain, secretory colonization factor which is essential for chitin utilization in the environment, as well as in adherence to intestinal cells. GbpA is also involved in inducing intestinal inflammation by enhancing mucin and interleukin-8 secretion. The underlying cell signaling mechanism involved in the induction of the pro-inflammatory response and IL-8 secretion has yet to be deciphered in detail.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Herein, the process through which GbpA triggers the induction of IL-8 in intestinal cells was investigated by examining the role of GbpA in intestinal cell line HT 29.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>GbpA, specifically through the fourth domain, forms a binding connection with Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and additionally, recruits TLR1 along with CD14 within a lipid raft micro-domain to initiate the signaling pathway. Notably, disruption of this micro-domain complex resulted in a reduction in IL-8 secretion. The lipid raft association served as the catalyst that invoked a downstream cellular inflammatory signaling pathway. This cascade involved the activation of various MAP kinases and NFκB and assembly of the AP-1 complex. This coordinated activation of signaling molecules eventually leads to enhanced IL-8 transcription via increased promoter activity. These findings suggested that GbpA is a crucial protein in <em>V. cholerae</em>, capable of inciting a pro-inflammatory response during infection by orchestrating the formation of the GbpA-TLR1/2-CD14 lipid raft complex. Activation of AP-1 and NFκB in the nucleus eventually enhanced IL-8 transcription through increased promoter activity.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Collectively, these findings indicated that GbpA plays a pivotal role within <em>V. cholerae</em> by triggering a pro-inflammatory response during infection. This response is instrumented by the formation of the GbpA-TLR1/2-CD14 lipid raft complex.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100667,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Medicine","volume":"3 2","pages":"Article 100113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000273/pdfft?md5=7703ec4ea7b38276f1055ffee7fb4b62&pid=1-s2.0-S2772431X24000273-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140774608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fujian Province has one of the highest reported incidences of hepatitis B virus infection in China. This study aimed to provide a theoretical framework for preventing and controlling hepatitis B in Fujian Province, and to assess the trends and the spatial-temporal distribution patterns of hepatitis B in this region.
Methods
Data on hepatitis B cases were extracted from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System. Spatial autocorrelation analysis, trend surface analysis, and spatial-temporal scanning statistics were used to identify the spatial and aggregation patterns at the county level. The Joinpoint was used to assess the reported incidence trends.
Results
The average reported incidence of hepatitis B in Fujian from 2012 to 2021 was 14.46/10,000 population, with 583,262 notified cases. The age-adjusted reported incidence of hepatitis B decreased from 17.44/10,000 population in 2012 to 11.88/10,000 population in 2021, with an average reduction in the annual percentage change of 4.5%. There were obvious spatial-temporal aggregation characteristics in hepatitis B cases, and a high-incidence area was located in eastern Fujian. Spatio-temporal scanning statistics revealed four levels of aggregation of hepatitis B reporting rates. The first level of aggregation area included Minhou, Gulou, Jin'an, Taijiang, and nine other districts and counties.
Conclusion
The incidence of hepatitis B is declining in Fujian Province. Spatial clusters of hepatitis B cases in Fujian Province were identified, and high-risk areas in eastern Fujian still exist. Closely monitoring the general patterns in the occurrence of hepatitis B and implementing focused control and preventative strategies are important.
{"title":"Spatial-temporal analysis of hepatitis B in Fujian Province, China in 2012–2021","authors":"Shuo Yin , Shenggen Wu , Jingru Huang , Shutong Ren , Weijiang Xie , Xian'e Peng","doi":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100110","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100110","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Fujian Province has one of the highest reported incidences of hepatitis B virus infection in China. This study aimed to provide a theoretical framework for preventing and controlling hepatitis B in Fujian Province, and to assess the trends and the spatial-temporal distribution patterns of hepatitis B in this region.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Data on hepatitis B cases were extracted from the National Notifiable Infectious Disease Surveillance System. Spatial autocorrelation analysis, trend surface analysis, and spatial-temporal scanning statistics were used to identify the spatial and aggregation patterns at the county level. The Joinpoint was used to assess the reported incidence trends.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The average reported incidence of hepatitis B in Fujian from 2012 to 2021 was 14.46/10,000 population, with 583,262 notified cases. The age-adjusted reported incidence of hepatitis B decreased from 17.44/10,000 population in 2012 to 11.88/10,000 population in 2021, with an average reduction in the annual percentage change of 4.5%. There were obvious spatial-temporal aggregation characteristics in hepatitis B cases, and a high-incidence area was located in eastern Fujian. Spatio-temporal scanning statistics revealed four levels of aggregation of hepatitis B reporting rates. The first level of aggregation area included Minhou, Gulou, Jin'an, Taijiang, and nine other districts and counties.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The incidence of hepatitis B is declining in Fujian Province. Spatial clusters of hepatitis B cases in Fujian Province were identified, and high-risk areas in eastern Fujian still exist. Closely monitoring the general patterns in the occurrence of hepatitis B and implementing focused control and preventative strategies are important.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100667,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Medicine","volume":"3 2","pages":"Article 100110"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000248/pdfft?md5=20edb4c83f4c3552c72d4ed11a967f20&pid=1-s2.0-S2772431X24000248-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140786363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2024.100111
Yachao Hou , Xinping Liu , Ya'nan Wang , Liang Guo , Lvying Wu , Wenrong Xia , Yongqi Zhao , Weiwei Xing , Jin Chen , Changguo Chen
Background
Swift and accurate detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which is a prominent causative pathogen associated with seafood contamination, is required to effectively combat foodborne disease and wound infections. The toxR gene is relatively conserved within V. parahaemolyticus and is primarily involved in the expression and regulation of virulence genes with a notable degree of specificity. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid, simple, and constant temperature detection method for V. parahaemolyticus in clinical and nonspecialized laboratory settings.
Methods
In this study, specific primers and CRISPR RNA were used to target the toxR gene to construct a reaction system that combines recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with CRISPR‒Cas13a. The whole-genome DNA of the sample was extracted by self-prepared sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) nucleic acid rapid extraction reagent, and visual interpretation of the detection results was performed by lateral flow dipsticks (LFDs).
Results
The specificity of the RPA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD method was validated using V. parahaemolyticus strain ATCC-17802 and six other non-parahaemolytic Vibrio species. The results demonstrated a specificity of 100%. Additionally, the genomic DNA of V. parahaemolyticus was serially diluted and analysed, with a minimum detectable limit of 1 copy/µL for this method, which was greater than that of the TaqMan-qPCR method (102 copies/µL). The established methods were successfully applied to detect wild-type V. parahaemolyticus, yielding results consistent with those of TaqMan-qPCR and MALDI-TOF MS mass spectrometry identification. Finally, the established RPA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD method was applied to whole blood specimens from mice infected with V. parahaemolyticus, and the detection rate of V. parahaemolyticus by this method was consistent with that of the conventional PCR method.
Conclusions
In this study, we describe an RPA-CRISPR/Cas13a detection method that specifically targets the toxR gene and offers advantages such as simplicity, rapidity, high specificity, and visual interpretation. This method serves as a valuable tool for the prompt detection of V. parahaemolyticus in nonspecialized laboratory settings.
{"title":"Establishment and application of a rapid visualization method for detecting Vibrio parahaemolyticus nucleic acid","authors":"Yachao Hou , Xinping Liu , Ya'nan Wang , Liang Guo , Lvying Wu , Wenrong Xia , Yongqi Zhao , Weiwei Xing , Jin Chen , Changguo Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Swift and accurate detection of <em>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</em>, which is a prominent causative pathogen associated with seafood contamination, is required to effectively combat foodborne disease and wound infections. The <em>toxR</em> gene is relatively conserved within <em>V. parahaemolyticus</em> and is primarily involved in the expression and regulation of virulence genes with a notable degree of specificity. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid, simple, and constant temperature detection method for <em>V. parahaemolyticus</em> in clinical and nonspecialized laboratory settings.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>In this study, specific primers and CRISPR RNA were used to target the <em>toxR</em> gene to construct a reaction system that combines recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with CRISPR‒Cas13a. The whole-genome DNA of the sample was extracted by self-prepared sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) nucleic acid rapid extraction reagent, and visual interpretation of the detection results was performed by lateral flow dipsticks (LFDs).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The specificity of the RPA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD method was validated using <em>V. parahaemolyticus</em> strain ATCC-17802 and six other non-parahaemolytic <em>Vibrio</em> species. The results demonstrated a specificity of 100%. Additionally, the genomic DNA of <em>V. parahaemolyticus</em> was serially diluted and analysed, with a minimum detectable limit of 1 copy/µL for this method, which was greater than that of the TaqMan-qPCR method (10<sup>2</sup> copies/µL). The established methods were successfully applied to detect wild-type <em>V. parahaemolyticus</em>, yielding results consistent with those of TaqMan-qPCR and MALDI-TOF MS mass spectrometry identification. Finally, the established RPA-CRISPR/Cas13a-LFD method was applied to whole blood specimens from mice infected with <em>V. parahaemolyticus</em>, and the detection rate of <em>V. parahaemolyticus</em> by this method was consistent with that of the conventional PCR method.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>In this study, we describe an RPA-CRISPR/Cas13a detection method that specifically targets the <em>toxR</em> gene and offers advantages such as simplicity, rapidity, high specificity, and visual interpretation. This method serves as a valuable tool for the prompt detection of <em>V. parahaemolyticus</em> in nonspecialized laboratory settings.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100667,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Medicine","volume":"3 2","pages":"Article 100111"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X2400025X/pdfft?md5=0efd833aa0c30f7f59c3a181b970263f&pid=1-s2.0-S2772431X2400025X-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140758951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In a retrospective view, this review examines the impact of mucormycosis on health workers and researchers during the COVID era. The diagnostic and treatment challenges arising from unestablished underlying pathology and limited case studies add strain to healthcare systems. Mucormycosis, caused by environmental molds, poses a significant threat to COVID-19 patients, particularly those with comorbidities and compromised immune systems. Due to a variety of infectious Mucorales causes and regionally related risk factors, the disease's incidence is rising globally. Data on mucormycosis remains scarce in many countries, highlighting the urgent need for more extensive research on its epidemiology and prevalence. This review explores the associations between COVID-19 disease and mucormycosis pathology, shedding light on potential future diagnostic techniques based on the fungal agent's biochemical components. Medications used in ICUs and for life support in ventilated patients have been reported, revealing the challenge of managing this dual onslaught. To develop more effective treatment strategies, it is crucial to identify novel pharmacological targets through “pragmatic” multicenter trials and registries. In the absence of positive mycology culture data, early clinical detection, prompt treatment, and tissue biopsy are essential to confirm the specific morphologic features of the fungal agent. This review delves into the history, pathogens, and pathogenesis of mucormycosis, its opportunistic nature in COVID or immunocompromised individuals, and the latest advancements in therapeutics. Additionally, it offers a forward-looking perspective on potential pharmacological targets for future drug development.
{"title":"Mucormycosis during COVID-19 era: A retrospective assessment","authors":"Tuhin Mukherjee , Tanisha Das , Sourav Basak , Satyajit Mohanty , Krishnendu Adhikary , Prity Chatterjee , Rajkumar Maiti , Prithviraj Karak","doi":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100112","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.imj.2024.100112","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In a retrospective view, this review examines the impact of mucormycosis on health workers and researchers during the COVID era. The diagnostic and treatment challenges arising from unestablished underlying pathology and limited case studies add strain to healthcare systems. Mucormycosis, caused by environmental molds, poses a significant threat to COVID-19 patients, particularly those with comorbidities and compromised immune systems. Due to a variety of infectious Mucorales causes and regionally related risk factors, the disease's incidence is rising globally. Data on mucormycosis remains scarce in many countries, highlighting the urgent need for more extensive research on its epidemiology and prevalence. This review explores the associations between COVID-19 disease and mucormycosis pathology, shedding light on potential future diagnostic techniques based on the fungal agent's biochemical components. Medications used in ICUs and for life support in ventilated patients have been reported, revealing the challenge of managing this dual onslaught. To develop more effective treatment strategies, it is crucial to identify novel pharmacological targets through “pragmatic” multicenter trials and registries. In the absence of positive mycology culture data, early clinical detection, prompt treatment, and tissue biopsy are essential to confirm the specific morphologic features of the fungal agent. This review delves into the history, pathogens, and pathogenesis of mucormycosis, its opportunistic nature in COVID or immunocompromised individuals, and the latest advancements in therapeutics. Additionally, it offers a forward-looking perspective on potential pharmacological targets for future drug development.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":100667,"journal":{"name":"Infectious Medicine","volume":"3 2","pages":"Article 100112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772431X24000261/pdfft?md5=4cd5d441ec5f1a486c83a6d2d23f67f2&pid=1-s2.0-S2772431X24000261-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140770450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}