Clinical Microbiology Reviews最新文献

SUMMARYSexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a significant global health burden, with over one million new infections occurring daily. In some instances, the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is rising, which exacerbates the challenge. STIs cause severe complications, including infertility, ectopic pregnancies, pre-term births, and heightened risks of HIV acquisition. These outcomes underscore the need for innovative therapeutic and prophylactic strategies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the current state of biologic drug development targeting key STIs, focusing on Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and Treponema pallidum. We examine the complexity of host-pathogen interactions that inform biologic drug design, such as multiple mechanisms of infection, immune evasion strategies, and pathogenic latency. We also explore the role of mucosal immunity, highlighting advances in resident memory T cells and cytokine-driven responses that guide therapeutic targeting, concentrating on Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, where recent advances in vaccine development appear promising. We conduct a comprehensive survey of platforms, including vaccines, and explore modalities such as monoclonal antibodies and protein therapeutics. Additionally, we examine emerging technologies like nucleic acid-based therapies, microbiome modulation, and phage-based interventions, highlighting their potential against challenging pathogens like HSV-2 and Treponema pallidum. By examining these established and emerging approaches, this review prioritizes critical opportunities for innovation in biologic therapeutics, addressing unmet needs in STI management. It advocates for integrated strategies leveraging antigenic conservation, host immunity modulation, and novel delivery platforms to achieve durable prophylaxis and effective treatment for high-burden infections globally.

SUMMARYAttaching-effacing (AE) lesion- and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia (E.) coli (AE-STEC), previously known as "enterohemorrhagic E. coli" (EHEC), are responsible for (hemorrhagic) enterocolitis (HC) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in humans. The most frequent and pathogenic AE-STEC belong to a few O:H major serotypes that are responsible for the majority of cases and outbreaks worldwide. From time to time, one or another non-major O:H serotype can emerge, causing either local outbreaks or a a progressive increase in clinical cases. One of these minor serotypes is O80:H2, which has been progressively emerging in Western Europe, especially in France, since 2010. AE-STEC O80:H2 are responsible for not only HC and HUS but also invasive infections with bacteremia and internal organ infection. In parallel to their emergence in humans, AE-STEC and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) O80:H2 have also been emerging in young calves suffering diarrhea and enteritis and, more rarely septicemia, in Belgium since 2009. In this manuscript, an overview of AE-STEC and EPEC O80:H2 infections in humans and calves is presented, with particular focus on the clinical manifestations, the prevalence and incidence in Western Europe, and the identification of the potential reservoir(s). In addition, the results of a large-scale whole genome-based phylogenetic analysis of 417 published and unpublished genome sequences currently available in the literature and in the NCBI and EnteroBase databases are presented with hypotheses on the origin and evolution of this new hybrid AE-STEC and EPEC serotype.

SUMMARYHuman toxocariasis is a globally prevalent zoonotic parasitic infection caused by larvae of Toxocara species, primarily Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. Toxocariasis is commonly transmitted to humans through the ingestion of embryonated Toxocara eggs found in contaminated soil, water, or on surfaces contaminated with animal feces. Unlike in dogs and cats, humans are not definitive hosts for Toxocara spp., and, as a result, Toxocara larvae do not complete their life cycle in humans. Instead, following accidental oral ingestion of embryonated eggs, Toxocara larvae undergo an aberrant larval migratory cycle to various organs including the lungs, liver, muscles, and central nervous system, and do not return to the intestines to develop into mature adult worms. As the Toxocara larvae do not complete their life cycle in the human host, they will ultimately die in human tissue. This comprehensive systematic review of human toxocariasis analyzes and synthesizes existing research to provide a detailed and updated understanding of this zoonotic parasitic infection of global importance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of various aspects of toxocariasis, including its epidemiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies.