Pub Date : 2024-09-18DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13090806
Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas, Cauê Monticelli, Caio Filipe da Motta Lima, Patrícia Locosque Ramos
Parasites are key players in ecosystems, influencing population sizes and food webs, yet the impact of environmental factors on their diversity is not well understood. The Atlantic rainforest in Brazil, particularly the Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga (PEFI), exemplifies a biodiversity hotspot facing significant deforestation, housing diverse animal species such as the synanthropic Brazilian common opossum (Didelphis aurita), which serves as a reservoir for multiple zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we investigated parasite diversity, abundance, prevalence, and richness in free-living D. aurita in the PEFI, São Paulo, Brazil. From January 2015 to January 2017, 101 fecal samples of D. aurita were collected in two areas of PEFI, at the Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais (IPA) and the Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia (Cientec), and analyzed using three different parasitological methods. In total, 99% of the samples were positive for at least one parasite. The most prevalent parasite belonged to the order Strongylida (82%), followed by Cruzia sp. (77%), the latter having a significantly higher prevalence at IPA. In contrast, Acanthocephala showed greater prevalence at Cientec. Co-infections were common, with some individuals harboring up to seven different parasites. Our findings reveal significant parasite diversity in the D. aurita population at PEFI, including both helminths and protozoan trophozoites, some of which are reported for the first time in this host species. Further research is essential for accurate species identification of the observed parasites.
寄生虫是生态系统中的关键角色，影响着种群数量和食物网，但人们对环境因素对寄生虫多样性的影响却知之甚少。巴西的大西洋雨林，尤其是伊皮兰加丰特公园（Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga，PEFI），是一个生物多样性热点地区，面临着严重的森林砍伐，这里栖息着多种动物物种，如同源的巴西普通负鼠（Didelphis aurita），它是多种人畜共患病病原体的贮藏地。在这项研究中，我们调查了巴西圣保罗 PEFI 自由生活的负鼠体内寄生虫的多样性、丰度、流行率和丰富度。从2015年1月至2017年1月，我们在PEFI的两个区域，即环境研究所（IPA）和科学与技术公园（Cientec），收集了101份D. aurita的粪便样本，并使用三种不同的寄生虫学方法进行了分析。99%的样本至少有一种寄生虫呈阳性。最常见的寄生虫属于线虫目（82%），其次是克鲁兹虫（77%），后者在 IPA 的流行率明显更高。相比之下，Acanthocephala 在 Cientec 的感染率更高。同时感染寄生虫的情况很普遍，有些个体携带多达七种不同的寄生虫。我们的研究结果表明，PEFI的D. aurita种群中寄生虫种类繁多，包括蠕虫和滋养体原生动物，其中一些寄生虫是首次在这一宿主物种中发现。进一步的研究对于准确鉴定所观察到的寄生虫的种类至关重要。
{"title":"Parasites Diversity, Abundance, Prevalence, and Richness Infecting Didelphis aurita (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) in the Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil","authors":"Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas, Cauê Monticelli, Caio Filipe da Motta Lima, Patrícia Locosque Ramos","doi":"10.3390/pathogens13090806","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090806","url":null,"abstract":"Parasites are key players in ecosystems, influencing population sizes and food webs, yet the impact of environmental factors on their diversity is not well understood. The Atlantic rainforest in Brazil, particularly the Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga (PEFI), exemplifies a biodiversity hotspot facing significant deforestation, housing diverse animal species such as the synanthropic Brazilian common opossum (Didelphis aurita), which serves as a reservoir for multiple zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we investigated parasite diversity, abundance, prevalence, and richness in free-living D. aurita in the PEFI, São Paulo, Brazil. From January 2015 to January 2017, 101 fecal samples of D. aurita were collected in two areas of PEFI, at the Instituto de Pesquisas Ambientais (IPA) and the Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia (Cientec), and analyzed using three different parasitological methods. In total, 99% of the samples were positive for at least one parasite. The most prevalent parasite belonged to the order Strongylida (82%), followed by Cruzia sp. (77%), the latter having a significantly higher prevalence at IPA. In contrast, Acanthocephala showed greater prevalence at Cientec. Co-infections were common, with some individuals harboring up to seven different parasites. Our findings reveal significant parasite diversity in the D. aurita population at PEFI, including both helminths and protozoan trophozoites, some of which are reported for the first time in this host species. Further research is essential for accurate species identification of the observed parasites.","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142247905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-18DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13090808
Tudor Fleșeriu, Lorena Elena Meliț, Cristina Oana Mărginean, Anca-Meda Văsieșiu
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection during pregnancy poses significant risks to both maternal and child health, with potential adverse effects on perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to compare perinatal outcomes, including birth weight, length, Apgar scores, and prematurity rates, between HIV-exposed, uninfected (HEU) children and HIV-unexposed, uninfected (HUU) children. A total of 204 neonates were included in the study, comprising 102 born to HIV-positive mothers and 102 born to uninfected mothers. Our findings revealed significant differences in birth weight (p < 0.001), length (p < 0.001), and Apgar scores at both 1 min (p = 0.003) and 5 min (p < 0.001) between HIV-exposed and -unexposed children. The HIV-exposed group exhibited lower birth weights and lengths, along with lower Apgar scores, indicating potential neonatal health challenges. No significant disparities were observed in the prematurity risk between the two groups (OR = 2.58, p = 0.126), but the risk of being born small for gestational age (SGA) in the case of HEU newborns was significantly high (OR = 17.41, p < 0.001). The significant differences in birth weight, length, and Apgar scores underscore the need for tailored healthcare interventions and support for neonates born to HIV-positive mothers. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between maternal HIV infection and perinatal outcomes, guiding healthcare professionals in delivering targeted care for this vulnerable population.
{"title":"The Negative Impact of Maternal HIV Infection on Birth Outcomes—Myth or Reality?","authors":"Tudor Fleșeriu, Lorena Elena Meliț, Cristina Oana Mărginean, Anca-Meda Văsieșiu","doi":"10.3390/pathogens13090808","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090808","url":null,"abstract":"Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection during pregnancy poses significant risks to both maternal and child health, with potential adverse effects on perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to compare perinatal outcomes, including birth weight, length, Apgar scores, and prematurity rates, between HIV-exposed, uninfected (HEU) children and HIV-unexposed, uninfected (HUU) children. A total of 204 neonates were included in the study, comprising 102 born to HIV-positive mothers and 102 born to uninfected mothers. Our findings revealed significant differences in birth weight (p < 0.001), length (p < 0.001), and Apgar scores at both 1 min (p = 0.003) and 5 min (p < 0.001) between HIV-exposed and -unexposed children. The HIV-exposed group exhibited lower birth weights and lengths, along with lower Apgar scores, indicating potential neonatal health challenges. No significant disparities were observed in the prematurity risk between the two groups (OR = 2.58, p = 0.126), but the risk of being born small for gestational age (SGA) in the case of HEU newborns was significantly high (OR = 17.41, p < 0.001). The significant differences in birth weight, length, and Apgar scores underscore the need for tailored healthcare interventions and support for neonates born to HIV-positive mothers. These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between maternal HIV infection and perinatal outcomes, guiding healthcare professionals in delivering targeted care for this vulnerable population.","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142247908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-18DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13090807
Monica Imperi, Giovanni Gherardi, Giovanna Alfarone, Roberta Creti
Group B Streptococcus (GBS, Streptococcus agalactiae) is a pathogen of increasing importance in adults. Severe and invasive cases in non-pregnant adults were collected during the period 2015–2019 by voluntary-based surveillance. In total, 108 GBS strains were phenotypically and genotypically characterized for the serotype, antimicrobial resistance, pili, surface protein genes, and the hyper-virulent adhesin hvgA. Patients were divided into two age groups: adults (18–64 years; n = 32) and older adults (≥65 years; n = 72). The average age was 70.8 years, with a male/female ratio of 1.7. Most isolates were recovered from cases of bacteremia (blood, n = 93), and a higher frequency of invasive GBS infections (iGBS) was found among older adults (66.7%). Serotype III was the most frequent (n = 41, 38%), followed by type Ia and type V (n = 20 each, 18.5%). Serotypes Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, and V accounted for all but one isolates (99.1%). The iGBS isolates were universally susceptible to penicillin, while the prevalence of resistance to clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and high-level gentamicin resistance was 26.8%, 24.1%, 85.2%, and 5.5%, respectively, with the predominance of the erm(B) gene for macrolide resistance and the tet(M) gene for tetracycline resistance. The associations between the serotypes/antimicrobial resistance/virulence traits underlined the increasing importance of serotype III and its contribution to antimicrobial resistance as well as the steady increase over time of serotype IV. This nationwide study confirmed the need for monitoring the GBS epidemiology in non-pregnant adults through continuous surveillance of GBS infections.
B 组链球菌（GBS，无乳链球菌）是一种在成人中日益重要的病原体。在 2015-2019 年期间，通过基于自愿的监测收集了非怀孕成人中的严重和侵袭性病例。共对 108 株 GBS 菌株进行了表型和基因型鉴定，包括血清型、抗菌药耐药性、纤毛、表面蛋白基因和超强毒性粘附素 hvgA。患者分为两个年龄组：成年人（18-64 岁；n = 32）和老年人（≥65 岁；n = 72）。平均年龄为 70.8 岁，男女比例为 1.7。大多数分离株是从菌血症病例（血液，n = 93）中回收的，老年人中发生侵袭性 GBS 感染（iGBS）的频率较高（66.7%）。血清 III 型最常见（41 人，38%），其次是 Ia 型和 V 型（各 20 人，18.5%）。血清型 Ia、Ib、II、III、IV 和 V 占了除一个分离株之外的所有分离株（99.1%）。iGBS 分离物对青霉素普遍敏感，而对克林霉素、红霉素、四环素和庆大霉素耐药的流行率分别为 26.8%、24.1%、85.2% 和 5.5%，对大环内酯类耐药的主要是 erm(B) 基因，对四环素耐药的主要是 tet(M) 基因。血清型/抗菌药耐药性/病毒性特征之间的关联凸显了血清型 III 的重要性及其对抗菌药耐药性的贡献，以及血清型 IV 随时间推移的稳步增长。这项全国性研究证实，有必要通过对 GBS 感染的持续监测来监测非孕期成人中的 GBS 流行病学。
{"title":"Group B Streptococcus Infections in Non-Pregnant Adults, Italy, 2015–2019","authors":"Monica Imperi, Giovanni Gherardi, Giovanna Alfarone, Roberta Creti","doi":"10.3390/pathogens13090807","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090807","url":null,"abstract":"Group B Streptococcus (GBS, Streptococcus agalactiae) is a pathogen of increasing importance in adults. Severe and invasive cases in non-pregnant adults were collected during the period 2015–2019 by voluntary-based surveillance. In total, 108 GBS strains were phenotypically and genotypically characterized for the serotype, antimicrobial resistance, pili, surface protein genes, and the hyper-virulent adhesin hvgA. Patients were divided into two age groups: adults (18–64 years; n = 32) and older adults (≥65 years; n = 72). The average age was 70.8 years, with a male/female ratio of 1.7. Most isolates were recovered from cases of bacteremia (blood, n = 93), and a higher frequency of invasive GBS infections (iGBS) was found among older adults (66.7%). Serotype III was the most frequent (n = 41, 38%), followed by type Ia and type V (n = 20 each, 18.5%). Serotypes Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, and V accounted for all but one isolates (99.1%). The iGBS isolates were universally susceptible to penicillin, while the prevalence of resistance to clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and high-level gentamicin resistance was 26.8%, 24.1%, 85.2%, and 5.5%, respectively, with the predominance of the erm(B) gene for macrolide resistance and the tet(M) gene for tetracycline resistance. The associations between the serotypes/antimicrobial resistance/virulence traits underlined the increasing importance of serotype III and its contribution to antimicrobial resistance as well as the steady increase over time of serotype IV. This nationwide study confirmed the need for monitoring the GBS epidemiology in non-pregnant adults through continuous surveillance of GBS infections.","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142247903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-18DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13090809
Gowtam Mannam, Justin W. Miller, Jeffrey S. Johnson, Keerthi Gullapalli, Adnan Fazili, Philippe E. Spiess, Jad Chahoud
Penile cancer (PC) is a rare malignancy predominantly of squamous cell origin. Approximately 40% of penile tumors are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Diagnosing PC remains challenging due to its rarity and variety of clinical presentations. Furthermore, the impact of HPV on the tumor immune microenvironment complicates clinical management, although recent advancements in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown some efficacy in treating HPV-associated PC. Ongoing research efforts aim to develop oncologic treatments that target HPV-induced cellular modifications. Additionally, novel therapeutic vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapies targeting HPV oncoproteins represent emerging treatment modalities. Our review highlights the complex interplay between HPV and penile carcinogenesis, emphasizing its epidemiology, etiology, clinicopathological characteristics, and potential therapeutic implications.
阴茎癌（PC）是一种以鳞状细胞为主的罕见恶性肿瘤。约 40% 的阴茎肿瘤与人类乳头瘤病毒 (HPV) 感染有关。由于 PC 的罕见性和临床表现的多样性，PC 的诊断仍然具有挑战性。此外，HPV 对肿瘤免疫微环境的影响也使临床治疗变得更加复杂，尽管免疫检查点抑制剂（ICIs）的最新进展已显示出治疗 HPV 相关 PC 的一定疗效。目前的研究工作旨在开发针对 HPV 诱导的细胞修饰的肿瘤治疗方法。此外，针对 HPV 肿瘤蛋白的新型治疗疫苗和收养 T 细胞疗法也是新兴的治疗模式。我们的综述强调了 HPV 与阴茎癌变之间复杂的相互作用，强调了其流行病学、病因学、临床病理学特征和潜在的治疗意义。
{"title":"HPV and Penile Cancer: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Clinical Insights","authors":"Gowtam Mannam, Justin W. Miller, Jeffrey S. Johnson, Keerthi Gullapalli, Adnan Fazili, Philippe E. Spiess, Jad Chahoud","doi":"10.3390/pathogens13090809","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090809","url":null,"abstract":"Penile cancer (PC) is a rare malignancy predominantly of squamous cell origin. Approximately 40% of penile tumors are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Diagnosing PC remains challenging due to its rarity and variety of clinical presentations. Furthermore, the impact of HPV on the tumor immune microenvironment complicates clinical management, although recent advancements in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown some efficacy in treating HPV-associated PC. Ongoing research efforts aim to develop oncologic treatments that target HPV-induced cellular modifications. Additionally, novel therapeutic vaccines and adoptive T-cell therapies targeting HPV oncoproteins represent emerging treatment modalities. Our review highlights the complex interplay between HPV and penile carcinogenesis, emphasizing its epidemiology, etiology, clinicopathological characteristics, and potential therapeutic implications.","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142247904","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-17DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13090804
Nima D. Badizadegan, Steven G. F. Wassilak, Concepción F. Estívariz, Eric Wiesen, Cara C. Burns, Omotayo Bolu, Kimberly M. Thompson
In 2022, global poliovirus modeling suggested that coordinated cessation of bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV, containing Sabin-strain types 1 and 3) in 2027 would likely increase the risks of outbreaks and expected paralytic cases caused by circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs), particularly type 1. The analysis did not include the implementation of planned, preventive supplemental immunization activities (pSIAs) with bOPV to achieve and maintain higher population immunity for types 1 and 3 prior to bOPV cessation. We reviewed prior published OPV cessation modeling studies to support bOPV cessation planning. We applied an integrated global poliovirus transmission and OPV evolution model after updating assumptions to reflect the epidemiology, immunization, and polio eradication plans through the end of 2023. We explored the effects of bOPV cessation in 2027 with and without additional bOPV pSIAs prior to 2027. Increasing population immunity for types 1 and 3 with bOPV pSIAs (i.e., intensification) could substantially reduce the expected global risks of experiencing cVDPV outbreaks and the number of expected polio cases both before and after bOPV cessation. We identified the need for substantial increases in overall bOPV coverage prior to bOPV cessation to achieve a high probability of successful bOPV cessation.
{"title":"Increasing Population Immunity Prior to Globally-Coordinated Cessation of Bivalent Oral Poliovirus Vaccine (bOPV)","authors":"Nima D. Badizadegan, Steven G. F. Wassilak, Concepción F. Estívariz, Eric Wiesen, Cara C. Burns, Omotayo Bolu, Kimberly M. Thompson","doi":"10.3390/pathogens13090804","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090804","url":null,"abstract":"In 2022, global poliovirus modeling suggested that coordinated cessation of bivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (bOPV, containing Sabin-strain types 1 and 3) in 2027 would likely increase the risks of outbreaks and expected paralytic cases caused by circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs), particularly type 1. The analysis did not include the implementation of planned, preventive supplemental immunization activities (pSIAs) with bOPV to achieve and maintain higher population immunity for types 1 and 3 prior to bOPV cessation. We reviewed prior published OPV cessation modeling studies to support bOPV cessation planning. We applied an integrated global poliovirus transmission and OPV evolution model after updating assumptions to reflect the epidemiology, immunization, and polio eradication plans through the end of 2023. We explored the effects of bOPV cessation in 2027 with and without additional bOPV pSIAs prior to 2027. Increasing population immunity for types 1 and 3 with bOPV pSIAs (i.e., intensification) could substantially reduce the expected global risks of experiencing cVDPV outbreaks and the number of expected polio cases both before and after bOPV cessation. We identified the need for substantial increases in overall bOPV coverage prior to bOPV cessation to achieve a high probability of successful bOPV cessation.","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142248182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-17DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13090805
Deana Medic, Milica Devrnja, Nikola Batinic, Djordje Milosevic, Aleksandra Colovic Popadic, Vera Gusman
Background: Due to its distinct vascular tropism, Campylobacter fetus is recognized as a significant cause of severe systemic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals, while it is rarely reported as a cause of gastrointestinal infections. Methods: A rare case of mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with Campylobacter fetus detected on the aneurysm wall itself was described. Results: A 68-year-old male was admitted to the hospital due to severe abdominal pain. The patient was afebrile, hemodynamically stable with elevated C-reactive protein levels. A physical examination revealed a palpable, pulsatile, tender mass located in the periumbilical region. Ultrasonography and multi-slice computer tomography angiography (MSCTA) identified an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with a maximum diameter of 6.5 cm, showing suspicious signs of dissection. Aneurysmectomy with Dacron tube graft interposition was performed. Although the blood cultures remained negative, the culture of the aneurysmal wall grew Campylobacter fetus, enabling early diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy. The patient was treated with meropenem for two weeks, followed by amoxicillin-clavulanate for another two weeks after hospital discharge. Conclusions: Campylobacter fetus associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms represents a life-threatening condition, posing a significant challenge in vascular surgery. Due to the lack of clear guidelines on antibiotic susceptibility testing and the treatment of infections associated with this pathogen, enhanced surveillance of Campylobacter fetus is necessary in both human and veterinary medicine.
{"title":"First Case Report of Mycotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Caused by Campylobacter fetus in Serbia","authors":"Deana Medic, Milica Devrnja, Nikola Batinic, Djordje Milosevic, Aleksandra Colovic Popadic, Vera Gusman","doi":"10.3390/pathogens13090805","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090805","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Due to its distinct vascular tropism, Campylobacter fetus is recognized as a significant cause of severe systemic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals, while it is rarely reported as a cause of gastrointestinal infections. Methods: A rare case of mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with Campylobacter fetus detected on the aneurysm wall itself was described. Results: A 68-year-old male was admitted to the hospital due to severe abdominal pain. The patient was afebrile, hemodynamically stable with elevated C-reactive protein levels. A physical examination revealed a palpable, pulsatile, tender mass located in the periumbilical region. Ultrasonography and multi-slice computer tomography angiography (MSCTA) identified an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with a maximum diameter of 6.5 cm, showing suspicious signs of dissection. Aneurysmectomy with Dacron tube graft interposition was performed. Although the blood cultures remained negative, the culture of the aneurysmal wall grew Campylobacter fetus, enabling early diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy. The patient was treated with meropenem for two weeks, followed by amoxicillin-clavulanate for another two weeks after hospital discharge. Conclusions: Campylobacter fetus associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms represents a life-threatening condition, posing a significant challenge in vascular surgery. Due to the lack of clear guidelines on antibiotic susceptibility testing and the treatment of infections associated with this pathogen, enhanced surveillance of Campylobacter fetus is necessary in both human and veterinary medicine.","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142247906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-16DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13090802
André Almeida, Raffaele Aliberti, Arianna Aceti, Matteo Boattini
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is responsible for a considerable burden of respiratory disease among children and older adults. Several prophylactic strategies have recently been introduced. We review the available evidence on the interplay between RSV infection and HIV, looking at the specific role of RSV prophylactic strategies in individuals affected by or exposed to HIV. We conducted a systematic review on the association between HIV infection and RSV incidence and severity. We searched in PubMed/MEDLINE for clinical epidemiological studies covering outcomes such as RSV-associated illness, severity, and mortality in individuals affected by or exposed to HIV. A total of 36 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included, the majority conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. There was no compelling evidence suggesting a higher incidence of RSV illness among HIV-infected people. A higher risk of severe disease was consistent among both HIV-positive and HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) children. Case fatality rates were also higher for these groups. Evidence on a differing risk among adults was scarce. HIV-positive pregnant women should be given priority for recently approved RSV vaccination, for protection of their newborns. HIV-infected and HEU infants should be considered risk groups for nirsevimab prophylaxis in their first year of life and possibly beyond.
呼吸道合胞病毒（RSV）是儿童和老年人呼吸道疾病的主要致病因素。最近推出了几种预防策略。我们回顾了 RSV 感染与 HIV 之间相互作用的现有证据，研究了 RSV 预防策略在受 HIV 影响或暴露于 HIV 的人群中的具体作用。我们对 HIV 感染与 RSV 发病率和严重程度之间的关系进行了系统性回顾。我们在 PubMed/MEDLINE 上搜索了受 HIV 影响或暴露于 HIV 的人群中 RSV 相关疾病、严重程度和死亡率等临床流行病学研究。共有 36 项研究符合纳入标准并被纳入，其中大部分研究在撒哈拉以南非洲地区进行。没有令人信服的证据表明 HIV 感染者 RSV 疾病的发病率更高。艾滋病毒阳性儿童和受艾滋病毒感染但未感染（HEU）的儿童患严重疾病的风险较高。这些群体的病死率也较高。有关成人感染风险不同的证据很少。艾滋病毒呈阳性的孕妇应优先接种最近批准的 RSV 疫苗，以保护新生儿。感染 HIV 的婴儿和 HEU 婴儿应被视为高危人群，在他们出生后的第一年甚至更长的时间内都应使用尼舍单抗进行预防。
{"title":"Respiratory Syncytial Virus among People Living with HIV: Is There a Case for Rolling Out Prophylaxis? A Viewpoint Based on a Systematic Review","authors":"André Almeida, Raffaele Aliberti, Arianna Aceti, Matteo Boattini","doi":"10.3390/pathogens13090802","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090802","url":null,"abstract":"Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is responsible for a considerable burden of respiratory disease among children and older adults. Several prophylactic strategies have recently been introduced. We review the available evidence on the interplay between RSV infection and HIV, looking at the specific role of RSV prophylactic strategies in individuals affected by or exposed to HIV. We conducted a systematic review on the association between HIV infection and RSV incidence and severity. We searched in PubMed/MEDLINE for clinical epidemiological studies covering outcomes such as RSV-associated illness, severity, and mortality in individuals affected by or exposed to HIV. A total of 36 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included, the majority conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. There was no compelling evidence suggesting a higher incidence of RSV illness among HIV-infected people. A higher risk of severe disease was consistent among both HIV-positive and HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) children. Case fatality rates were also higher for these groups. Evidence on a differing risk among adults was scarce. HIV-positive pregnant women should be given priority for recently approved RSV vaccination, for protection of their newborns. HIV-infected and HEU infants should be considered risk groups for nirsevimab prophylaxis in their first year of life and possibly beyond.","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142247907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The present study aimed to investigate pathological epidemiology and molecular confirmation of Ehrlichia canis among pet dogs in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, a state in eastern India. A total of 178 dogs were screened for Ehrlichiosis based on history, clinical signs, blood, and buffy coat smear examination, resulting in only 56 dogs (31.46%) screening positive. The epidemiological study recorded a non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) increase in incidences among male dogs (68%), German Shepherds (25%), dogs more than 20 kg body weight (75%), in the summer months (55%), and dogs housed in pukka houses with exposure to the outside (59%). The majority of the infected dogs had a history of tick infestation (79%) at some point in their lives. Clinical signs showed non-typical manifestations like fever, lethargy, diarrhoea, epistaxis, hind limb edema, and corneal opacity. Haematological studies revealed anaemia and thrombocytopenia along with neutrophilia with relative lymphopenia and monocytosis. A decreasing trend was observed in the levels of total protein and albumin, with an increase in the levels of globulin, alanine aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. The ultrasonography studies revealed hepatosplenomegaly along with hyper-echogenicity in various organs. Proteinuria and haematuria were consistent, along with the presence of bile salts in the urine of affected dogs. Molecular confirmation from n-type PCR data using Ehrlichia-specific primers targeting the p28 gene (843 bp) was done, and the identified gene sequences submitted to NCBI databases have accession numbers OQ383671-OQ383674 and OP886674-OP886677. Ticks collected from dogs were identified morphologically through microscopy and scanning electron microscopy as Rhipicephalus sanguineus.
{"title":"Molecular Confirmation, Epidemiology, and Pathophysiology of Ehrlichia canis Prevalence in Eastern India","authors":"Ankita Chakraborty, Prasana Kumar Rath, Susen Kumar Panda, Bidyut Prava Mishra, Manaswini Dehuri, Sangram Biswal, Manoj Kumar Jena, Basanta Pravas Sahu, Biswaranjan Paital, Dipak Kumar Sahoo","doi":"10.3390/pathogens13090803","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090803","url":null,"abstract":"The present study aimed to investigate pathological epidemiology and molecular confirmation of Ehrlichia canis among pet dogs in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, a state in eastern India. A total of 178 dogs were screened for Ehrlichiosis based on history, clinical signs, blood, and buffy coat smear examination, resulting in only 56 dogs (31.46%) screening positive. The epidemiological study recorded a non-significant (p ≥ 0.05) increase in incidences among male dogs (68%), German Shepherds (25%), dogs more than 20 kg body weight (75%), in the summer months (55%), and dogs housed in pukka houses with exposure to the outside (59%). The majority of the infected dogs had a history of tick infestation (79%) at some point in their lives. Clinical signs showed non-typical manifestations like fever, lethargy, diarrhoea, epistaxis, hind limb edema, and corneal opacity. Haematological studies revealed anaemia and thrombocytopenia along with neutrophilia with relative lymphopenia and monocytosis. A decreasing trend was observed in the levels of total protein and albumin, with an increase in the levels of globulin, alanine aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. The ultrasonography studies revealed hepatosplenomegaly along with hyper-echogenicity in various organs. Proteinuria and haematuria were consistent, along with the presence of bile salts in the urine of affected dogs. Molecular confirmation from n-type PCR data using Ehrlichia-specific primers targeting the p28 gene (843 bp) was done, and the identified gene sequences submitted to NCBI databases have accession numbers OQ383671-OQ383674 and OP886674-OP886677. Ticks collected from dogs were identified morphologically through microscopy and scanning electron microscopy as Rhipicephalus sanguineus.","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142268303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-15DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13090801
Xintian Lim, Lijin Ooi, Uzhe Ding, Henry H. L. Wu, Rajkumar Chinnadurai
The human gut microbiota constitutes a complex community of microorganisms residing within the gastrointestinal tract, encompassing a vast array of species that play crucial roles in health and disease. The disease processes involved in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are now increasingly established to result in dysregulation of gut microbiota composition and function. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with poor clinical outcomes and all-cause mortality in patients with ESKD, particularly individuals receiving dialysis. Prior studies highlighted various factors that affect gut microbiota dysbiosis in CKD and ESKD. These include, but are not limited to, uraemic toxin accumulation, chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, medications, and dietary restrictions and nutritional status. There is a lack of studies at present that focus on the evaluation of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the context of dialysis. Knowledge on gut microbiota changes in this context is important for determining their impact on dialysis-specific and overall outcomes for this patient cohort. More importantly, evaluating gut microbiota composition can provide information into potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Identification of specific microbial signatures may result in further development of personalised treatments to improve patient outcomes and mitigate complications during dialysis. Optimising gut microbiota through various therapeutic approaches, including dietary adjustments, probiotics, prebiotics, medications, and faecal transplantation, have previously demonstrated potential in multiple medical conditions. It remains to be seen whether these therapeutic approaches are effective within the dialysis setting. Our review aims to evaluate evidence relating to alterations in the gut microbiota of patients undergoing dialysis. A growing body of evidence pointing to the complex yet significant relationship which surrounds gut microbiota and kidney health emphasises the importance of gut microbial balance to improve outcomes for individuals receiving dialysis.
{"title":"Gut Microbiota in Patients Receiving Dialysis: A Review","authors":"Xintian Lim, Lijin Ooi, Uzhe Ding, Henry H. L. Wu, Rajkumar Chinnadurai","doi":"10.3390/pathogens13090801","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090801","url":null,"abstract":"The human gut microbiota constitutes a complex community of microorganisms residing within the gastrointestinal tract, encompassing a vast array of species that play crucial roles in health and disease. The disease processes involved in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are now increasingly established to result in dysregulation of gut microbiota composition and function. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with poor clinical outcomes and all-cause mortality in patients with ESKD, particularly individuals receiving dialysis. Prior studies highlighted various factors that affect gut microbiota dysbiosis in CKD and ESKD. These include, but are not limited to, uraemic toxin accumulation, chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, medications, and dietary restrictions and nutritional status. There is a lack of studies at present that focus on the evaluation of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the context of dialysis. Knowledge on gut microbiota changes in this context is important for determining their impact on dialysis-specific and overall outcomes for this patient cohort. More importantly, evaluating gut microbiota composition can provide information into potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Identification of specific microbial signatures may result in further development of personalised treatments to improve patient outcomes and mitigate complications during dialysis. Optimising gut microbiota through various therapeutic approaches, including dietary adjustments, probiotics, prebiotics, medications, and faecal transplantation, have previously demonstrated potential in multiple medical conditions. It remains to be seen whether these therapeutic approaches are effective within the dialysis setting. Our review aims to evaluate evidence relating to alterations in the gut microbiota of patients undergoing dialysis. A growing body of evidence pointing to the complex yet significant relationship which surrounds gut microbiota and kidney health emphasises the importance of gut microbial balance to improve outcomes for individuals receiving dialysis.","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142247910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-15DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13090800
Rosa Nicole Freiberger, Cynthia Alicia Marcela López, María Belén Palma, Cintia Cevallos, Franco Agustin Sviercz, Patricio Jarmoluk, Marcela Nilda García, Jorge Quarleri, M. Victoria Delpino
Bone loss is a prevalent characteristic among people with HIV (PWH). We focused on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteoblasts, examining their susceptibility to different HIV strains (R5- and X4-tropic) and the subsequent effects on bone tissue homeostasis. Our findings suggest that MSCs and osteoblasts are susceptible to R5- and X4-tropic HIV but do not support productive HIV replication. HIV exposure during the osteoblast differentiation process revealed that the virus could not alter mineral and organic matrix deposition. However, the reduction in runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) transcription, the increase in the transcription of nuclear receptor activator ligand kappa B (RANKL), and the augmentation of vitronectin deposition strongly suggested that X4- and R5-HIV could affect bone homeostasis. This study highlights the HIV ability to alter MSCs’ differentiation into osteoblasts, critical for maintaining bone and adipose tissue homeostasis and function.
骨质流失是艾滋病病毒感染者（PWH）的一个普遍特征。我们重点研究了间充质干细胞（MSCs）和成骨细胞，考察了它们对不同 HIV 株系（R5-和 X4-tropic）的易感性以及随后对骨组织稳态的影响。我们的研究结果表明，间充质干细胞和成骨细胞对 R5 和 X4-Tropic HIV 易感，但不支持 HIV 的生产性复制。在成骨细胞分化过程中暴露于艾滋病毒的情况表明，病毒不会改变矿物质和有机基质的沉积。然而，与RUNT相关的转录因子2（RUNX2）转录的减少、核受体激活配体卡巴B（RANKL）转录的增加以及玻璃连蛋白沉积的增加都有力地表明，X4和R5-HIV可影响骨平衡。这项研究强调了艾滋病毒改变间充质干细胞向成骨细胞分化的能力，而成骨细胞对维持骨骼和脂肪组织的稳态和功能至关重要。
{"title":"HIV Modulates Osteoblast Differentiation via Upregulation of RANKL and Vitronectin","authors":"Rosa Nicole Freiberger, Cynthia Alicia Marcela López, María Belén Palma, Cintia Cevallos, Franco Agustin Sviercz, Patricio Jarmoluk, Marcela Nilda García, Jorge Quarleri, M. Victoria Delpino","doi":"10.3390/pathogens13090800","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090800","url":null,"abstract":"Bone loss is a prevalent characteristic among people with HIV (PWH). We focused on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and osteoblasts, examining their susceptibility to different HIV strains (R5- and X4-tropic) and the subsequent effects on bone tissue homeostasis. Our findings suggest that MSCs and osteoblasts are susceptible to R5- and X4-tropic HIV but do not support productive HIV replication. HIV exposure during the osteoblast differentiation process revealed that the virus could not alter mineral and organic matrix deposition. However, the reduction in runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) transcription, the increase in the transcription of nuclear receptor activator ligand kappa B (RANKL), and the augmentation of vitronectin deposition strongly suggested that X4- and R5-HIV could affect bone homeostasis. This study highlights the HIV ability to alter MSCs’ differentiation into osteoblasts, critical for maintaining bone and adipose tissue homeostasis and function.","PeriodicalId":19758,"journal":{"name":"Pathogens","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2024-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142247909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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