New Microbes and New Infections最新文献

Background

Multidrug resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens are resistant to a number of significant front-line drugs, hence, identification of new inhibitory agents to combat them is crucial. In this study, we aim to evaluate the activity of Pandemic Box compounds from Malaria Medicines Venture (MMV) against A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa bacterial, C. auris, C. albicans and A. niger fungal clinical isolates.

Methods

Isolates were initially screened with 201 antibacterial and 46 antifungal compounds (10 μM) using a microbroth dilution in triplicates to determine MIC. A persister assay was performed for bacterial pathogens.

Results

Out of 201 antibacterial compounds, twenty-nine and seven compounds inhibited the growth of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa at 10 μM, respectively. MMV1580854, MMV1579788, eravacycline and epetraborole inhibited both the bacterial test isolates. In a persister assay, MMV1634390 showed complete bactericidal effect against A. baumannii. With antifungal activity compounds, C. auris responded to15 compounds, Six compounds inhibited C. albicans and one was effective against A. niger at 10 μM. The ratio of Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC): Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of MMV1782110 was 2 against C. auris. Eberconazole, amorolfine and luliconazole are fungicidal targeting C. albicans at a MFC: MIC ratio of 2.

Conclusion

Five compounds from MMV Pandemic Box were found to be inhibiting colistin and ceftazidime resistant A. baumannii clinical isolate, also against colistin and β-lactam resistant P. aeruginosa clinical isolate. MMV1634390 showed complete bactericidal effect against A. baumannii in a persister assay. MMV1782110, Eberconazole, amorolfine and luliconazole exhibited potent anti-fungal activity. Further investigations are warranted to identify the targets and mechanism.

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease caused by genetic and environmental factors such as viral infections. Genomic and serologic tests were applied to detect significant blood-borne viruses in SLE patients to determine whether there was a possible association between viral infections and SLE.

Methods

Antibodies (Abs) against HHV-8, HCMV, EBV, HIV, HBV, and HCV in SLE patients suffering from SLE were assessed by ELISA. In addition, HHV-8 DNA and HIV-1 RNA were quantified by real-time PCR, and the HCV and HBV genomes were detected using nested PCR.

Results

Compared to those in the control group, a high prevalence of anti-HHV-8 (p < 0.0001), anti-HCMV (p = 0.014), and anti-EBV (p = 0.017) Abs was detected in SLE patients. HHV-8, HIV, HCV, and HBV genomic tests were negative in both groups, while only 1.1 %, 2.2 %, and 1.1 % of SLE patients were positive for anti-HIV, anti-HCV Abs, and HBsAg, respectively. The most frequent major complaint in patients was arthralgia (76.7 %).

Conclusions

The increased prevalence of anti-HHV-8 Abs may not be related to the natural history of infection but to molecular mimicry. Increased anti-HCMV and anti-EBV Abs may also be associated with the development of SLE and may play direct or indirect roles in such infections or molecular mimicry. Since arthralgia is the most common symptom in SLE patients, the presence of these symptoms in any patient is a suggestive clue for the diagnosis of SLE. Defining the typical pattern of SLE in divergent nations with distinct environmental and geographical factors can be beneficial for obtaining a prompt diagnosis.

Background

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 at major mass gatherings (MGs) has been observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In this systematic review done according to the PRISMA guidelines, PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for relevant studies to describe the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in relation to major religious MGs including the Grand Magal of Touba (GMT), Hajj, Umrah, Kumbh Mela, Arbaeen and Lourdes pilgrimage during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Ten articles met the inclusion criteria and were included.

No cases of SARS-CoV-2 were detected at 2020 and 2021 GMT or at the 2020 Hajj. In a small study, 7 % of tested individuals were positive after the 2022 GMT. SARS-CoV-2 prevalence during the 2021–2022 Hajj and Umrah seasons varied from 0 to 15 % in different studies. At the 2021 Kumbh Mela, 0.4 million COVID-19 cases were diagnosed among returning pilgrims across India and 1 % tested positive during a one-day survey conducted on participants. During the 2021 Arbaeen pilgrimage, 3 % pilgrims were tested positive. No relevant data were found in relation to SARS-CoV-2 transmission at the 2021 Arbaeen and Lourdes pilgrimages.

Conclusion

The transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during religious MG events depends on many factors such as: the number and density of pilgrims, the intensity of circulation of the virus in the hosting country and in countries sending international participants at the time of the event, the transmissibility of virus variants at the time of the event, the various preventive measures adopted, and the immune status of the pilgrims.