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PLoS One 2021 4;16(5):e0251119. Epub 2021 May 4.

Department of Clinical Laboratory, Women and Infants Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, China.

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are the main pathogenic microorganisms causing sexually transmitted infections. In this study, a multiplex thermostable recombinase polymerase amplification-lateral flow detection (RPA-LFD) assay was established, and the reaction conditions such as the ratio of primer concentration, magnesium ion concentration, amplification time and template DNA concentration in the multiplex RPA reaction were optimized. The optimized multiplex RPA-LFD method was used to detect both CT and NG positive control plasmids, and it was found that the LFD could be used to obtain visible results when the plasmid copy number was only 200. Read More

Infect Immun 2021 May 3. Epub 2021 May 3.

Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.

Bactofilins are polymer-forming cytoskeletal proteins that are widely conserved in bacteria. Members of this protein family have diverse functional roles such as orienting subcellular molecular processes, establishing cell polarity, and aiding in cell shape maintenance. Using sequence alignment to the conserved bactofilin domain, we identified a bactofilin ortholog, BacA, in the obligate intracellular pathogen species are obligate intracellular bacteria that undergo a developmental cycle alternating between infectious, non-dividing EBs (elementary bodies) and non-infectious, dividing RBs (reticulate bodies). Read More

Microb Pathog 2021 Apr 30:104917. Epub 2021 Apr 30.

Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA. Electronic address:

The obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is an important human pathogen with a biphasic developmental cycle comprised of an infectious elementary body (EB) and a replicative reticulate body (RB). Whereas σ, the primary sigma factor, is necessary for transcription of most chlamydial genes throughout the developmental cycle, σ is required for expression of some late genes. We previously showed that the Chlamydia-specific transcription factor GrgA physically interacts with both of these sigma factors and activates transcription from σ-and σ-dependent promoters in vitro. Read More

Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021 May 3. Epub 2021 May 3.

1Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

Successful achievement of global targets for elimination of trachoma as a public health problem and eradication of yaws will require control efforts to reach marginalized populations, including refugees. Testing for serologic evidence of transmission of trachoma and yaws in residents of registered camps and a Makeshift Settlement in Cox's Bazar District, Bangladesh, was added to a serosurvey for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) conducted April-May 2018. The survey was primarily designed to estimate remaining immunity gaps for VPDs, including diphtheria, measles, rubella, and polio. Read More

Sex Transm Dis 2021 May 1. Epub 2021 May 1.

University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Public Health, Birmingham, Alabama, USA University of Alabama at Birmingham, Lister Hill Library of Health Sciences, Birmingham, Alabama, USA University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

Abstract: Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. Rising chlamydia and gonorrhea rates along with increased closing of STI clinics has led many to seek STI testing in clinical settings such as urgent cares and walk-in clinics. However, with competing priorities, providing effective and efficient STI care can be difficult in these settings. Read More

Afr J Lab Med 2021 31;10(1):1124. Epub 2021 Mar 31.

Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.

and are the four main aetiologies of sexually transmitted infections responsible for vaginal discharge syndrome (VDS). Commercially available multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are expensive and generally not customisable. We evaluated a highly customisable singleplex PCR approach by testing it in parallel with the Anyplex™ II STI-7 detection assay in a cohort of South African women that presented with VDS between May 2016 and January 2017. Read More

Int J Clin Exp Pathol 2021 15;14(4):389-398. Epub 2021 Apr 15.

Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital Tianjin 300052, China.

We evaluated the application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) combined with rapid on-site cytological evaluation (ROSCE) in the diagnosis of pneumonia, to provide a basis for an accurate diagnosis. Clinical data from three patients with pneumonia diagnosed by the combination of mNGS and ROSCE from June 2019 to June 2020 in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital were reviewed. Three patients with community-acquired pneumonia failed to respond to the initial treatment, and were finally diagnosed by bronchoscopic lung biopsy and alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) mNGS. Read More

Front Immunol 2021 15;12:662096. Epub 2021 Apr 15.

Biochemistry and Immunity Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Cuyo, IMBECU-CONICET, Centro Universitario, Mendoza, Argentina.

During cross-presentation, exogenous antigens (i.e. intracellular pathogens or tumor cells) are internalized and processed within the endocytic system and also by the proteasome in the cytosol. Read More

Front Immunol 2021 14;12:660932. Epub 2021 Apr 14.

Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States.

Recently we reported the immune-potentiating capacity of a nanovaccine (PLGA-rMOMP) comprising rMOMP (recombinant major outer membrane protein) encapsulated in extended-releasing PLGA [poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (85:15)] nanoparticles. Here we hypothesized that PLGA-rMOMP would bolster immune-effector mechanisms to confer protective efficacy in mice against a genital challenge and re-challenge. Female BALB/c mice received three immunizations, either subcutaneously (SC) or intranasally (IN), before receiving an intravaginal challenge with on day 49 and a re-challenge on day 170. Read More

Child Abuse Negl 2021 Apr 28;117:105074. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Children's Health System, 1935 Medical District Drive, Dallas, TX 75219, United States.

Background: Children in foster care are considered at high risk for infectious diseases, and guidelines recommend screening for tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Little is known about the prevalence of infectious disease in children in foster care.

Objectives: Describe infectious disease screening practices in a primary care clinic dedicated to caring for children in foster care. Read More

J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2021 Apr 28. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Objective: Missed screening opportunities may contribute to the rising rates of sexually transmitted and blood borne infections (STBBIs) in Manitoba. This study sought to determine the proportion of women who are screened for syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) when admitted with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all inpatient admissions for PID over 3 discrete years (fiscal years 2007, 2012, 2017) at a single tertiary care centre. Read More

Cell Microbiol 2021 Apr 30:e13349. Epub 2021 Apr 30.

Institute of Microbiology and Infection, School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK.

To study the dynamics of infection processes, it is common to manually enumerate imaging-based infection assays. However, manual counting of events from imaging data is biased, error-prone and a laborious task. We recently presented HRMAn (Host Response to Microbe Analysis), an automated image analysis program using state-of-the-art machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze pathogen growth and host defense behavior. Read More

Pathog Dis 2021 Apr 30. Epub 2021 Apr 30.

Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, USA.

Multiple species of obligate intracellular bacteria in the genus Chlamydia are important veterinary and/or human pathogens. These pathogens all share similar biphasic developmental cycles and transition between intracellular vegetative reticulate bodies and infectious elementary forms, but vary substantially in their host preferences and pathogenic potential. A lack of tools for genetic engineering of these organisms has long been an impediment to the study of their biology and pathogenesis. Read More

Am Fam Physician 2021 May;103(9):553-558

Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, USA.

Urethritis refers to inflammation of the urethra and is classified as gonococcal (caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae) or nongonococcal in origin (most commonly caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, or Trichomonas vaginalis). The most common signs and symptoms include dysuria, mucopurulent urethral discharge, urethral discomfort, and erythema. Diagnostic criteria include typical signs, symptoms, or history of exposure in addition to mucopurulent discharge, Gram stain of urethral secretions showing at least two white blood cells per oil immersion field, first-void urinalysis showing at least 10 white blood cells per high-power field, or a positive leukocyte esterase result with first-void urine. Read More

Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021 13;11:638058. Epub 2021 Apr 13.

South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States.

Previously, our laboratory established the role of small, noncoding RNA species, microRNA (miRNA) including miR-135a in anti-chlamydial immunity in infected hosts. We report here chlamydial infection results in decreased miR-135a expression in mouse genital tissue and a fibroblast cell line. Several chemokine and chemokine receptor genes (including CXCL10, CCR5) associated with chlamydial pathogenesis were identified to contain putative miR-135a binding sequence(s) in the 3' untranslated region. Read More

Sex Transm Infect 2021 Apr 29. Epub 2021 Apr 29.

Centre for Sexual Health and HIV Research, University College London, London, UK.

Objectives: To develop a classification of sexual partner types for use in partner notification (PN) for STIs.

Methods: A four-step process: (1) an iterative synthesis of five sources of evidence: scoping review of social and health sciences literature on partner types; analysis of relationship types in dating apps; systematic review of PN intervention content; and review of PN guidelines; qualitative interviews with public, patients and health professionals to generate an initial comprehensive classification; (2) multidisciplinary clinical expert consultation to revise the classification; (3) piloting of the revised classification in sexual health clinics during a randomised controlled trial of PN; (4) application of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify index patients' willingness to engage in PN for each partner type.

Results: Five main partner types emerged from the evidence synthesis and consultation: 'established partner', 'new partner', 'occasional partner', 'one-off partner' and 'sex worker'. Read More

Microorganisms 2021 Apr 27;9(5). Epub 2021 Apr 27.

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia.

Chlamydia are Gram-negative, intracellular pathogens colonizing epithelial mucosa. They cause primarily atypical pneumonia and have recently been associated with chronic diseases. Diagnostics relies almost exclusively on serological methods; PCR tests are used rarely because in patients with positive ELISA, it is nearly impossible to identify chlamydial DNA. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021 Apr 28;18(9). Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a serious global health problem. In Italy, data describing the vulnerability to STIs of specific sexual minorities and the influence of sociodemographic and behavioral determinants are limited, as most infections are not subject to mandatory notification. This retrospective study describes the sociodemographic profile and main sexual behaviors of patients attending a hospital in Palermo (Sicily, Italy) from January 2018 to March 2019 as predictors of STI risk. Read More

Microorganisms 2021 Apr 20;9(4). Epub 2021 Apr 20.

Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Dóm Square 10, 6720 Szeged, Hungary.

Ambroxol (Ax) is used as a mucolytics in the treatment of respiratory tract infections. Ax, at a general dose for humans, does not alter growth in mice. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential anti-chlamydial effect of Ax at a concentration four timed higher than that used in human medicine. Read More

Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021 Apr 12;18(8). Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Background: Chlamydia is common amongst the sexually active population in Hong Kong. As most cases are asymptomatic, partner notification may be helpful in controlling chlamydia. This study examined attitudes towards partner notification for chlamydia among Hong Kong Chinese youths in order to inform a culturally appropriate, patient-empowering sexual health service. Read More

Pathogens 2021 Apr 17;10(4). Epub 2021 Apr 17.

Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig City 44511, Egypt.

() is intracellular, Gram-negative bacterium that cause enzootic abortion in sheep and goats. Information on seroprevalence and flock management risk factors associated with seropositivity in sheep and goats in Saudi Arabia are scarce. The objectives of this study were to (i) estimate the animal, flock, and within-flock seroprevalence of among Eastern Province sheep and goat flocks and (ii) identify the flock management and animal risk factors associated with seropositivity in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2021 Apr 9;22(8). Epub 2021 Apr 9.

Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

Several species of mycoplasmas, including , are associated with certain human cancers. We previously isolated and characterized in our laboratory a strain of human mycoplasma subtype (MF-I1) able to induce lymphoma in a Severe Combined Immuno-Deficient (SCID) mouse model, and we demonstrated that its chaperone protein, DnaK, binds and reduces functions of human poly-ADP ribose polymerase-1 (PARP1) and ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase protein-10 (USP10), which are required for efficient DNA repair and proper p53 activities, respectively. We also showed that other bacteria associated with human cancers (including , , , , and ) have closely related DnaK proteins, indicating a potential common mechanism of cellular transformation. Read More

Pathogens 2021 Apr 3;10(4). Epub 2021 Apr 3.

Department of Biology and Wildlife Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic.

Monitoring of infectious diseases is one of the most important pillars of preventive medicine in zoos. Screening for parasitic and bacterial infections is important to keep animals and equipment safe from pathogens that may pose a risk to animal and human health. Zoos usually contain many different animal species living in proximity with people and wild animals. Read More

Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021 12;11:615770. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States.

studies indicate IFNγ is central to (Ct) eradication, but its function may be compromised by anaerobes typically associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), a frequent co-morbidity in women with Ct. Here we investigated the associations between natural clearance of cervical Ct infection, the vaginal microbiome, and the requirements for IFNγ by evaluating the vaginal microbial and cytokine composition of Ct treatment visit samples from women who cleared Ct infection in the interim between their Ct screening and Ct treatment visit. The pilot cohort was young, predominantly African American, and characterized by a high rate of BV that was treated with metronidazole at the Ct screening visit. Read More

J Clin Microbiol 2021 Apr 28. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Lucira Health, Emeryville, CA, USA

Rapid and precise detection of -the leading global cause of sexually transmitted infections (STI)-at the point-of-care (POC) is required for treatment decisions to prevent transmission and sequelae including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, tubal-factor infertility and preterm birth. We developed a rapid POC test (POCT), termed LH-POCT, which uses Loop-mediated AMPlification (LAMP) of nucleic acids, and performed a head-to-head comparison with the Cepheid Xpert® CT/NG assay using clinician-collected de-identified paired vaginal samples from a parent study that consecutively enrolled symptomatic and asymptomatic females over age 18 years from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Health Centers in Fiji. Samples were processed by the Xpert® CT/NG assay and LH-POCT, blinded to the comparator. Read More

BMC Infect Dis 2021 Apr 28;21(1):392. Epub 2021 Apr 28.

Projet San Francisco, Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group, Kigali, Rwanda.

Background: Algorithms that bridge the gap between syndromic sexually transmitted infection (STI) management and treatment based in realistic diagnostic options and local epidemiology are urgently needed across Africa. Our objective was to develop and validate a risk algorithm for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) diagnosis among symptomatic Rwandan women and to compare risk algorithm performance to the current Rwandan National Criteria for NG/CT diagnosis.

Methods: The risk algorithm was derived in a cohort (n = 468) comprised of symptomatic women in Kigali who sought free screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and vaginal dysbioses at our research site. Read More

Oral Oncol 2021 Apr 23;117:105305. Epub 2021 Apr 23.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.

Background: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has now surpassed cervical cancer as the most common site of HPV-related cancer in the United States. HPV-positive OPSCCs behave differently from HPV-negative tumors and often present with early lymph node involvement. The bacterial microbiome of HPV-associated OPSCC may contribute to carcinogenesis, and certain bacteria may influence the spread of cancer from the primary site to regional lymphatics. Read More

Sex Health 2021 Apr 27. Epub 2021 Apr 27.

Unlike pharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae, less is known about pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis in men who have sex with men (MSM). We reviewed cases of pharyngeal chlamydia in MSM from January to December 2019. The overall prevalence of pharyngeal chlamydia was 75/6613 (1. Read More

Mhealth 2021 20;7:26. Epub 2021 Apr 20.

Bridge HIV, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA.

Background: Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States (US) and have low rates of HIV/STI testing. Provision of HIV self-testing and STI self-collection can increase testing rates, and access to these kits through mobile applications (apps) could help facilitate YMSM using HIV self-testing and STI self-collection.

Methods: Data for this study comes from two pilot randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of mobile apps within the Adolescent Trials Network-LYNX and MyChoices-aimed to increase HIV/STI testing among YMSM (age 15-24) who had not recently tested for HIV and were at high risk for HIV acquisition across five US cities. Read More

Cent Eur J Immunol 2021 18;46(1):76-81. Epub 2021 Apr 18.

Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México.

Introduction: Infection and inflammation of the reproductive tract by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are recognized as significant risk factors for male infertility. This study aimed to evaluate CT infection and its effects on seminal parameters and cytokines in asymptomatic patients with teratozoospermia.

Material And Methods: Semen samples from one hundred four male patients were collected, and CT detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Read More