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13 pages, 1177 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serum Antibodies Against the E5 Oncoprotein from Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Are Inversely Associated with the Infection and the Degree of Cervical Lesions

by Azucena Salazar-Piña, Minerva Maldonado-Gama, Ana M. Gonzalez-Jaimes, Aurelio Cruz-Valdez, Eduardo Ortiz-Panozo, Fernando Esquivel-Guadarrama and Lourdes Gutierrez-Xicotencatl

Biomedicines 2024, 12(12), 2699; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12122699 - 26 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Background: The humoral immune response against human papillomavirus (HPV) has been suggested as a source of biomarkers for the early detection of cervical cancer (CC). Therefore, we aimed to characterize the antibody response against HPV16 E5 in the natural history of cervical cancer [...] Read more.

Background: The humoral immune response against human papillomavirus (HPV) has been suggested as a source of biomarkers for the early detection of cervical cancer (CC). Therefore, we aimed to characterize the antibody response against HPV16 E5 in the natural history of cervical cancer and to determine its usefulness as a biomarker of HPV-associated cervical lesions. Methods: This study was conducted at the Cuautla General Hospital, Morelos, Mexico, with women (18 to 64 years) who agreed to participate. Samples were obtained from 335 women with cervical lesions and 150 women with negative Papanicolaou tests. HPV genotyping was performed by PCR and pyrosequencing, and anti-E5 antibodies were detected by slot blot. Results: The overall anti-E5 antibodies prevalence in the study was 17.9%, with the higher prevalence observed in the no lesion (NL, 49.4%) group, and with a downward trend according to the degree of the cervical lesion, from cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-1 (CIN1, 32.2%) to CIN2 (11.5%) and CIN3/CC (6.9%). The logistic regression model showed negative associations of anti-E5 antibodies with CIN1 (OR = 0.38), CIN2 (OR = 0.42), and CIN3/CC (OR = 0.32) groups, being statistically significant. Contrast analysis showed an inverse relationship between anti-E5 antibodies with HPV DNA and the CIN1 (OR = 0.35), CIN2 (OR = 0.39), and CIN3/CC (OR = 0.31) groups. Conclusions: These results suggest that anti-E5 antibodies could be associated with clearance of infection in women without lesions and with CIN1 lesions since an inverse relationship was observed between the presence of HPV DNA and anti-E5 antibodies. In contrast, with progression from CIN2/CIN3 to CC, the relationship was reversed, as the anti-E5 antibodies disappeared, and the frequency of the viral genome increased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

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23 pages, 582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamics of Biomarkers in COVID-19 Patients Treated with Anakinra

by Ralitsa Yordanova, Dimitar Strashimirov, Rusina Grozdeva, Daniel Ivanov, Ivelina Trifonova, Nina Yancheva and Tatiana Tcherveniakova

Biomedicines 2024, 12(12), 2690; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12122690 - 25 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV-2 can trigger hyperinflammation, leading to severe COVID-19, presenting with pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multiple organ failure. Specific biomarkers like leukocytes, CRP, NLR, AST, LDH, D-dimer, ferritin, and IL-6 are associated with disease severity. Anakinra, an IL-1 receptor antagonist, [...] Read more.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 can trigger hyperinflammation, leading to severe COVID-19, presenting with pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multiple organ failure. Specific biomarkers like leukocytes, CRP, NLR, AST, LDH, D-dimer, ferritin, and IL-6 are associated with disease severity. Anakinra, an IL-1 receptor antagonist, has been proposed to mitigate hyperinflammation, but its clinical efficacy remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Anakinra on inflammatory biomarkers, oxygenation status, and survival outcomes in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 (according to the National Institute of Health severity scale), compared to standard treatment. Methods: A retrospective analysis included 65 patients (mean age 75.51 ± 9.54 years; 58.5% male, 41.5% female) hospitalized with moderate to severe COVID-19. Patients were divided into two groups: a control group receiving standard treatment (n = 24) and a target group treated with Anakinra (n = 41). Biomarkers and oxygenation status were assessed on Days 0, 3, and 7. Statistical analyses compared the groups for changes in leukocytes, NLR, CRP, AST, LDH, D-dimer, ferritin, and IL-6. Results: Anakinra treatment was associated with significant reductions in leukocytes, NLR, D-dimer, ferritin, IL-6, and CRP by Days 3 and 7. Improvements in oxygenation status were observed, although no survival benefits were noted. The control group showed no significant biomarker changes except for AST and LDH on Day 7. Conclusions: Anakinra demonstrated favorable effects on biomarkers and oxygenation in moderate to severe COVID-19 but did not improve survival. Further studies are needed to validate these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

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10 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Praziquantel in Treating Schistosoma haematobium Infection Among Ethiopian Children

by Louis Fok, David M. Brett-Major, Berhanu Erko, John Linville, Hongying Daisy Dai, Yohannes Negash, Abebe Animut and Abraham Degarege

Biomedicines 2024, 12(11), 2463; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12112463 - 27 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Praziquantel is a cornerstone of schistosomiasis control and elimination efforts. Continued surveillance of praziquantel efficacy is needed to monitor for the development of resistance, as well as to help public health officials gauge the effect of mass praziquantel administration on schistosomiasis [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Praziquantel is a cornerstone of schistosomiasis control and elimination efforts. Continued surveillance of praziquantel efficacy is needed to monitor for the development of resistance, as well as to help public health officials gauge the effect of mass praziquantel administration on schistosomiasis control in communities, since it is the only drug used in schistosomiasis control programs. The objective of this study was to assess the praziquantel cure rate and egg reduction rate against urogenital schistosomiasis. Methods: This study enrolled 977 children from 12 villages in Afar and Gambella, Ethiopia, who provided urine samples that were checked for Schistosoma haematobium infection at baseline using urine filtration microscopy. Infected individuals were provided a single dose of praziquantel (40 mg/kg body weight) and retested six weeks post-treatment. Results:S. haematobium was recovered from baseline urine specimens in 177 of 977 (18%) participating children. One hundred six of these children completed therapy and presented for subsequent evaluation at six weeks; 91 children were egg-free. The egg reduction rate was 97%; changes in egg burden among the 15 children who did not achieve cure varied widely. Cure rates were better among children with light-intensity infections. No significant differences in egg reduction rates were found based on the demographic variables examined. Conclusions: Standard praziquantel monotherapy remains an effective treatment against urogenital schistosomiasis in Ethiopia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

11 pages, 1784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From Gut to Blood: Redistribution of Zonulin in People Living with HIV

by Max Augustin, Carola Horn, Meryem Seda Ercanoglu, Vincent Bondet, Ute Sandaradura de Silva, Isabelle Suarez, Seung-Hun Chon, Dirk Nierhoff, Alexander Zoufaly, Christoph Wenisch, Elena Knops, Eva Heger, Florian Klein, Darragh Duffy, Michaela Müller-Trutwin and Clara Lehmann

Biomedicines 2024, 12(10), 2316; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12102316 - 11 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal mucosal damage due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to microbial translocation and immune activation, contributing to the development of non-infectious comorbidities (NICM) in people living with HIV (PLWH). Additionally, persistent proviral HIV-1 in the gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT) can [...] Read more.

Background: Gastrointestinal mucosal damage due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to microbial translocation and immune activation, contributing to the development of non-infectious comorbidities (NICM) in people living with HIV (PLWH). Additionally, persistent proviral HIV-1 in the gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT) can trigger immunological changes in the epithelial environment, impacting the mucosal barrier. However, the role of zonulin, a modulator of epithelial tight junctions in GALT during HIV infection, remains poorly understood. Methods: We measured zonulin in serum and intestinal tissue sections from five treatment-naive (HIV⁺_NAIVE) and 10 cART-treated (HIV⁺_cART) HIV⁺ individuals, along with 11 controls (CTRL). We compared zonulin levels with clinical characteristics, inflammatory markers (IFN-α, CXCR3, and PD-1), and the viral reservoir in peripheral blood (PB) and terminal ileum (TI). Results: Upon HIV infection, TI was found to harbor more HIV DNA than PB. Circulating zonulin levels were highest in HIV⁺_NAIVE compared to HIV⁺_cART or CTRL. Surprisingly, in the gut tissue sections, zonulin levels were higher in CTRL than in HIV⁺ individuals. Elevated circulating zonulin levels were found to be correlated with CD4⁺T-cell depletion in PB and TI, and with intestinal IFN-α. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate a shift in zonulin levels from the gut to the bloodstream in response to HIV infection. Furthermore, elevated systemic zonulin levels are associated with the depletion of intestinal CD4⁺ T cells and increased gut inflammation, suggesting a potential link between systemic zonulin and intestinal damage. Gaining insight into the regulation of gut tight junctions during HIV infection could offer valuable understanding for preventing NICM in PLWH. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

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19 pages, 4586 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bacterial and Viral Co-Infections in COVID-19 Patients: Etiology and Clinical Impact

by Ivelina Trifonova, Iveta Madzharova, Neli Korsun, Viktoria Levterova, Petar Velikov, Silvya Voleva, Ivan Ivanov, Daniel Ivanov, Ralitsa Yordanova, Tatiana Tcherveniakova, Svetla Angelova and Iva Christova

Biomedicines 2024, 12(10), 2210; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12102210 - 27 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Background: Mixed infections can worsen disease symptoms. This study investigated the impact of mixed infections with viral and bacterial pathogens in patients positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods: Using the in-house multiplex PCR method, we tested 337 SARS-CoV-2 positive [...] Read more.

Background: Mixed infections can worsen disease symptoms. This study investigated the impact of mixed infections with viral and bacterial pathogens in patients positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods: Using the in-house multiplex PCR method, we tested 337 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples for co-infections with three bacterial and 14 other viral pathogens. Results: Between August 2021 and May 2022, 8% of 337 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients had bacterial co-infections, 5.6% had viral co-infections, and 1.4% had triple mixed infections. The most common causes of mixed infections were Haemophilus influenzae (5.93%) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (1.18%). Children < 5 years old had more frequent co-infections than adults < 65 years old (20.8% vs. 16.4%), while adults showed a more severe clinical picture with a higher C-reactive protein (CRP) level (78.1 vs.16.2 mg/L; p = 0.033), a lower oxygen saturation (SpO2) (89.5 vs. 93.2%), and a longer hospital stay (8.1 vs. 3.1 days; p = 0.025) (mean levels). The risk of a fatal outcome was 41% in unvaccinated patients (p = 0.713), which increased by 2.66% with co-infection with two pathogens (p = 0.342) and by 26% with three pathogens (p = 0.005). Additionally, 50% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients had a triple infection, compared with only 1.3% in the inpatient unit (p = 0.0029). The risk of death and/or ICU admission was 12 times higher (p = 0.042) with an additional pathogen and increased by 95% (p = 0.003) with a third concomitant pathogen. Conclusions: Regular multiplex testing is important for prompt treatment and targeted antibiotic use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

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9 pages, 1029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Effect of mRNA and Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines on the Levels of Cytokines IL-2, IFN-γ, and Anti-RBD Spike SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in People Living with HIV (PLHIV)

by Amanah Amanah, Ibnu Agus Ariyanto, Budiman Bela, Risnandya Primanagara and Pratiwi Sudarmono

Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 2115; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12092115 - 18 Sep 2024

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Abstract

The safety of the mRNA and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has been demonstrated for people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, vaccine studies in PLHIV are limited, and there is a gap in which vaccine type provides the best response in PLHIV. Thus, PLHIV may [...] Read more.

The safety of the mRNA and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has been demonstrated for people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, vaccine studies in PLHIV are limited, and there is a gap in which vaccine type provides the best response in PLHIV. Thus, PLHIV may benefit from mRNA vaccine types compared to inactivated vaccines. This study aims to assess the immune responses to vaccination by measuring specific antibodies (IgG) targeting the receptor binding sites (RBDs) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in plasma. A total of 41 PLHIV who regularly take antiretroviral therapy (ART) over a period of six months, along with 31 individuals in a healthy control group (HC), were administered either two mRNA or inactivated vaccines. Data regarding demographics and clinical information were gathered from the medical records. An analysis was conducted on the neutralisation antibody IgG specific to RBD using the chemiluminescence microparticle assay (CMIA). The levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ were quantified using the Luminex assay method from plasma samples. Data were collected in the laboratory 28 days after each vaccination. After the first vaccination, the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD IgG was higher in PLHIV who received the mRNA vaccines than those who received inactivated vaccines (p = 0.006). The levels of mRNA in the PLHIV group showed a significant correlation with IL-2 and IFN-γ after the second vaccination (r = 0.51, p = 0.0035; r = 0.68, p = 0.002). The group of PLHIV who received the inactivated vaccine showed increased IL-2 and IFN-γ after the initial vaccination, compared to PLHIV who received the mRNA vaccine (p = 0.04; p = 0.08). Administering a two-dose vaccination is essential to increase the levels of neutralising antibodies significantly (p = 0.013) in PLHIV who have received inactivated vaccines; further study is needed to make this a recommendation. The responses observed after vaccination in PLHIV were not affected by their CD4 cell counts. PLHIV showed higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG and increased IL-2 and IFN-γ levels. Our study encourages SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in PLHIV regardless of its CD4 cell counts. Furthermore, the mRNA vaccine may give robust high antibody responses in PLHIV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

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14 pages, 912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Viral Suppression in Paediatric Populations: Implications for the Transition to Dolutegravir-Based Regimens in Cameroon: The CIPHER-ADOLA Study

by Joseph Fokam, Yagai Bouba, Rogers Awoh Ajeh, Dominik Tameza Guebiapsi, Suzane Essamba, Albert Franck Zeh Meka, Ebiama Lifanda, Rose Armelle Ada, Liman Yakouba, Nancy Barbara Mbengono, Audrey Raissa Dzaddi Djomo, Suzie Ndiang Tetang, Samuel Martin Sosso, Jocelyne Carmen Babodo, Olivia Francette Ndomo Ambomo, Edith Michele Temgoua, Caroline Medouane, Sabine Ndejo Atsinkou, Justin Leonel Mvogo, Roger Martin Onana, Jean de Dieu Anoubissi, Alice Ketchaji, Alex Durand Nka, Davy-Hyacinthe Anguechia Gouissi, Aude Christelle Ka’e, Nadine Nguendjoung Fainguem, Rachel Simo Kamgaing, Désiré Takou, Michel Carlos Tommo Tchouaket, Ezechiel Ngoufack Jagni Semengue, Marie Amougou Atsama, Julius Nwobegahay, Comfort Vuchas, Anna Nya Nsimen, Bertrand Eyoum Bille, Sandra kenmegne Gatchuessi, Francis Ndongo Ateba, Daniel Kesseng, Serge Clotaire Billong, Daniele Armenia, Maria Mercedes Santoro, Francesca Ceccherini-Silberstein, Paul Ndombo Koki, Hadja Cherif Hamsatou, Vittorio Colizzi, Alexis Ndjolo, Carlo-Federico Perno and Anne-Cecile Zoung-Kanyi Bissek Show full author list Hide full author list

Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 2083; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12092083 - 12 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Mortality in children accounts for 15% of all AIDS-related deaths globally, with a higher burden among Cameroonian children (25%), likely driven by poor virological response. We sought to evaluate viral suppression (VS) and its determinants in a nationally representative paediatric and young adult [...] Read more.

Mortality in children accounts for 15% of all AIDS-related deaths globally, with a higher burden among Cameroonian children (25%), likely driven by poor virological response. We sought to evaluate viral suppression (VS) and its determinants in a nationally representative paediatric and young adult population receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). A cross-sectional and multicentric study was conducted among Cameroonian children (<10 years), adolescents (10–19 years) and young adults (20–24 years). Data were collected from the databases of nine reference laboratories from December 2023 to March 2024. A conditional backward stepwise regression model was built to assess the predictors of VS, defined as a viral load (VL) <1000 HIV-RNA copies/mL. Overall, 7558 individuals (females: 73.2%) were analysed. Regarding the ART regimen, 17% of children, 80% of adolescents and 83% of young adults transitioned to dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimens. Overall VS was 82.3%, with 67.3% (<10 years), 80.5% (10–19 years) and 86.5% (20–24 years), and p < 0.001. VS was 85.1% on a DTG-based regimen versus 80.0% on efavirenz/nevirapine and 65.6% on lopinavir/ritonavir or atazanavir/ritonavir. VS was higher in females versus males (85.8% versus 78.2%, p < 0.001). The VS rate remained stable around 85% at 12 and 24 months but dropped to about 80% at 36 months after ART initiation, p < 0.009. Independent predictors of non-VS were younger age, longer ART duration (>36 months), backbone drug (non-TDF/3TC) and anchor drug (non-DTG based). In this Cameroonian paediatric population with varying levels of transition to DTG, overall VS remains below the 95% targets. Predictors of non-VS are younger age, non-TDF/3TC- and non-DTG-based regimens. Thus, efforts toward eliminating paediatric AIDS should prioritise the transition to a DTG-based regimen in this new ART era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

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15 pages, 2820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Smoking and Susceptibility to HIV Infection: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis

by Min-Rui Yu, Wei Hu, Song Yan, Meng-Meng Qu, Yan-Mei Jiao and Fu-Sheng Wang

Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 2060; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12092060 - 10 Sep 2024

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Smoking is prevalent among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and it increases morbidity and mortality in this population. However, due to ethical constraints, there is limited information on the effects of smoking on susceptibility to HIV infection. To investigate whether [...] Read more.

Smoking is prevalent among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and it increases morbidity and mortality in this population. However, due to ethical constraints, there is limited information on the effects of smoking on susceptibility to HIV infection. To investigate whether smoking is associated with an increased susceptibility to HIV infection, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of individuals of European ancestry who have ever smoked (n = 99,996) and have HIV (n = 412,130). The random-effects inverse-variance weighted estimation method was used as the study’s primary approach, with the MR-Egger regression and the weighted-median method as complementary approaches. Using 100 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of genome-wide significance as instrumental variables for smoking, we observed a significant association between smoking and HIV infection (odds ratio 5.790, 95% confidence interval [1.785, 18.787], and p = 0.003). Comparable results were obtained using the weighted-median method. Our findings implied that smoking is probably associated with increased susceptibility to HIV infection. Given the exploratory nature of this study, further research is needed to confirm this relationship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

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9 pages, 554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Changes in Virologically Suppressed People Living with HIVSwitching to Long-Acting Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine

by Nicolò De Gennaro, Mariacristina Poliseno, Angelo Dargenio, Flavia Balena, Deborah Fiordelisi, Vito Spada, Greta Romita, Giacomo Guido, Francesco Di Gennaro, Giuseppe Bruno, Mariantonietta Purgatorio, Giovanni Battista Buccoliero and Annalisa Saracino

Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 1995; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12091995 - 2 Sep 2024

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Background: Limited evidence is available about sleep quality changes associated with the use of Cabotegravir (CAB), a new, long-acting (LA) antiretroviral (ARV) drug belonging to the class of Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs). Methods: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was calculated in 53 [...] Read more.

Background: Limited evidence is available about sleep quality changes associated with the use of Cabotegravir (CAB), a new, long-acting (LA) antiretroviral (ARV) drug belonging to the class of Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs). Methods: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was calculated in 53 people living with HIV (PLWH) under the care of the outpatient services of two Italian Infectious Diseases Centers in Apuliabefore (M0) and seven months after (M7) the switch to LA CAB. Global scores and relative subitems were compared using paired sample tests. The same analysis was repeated in subgroups of PLWH switching from INSTIs-, Dolutegravir-(DTG), and Bictegravir (BIC)-based regimens. Results: A significant reduction was reported in global mean (±StandardDeviation, SD) PSQI at M7 compared to M0 (4 (±3) vs. 3 (±2), p = 0.01), particularly in the areas of sleep latency and sleep disturbances. The improvement was also significant in PLWH already on INSTIs- (from median 3 to 2 points, p = 0.02) and DTG-based (from median 4 to 2, p = 0.01) ARV regimens, but not among those who switched from BIC-based regimens. Conclusions: PLWH reported improved sleep quality after switching from ARV treatment to LA CAB. Further studies are needed to give deeper insights into this phenomenon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

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12 pages, 1602 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Impact of Antibiotic and Steroid Therapy on Leptospirosis Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Transcarpathia, Ukraine

by Pavlo Petakh, Mykhailo Poliak, Anton Kohutych, Valentyn Oksenych and Oleksandr Kamyshnyi

Biomedicines 2024, 12(8), 1685; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12081685 - 29 Jul 2024

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Abstract

Leptospirosis presents a significant health challenge in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine, with higher incidence rates and mortality compared to national averages. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the effects of antibiotic and steroid treatments on outcomes in leptospirosis patients. Our [...] Read more.

Leptospirosis presents a significant health challenge in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine, with higher incidence rates and mortality compared to national averages. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate the effects of antibiotic and steroid treatments on outcomes in leptospirosis patients. Our analysis of clinical and laboratory data from a single center revealed that dexamethasone showed significant effects on various clinical variables, as did investigated antibiotics. Notable differences in clinical and laboratory outcomes were observed, particularly in direct bilirubin levels, which were significantly higher in non-survivors. ROC analysis demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity of direct bilirubin as a predictor of mortality. These findings highlight the importance of targeted treatment strategies and the potential of specific laboratory markers in improving leptospirosis management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

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14 pages, 3233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CRISPR-Cas System, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Enterococcus Genus—A Complicated Relationship

by Carmen Costache, Ioana Colosi, Dan-Alexandru Toc, Karla Daian, David Damacus, Alexandru Botan, Adelina Toc, Adrian Gabriel Pana, Paul Panaitescu, Vlad Neculicioiu, Pavel Schiopu, Dumitrana Iordache and Anca Butiuc-Keul

Biomedicines 2024, 12(7), 1625; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12071625 - 22 Jul 2024

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Abstract

(1) Background: The rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to public health worldwide, necessitating innovative solutions. This study explores the role of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) in the context of antibiotic resistance among different species from the [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to public health worldwide, necessitating innovative solutions. This study explores the role of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) in the context of antibiotic resistance among different species from the Enterococcus genus. (2) Methods: The genomes of Enterococcus included in the study were analyzed using CRISPRCasFinder to distinguish between CRISPR-positive (level 4 CRISPR) and CRISPR-negative genomes. Antibiotic resistance genes were identified, and a comparative analysis explored potential associations between CRISPR presence and antibiotic resistance profiles in Enterococcus species. (3) Results: Out of ten antibiotic resistance genes found in Enterococcus species, only one, the efmA gene, showed a strong association with CRISPR-negative isolates, while the others did not significantly differ between CRISPR-positive and CRISPR-negative Enterococcus genomes. (4) Conclusion: These findings indicate that the efmA gene may be more prevalent in CRISPR-negative Enterococcus genomes, and they may contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes in Enterococcus species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

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17 pages, 1605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus in People Living with HIV in Rural and Peri-Urban Communities in Botswana

by Bonolo B. Phinius, Wonderful T. Choga, Motswedi Anderson, Margaret Mokomane, Irene Gobe, Tsholofelo Ratsoma, Basetsana Phakedi, Gorata Mpebe, Lynnette Bhebhe, Tendani Gaolathe, Mosepele Mosepele, Joseph Makhema, Roger Shapiro, Shahin Lockman, Rosemary Musonda, Sikhulile Moyo and Simani Gaseitsiwe

Biomedicines 2024, 12(7), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12071561 - 14 Jul 2024

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Abstract

(1) Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) sequencing data are important for monitoring HBV evolution. We aimed to molecularly characterize HBV sequences from participants with HBV surface antigen-positive (HBsAg+) serology and occult hepatitis B infection (OBI+). (2) Methods: We utilized archived plasma samples from [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) sequencing data are important for monitoring HBV evolution. We aimed to molecularly characterize HBV sequences from participants with HBV surface antigen-positive (HBsAg+) serology and occult hepatitis B infection (OBI+). (2) Methods: We utilized archived plasma samples from people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) in Botswana. HBV DNA was sequenced, genotyped and analyzed for mutations. We compared mutations from study sequences to those from previously generated HBV sequences in Botswana. The impact of OBI-associated mutations on protein function was assessed using the Protein Variation Effect Analyzer. (3) Results: Sequencing success was higher in HBsAg+ than in OBI+ samples [86/128 (67.2%) vs. 21/71 (29.2%)]. Overall, 93.5% (100/107) of sequences were genotype A1, 2.8% (3/107) were D3 and 3.7% (4/107) were E. We identified 13 escape mutations in 18/90 (20%) sequences with HBsAg coverage, with K122R having the highest frequency. The mutational profile of current sequences differed from previous Botswana HBV sequences, suggesting possible mutational changes over time. Mutations deemed to have an impact on protein function were _tpQ6H, _surfaceV194A and _preCW28L. (4) Conclusions: We characterized HBV sequences from PLWH in Botswana. Escape mutations were prevalent and were not associated with OBI. Longitudinal HBV studies are needed to investigate HBV natural evolution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

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8 pages, 234 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Chlamydia Trachomatis Prevalence in Asymptomatic Women in Madrid: Study Findings and Their Association with Risk Factors and Mental Health

by Marta Rosas Cancio-Suárez, Esther Martín-Jiménez, Mario Rodríguez-Domínguez, Ana María García Da Silva, Borja M. Fernández-Félix, Beatriz Romero-Hernández, María José Cárdenas-Isasi, Santiago Moreno, Sergio Serrano-Villar and Matilde Sánchez-Conde

Biomedicines 2024, 12(9), 1999; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12091999 - 2 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is a sexually transmitted infection that requires early detection to prevent complications. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CT among asymptomatic women in Spain and investigate the relationship between CT and risk factors associated with sexual practices, [...] Read more.

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is a sexually transmitted infection that requires early detection to prevent complications. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CT among asymptomatic women in Spain and investigate the relationship between CT and risk factors associated with sexual practices, as well as factors such as stress and depression. Results: We found that 3.8% of asymptomatic women tested positive for CT. Our findings suggested that having more than five sexual partners increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by 3.87 times when compared with having fewer partners (p = 0.005, OR: 3.87, 95% CI 1.24–11.65). Additionally, 4.5% of participants admitted to using drugs. We found that there was a slightly higher proportion of anxiety and depression among women who tested positive for CT. Conclusions: We aimed to establish a basis for the implementation of screening in asymptomatic women. Early identification and preventive measures are crucial in minimizing the long-term complications and transmission of the disease. Sexual behavior must be recognized as a risk factor, and women’s psychological well-being should be given top priority as a vital aspect of their sexual health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics of Infectious Diseases (2nd Edition))

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