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Epidemiology and Infection Dec 2022A cross-sectional and retrospective study of patients with spp. in a Portuguese tertiary hospital, in 2009 and 2019, was performed to understand better the rise in...
A cross-sectional and retrospective study of patients with spp. in a Portuguese tertiary hospital, in 2009 and 2019, was performed to understand better the rise in isolations of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The number of patients with positive samples for spp. grew from 56 in 2009 to 83 in 2019. The proportion of NTM rose from 39.3% to 49.4% ( = 0.240), with being more frequent in 2009 and in 2019, and decreased from 60.7% to 50.6%. Higher age was associated with NTM in both years, and pulmonary disease and immunosuppression were associated with NTM in 2019 ( < 0.05), with weak to moderate correlation ( = 0.231-0.343). The overall rise of NTM, allied to their known capacity to resist antimicrobial therapy, alerts clinicians to the importance of recognising potential risk factors for infection and improving future prevention strategies.
Topics: Humans; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; Retrospective Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Mycobacterium avium Complex; Mycobacterium
PubMed: 36503567
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268822000899 -
Microbiology and Molecular Biology... Nov 2020Pathogenic mycobacteria cause chronic and acute diseases ranging from human tuberculosis (TB) to nontubercular infections. causes both acute and chronic human... (Review)
Review
Pathogenic mycobacteria cause chronic and acute diseases ranging from human tuberculosis (TB) to nontubercular infections. causes both acute and chronic human tuberculosis. Environmentally acquired nontubercular mycobacteria (NTM) cause chronic disease in humans and animals. Not surprisingly, NTM and often use shared molecular mechanisms to survive within the host. The ESX-1 system is a specialized secretion system that is essential for virulence and is functionally conserved between and is an NTM found in both salt water and freshwater that is often used to study mycobacterial virulence. Since the discovery of the secretion system in 2003, the use of both and has defined the conserved molecular mechanisms underlying protein secretion and the lytic and regulatory activities of the ESX-1 system. Here, we review the trajectory of the field, including key discoveries regarding the ESX-1 system. We highlight the contributions of studies and the conserved and unique aspects of the ESX-1 secretion system.
Topics: Animals; Bacterial Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Models, Biological; Mycobacterium marinum; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Protein Transport; Tuberculosis; Type VII Secretion Systems; Virulence
PubMed: 32878966
DOI: 10.1128/MMBR.00082-19 -
Journal of Travel Medicine Jan 2021Medical tourism has been increasing dramatically globally, with people travelling from developed countries to low-income or middle-income countries, often to avoid high... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Medical tourism has been increasing dramatically globally, with people travelling from developed countries to low-income or middle-income countries, often to avoid high costs or long delays associated with seeking healthcare in their countries of origin. The current review summarizes healthcare-related infections associated with medical tourism, focusing on cosmetic surgery and organ transplantation.
METHODS
A systematic MEDLINE and PubMed search from January 2010 to December 2019 yielded 80 relevant articles, including 49 articles on medical tourism-related infections focusing on cosmetic surgery and organ transplantation, which were included in this reviews.
RESULTS
The literature reveals specific types of cross-border, healthcare-related infections depending on medical intervention. Destinations include low-income countries such as countries of Asia and the Indian subcontinent, middle-income countries including Central and South America, and high-income countries such as the United States and Europe. In terms of type of infections, in 36 (68%) and 15 (28.3%) studies, wound and blood-borne infections were documented, respectively, while in 21 studies (58.3%) non-tuberculous mycobacteria were isolated, including Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium chelonae, Mycobacterium senegalense and Mycobacterium fortuitum. The choices of medical tourists could have significant consequences for them and their home countries, including infectious complications and importation of pathogens, particularly antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, with public health implications.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a need for public health strategies in order to prevent morbidity and mortality as well as future management and education of patients engaging in medical tourism.
Topics: Asia; Europe; Humans; Medical Tourism; Mycobacteriaceae; South America; Tourism; United States
PubMed: 33159509
DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taaa210 -
Respiratory Investigation Mar 2023In recent years, the incidence and prevalence of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease have increased worldwide. Although the reasons for this increase... (Review)
Review
In recent years, the incidence and prevalence of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease have increased worldwide. Although the reasons for this increase are unclear, dealing with this disease is essential. Pulmonary NTM disease is a chronic pulmonary infection caused by NTM bacteria, which are ubiquitous in various environments. In Japan, Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) accounts for approximately 90% of the causative organisms of pulmonary NTM disease, which is also called pulmonary MAC disease or pulmonary MAI disease. It is important to elucidate the pathophysiology of this disease, which occurs frequently in postmenopausal women despite the absence of obvious immunodeficiency. The pathophysiology of this disease has not been fully elucidated; however, it can largely be divided into bacterial (environmental) and host-side problems. The host factors can be further divided into immune and airway problems. The authors suggest that the triangular relationship between bacteria, immunity, and the airway is important in the pathophysiology of this disease. The latest findings on the pathophysiology of pulmonary NTM disease are reviewed.
Topics: Humans; Female; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous; Mycobacterium avium Complex; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; Lung Diseases; Lung
PubMed: 36640546
DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2022.12.002 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Aug 2023Mycolicibacterium neoaurum is a rapidly growing mycobacterium and an emerging cause of human infections. M. neoaurum infections are uncommon but likely underreported,... (Review)
Review
Mycolicibacterium neoaurum is a rapidly growing mycobacterium and an emerging cause of human infections. M. neoaurum infections are uncommon but likely underreported, and our understanding of the disease spectrum and optimum management is incomplete. We summarize demographic and clinical characteristics of a case of catheter-related M. neoaurum bacteremia in a child with leukemia and those of 36 previously reported episodes of M. neoaurum infection. Most infections occurred in young to middle-aged adults with serious underlying medical conditions and commonly involved medical devices. Overall, infections were not associated with severe illness or death. In contrast to other mycobacteria species, M. neoaurum was generally susceptible to multiple antimicrobial drugs and responded promptly to treatment, and infections were associated with good outcomes after relatively short therapy duration and device removal. Delays in identification and susceptibility testing were common. We recommend using combination antimicrobial drug therapy and removal of infected devices to eradicate infection.
Topics: Child; Humans; Middle Aged; Cross Infection; Delivery of Health Care; Mycobacteriaceae; Mycobacterium; Mycobacterium Infections; Young Adult
PubMed: 37486155
DOI: 10.3201/eid2908.230007 -
Cell Reports Dec 2022Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the only licensed vaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) disease. However, BCG has...
Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the only licensed vaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB) disease. However, BCG has limited efficacy, necessitating the development of better vaccines. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are opportunistic pathogens present ubiquitously in the environment. TB endemic countries experience higher exposure to NTMs, but previous studies have not elucidated the relationship between NTM exposure and BCG efficacy against TB. Therefore, we develop a mouse model (BCG + NTM) to simulate human BCG immunization regime and continuous NTM exposure. BCG + NTM mice exhibit superior and prolonged protection against pulmonary TB, with increased B cell influx and anti-Mtb antibodies in serum and airways, compared with BCG alone. Notably, spatial transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry reveal that BCG + NTM mice formed B cell aggregates with features of germinal center development, which correlate with reduced Mtb burden. Our studies suggest a direct relationship between NTM exposure and TB protection, with B cells playing a crucial role.
Topics: Mice; Humans; Animals; BCG Vaccine; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Immunity, Cellular
PubMed: 36516760
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111783 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2022complex (MAC) is the main causative agent of infectious diseases in humans among nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that are ubiquitous organisms found in environmental... (Review)
Review
complex (MAC) is the main causative agent of infectious diseases in humans among nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) that are ubiquitous organisms found in environmental media such as soil as well as in domestic and natural waters. MAC is a primary causative agent of NTM-lung disease that threaten immunocompromised or structural lung disease patients. The incidence and the prevalence of infection have been reduced, while MAC infections and mortality rates have increased, making it a cause of global health concern. The emergence of drug resistance and the side effects of long-term drug use have led to a poor outcome of treatment regimens against MAC infections. Therefore, the development of host-directed therapy (HDT) has recently gained interest, aiming to accelerate mycobacterial clearance and reversing lung damage by employing the immune system using a novel adjuvant strategy to improve the clinical outcome of MAC infection. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the innate immune responses that contribute to MAC infection focusing on macrophages, chief innate immune cells, and host susceptibility factors in patients. We also discuss potential HDTs that can act on the signaling pathway of macrophages, thereby contributing to antimycobacterial activity as a part of the innate immune response during MAC infection. Furthermore, this review provides new insights into MAC infection control that modulates and enhances macrophage function, promoting host antimicrobial activity in response to potential HDTs and thus presenting a deeper understanding of the interactions between macrophages and MACs during infection.
Topics: Humans; Mycobacterium avium Complex; Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection; Macrophages; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Lung Diseases
PubMed: 36505429
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.931876 -
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic... Jan 2022Two aborted Chester White pig fetuses were presented to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Illinois. Postmortem examination identified no gross abnormalities....
Two aborted Chester White pig fetuses were presented to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Illinois. Postmortem examination identified no gross abnormalities. Histologic evaluation revealed multifocal necrosis of chorionic epithelial cells, coalescing areas of mineralization in the placenta, and focal accumulations of viable and degenerate neutrophils in the lung. Intra- and extracellular acid-fast bacilli were identified in the lesions in both the placenta and lungs. Bacterial culture of stomach contents yielded heavy growth of , a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM), which was further confirmed through whole-genome sequencing. NTM are opportunistic pathogens commonly found in the soil and in contaminated water supplies. In animals, is typically introduced through cutaneous wounds leading to infections limited to the skin, with systemic infection being uncommon. To our knowledge, abortion caused by has not been reported previously.
Topics: Animals; Calcinosis; Cell Count; Epithelial Cells; Female; Mycobacterium fortuitum; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; Swine; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 34448422
DOI: 10.1177/10406387211042289 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) May 2022Androstenedione (AD) is a key intermediate in the body's steroid metabolism, used as a precursor for several steroid substances, such as testosterone, estradiol, ethinyl... (Review)
Review
Androstenedione (AD) is a key intermediate in the body's steroid metabolism, used as a precursor for several steroid substances, such as testosterone, estradiol, ethinyl estradiol, testolactone, progesterone, cortisone, cortisol, prednisone, and prednisolone. The world market for AD and ADD (androstadienedione) exceeds 1000 tons per year, which stimulates the pharmaceutical industry's search for newer and cheaper raw materials to produce steroidal compounds. In light of this interest, we aimed to investigate the progress of AD biosynthesis from phytosterols by prospecting scientific articles (Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases) and patents (USPTO database). A wide variety of articles and patents involving AD and phytosterol were found in the last few decades, resulting in 108 relevant articles (from January 2000 to December 2021) and 23 patents of interest (from January 1976 to December 2021). The separation of these documents into macro, meso, and micro categories revealed that most studies (articles) are performed in China (54.8%) and in universities (76%), while patents are mostly granted to United States companies. It also highlights the fact that AD production studies are focused on "process improvement" techniques and on possible modifications of the "microorganism" involved in biosynthesis (64 and 62 documents, respectively). The most-reported "process improvement" technique is "chemical addition" (40%), which means that the addition of solvents, surfactants, cofactors, inducers, ionic liquids, etc., can significantly increase AD production. Microbial genetic modifications stand out in the "microorganism" category because this strategy improves AD yield considerably. These documents also revealed the main aspects of AD and ADD biosynthesis: sp. (basonym: sp.) (40%) and (known previously as ) (32%) are the most recurrent species studied. Microbial incubation temperatures can vary from 29 °C to 37 °C; incubation can last from 72 h to 14 days; the mixture is agitated at 140 to 220 rpm; vegetable oils, mainly soybean, can be used as the source of a mixture of phytosterols. In general, the results obtained in the present technological prospecting study are fundamental to mapping the possibilities of AD biosynthesis process optimization, as well as to identifying emerging technologies and methodologies in this scenario.
Topics: Androgens; Androstenedione; Biotransformation; Mycobacteriaceae; Phytosterols; Steroids
PubMed: 35630641
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103164 -
International Journal of Infectious... Aug 2020A standard treatment regimen against Mycobacteroides abscessus complex (MABC) infections has not yet been established, making MABC difficult to treat successfully. In...
OBJECTIVES
A standard treatment regimen against Mycobacteroides abscessus complex (MABC) infections has not yet been established, making MABC difficult to treat successfully. In this study, we sought to develop an active ingredient for the clinical treatment of MABC infections.
METHODS
We screened 102 MABC strains isolated from clinical specimens using DNA sequence analysis with the housekeeping genes hsp65 and rpoB. Drug susceptibility testing was performed against two subspecies-Mycobacteroides abscessus subsp. abscessus (M. abscessus) and Mycobacteroides abscessus subsp. massiliense (M. massiliense)-using eight antimicrobial agents (clarithromycin, amikacin, doxycycline, imipenem, linezolid, moxifloxacin, faropenem, and rifampicin). The combined efficacy of the antimicrobial agents was investigated using a checkerboard method.
RESULTS
We identified 51 isolates as M. abscessus, 46 as M. massiliense, and five as others. Most of the M. abscessus isolates (83.0 %) exhibited inducible resistance to clarithromycin via the expression of the erm(41) gene. Combinations of imipenem with linezolid, moxifloxacin, and rifampicin exhibited additive effects against 81.0 %, 40.7 %, and 26.9 % of M. abscessus, respectively, and against 54.5 %, 69.2 %, and 30.8 % of M. massiliense, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrated the potential efficacy of a regimen containing imipenem against M. abscessus and M. massiliense infections.
Topics: Actinomycetales Infections; Amikacin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Clarithromycin; Doxycycline; Humans; Imipenem; Linezolid; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Moxifloxacin; Mycobacteriaceae; Sequence Analysis, DNA; beta-Lactams
PubMed: 32526389
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.06.007