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Tropical Animal Health and Production Oct 2022This study investigated outbreaks of seemingly related abortions and orchitis which occurred in the Khomas, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regions of Namibia from 2016 to...
This study investigated outbreaks of seemingly related abortions and orchitis which occurred in the Khomas, Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regions of Namibia from 2016 to 2018, affecting cattle, sheep and goats. Fifty-nine questionnaires were administered, and 48 were completed giving an 81.4% return. The outbreaks were limited to Namibia's east and central regions, mainly on farms rearing cattle, sheep and goats and on farms with a mixture of these species. There was no significant difference between Khomas and other regions on abortion reporting at the farm level [X (1, N = 48) = 0.0002, p = 0.987851]. However, there was a significant difference in the abortions at the animal level among the three regions [X (2, N = 6246) = 239.8339, p = .00001]. In addition, the proportions of abortions calculated at the animal level at each farm were significantly different when the Khomas region was compared to the other regions. Seventeen cattle sera, 35 sheep sera, 52 caprine sera, 18 bovine liver samples, one caprine liver, five aborted cattle foetuses, two cattle placentas, 18 testes (one bull, eight bucks and nine rams) and ten bull sheath scrapings were collected and tested. Histopathology, microbiology, serology, immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and mineral analytical techniques were used to establish the aetiology of the abortion and orchitis outbreaks. The gross and histopathological findings on the 18 testicles were characteristic of chronic orchitis. In aborted foetuses, significant histopathological findings included meconium aspiration, funisitis and cardiomyopathy. Placentitis and endometritis were the primary pathologies observed in cows. The bacteria isolated from microbiological samples included Enterococcus spp. (65.5% [19/29]), Enterobacter spp. (6.9% [2/29]) and Streptococcus spp. (10.3% [3/29]), Trueperella pyogenes (3.4% [1/29]), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (3.4% [1/29]), Staphylococcus epidermidis (3.4% [1/29]), Providencia rettgeri (3.4% [1/29]) and Acinetobacter lwoffii (3.4% [1/29]), mostly opportunistic bacteria. On mineral analysis, 28%, 33%, 83%, 33% and 17% (n = 18) of cattle livers were low in copper, zinc, manganese, selenium and iron, respectively. Twenty-three percent (12/52) of the caprine sera were positive for Brucella melitensis on the Rose Bengal and complement fixation tests. Thirty-five ovine sera were tested for B. melitensis, B. ovis and Coxiella burnetii, and the prevalence for each was 2.9% (1/35). PCR tests on foetuses were all negative for Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydia spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter fetus spp., Leptospira pathogenic strains, bovine viral diarrhoea virus, Rift Valley fever virus, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and bovine herpes virus 4 Campylobacter fetus spp. and Trichomonas foetus spp. The authors concluded that Brucella spp., Enterococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp., Trueperella pyogenes and Coxiella burnetii could have contributed to this outbreak. Micronutrient imbalances and pathogenic abiotic nanoparticles were also identified as possible contributors to the abortion outbreaks.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Female; Male; Pregnancy; Abortion, Veterinary; Brucella; Cattle Diseases; Copper; Coxiella burnetii; Disease Outbreaks; Goat Diseases; Goats; Iron; Livestock; Manganese; Meconium Aspiration Syndrome; Micronutrients; Namibia; Orchitis; Q Fever; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rose Bengal; Selenium; Sheep; Zinc
PubMed: 36242679
DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03342-0 -
Bovine Brucellosis: Epidemiology, Public Health Implications, and Status of Brucellosis in Ethiopia.Veterinary Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) 2022Brucellosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease that causes serious problems in developing countries such as Ethiopia. is the primary cause of brucellosis in... (Review)
Review
Brucellosis is a globally distributed zoonotic disease that causes serious problems in developing countries such as Ethiopia. is the primary cause of brucellosis in cattle, and and also occasionally cause infection in cattle. Abortion and the retained fetal membrane are typical signs in females, whereas orchitis and bursitis are the known signs in male cattle. Brucellosis is typically transmitted to healthy cattle by direct or indirect contact with diseased cattle or their discharges. Humans can acquire brucellosis through the consumption of unpasteurized milk or milk products, and through contact with diseased cattle or their discharges. The occurrence of bovine brucellosis is affected by different factors related to the management system, host, and environmental factors. In Ethiopia, the occurrence of brucellosis is high in pastoral and mixed cattle management systems, wherever humans live closely with cattle and so have a higher probability of picking up the organism. The most suitable technique in the management of infection is the vaccination of young female cattle. can also be eradicated by the isolation of diseased cattle, administration of immunizing agents, and test-and-slaughter methods. Therefore, it is important to implement applicable management techniques and to increase public awareness about the transmission of brucellosis, and further research should be conducted on brucellosis in high-risk groups.
PubMed: 35028300
DOI: 10.2147/VMRR.S347337 -
Dermatologie (Heidelberg, Germany) Jul 2023Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are now being used in a number of dermato-oncological indications. In particular, the approval for adjuvant therapy of high-risk... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are now being used in a number of dermato-oncological indications. In particular, the approval for adjuvant therapy of high-risk stage IIB/C and III melanoma means that more patients of fertile age receive ICI.
OBJECTIVES
This raises the question of how ICIs affect male and female fertility and whether they are teratogenic.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Compilation of current data from the summary of product characteristics (SmPCs) and by literature search (PubMed).
RESULTS
Immune-related adverse events of ICI can impair fertility in the acute stage, and especially in the case of endocrine side effects, also in the long term. These include hypothyroidism, as well as adrenal and pituitary insufficiency. However, fertility can usually be restored with hormone replacement. Direct autoimmune effects on the reproductive organs are probably very rare, although immune-related orchitis has been described. Reliable contraception should be used in women of childbearing age. Pregnant women should only receive ICI in urgent exceptional cases, because the miscarriage rate is probably significantly increased.
CONCLUSIONS
Unfortunately, the current data on patient counselling is still very sparse. Scientific studies on the influence of ICI on fertility and teratogenicity are urgently needed.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Pregnancy; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Contraception; Fertility; Melanoma; Endocrine System
PubMed: 37286871
DOI: 10.1007/s00105-023-05165-y -
Journal of Molecular Histology Oct 2021Multiorgan dysfunction is the main characteristic of severe COVID-19 patients and the involvement of male reproductive system may occur among these patients. Although... (Review)
Review
Multiorgan dysfunction is the main characteristic of severe COVID-19 patients and the involvement of male reproductive system may occur among these patients. Although there is a limited evidence to confirm the orchitis and virus presence in the semen of patients, there are concerns about the transmission of virus through the semen. In addition, reduced fertility or infertility can be seen as consequences of severe COVID-19 in recovered subjects. In this study, we aimed to review articles related to COVID-19 and male reproductive system to find the possible underlying mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 in affecting male fertility. The following keywords of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, testis, orchitis, semen, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis, Hypothalamus, etc., were defined to find the related publications from standard search engines, e.g., PUBMED, SCOPUS, Google Scholar. According to studies, COVID-19 occurs in severe patients as respiratory disease, along with multi-organ failure. The most important mechanisms are classified as direct and indirect pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. The presence of ACE2 on the cell surface of various cells in testis increases the risk of direct infection by this virus. SARS-CoV-2 also affects the testis through the cytokine storm. In addition, the important role of HPT axis dysregulation through impaired Leydig cells and hypothalamus should be considered. Using antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy can be harmful for testis function. Further investigations are required to investigate potential mechanisms of male infertility in survivals of COVID-19. Since involvement of testis is essential for fertility, increasing the knowledge of health system may improve the outcomes.
Topics: COVID-19; Cytokine Release Syndrome; Genitalia, Male; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34232425
DOI: 10.1007/s10735-021-10003-3 -
F&S Reviews Apr 2021To determine if SARS-CoV-2, which has led to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 global pandemic, is sexually transmitted. Since the putative receptor for the virus is... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To determine if SARS-CoV-2, which has led to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 global pandemic, is sexually transmitted. Since the putative receptor for the virus is identified in reproductive organs, it is also important to examine if COVID-19 may affect human fertility.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
A systematic review of English publications was conducted up to December 11, 2020 in PubMed, NIH iCite COVID-19 portfolio, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases, searching for SARS-CoV-2 in the testes; seminal, prostatic, and vaginal fluids; and cervical smears. A total of 1,997 records were identified, duplicates were removed, and 1,490 records were reviewed for eligibility by examining titles and abstracts. Subsequently, 202 full-text relevant articles were reviewed by 2 independent reviewers. Forty-seven studies (literature reviews, editorials, and guidelines) were assessed qualitatively, and 23 studies that tested the male and female reproductive tracts of patients with COVID-19 for SARS-CoV-2 were quantitatively analyzed.
RESULTS
No epidemiological investigations to date have described evidence suggesting that COVID-19 is an STD. While angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor is found in the reproductive organs, the lack of co-expression of the TMPRSS2 modulatory protein, required for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry, in testicular cells, sperm, or oocytes, argues against the hypothesis that gametes transmit SARS-CoV-2. Molecular detection studies of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the male and female reproductive tracts were summarized: 98.0% (293/299) of the seminal fluids, 16/17 testicular biopsies, all 89 prostatic fluids, 98.3% (57/58) of the vaginal fluids, all 35 cervical smears, and all 16 oocyte samples tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. None of the studies confirmed sexual transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Nonetheless, COVID-19 may have detrimental effects on male reproduction by inducing orchitis and/or decreasing testosterone levels, sperm counts, and motility.
CONCLUSION
On the basis of the current worldwide published information, COVID-19 is not an STD. This information is important for clinicians, proposed guidelines for public health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines for gamete and tissue donor eligibility, and fertility treatments. Universal precautions, currently practiced worldwide, are adequate and sufficient at this time to prevent the transmission of known or unknown viral infections. We suggest that recovered patients of COVID-19, especially those with infertility, should be evaluated for their ovarian and testicular function.
PubMed: 33558864
DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2021.01.002 -
Urology Case Reports Nov 2022Epididymo-orchitis is a common urological condition that can be caused by a variety of etiologies, including retrograde extension of a urinary tract infection....
Epididymo-orchitis is a common urological condition that can be caused by a variety of etiologies, including retrograde extension of a urinary tract infection. Colovesical fistulas are frequent sequelae of diverticulitis that allow for communication between the colon and urinary bladder. Such fistulas facilitate the spread of enteric bacteria into the urinary bladder, with possible subsequent spread throughout the rest of the genitourinary system. Retrograde extension into the epididymis and testis is very rare, however. We present the case of a 38 year old man with epididymo-orchitis secondary to a colovesical fistula.
PubMed: 36438455
DOI: 10.1016/j.eucr.2022.102281 -
Fertility and Sterility Jun 2020To summarize current understanding of the effects of novel and prior coronaviruses on human reproduction, specifically male and female gametes, and in pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize current understanding of the effects of novel and prior coronaviruses on human reproduction, specifically male and female gametes, and in pregnancy.
DESIGN
Review of English publications in PubMed and Embase to April 6, 2020.
METHOD(S)
Articles were screened for reports including coronavirus, reproduction, pathophysiology, and pregnancy.
INTERVENTION(S)
None.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Reproductive outcomes, effects on gametes, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal complications.
RESULT(S)
Seventy-nine reports formed the basis of the review. Coronavirus binding to cells involves the S1 domain of the spike protein to receptors present in reproductive tissues, including angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), CD26, Ezrin, and cyclophilins. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-1) may cause severe orchitis leading to germ cell destruction in males. Reports indicate decreased sperm concentration and motility for 72-90 days following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Gonadotropin-dependent expression of ACE2 was found in human ovaries, but it is unclear whether SARS-Coronavirus 2 (CoV-2) adversely affects female gametogenesis. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 infection has a lower maternal case fatality rate than SARS or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), but anecdotal reports suggest that infected, asymptomatic women may develop respiratory symptoms postpartum. Coronavirus Disease 2019 infections in pregnancy are associated with preterm delivery. Postpartum neonatal transmission from mother to child has been reported.
CONCLUSION(S)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection may affect adversely some pregnant women and their offspring. Additional studies are needed to assess effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male and female fertility.
Topics: Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Female; Fertility; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Infertility, Female; Infertility, Male; Male; Orchitis; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Pregnancy Outcome; Reproduction; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility
PubMed: 32482250
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.04.025 -
Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2021In the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most important concerns in reproductive health is the issue of male fertility of recovered patients. In this study, we...
In the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most important concerns in reproductive health is the issue of male fertility of recovered patients. In this study, we discuss the potential mechanisms that justify the possible impact of COVID-19 on male fertility. The main point of entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cells appears to be through the viral spike protein which permits entry into cells via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2 receptor). In human testes, ACE2 is enriched in Sertoli and Leydig cells and spermatogonia. Also, it seems that there is a mild or severe cytokine storm in patients with severe COVID-19, and such changes may affect fertility. It should also be mentioned that the orchitis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus may have an important impact on fertility. Prolonged and high fever may lead to changes in testicular temperature and destroy germ cells. In general, there is little evidence for a definite conclusion, but there are facts that suggest that COVID-19 may affect male fertility. It is prudent for men of reproductive age who have recovered from COVID-19 to be evaluated for the presence of the virus in semen and fertility-related items. There is an urgent need to conduct quality studies on, in particular, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the fertility of recovered males.
Topics: COVID-19; Fertility; Humans; Male; Pandemics; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; SARS-CoV-2; Testis
PubMed: 33656720
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-59261-5_12 -
Cureus Apr 2023Emphysematous epididymo-orchitis is a rare and potentially fatal infection marked by the presence of gas in the epididymis and testicular tissue. Here, we describe the...
Emphysematous epididymo-orchitis is a rare and potentially fatal infection marked by the presence of gas in the epididymis and testicular tissue. Here, we describe the case of a 49-year-old male with a known past medical history of diabetes and hypertension who presented with right inguinoscrotal swelling and severe tenderness. An urgent scrotal ultrasound was obtained and revealed a fluid-filled avascular mass. Moreover, the non-contrast CT scan showed a mixture of air and fluid density in the right epididymis, perineum, and spermatic cord course. The medical team confirmed the diagnosis of emphysematous epididymo-orchitis. The patient refused the management plan at first, but later came back and accepted the procedure. A right orchidectomy with spermatic cord removal was performed without complications.
PubMed: 37266058
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38358 -
Molecular Human Reproduction Feb 2021Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a useful model to study organ-specific autoimmunity and chronic testicular inflammation. This model reflects testicular...
Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a useful model to study organ-specific autoimmunity and chronic testicular inflammation. This model reflects testicular pathological changes reported in immunological infertility in men. Progression of EAO in rodents is associated with a significantly increased percentage of testicular endothelial cells and interstitial testicular blood vessels, indicating an ongoing angiogenic process. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), the main regulator of physiological and pathological angiogenesis, can stimulate endothelial cell proliferation, chemotaxis and vascular permeability. The aim of this study was to explore the role of VEGFA in the pathogenesis of testicular inflammation. Our results found VEGFA expression in Leydig cells, endothelial cells and macrophages in testis of rats with autoimmune orchitis. VEGFA level was significantly higher in testicular fluid and serum of rats at the end of the immunization period, preceding testicular damage. VEGF receptor (VEGFR) 1 is expressed mainly in testicular endothelial cells, whereas VEGFR2 was detected in germ cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. Both receptors were expressed in testicular interstitial cells. VEGFR2 increased after the immunization period in the testicular interstitium and VEGFR1 was downregulated in EAO testis. In-vivo-specific VEGFA inhibition by Bevacizumab prevented the increase in blood vessel number and reduced EAO incidence and severity. Our results unveil relevance of VEGFA-VEGFR axis during orchitis development, suggesting that VEGFA might be an early marker of testicular inflammation and Bevacizumab a therapeutic tool for treatment of testicular inflammation associated with subfertility and infertility.
Topics: Angiogenesis Inhibitors; Animals; Autoimmune Diseases; Bevacizumab; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelial Cells; Leydig Cells; Macrophages; Male; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Neovascularization, Pathologic; Orchitis; Quail; Rats, Wistar; Signal Transduction; Testis; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2; Rats
PubMed: 33313783
DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa073