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Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023is a pathogenic protozoan diffused worldwide capable of infecting the urogenital tract in humans, causing trichomoniasis. One of its most intriguing aspects is the... (Review)
Review
is a pathogenic protozoan diffused worldwide capable of infecting the urogenital tract in humans, causing trichomoniasis. One of its most intriguing aspects is the ability to establish a close relationship with endosymbiotic microorganisms: the unique association of with the bacterium represents, to date, the only example of an endosymbiosis involving two true human pathogens. Since its discovery, several aspects of the symbiosis between and have been characterized, demonstrating that the presence of the intracellular guest strongly influences the pathogenic characteristics of the protozoon, making it more aggressive towards host cells and capable of stimulating a stronger proinflammatory response. The recent description of a further symbiont of the protozoon, the newly discovered non-cultivable mycoplasma Mycoplasma girerdii, makes the picture even more complex. This review provides an overview of the main aspects of this complex microbial consortium, with particular emphasis on its effect on protozoan pathobiology and on the interplays among the symbionts.
PubMed: 37764891
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091083 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) May 2023As the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, preterm birth is recognized as a major public health concern around the world. The purpose of this review is to... (Review)
Review
As the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, preterm birth is recognized as a major public health concern around the world. The purpose of this review is to analyze the connection between infections and premature birth. Spontaneous preterm birth is commonly associated with intrauterine infection/inflammation. The overproduction of prostaglandins caused by the inflammation associated with an infection could lead to uterine contractions, contributing to preterm delivery. Many pathogens, particularly , , , , , , , spp., and spp. have been related with premature delivery, chorioamnionitis, and sepsis of the neonate. Further research regarding the prevention of preterm delivery is required in order to develop effective preventive methods with the aim of reducing neonatal morbidity.
PubMed: 37238455
DOI: 10.3390/children10050907 -
Microorganisms Oct 2022can be isolated from the human urogenital tract. However, its interaction with the host remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of...
can be isolated from the human urogenital tract. However, its interaction with the host remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of infection on primary human keratinocytes (PHKs). Cells were quantified at different phases of the cell cycle. Proteins involved in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis progression were evaluated. The expression of genes encoding proteins that are associated with the DNA damage response and Toll-like receptor pathways was evaluated, and the cytokines involved in inflammatory responses were quantified. A greater number of keratinocytes were observed in the Sub-G0/G1 phase after infection with . In the viable keratinocytes, infection resulted in G2/M-phase arrest; GADD45A expression was increased, as was the expression of proteins such as p53, p27, and p21 and others involved in apoptosis regulation and oxidative stress. In infected PHKs, the expression of genes associated with the Toll-like receptor pathways showed a change, and the production of IFN-γ, interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-18, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor alpha increased. The infection of PHKs by causes cellular damage that can affect the cell cycle by activating the response pathways to cellular damage, oxidative stress, and Toll-like receptors. Overall, this response culminated in the reduction of cell proliferation/viability in vitro.
PubMed: 36296238
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10101962 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2023and began to show resistance to azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic commonly used in pregnancy. Unfortunately, there are few effective and safe drugs in the clinic...
PURPOSE
and began to show resistance to azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic commonly used in pregnancy. Unfortunately, there are few effective and safe drugs in the clinic for genital mycoplasmas in pregnant women. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of azithromycin-resistant and infections in pregnant women. The secondary research objects were possible influencing factors and consequences of insensitive Mycoplasma infection.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A retrospective analysis was carried out in pregnant women who underwent cervical Mycoplasma culture between October 2020 and October 2021 at a large general hospital in eastern China. The sociological characteristics and clinical information of these women were collected and analyzed.
RESULTS
A total of 375 pregnant women were enrolled, and 402 cultured mycoplasma specimens were collected. Overall, 186 (49.60%) patients tested positive cervical Mycoplasma infection, and 37 (9.87%) had infections caused by azithromycin-resistant Mycoplasma. In total, 39 mycoplasma samples were insensitive to azithromycin in vitro, also showing extremely high resistance to erythromycin, roxithromycin, and clarithromycin. Azithromycin was the only antibiotic used in women with Mycoplasma cervical infection, regardless of azithromycin resistance in vitro. Statistical results showed that azithromycin-resistant cervical Mycoplasma infection in pregnant women was unrelated to age, body mass index (BMI), gestational age, number of embryos, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) use, but led to a significantly increased incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes (spontaneous abortion (SA), preterm birth (PTB), preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), and stillbirth).
CONCLUSION
Azithromycin-resistant and cervical infections are relatively common during pregnancy, and can increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, there is currently a lack of safe and effective drug treatments. Herein, we show that azithromycin-resistant mycoplasma infection requires timely intervention.
PubMed: 37305734
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S405286 -
The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics :... Nov 2023Bacterial commensals of the human genitourinary tract, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma species (parvum and urealyticum) can be sexually transmitted, and may cause...
Bacterial commensals of the human genitourinary tract, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma species (parvum and urealyticum) can be sexually transmitted, and may cause nongonococcal urethritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma species may also cause severe invasive infections in immunocompromised patients. Current culture-based methods for Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma identification are costly and laborious, with a turnaround time between 1 and 2 weeks. We developed a high-throughput, real-time multiplex PCR assay for the rapid detection of M. hominis and Ureaplasma species in urine, genital swab, body fluid, and tissue. In total, 282 specimens were tested by PCR and compared with historic culture results; a molecular reference method was used to moderate discrepancies. Overall result agreement was 99% for M. hominis (97% positive percentage agreement and 100% negative percentage agreement) and 96% for Ureaplasma species (96% positive percentage agreement and 97% negative percentage agreement). Specimen stability was validated for up to 7 days at room temperature. This multiplex molecular assay was designed for implementation in a high-complexity clinical microbiology laboratory. With this method, >90 samples can be tested in one run, with a turnaround time of 4 to 5 hours from specimen extraction to reporting of results. This PCR test is also more labor effective and cheaper than the conventional culture-based test, thus improving laboratory efficiency and alleviating labor shortages.
Topics: Mycoplasma hominis; Humans; Ureaplasma; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Ureaplasma Infections; Mycoplasma Infections; Sensitivity and Specificity; High-Throughput Screening Assays; DNA, Bacterial; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 37683891
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2023.07.004 -
Journal of Clinical Microbiology Mar 2021
Review
Topics: Abscess; Humans; Mycoplasma Infections; Mycoplasma hominis; Surgical Wound Infection
PubMed: 33826522
DOI: 10.1128/JCM.02343-20 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Aug 2022Facial paralysis secondary to acute otitis media (AOM) is rare in the post-antibiotic era. In immunosuppressed patients, atypical bacteria are more commonly encountered...
Facial paralysis secondary to acute otitis media (AOM) is rare in the post-antibiotic era. In immunosuppressed patients, atypical bacteria are more commonly encountered as the cause. , normally found in the genitourinary tract, uncommonly causes extragenital infection. We report a case of AOM secondary to , complicated by facial paralysis in an immunosuppressed patient. A 24-year-old male with multiple sclerosis, on rituximab, presented to the emergency department with otalgia and facial paralysis. He was diagnosed with Bell's palsy and subsequently referred to the otolaryngology service. Examination revealed right facial paralysis and purulent otorrhea. Computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone showed right tympanic and mastoid opacification. The patient was admitted and started on IV ampicillin/sulbactam, IV dexamethasone, and ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone otic drops. Debridement and examination under anesthesia revealed a right tympanic membrane perforation and granulation tissue. Biopsy and cultures were obtained. Final cultures were positive for . Facial paralysis is an uncommon complication of AOM but typically resolves once appropriate antibiotic therapy is regimented. Because can be missed on routine culture, clinicians should consider workup for atypical organisms in settings of immunosuppression so appropriate antibiotic therapy can be initiated.
PubMed: 36041826
DOI: 10.1177/01455613221113814 -
Open Forum Infectious Diseases Nov 2022, , and may cause post-transplant infections in lung transplant recipients. We evaluated routine pretransplant screening for these Mollicutes.
BACKGROUND
, , and may cause post-transplant infections in lung transplant recipients. We evaluated routine pretransplant screening for these Mollicutes.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed records of lung transplant recipients at our tri-site institution from 01/01/2015 to 11/15/2019. and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on pretransplant recipient urine specimens and donor bronchial swabs at the time of transplantation. Development of Mollicute infection and hyperammonemia syndrome (HS) was recorded.
RESULTS
A total of 268 patients underwent lung transplantation during the study period, of whom 105 were screened with at least 1 Mollicute PCR. Twelve (11%) screened positive; 10 donors, 1 recipient, and 1 both. Among positive donors, 3 were positive for , 5 for , and 4 for . Preemptive therapy included doxycycline, levofloxacin, and/or azithromycin administered for 1-12 weeks. Despite therapy, 1 case of mediastinitis and 1 case of HS associated with infection occurred, both donor-derived. Of those screened before transplant, cases with positive screening were more likely ( < 0.05) to develop Mollicute infection despite treatment (2/12, 17%) than those who screened negative (1/93, 1%).
CONCLUSIONS
Pretransplant recipient urine screening had a low yield and was not correlated with post-transplant Mollicute infection, likely because most and infections in lung transplant recipients are donor-derived. Routine donor bronchus swab PCR for , , and followed by preemptive therapy did not obviously impact the overall incidence of Mollicute infection or HS in this cohort.
PubMed: 36467297
DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac607 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2022is a habitual colonizing microorganism of the lower genital tract but can exceptionally be the causal agent of blood culture-negative infective endocarditis (IE). Only... (Review)
Review
is a habitual colonizing microorganism of the lower genital tract but can exceptionally be the causal agent of blood culture-negative infective endocarditis (IE). Only 11 cases of this entity have been published to date. The study objectives were to describe the first case diagnosed in our center of IE by on pacemaker lead and to carry out a narrative review. Among published cases of IE by this microorganism, 72.7% were male, with a mean age of 45 years and a history of valve surgery; the diagnosis was by culture (54.5%) or molecular technique (45.5%), and the prognosis was favorable in 72.7% of cases. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were doxycycline, quinolones, and clindamycin.
PubMed: 35807126
DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133841 -
Revista Espanola de Quimioterapia :... Apr 2023
Topics: Humans; Mycoplasma hominis; Soft Tissue Infections; Mycoplasma Infections
PubMed: 36800686
DOI: 10.37201/req/115.2022