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BMC Infectious Diseases Jun 2024Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented to reduce the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have suppressed the spread...
BACKGROUND
Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented to reduce the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have suppressed the spread of other respiratory viruses during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to explore the epidemiological trends and clinical characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection among inpatient children with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and investigate the long-term effects of China's NPIs against COVID-19 on the epidemiology of MP among inpatient children with LRTI.
METHODS
Children hospitalised for LRTI at the Department of Pulmonology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Hangzhou, China) between January 2019 and December 2022 were tested for common respiratory pathogens, including Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and other bacteria. Clinical data on age, sex, season of onset, disease spectrum, and combined infection in children with MP-induced LRTI in the past 4 years were collected and analysed.
RESULTS
Overall, 15909 patients were enrolled, and MP-positive cases were 1971 (34.0%), 73 (2.4%), 176 (5.8%), and 952 (20.6%) in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, with a significant statistical difference in the MP-positive rate over the 4 years (p <0.001). The median age of these children was preschool age (3-6 years), except for 2022, when they were school age (7-12 years), with statistical differences. Comparing the positive rates of different age groups, the school-age children (7-12 years) had the highest positive rate, followed by the preschoolers (3-6 years) in each of the 4 years. Compared among different seasons, the positive rate of MP in children with LRTI was higher in summer and autumn, whereas in 2020, it was highest in spring. The monthly positive rate peaked in July 2019, remained low from 2020 to 2021, and rebounded until 2022. Regarding the disease spectrum, severe pneumonia accounted for the highest proportion (46.3%) pre-pandemic and lowest (0%) in 2020.
CONCLUSION
Trends in MP detection in children with LRTIs suggest a possible correlation between COVID-19 NPIs and significantly reduced detection rates. The positivity rate of MP gradually rose after 2 years. The epidemic season showed some differences, but school-age children were more susceptible to MP before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Topics: Humans; China; COVID-19; Child; Child, Preschool; Male; Female; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Respiratory Tract Infections; Adolescent; Infant; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics
PubMed: 38824572
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09438-2 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Jul 2024We report a large-scale outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory infections encompassing 218 cases (0.8% of 26,449 patients tested) during 2023-2024 in Marseille,...
We report a large-scale outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory infections encompassing 218 cases (0.8% of 26,449 patients tested) during 2023-2024 in Marseille, France. The bacterium is currently circulating and primarily affects children <15 years of age. High prevalence of co-infections warrants the use of a syndromic diagnostic strategy.
Topics: Humans; France; Disease Outbreaks; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Male; Female; Adult; Infant; Young Adult; Middle Aged; History, 21st Century; Aged; Prevalence; Coinfection; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 38816344
DOI: 10.3201/eid3007.240315 -
Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Sep 2024The transplacental transmission of parasites and hemoparasites is crucial for understanding the epidemiology of diseases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of...
The transplacental transmission of parasites and hemoparasites is crucial for understanding the epidemiology of diseases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hemopathogens in bovine fetuses at various gestational periods. Samples were obtained from a slaughterhouse in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and a total of 236 fetuses were collected. DNA extracted from blood samples (145) and organ samples (a pool of brain and spleen) (236) underwent a nested PCR (nPCR) assay to detect Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Trypanosoma vivax, Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma bovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia minasensis, and hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. Additionally, serological analysis of 145 plasma samples was conducted using the indirect fluorescent antibody test-IFAT to detect IgG against Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, A. marginale, and Trypanosoma vivax. The observed prevalence of transplacental transmission was 19.3 %, 6.2 %, 42.7 % and 2.7 %, for A. marginale, B. bigemina, 'Candidatus M. haemobos', and Mycoplasma wenyonii, respectively. The prevalence of A. marginale by gestational trimester was 16 % (13/81) in the second trimester and 23 % (14/60) in the third trimester, with no positive samples in the first trimester. Regarding the species B. bovis and B. bigemina, all evaluated animals tested negative by nPCR, and no serological evidence for B. bovis was found by the IFAT. Babesia bigemina demonstrated an overall seroprevalence of 6.2 % (9/145), with 4.8 % (7/145) in the last trimester and 1.3 % (2/145) in the second trimester of pregnancy. In total, 42.7 % (62/145) of blood samples were positive for 'Candidatus M. haemobos', with 42 % (34/81) in the middle trimester, and 43 % (26/60) in the final trimester of pregnancy. Mycoplasma wenyonni was detected in 2.7 % (4/145) blood samples, all in coinfection with 'C. M. haemobos'. The prevalence by pregnancy trimester was 25 % (1/4) in the first trimester; 1.2 % (1/81) in the second trimester and 3.3 % (2/60) in the third trimester of pregnancy. Hemopathogen DNA was detected in fetus blood samples but not the brain or spleen samples. All the samples were negative for T. vivax, Theileria spp., Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. Overall, in this study, approximately 70 % of fetuses were positive for one or more of the studied parasites. No significant associations were observed between pairs of pathogens, except 'C. M. haemobos' and A. marginale.
Topics: Animals; Brazil; Cattle; Female; Cattle Diseases; Mycoplasma; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Babesia; Fetus; Mycoplasma Infections; Theileria; Trypanosoma vivax; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Anaplasma; Babesiosis; Anaplasmosis; Ehrlichia
PubMed: 38788485
DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102351 -
PLoS Pathogens May 2024Mycoplasmas are minimal but notorious bacteria that infect humans and animals. These genome-reduced organisms have evolved strategies to overcome host apoptotic defense...
Mycoplasmas are minimal but notorious bacteria that infect humans and animals. These genome-reduced organisms have evolved strategies to overcome host apoptotic defense and establish persistent infection. Here, using Mycoplasma bovis as a model, we demonstrate that mycoplasma glycine cleavage system (GCS) H protein (GcvH) targets the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to hijack host apoptosis facilitating bacterial infection. Mechanically, GcvH interacts with the ER-resident kinase Brsk2 and stabilizes it by blocking its autophagic degradation. Brsk2 subsequently disturbs unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling, thereby inhibiting the key apoptotic molecule CHOP expression and ER-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway. CHOP mediates a cross-talk between ER- and mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptosis. The GcvH N-terminal amino acid 31-35 region is necessary for GcvH interaction with Brsk2, as well as for GcvH to exert anti-apoptotic and potentially pro-infective functions. Notably, targeting Brsk2 to dampen apoptosis may be a conserved strategy for GCS-containing mycoplasmas. Our study reveals a novel role for the conserved metabolic route protein GcvH in Mycoplasma species. It also sheds light on how genome-reduced bacteria exploit a limited number of genomic proteins to resist host cell apoptosis thereby facilitating pathogenesis.
Topics: Apoptosis; Humans; Endoplasmic Reticulum; Bacterial Proteins; Animals; Mycoplasma Infections; Mycoplasma bovis; Glycine; Unfolded Protein Response; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
PubMed: 38787906
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012266 -
Marine Drugs May 2024, a notable pathogen behind respiratory infections, employs specialized proteins to adhere to the respiratory epithelium, an essential process for initiating infection....
, a notable pathogen behind respiratory infections, employs specialized proteins to adhere to the respiratory epithelium, an essential process for initiating infection. The role of glycosaminoglycans, especially heparan sulfate, is critical in facilitating pathogen-host interactions, presenting a strategic target for therapeutic intervention. In this study, we assembled a glycan library comprising heparin, its oligosaccharide derivatives, and a variety of marine-derived sulfated glycans to screen the potential inhibitors for the pathogen-host interactions. By using Surface Plasmon Resonance spectroscopy, we evaluated the library's efficacy in inhibiting the interaction between adhesion proteins and heparin. Our findings offer a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutic strategies against infections.
Topics: Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Heparin; Polysaccharides; Aquatic Organisms; Humans; Adhesins, Bacterial; Bacterial Adhesion; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Animals; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Sulfates
PubMed: 38786623
DOI: 10.3390/md22050232 -
Biosensors May 2024Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a global concern because approximately 1 million new cases emerge daily. Most STDs are curable, but if left untreated, they can...
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a global concern because approximately 1 million new cases emerge daily. Most STDs are curable, but if left untreated, they can cause severe long-term health implications, including infertility and even death. Therefore, a test enabling rapid and accurate screening and genotyping of STD pathogens is highly awaited. Herein, we present the development of the DNA-based 6STD Genotyping 9G Membrane test, a lateral flow strip membrane assay, for the detection and genotyping of six STD pathogens, including , , , , , and . Here, we developed a multiplex PCR primer set that allows PCR amplification of genomic materials for these six STD pathogens. We also developed the six ssDNA probes that allow highly efficient detection of the six STD pathogens. The 6STD Genotyping 9G Membrane test lets us obtain the final detection and genotyping results in less than 30 m after PCR at 25 °C. The accuracy of the 6STD Genotyping 9G membrane test in STD genotyping was confirmed by its 100% concordance with the sequencing results of 120 clinical samples. Therefore, the 6STD Genotyping 9G Membrane test emerges as a promising diagnostic tool for precise STD genotyping, facilitating informed decision-making in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Chlamydia trachomatis; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Genotype; Trichomonas vaginalis; Genotyping Techniques; Mycoplasma hominis; Ureaplasma urealyticum; DNA; Mycoplasma genitalium; Biosensing Techniques; DNA, Bacterial; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 38785734
DOI: 10.3390/bios14050260 -
Journal of Clinical Virology : the... Aug 2024Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major global cause of death and hospitalization. Bacteria or community-acquired viruses (CARVs) cause CAP. COVID-19 associated...
BACKGROUND
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major global cause of death and hospitalization. Bacteria or community-acquired viruses (CARVs) cause CAP. COVID-19 associated restrictions effectively reduced the circulation of CARVs.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to analyze the proportion of CARVs in adult patients with CAP from mid-2020 to mid-2023. Specifically, we aimed to compare the rate of influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV detections in patients aged 18-59 years and ≥60 years.
STUDY DESIGN
We analyze the proportion of 21 community-acquired respiratory viruses (CARVs) and three atypical bacteria (Bordetella pertussis, Legionella pneumophila, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae) in nasopharyngeal swab samples using molecular multiplex methods within the prospective, multicentre, multinational study of the German study Group CAPNETZ. We used stringent inclusion criteria throughout the study.
RESULTS
We identified CARVs in 364/1,388 (26.2 %) patients. In detail, we detected SARS-CoV-2 in 210/1,388 (15.1 %), rhino-/enterovirus in 64/1,388 (4.6 %), influenza virus in 23/1,388 (1.6 %) and RSV in 17/1,388 (1.2 %) of all patients. We detected RSV and influenza more frequently in patients ≥60 years, especially in 22/23 compared to the previous season. None of the atypical bacteria were detected.
CONCLUSIONS
Beginning in 2023, we demonstrate a re-emergence of CARVs in CAP patients. Effective vaccines or specific antiviral therapies for more than two thirds of the detected viral infections are currently available. High detection rates of vaccine-preventable viruses in older age groups support targeted vaccination campaigns.
Topics: Humans; Community-Acquired Infections; Middle Aged; Adult; Prospective Studies; Male; Female; Young Adult; Adolescent; Aged; COVID-19; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; SARS-CoV-2; Pneumonia, Viral; Influenza, Human; Germany; Viruses; Nasopharynx; Legionella pneumophila
PubMed: 38781632
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2024.105694 -
Health Informatics Journal 2024Mycoplasma pneumonia may lead to hospitalizations and pose life-threatening risks in children. The automated identification of mycoplasma pneumonia from electronic...
Mycoplasma pneumonia may lead to hospitalizations and pose life-threatening risks in children. The automated identification of mycoplasma pneumonia from electronic medical records holds significant potential for improving the efficiency of hospital resource allocation. In this study, we proposed a novel method for identifying mycoplasma pneumonia by integrating multi-modal features derived from both free-text descriptions and structured test data in electronic medical records. Our approach begins with the extraction of free-text and structured data from clinical records through a systematic preprocessing pipeline. Subsequently, we employ a pre-trained transformer language model to extract features from the free-text, while multiple additive regression trees are used to transform features from the structured data. An attention-based fusion mechanism is then applied to integrate these multi-modal features for effective classification. We validated our method using clinic records of 7157 patients, retrospectively collected for training and testing purposes. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed multi-modal fusion approach achieves significant improvements over other methods across four key performance metrics.
Topics: Humans; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Electronic Health Records; Child; Retrospective Studies; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Female; Male; Child, Preschool
PubMed: 38779978
DOI: 10.1177/14604582241255818 -
BMC Pulmonary Medicine May 2024Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is prevalent in paediatric patients and can progress to refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP).
INTRODUCTION
Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is prevalent in paediatric patients and can progress to refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP).
OBJECTIVE
To assess the predictive value of bronchoscopy combined with computed tomography (CT) score in identifying RMPP in children.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 244 paediatric patients with MP, categorising them into RMPP and general mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (GMPP) groups. A paired t-test compared the bronchitis score (BS) and CT score before and after treatment, supplemented by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.
RESULTS
The RMPP group showed higher incidences of extrapulmonary complications and pleural effusion (58.10% and 40%, respectively) compared with the GMPP group (44.60%, p = 0.037 and 18.71%, p < 0.001, respectively). The CT scores for each lung lobe were statistically significant between the groups, except for the right upper lobe (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis between the total CT score and total BS yielded r = 0.346 and p < 0.001. The ROC for BS combined with CT score, including area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and cut-off values, were 0.82, 0.89, 0.64, and 0.53, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The combined BS and CT score method is highly valuable in identifying RMPP in children.
Topics: Humans; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Child; Bronchoscopy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Child, Preschool; ROC Curve; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Predictive Value of Tests; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Adolescent; Sensitivity and Specificity; Lung; Bronchitis
PubMed: 38778338
DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-02996-w -
Veterinary Microbiology Jul 2024Mycoplasma synoviae causes infectious synovitis and respiratory tract infections in chickens and is responsible for significant economic losses in the poultry industry....
Mycoplasma synoviae causes infectious synovitis and respiratory tract infections in chickens and is responsible for significant economic losses in the poultry industry. Effective attachment and colonisation of the trachea is critical for the persistence of the organism and progression of the disease it causes. The respiratory tract infection is usually sub-clinical, but concurrent infection with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is known to enhance the pathogenicity of M. synoviae. This study aimed to explore differentially expressed genes in the tracheal mucosa, and their functional categories, during chronic infection with M. synoviae, using a M. synoviae-IBV infection model. The transcriptional profiles of the trachea were assessed 2 weeks after infection using RNA sequencing. In chickens infected with M. synoviae or IBV, only 1 or 8 genes were differentially expressed compared to uninfected chickens, respectively. In contrast, the M. synoviae-IBV infected chickens had 621 upregulated and 206 downregulated genes compared to uninfected chickens. Upregulated genes and their functional categories were suggestive of uncontrolled lymphoid cell proliferation and an ongoing pro-inflammatory response. Genes associated with anti-inflammatory effects, pathogen removal, apoptosis, regulation of the immune response, airway homoeostasis, cell adhesion and tissue regeneration were downregulated. Overall, transcriptional changes in the trachea, 2 weeks after infection with M. synoviae and IBV, indicate immune dysregulation, robust inflammation and a lack of cytotoxic damage during chronic infection. This model provides insights into the pathogenesis of chronic infection with M. synoviae.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Mycoplasma Infections; Poultry Diseases; Mycoplasma synoviae; Trachea; Infectious bronchitis virus; Chronic Disease; Coronavirus Infections; Transcriptome; Gene Expression Profiling; Coinfection
PubMed: 38772075
DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2024.110119