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The Journal of International Medical... Mar 2024Acute respiratory infections are a major global public health concern. However, there are few epidemiological studies investigating pathogens associated with respiratory...
OBJECTIVE
Acute respiratory infections are a major global public health concern. However, there are few epidemiological studies investigating pathogens associated with respiratory tract infections in Guizhou Province, China.
METHODS
We collected 17,850 blood samples from Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital between November 2018 and May 2023 to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of respiratory pathogens and their spread during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Guizhou Province.
RESULTS
We identified influenza virus and as the predominant pathogens involved in acute respiratory infections in the study area. Immunoglobulin M positivity for respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, and showed a strong correlation with the clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. Seasonal epidemic patterns were observed for influenza A and B viruses. Following the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, there was a significant decrease in the positive rates for most respiratory pathogens, particularly influenza A and B, , and respiratory syncytial virus.
CONCLUSION
This retrospective study contributes to the epidemiological evidence regarding respiratory pathogens in Guizhou Province, thereby enhancing the surveillance network for respiratory pathogens in China and providing valuable guidance for local hospitals.
Topics: Humans; Influenza, Human; SARS-CoV-2; Retrospective Studies; COVID-19; Respiratory Tract Infections; China; Mycoplasma pneumoniae
PubMed: 38520253
DOI: 10.1177/03000605241236050 -
ACS Synthetic Biology Apr 2024Mycoplasmas are atypical bacteria with small genomes that necessitate colonization of their respective animal or plant hosts as obligate parasites, whether as pathogens,...
Mycoplasmas are atypical bacteria with small genomes that necessitate colonization of their respective animal or plant hosts as obligate parasites, whether as pathogens, or commensals. Some can grow axenically in specialized complex media yet show only host-cell-dependent growth in cell culture, where they can survive chronically and often through interactions involving surface colonization or internalization. To develop a mycoplasma-based system to identify genes mediating such interactions, we exploited genetically tractable strains of the goat pathogen () with synthetic designer genomes representing the complete natural organism (minus virulence factors; JCVI-syn1.0) or its reduced counterpart (JCVI-syn3B) containing only those genes supporting axenic growth. By measuring growth of surviving organisms, physical association with cultured human cells (HEK-293T, HeLa), and induction of phagocytosis by human myeloid cells (dHL-60), we determined that JCVI-syn1.0 contained a set of eight genes ( to , dispensable for axenic growth) conferring survival, attachment, and phagocytosis phenotypes. JCVI-syn3B lacked these phenotypes, but insertion of these genes restored cell attachment and phagocytosis, although not survival. These results indicate that JCVI-syn3B may be a powerful living platform to analyze the role of specific gene sets, from any organism, on the interaction with diverse mammalian cells in culture.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mycoplasma; Mycoplasma mycoides; HeLa Cells; Mammals
PubMed: 38507598
DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00513 -
Emerging Microbes & Infections Dec 2024After the use of facemasks, other isolation measures enacted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were lifted, respiratory pathogens, such as RSV, reappeared, but until the...
After the use of facemasks, other isolation measures enacted during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic were lifted, respiratory pathogens, such as RSV, reappeared, but until the November 2023 WHO alert for China, had virtually disappeared. After observing a similar reappearance in our hospital, a retrospective analysis of the number of positive tests. Between 2018 and December 2023, 1619 PCR tests were ordered and 43 (2.6%) of them were positive. Two outbreaks, one in 2018 and one in 2023, accounted for the majority of cases. Tests were usually ordered in an outpatient setting (53.54%, = 23) and most of them were paediatric patients with a mean age (sd) of 10.2 (6.2) years. As for the severity of the cases, in the 2018 outbreak, of 15 children who tested positive, 53.3% ( = 8) were admitted to the ward and 6.7% ( = 1) at the intensive care unit. Whereas in 2023, 2 patients were tested in the ward (10.5%) and one in the intensive care unit (5.2%) from a total of 19 patients. The positive rate in 2023 was significantly higher in comparison with years 2020, 2021 and 2022 and significantly lower in comparison with 2018 (-value=0.003). The outbreak in late 2023 can be explained by the seasonality of Mycoplasma pneumonia alone, which has shown outbreaks every 3-5 years, and it does not appear to be more severe than the previous one.
Topics: Humans; Child; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Spain; Retrospective Studies; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; China
PubMed: 38497329
DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2332680 -
Medicine Mar 2024Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infections occur in regional outbreaks every 3 to 7 years, lasting up to 2 years. Since this fall, there has been a significant rise in MP...
BACKGROUND
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infections occur in regional outbreaks every 3 to 7 years, lasting up to 2 years. Since this fall, there has been a significant rise in MP infections among children in China, indicating a regional epidemiological trend that imposes an increased national public health burden. To date, bibliometric methods have not been applied to studies on MP infection in children.
METHODS
We searched for all relevant English publications on MP pneumonia in children published from 2011 to 2023 using Web of Science. Analytical software tools such as Citespace and VOSviewer were employed to analyze the collected literature.
RESULTS
993 articles on MP pneumonia in children were published in 338 academic journals by 5062 authors affiliated with 1381 institutions across 75 countries/regions. China led in global productivity with 56.19%. Among the top 10 prolific organizations, 8 were Chinese institutions, with Soochow University being the most active, followed by Capital Medical University and Zhejiang University. Zhimin Chen from Zhejiang University School of Medicine exhibited the highest H-index of 32. Keyword co-occurrence network analysis revealed 7 highly relevant clusters.
CONCLUSION
The current research hotspots and frontiers in this field are primarily MP pneumonia, refractory MP pneumonia, lactate dehydrogenase, asthma, and biomarker. We anticipate that this work will provide novel insights for advancing scientific exploration and the clinical application of MP pneumonia in children.
Topics: Child; Humans; Asian People; Bibliometrics; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Public Health; China
PubMed: 38489686
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037521 -
Microbiology Spectrum Apr 2024Non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs), such as universal masking, implemented during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have reduced respiratory infections among children. This...
UNLABELLED
Non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs), such as universal masking, implemented during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have reduced respiratory infections among children. This study evaluated the impact of NPIs on infections in children, analyzing data from two hospitals in Arkansas and examining age-related differences and co-infections with other respiratory viruses. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and included patients (≤18 years) with upper respiratory tract symptoms. Data generated from the FilmArray Respiratory Panel were divided into pre-NPI, NPI, and post-NPI periods for analysis. Overall test positivity rate and positivity rate interval changes were evaluated. Statistical differences were determined by Chi-square (χ independence) analysis. A total of 100,077 tests were performed, with a statistical increase in testing volume during the NPI and post-NPI periods. The number of positive tests decreased by 77% (77 to 18) during the NPI period, then increased by 50% (18 to 27) during the post-NPI period. Preschool and elementary school age groups had the highest number of positive tests during the study at 59 (48%) and 40 (33%), respectively. Reduced infections were consistent across age groups. Co-infections with other respiratory viruses, particularly human rhinovirus/enterovirus, were observed at much lower levels. Pediatric infections in Arkansas were temporally associated with implementation and discontinuation of NPIs. Specific viral co-infections still occurred, albeit at lower levels during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Because of the slower growth of this bacterium, we expect infections to return to pre-pandemic levels within approximately 2 years.
IMPORTANCE
Non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs) effectively curtailed the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and, fortuitously, many other aerosol-transmitted respiratory pathogens. This study included the largest data set of symptomatic, pediatric patients from within the United States spanning a period from November 2017 through December 2023, and encompassed individuals residing in both rural and urban settings. We observed a strong correlation between the implementation and cessation of NPIs with the rate of respiratory infections due to and viral co-infections. These infections are returning to baseline levels approximately 2 years following NPI cessation. This observation was not unexpected since the replication time for viruses is exponentially faster than that of bacteria. The resurgence of and likely other atypical bacterial pathogens is currently in process. Healthcare providers should strongly consider these pathogens in individuals presenting with respiratory tract illnesses.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Humans; Child; Arkansas; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; SARS-CoV-2; Coinfection; Pandemics; COVID-19; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 38488365
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02908-23 -
Journal of Infection in Developing... Feb 2024Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma parvum have been recently linked to sexually transmitted diseases and other conditions. There are a limited number of studies conducted...
INTRODUCTION
Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma parvum have been recently linked to sexually transmitted diseases and other conditions. There are a limited number of studies conducted on South African pregnant women that have assessed the prevalence and risk factors for genital mycoplasmas.
METHODOLOGY
This study included 264 HIV infected pregnant women attending the King Edward VIII antenatal clinic in eThekwini, South Africa. DNA was extracted using the PureLink Microbiome kit and pathogens were detected using the TaqMan Real-time PCR assays. The statistical data analysis was conducted in a freely available Statistical Computing Environment, R software, version 3.6.3 using the RStudio platform.
RESULTS
The prevalence of M. hominis and U. parvum, was 215/264 (81.4%), and 203/264 (76.9%), respectively. In the M. hominis positive group, a significantly (p = 0.004) higher proportion, 80.5% tested positive for U. parvum infection when compared to 61.2% among the M. hominis negative. Of the U. parvum positive women, a significantly (p = 0.004) higher proportion of women (85.2%) tested positive for M. hominis when compared to 68.9% among the U. parvum negative. In the unadjusted and adjusted analysis, being M. hominis positive increased the risk for U. parvum by approximately 3 times more (p = 0.014) and 4-fold (p = 0.008), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
This study showed a significant link between M. hominis and U. parvum infection. To date, there are a limited number of studies that have investigated M. hominisbeing a risk factor for U. parvum infection. Therefore, the data presented in the current study now fills in this gap in the literature.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Mycoplasma hominis; Pregnant Women; HIV; Mycoplasma Infections; Ureaplasma; Ureaplasma Infections; Ureaplasma urealyticum
PubMed: 38484352
DOI: 10.3855/jidc.17316 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2024is one of the smallest self-replicating organisms. It causes chronic respiratory disease, leading to significant economic losses in poultry industry. Following... (Review)
Review
is one of the smallest self-replicating organisms. It causes chronic respiratory disease, leading to significant economic losses in poultry industry. Following invasion, the pathogen can persist in the host owing to its immune evasion, resulting in long-term chronic infection. The strategies of immune evasion by mycoplasmas are very complex and recent research has unraveled these sophisticated mechanisms. The antigens of exhibit high-frequency changes in size and expression cycle, allowing them to evade the activation of the host humoral immune response. can invade non-phagocytic chicken cells and also regulate microRNAs to modulate cell proliferation, inflammation, and apoptosis in tracheal epithelial cells during the disease process. has been shown to transiently activate the inflammatory response and then inhibit it by suppressing key inflammatory mediators, avoiding being cleared. The regulation and activation of immune cells are important for host response against mycoplasma infection. However, has been shown to interfere with the functions of macrophages and lymphocytes, compromising their defense capabilities. In addition, the pathogen can cause immunological damage to organs by inducing an inflammatory response, cell apoptosis, and oxidative stress, leading to immunosuppression in the host. This review comprehensively summarizes these evasion tactics employed by , providing valuable insights into better prevention and control of mycoplasma infection.
Topics: Animals; Mycoplasma gallisepticum; Immune Evasion; Mycoplasma Infections; Chickens; Poultry; Poultry Diseases
PubMed: 38474071
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052824 -
La Tunisie Medicale Nov 2023Ocular manifestations of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae infection are rare. We present a case of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae infection revealed by a recurrent retro-bulbar optic...
INTRODUCTION
Ocular manifestations of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae infection are rare. We present a case of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae infection revealed by a recurrent retro-bulbar optic neuritis.
CASE DESCRIPTION
A 38-year-old woman, initially treated for a typical retro-bulbar optic neuritis of the right eye with corticosteroid therapy at high doses, presented for a recurrent decreased vision in the same eye, associated with blepharospasm and conjunctival hyperemia. The etiological assessment revealed a recent Mycoplasma Pneumoniae infection. The patient was treated with corticosteroids and fluorquinolones. Her visual acuity improved to 20/20 and the other symptoms disappeared. She did not develop any recurrence during follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Management of atypical optic neuritis in a young adult requires consideration and serologic testing for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae especially in endemic regions.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Optic Neuritis; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 38468588
DOI: No ID Found -
BMC Veterinary Research Mar 2024Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia [CBPP] is a transboundary animal disease of cattle caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides [Mmm]. CBPP causes severe economic...
BACKGROUND
Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia [CBPP] is a transboundary animal disease of cattle caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides [Mmm]. CBPP causes severe economic losses to livestock producers in sub-Saharan Africa mainly due to high mortality, morbidity, reduction in productivity as well as livestock trade restrictions. This study aimed at determining seroprevalence of Mmm in cattle from Karamoja region, north-eastern Uganda; data that are required to design and implement risk based CBPP control program.
METHODS
We randomly collected blood samples from 2,300 cattle spread across Karamoja region. Serum was extracted and screened for antibodies against Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides [Mmm] using the competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [cELISA].
RESULTS
A quarter [25.4%; 95% CI: 23.7-27.3] of the screened cattle [n = 2,300] were sero-positive for Mmm. Amudat and Kaabong districts recorded the lowest [12.3%] and highest [30.7%] Mmm seroprevalence respectively. Increasing age, overnight stay in cattle kraals and location [certain districts, villages, herds and sub counties] of the cattle herds, the factors that promote animal commingling, were the most significant risk factors of seroconversion with Mmm.
CONCLUSION
Results from this study indicated a higher seroprevalence of Mmm in Karamoja region cattle herds. This could be due to the increased frequency of CBPP outbreaks in recent years. To be effective, CBPP vaccination programs should target high risk herds along the international borders and other hotspot areas [e.g., parishes or sub counties] where cattle commingling is high.
Topics: Cattle; Animals; Mycoplasma mycoides; Uganda; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Pleuropneumonia; Cattle Diseases; Pleuropneumonia, Contagious; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Mycoplasma
PubMed: 38461244
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03938-8 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2024This study aimed to investigate differences in clinical characteristics and laboratory findings between children infected with Macrolide-Sensitive Mycoplasma pneumoniae... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
This study aimed to investigate differences in clinical characteristics and laboratory findings between children infected with Macrolide-Sensitive Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MSMP) and Macrolide-Resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP). Additionally, the research sought to identify laboratory markers for rapidly distinguishing refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) from ordinary Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (OMPP). In total, 265 Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) patients were included, with MRMP identified by specific point mutations in domain V of the 23S rRNA gene. A retrospective analysis compared the clinical courses and laboratory data, revealing that MRMP patients experienced prolonged febrile days (P = 0.004), elevated CRP levels (P < 0.001), and higher MP DNA loads than MSMP patients (P = 0.037). Based on clinical symptoms, MRMP was divided into RMPP (n = 56) and OMPP (n = 70), with RMPP demonstrating significantly increased IL-18, community-acquired respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS) toxins in nasopharyngeal aspirate, and serum CRP levels (P < 0.001; P = 0.006; P < 0.001). In conclusion, timely recognition of RMPP is crucial for enhancing prognosis. The identification of MRMP, coupled with proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-18, CARDS toxins, and CRP, emerges as promising markers with the potential to contribute significantly to diagnostic accuracy and prognosis assessment.
Topics: Child; Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; China; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Interleukin-18; Macrolides; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38453960
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55311-2