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Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024Urban stray cats are cats without owners that survive in the wild for extended periods of time. They are one of the most common stray animals in cities, and as such,...
Urban stray cats are cats without owners that survive in the wild for extended periods of time. They are one of the most common stray animals in cities, and as such, monitoring the pathogens carried by urban stray cats is an important component of urban epidemiological surveillance. In order to understand the prevalence of respiratory diseases in urban stray cats in Shanghai and provide scientific evidence for the development of targeted prevention and control strategies for respiratory diseases in stray cats, we collected 374 ocular, nasal, and oropharyngeal swabs from urban stray cats in Shanghai from January 2022 to December 2022. After RNA extraction, we used real-time PCR to detect six respiratory pathogens, including influenza A virus, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus type 1, , , and . The results showed that among the 374 samples, 146 tested positive, with a positivity rate of 39.04%. The highest positivity rate was observed for at 18.72% (70/374), followed by at 11.76% (44/374), feline calicivirus at 3.74% (14/374), feline herpesvirus 1 at 3.48% (13/374), at 1.34% (5/374), and influenza A virus was not detected. The highest positivity rate for was in Minhang District at 31.94% (23/72), while and had the highest positivity rates in Jiading District at 23.53% (8/34) and 5.88% (2/34), respectively. The highest positivity rates for feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus 1 were both observed in Qingpu District, at 14.46% (12/83) and 9.64% (8/83), respectively. A total of 36 samples showed mixed infections with two or more pathogens, with being involved in 32 of these mixed infections, with the highest number of mixed infections being with at 25 samples. Respiratory pathogen positivity was detected throughout the year, with peak detection rates in summer and winter. The positivity rates of cat respiratory pathogens in different seasons showed statistical differences (χ = 27.73, < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the positivity rates of respiratory pathogens between cats of different genders (χ = 0.92, > 0.05). The positivity rates of respiratory pathogens in cats of different age groups showed statistical differences (χ = 44.41, < 0.01). and were the main pathogens causing respiratory infections in stray cats, with showing a much higher positivity rate than other respiratory pathogens and often co-infecting with and feline calicivirus. The positivity rate of was high in summer, autumn, and winter, with no statistical difference between seasons. These results indicate a serious overall prevalence of respiratory pathogens in urban stray cats in the Shanghai area, showing seasonal trends and mixed infections with other pathogens. These findings suggest the need for comprehensive prevention and control measures to address respiratory pathogen infections in urban stray cats in the Shanghai area.
PubMed: 38891609
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111562 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... May 2024Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) presents a substantial threat to global tilapia production. Despite the development of numerous cell lines for TiLV isolation and propagation,...
Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) presents a substantial threat to global tilapia production. Despite the development of numerous cell lines for TiLV isolation and propagation, none have been specifically derived from red hybrid tilapia ( spp.). In this study, we successfully established a new cell line, RHTiB, from the red hybrid tilapia brain. RHTiB cells were cultured for 1.5 years through over 50 passages and demonstrated optimal growth at 25 °C in Leibovitz-15 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum at pH 7.4. Morphologically, RHTiB cells displayed a fibroblast-like appearance, and cytochrome oxidase I gene sequencing confirmed their origin from spp. contamination testing yielded negative results. The revival rate of the cells post-cryopreservation was observed to be between 75 and 80% after 30 days. Chromosomal analysis at the 25th passage revealed a diploid count of 22 pairs (2n = 44). While no visible cytopathic effects were observed, both immunofluorescence microscopy and RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated successful TiLV propagation in the RHTiB cell line, with a maximum TiLV concentration of 10 viral copies/400 ng cDNA after 9 days of incubation. The establishment of this species-specific cell line represents a valuable advancement in the diagnostic and isolation tools for viral diseases potentially impacting red hybrid tilapia.
PubMed: 38891569
DOI: 10.3390/ani14111522 -
Cureus May 2024A seven-year-old girl developed multiposition thrombosis after fever and respiratory symptoms. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated bilateral infiltrates,...
A seven-year-old girl developed multiposition thrombosis after fever and respiratory symptoms. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated bilateral infiltrates, consolidation of the right lower lobe, and pleural effusion in the right lung field. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple abnormal signals in the brain with limited diffusion, and cerebral infarction could not be excluded. Echocardiography revealed hypoechoic mitral valve tips, which are likely to be suspected as vegetation. infection was clarified by a four-fold increase in IgG antibodies to sera. D-dimer levels were elevated increasingly. We found and reported this rare pediatric case of an -induced severe pneumonia complicated with intracardiac and cerebral thrombosis. We investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of refractory mycoplasma pneumonia complicated with intracardiac and cerebral thrombosis in children.
PubMed: 38887349
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60563 -
Italian Journal of Pediatrics Jun 2024Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is a common respiratory infection among children. However, the occurrence of thromboembolism with plastic bronchitis in association with... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is a common respiratory infection among children. However, the occurrence of thromboembolism with plastic bronchitis in association with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is extremely rare. This case series presents five cases of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia who developed thromboembolism and plastic bronchitis. The clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and management strategies are discussed.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was conducted on medical records from a pediatric hospital. Patient demographics, clinical features, laboratory findings, imaging results, treatment modalities, and outcomes were collected.
RESULTS
The patients in our case series presented with varying degrees of respiratory distress, cough, and fever. Imaging studies revealed evidence of thromboembolism based on pulmonary artery occlusion. Bronchial casts were observed by bronchoscopy. Laboratory tests demonstrated elevated D-dimer levels and fibrinogen degradation products. All patients received a combination of low molecular weight heparin anticoagulation and supportive care.
CONCLUSION
Thromboembolism with plastic bronchitis associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is a rare but potentially serious complication in children. Prompt recognition and management are crucial for improving patient outcomes. This case series highlights the diverse clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies for this unique clinical entity. Further research is needed to better understand the pathogenesis and optimal management of this condition.
Topics: Humans; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Male; Bronchitis; Female; Child; Child, Preschool; Retrospective Studies; Thromboembolism; Bronchoscopy; Anticoagulants
PubMed: 38886770
DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01690-1 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Cloning and transfer of long-stranded DNA in the size of a bacterial whole genome has become possible by recent advancements in synthetic biology. For the whole genome...
Cloning and transfer of long-stranded DNA in the size of a bacterial whole genome has become possible by recent advancements in synthetic biology. For the whole genome cloning and whole genome transplantation, bacteria with small genomes have been mainly used, such as mycoplasmas and related species. The key benefits of whole genome cloning include the effective maintenance and preservation of an organism's complete genome within a yeast host, the capability to modify these genome sequences through yeast-based genetic engineering systems, and the subsequent use of these cloned genomes for further experiments. This approach provides a versatile platform for in-depth genomic studies and applications in synthetic biology. Here, we cloned an entire genome of an insect-associated bacterium, , in yeast. The 1.12 Mbp whole genome was successfully cloned in yeast, and sequences of several clones were confirmed by Illumina sequencing. The cloning efficiency was high, and the clones contained only a few mutations, averaging 1.2 nucleotides per clone with a mutation rate of 4 × 10. The cloned genomes could be distributed and used for further research. This study serves as an initial step in the synthetic biology approach to .
PubMed: 38881660
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1411609 -
Poultry Science May 2024An attenuated vaccine against the Mycoplasma gallisepticum ts-11 strain has become an effective prevention and control method against MG infection. However, the ts-11...
Development and application of a cycleave dual-probe fluorescence quantitative PCR method for simultaneous detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum ts-11 vaccine strain and non-ts-11 strains.
An attenuated vaccine against the Mycoplasma gallisepticum ts-11 strain has become an effective prevention and control method against MG infection. However, the ts-11 strain is usually difficult to distinguish from the non-ts-11 strain (including field isolates and other vaccine strains (F and 6/85)). Therefore, it is critical to establish a rapid and effective method to distinguish ts-11 strains from non-ts-11 strains. The gene sequences of the ts-11 strain (CP044225.1) and the non-ts-11 strain (including the wild-type (CP006916.3), 6/85 (CP044224.1), and F strains (NC_017503.1) were used to construct a conserved region containing a single point mutation in the potC gene in the ts-11 strain, after which a primer-probe combination method was designed. The primer-probe method was able to accurately and efficiently identify the ts-11 and non-ts-11 strains with minimum detection limits of 2.43 copies/μL and 1.65 copies/μL, respectively. Moreover, it could simultaneously distinguish the ts-11 strain from a non-ts-11 strain, and amplifications of avian influenza virus, infectious bronchitis virus, Newcastle disease virus, fowl adenovirus, infectious laryngotracheitis virus, infectious bursal disease virus, chicken anemia virus, Marek's disease virus, Mycoplasma synoviae, and Ornithobacter rhinotracheale were negative. The detection of clinical samples revealed that the established dual-probe fluorescence quantitative PCR method could be used to screen for mixed and single infections of the ts-11 strain and non-ts-11 strains effectively, with lower variation coefficients for intra- and interbatch repetition. The established cycleave dual-probe fluorescence quantitative PCR method showed good specificity, sensitivity, and repeatability and provides powerful technical support for the rapid and efficient differential diagnosis of the MG ts-11 strain from non-ts-11 strains.
PubMed: 38878745
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103907 -
Medicine Jun 2024Budesonide, capable of reducing vascular permeability, suppressing mucus secretion, and alleviating edema and spasms, is widely used in China for combined infectious... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Budesonide, capable of reducing vascular permeability, suppressing mucus secretion, and alleviating edema and spasms, is widely used in China for combined infectious disease treatment. This study assesses budesonide's efficacy and safety as an adjunct to azithromycin in pediatric Mycoplasma pneumonia management in China, aiming to establish a strong theoretical foundation for its clinical application.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search for qualifying studies across 5 English databases and 4 Chinese databases, covering publications until October 31, 2023. Endpoint analyses were performed using standard software (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX). This study was conducted in compliance with the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.
RESULTS
A total of 24 randomized controlled trials were involved in the current study, including 2034 patients. Our findings indicate that the combination of budesonide with azithromycin for the treatment of pediatric Mycoplasma pneumonia delivers superior therapeutic efficacy (Intravenous: odds ratio [OR], 0.156, P < .001; Sequential: OR, 0.163, P = .001; Oral: OR, 0.139, P < .001), improved pulmonary function (Forced expiratory volume in 1 second: weighted mean differences [WMD], -0.28, P = .001; Peak expiratory flow: WMD, -0.554, P = .002; Forced vital capacity: WMD, -0.321, P < .001), diminished lung inflammation (IL-6: WMD, 4.760, P = .002; c-reactive protein: WMD, 5.520, P < .001; TNF-α: WMD, 9.124, P < .001), reduced duration of fever, faster resolution of cough and rales, all without increasing the occurrence of adverse events.
CONCLUSION
The combination of budesonide and azithromycin demonstrates enhanced therapeutic effectiveness, promotes improved pulmonary function, shortens the duration of symptoms, and effectively mitigates the overexpression of inflammatory factors like c-reactive protein, TNF-α, and IL-6, all without an associated increase in adverse reactions in pediatric mycoplasma pneumonia.
Topics: Humans; Azithromycin; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Budesonide; Child; Drug Therapy, Combination; China; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Administration, Inhalation; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Child, Preschool; East Asian People
PubMed: 38875395
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038332 -
Med (New York, N.Y.) Jun 2024Mycoplasma genitalium infection in pregnancy is increasingly reported at similar frequencies to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Knowledge on its...
BACKGROUND
Mycoplasma genitalium infection in pregnancy is increasingly reported at similar frequencies to other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Knowledge on its contribution to adverse pregnancy outcomes is very limited, especially relative to other STIs or bacterial vaginosis (BV). Whether M. genitalium influences birthweight remains unanswered.
METHODS
Associations between birthweight and M. genitalium and other STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis) and BV in pregnancy were examined in 416 maternal-newborn pairs from a prospective cohort study in Papua New Guinea.
FINDINGS
Compared to uninfected women, M. genitalium (-166.9 g, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -324.2 to -9.7 g, p = 0.038) and N. gonorrhoeae (-274.7 g, 95% CI: -561.9 to 12.5 g, p = 0.061) infections were associated with lower birthweight in an adjusted analysis. The association for C. trachomatis was less clear, and T. vaginalis and BV were not associated with lower birthweight. STI prevalence was high for M. genitalium (13.9%), N. gonorrhoeae (5.0%), and C. trachomatis (20.0%); co-infections were frequent. Larger effect sizes on birthweight occurred with co-infections of M. genitalium, N. gonorrhoeae, and/or C. trachomatis.
CONCLUSION
M. genitalium is a potential contributor to lower birthweight, and co-infections appear to have a greater negative impact on birthweight. Trials examining the impact of early diagnosis and treatment of M. genitalium and other STIs in pregnancy and preconception are urgently needed.
FUNDING
Funding was received from philanthropic grants, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and the Burnet Institute. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
PubMed: 38870930
DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.05.007 -
Stem Cell Research Aug 2024The Stargardt's Disease, Type 1 (STGD1) is associated with the loss of function mutations in ABCA4. This gene codes for a retina-specific, ATP-binding cassette (ABC)...
Generation and characterization of a Stargardt's disease-specific induced pluripotent stem cell line (LVPEIi008-A) with a homozygous nonsense mutation in exon 44 of ABCA4.
The Stargardt's Disease, Type 1 (STGD1) is associated with the loss of function mutations in ABCA4. This gene codes for a retina-specific, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) family transporter, involved in the transport of the key visual cycle intermediate, all-trans-retinaldehyde (atRAL), across the photoreceptor cell membranes. Here, we report the establishment of a patient-specific, iPSC line (LVPEIi008-A), that carries a homozygous nonsense mutation at (c.6088C > T) position, within exon 44 of ABCA4. The patient-specific skin fibroblasts were reprogrammed using episomal plasmids and the stably expanding iPSC line expressed the key stemness and pluripotency markers, maintained its chromosomal integrity and tested negative for mycoplasma.
Topics: Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; Stargardt Disease; Humans; Codon, Nonsense; Exons; Homozygote; Cell Line; Macular Degeneration
PubMed: 38870564
DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2024.103458 -
Identification of proteins interacting with NOD2 and their role in macrophage inflammatory response.Frontiers in Microbiology 2024(, Mp) is a cell wall-deficient microorganism known to cause chronic respiratory infections in both children and adults. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization...
(, Mp) is a cell wall-deficient microorganism known to cause chronic respiratory infections in both children and adults. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) is an intracellular pattern recognition receptor primarily responsible for identifying muramyl dipeptide (MDP) found in bacterial cell walls. Previous experiments have demonstrated that induces macrophage autophagy through NOD2. In this study, we conducted RNA-seq analysis on macrophages infected with and observed an up-regulation in the expression of genes associated with the NOD2 signaling pathway. Mechanistic investigations further revealed the involvement of the NOD2 signaling pathway in the inflammatory response of macrophages activated by . We utilized GST pull-down technology in conjunction with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to pinpoint the proteins that interact with NOD2. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and immunofluorescence co-localization techniques were used to confirm the interaction between DUF16 protein and NOD2. We found that DUF16 protein can enter macrophages and induce macrophage inflammatory response through the NOD2/RIP2/NF-κB pathway. Notably, the region spanning amino acids 13-90 was identified as a critical region necessary for DUF16-induced inflammation. This research not only broadens our comprehension of the recognition process of the intracellular receptor NOD2, but also deepens our understanding of the development of infection.
PubMed: 38863748
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1391453