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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 -
BMC Pediatrics May 2024Neurospecific Enolase (NSE), a multifunctional protein, is present in various tissues of the body and plays an important role in many disease processes, such as...
BACKGROUND
Neurospecific Enolase (NSE), a multifunctional protein, is present in various tissues of the body and plays an important role in many disease processes, such as infection, inflammation, tumours, injury, and immunity. In recent years, the application of NSE in respiratory diseases has become increasingly widespread and a research hotspot.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to explore the relationship between NSE and childhood pneumonia, providing assistance for the diagnosis and assessment of pneumonia.
METHODS
Using prospective research and case-control methods, We selected 129 children with pneumonia hospitalised in Weifang People's Hospital from September 2020 to April 2022 as the case group. Among them were 67 cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MP+), 62 cases of non-Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MP -), and 21 cases of severe pneumonia. At the same time, 136 children who underwent outpatient health examinations were selected as the control group. The levels of NSE, ESR, CRP in cases group and NSE in control group were measured separately.
RESULT
The NSE levels in the MP + group were 17.86 (14.29-22.54) ng/mL, while those in the MP- group were 17.89 (14.10-21.66) ng/mL, both of which were higher than the control group's NSE levels of 13.26(12.18,14.44) ng/mL (H = 46.92, P = 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference in NSE levels between the MP + and MP - groups (P > 0.05). The NSE level in the severe pneumonia group was 27.38 (13.95-34.06) ng/mL, higher than that in the mild pneumonia group, which was 17.68 (14.27-21.04) ng/mL, (P = 0.024). The AUC values for diagnosing pneumonia are NSE0.714, CRP0.539, and ESR0.535, with NSE having the highest diagnostic value.
CONCLUSION
Serum NSE can serve as an inflammatory indicator for paediatric pneumonia, which has important clinical guidance significance for the diagnosis, condition evaluation, and prognosis of paediatric pneumonia.
Topics: Humans; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase; Case-Control Studies; Female; Male; Child, Preschool; Child; Prospective Studies; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Pneumonia; Biomarkers; Infant; C-Reactive Protein; Clinical Relevance
PubMed: 38822291
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04852-6 -
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 -
Microbial Cell (Graz, Austria) 2024The gut microbiome (GM) has been identified as a crucial factor in the development and progression of various diseases, including cancer. In the case of prostate cancer,...
The gut microbiome (GM) has been identified as a crucial factor in the development and progression of various diseases, including cancer. In the case of prostate cancer, commensal bacteria and other microbes are found to be associated with its development. Recent studies have demonstrated that the human GM, including , , , , , and , are involved in prostate cancer development through both direct and indirect interactions. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of these interactions are yet to be fully understood. Moreover, the microbiota influences systemic hormone levels and contributes to prostate cancer pathogenesis. Currently, it has been shown that supplementation of prebiotics or probiotics can modify the composition of GM and prevent the onset of prostate cancer. The microbiota can also affect drug metabolism and toxicity, which may improve the response to cancer treatment. The composition of the microbiome is crucial for therapeutic efficacy and a potential target for modulating treatment response. However, their clinical application is still limited. Additionally, GM-based cancer therapies face limitations due to the complexity and diversity of microbial composition, and the lack of standardized protocols for manipulating gut microbiota, such as optimal probiotic selection, treatment duration, and administration timing, hindering widespread use. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive exploration of the GM's involvement in prostate cancer pathogenesis. We delve into the underlying mechanisms and discuss their potential implications for both therapeutic and diagnostic approaches in managing prostate cancer. Through this analysis, we offer valuable insights into the pivotal role of the microbiome in prostate cancer and its promising application in future clinical settings.
PubMed: 38803512
DOI: 10.15698/mic2024.05.824 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine May 2024Hemotropic mycoplasmas, hemoplasmas, are epi-erythrocytic parasitic bacteria that can be transmitted through blood transfusion.
BACKGROUND
Hemotropic mycoplasmas, hemoplasmas, are epi-erythrocytic parasitic bacteria that can be transmitted through blood transfusion.
OBJECTIVES
To study the prevalence of hemoplasma infection of potential feline blood donors and investigate the association between Hemoplasma spp. quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) positivity in blood units and selected variables.
ANIMALS
Seven thousand five hundred seventy-three blood units from 4121 privately-owned potential donor cats.
METHODS
Retrospective observational cross-sectional study. The Banco Sangue Animal (BSA)-Animal Blood Bank medical database was reviewed for all feline donations performed in 2022 in Portugal, Spain, and Belgium. Baseline characteristics and results of blood-borne pathogens screening tests were extracted from the medical records.
RESULTS
Two hundred twelve of 4034 Portuguese donor cats and 2 of 70 Spanish donor cats tested positive for Hemoplasma spp. qPCR in 2022 leading to an overall estimated prevalence of 5.2% (95% CI: 4.5%-5.9%) in potential blood donors. Using multivariable generalized estimation equation models, Hemoplasma spp. qPCR was more often positive among blood units issued from male cats (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.4-2.6, P < .0001), units positive for FeLV (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4-5.6, P = .0023), and units collected in winter months (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7-3.6, P < .0001).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
This study underscores the importance of Hemoplasma spp. and other relevant blood-borne pathogens screening at every donation. Implementing stringent screening protocols is crucial to mitigate the risk of hemoplasma transmission via blood transfusions, thereby safeguarding the health and welfare of cats receiving transfusions.
PubMed: 38803041
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17119 -
Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi =... May 2024To study the risk factors for embolism in children with refractory pneumonia (RMPP) and to construct a nomogram model for prediction of embolism.
OBJECTIVES
To study the risk factors for embolism in children with refractory pneumonia (RMPP) and to construct a nomogram model for prediction of embolism.
METHODS
This retrospective study included 175 children diagnosed with RMPP at Children's Hospital Affiliated toZhengzhou University from January 2019 to October 2023. They were divided into two groups based on the presence of embolism: the embolism group (=62) and the non-embolism group (=113). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen for risk factors of embolism in children with RMPP, and the R software was applied to construct the nomogram model for prediction of embolism.
RESULTS
Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher levels of D-dimer, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lung necrosis, and pleural effusion were risk factors for embolism in children with RMPP (<0.05). The area under the curve of the nomogram model for prediction of embolism constructed based on the aforementioned risk factors was 0.912 (95%: 0.871-0.952, <0.05). The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed that the model had a good fit with the actual situation (<0.05). Calibration and decision curve analysis indicated that the model had high predictive efficacy and clinical applicability.
CONCLUSIONS
Higher levels of D-dimer, IL-6 and NLR, lung necrosis, and pleural effusion are risk factors for embolism in children with RMPP. The nomogram model based on these risk factors has high clinical value for predicting embolism in children with RMPP.
Topics: Humans; Nomograms; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma; Female; Male; Child; Risk Factors; Retrospective Studies; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Interleukin-6; Child, Preschool; Logistic Models; Embolism; Neutrophils; Adolescent
PubMed: 38802909
DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2311146 -
IDCases 2024The case presented involves a 6-year-old boy admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases with symptoms of fever, cough, and rash, ultimately diagnosed with...
The case presented involves a 6-year-old boy admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases with symptoms of fever, cough, and rash, ultimately diagnosed with -induced rash and mucositis (MIRM). The patient exhibited typical MIRM rashes, characterized by severe damage to the oral mucosa and scattered rashes on his limbs and trunk.
PubMed: 38798827
DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2024.e01973 -
Nutrients May 2024Maintaining the balance and stability of the gut microbiota is crucial for the gut health and growth development of humans and animals. () has been reported to be...
Maintaining the balance and stability of the gut microbiota is crucial for the gut health and growth development of humans and animals. () has been reported to be beneficial to the gut health of humans and animals, whereas the probiotic effects of a new strain, HD173, remain uncertain. In this study, nursery piglets were utilized as animal models to investigate the extensive impact of HD173 on gut microbiota, metabolites, and host health. The major findings were that this probiotic enhanced the growth performance and improved the health status of the nursery piglets. Specifically, it reduced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α in the serum while increasing the level of IL-10 and SOD. In the gut, HD173 reduced the abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as , , and , while it increased the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, including , , and , leading to an enhanced production of butyric acid. Furthermore, HD173 effectively improved the gut metabolic status, enabling the gut microbiota to provide the host with stronger metabolic abilities for nutrients. In summary, these findings provide scientific evidence for the utilization of HD173 in the development and production of probiotic products for maintaining gut health in humans and animals.
Topics: Animals; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Probiotics; Swine; Bacillus licheniformis; Models, Animal; Bacteria
PubMed: 38794735
DOI: 10.3390/nu16101497 -
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