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The Journal of Infectious Diseases Aug 2021While infection by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is often asymptomatic in women, undetected infections can ascend into the upper genital tract to elicit an inflammatory response... (Review)
Review
While infection by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is often asymptomatic in women, undetected infections can ascend into the upper genital tract to elicit an inflammatory response that manifests as pelvic inflammatory disease, with the outcomes depending on the intensity and duration of inflammation and whether it is localized to the endometrial, fallopian tube, ovarian, and/or other tissues. This review examines the contribution of N. gonorrhoeae versus other potential causes of pelvic inflammatory disease by considering new insights gained through molecular, immunological, and microbiome-based analyses, and the current epidemiological burden of infection, with an aim to highlighting key areas for future study.
Topics: Chlamydia Infections; Endometritis; Endometrium; Fallopian Tubes; Female; Gonorrhea; Humans; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
PubMed: 34396410
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab227 -
Vaccines Jun 2021is the most frequent sexually-transmitted disease-causing bacterium. Urogenital serovars of this intracellular pathogen lead to urethritis and cervicitis. Ascending...
is the most frequent sexually-transmitted disease-causing bacterium. Urogenital serovars of this intracellular pathogen lead to urethritis and cervicitis. Ascending infections result in pelvic inflammatory disease, salpingitis, and oophoritis. One of 200 urogenital infections leads to tubal infertility. Serovars A-C cause trachoma with visual impairment. There is an urgent need for a vaccine. We characterized a new five-component subunit vaccine in a mouse vaccination-lung challenge infection model. Four recombinant Pmp family-members and Ctad1 from serovar E, all of which participate in adhesion and binding of chlamydial elementary bodies to host cells, were combined with the mucosal adjuvant cyclic-di-adenosine monophosphate. Intranasal application led to a high degree of cross-serovar protection against urogenital and ocular strains of , which lasted at least five months. Critical evaluated parameters were body weight, clinical score, chlamydial load, a granulocyte marker and the cytokines IFN-γ/TNF-α in lung homogenate. Vaccine antigen-specific antibodies and a mixed Th1/Th2/Th17 T cell response with multi-functional CD4 and CD8 T cells correlate with protection. However, serum-transfer did not protect the recipients suggesting that circulating antibodies play only a minor role. In the long run, our new vaccine might help to prevent the feared consequences of human infections.
PubMed: 34204170
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060609 -
Italian Journal of Pediatrics Jun 2021Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal-dystrophy (APECED) or autoimmune polyglandular syndrome Type 1 is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome. The disorder...
BACKGROUND
Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal-dystrophy (APECED) or autoimmune polyglandular syndrome Type 1 is a rare autosomal recessive syndrome. The disorder is caused by mutations in the AIRE (AutoImmune Regulator) gene. According to the classic criteria, clinical diagnosis requires the presence of at least two of three main components: chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism and primary adrenal insufficiency. Furthermore, patients are often affected by other endocrine or non-endocrine associated autoimmune conditions. The enrichment of the non-classical triad seems to occur differently in different cohorts. Screenings of the population revealed that homozygous AIRE mutations c.769C > T, c.415C > T and c.254A > G have a founder effect in Finnish, Sardinian and Iranian Jew populations respectively.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report here the clinical and genetic characteristics of two new Serbian APECED siblings, one male and one female, actual age of 27 and 24 respectively, born from non-consanguineous parents. Addison's disease was diagnosed in the male at the age of 3.5 and hypoparathyroidism at the age of 4. The female developed hypoparathyroidism at 4 years of age. She presented diffuse alopecia, madarosis, onychomycosis, teeth enamel dysplasia. She further developed Addison's disease at the age of 11 and Hashimoto's thyroiditis at the age of 13.5. She had menarche at the age of 14 but developed autoimmune oophoritis and premature ovarian failure at the age of 16. A treatment with hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone and alfacalcidiol was established for both siblings; L-T4 (levo-thyroxine) for thyroid dysfunction and levonorgestrel and etinilestradiol for POF were also administered to the female. Genetic screening revealed a homozygous c.769C > T (R257X (p.Arg257X)) AIRE mutation. We additionally reviewed the literature on 11 previously published Serbian patients and evaluated the frequency of their main diseases in comparison to Finnish, Sardinian, Turkish, Indian and North/South American cohorts.
CONCLUSION
A founder effect was discovered for the R257X genotype detected in the DNA of 10 homozygous and 2 heterozygous patients. Of note, all Serbian APECED patients were affected by adrenal insufficiency and 10 out of 13 patients presented CMC.
Topics: Adult; Female; Founder Effect; Genotype; Humans; Male; Mutation; Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune; Serbia; Siblings; Transcription Factors; Young Adult; AIRE Protein
PubMed: 34078422
DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01075-8 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Jun 2021We describe the isolation of atypical Brucella inopinata-like species and unique clinicopathologic findings in 2 adult marine toads (Rhinella marina), including...
We describe the isolation of atypical Brucella inopinata-like species and unique clinicopathologic findings in 2 adult marine toads (Rhinella marina), including oophoritis in 1 toad. These findings represent a novel emerging disease in toads and a possible zoonotic pathogen.
Topics: Animals; Brucella; Brucellosis; Bufo marinus; Female
PubMed: 34014155
DOI: 10.3201/eid2706.204001 -
Wiadomosci Lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland :... 2021The aim: To obtain the first estimates of the current prevalence of healthcare-associated deep pelvic tissue infection and other infections of the female reproductive...
OBJECTIVE
The aim: To obtain the first estimates of the current prevalence of healthcare-associated deep pelvic tissue infection and other infections of the female reproductive tract (vagina, ovaries, uterus) including chorioamnionitis, and antimicrobial resistance of causing pathogens in Ukraine.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective multicenter cohort study was based on surveillance data. The study population included 3,053 women's who underwent gynecological surgery or other procedures from 2017 to 2019 in 7 women hospitals in Ukraine. Definitions of healthcare-associated reproductive tract infection were used from the CDC/ NHSN.
RESULTS
Results: The prevalence of healthcare-associated deep pelvic tissue infection and other infections of the female reproductive tract was 26.3%. Incidence of infection was: 13.3% Pelvic abscess or cellulitis, 14.6% Adnexa utery, 9.5% Salpingitis, 7.1% Oophoritis, 12.2% Parametritis, 4.6% Chorioamnionitis, and 38.8% Bacterial Vaginitis. The predominant pathogens were: Escherichia coli (25.6%), Enterobacter spp. (11.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (8.5%), Enterococcus faecalis (7.2%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.1%). Methicillin-resistance was observed in 14.3% of S. aureus (MRSA). The overall proportion of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) production among Enterobacteriaceae was 20.8%. The prevalence of ESBL production among E. coli isolates was 24.7% and among K. pneumoniae 11.9%. Resistance to thirdgeneration cephalosporins was observed in 12.8% E.coli and 9.2% K. pneumoniae isolates. Carbapenem resistance was identified in 8.5% of P.aeruginosa isolates.
CONCLUSION
Conclusions: Healthcare associated deep pelvic tissue infection and other infections of the female reproductive tract in Ukraine is a common occurrence and many cases are caused by pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cohort Studies; Cross Infection; Delivery of Health Care; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Escherichia coli; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Staphylococcus aureus; Ukraine
PubMed: 33813441
DOI: No ID Found -
Autoimmune Diseases in Patients with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency-Our Current State of Knowledge.International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2021Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), previously known as premature ovarian failure or premature menopause, is defined as loss of ovarian function before the age of 40... (Review)
Review
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), previously known as premature ovarian failure or premature menopause, is defined as loss of ovarian function before the age of 40 years. The risk of POI before the age of 40 is 1%. Clinical symptoms develop as a result of estrogen deficiency and may include amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, vasomotor instability (hot flushes, night sweats), sleep disturbances, vulvovaginal atrophy, altered urinary frequency, dyspareunia, low libido, and lack of energy. Most causes of POI remain undefined, however, it is estimated that anywhere from 4-30% of cases are autoimmune in origin. As the ovaries are a common target for autoimmune attacks, an autoimmune etiology of POI should always be considered, especially in the presence of anti-oocyte antibodies (AOAs), autoimmune diseases, or lymphocytic oophoritis in biopsy. POI can occur in isolation, but is often associated with other autoimmune conditions. Concordant thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, Hashimoto thyroiditis, and Grave's disease are most commonly seen. Adrenal autoimmune disorders are the second most common disorders associated with POI. Among women with diabetes mellitus, POI develops in roughly 2.5%. Additionally, autoimmune-related POI can also present as part of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS), a condition in which autoimmune activity causes specific endocrine organ damage. In its most common presentation (type-3), APS is associated with Hashomoto's type thyroid antibodies and has a prevalence of 10-40%. 21OH-Antibodies in Addison's disease (AD) can develop in association to APS-2.
Topics: Amenorrhea; Autoantibodies; Autoimmune Diseases; Female; Hashimoto Disease; Humans; Menopause, Premature; Ovary; Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
PubMed: 33807517
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052594 -
Cureus Feb 2021Xanthogranulomatous salpingo-oophoritis is an extremely rare entity. The clinical features are similar to the common benign and malignant adnexal diseases, making it...
Xanthogranulomatous salpingo-oophoritis is an extremely rare entity. The clinical features are similar to the common benign and malignant adnexal diseases, making it difficult to diagnose. Here we present a case of pelvic mass with high level of tumor markers who was operated with suspicion of adnexal tumor. Histopathology revealed it to be a case of xanthogranulomatous salpingo-oophoritis.
PubMed: 33754094
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13363 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021The increasing number of patients with infertility is recognized as an emerging problem worldwide. However, little is known about the cause of infertility. At present,... (Review)
Review
The increasing number of patients with infertility is recognized as an emerging problem worldwide. However, little is known about the cause of infertility. At present, it is believed that infertility may be related to genetic or abnormal immune responses. It has long been indicated that autoimmune regulator (AIRE), a transcription factor, participates in immune tolerance by regulating the expression of thousands of promiscuous tissue-specific antigens in medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), which play a pivotal role in preventing autoimmune diseases. AIRE is also expressed in germ cell progenitors. Importantly, the deletion of AIRE leads to severe oophoritis and age-dependent depletion of follicular reserves and causes altered embryonic development in female mice. AIRE-deficient male mice exhibit altered apoptosis during spermatogenesis and have a significantly decreased breeding capacity. These reports suggest that AIRE deficiency may be responsible for infertility. The causes may be related to the production of autoantibodies against sperm, poor development of germ cells, and abnormal ovarian function, which eventually lead to infertility. Here, we focus on the potential associations of AIRE deficiency with infertility as well as the possible pathogenesis, providing insight into the significance of AIRE in the development of infertility.
Topics: Animals; Female; Infertility; Male; Mice; Polyendocrinopathies, Autoimmune
PubMed: 33679804
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.641164 -
Cureus Nov 2020Introduction Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a spectrum of illness ranging from mild illness to more severe forms including tubo-ovarian abscess, hydrosalpinx,...
Introduction Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a spectrum of illness ranging from mild illness to more severe forms including tubo-ovarian abscess, hydrosalpinx, pyosalpinx, oophoritis (THPO). The objective of the study was to report rates and clinical characteristics of females presenting to the ED with a diagnosis of THPO in relationship to the presence or absence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Methods A database of ED patient encounters occurring from April 18, 2014, to March 7, 2017 was created. Analysis of women diagnosed with THPO and who had testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomonas by nucleic acid amplification testing or who had a vaginal wet preparation was performed. Patient demographics, ED diagnoses, laboratory tests, medications administered in the ED, and medications prescribed were examined. Categorical variables were summarized as count and percentages and analyzed using the Chi-square test. Continuous variables were summarized as the mean and standard deviation and analyzed using the t-test. All statistical tests were two-sided with a significance level of 0.05. Results THPO was diagnosed in 0.3% (56/17,905) of patient encounters. There were 50% (28/56) of women with THPO admitted to the hospital. There were 25.0% (12/48) women who received a positive test result for , , and/or . Women with THPO were significantly older, more likely to be infected with gonorrhea, and more likely to be diagnosed with sepsis and PID (P<.05 for all). Conclusions THPO is an infrequently encountered entity in the ED. A diagnosis of STI, PID, and sepsis can accompany these presentations. Although an uncommon diagnosis, ED providers must be attentive to patients presenting with pelvic symptoms that could be consistent with THPO to mitigate any complications that may arise and to direct the appropriate treatment.
PubMed: 33376658
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11647 -
Endocrine Apr 2021Mediated via the androgen receptor on granulosa cells, models of small growing follicle stages demonstrate dependence on testosterone. Androgen deficiency reduces...
BACKGROUND
Mediated via the androgen receptor on granulosa cells, models of small growing follicle stages demonstrate dependence on testosterone. Androgen deficiency reduces ovarian response to follicle stimulation hormone (FSH), granulosa cell mass and estradiol (E2) production falls and FSH, therefore, rises. Though potentially of adrenal and/or ovarian origin, androgen deficiency in association with female infertility is almost universally primarily of adrenal origin, raising the possibility that women with presumptive diagnosis of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), also called primary ovarian failure (POF) may actually suffer from secondary ovarian insufficiency (SOI) due to adrenal hypoandrogenism that leads to follicular arrest at small-growing follicle stages.
METHODS
This retrospective cohort study was performed in a private, academically affiliated infertility center in New York City. We searched the center's anonymized electronic research data bank for consecutive patients who presented with a diagnosis of POI, defined by age <41 year, FSH > 40.0 mIU/mL, amenorrhea for at least 6 month, and low testosterone (T), defined as total T (TT) in the lowest age-specific quartile of normal range. This study did not include patients with oophoritis. Since dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is the only androgen almost exclusively produce by adrenals, adrenal hypoandrogenism was defined by DHEAS < 100ug/dL. Thirteen of 78 presumed POI women (16.67%) qualified and represented the original study population. POI patients are usually treated with third-party egg donation; 6/13, however, rejected egg donation for personal or religious reasons and insisted on undergoing at least one last IVF cycle attempt (final study population). In preparation, they were supplemented with DHEA 25 mg TID and CoQ10 333 mg TID for at least 6 weeks prior to ovarian stimulation for IVF with FSH and human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG). Since POI patients are expected to be resistant to ovarian stimulation, primary outcome for the study was ovarian response, while secondary outcome was pregnancy/delivery.
RESULTS
Though POI/POF patients usually are completely unresponsive to ovarian stimulation, to our surprise, 5/6 (83.3%) patients demonstrated an objective follicle response. In addition, 2/6 (33.3%) conceived spontaneously between IVF cycles, while on DHEA and CoQ10 supplementation and delivered healthy offspring. One of those is currently in treatment for a second child.
CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary report suggests that a surprising portion of young women below age 41, tagged with a diagnosis of POI/POF, due to adrenal hypoandrogenism actually suffer from a form of SOI, at least in some cases amenable to treatment by androgen supplementation. Since true POI/POF usually requires third-party egg donation, correct differentiation between POI and SOI in such women appears of great importance and may warrant a trial stimulation after androgen pre-supplementation for at least 6 weeks.
Topics: Adult; Child; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Humans; Infertility, Female; New York City; Ovulation Induction; Pregnancy; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 33009651
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02512-0