scholarly journals Concomitant Infection withLeishmania donovaniandL. majorin Single Ulcers of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Patients from Sudan

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Babiker ◽  
S. Ravagnan ◽  
A. Fusaro ◽  
M. M. Hassan ◽  
S. M. Bakheit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Genetic Group ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Kala Azar ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Its Gene ◽  
Human Leishmaniasis ◽  
Vector Distribution ◽  
Pcr Targeting

In Sudan human leishmaniasis occurs in different clinical forms, that is, visceral (VL), cutaneous (CL), mucocutaneous (ML), and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). Clinical samples from 69 Sudanese patients with different clinical manifestations were subjected to a PCR targeting the cytochrome oxidase II (COII) gene forLeishmaniaspecies identification. Mixed infections were suspected due to multiple overlapping peaks presented in some sequences of the COII amplicons. Cloning these amplicons and alignment of sequences from randomly selected clones confirmed the presence of two differentLeishmaniaspecies,L. donovaniandL. major, in three out of five CL patients. Findings were further confirmed by cloning the ITS gene. Regarding other samples no significant genetic variations were found in patients with VL (62 patients), PKDL (one patient), or ML (one patient). The sequences clustered in a single homogeneous group withinL. donovanigenetic group, with the exception of one sequence clustering withL. infantumgenetic group. Findings of this study open discussion on the synergetic/antagonistic interaction between divergentLeishmaniaspecies both in mammalian and vector hosts, their clinical implications with respect to parasite fitness and response to treatment, and the route of transmission with respect to vector distribution and or adaptation.

scholarly journals Disseminated Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Colombia: Report of 27 Cases

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iván D. Vélez ◽  
Alejandra Jiménez ◽  
Daniel Vásquez ◽  
Sara M. Robledo
Keyword(s):  
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ◽  
Causative Agent ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Mixed Race ◽  
Upper Extremities ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Kala Azar ◽  
Clinical Presentations

Disseminated leishmaniasis (DL) is a poorly described disease that is frequently misdiagnosed as other clinical manifestations of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) such as diffuse CL or post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis. Twenty-seven cases of DL diagnosed between 1997 and 2015 are described. A higher prevalence was observed in men (mean age 32 years). The number of lesions per patient ranged from 12 to 294, distributed mainly in the upper extremities, face and trunk. The lesions were mostly plaques or nodules. Seven patients had nasal mucous damage, 74% of the patients were of mixed race, 92% lived in northwestern Colombia, and Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis was identified as the causative agent in 58% of cases. Eighteen patients recovered with pentavalent antimonial. The importance of distinguishing DL from those other clinical presentations is based on the fact that disseminated, diffuse and post-kala-azar CL are very different in etiology, clinical manifestations and response to treatment and prognosis.

scholarly journals Advances in Environmental Detection and Clinical Diagnostic Tests for Legionella Species

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajeshwari Vittal ◽  
Juliet Roshini Mohan Raj ◽  
Ballamoole Krishna Kumar ◽  
Indrani Karunasagar
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Detection Techniques ◽  
Conventional Culture ◽  
Legionella Species ◽  
Mild Fever

Abstract Legionella is a fastidious organism that is difficult to culture in the lab but is widely distributed in environmental, domestic, and hospital settings. The clinical manifestations due to Legionella infections range from mild fever to fatal pneumonia and multiorgan pathologies. Legionella outbreaks though prevalent globally are not reported in developing countries due to difficulties in isolating this organism and the lack of simple diagnostic protocols. Here, we review the literature from across countries to present various methods used to detect Legionella from environmental and clinical samples. We compare the sensitivity and the specificity of the conventional culture-based assays with the recent methods and discuss approaches to develop better detection and diagnostic tests. With better cost-effective detection techniques and regular monitoring of the susceptible sites, which may harbor Legionella colonies, most of the Legionella infections can be prevented. As a result, considerable burden, caused by Legionella infections, on the healthcare system, in especially economically weaker countries, can be mitigated.

Using a Polymerase Chain Reaction as a Complementary Test to Improve the Detection of Dermatophyte Fungus in Nails

2014 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 233-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
María José Iglesias Sánchez ◽  
Ana María Pérez Pico ◽  
Félix Marcos Tejedor ◽  
María Jesús Iglesias Sánchez ◽  
Raquel Mayordomo Acevedo
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Classical Method ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Culture Method ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Traditional Procedure ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Background Dermatomycoses are a group of pathologic abnormalities frequently seen in clinical practice, and their prevalence has increased in recent decades. Diagnostic confirmation of mycotic infection in nails is essential because there are several pathologic conditions with similar clinical manifestations. The classical method for confirming the presence of fungus in nail is microbiological culture and the identification of morphological structures by microscopy. Methods We devised a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that amplifies specific DNA sequences of dermatophyte fungus that is notably faster than the 3 to 4 weeks that the traditional procedure takes. We compared this new technique and the conventional plate culture method in 225 nail samples. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results We found concordance in 78.2% of the samples analyzed by the two methods and increased sensitivity when simultaneously using the two methods to analyze clinical samples. Now we can confirm the presence of dermatophyte fungus in most of the positive samples in just 24 hours, and we have to wait for the result of culture only in negative PCR cases. Conclusions Although this PCR cannot, at present, substitute for the traditional culture method in the detection of dermatophyte infection of the nails, it can be used as a complementary technique because its main advantage lies in the significant reduction of time used for diagnosis, in addition to higher sensitivity.

Clinical outcomes of syphilis in HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM: occurrence of repeat syphilis episodes and non-treponemal serology responses

2021 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054887
Author(s):  
Silvia Achia Nieuwenburg ◽  
Ricardo Jamie Sprenger ◽  
Maarten Franciscus Schim van der Loeff ◽  
Henry John Christiaan de Vries
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Hiv Positive ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Serological Response ◽  
History Of ◽  
Hiv Negative

ObjectivesHIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) may be at a higher risk of repeat syphilis, have different clinical manifestations and have a different serological response to treatment compared with HIV-negative MSM. The objective of this study was to assess whether HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM with infectious syphilis (primary, secondary or early latent) differed in history of previous syphilis episodes, disease stage and non-treponemal titre of initial and repeat episodes, and the titre response 6 and 12 months after treatment. Furthermore, determinants associated with an inadequate titre response after treatment were explored.MethodsThis retrospective analysis used data of five longitudinal studies (four cohorts; one randomised controlled trial) conducted at the STI clinic in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Participants were tested for syphilis and completed questionnaires on sexual risk behaviour every 3–6 months. We included data of participants with ≥1 syphilis diagnosis in 2014–2019. Pearson’s χ² test was used to compare HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM in occurrence of previous syphilis episodes, disease stage of initial and repeat syphilis episode and non-treponemal titre treatment responses.ResultsWe included 355 participants with total 459 syphilis episodes. HIV-positive MSM were more likely to have a history of previous syphilis episodes compared with HIV-negative MSM (68/90 (75.6%) vs 96/265 (36.2%); p<0.001). Moreover, HIV-positive MSM with repeat syphilis were less often diagnosed with primary syphilis (7/73 (9.6%) vs 36/126 (28.6%)) and more often diagnosed with secondary syphilis (16/73 (21.9%) vs 17/126 (13.5%)) and early latent syphilis (50/73 (68.5%) vs 73/126 (57.9%)) (p=0.005). While not significantly different at 12 months, HIV-negative MSM were more likely to have an adequate titre response after 6 months compared with HIV-positive MSM (138/143 (96.5%) vs 66/74 (89.2%); p=0.032).ConclusionsIn repeat syphilis, HIV infection is associated with advanced syphilis stages and with higher non-treponemal titres. HIV infection affects the serological outcome after treatment, as an adequate titre response was observed earlier in HIV-negative MSM.

scholarly journals Molecular detection and phylogenetic relationship of wild-type strains of canine distemper virus in symptomatic dogs from Uberlândia, Minas Gerais

2015 ◽  
Vol 67 (6) ◽  
pp. 1510-1518
Author(s):  
S.A. Headley ◽  
T.R. Santos ◽  
L. Bodnar ◽  
J.P.E. Saut ◽  
A.P. Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Canine Distemper Virus ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
N Gene ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Canine Distemper ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Type Strains

This study investigated the occurrence of canine distemper virus (CDV) by evaluating the presence of viral RNA within urine samples of dogs from Uberlândia, MG, with clinical manifestations suggestive of infection by CDV by targeting the CDV N gene. Of the clinical samples collected ( n =33), CDV viruria was detected in 45.5%. Five dogs died spontaneously; all had characteristic CDV-associated histopathological alterations and demonstrated CDV viruria. Statistical analyses revealed that the age, gender, breed, or the organ system of the dog affected had no influence on the occurrence of canine distemper. Myoclonus and motor incoordination were the most significant neurological manifestations observed. A direct association was observed between keratoconjunctivitis and dogs with CDV viruria. These findings suggest that CDV viruria in symptomatic dogs might not be age related, and that symptomatic dogs can demonstrate clinical manifestations attributed to CDV without viruria identified by RT-PCR. Additionally, the results of the sequence identities analysed have suggested that all Brazilian wild-type strains of CDV currently identified are closely related and probably originated from the same lineage of CDV. Nevertheless, phylogenetic analyses suggest that there are different clusters of wild-type strains of CDV circulating within urban canine populations in Brazil.

scholarly journals Is Staphylococcus lugdunensis Significant in Clinical Samples?

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (11) ◽  
pp. 3167-3174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier Argemi ◽  
Yves Hansmann ◽  
Philippe Riegel ◽  
Gilles Prévost
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogens ◽  
Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽  
Staphylococcus Lugdunensis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Severe Infections ◽  
Microbiological Data

ABSTRACTThe implication of coagulase-negative staphylococci in human diseases is a major issue, particularly in hospital settings wherein these species often act as opportunistic pathogens. In addition, some coagulase-negative staphylococci such asS. lugdunensishave emerged as pathogenic bacteria, implicated in severe infections, particularly, osteoarticular infections, foreign-body-associated infections, bacteremia, and endocarditis.In vitrostudies have shown the presence of several putative virulence factors such as adhesion factors, biofilm production, and proteolytic factors that might explain clinical manifestations. Taken together, the clinical and microbiological data might change the way clinicians and microbiologists look atS. lugdunensisin clinical samples.

scholarly journals Myasthenia Gravis: Autoantibody Specificities and Their Role in MG Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Lazaridis ◽  
Socrates J. Tzartos
Keyword(s):  
Neuromuscular Junction ◽  
Myasthenia Gravis ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Disease Diagnosis ◽  
Autoimmune Response ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Antibody Detection ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
The Past

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is the most common autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction, characterized by skeletal muscle weakness and fatigability. It is caused by autoantibodies targeting proteins of the neuromuscular junction; ~85% of MG patients have autoantibodies against the muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR-MG), whereas about 5% of MG patients have autoantibodies against the muscle specific kinase (MuSK-MG). In the remaining about 10% of patients no autoantibodies can be found with the classical diagnostics for AChR and MuSK antibodies (seronegative MG, SN-MG). Since serological tests are relatively easy and non-invasive for disease diagnosis, the improvement of methods for the detection of known autoantibodies or the discovery of novel autoantibody specificities to diminish SN-MG and to facilitate differential diagnosis of similar diseases, is crucial. Radioimmunoprecipitation assays (RIPA) are the staple for MG antibody detection, but over the past years, using cell-based assays (CBAs) or improved highly sensitive RIPAs, it has been possible to detect autoantibodies in previously SN-MG patients. This led to the identification of more patients with antibodies to the classical antigens AChR and MuSK and to the third MG autoantigen, the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (LRP4), while antibodies against other extracellular or intracellular targets, such as agrin, Kv1.4 potassium channels, collagen Q, titin, the ryanodine receptor and cortactin have been found in some MG patients. Since the autoantigen targeted determines in part the clinical manifestations, prognosis and response to treatment, serological tests are not only indispensable for initial diagnosis, but also for monitoring treatment efficacy. Importantly, knowing the autoantibody profile of MG patients could allow for more efficient personalized therapeutic approaches. Significant progress has been made over the past years toward the development of antigen-specific therapies, targeting only the specific immune cells or autoantibodies involved in the autoimmune response. In this review, we will present the progress made toward the development of novel sensitive autoantibody detection assays, the identification of new MG autoantigens, and the implications for improved antigen-specific therapeutics. These advancements increase our understanding of MG pathology and improve patient quality of life by providing faster, more accurate diagnosis and better disease management.

scholarly journals First isolation of Mycobacterium ulcerans from Swabs and Fine-Needle-Aspiration Specimens in Togo.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tchalare Kondi Makagni ◽  
Maman Issaka ◽  
Piten Ebekalisai ◽  
Disse Kodjo ◽  
Essossimna A. Kadanga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fine Needle Aspiration ◽  
Slow Growth ◽  
Buruli Ulcer ◽  
Needle Aspiration ◽  
Mycobacterium Ulcerans ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Direct Examination ◽  
Fine Needle ◽  
Pcr Targeting

Abstract Background Buruli ulcer is a skin disease caused by a mycobacterium called Mycobacterium ulcerans . It is prevalent in more than 33 countries on several continents but West Africa is the most affected. The isolation in culture of the bacteria is difficult because of its slow growth and the facilities required. In Togo, studies have been done on the risk factors for Mycobacterium ulcerans infection and the detection of cases by the Ziehl-Neelsen and PCR technique on clinical and environmental samples, but to date no data of isolates from clinical samples are available. The purpose of this study was to perform an in vitro culture of M. ulcerans from swab and fine needle aspiration samples through the confirmation stages of direct examination and IS2404 -PCR. Method A total of 70 clinical samples from Togo and 10 clinical isolates from Benin are analyzed by the three techniques indicated in the diagnosis, in particular the direct examination of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) using the Ziehl-Neelsen staining, the PCR targeting the IS2404 sequence, and the culture after transport of the samples in a transport medium made of Middlebrook 7H9 medium supplemented with a mixture of PANTA and OADC and decontamination by the modified Petroff method. Results The application of the three techniques of diagnosis for clinical samples yielded 44.28% of positivity rates on direct examination of AFB, 35.71% on culture and 77.14% on qPCR IS2404 with a significantly higher rate for qPCR (0.0001). All samples positive for Ziehl-Neelsen staining and culture were also positive for qPCR. Conclusion : Our results show that the culture, despite it difficulty and the slow growth of the bacteria, can be carried out with recommended tools of the mycobacteria culture and a good method of decontamination of the samples can improve the positivity rates. Its realization will allow the assessment of the in vitro sensitivity to the antibiotics used in the treatment and the discovery of new strains of Mycobacterium ulcerans .

scholarly journals Μελέτη λειτουργικών αυτοαντισωμάτων στη συστηματική αυτοανοσία

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ιωάννης Γουλές
Keyword(s):  
Severe Disease ◽  
Cell Epitope ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Joint Fluid ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Native Proteins ◽  
Cell Immunity ◽  
Citrullinated Peptide ◽  
Peptide Antibodies

Although the etiology of rheumatoid arthritis remains unclear, it seems that immunological, genetic and environmental factors are involved in pathogenesis. In the recent years, the role of anticitrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) has been studied extensively. Anti-citrullinated peptideantibodies are directed against citrullinated epitopes of native proteins as a result of conversion ofarginine to citrullin mediated by the action of specific enzymes called peptidyl arginine deiminases(PADs). Citrullination is considered a post-translational process occurring under certain conditionssuch as inflammation, apoptosis and smoking that induce the action of PADs. Human cells have 5isoforms of PAD with isoform 4 (PADI4) being involved in autoimmunity. Anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies are detected in serum of RA patients several years before the appearance of clinical manifestations and have been associated with erosive and severe disease. In clinical practice, anti-cyclic citrullinated petptide (anti-CCPs) antibodies have been used to reveal ACPA reactivity in sera of RA patients, although the sequence of CCPs remains unknown. Sensitivity of anti-CCPs for RA approximates 80% while specificity exceeds 95%. Anti-CCP antibodies are considered a collection of ACPA reflecting ACPA positivity and are used as a biomarker for RA diagnosis and response to treatment. Previous studies have shown that serum and/or joint fluid from RA patients react against citrullinated epitopes of different proteins such as vimentin, fibrinogen, aenolase, filaggrin and collagen. However no predominant B cell epitope has been identified yet. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ACPA constitute a homogenous population and if possible to identify the major citrullinated epitopes. We tested the reactivity of sera form 141 RA patients, against six distinct linear citrullinated peptides derived from the previous mentioned human proteins, by applying an ELISA protocol. The sequences of citrullinated peptides were carefully chosen based on data from previous studies. Citrullinated PADI4 was also included as anti-PADI4 antibodies have been found in the serum of RA patients while non-citrullinated PADI4 was used as a peptide control. Sera from 60 SLE patients, 54 Sjogren’s patients and 100 healthy volunteers were used as controls. We found that among RA patients, PAD211-30 displayed 29.08% sensitivity, vim60-75 29.08%, enol5-21 37.59%, fibrin617-31 31.21%, col-II358-75 29.97% and filaggrin306-24 28.37% while control ctrlPAD621- 40 showed no reactivity. Specificity for all citrullinated peptides ranged between 91-97%. The percentage of RA patients with reactivity against 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 citrullinated peptides was 61%, 45%, 31%, 24%, 17% and 5% respectively. Sensitivity for anti-CCP3 and the equamolar mixture containing all six citrullinated peptides was 60.78% and 46.08% respectively while specificity was found 94.12% and 82.22% respectively. By choosing two highly positive anti-CCP3 sera from RA patients, we tested specificity and cross reactivity of ACPA against the six citrullinated peptides. For both sera and almost all the peptides, homologous inhibition was found over 85%. Cross reactivity was minimal for both sera although a significant cross reaction (>70%) was observed mainly between filaggrin and the majority of anti-citrullinated-peptide antibodies. On the contrary, antifilaggrin and anti-alpha-enolase antibodies exhibited the least cross-reactivity and therefore might be considered the most specific for these two sera. We concluded that ACPA in RA constitute a heterogeneous population with limited cross reactivity and without a predominant epitope. Diversity of ACPA reactivity can be attributed to many factors including genetic features, epitope spreading, T cell immunity as well as the interference of the anti-idiotype antibodies. Future studies should be focused on different citrullinated epitopes mixtures and evaluate the contribution of cellular immunity in ACPA responses.

scholarly journals The Significance of Scalp Involvement in Pemphigus: A Literature Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Sar-Pomian ◽  
Lidia Rudnicka ◽  
Malgorzata Olszewska
Keyword(s):  
Web Of Science ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Pemphigus Vulgaris ◽  
Hair Follicles ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Direct Immunofluorescence ◽  
Pemphigus Foliaceus ◽  
Medical Databases ◽  
Scalp Lesions ◽  
Reliable Diagnostic Method

Scalp is a unique location for pemphigus because of the abundance of desmogleins localized in hair follicles. Scalp involvement is observed in up to 60% of patients in the course of pemphigus. The lesions may occasionally lead to alopecia. Unforced removal of anagen hairs in a pull test is a sign of high disease activity. Direct immunofluorescence of plucked hair bulbs is considered a reliable diagnostic method in patients with pemphigus. Follicular acantholysis is a characteristic histopathological feature of pemphigus lesions localized on the scalp. Trichoscopy may serve as a supplementary method in the diagnosis of pemphigus. This review summarizes the most recent data concerning scalp involvement in pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus. A systematic literature search was conducted in three medical databases: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The analysis included literature data about desmoglein distribution in hair follicles, as well as information about clinical manifestations, histopathology, immunopathology, and trichoscopy of scalp lesions in pemphigus and their response to treatment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document