Chlamydia infection resembling ulcerative colitis: case report / Infecção por clamídia lembrando retocolite ulcerativa: relato de caso

Introduction: The diagnosis of ulcerative colitis is relatively complex because the symptoms are similar to those seen in several other diseases. Objective: To report a case of rectal chlamydial infection whose initial symptoms resembled ulcerative colitis. Case report: A 50-year-old male patient presented with diarrhea, blood and mucus in the stools, and an ulcer in the rectum. The histopathological exam pointed to chronic, unspecified inflammation. After a broad serological screening, with Immunoglobulin M positive for Chlamydia and a high titer of immunoglobulin G, the patient was treated with antibiotics and is clinically cured. Later, he remained Immunoglobulin M positive, but the titers of immunoglobulin G lowered considerably. Chlamydia has been shown to live in the gut microbiota, which could explain the case. Conclusion: It is important to search for chlamydial infection as a differential diagnosis of ulcerative colitis.

Introdução: A retocolite ulcerativa é uma condição clínica de diagnóstico relativamente complexo, uma vez que apresenta sinais e sintomas comuns a muitas outras doenças. Objetivo: Relatar um caso de infecção anorretal por clamídia, cujos sintomas iniciais se pareciam com os de retocolite ulcerativa. Relato de caso: Paciente de 50 anos, do sexo masculino, apresentou-se com diarreia, muco e sangue nas fezes, e úlcera no canal anorretal. O exame histopatológico mostrou um processo inflamatório crônico e inespecífico, então procedeu-se a amplo rastreamento sorológico, que revelou Imunoglobulina M positivo para clamídia e altos títulos de Imunoglobulina G. O paciente foi tratado com antibióticos e encontra-se clinicamente curado. No seguimento, permanece com Imunoglobulina M positivo, mas os títulos de Imunoglobulina G decresceram consideravelmente. Bactérias do gênero Chlamydia têm sido reportadas como parte da microbiota intestinal, o que poderia explicar tal comportamento sorológico. Conclusão: É importante rastrear por clamídia como diagnóstico diferencial das suspeitas de retocolite ulcerativa

Riesgo de infecciones de transmisión sexual con enfoque de género en estudiantes universitarios / Risk of sexually transmitted infections with a gender approach in university students

Las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) constituyen un conjunto de patologías causadas por agentes infecciosos, cuyo mecanismo de transmisión predominante es el contacto genital. Según la OMS, cada día, más de 1 millón de personas adultas contraen una ETS y en Ecuador entre 2007-2010, se reportó una prevalencia de 1,2% de gonorrea, 0,8% de sífilis, 0,8% de herpes genital, 1,6% de VIH y 95,6% de otras ETS; demostrando la frecuencia de dichas infecciones. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en 130 estudiantes universitarios de ambos géneros de la UNIANDES, Ecuador. Se aplicó un cuestionario relacionado con aspectos educativos y adecuadas prácticas sexuales. Para el análisis de datos se aplicó estadística descriptiva e inferencial, encontrando que no hay asociación entre la tenencia de relaciones sexuales y el género. Además, al comparar con las mujeres, hubo una mayor prevalencia de hombres con hábitos oro-genital, hábito genito-anal, sin protección en la primera relación sexual y tenencia de múltiples parejas sexuales. Asimismo, la necesidad de información sobre sexualidad fue más frecuente en las mujeres y no se encontró homogeneidad en los antecedentes de ETS según el género, siendo la tricomoniasis y clamidiasis las infecciones más frecuentes. De igual manera, los estudiantes expuestos a prácticas sexuales no adecuadas tienen 1,4 veces mayor riesgo de contraer alguna ETC, que aquellos no expuestos; siendo necesario incluir aspectos relacionados con adecuadas prácticas sexuales en los programas universitarios e integrar entornos de aprendizaje que permitan promover una educación óptima en el tema de salud sexual y reproductiva(AU)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) constitute a set of pathologies caused by infectious agents, whose predominant transmission mechanism is genital contact. According to the WHO, every day, more than 1 million adults contract an STD and in Ecuador between 2007-2010, a prevalence of 1.2% of gonorrhea, 0.8% of syphilis, 0.8% of herpes was reported. genital, 1.6% of HIV and 95.6% of other STDs; demonstrating the frequency of such infections. A descriptive study was carried out in 130 university students of both genders from UNIANDES, Ecuador. A questionnaire related to educational aspects and adequate sexual practices was applied. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, finding that there is no association between having sexual relations and gender. In addition, when compared to women, there was a higher prevalence of men with oral-genital habits, genito-anal habits, without protection in the first sexual intercourse and having multiple sexual partners. Likewise, the need for information on sexuality was more frequent in women and no homogeneity was found in the history of STDs according to gender, with trichomoniasis and chlamydia being the most frequent infections. Similarly, students exposed to inappropriate sexual practices have a 1.4 times higher risk of contracting a CTE than those not exposed; It is necessary to include aspects related to adequate sexual practices in university programs and integrate learning environments that allow promoting optimal education on the subject of sexual and reproductive health(AU)

Detección y caracterización molecular de Chlamydia psittaci y Chlamydia abortus en psitácidos mascotas en la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Detection and molecular characterization of Chlamydia psittaci and Chlamydia abortus in psittacine pet birds in Buenos Aires province, Argentina

In order to determine the presence and genetic diversity of Chlamydia spp. in the north-eastern area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, conjunctival, oropharyngeal, cloacal swab and tissues were collected from a total of 90 psittacine pet birds of different age and clinical manifestations. Through molecular methods, Chlamydiaceae was detected in 30% (27/90) of the samples, out of which 70.3% (19/27) were positive for Chlamydia psittaci and 14.9% (4/27) for Chlamydia abortus. Nine C. psittaci positive samples were genotyped by ompA gene sequences, 8 clustered within genotype A and 1 within genotype B. A significant association was observed between the presence of Chlamydia spp. and the manifestation of clinical signs compatible with chlamydiosis, as well as with the age of the birds (younger than one year old). This report contributes to the improvement of our understanding of chlamydial agents in our country.

Con el objetivo de determinar la presencia de Chlamydia spp. en psitácidos del área noreste de la provincia de Buenos Aires y conocer su diversidad genética, se recolectaron y analizaron mediante métodos moleculares hisopados conjuntivales, orofaríngeos, cloacales y tejidos de un total de 90 psitácidos de diferentes edades y con diversas manifestaciones clínicas. El 30% (27/90) de las muestras procesadas fueron positivas para Chlamydiaceae; el 70,3% (19/27) de estas resultaron positivas para Chlamydia psittaci y el 14,9% (4/27) para Chlamydia abortus. Nueve muestras positivas para C. psittaci fueron genotipificadas por secuenciación del gen ompA: 8 correspondieron al genotipo Ay una al genotipo B. Se observó una asociación significativa entre la presencia de Chlamydia spp. y la manifestación de signos clínicos compatibles con clamidiosis, como así también con la edad de las aves (menores de un ano). Este informe contribuye a mejorar nuestro conocimiento de los agentes clamidiales en nuestro país.

The association between sperm quality and asymptomatic chlamydial infection in infertile men at a private fertility clinic in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Association between chlamydia trachomatis infection and male infertility is debated in literature. There is little or no information from Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of chlamydial infection and its association with sperm quality parameters among a symptomatic men that present for infertility treatment in a Nigeria facility. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted at a private assisted conception clinic in Lagos, Nigeria among 138 men seeking infertility care. Seminal fluid analysis and IgG Chlamydial serology were performed for each participant. Data obtained were analysed using SPSS; p was significant at <0.05. RESULTS: Of the 138 men screened, 13.9% were Chlamydia-positive. Twenty-one per cent of clients who tested positive to Chlamydia had predominantly immotile sperm, compared with 10.2% without the infection; 26.3% with non-progressive motility had Chlamydia, compared with 2.8% men who were not infected. These differences were statistically significant (p = 0.001). More of those (57.9%) with Chlamydia (compared to 33.1% without) had significant leukocyte counts (p = 0.037). There were no statistically significant differences in sperm count and percent motility between serologically positive and negative men. CONCLUSION: Positive Chlamydia serology is associated with non-progressive motility and leukocytospermia in infertile Nigerian men

Detección de Chlamydia abortus en pérdidas reproductivas de bovinos en la provincia de La Pampa, Argentina / Detection of Chlamydia abortus in bovine reproductive losses in the province of La Pampa, Argentina

Las pérdidas reproductivas constituyen una causa importante de pérdida económica en el ganado bovino, aunque en más del 50% de los casos la etiología es desconocida. Las especies de la familia Chlamydiaceae han sido asociadas con abortos en bovinos y otras espeChlamydia abortus; cies animales, pero no existen datos al respecto en la República Argentina. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la presencia de Chlamydia spp. y de Chlamydia abortus en pérdidas reproductivas de ganado bovino en La Pampa, Argentina. Se estudiaron 251 muestras provenientes de abortos y mortinatos. Se realizó PCR en tiempo real para la detección de la familia Chlamydiaceae y ArrayTube para la identificación de las especies presentes. Se detectó ADN de la familia Chlamydiaceae en 12 muestras (4,78%); el 83,33% (10/12) correspondió a abortos y el 16,66% (2/12) a mortinatos. El análisis por ArrayTube detectó C. abortus en 5 muestras (1,99% del total, 41,67% de las muestras con detección de Chlamydiaceae). Este trabajo presenta la primera confirmación de la presencia de ADN de diversas especies de Chlamydiaceae (incluida C. abortus) en muestras de pérdidas reproductivas de ganado bovino en Argentina. El valor de prevalencia hallado (4,78%) debe ser tomado como un valor basal, debido al tipo de muestras estudiadas. Se halló material genético de Chlamydiaceae que no coincidió con ninguna de las especies conocidas; esto podría deberse a variantes intraespecie o a especies autóctonas aún no descriptas. Es necesario avanzar en el estudio de la infección por estas bacterias en el ganado bovino de Argentina para conocer su dimensión y analizar su impacto económico y zoonótico, y también para planear medidas de prevención y control.

Reproductive losses linked to an infectious etiology in bovine cattle are a major economic concern worldwide. In Argentina, more than 50% of abortion cases have unknown causes. Species belonging to Chlamydiaceae family are frequent etiologic agents of abortion around the world; however, there is yet no information on their prevalence in Argentina. The objective of this work was to identify Chlamydia spp., and particularly C. abortus in reproductive losses from bovine cattle in La Pampa, Argentina. Real time PCR targeting Chlamydiaceae-specific DNA fragments was performed on 251 samples obtained from bovine abortions and stillborns, and ArrayTube was used for species identification on positive samples. Chlamydiaceae DNA was detected in 12 samples of aborted fetuses (4.78%), 83.33% (10/12) accounting for abortions and 16.66% (2/12) for stillborns. C. abortus was detected by ArrayTube in 5 cases (1.99% of all samples, and 41.67% of Chlamydiaceae positive samples). This study shows the first detection of Chlamydiaceae and C. abortus DNA on reproductive losses of bovine cattle in Argentina, and the described prevalence value (4.78%) should be taken as baseline value due to the type of samples analyzed. Detection of genetic material from Chlamydiaceae not matching any of the studied species could be due to intraspecies variants or local species not yet described. Further research on Chlamydia infections in bovine cattle in Argentina is imperative to describe their range, to analyze their economic and zoonotic implications and to make recommendations about prevention and control measures.

Serosurvey of Avian metapneumovirus, Orithobacterium rhinotracheale, and Chlamydia psittaci and Their Potential Association with Avian Airsacculitis / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Seasonal outbreaks of airsacculitis in China's poultry cause great economic losses annually. This study tried to unveil the potential role of Avian metapneumovirus (AMPV), Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) and Chlamydia psittaci (CPS) in avian airsacculitis. A serological investigation of 673 breeder chickens and a case-controlled study of 430 birds were undertaken. Results showed that infection with AMPV, ORT, and CPS was highly associated with the disease. The correlation between AMPV and CPS were positively robust in both layers and broilers. Finally, we determined the co-infection with AMPV, ORT, and CPS was prevalent in the sampled poultry farms suffering from respiratory diseases and the outbreak of airsacculitis was closely related to simultaneous exposure to all three agents.

Omadacycline, a Magic Antibiotics for Bacterial Infections

Nowadays antibiotic resistance is a worldwide serious problem that mainly affects public health. Omadacycline is a unique antibiotic which has two available dosage forms such as intravenous (IV) and oral that development for community-acquired bacterial infectious disease treatment. It is a modified form of older tetracycline at C-9 aminomethyl substituent of 6-member core ring of tetracycline. Modification form shows its activity against efflux pump and ribosomal protein protection mechanism of tetracycline resistance. Generally, omadacycline is effective against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus pneumoniae, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Legionella and Chlamydia spp. Efficacy, safety and tolerability profile of omadacycline those compares with recent antibiotics shows that omadacycline is less resistant than others. One derivative from tetracycline derivatives is 9-neopentylaminomethylminocycline called omadacycline was discovered and ongoing phase III clinical experiments as a therapy for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) as well as community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP). Omadacycline seems to be a strong drug candidate for future promising new antibacterial agent that is effective against ABSSSI and CABP.

Education to a Healthy Lifestyle Improves Symptoms and Cardiovascular Risk Factors – AsuRiesgo Study / Educação para um Estilo de Vida Saudável Melhora Sintomas e Fatores de Risco Cardiovasculares – Estudo AsuRiesgo

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the current leading causes of death and disability globally. Objective: To assess the effects of a basic educational program for cardiovascular prevention in an unselected outpatient population. Methods: All participants received an educational program to change to a healthy lifestyle. Assessments were conducted at study enrollment and during follow-up. Symptoms, habits, ATP III parameters for metabolic syndrome, and American Heart Association’s 2020 parameters of cardiovascular health were assessed. Results: A total of 15,073 participants aged ≥ 18 years entered the study. Data analysis was conducted in 3,009 patients who completed a second assessment. An improvement in weight (from 76.6 ± 15.3 to 76.4 ± 15.3 kg, p = 0.002), dyspnea on exertion NYHA grade II (from 23.4% to 21.0%) and grade III (from 15.8% to 14.0%) and a decrease in the proportion of current active smokers (from 3.6% to 2.9%, p = 0.002) could be documented. The proportion of patients with levels of triglycerides > 150 mg/dL (from 46.3% to 42.4%, p < 0.001) and LDL cholesterol > 100 mg/dL (from 69.3% to 65.5%, p < 0.001) improved. A ≥ 20% improvement of AHA 2020 metrics at the level graded as poor was found for smoking (-21.1%), diet (-29.8%), and cholesterol level (-23.6%). A large dropout as a surrogate indicator for low patient adherence was documented throughout the first 5 visits, 80% between the first and second assessments, 55.6% between the second and third assessments, 43.6% between the third and fourth assessments, and 38% between the fourth and fifth assessments. Conclusion: A simple, basic educational program may improve symptoms and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, but shows low patient adherence. .

Fundamentos: As doenças cardiovasculares são, atualmente, as maiores causas de óbito e incapacitação em todo o mundo. Objetivos: Avaliar os efeitos de um programa educativo básico para prevenção cardiovascular em uma população de pacientes ambulatoriais não selecionados. Métodos: Todos os participantes frequentaram um programa educativo de mudança para um estilo de vida saudável. Foram realizadas avaliações à admissão no estudo e durante o acompanhamento. Foram avaliados sintomas, hábitos, parâmetros do ATP III para síndrome metabólica e parâmetros da American Heart Association 2020 para saúde cardiovascular. Resultados: Foram incluídos no estudo 15.073 participantes com idade ≥ 18 anos. Foi feita a análise de dados dos 3.009 pacientes que completaram a segunda avaliação. Foram documentados perda de peso (de 76,6 ± 15,3 para 76,4 ± 15,3 kg, p = 0,002), melhora da dispneia aos esforços graus II-NYHA (de 23,4% para 21,0%) e III (de 15,8% para 14,0%), e redução na proporção de fumantes ativos atuais (de 3,6% para 2,9%, p = 0,002). Houve melhora na proporção de pacientes com níveis de triglicérides > 150 mg/dL (de 46,3% para 42,4%, p < 0,001) e de colesterol LDL > 100 mg/dL (de 69,3% para 65,5%, p < 0,001). Houve melhora ≥ 20% na métrica AHA 2020 no nível classificado como ruim para tabagismo (-21,1%), alimentação (-29,8%), e nível de colesterol (23,6%). Foi documentada grande evasão como indicador substituto para baixa adesão de paciente nas primeiras 5 consultas, sendo 80% entre a primeira e a segunda avaliação, 55,6% entre a segunda e a terceira, 43,6% entre a terceira e a quarta, e 38% entre a quarta e a quinta. Conclusão: Um programa educativo básico e simples pode melhorar os sintomas e fatores de risco cardiovasculares modificáveis, mas conta com pouca adesão por parte dos pacientes. .

Structure, Immunogenicity and Clinical Value of Chlamydiaphage Capsid Protein 3 / 病毒学报

We wished to assess the role of chlamydia micro virus capsid protein Vp3 in recombinant molecules, chart its molecular evolution, screen the wild-type strain, and reveal its value in clinical research. Using a protein BLAST multiple-alignment program, we compared various strains of Chlamydia micro virus capsid protein Vp3 sequences. Using a "distance tree" of those results, we created a phylogenetic tree. We applied the Karplus-Schulz method of flexible-region analyses for highly conserved alignments of amino-acid sequences. Gamier-Robson and Chou-Fasman methods were employed to analyze two-level structures of sequences. The Emini method was used for analyses of the accessibility of surface epitopes. Studies of hydrophilic proteins were undertaken using Kyte-Doolittle and Hopp-Woods methods. Analyses of antigen epitopes helped to reveal the antigen index using the Jameson-Wolf method. All sequences in the six strains of chlamydia micro virus capsid protein Vp3 were highly conserved, with the main differences being between Vp3 protein in Chp1 and the other five strains of the micro virus. The viral strain of Vp3 protein was based mainly on micro-alpha helix structures, and multiple epitopes were noted in highly conserved regions. Vp3 protein was highly conserved structurally, and was an important protein of the chlamydiaphage capsid. Vp3 protein has a complicated molecular structure, highly conserved regions with strong immunogenicity, and has considerable research value.

Clinical presentations of Chlamydia pneumoniae in children hospitalized for acute respiratory infections: a comparison to Mycoplasma pneumonia

PURPOSE: Chlamydia pneumoniae is a common intracellular bacterial pathogen and plays an important role in acute respiratory infections. The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical presentations of C. pneumoniae in children with acute respiratory infections. METHODS: We examined the medical records of pediatric patients (age<18 years) admitted with acute respiratory infections of C. pneumoniae to Gachon University Gil Medical Center between March 1, 2011 and August 31, 2014. We compared the clinical features of C. pneumoniae infection with that of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. RESULTS: We confirmed acute respiratory infections of C. pneumoniae in 110 patients out of 2,156 patients (5.1%) admitted with acute respiratory infections. The mean age was 37.2+/-30.1 months. More than half of them (54.5%) had coinfection. C. pneumoniae infection had mild and subacute courses. The mean duration of symptoms prior to admission was 8.5+/-13.8 days. There were remarkable seasonal variations and prevalence was higher in December and April (P=0.03 and P=0.02, respectively). Although rhinorrhea and pharyngeal injection were more common in C. pneumoniae infection (P<0.05), clinical signs and symptoms were similar between C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae. Extrapulmonary manifestations such as skin lesion, Gastrointestinal symptoms, hepatitis, and neurologic symptoms were common (41.0%) in C. pneumoniae infection and, had similar incidence in M. pneumoniae infection. CONCLUSION: C. pneumoniae is an important infectious agent of acute respiratory infections in children. Clinical pictures of C. pneumoniae are similar to M. pneumoniae, even in extrapulmonary manifestations. C. pneumoniae should be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis of acute respiratory infection in children.

Reactive Arthritis in a Patient with Chlamydia trachomatis Infection / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The authors report a case of reactive arthritis that was caused by sexual contact as below example. A 36-year-old male visited our center due to sudden pain in wrist joint, the 3rd finger, knee joint, and achilles tendon. There were no specific abnormalities for the immunoserologic tests and magnetic resonance imaging; however, we found a positive test result for the polymerase chain reaction test of urine that identified Chlamydia trachomatis. Through considering the patient's medical history and various examinations, we considered the possibility of reactive arthritis, to the exclusion of alternate diagnosis. According to the our diagnosis, the patient was treated with antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and we found that the patient was getting better. Therefore the authors think that we have to contemplate the possibility of reactive arthritis and treat appropriately in patients with similar symptoms.

Efficiency of Chlamydia Pneumoniae Culture in the Upper Airway Epithelial Cell Lines: AMC-HN-4, AMC-HN-7, and AMC-HN-8 / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) is a well-known pathogen of upper and lower respiratory tract infection. For a more efficient and practical cell culture system, we studied the growth of two clinical isolates of C. pneumoniae in selected cell lines derived from the human respiratory tract. MATERIALS AND METHOD: HeLa 229, HEp-2, which are well-known cell lines for the culture of C. pneumoniae, and AMC-HN-4, AMC-HN-7, AMC-HN-8, which are the newly developed cell lines in Korea were examined. Strains of C. pneumoniae used in this study were TW-183 and LKK-1 (the first Korean strain). Chlamydia was inoculated on each confluent cell line and incubated for 48 hrs. After staining with anti-Chlamydial lipopolysaccharide monoclonal antibody, we compared the efficiency of the C. pneumoniae infection on each cell line by counting the inclusion bodies. RESULTS: In culturing C. pneumoniae LKK-1, AMC-HN-4 cells consistently yielded higher inclusion body counts than HeLa 229 cells did, whereas inclusion body counts by AMC-HN-7 cells was low. AMC-HN-7, AMC HN-8 cells yielded lower inclusion body counts than HEp-2 cells. In culturing C. pneumoniae TW-183, AMC-HN-4, AMC-HN-7, and AMC-HN-8 cells did not yield lower inclusion body counts than HeLa 229 cells did. AMC-HN-7 cells yielded lower inclusion body counts than HEp-2 cells. CONCLUSION: The newly established upper airway epithelial cell lines, AMC HN-4 and AMC HN-8, had similar culture efficiency as HeLa 229 and HEp-2 cells for Chlamydial infection; therefore, these two cell lines could be used for the future studies of C. pneumoniae.

Chlamydia and Male Lower Urinary Tract Diseases

Of the chlamydia species that can cause infections in humans, C. trachomatis is responsible for lower urinary tract diseases in men and women. C. trachomatis infections are prevalent worldwide, but current research is focused on females, with the burden of disease and infertility sequelae considered to be a predominantly female problem. However, a role for this pathogen in the development of male urethritis, epididymitis, and orchitis is widely accepted. Also, it can cause complications such as chronic prostatitis and infertility. This review summarizes C. trachomatis infection in the male genitourinary tract, including urethritis, epididymitis, orchitis, and its complications, and addresses the microbiology, epidemiology, screening, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment.

Prevalence and Associated Factors for Four Sexually Transmissible Microorganisms in Middle-Aged Men Receiving General Prostate Health Checkups: A Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Study in Korea

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), and Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) in first-voided urine samples and to determine the factors associated with positivity for sexually transmissible microorganisms in healthy, middle-aged Korean men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred fifty-one men who came to the hospital for a general prostate health checkup were tested between August 2011 and December 2011. PCR assays for CT, NG, MG, and UU were done with first-voided urine samples and the prevalence of microorganism positivity and association with several clinical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the men studied was 50.8+/-4.7 years. Among the 551 men, 72 (13.1%) had a positive result for at least one microorganism; one (0.2%) had two different species. The overall prevalence of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections was 11.1% (61/551). The prevalence rates of CT, NG, MG, and UU infection in the general population were 0.4% (2/551), 0.0% (0/551), 1.0% (6/551), and 11.8% (65/551), respectively. CT-positive patients had a lower mean age than did CT-negative patients. There were no significant differences in symptoms by positivity of each microorganism. CONCLUSIONS: We checked the prevalence rates of four microorganisms, the proportion of symptomatic people, and the association of microbes, age, and symptoms, as the baseline data for Korean middle-aged men. In this population, CT, NG, MG, and UU infections do not seem to be symptomatic. However, the potential role of CT in young men and of UU in middle-aged men with a high rate of detection should be studied continuously as a source of opportunistic infection.

Mycoplasmas y anticuerpos anti-Chlamydia en semen de hombres infértiles y su relación con la calidad seminal y los marcadores de glándulas sexuales accesorias masculinas / Mycoplasmas and antibodies anti-Chlamydia in semen of infertile men and their relationship with seminal quality and markers of male accessory sex glands

La infertilidad masculina puede deberse a inflamación o infección del tracto genital entre otras causas. En el problema de la infertilidad masculina pueden estar implicadas las glándulas sexuales accesorias y la función espermática. En este trabajo se trata de asociar los gérmenes más frecuentes en semen de hombres infértiles incluyendo Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis y Ureaplasma urealyticum con las características seminales, y los niveles de fructosa, ácido cítrico y a-glucosidasa neutra como marcadores de las glándulas sexuales accesorias masculinas. La detección de los anticuerpos indicó que C. trachomatis fue el germen de mayor prevalencia. Los anticuerpos (Acs) anti-Chlamydia, Mycoplasma hominis y Ureaplasma urealyticum se asociaron con descenso de los marcadores glandulares fructosa y a-glucosidasa. Por otra parte se observó aumento del pH y leucocitospermia en los pacientes con Acs anti-Chlamydia. La evaluación microbiológica y la bioquímica del semen orientarían más sobre la propagación de la infección y permitiría seleccionar la terapia más efectiva. Se observó que es importante la evaluación microbiológica y de los marcadores de glándulas accesorias sexuales masculinas en el semen para diagnosticar y tratar las infecciones masculinas.

Male infertility may be due to inflammation or infection of the genital tract among other causes. Male accessory sex glands and sperm function may also be involved in the problem of infertility. This study tries to associate the most frequent bacteria in semen of infertile men including Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum with the seminal characteristics and levels of fructose, citric acid and a-neutral glucosidase as markers of the accessory glands. Detection of antibodies anti Chlamydia trachomatis indicated that it was the most prevalent germ. Antibodies (Ab) anti-Chlamydia, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum were associated with a decrease of the glandular markers fructose and a-neutral glucosidase. On the other hand, there were increased pH and leukocytospermia in men positive for antibodies anti-Chlamydia. Microbiological and biochemical evaluation of semen could orient more about the spread of infection and allow for the selection of the most effective therapy. We find that microbiological and glandular accessory markers assessments in semen are important to diagnose and to treat infections.

Association between Intracellular Infectious Agents and Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE: A number of studies have reported association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Chlamydia infection and the risk of schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to compare the prevalence of T. gondii and Chlamydia infection between the schizophrenia and normal control subjects and to compare the clinical features between seropositive and seronegative schizophrenia patients. METHODS: The rate of serum reactivity to T. gondii, Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), Chlamydia pneumonia in 96 schizophrenia and 50 control subjects was investigated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and indirect fluorescent antibody technique. The clinical symptoms of the schizophrenia patients were scored with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and a comparative analysis was carried out. RESULTS: A significant positive association between immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to T. gondii and C. trachomatis in schizophrenia was found, and the odds ratio of schizophrenia associated with IgG antibody was found to be 3.22 and 2.86, respectively. The Toxoplasma-seropositive schizophrenia patient had higher score on the negative subscale N1 and N7 and general psychopathology subscale G13, while C. trachomatis-seropositive schizophrenia patient had higher score on the general psychopathology subscale G10. CONCLUSION: The results from the present study suggest significant association between T. gondii, C. trachomatis infection and schizophrenia. In future, further studies are needed to elucidate the correlation between the two types of infection and schizophrenia.

Detection and the antibiotic susceptibility analysis of mycoplasma and chlamydia in urogenital tract infections of 327 cases patients with tubal infertility / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of mycoplasma and chlamydia infections on tubal infertilityand to assess the antibiotic susceptibility and resistance of female urogenital, and consequently to guide clinical rational drug use.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>327 tubal infertility women as infertility group and 286 healthy pregnant women as control group were randomly selected, detected chlamydia trachomatis (CT), ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and mycoplasma hominis (MH) in cervical secretions and drug resistance of UU and MH.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>CT infection rates (14.99%), UU infection rates (23.24%), UU + MH infection rates (29.05%),CT + UU + MH infection rates (9.17%) and total infection rates (88.99%) in infertility group is higher than those (order: 2.80%, 6.99%, 8.39%, 4.55%, 29.02%) in the control group, comparisons of two groups are statistically significant differences (P < 0.05), the susceptibility of UU to roxithromycin (sensitivity is 96.05%), josamycin (sensitivity is 96.05%), tetracycline (sensitivity is 82.89%), vibramycin( sensitivity is 92.11%) and clarithromycin (sensitivity is 96.05%) were relatively high and low to ciprofloxacin and acetyl spiramycin. The susceptibility of MH to josamycin (sensitivity is 95.83%), vibramycin (sensitivity is 91.67%), minocin (sensitivity is 83.33%) and actinospectacin (sensitivity is 75.00%) were relatively high and low to erythromycin, azithromycin, roxithromycin and clarithromycin. UU + MH was only sensitive to josamycin (sensitivity is 90.52%), high resistance (77.89% -91.58%) to erythromycin, azithromycin, acetyl spiramycin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, azithromycin and clarithromycin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Infection of CT, UU, MH and tubal infertility have certain relevance,the rates of CT, UU and MH infection in tubal infertility patients higher than fertile people. For many commonantibacterial drugs, UU, MH and UU + MH has strong resistance, the etiology detection and using adapted antibios should be taken seriously in clinical treatment.</p>

The Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Urethritis and Cervicitis in Asymptomatic People by Use of Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to conduct a screening test for urethritis or cervicitis as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) by using multiplex polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Trichomonas vaginalis in asymptomatic people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2010 to December 2010, 709 persons who came to the hospital for a general checkup were tested. Multiplex PCR assays were done with first voided urine samples or endocervical swabs by use of the Seeplex(R) STD6 ACE Detection kit. RESULTS: The mean age in this study was 45.4+/-8.1 years. Among the 709 persons, 229 (32.3%) had a positive result for at least one microorganism, 48 (6.8%) had two different species, 6 (0.8%) had three different species, and 1 person had four different species. The overall prevalence of asymptomatic STDs such as urethritis or cervicitis was 7.1% (50/709). The prevalence rates of chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, and Trichomonas vaginalis infection in asymptomatic persons were 5.6% (40/709), 0.4% (3/709), 0.3% (2/709), 22.1% (157/709), 11.6% (82/709), and 1.1% (8/709), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With only a single sample, we could identify the prevalence rates of six microorganisms and the overall proportion of urethritis or cervicitis in asymptomatic people. This proportion cannot be neglected; therefore, screening tests for sexually transmitted diseases such as urethritis or ervicitis should be recommended to asymptomatic people.

Evaluation of two Real-Time PCR Assays for the Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis / 임상검사와정도관리

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis is common etiological agent of sexual transmitted disease. We evaluated two real-time PCR assays for the detection of C. trachomatis; Cobas TaqMan CT test v2.0 (Roche Diagnostics, Switzerland) and AdvanSure CT/NG real-time PCR (LG Life Sciences, Korea). And we compared performance of two real-time PCR assays with Cobas Amplicor CT test (Roche Diagnostics, Switzerland). METHODS: Seventy-nine cervical swab specimens collected from patients with suspected C. trachomatis infection were tested using CTM CT, ADVANSURE, and AMPLICOR for the detection of C. trachomatis. RESULTS: Twenty-five (31.6%) samples showed positive results in all three assays. The positive and negative concordance rates among three assays were 100%. CONCLUSIONS: CTM CT and ADVANSURE showed excellent agreement with AMPLICOR. Therefore, these assays were reliable for the evaluation of C. trachomatis infection.

Current Concepts in Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the most common infectious diseases worldwide, with over 350 million new cases occurring each year, and have far-reaching health, social, and economic consequences. Failure to diagnose and treat STDs at an early stage may result in serious complications and sequelae. STDs are passed from person to person primarily by sexual contact and are classified into varied groups. Some cause mild, acute symptoms and some are life-threatening. They are caused by many different infectious organisms and are treated in different ways. Syphilis and gonorrhea are ancient afflictions. Now, however, Chlamydia is prevalent and has become the most common bacterial STD. Antimicrobial resistance of several sexually transmitted pathogens is increasing, rendering some regimens ineffective, adding to therapeutic problems. A standardized treatment protocol for STDs is recommended to ensure that all patients receive adequate treatment. Appropriate treatment of STDs is an important public health measure.