Presence of Chlamydia abortus in colostrum, milk, and vaginal discharge samples of sheep

Background: The main transmission route of Chlamydia abortus is by ingesting the microorganism that has been eliminated in vaginal secretions, placental membranes or abortions that contaminate the environment and, possibly, through milk and colostrum. Elimination through vaginal secretions is well documented. However, there are no reports about isolation and identification of C. abortus in the colostrum or milk of infected sheep, so it is important to determine whether or not C. abortus may be present in these secretions, which are the only food of lambs. Objective: To detect C. abortus in colostrum, milk, and vaginal secretions of sheep with a history of reproductive disorders. Methods: Colostrum, milk, and vaginal exudates were collected from 66 sheep. The samples were inoculated in mouse fibroblast cell cultures and the presence of C. abortus determined by direct immunofluorescence. Results: 19 out of 66 colostrum samples (28.7%), 14 out of 66 milk samples (21.2%) and 17 out of 66 vaginal swabs (25.7%) were positive for C. abortus. The 50 samples positive for isolation and detected by immunofluorescence, together with 42 negative samples were subjected to qPCR to amplify a fragment of the ompA gene from C. abortus. Thirty-eight of the 92 samples processed by this technique were positive for C. abortus. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the presence of C. abortus in a high proportion in colostrum, milk and vaginal secretions of infected sheep. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first field study confirming the presence of C. abortus in colostrum, which shows that excretion of Chlamydia by lactogenesis could occur in the first hours after birth.

Antecedentes: La principal vía de transmisión de C. abortus es la ingestión del microorganismo que ha sido eliminado en las secreciones vaginales, membranas placentarias, abortos y, posiblemente, a través de la leche y el calostro. La eliminación a través de secreciones vaginales está bien documentada. Sin embargo, no existen reportes del aislamiento e identificación de C. abortus en el calostro o la leche de ovejas infectadas, por lo que es importante determinar si la bacteria puede o no estar presente en estas secreciones, que son el único alimento de los corderos. Objetivo: Detectar la presencia de C. abortus in calostro, leche y secreciones vaginales de ovejas con antecedentes de problemas reproductivos. Método: Con el propósito de aislar e identificar C. abortus en estas secreciones, se recolectó calostro, leche y exudado vaginal de 66 ovejas. Las muestras fueron inoculadas en cultivos celulares de fibroblastos de ratón y se determinó la presencia de la bacteria por inmunofluorescencia directa. Resultados: Fueron positivas 19 de 66 muestras de calostro (28,7%), 14 de 66 muestras de leche (21,2%) y 17 de 66 hisopos vaginales (25,7%). Las 50 muestras positivas al aislamiento y detectadas por inmunofluorescencia, junto con 42 negativas se sometieron a qPCR para amplificar un fragmento del gen ompA de C. abortus; 38 de las 92 muestras procesadas por esta técnica fueron positivas para C. abortus. Conclusión: Los resultados del presente estudio demostraron la presencia de C. abortus en una alta proporción en el calostro, la leche y las secreciones vaginales de ovejas infectadas. Este es el primer estudio de campo que confirma la presencia de C. abortus en calostro, lo que demuestra que la excreción de clamidia por lactogénesis podría ocurrir en las primeras horas después del nacimiento.

Antecedentes: A principal via de transmissão da Chlamydia abortus é a ingestão do microrganismo que foi eliminado nas secreções vaginais, membranas placentárias ou abortos que contaminam o meio ambiente e, possivelmente, através do leite e colostro. A eliminação pelas secreções vaginais está bem documentada. No entanto, não há relatos de isolamento e identificação de C. Abortus no colostro ou leite de ovelhas infectadas, por isso é importante verificar se a bactéria pode estar ou não presente nessas secreções, único alimento dos cordeiros. Objetivo: Detectar a presença de C. Abortus no colostro, leite e secreções vaginais de ovelhas com histórico de distúrbios reprodutivos Métodos: Para isolar e identificar C. Abortus nessas secreções, foram coletados colostro, leite e exsudato vaginal de 66 ovelhas. As amostras foram inoculadas em cultura de células de fibroblastos de camundongo e a presença da bactéria determinada por imunofluorescência direta. Resultados: 19 de 66 amostras de colostro (28,7%), 14 de 66 amostras de leite (21,2%) e 17 de 66 esfregaços vaginais (25,7%) sendo positivos. As 50 amostras positivas para isolamento e detectadas por imunofluorescência, juntamente com as 42 negativas, foram submetidas a qPCR para amplificar um fragmento do gene ompA de C. Abortus. Trinta e oito das 92 amostras processadas por esta técnica foram positivas para C. Abortus. Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo demonstraram a presença de C. Abortus em alta proporção no colostro, leite e secreções vaginais de ovelhas infectadas. Este trabalho é o primeiro estudo de campo na literatura científica confirmando a presença de C. Abortus no colostro, o que mostra que a excreção da clamídia por lactogênese pode ocorrer nas primeiras horas após o nascimento.

0ne case report of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

This paper reported a case of severe Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia. The patient had a clear history of contact with sick poultry. The clinical manifestations were dry cough, fever and respiratory failure. Chest CT showed consolidation in the lower lobe of the right lung, and a small amount of exudative ground-glass opacity in the left lung. Chlamydia psittaci was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by metagenomic assay. After treatment with antibiotics such as nitroimidazoles and carbapenems, the patient was discharged with a better health condition.

Protocolo clínico de diagnóstico y tratamiento de pacientes con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad que ingresan a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Clinical protocol for diagnosis and treatment of patients with community-acquired pneumonia admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

La neumonía es una infección frecuente que se presenta en todas las edades, en cualquier tipo de pacientes y a nivel co-munitario u hospitalario. La neumonía que se origina en la comunidad afecta a los pacientes con comorbilidades y en los extremos de la vida. La mortalidad de la neumonía comunitaria (NC) per-manece elevada, los sistemas de salud deben implementar estrategias para diagnosticar y tratar de forma rápida a estos pacientes. Cuando un paciente con neumonía comunitaria es ingresado en la emergencia de cualquier hospital se debe categorizar su estado para que reciba el mejor tratamiento posible. La Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) participa en la detección de los pacientes con neu-monía adquirida en la comunidad grave, con el objetivo de priorizar su atención para lograr las metas de manejo lo más rápido posible y disminuir la mortalidad de estos pacientes.

Pneumonia is a common infection that occurs in all ages, in any type of patient and at the community or hospital level. Community-originating pneumonia affects patients with comorbidities and at the ex-tremes of life. Mortality from commu-nity pneumonia remains high, health sys-tems must implement strategies to quickly diagnose and treat these patients. When a patient with community pneumonia is admitted to any hospital emergency, their condition must be categorized so that they receive the best possible treat-ment. The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) participates in the detection of patients with severe community-acquired pneu-monia, with the objective of prioritizing their care to achieve management goals as quickly as possible and reduce the mortality of these patients.

Cytological Detection Of Chlamydial Infection Associated With Different Gynaecological Diseases

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and is associated with gynecological disorders like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility and habitual abortion. The present study was carried out in 85 women who had complaints of symptoms like PID, infertility and habitual abortion. These women were recruited from the Gynaecology OPD of GSVM Medical College, Kanpur between January 2008 to September 2009. Both routine Papsmear examination and Chlamydial antigen detection test was performed in the sample collected from the cervix. Chlamydia was detected in 22 of the 85 cases (25.8%). Inflammatory changes were commonly associated with Chlamydia (77.2%) while squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) of cervix was seen in 22.8% of cases. The Chlamydia was very common in the younger sexually active group of 21- 30 years and was associated with PID in 30.7% of cases, with infertility in 21.0% and with habitual abortion in 14.2% of cases. Routine cytological screening is needed in all symptomatic women especially those complaining of pain in lower abdomen and vaginal discharge and also asymptomatic women to detect Chlamydia to facilitate their timely treatment.

Evidencia de Chlamydia no psittaci en psitácidos en cautiverio de Venezuela / Evidence of non-psittaci Chlamydia in parrots in captivity in Venezuela / Evidência de Chlamydia não psittaci em psitacídeos em cativeiro na Venezuela

Resumen Chlamydia psittaci (Cp) es una bacteria intracelular obligada causante de la clamidiosis aviar, capaz de infectar a más de 460 especies de aves. Sin embargo, desde 2008 han sido identificadas otras especies chlamydiales en aves de vida libre y en cautiverio. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo la identificación de un segmento del gen 16s ADNr de Cp a través de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa anidada en dos psitácidos del género Ara ararauna y Ara chloropterus de un parque zoológico de Venezuela. Los resultados revelaron que las aves no poseían ADN compatible con Cp, pero sí para la familia Chlamydiaceae. En este sentido se aporta evidencia de la presencia de otra posible especie chlamydial en las Ara muestreadas en estado portador asintomático. Dichas aves provenían de decomisos y se desconocía su origen. Estos factores favorecen la infección por otra especie de Chlamydia. Si bien los productos de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) obtenidos no fueron secuenciados, existen altas probabilidades de ser una Chlamydia no psittaci debido a que un elevado número de reportes a escala mundial afirman la capacidad de transmisión del resto de las especies en aves. En este sentido es necesaria la notificación de los hallazgos chlamydiales para el estudio de su capacidad patogénica en nuevos reservorios, riesgo zoonótico y la protección de la fauna silvestre y en cautiverio, principalmente la que se encuentra en riesgo de extinción.

Abstract Chlamydia psittaci (Cp) is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes avian chlamydiosis, capable of infecting more than 460 bird species. However, since 2008, other chlamydial species have been identified in free-living and captive birds. This study aimed to identify a segment of the 16s rDNA gene of Cp using nested polymerase chain reaction in two Psittacidae birds of the genus Ara ararauna and Ara chloropterus from a zoo in Venezuela. The results revealed that these birds did not have DNA compatible with Cp, but they did have for the Chlamydiaceae family. Thus, the paper evidences the presence of another possible chlamydial species in the sampled Ara in an asymptomatic carrier state. These birds were confiscated and their origin was unknown. These factors favor infection by another species of Chlamydia. Although the resulting polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were not sequenced, there is a high probability of being a non-psittaci Chlamydia, because a large number of reports on a global scale affirm the transmission capacity of the rest of the species in birds. In this sense, it is necessary to report chlamydial findings in order to study their pathogenic capacity in new reservoirs, zoonotic risk, and the protection of wildlife and animals in captivity, mainly those at risk of extinction.

Resumo Chlamydia psittaci (Cp) é uma bactéria intracelular obrigada causadora da clamidiose aviar, capaz de infectar a mais de 460 espécies de aves. Entretanto, desde 2008 foram identificadas outras espécies chlamydiais em aves de vida livre e em cativeiro. O presente estudo teve como objetivo a identificação de um segmento do gene 16s ADNr de Cp através da reação em cadeia da polimerase aninhados em dois psitacídeos do género Ara ararauna e Ara chloropterus de um parque zoológico da Venezuela. Os resultados revelaram que as aves não possuíam DNA compatível com Cp, mas sim para a família Chlamydiaceae. Neste sentido se aponta evidência da presença de outra possível espécie chlamydial nas Ara amostradas em estado portador assintomático. Tais aves provinham de apreensões e se desconhecia sua origem. Estes fatores favorecem a infecção por outra espécie de Chlamydia. Ainda que os produtos de Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) obtidos não foram sequenciados, existem altas probabilidades de ser uma Chlamydia não psittaci devido a que um elevado número de relatos em escala mundial afirma a capacidade de transmissão do resto das espécies em aves. Neste sentido é necessária a notificação das descobertas chlamydiais para o estudo de sua capacidade patogênica em novos reservatórios risco zoonótico e a proteção da fauna silvestre e em cativeiro, principalmente a que se encontra em risco de extinção.

Persistent chlamydial genital infection in Tianjin area: An epidemiological study / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the epidemic features of persistent genital chlamydial infection (GCI) in Tianjin area.@*METHODS@#We statistically analyzed the clinical data about the persistent GCI patients received at the Venereal Disease Clinic of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from 2009 to 2011.@*RESULTS@#A total of 158 patients with persistent GCI were received from Tianjin area. The patients ranged in age from 19 to 67 years, 39.24% from 20 to 29 and 34.81% from 30 to 39 years, 36.71% with commercial occupation, and 55.06% with college education or above. The sex partners of the patients included their spouses (32.91%) and waitresses (41.77%). The incidence probability of persistent GCI was higher in the females (59.49%) than in the males. Many of the patients were complicated with infections of mycoplasma, syphilis, candida albicans, or condyloma acuminatum.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The epidemic trend of persistent GCI is rather grim in Tianjin area. New measures have to be developed targeting the epidemiological features of persistent GCI for better prevention and control of the disease.

Chlam ydia mu ridra um respiratory tract infection induces the proliferation ofγδT cells and the secre-t ion of IFN-γand IL-17 / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the proliferation, activation and cytokine production of γδT cells during different periods of Chlamydia muridarum ( Cm) respiratory tract infection. Methods C57BL/6 mice were inoculated intranasally with 3×103 inclusion-forming units(IFU)of Cm strains to induce the murine model of chlamydial pneumonitis.Mononuclear cells were isolated from lung tissue samples col-lected from mice at different time points after infection.Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the per-centages of CD3+TCRγδ+T cells in lung tissues and the expression of CD69 molecule.Intracellular cytokine staining was performed to analyze the secretion of IL-17 and IFN-γbyγδT cells.Results The mouse model of chlamydial pneumonitis was successfully established by intranasal inoculation of C57BL/6 mice with 3×103 IFU of Cm strains.Compared with the mice without Cm infection, the percentage and the absolute number of CD3+TCRγδ+T cells in mice lung tissues were significantly increased after Cm infection, the peak of which was reached on the 7th day, followed by a decline.The expression of CD69 molecule onγδT cells isolated from mice lung tissues reached to the highest level on the third day after Cm infection and declined slightly afterwards.Moreover, enhanced secretion of IL-17 and IFN-γby γδT cells were observed in mice with Cm infection and the highest levels of the two cytokines were detected on the third day after infection. Most of the cytokines ( IL-17 and IFN-γ) were secreted by γδT cells rather than by αβT cells in the early stage of Cm infection.However, the CD3+CD4+T cells were more capable of producing IFN-γand IL-17 thanγδT cells after three days of Cm infection.Conclusion Cm respiratory tract infection could induce the aggregation and activation ofγδT cells at the infection site.TheγδT cells were the predominant cells produ-cing IL-17 and IFN-γin the early stage of host anti-chlamydia response.

Infiltration and activation of neutrophils in lung tissues during Chlamydia muridarum respiratory tract infection / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the possible mechanism of aggregation and activation of neu-trophils(polymorphonuclear neutrophils,PMN)in mice with chlamydial pneumonitis. Methods C57BL/ 6 mice were inoculated intranasally with 3×103 inclusion-forming units(IFU)of Chlamydia muridarum(Cm) to induce the murine model of chlamydial pneumonitis. Samples of lung tissues collected at different time points after infection were stained by hematoxylin and eosin for histopathological assessment of inflammation. The levels of myelo-peroxidase(MPO)were detected for the evaluation of PMN aggregation. The mononu-clear cells were isolated from lung tissues. The inflammatory cells were counted with Giemsaˊs staining. CD11b+Gr1+ cell population and CD11b expression in lung mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytome-try. The expression of chemokines(MIP-2,LIX,KC and MCP-1)in lung tissues at mRNA level was meas-ured by RT-PCR. Results Chlamydial pneumonitis was induced in mice by intranasal inoculation of 3×103 IFU of Cm. Compared with the mice from control group,large amounts of inflammatory cells including PMN, monocytes and lymphocytes were induced in lung tissues of mice with Cm infection. PMN responded earlier than monocytes to the infection. The levels of MPO were significantly increased in mice with Cm infection and reached the highest level on the 7th day after infection. A decline in MPO levels was observed on the 14th day but the levels were still higher than those on day 0. The percentages and total numbers of CD11b+Gr1+ cells were significantly increased after Cm infection. Moreover,an increased expression of PMN CD11b was also detected by flow cytometry. The expression of chemokines(MIP-2,LIX,KC and MCP-1)was in-creased in lung tissues of mice after Cm infection. The results of the study indicated that Cm infection in-duced the expression of PMN chemoattractants,resulting in the recruitment of PMN. Conclusion The infil-tration and activation of PMN in lung tissues of mice were induced by Cm infection through increasing the ex-pression of chemokines. PMN played an important role in immune responses against Cm infection.

Recent advances on chlamydial taxonomy and identification / 中国人兽共患病学报

ABSTRACT:Chlamydiae are obligate intracellular bacteria with a unique biphasic developmental cycle ,and have close rela‐tionships with human .Emerging Chlamydia species such as Chlamydia ibidis ,Chlamydia avium and Chlamydia gallinacea changed the chlamydial taxonomy .The biggest change is the abandon of genus Chlamydophilaand its previous six species were recombined into genus Chlamydia ,which in together with the emerging species ,expands genus Chlamydia to 12 species .This paper briefly reviewed the latest taxonomy of Chlamydiae and their identification methods ,which include the classical biological characteristics and physico‐chemical properties ,modern molecular genetics ,and the newly developed whole genome analysis . Presently ,molecular genetics methods ,including sequence analysis of 16S rRNA ,ompA and other Chlamydia‐specific genes , are commonly used for chlamydial identification .

Chlamydia trachomatis serovar D genital tract infected mice model: establishment and evaluation / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

ObjectiveTo construct a mouse model for studying pathophysiology and mechanism of human Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection.MethodsInnate immunity-deficient C3H/HeJ female mice were infected intravaginally with human C.trachomatis serovar D urogenital isolates for screening the highest violent clinical strain.The clinical strain UT0603 as well as standard strain D/UW-3/CX were then used to reinfect na(i)ve mice,the lower genital tract shedding were monitored by swabbing every 3-7 day over the entire infection period by culture.Some mice were sacrificed at early infection stage to detection of in site Chlamydia growth by immunofluorescence assay,then all the mice were sacrificed at later infection stage to evaluate upper genital tract gross pathology and histopathological characterization.ResuIts In the lower genital tract,Chlamydia shedding time course were significantly prolonged in clinical strain infected mice.Chlamydia not only growth in the lower genital tract,the live organism also ascending and growth in the upper genital tissue.The gross appearance under naked eyes and dilation and inflammation scores under microscope all showed that the genital tract pathology from the clinical strain infected mice were much more severe than standard strain infected control mice.Conclusion Together,all these results demonstrated that a mouse model for Chlamydia genital infection was constructed.

Study on the diagnosis application using recombinant protein of immunodominant region gene of chlamydial protease-like activity factor from Chlamydophila psittaci / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To clone and express the immunodominant domain of the chlamydial proteaselike activity factor(CPAF) from Chlamydophila psittaci(Cps) and evaluated the diagnosing value of the recombinant protein in Cps infection.Methods The immunodominant region epitope of CPAF (CPAFm,A196-A450)from Cps was chosen according to bioinformatics analysis and references.The specific primer was designed and the gene was amplified by PCR and then ligated into a pGEX6p-2 vector.Recombinant protein was induced to express by IPTG and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot.Indirect EL1SA method of serological diagnosis was established with the reorganization protein as coating antigen.One hundred and eighty sera samples from ducks with respiratory tract infection symptoms were detected with the established indirect ELISA and a commercial ELISA-kit to assess the value of the recombinant protein in serodiagnosis.The results were further identified with Western blot.Results Prokaryotic expression vector pGEX6p-2/CPAFm was constructed and a 54x103 fusion protein was attained.The indirect ELISA method was established with reorganization protein for envelope antigen.Using the indirect ELISA to detect Cps lgG positive and negative reference sera,the sensitivity and specificity were both 100％ (20/20).And the recombinant protein has no cross reaction with either Chlamydophila pneumoniae or Chlamydophila trachomatis.The concordance rate between the indirect ELISA and Western blot to 180 ducks sera samples was 100％,while the concordance rate of the commercial ELISA kit was 77.5％-95.0％.Conclusion The prepared recombinant protein of the CPAF immunodominant region epitope gene from Gps can highly benefit on developing new indirect ELISA as methods to detect specific anti-Cps antibodies.

Prevalência da infecção por clamídia e gonococo em mulheres atendidas na clínica de DST da fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, Amazonas / Prevalence of chlamydia and gonococcal infection in women assisted in the STI clinic of Alfredo da Matta foundation, Manaus, Amazon

A pouca correspondência entre a queixa de corrimento vaginal ou cervical e a positividade da infecção gonocócica ou por clamídia tem sido amplamente divulgada na literatura, por isso é necessário continuar buscando novos elementos que permitam melhorar o seu diagnóstico. Objetivo: estimara prevalência e os fatores de risco associados à infecção gonocócica e por clamídia em população feminina sintomática ou não, atendida por demanda espontânea em uma clínica especializada em DST, e avaliar a utilidade do emprego da definição, atualmente em uso no Brasil, para escore de risco emmulheres com corrimento vaginal. Métodos: foram incluídas 239 mulheres, atendidas na clínica de DST da Fundação Alfredo da Matta, na cidade deManaus, Amazonas, em 2008, e que realizaram exames para clamídia e gonorreia. Resultados: a prevalência por clamídia e gonococo foi de 18,4% e acoinfecção, de 12,9%; a prevalência da infecção por clamídia (captura híbrida) foi de 13,0% e a de cervicite gonocócica (Thayer Martin), 7,1%. As maiores prevalências foram encontradas entre adolescentes e mulheres com antecedentes de ter parceiro com corrimento uretral, porém só a última foi um preditorsignificativo na análise multivariada para a infecção gonocócica [OR = 4,8 (2,2-10,5)]. As mulheres com corrimento e escore de risco positivo (> 2) tiveram prevalência significativamente maior só para infecção gonocócica (p < 0,001). Os resultados de sensibilidade, especificidade e VPP para a definição de risco tiveram valores baixos e não conseguiram evitar uma elevada taxa de tratamentos desnecessários. Conclusão: a infecção cervical por clamídia foi a mais frequente e dentre as pacientes, 58% eram assintomáticas. Ter parceiro com corrimento uretral foi a única variável independente significativa para infecção gonocócica e para aquelas com coinfecção, porém não foi para infecção somente por clamídia. A definição atual do escore de risco tem sensibilidade eespecificidade muito baixas para o diagnóstico de infecção cervical por clamídia, gonorreia ou ambas.

The weak correspondence between the syndrome of vaginal or cervical discharge and gonococcal or chlamydial infection has been widely reported. Therefore it is necessary to find new elements permitting to improve the diagnostic. Objectives: to estimate prevalence and risk factors associated with gonococcal and chlamydial infection in symptomatic and asymptomatic women who sought care in a STI clinic and to evaluate the performance of risk assessment score for vaginal discharge, actually used in Brazil. Methodology: in 2008, 239 women, symptomatic and asymptomatic for vaginal discharge,were recruited in the STI clinic of Fundação Alfredo da Matta in Manaus, State of Amazon, and tested for Chlamydia trachomatis e Neisseria gonorrhoeae.Results: prevalence for chlamydial infection (DNA hybridization) was 13.0%, for gonococcal cervical infection 7.1% (Thayer Martin), for coinfection12.9% and 18.4% to have either one of them. Highest prevalence were found in adolescents and women who had a partner presenting urethral dischargein the past, this being the only significant predictor in multivariate analysis for gonococcal infection [OR = 4.8 (2.2-10.5)]. Symptomatic women with apositive risk score (> 2) showed only significantly higher prevalence for gonococcal infection (p < 0.001). Evaluation of sensibility, specificity and PPV for the Brazilian risk assessment score showed low values and therefore not contribute to decrease the proportion of unnecessary treatments. Conclusion:chlamydia is the most prevalent infection among the women seeking for care at the STI clinic, and 58% of them were asymptomatic cases. Having a partner with urethral discharge represents the only independent variable for gonococcal infection or for those with coinfection, but not specifically for chlamydial infection. The risk assessment score showed insufficient sensitivity and specificity to detect cervical infection with chlamydia and gonorrhea or both.

Chlamydial protease-like activity factor from Chlamydophila pneumoniae induced THP-1 cells produced proinflammtory cytokines and apoptosis / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To express and purify Chlamydial protease-like activity factor(CPAF)from Chlamydophila pneumoniae,for investigating the effect of its recombinant protein GST-CPAF in inducing human monocytic cells to secrete proinflammatory cytokines and cell apoptosis.Methods The recom-bination expression plasmid pGEX6p-2/CPAF from Chlamydophila pneumoniae was transformed into E.coli.The recombination GST-CPAF was expressed after induction by IPTG,and purified by a agarose gel FF.Human monocytic cells were stimulated by the GST-CPAF to test the production of tumor necrosis factor a(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL- 6)by ELISA.Inhibition of cells proliferation with GST-CPAF was assessed by MTT.The THP-1 cell apoptosis stimulated by GST-CPAF was detected by Hoechst33258 fluorescence staining,DNA fragmentation analysis and cell apeptosis was detested bv Annexin V-FITC-propidiuum iodide (PI)staining.Results The recombination protein GST-CPAF was successfully expressed with high level in E.coli,and stimulated human monocytic cells to produce proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-6 in a dose-and time-dependent manner.Otherwise,the GST-CPAF inhibited the growth of human monocytic cell in a dose-dependent manner.Apoptosis with nuclear chromatin fragmentation as well as cell shrinkage was observed by fluorescent staining and microscopy,DNA ladders in apoptosis cells were detected after 24 h with the GST-CPAF.Conclusion The GST-CPAF from Chlamydophila pneumoniae can induce the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 by human monocytic cells,and inhibited the proliferation of THP-1 cell and apoptosis in vitro.

Detección de Mycoplasma genitalium y correlación con manifestaciones clínicas en una población del estado Zulia, Venezuela / Mycoplasma genitalium detection and correlation with clinical manifestations in population of the Zulia State, Venezuela

Diverse studies demonstrate an association between Mycoplasma genitalium and urogenital pathologies. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of M. genitalium in patients attending gynecological evaluation in private clinics (n = 172). DNA amplification assays of the genes 16S rRNA and MgPa were utilized. The prevalence of M. genitalium in the study population was 7.5 percent. M. genitalium was detected in 12.1 percent and 4.1 percent of the symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, respectively (p = 0.047). The infection was diagnosed in patients with cervicitis (17.2 percent) and mucopurulent secretion (16.6 percent) and the highest prevalence of infections was registered in the 31-40 years age group. No significant association between the presence of M.genitalium and individual clinical manifestations or the patients age was showed (p > 0.05). The high prevalence of M. genitalium infections, mostly in patients with clinical manifestations showed in this study, warrants the application of diagnostic strategies in the population to investigate the clinical meaning of these microorganisms and to reevaluate therapeutic schemes against non-gonococcal and non-chlamydial infections.

Diversos estudios demuestran una asociación entre Mycoplasma genitalium y patologías urogenitales. El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar la prevalencia de infecciones por M. genitalium en pacientes atendidas en clínicas privadas (n = 172). Se utilizaron ensayos de amplificación de genes 16S rARN y MgPa. La prevalencia de M. genitalium en esta población fue 7,5 por ciento. Mycoplasma genitalium fue detectado en 12,1 y 4,1 por ciento) de las pacientes sintomáticas y asintomáticas, respectivamente (p = 0,047). La infección se diagnosticó en pacientes con cervicitis (17,2 por ciento) y con secreción mucopurulenta (16,6 por ciento) y la mayor prevalencia de infecciones se registró en el grupo etario de 31 a 40 años. No se encontró asociación significativa entre la presencia de M. genitalium y manifestaciones clínicas individuales o edad de las pacientes (p > 0,05). La alta prevalencia de infecciones por M. genitalium, principalmente en pacientes con manifestaciones clínicas demostrada en este estudio, demanda la aplicación de estrategias diagnósticas en la población para investigar el significado clínico de estos microorganismos y reevaluar esquemas terapéuticos contra infecciones no gonocóccicas y no clamidiales.