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1.
Zookeys ; 840: 21-34, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31065226

ABSTRACT

Enneanigeriensis sp. n. is described from southeastern Nigeria on the basis of external and internal shell morphology. Following Pilsbry's formal criteria of a single palatal fold and corresponding external furrow, the new species may be assigned to Parennea. Enneanigeriensis sp. n. exhibits substantial similarity with E.serrata, a species from Cameroon, in the cylindrical shell shape, crenulate suture, and internal shell morphology, indicating that the two species are closely related. CT scanning confirmed the presence of only a single palatal fold in E.nigeriensis sp. n. and two in E.serrata. In spite of this, the Nigerian species is provisionally assigned to Ennea rather than Parennea, suggesting that the characters used to define Ennea and Parennea are insufficient to delimit natural groups of species. The holotype of E.serrata is examined for the first time since its description in 1896 and a redescription of the species is provided based on the two shells hitherto known. Study of the original specimens recorded as Ptychotrema (Parennea) sulciferum by Degner from Liberia reveals these to belong to Enneacf.thompsonae. The Nigerian shell recorded by van Bruggen as Ptychotrema (Parennea) aequatoriale proved to be a specimen of Enneacf.perforata. As a result, no species attributable to Parennea now appear to be known in West Africa; in contrast, numerous species are known from central and eastern Africa.

3.
Sex Transm Infect ; 90(4): 269-74, 2014 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24687130

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Since 2003, over 2000 cases of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) have been diagnosed in the U.K. in men who have sex with men (MSM). Most cases present with proctitis, but there are limited data on how to differentiate clinically between LGV and other pathology. We analysed the clinical presentations of rectal LGV in MSM to identify clinical characteristics predictive of LGV proctitis and produced a clinical prediction model. DESIGN: A prospective multicentre case-control study was conducted at six U.K. hospitals from 2008 to 2010. Cases of rectal LGV were compared with controls with rectal symptoms but without LGV. METHODS: Data from 98 LGV cases and 81 controls were collected from patients and clinicians using computer-assisted self-interviews and clinical report forms. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to compare symptoms and signs. Clinical prediction models for LGV were compared using receiver operating curves. RESULTS: Tenesmus, constipation, anal discharge and weight loss were significantly more common in cases than controls. In multivariate analysis, tenesmus and constipation alone were suggestive of LGV (OR 2.98, 95% CI 0.99 to 8.98 and 2.87, 95% CI 1.01 to 8.15, respectively) and that tenesmus alone or in combination with constipation was a significant predictor of LGV (OR 6.97, 95% CI 2.71 to 17.92). The best clinical prediction was having one or more of tenesmus, constipation and exudate on proctoscopy, with a sensitivity of 77% and specificity of 65%. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that tenesmus alone or in combination with constipation makes a diagnosis of LGV in MSM presenting with rectal symptoms more likely.


Subject(s)
Constipation/etiology , Homosexuality, Male , Lymphogranuloma Venereum/diagnosis , Pain/etiology , Rectal Diseases/diagnosis , Weight Loss , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/etiology , HIV Infections/complications , Humans , Logistic Models , Lymphogranuloma Venereum/complications , Lymphogranuloma Venereum/physiopathology , Male , Middle Aged , Multivariate Analysis , Proctitis/etiology , Proctoscopy , Prospective Studies , Rectal Diseases/complications , Rectal Diseases/physiopathology , Sensitivity and Specificity , United Kingdom
4.
Sex Transm Infect ; 90(4): 262-8, 2014 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24493859

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for rectal lymphogranuloma venereum (rLGV) in men who have sex with men (MSM). DESIGN: A case-control study at 6 U.K. hospitals compared MSM with rLGV (cases) with rLGV-negative controls: MSM without potential rLGV symptoms (CGa) and separately, MSM with such symptoms (CGs). METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, there were 90 rLGV cases, 74 CGa and 69 CGs recruited. Lifestyles and sexual behaviours in the previous 3 months were reported using internet-based computer-assisted self-interviews. Logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with rLGV. RESULTS: Cases were significantly more likely to be HIV-positive (89%) compared with CGa (46%) and CGs (64%). Independent behavioural risks for rLGV were: unprotected receptive anal intercourse (adjusted OR (AOR)10.7, 95% CI 3.5 to 32.8), fisting another (AOR=6.7, CI 1.8 to 25.3), sex under the influence of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (AOR=3.1, CI 1.3 to 7.4) and anonymous sexual contacts (AOR=2.7, CI 1.2 to 6.3), compared with CGa; unprotected insertive anal intercourse (AOR=4.7, CI 2.0 to 10.9) and rectal douching (AOR=2.9 CI 1.3 to 6.6), compared with CGs. An incubation period from exposure to symptoms of 30 days was indicated. CONCLUSIONS: Unprotected receptive anal intercourse is a key risk factor for rectal LGV with the likelihood that rectal-to-rectal transmission is facilitated where insertive anal sex also occurs. The association between HIV and rLGV appears linked to HIV-positive men seeking unprotected sex with others with the same HIV status, sexual and drug interests. Such men should be targeted for frequent STI screening and interventions to minimise associated risks.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections/epidemiology , Homosexuality, Male/statistics & numerical data , Lymphogranuloma Venereum/epidemiology , Rectal Diseases/epidemiology , Unsafe Sex/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Multivariate Analysis , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Sexual Behavior/statistics & numerical data , Sodium Oxybate , Therapeutic Irrigation/statistics & numerical data , United Kingdom/epidemiology , Young Adult
5.
Epidemiol Infect ; 141(8): 1781-5, 2013 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23146341

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal number of respiratory samples per outbreak to be tested for institutional respiratory outbreaks in Ontario. We reviewed respiratory samples tested for respiratory viruses by multiplex PCR as part of outbreak investigations. We documented outbreaks that were positive for any respiratory viruses and for influenza alone. At least one virus was detected in 1454 (85∙2%) outbreaks. The ability to detect influenza or any respiratory virus increased as the number of samples tested increased. When analysed by chronological order of when samples were received at the laboratory, percent positivity of outbreaks testing positive for any respiratory virus including influenza increased with the number of samples tested up to the ninth sample, with minimal benefit beyond the fourth sample tested. Testing up to four respiratory samples per outbreak was sufficient to detect viral organisms and resulted in significant savings for outbreak investigations.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks/statistics & numerical data , Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology , Respiratory Tract Infections/virology , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Influenza, Human/virology , Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction/economics , Ontario/epidemiology , Sampling Studies
6.
Int J STD AIDS ; 23(1): 57-8, 2012 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22362692

ABSTRACT

We present an audit of cervical smear uptake in our HIV-positive cohort in Glasgow. Uptake was favourable in comparison with the general population in the rest of Scotland (75% versus 73.4%); however, much lower than the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) recommended standard of 95%. A significant number of patients were incorrectly identified as only requiring three-yearly smears when they attended non-specialist services which may contribute to reduced uptake.


Subject(s)
Cervix Uteri/pathology , HIV Seropositivity/complications , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis , Vaginal Smears , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Medical Audit , Middle Aged , Scotland , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/complications , Young Adult
7.
Int J STD AIDS ; 20(6): 414-7, 2009 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19451328

ABSTRACT

Gonococcal isolates from genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic attendees in Glasgow, Scotland were typed using Neisseria gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST). Correlation between named partners (contacts) and NG-MAST type was sought and associations between specific NG-MAST types, and the social, epidemiological and geographical data were explored. We found NG-MAST typing to be a supportive and confirmatory tool for contact tracing. Specific NG-MAST types were found to be associated with distinct characteristics such as sexuality or chlamydial co-infection. An increased number of gonococcal infections were reported from those resident in deprived areas of Glasgow than from those resident in more affluent areas. However, there was no clear geographic clustering of specific NG-MAST types found within the city. Routinely observing the spread of common strains of gonorrhoea is likely best done from a larger geographical perspective unless a specific outbreak occurs.


Subject(s)
Antigens, Bacterial/genetics , Contact Tracing , Gonorrhea/epidemiology , Gonorrhea/microbiology , Neisseria gonorrhoeae/classification , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Adult , Bacterial Typing Techniques , Female , Genotype , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Neisseria gonorrhoeae/genetics , Neisseria gonorrhoeae/isolation & purification , Scotland/epidemiology , Sexual Partners , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
11.
Sex Transm Infect ; 78(3): 174-9, 2002 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12238647

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To compare the seroprevalence of hepatitis A in homosexual and heterosexual men to determine their susceptibility to infection and provide guidance for a policy on vaccination. METHODS: A case-control study design was utilised to compare the risk factors associated with hepatitis A in homosexual and heterosexual men attending a city centre genitourinary medicine clinic. Demographic and sexual behavioural characteristics were included in univariate and multivariate models. RESULTS: The overall seropositivity rate was 29% with no significant difference between homosexual and heterosexual men. Ethnicity and age were strongly associated with hepatitis A seropositivity in both homosexuals and heterosexuals. A history of sex in a sauna in homosexual men, and being born outside the United Kingdom for heterosexual men, was associated with hepatitis A seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted hepatitis A screening and vaccination of homosexual men attending UK genitourinary medicine clinics is not supported by the results of this study.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis A/epidemiology , Heterosexuality/statistics & numerical data , Homosexuality, Male/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Ambulatory Care , Case-Control Studies , Disease Susceptibility , Hepatitis A/ethnology , Hepatitis A/immunology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Multivariate Analysis , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , United Kingdom/epidemiology , Urban Health
15.
Gene Ther ; 7(19): 1613-23, 2000 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11083469

ABSTRACT

We describe the generation and the characterization of new lentiviral vectors derived from SIVmac251, a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). A methodical approach was used to engineer both efficient and safe packaging constructs allowing the production of SIV viral core proteins. SIV-vectors encoding GFP (green fluorescent protein) were generated as VSV-G-pseudotyped particles upon transient expression of the vector construct and helper functions in 293 cells. The SIV vectors were able to transduce efficiently various target cell types at low multiplicity of infection, including monocyte-differentiated human dendritic cells (DCs) which retained their capacity to differentiate into mature DCs after gene transfer. Transduction of the DCs by the SIV vectors was prevented when infections were performed in the presence of AZT, a reverse-transcriptase inhibitor. After gene transfer, expression of the GFP in the target cells remained constant after several weeks, indicating that the vectors had been stably integrated into the genome of the host cells. Preparations of SIV vectors were systematically checked for the absence of replication-competent and recombinant retroviruses but remained negative, suggesting the innocuousness of these novel gene delivery vectors. Side-to-side comparisons with vectors derived from HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus) indicated that the SIV vectors were equally potent in transducing proliferating target cells. Finally, we have determined the infectivity of SIV vectors pseudotyped with surface glycoproteins of several membrane-enveloped viruses.


Subject(s)
Dendritic Cells/metabolism , Genetic Vectors , Simian Immunodeficiency Virus/genetics , Transfection/methods , Animals , Cell Line , Gene Expression , Genetic Engineering , Green Fluorescent Proteins , HIV-1/genetics , Humans , Luminescent Proteins/genetics , Virosomes
16.
J Clin Microbiol ; 38(9): 3502-4, 2000 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10970416

ABSTRACT

In 264 genitourinary medicine clinic attenders reporting recent fellatio, the prevalence of pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis determined by an expanded standard including cell culture and two in-house PCR tests was 1.5% in 194 women and zero in 70 men. The ligase chain reaction (Abbott LCx) had a specificity of 99.2% and a positive predictive value of 60%.


Subject(s)
Carrier State/diagnosis , Chlamydia Infections/diagnosis , Chlamydia trachomatis/isolation & purification , Ligase Chain Reaction , Pharynx/microbiology , Adult , Bacteriological Techniques , Carrier State/microbiology , Chlamydia Infections/microbiology , Chlamydia trachomatis/genetics , Chlamydia trachomatis/growth & development , Culture Media , Female , Humans , Male
17.
J Virol ; 74(18): 8307-15, 2000 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10954529

ABSTRACT

Lentivirus-derived vectors are very promising gene delivery systems since they are able to transduce nonproliferating differentiated cells, while murine leukemia virus-based vectors can only transduce cycling cells. Here we report the construction and characterization of highly efficient minimal vectors derived from simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVmac251). High-fidelity PCR amplification of DNA fragments was used to generate a minimal SIV vector formed from a 5' cytomegalovirus early promoter, the 5' viral sequences up to the 5' end of gag required for reverse transcription and packaging, the Rev-responsive element, a gene-expressing cassette, and the 3' long terminal repeat (LTR). Production of SIV vector particles was achieved by transfecting 293T cells with the vector DNA and helper constructs coding for the viral genes and the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein G envelope. These SIV vectors were found to have transducing titers reaching 10(7) transducing units/ml on HeLa cells and to deliver a gene without transfer of helper functions to target cells. The central polypurine tract can be included in the minimal vector, resulting in a two- to threefold increase in the transduction titers on dividing or growth-arrested cells. Based on this minimal SIV vector, a sin vector was designed by deleting 151 nucleotides in the 3' LTR U3 region, and this SIV sin vector retained high transduction titers. Furthermore, the minimal SIV vector was efficient at transducing terminally differentiated human CD34(+) cell-derived or monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). Results show that up to 40% of human primary DCs can be transduced by the SIV vectors. This opens a new perspective in the field of immunotherapy.


Subject(s)
Dendritic Cells/metabolism , Gene Transfer Techniques , Simian Immunodeficiency Virus/genetics , Cell Line , Cytomegalovirus/genetics , Genetic Vectors , HeLa Cells , Humans , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Promoter Regions, Genetic , Sequence Deletion , Terminal Repeat Sequences
18.
Sex Transm Infect ; 76(2): 103-9, 2000 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10858711

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sociodemographic and geographic risk factors for incident Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection. DESIGN: Cross sectional retrospective study of cases diagnosed in local genitourinary clinics. SETTING: Coventry, West Midlands, from 1992 to 1996. SUBJECTS: 582 female and 620 male Coventry residents aged 15-64 years diagnosed with one or more episodes of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection by enzyme immunoassay. Subjects were assigned a Townsend deprivation score based on residence. The denominator population aged 15-64 years was derived from 1991 census data. RESULTS: The mean annual incidence of genital chlamydia was 151 episodes (95% CI 140-163) per 100,000 population in men and 138 episodes (95% CI 128-149) per 100,000 population in women. Highest subgroup incidence was observed in 15-19 year old black women (2367 (95% CI 1370-4560) per 100,000), and 20-24 year old black men (1951 (95% CI 1158-3220) per 100,000). In univariate analyses, the most important risk factor for chlamydia infection in males was being black (incidence 1377 (95% CI 1137-1652) per 100,000 for black v 133 (95% CI 122-145) per 100,000 for white; RR 10.4, p < 0.0001) and for women was young age (incidence 475 (95% CI 415-540) per 100,000 for age group 15-19 years v 52 (95% CI 45-60) per 100,000 for age group 25-64 years; RR 9.1, p < 0.0001). In Poisson regression models of first episodes of genital chlamydia, for both males and females the effect of ethnic group could not be fully explained by socioeconomic confounding. There were significant interactions between age and ethnic group for both sexes and between age and level of deprivation for men. Geographical analysis revealed a high incidence of genital chlamydia in estates on the edge of the city as well as the urban core. CONCLUSIONS: There is a complex interaction between geographical location, age, ethnic group, and social deprivation on the risk of acquiring genital Chlamydia trachomatis in Coventry. Better population based data are needed.


Subject(s)
Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology , Chlamydia trachomatis , Genital Diseases, Female/epidemiology , Genital Diseases, Male/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , England/epidemiology , Ethnicity , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , Middle Aged , Poverty , Residence Characteristics , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors
19.
Sex Transm Infect ; 75(4): 261-3, 1999 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10615314

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To define risk factors for detection of HIV-1 RNA in semen in men attending the two largest HIV clinics in the West Midlands. METHODS: 94 HIV-1 seropositive men at any stage of infection donated matched semen and blood samples. 36 subjects (38%) were on no antiretroviral treatment, 12 (13%) were on dual therapy, and 46 (49%) were on three or more drugs. Median CD4 count was 291 cells x 10(6)/l. 87 subjects underwent a urethritis screen (Gram stained urethral smear and culture for gonococcus, and LCR for Chlamydia trachomatis on first pass urine). Quantitative cell free HIV-1 RNA was determined by commercial nucleic acid sequence based assay with a lower detection limit of 800 copies/ml for semen and 400 copies/ml for blood. Independent risk factors for seminal HIV RNA detection were defined by logistic regression. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, subjects not taking antiretrovirals were 11 times more likely to shed HIV RNA (21/36 (58%) v 6/58 (10%); p < 0.0001). Seven subjects (8%) had urethritis (including one C trachomatis infection). Urethritis was significantly associated with detection of seminal HIV RNA (adjusted OR, 80.2; p = 0.006), as was blood plasma viral load (adj OR, 19.3 per factor 10 increase; p < 0.001) and age (adj OR, 1.16 per 1 year older; p = 0.001). Antiviral treatment status, absolute CD4 and CD8 count, clinical stage, treatment centre, ethnicity, and risk factor were not independent predictors. No subject with undetectable blood viral load had detectable seminal HIV RNA. CONCLUSION: Asymptomatic urethritis is independently associated with seminal HIV RNA shedding.


Subject(s)
HIV Infections/complications , HIV-1/genetics , RNA, Viral/analysis , Semen/virology , Urethritis/virology , Adult , Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use , HIV Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , RNA, Viral/blood , Sequence Analysis, RNA , Viral Load , Virus Shedding
20.
J Infect ; 36(1): 73-7, 1998 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-9515673

ABSTRACT

Acute changes in the electrophysiology and ultrastructure of the organ of Corti were studied after microperfusion of c. 5 x 10(6) CFU of serotype 2 Streptococcus pneumoniae D39 or Escherichia coli K-12 directly into the scala tympani of guinea pigs. Hearing loss was assessed by recording the auditory nerve compound action potential response to a 10 kHz tone pip. Mean hearing loss 3 h after pneumococcal perfusion (n = 4) was 44 dB, compared to 6 dB after E. coli perfusion (n = 4) (P<0.001). After pneumococcal perfusion, scanning electron microscopy revealed damage to hair cell stereocilia and cratering of the apical surface of supporting cells. Intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg cefotaxime (n = 4) or 100 mg/kg amoxycillin (n = 4) 30 min before perfusion of pneumococci significantly reduced mean hearing loss to 23 dB (P=0.01) or 20 dB (P=0.01), respectively, and diminished ultrastructural damage. The data suggest that if pneumococci invade the inner ear during meningitis, cochlear deafness may rapidly ensue.


Subject(s)
Amoxicillin/therapeutic use , Antibiotic Prophylaxis , Cefotaxime/therapeutic use , Cephalosporins/therapeutic use , Penicillins/therapeutic use , Pneumococcal Infections/drug therapy , Scala Tympani/microbiology , Streptococcus pneumoniae/pathogenicity , Animals , Ear Diseases/complications , Ear Diseases/pathology , Ear Diseases/prevention & control , Electrophysiology , Escherichia coli/pathogenicity , Escherichia coli Infections/drug therapy , Guinea Pigs , Hair Cells, Auditory/pathology , Hair Cells, Auditory/ultrastructure , Hearing Loss, Central/microbiology , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Pneumococcal Infections/prevention & control
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