ompA Sequencing and Multilocus Sequence Typing of Lymphogranuloma Venereum Cases in Buenos Aires Reveal New Chlamydia trachomatis Genotypes.

Since the Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) outbreak was first described in Buenos Aires in 2017, the detected strains presented peculiar characteristics. Our goal was to increase the understanding of the strains involved in the LGV outbreak in Argentina. We characterized the ompA gene sequences, using Sanger sequencing, of 88 LGV strains from 239 symptomatic patients in Buenos Aires enrolled between 2017 and 2019, and selected 20 C. trachomatis strains for further characterization using Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST). Following the ompA gene analysis of the 88 LGV strains, we detected 43% L2b, 31% L1-like, and 26% L2. Among the 38 L2b samples analyzed, there were 7 distinct sequences, 3 of them not previously reported (L2bv12, L2bv13, and L2bv14). Additionally, we detected a strain with a new mutation (AM884176.1:g.59122A>T) found in the position defining L2 or L2b, proposed as L2i. Using MLST, five different sequence types (STs) were detected, including the ST2 (corresponding to the L1-like strains) and a new one (ST60). ST58 was associated with the concomitant presence of another STI and HIV. A high genetic diversity in C. trachomatis LGV strains in Argentina was observed in a short period of time, with a relatively low number of samples from a limited geographical area.

Chlamydia trachomatis anorectal infections by LGV (L1, L2 and L2b) and non-LGV serotypes in symptomatic patients in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) can infect the anorectum producing various signs and symptoms. There is scarce literature regarding the differences between LGV and non-LGV CT anorectal manifestations. We compare the clinical spectrum of LGV and non-LGV infections. METHODS: Patients over 18 years with presumptive infectious anorectal symptoms were examined in two healthcare centres in Buenos Aires. The patients were studied and treated according to current sexually transmitted infection guidelines. Anorectal swabs were collected to detect and genotype CT. RESULTS: A three-year-long study on 317 patients with anorectal symptoms showed 45.11% CT infection (85% LGV strains). Of 140 samples, 92 were sequenced: 80/119 LGV (L2b 45%, L1 32.5% and L2 22.5%) and 12/21 non-LGV. Older age and HIV+ status were significantly higher in the LGV group. Anal discharge, bleeding, severe proctitis and anal ulcers were more common in the LGV group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HIV infection, anorectal bleeding and oro-anal sex are independent predictors of LGV infection. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with anorectal symptoms, LGV serovars predominate over non-LGV ones. Clinical manifestations are not pathognomonic of a specific biovar. If genotyping is not available, having clinical predictors may help to presume an LGV infection and define length of treatment.

Manifestaciones clínicas y anoscópicas de las lesiones ecamosas intraepiteliales de alto grado anales / Clinical and anoscopic manifestations of high-grade anal squamous intraepithelial lesions

Introducción: Las lesiones escamosas intraepiteliales de alto grado anales (H-ASIL) son consideradas el precursor del carcinoma escamoso anal. Es por esto que distintas Sociedades recomiendan su pesquisa y tratamiento en poblaciones de alto riesgo. El objetivo del trabajo es describir las manifestaciones de H-ASIL en la anoscopía de alta resolución (AAR) en nuestros pacientes. Diseño: Retrospectivo, descriptivo. Pacientes y métodos: Revisión de historias clínicas e imágenes de AAR de pacientes con diagnóstico de H-ASIL entre enero de 2016 y julio de 2017. La evaluación anoscópica incluyó la unión escamocolumnar, el conducto anal distal y el área perianal. Frente al hallazgo de una lesión sospechosa de ASIL, se tomaron biopsias. Resultados: Entre enero de 2016 y julio de 2017 se realizaron 184 AAR. Se biopsiaron 143 lesiones sospechosas de ASIL. Veintiséis de ellas, presentes en 13 pacientes fueron H-ASIL. Once hombres (diez hombres que tienen sexo con hombre (HSH) con infección por VIH). Todas las lesiones eran subclínicas y se encontraron a nivel endoanal; eran en su totalidad acetoblancas. Se buscaron áreas con puntillado y/o mosaico sugestivas de ASIL. El uso de Lugol nos permitió aumentar el grado de sospecha y delimitar las lesiones. Se tomaron biopsias para anatomía patológica bajo visión directa. Conclusiones: Las H-ASIL son consideradas en la actualidad las precursoras del carcinoma escamoso anal; su detección y tratamiento prevendrían su desarrollo. En nuestra casuística, todos los pacientes se encontraban en al menos un grupo de riesgo. Las lesiones fueron subclínicas y requirieron de la anoscopía de alta resolución para su hallazgo, lo que permitió realizar un tratamiento dirigido. Es importante que los profesionales de la salud consideren la pesquisa de H-ASIL en población de riesgo. (AU)

Introduction: The high-grade anal intraepithelial lesions (H-ASIL) are considered the precursor of the anal squamous cell carcinoma. This is why different societies recommend the screening and treatment in high-risk populations. The objective of this paper is to describe H-ASIL manifestations in the high resolution anoscopy (HRA) in our patients. Design: Retrospective, Descriptive Patients and Methods: Review of clinical histories and pictures of HRA of patients with H-ASIL diagnosis between January 2016 and July 2017. The anoscopic evaluation included the squamocolumnar junction, the distal anal duct and the perianal area. In case of the finding of a suspicious lesion of ASIL, biopsies were taken. Results: Between January 2016 and July 2017 184 HRA were performed. 143 ASIL suspicious lesion were biopsied. Twentysix of them, in 13 patients, were H-ASIL. Eleven were men (10 men who have sex with men with HIV infection). All lesions were subclinical and found at endoanal level. The totality of them were acetowhite. Areas with coarse punctation and a mosaic pattern were suggestive of ASIL. The use of lugol´s iodine allows us to increase the grade of suspect and delimit the lesions. Biopsies were taken for pathology under direct vision. Conclusion: The H-ASIL are considered at the present the precursors of the anal squamous carcinoma. Its development could be prevented with de proper detection and treatment of the H-ASIL. In our casuistic, all patients are in at least one risk group. The lesions were subclinical and required of the high resolution anoscopy for their finding, which allows to perform a directed treatment. It is important that health professionals consider the H-ASIL screening in risk population. (AU)

Proctitis infecciosa por Chlamydia Trachomatis / Infectious proctitis by Chlamydia Trachomatis

Introducción: Las infecciones transmisibles sexualmente (ITS) son motivo de consulta frecuente, encontrándose Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) entre las prevalentes. Este germen provoca proctitis de diversa gravedad según el biovar involucrado. Los casos más floridos suelen ser ocasionados por el biovar LGV, responsable de la entidad linfogranuloma venéreo. Se desconocen la prevalencia de CT como causa de proctitis en Argentina y los biovares implicados. Con el objetivo de estudiar estas variables, se diseñó un protocolo para detectar y genotipificar CT en pacientes con proctitis infecciosa. Pacientes y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años con cuadro de proctitis infecciosa atendidos en un centro público y otro privado. Se excluyeron pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y radioterapia pelviana. El estudio fue aprobado por un Comité de Ética y los pacientes firmaron un consentimiento informado. En las muestras de hisopado anal se realizó detección y tipificación molecular de CT. Resultados: Entre 31de agosto de 2017 y 31 de mayo de 2018, se incluyeron 56 pacientes (1 mujer, 53 hombres, 2 mujeres trans), 79% HIV+. En 29 casos (52%) se detectó CT. Todos eran hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) y refirieron practicar sexo anal u oral receptivo no protegido. La mediana de edad de este subgrupo fue de 31 años; 83% HIV+ en tratamiento antirretroviral y mediana de CD4 637 cel/mm3. La coinfección con otras ITS fue del 41% (siendo las más frecuentes HPV, gonococia y sífilis). Los motivos de consulta más frecuentes fueron proctorragia, pujo y tenesmo, proctalgia y secreción. Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron variadas: proctitis, úlcera perianal, tumor endoanal/rectal y absceso/fístula. El 86% de las proctitis correspondió al biovar LGV, siendo 62% moderadas a graves. La mediana de tiempo de evolución hasta el diagnóstico fue 21 días. Los casos más prolongados correspondieron a cuadros clínicos y endoscópicos más graves. La duración del tratamiento se adecuó al biovar involucrado. Todos los pacientes respondieron favorablemente; sin embargo, las dos fístulas perianales requirieron resolución quirúrgica. Conclusiones: Proctitis, úlceras y fístulas son manifestaciones inespecíficas; el hallazgo clínico y endoscópico per se no son suficientes para definir la etiología; sólo una anamnesis minuciosa permite presumir una ITS como agente causal. La tipificación logra definir el biovar, dato fundamental para adecuar el tratamiento, cortar la cadena de transmisión y contar con datos epidemiológicos a nivel local. Como resultado de esta investigación, el Ministerio de Salud de Nación proyectó la emisión de una alerta sobre la presencia de LGV en nuestro medio. Tipo de estudio: Observacional, transversal, analítico, multicéntrico.

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a frequent reason for consultation, being Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) among the most prevalent ones. It causes proctitis of varying severity depending on the biovar involved. The most severe cases are usually caused by the LGV biovar, responsible for the entity called lymphogranuloma venereum. The prevalence of CT as a cause of proctitis in Argentina and the biovars involved are unknown. In order to study these variables, a protocol was designed to detect and genotype CT in patients with infectious proctitis. Patients and methods: Patients over 18 years old with infectious proctitis were attended in a public and private center. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic radiation therapy were excluded. The study was approved by an Ethics Committee and the patients signed an informed consent. The detection and molecular typing of CT was performed in anal swab samples. Results: Between 31-08-2017 and 31-05-2018, 56 patients were included (1 woman, 53 men, 2 trans women), 79% HIV +. In 29 cases (52%) CT was detected. All were MSM and reported to practice unprotected receptive oral or anal sex. The median age of this subgroup was 31 years; 83% HIV + on antiretroviral treatment and median CD4 637 cel / mm3. The coinfection with other STIs was present 41% (the most frequent were HPV, gonococcal and syphilis). The most frequent symptoms were bleeding, tenesmus, proctalgia and secretion. The clinical manifestations were varied: proctitis, perianal ulcer, endoanal / rectal tumor and abscess / anal fistula. 86% of the proctitis corresponded to the LGV biovar, being 62% moderate to severe. The median time of evolution until the diagnosis was 21 days. The most prolonged cases corresponded to more severe clinical and endoscopic symptoms. The duration of the treatment was adapted to the biovar involved. All patients responded favorably; however, the two perianal fistulas required surgical resolution. Conclusions: Proctitis, ulcers and fistulas are nonspecific manifestations; the clinical and endoscopic findings per se are not sufficient to define the etiology; only a meticulous anamnesis allows us to presume an STI as a causative agent. The typification allows to define the biovar, a fundamental data to adapt the treatment, stop chain of transmission and provides local epidemiological data. As a result of this investigation, the Ministry of Health of the Argentina issued an alert about the presence of LGV in our country. Type of study: Observational, cross-sectional, analytical, multicenter study.

Rectal Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Among 34 men with proctitis in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 16 (47%) had Chlamydia trachomatis infection, 11 (68.8%) of which were biovar lymphogranuloma venereum. The outbreak was probably local, as in Europe. In Argentina, lymphogranuloma venereum should be a suspected cause of proctitis in HIV-infected men who have had unprotected anal sex with men.

[Clinical polymorphism of anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum in Buenos Aires City]. / Polimorfismo clínico de linfogranuloma venéreo anorrectal en la ciudad de Buenos Aires.

From 2003 to date there has been a rising number of reports from developed countries on cases of lymphogranuloma venereum with anorectal localization in HIV-infected men who have sex with men. This localization differs from the classical inguinal abscesses which are typical of the disease in the tropics. The objective of this work is to document the presence of anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum in Buenos Aires and to describe its varied clinical manifestations. In the context of a systematic survey of rectal chlamydial infection, in just one trimester, eight cases of lymphogranuloma venereum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis biovar LGV were identified in HIV-infected men who have sex with men. The most frequent anorectal manifestations were pus, tenesmus, rectal urgency, and mucous or haemopurulent discharge. The proctitis was mostly mild or moderate and, in some cases, it was accompanied by perianal lesions. Given the great polymorphism and unspecificity of the clinical manifestations of the disease, we warn on the presence of this form of rectal lymphogranuloma venereum in our setting. If Chlamydia trachomatis is detected, it should be genotyped, not only for the correct diagnosis and treatment but also for epidemiological surveillance. Where genotyping is not available, the disease must be considered as caused by the LGV biovar and treated accordingly.

Polimorfismo clínico de linfogranuloma venéreo anorrectal en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Clinical polymorphism of anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum in Buenos Aires City

Desde 2003, en los países desarrollados han aumentado las comunicaciones sobre casos de linfogranuloma venéreo con cuadros clínicos diferentes de la forma inguinal clásica. Las presentaciones anorrectales, hasta hace poco atípicas, predominan en hombres infectados por HIV que tienen sexo con hombres. El objetivo de este trabajo es informar sobre la presencia de esta infección en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires y describir sus variadas manifestaciones clínicas. En el contexto de una pesquisa sistemática de la infección rectal por clamidias, en apenas un trimestre fueron identificados ocho casos de linfogranuloma venéreo por Chlamydia trachomatis biovar LGV en hombres HIV positivos que tienen sexo con hombres. Las manifestaciones anorrectales más frecuentes fueron pujo, tenesmo, urgencia evacuatoria y secreción mucosa o hemopurulenta. En su mayoría presentaban proctitis leve o moderada, acompañada en algunos casos de lesiones perianales. Dados el polimorfismo y la inespecificidad de las manifestaciones clínicas del linfogranuloma venéreo rectal, se advierte sobre la circulación de esta infección en nuestro medio. En caso de detectar Chlamydia trachomatis, es importante genotipificarla para el correcto diagnóstico y tratamiento de la enfermedad y también para su vigilancia epidemiológica. Si la genotipificación no es posible, se debe considerar el caso como producido por el biovar LGV y aplicar el tratamiento correspondiente.

From 2003 to date there has been a rising number of reports from developed countries on cases of lymphogranuloma venereum with anorectal localization in HIV-infected men who have sex with men. This localization differs from the classical inguinal abscesses which are typical of the disease in the tropics. The objective of this work is to document the presence of anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum in Buenos Aires and to describe its varied clinical manifestations. In the context of a systematic survey of rectal chlamydial infection, in just one trimester, eight cases of lymphogranuloma venereum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis biovar LGV were identified in HIV-infected men who have sex with men. The most frequent anorectal manifestations were pus, tenesmus, rectal urgency, and mucous or haemopurulent discharge. The proctitis was mostly mild or moderate and, in some cases, it was accompanied by perianal lesions. Given the great polymorphism and unspecificity of the clinical manifestations of the disease, we warn on the presence of this form of rectal lymphogranuloma venereum in our setting. If Chlamydia trachomatis is detected, it should be genotyped, not only for the correct diagnosis and treatment but also for epidemiological surveillance. Where genotyping is not available, the disease must be considered as caused by the LGV biovar and treated accordingly.

[Sacral neuromodulation. Long-term results]. / Neuromodulación. sacra. Resultados a largo plazo.

Sacral neuromodulation involves electrical stimulation of af­ferent nerve roots to restore the balance between inhibitory and excitatory reflexes who improve the functional activity of the pelvic floor. With benefits in patients with fecal inconti­nence, constipation and chronic anorectal pain. Objective. The aim of this study is present the results obtained with sacral neuromodulation for the treatment of patients with fecal incontinence, severe and intractable chronic constipa­tion and chronic anorectal pain. Patients and methods. 33 patients had indication for transitory electrical sacral stimu­lation, 25 patients performed transitory electrical stimula­tion for fecal incontinence, 5 with refractary constipation and 3 with chronic anorectal pain. In cases of fecal inconti­nence, the patients performed previous anorectal manometry and ultrasonography examination of anal sphincters. When the constipation is the indication, we performed stimulation in patients with severe and refractary constipation like step before total colectomy. In cases of chronic anorectal pain, the electrical transitory test was performed according to our treatment algorithm for management of functional anorectal pain. In all cases, if the patients had satisfactory results after 2 weeks period the definitive implant was placed. Results. Mean follow-up was 69 months (range 6-130). Definitve implant was placed for treatment of fecal incontinence in 23 patients with a decrease in fecal incontinence scores in 98%, with an average success rate of 66% (range: 45-92). In cases of constipation, 3 definitive implants were placed, the mean follow-up was 77 months (range: 51-96) with a success rate between 50%-80% as measured by bowel frequency. We performed definitive electrical stimulation in 3 patients wit chronic and intractable anorectal pain. Response rates as measured by visual analog scale were between 40%-70%. Conclusions. Sacral neuromodulation is an area in constant growth, with more indications. The success depends on the correct indication and the patients need to be treated with other therapeutic options before sacral neuromodulation.

Endometriosis anal. A propósito de dos casos / Anal endometriosis. About two cases

Introducción: la endometriosis se define como la presencia de tejido endometrial fuera de la cavidad uterina. Pacientes y método: dos pacientes de entre 30 y 40 años que consultan por tumoracion perianal de aparicion ciclica asociada a dolor en dicha zona. Como método de estudio se realizó, en ambos casos, ecografía endorrectal de 360º, evidenciando imagen hipoecoica en región anterolateral derecha en contacto con el esfínter anal externo. Se realizó la resección completa de la masa, de la cicatriz de la episiotomía y de haces del esfinter anal externo, con plicatura simultánea del mismo. La anatomía patológica confirmó el diagnóstico. Se realizó seguimiento de las pacientes por el plazo de 15 y 84 meses. No se evidenciaron complicaciones postoperatorias o recidiva de la tumoración en ninguno de los casos. Discusión: la localización perianal es altamente infrecuente (0,3%) y mas aún el compromiso esfinteriano (0.18%). Suelen aparecer luego de la episiotomi´a o laceracio´n durante el parto. La ecografía 360º permite evaluar la extensión de la lesión y el compromiso de los esfínteres. La resección amplia del endometrioma con márgenes de tejido normal (entre 0,5 – 1 cm) es la mejor opción para la curación de la enfermedad, aunque puede causar incontinencia por resección del esfinter afectado, pudiendo necesitar la realización de una esfinteroplastía. Conclusión: la endometriosis de localización perianal es un padecimiento poco frencuente y de dificil diagnóstico. El tratamiento de elección es el quirúrgico. Incluyendo la masa completa con márgenes libres y la cicatriz de la episiotomía.

Background: endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity. Patients and method: two patients between 30 and 40 years old consulting for perianal lump of cyclic emergence associated with pain in that area. The study method for both cases was a 360º transrectal ultrasound, showing an hypoecogenic image in then anterolateral region, in contact with the external anal sphincter. A complete resection of the mass, the episiotomy scar and beams of the external anal sphincter was performed, with simultaneous plication. Anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. The follow-up periods were 15 and 84 months. There were no apparent postop complications or recurrence of the tumor in any of the cases. Discussion: the perianal localization is highly uncommon (0.3%) and even more, the sphincter involvement (0.18%). They usually appear after episiotomy or laceration during delivery. 360 ultrasound allows to evaluate the extent of the injury and the commitment of the sphincters. Wide resection of the endometrioma with normal tissue margins (between 0.5 - 1 cm) is the best choice for the cure of the disease, although it can cause incontinence by resection of the affected sphincter and may need a sphincteroplasty. Conclusion: perianal location endometriosis is a non-frequent condition with a difficult diagnosis. The treatment of choice is surgery. Including the full mass, with free margins and episiotomy scar.