Prevalence and risk factor assessment of Tropheryma whipplei in a rural community in Gabon: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Tropheryma whipplei is the causative agent of Whipple's disease and has been detected in stools of asymptomatic carriers. Colonization has been associated with precarious hygienic conditions. There is a lack of knowledge about the epidemiology and transmission characteristics on a population level, so the aim of this study was to determine the overall and age-specific prevalence of T. whipplei and to identify risk factors for colonization. This molecular epidemiological survey was designed as a cross-sectional study in a rural community in Central African Gabon and inhabitants of the entire community were invited to participate. Overall prevalence assessed by real-time PCR and sequencing was 19.6% (95% CI 16-23.2%, n=91) in 465 stool samples provided by the study participants. Younger age groups showed a significantly higher prevalence of T. whipplei colonization ranging from 40.0% (95% CI 27.8-52.2) among the 0-4 year olds to 36.4% (95% CI 26.1-46.6) among children aged 5-10 years. Prevalence decreased in older age groups (p<0.001) from 12.6% (95% CI 5.8-19.4%; 11-20 years) to 9.7% (95% CI 5.7-13.6) among those older than 20. Risk factor analysis revealed young age, male sex, and number of people sharing a bed as factors associated with an increased risk for T. whipplei carriage. These results demonstrate that T. whipplei carriage is highly prevalent in this part of Africa. The high prevalence in early life and the analysis of risk factors suggest that transmission may peak during childhood facilitated through close person-to-person contacts.

A compartmental pharmacokinetic evaluation of long-acting rilpivirine in HIV-negative volunteers for pre-exposure prophylaxis.

Rilpivirine long-acting (RPV-LA) is a parenteral formulation enabling prolonged plasma exposure. We explored its multiple-compartment pharmacokinetics (PK) after a single dose, for pre-exposure prophylaxis. Sixty-six HIV-negative volunteers were enrolled: women received an intramuscular dose of 300, 600, or 1,200 mg, with plasma and genital levels measured to 84 days postdose; men receiving 600 mg had similar PK determined in plasma and rectum. Ex vivo antiviral activity of cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) was also assessed. After a single dose, RPV concentrations peaked at days 6-8 and were present in plasma and genital-tract fluid to day 84. Vaginal and male rectal tissue levels matched those in plasma. At the 1,200 mg dose, CVL showed greater antiviral activity, above baseline, at days 28 and 56. All doses were well tolerated. All doses gave prolonged plasma and genital-tract rilpivirine exposure. PK and viral inhibition of repeated doses will be important in further dose selection.

Predictive and concurrent validity of standardized neurodevelopmental examinations by the Griffiths scales and Bayley scales of infant development II.

Standardized examinations of preterm infants are used to identify candidates for early intervention. We aimed to assess the predictive power and concurrent validity of the mental development index of the Bayley scales of infant development II (Bayley MDI) and the Griffiths scales developmental quotient (Griffiths DQ) in healthy term and preterm infants <1500 g birth weight without major perinatal complications.137 Infants (89 term, 48 preterm) were examined by both tests at a corrected age of 6, 12, and 22 months, and 114 went on to undergo Bayley assessments at 39 months.There were significant correlations between Bayley and Griffiths results at 6, 12, and 22 months (r=0.530, 0.714, and 0.833, respectively, p<0.001) but Bland Altman plots revealed major systematic bias at 6 months (Griffiths>Bayley, mean differences 14.3±9.8) and 22 months (Bayley>Griffiths, mean difference 5.2±13.9) and wide 95% limits of agreement at 6, 12 and 22 months (35.9%, 40.0%, and 52.4%, respectively). The agreement for a presumptive diagnosis of developmental impairment in the group of preterm infants between Bayley examinations obtained at 39 months corrected age (reference) and previous examinations was poor at 6, 12, and 22 months for both Bayley and Griffiths (Cohen's kappa for Griffiths: 0.225, 0.192, 0.369; for Bayley: 0.121, 0.316, 0.369, respectively).Caution should be exercised when interpreting results from standardized neurodevelopmental examinations obtained during the first 2 years of life in comparatively well preterm infants.

Safety and pharmacokinetics of aciclovir in women following release from a silicone elastomer vaginal ring.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic aciclovir and its prodrug valaciclovir are effective in treating and reducing recurrences of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) and reducing transmission. Local aciclovir delivery, if it can achieve and maintain comparable intracellular genital tract levels, may be equally effective in the treatment and suppression of genital HSV. Intravaginal ring (IVR) delivery of aciclovir may provide pre-exposure prophylaxis against HSV acquisition. METHODS: Tolerability and pharmacokinetics were evaluated in six HIV-negative women with recurrent genital HSV who switched their daily oral valaciclovir suppression to an aciclovir IVR for 7 days (n = 3) or 14 days (n = 3). Blood and cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) were collected after oral and IVR dosing to measure aciclovir concentrations and genital swabs were obtained to quantify HSV shedding by PCR. RESULTS: The rings were well tolerated. Median plasma aciclovir concentrations were 110.2 ng/mL (IQR, 85.9-233.5) 12-18 h after oral valaciclovir. Little or no drug was detected in plasma following IVR dosing. Median (IQR) CVL aciclovir levels were 127.3 ng/mL (21-660.8) 2 h after oral valaciclovir, 154.4 ng/mL (60.7-327.5) 12-18 h after oral valaciclovir and 438 ng/mL (178.5-618.5) after 7 days and 393 ng/mL (31.6-1615) after 14 days of aciclovir ring use. Median CVL aciclovir levels 2 h after oral dosing were similar to levels observed 7 (P = 0.99) and 14 (P = 0.75) days after ring use. HSV DNA was not detected in genital swabs and there was no significant change in inflammatory mediators. CONCLUSIONS: This first-in-human study demonstrated that an IVR could safely deliver mucosal levels of aciclovir similar to oral valaciclovir without systemic absorption. More intensive site-specific pharmacokinetic studies are needed to determine whether higher local concentrations are needed to achieve optimal drug distribution within the genital tract.

Amp C beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in neonatal meningitis: diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Antibiotic resistance is a global health priority. Major defenses for Gram-negative bacteria are beta-lactamase enzymes, which have co-evolved with the development and increasing utilization of new antibiotics. Bacteria harboring the plasmid-mediated AmpC enzymes are increasingly prevalent among adult patients, but have not previously been reported in neonates. Early-onset neonatal meningitis caused by an AmpC beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli is described for the first time; the plasmid was identified as a transferable CMY-2 family beta-lactamase. Limited experience with newer antibiotics and pharmacokinetics in neonates presents a therapeutic challenge. Currently, there are no Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations for detecting AmpC nor is the optimal treatment for AmpC-producing organisms known. Thus, it is imperative that clinicians have a high index of suspicion when antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are inconsistent. Development of better microbiology screening tests to rapidly detect resistance is essential. Additionally, pharmacokinetic studies with newer antibiotics in neonates are warranted.

Development of topical microbicides for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus.

Topical microbicides, designed for vaginal or rectal administration, are needed to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Presently marketed topical microbicides are cytotoxic and damage the vaginal epithelium with frequent use. Rational development of new candidate compounds should build on knowledge of the pathways of microbial invasion. The establishment of assays and models that predict efficacy and safety is critical. Comprehensive pre-clinical evaluation of promising microbicides should include rigorous assessment of the effects of repeated application of topical agents on mucosal inflammatory cells, cytokines, and the genital tract virus population. These studies will lay the groundwork for future clinical trials.

Mandelic acid condensation polymer: novel candidate microbicide for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus entry.

Presently marketed vaginal barrier methods are cytotoxic and damaging to the vaginal epithelium and natural vaginal flora when used frequently. Novel noncytotoxic agents are needed to protect men and women from sexually transmitted diseases. One novel candidate is a mandelic acid condensation polymer, designated SAMMA. The spectrum and mechanism of antiviral activity were explored using clinical isolates and laboratory-adapted strains of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). SAMMA is highly effective against all CCR5 and CXCR4 isolates of HIV in primary human macrophages and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. SAMMA also inhibits infection of cervical epithelial cells by HSV. Moreover, it exhibits little or no cytotoxicity and has an excellent selectivity index. SAMMA, although not a sulfonated or sulfated polymer, blocks the binding of HIV and HSV to cells by targeting the envelope glycoproteins gp120 and gB-2, respectively, and also inhibits HSV entry postattachment. SAMMA is an excellent, structurally novel candidate microbicide that warrants further preclinical evaluation.

Peptostreptococcus asaccharolyticus renal abscess: a rare cause of fever of unknown origin.

Renal abscess is uncommon in pediatrics and is rarely a cause of fever of unknown origin. We recently cared for a patient who presented with a 3-week history of fever. An indium scan ultimately led to the diagnosis of a renal abscess. Aspiration yielded Peptostreptococcus asaccharolyticus. This unusual case prompted a review of the clinical and microbiologic features of renal abscess in pediatric patients at our hospital over the past 10 years. Seven additional patients with a discharge diagnosis of renal abscess were identified. Only 2 of the patients had identifiable risk factors (diabetes mellitus and polycystic kidneys). Staphylococcus aureus or Enterobacteriaceae were responsible for most infections, consistent with hematogenous and urinary tract sources, respectively. No other cases of anaerobic abscess were identified. This case highlights the importance of considering a renal abscess in the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin and of processing specimens for both aerobic and anaerobic organisms.

Evaluation of poly(styrene-4-sulfonate) as a preventive agent for conception and sexually transmitted diseases.

A commercial preparation of a sodium polystyrene sulfonate (designated as N-PSS; its molecular weight is 500000 daltons) was tested as an inhibitor of sperm function and as a preventive agent for conception and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. The polymer is an irreversible inhibitor of hyaluronidase and acrosin; its IC50 values are 5.7 microg/mL and 0.5 microg/mL, for hyaluronidase and acrosin, respectively. N-PSS is also a stimulus of human sperm acrosomal loss. It produces maximal acrosomal loss at 2.5 microg/mL. Contraception in rabbits is nearly complete when rabbit spermatozoa are pretreated with 0.5 mg/mL of N-PSS before artificial insemination; however, N-PSS does not immobilize spermatozoa at concentrations as high as 50 mg/mL. N-PSS has broad spectrum antiviral and antibacterial activities. Infection by human immunodeficiency virus and herpes simplex virus are inhibited by N-PSS; 3-log reductions are produced by 7 microg/mL and 3 microg/mL, respectively. N-PSS is active against Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. At 1 mg/mL, N-PSS inhibits chlamydial infectivity by more than 90%. N-PSS produces a 3-log reduction in gonococcal growth at 15 microg/mL. In contrast, N-PSS (5 mg/mL) does not affect the growth of Lactobacillus (normal component of the vaginal flora). N-PSS can be classified as a noncytotoxic contraceptive antimicrobial agent. These properties justify bringing a polystyrene sulfonate into clinical trials for its evaluation as a preventive agent for conception and several sexually transmitted diseases.

Decreased vaginal disease in J-chain-deficient mice following herpes simplex type 2 genital infection.

J-chain-deficient (Jch(-/-)) mice were used to study the role of polymeric IgA (pIgA) in primary disease and protective immunity following genital herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) infection. Vaginal IgA in the Jch(-/-) mice was composed primarily of monomeric IgA and was not associated with secretory component (SC). In contrast, vaginal IgA in wild-type (WT) mice was predominantly polymeric and bound to SC. Following HSV-2 genital infection, the Jch(-/-) mice consistently exhibited fewer vaginal symptoms (P = 0.010) and mortality (P = 0.075) than did the WT mice. The variation in disease expression could not be explained by differences in local viral replication, since titers in vaginal wash fluid were comparable. To assess the effect of J chain deficiency on protective immunity, WT and Jch(-/-) mice were immunized intravaginally with attenuated HSV-2, challenged intravaginally with wild-type virus 5 weeks later, and evaluated for vaginal infection and neurological disease. Although the Jch(-/-) mice had reduced vaginal HSV-specific IgA and IgG levels following immunization, both WT and Jch(-/-) mice were protected from symptoms following wild-type virus challenge. We conclude that pIgA is not required for protective immunity against genital HSV-2 disease and that J chain deficiency offers some protection against symptoms following primary HSV-2 genital infection.

Characterization of an acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 2 strain isolated from a premature neonate.

Acyclovir resistance is not a recognized problem among neonates with perinatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. A premature newborn with neurocutaneous HSV infection was treated for 21 days with acyclovir. Disseminated disease recurred 8 days later. A recurrent isolate was resistant to acyclovir and lacked thymidine kinase activity on the basis of a frameshift mutation in the thymidine kinase (tk) gene. Compared with the sensitive isolate obtained during primary infection, replication of the resistant isolate was reduced on primary and permanent cells and even further impaired on cells deleted for cellular tk. The resistant isolate lacked virulence in a murine model of genital infection. Acyclovir-resistant HSV-2 mutants can develop rapidly in neonatal infection and cause clinically significant disease, despite decreased replication in vitro and attenuated virulence in an animal model.

Poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate): an effective candidate topical antimicrobial for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

Presently marketed vaginal barrier agents are cytotoxic and damage the vaginal epithelium and natural vaginal flora with frequent use. Novel noncytotoxic agents are needed to protect women from sexually transmitted diseases. One candidate compound is a high-molecular-mass form of soluble poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (T-PSS). The antimicrobial activity of T-PSS was evaluated in primary culture systems and in a genital herpes murine model. Results obtained indicate that T-PSS is highly effective against herpes simplex viruses, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Chlamydia trachomatis in vitro. A 5% T-PSS gel protected 15 of 16 mice from vaginal herpes, compared with 2 of 16 mice treated with a placebo gel. Moreover, T-PSS exhibited little or no cytotoxicity and has an excellent selectivity index. T-PSS is an excellent candidate topical antimicrobial that blocks adherence of herpes simplex virus at low concentrations, inactivates virus at higher concentrations, and exhibits a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity.

Herpes simplex virus entry is associated with tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins.

The initial step in herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry is binding of virion glycoprotein (g)C and/or gB to cell surface heparan sulfate. After this initial attachment, gD interacts with cell surface receptor or receptors, and the virion envelope fuses with the cell membrane. Fusion requires viral glycoproteins gB, gD, gL, and gH, but the cellular factors that participate in or the pathways activated by viral entry have not been defined. To determine whether signal transduction pathways are triggered by viral-cell fusion, we examined the association of viral entry with tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins. Using immunoprecipitation and Western blotting, we found that at least three cytoplasmic host cell proteins, designated p80, p104, and p140, become tyrosine phosphorylated within 5-10 min after exposure to HSV-1 or HSV-2. However, no phosphorylation is detected when cells are exposed to a mutant virus deleted in gL that binds but fails to penetrate. Phosphorylation is restored when the gL-deletion virus is grown on a complementing cell line. Viral entry and the phosphorylation of p80, p104, and p140 are inhibited when cells are infected with virus in the presence of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Taken together, these studies suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of host cellular proteins is triggered by viral entry.

Bile salts: natural detergents for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.

The development of new, safe, topical microbicides for intravaginal use for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is imperative. Previous studies have suggested that bile salts may inhibit human immunodeficiency virus infection; however, their activities against other sexually transmitted pathogens have not been reported. To further explore the potential role of bile salts in preventing sexually transmitted diseases, we examined the in vitro activities and cytotoxicities of select bile salts against Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex virus (types 1 and 2), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and human immunodeficiency virus in comparison to those of nonoxynol-9 and benzalkonium chloride using both primary cells and cell lines derived from the human female genital tract. We found that taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate and a combination of glycocholic acid and taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate showed excellent activity against all of the pathogens assayed. Moreover, taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate alone or in combination was less cytotoxic than nonoxynol-9 and benzalkonium chloride. Thus, taurolithocholic acid 3-sulfate alone or in combination warrants further evaluation as a candidate topical microbicidal agent.

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in children with no identified predisposing risk.

CONTEXT: Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in children have occurred primarily in individuals with recognized predisposing risks. Community-acquired MRSA infections in the absence of identified risk factors have been reported infrequently. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether community-acquired MRSA infections in children with no identified predisposing risks are increasing and to define the spectrum of disease associated with MRSA isolation. DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records. PATIENTS: Hospitalized children with S aureus isolated between August 1988 and July 1990 (1988-1990) and between August 1993 and July 1995 (1993-1995). SETTING: The University of Chicago Children's Hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of community-acquired MRSA over time, infecting vs colonizing isolates, and risk factors for disease. RESULTS: The number of children hospitalized with community-acquired MRSA disease increased from 8 in 1988-1990 to 35 in 1993-1995. Moreover, the prevalence of community-acquired MRSA without identified risk increased from 10 per 100000 admissions in 1988-1990 to 259 per 100000 admissions in 1993-1995 (P<.001), and a greater proportion of isolates produced clinical infection. The clinical syndromes associated with MRSA in children without identified risk were similar to those associated with community-acquired methicillin-susceptible S aureus. Notably, 7 (70%) of 10 community-acquired MRSA isolates obtained from children with an identified risk were nonsusceptible to at least 2 drugs, compared with only 6 (24%) of 25 isolates obtained from children without an identified risk (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that the prevalence of community-acquired MRSA among children without identified risk factors is increasing.

Viral and cellular requirements for entry of herpes simplex virus type 1 into primary neuronal cells.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) causes many disease states including mucosal lesions, encephalitis or disseminated infection in the immunocompromised host. These diverse clinical manifestations reflect the capacity of the virus to infect both epithelial and neuronal cell types. Determining the requirements for virus entry into both cell types may provide insights into the pathogenesis of HSV. Previous studies have focused on identifying viral and cellular requirements for entry using epithelial cells. However, little is known about the requirements for binding and entry into neuronal cells. The purpose of the studies reported here was to identify viral and cellular components involved in entry of HSV-1 into primary neuronal cells. Heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans were found to serve as a receptor for entry of HSV-1 into primary neuronal cells. Evidence to support this includes the findings that heparin (an analogue of heparan sulfate) competitively inhibited virus binding and expression of immediate early virus gene products. In addition, heparitinase removed viral receptors and inhibited virus entry. In epithelial cells, deletion of HSV-1 glycoprotein C (gC) results in virions that have reduced specific binding activity (virus particles bound per cell) and specific infectivity. However, in neuronal cells, it was found that deletion of gC resulted in no loss in specific binding activity, but did result in significant impairment of virus entry as measured by expression of immediate early viral gene product. Taken together, these findings suggest cell-type differences in virus binding and entry and a different role for gC in neuronal cell infection.

Characterization of a BHK(TK-) cell clone resistant to postattachment entry by herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2.

BHK(TK-) cells selected for resistance to polyethylene glycol-mediated fusion give rise to clones that are resistant to herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. We have characterized one such clone, designated 95-19, and found that it is resistant to entry of HSV type 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, and the related alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV). Single-step growth experiments show no detectable replication of multiple strains of HSV-1 and HSV-2 on 95-19 cells. Three lines of evidence suggest that these cells are resistant to postattachment entry. (i) Measurements of binding of radiolabeled virus show that heparin-sensitive binding of HSV-1 and HSV-2 to 95-19 cells is identical to binding to BHK(TK-) cells, suggesting that the block to replication occurs after attachment to heparan sulfate proteoglycan. (ii) 95-19 cells exposed to HSV-1 or HSV-2 at high multiplicity show no detectable immediate-early (IE) mRNA expression. (iii) Exposure of attached virus and cells to polyethylene glycol results in partial recovery of both IE gene expression and virus yield in single-step growth. The degrees of recovery of single-step yield and IE gene expression are similar, suggesting that the only block to single-step replication is at the point of virus entry and that these cells are deficient in some cellular factor required for efficient postattachment entry of free virus. 95-19 cells are also highly resistant to entry by cell-to-cell spread, suggesting that the same cellular factor participates in both types of entry.