Prevalence of nontuberculous mycobacteria and the emergence of rare species in Henan Province, China.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a large group of mycobacteria other than the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and Mycobacterium leprae. Epidemiological investigations have found that the incidence of NTM infections is increasing in China, and it is naturally resistant to many antibiotics. Therefore, studies of NTM species in clinical isolates are useful for understanding the epidemiology of NTM infections. The present study aimed to investigate the incidence of NTM infections and types of NTM species. Of the 420 samples collected, 285 were positive for M. tuberculosis, 62 samples were negative, and the remaining 73 samples contained NTM, including 35 (8.3%) only NTM and 38 (9%) mixed (M. tuberculosis and NTM). The most prevalent NTM species were Mycobacterium intracellulare (30.1%), followed by Mycobacterium abscessus (15%) and M. triviale (12%). M. gordonae infection was detected in 9.5% of total NTM-positive cases. Moreover, this study reports the presence of Mycobacterium nonchromogenicum infection and a high prevalence of M. triviale for the first time in Henan. M. intracellulare is the most prevalent, accompanied by some emerging NTM species, including M. nonchromogenicum and a high prevalence of M. triviale in Henan Province. Monitoring NTM transmission and epidemiology could enhance mycobacteriosis management in future.

Novel automated AIMLAM for diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Aim: A rapid and precise diagnostic method is crucial for timely intervention and management of tuberculosis. The present study compared the diagnostic accuracy of a novel lipoarabinomannan (LAM) antigen test, AIMLAM, for tuberculosis in urine samples. Methodology: The study subjected 106 TB suspects to smear microscopy, MGIT, GeneXpert and AIMLAM. Results: Among 106, smear microscopy identified 36 as positive (33%) (sensitivity; 70.93%, 95% CI (60.14-80.22%), while MGIT showed 38 positive (36.8%). GeneXpert detected 59 positives (sensitivity; 96.83, 95% CI (89.00-99.61%)). AIMLAM declared 61 as positive (57.5%) (sensitivity; 100.00, 95% CI (94.13-100.00%) and 45 as negative (42.5%). Conclusion: Overall, AIMLAM demonstrated better diagnostic accuracy than GeneXpert Assay, smear microscopy and MGIT liquid culture in urine samples.

This study describes a new way to detect tuberculosis, called AIMLAM. Unlike traditional methods that use sputum or blood, AIMLAM tests urine samples and bodily fluids. It is automated and uses easily accessible samples to identify a tuberculosis infection, so may be a convenient and noninvasive option for healthcare providers. The test shows promising results in terms of accuracy and sensitivity.

Continuity of services for patients with tuberculosis in China in the COVID-19 era

It is crucial to maintain continuity of essential services for people affected by tuberculosis (TB). Efforts to deliver these essential services in many global settings have been complicated by the emergence and global spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the pandemic of COVID-19. Understanding how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the availability of TB diagnostic and treatment services is critical for identifying policies that can mitigate disruptions of these essential services. China has a dual burden of TB and COVID-19. We conducted a survey and collected data from 13 provinces in China to evaluate the early impact of COVID-19 on TB services and to document interventions that were adopted to maintain the continuity services for TB patients during the pandemic. We use these data to identify additional opportunities which will improve the ability of TB programs to maintain essential services during this crisis. While health systems and underlying epidemiology differ between countries, we believe that sharing Chinas experience can inform the design of locally tailored strategies to maintain essential TB services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Putative Promoter Region of mPC-1 Gene Homologous to hPC-1 / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

To identify the regulatory region that are responsible for the expression of mPC-1, we have isolated and characterized the mPC-1 gene promoter. Sequence analysis of the mPC-1 5' -flanking region and a series of truncated constructs were performed, which were transiently transfected into the prostate cancer cell lines and non-prostate cancer cell lines and analyzed through Dual-luciferase reporter assay system. The relative activity of mPC-1 gene promoter was by far higher than pGL3-control containing SV40 promoter and enhancer and p61-PSA containing hPSA 6 kb promoter in AR (androgen receptor, AR ) -positive prostate cancer cell lines. The region from 599 bp to 449 bp of mPC-1 promoter might contain a negative regulatory element. The expression of mPC-1 1.1 kb fragment is mainly restricted into prostate cancer cell lines. The relative activity of mPC-1 1.1 kb 5'-flanking region was regulated by androgen. The results demonstrated that the 1.1 kb fragment of mPC-1 5' -flanking region was relatively strong and prostate cancer cell specific promoter region.The 1.1 kb promoter of mPC-1 gene might be well suited to prostate cancer gene therapy if the promoter was properly modified.