Through the Eyes: A Case of Ocular Syphilis.

Syphilis is a bacterial disease caused by Treponema pallidum and is sexually transmitted via vaginal, anogenital, or orogenital contact. Vertical transmission between mother and unborn child is also possible, but transmission via skin-to-skin or blood contact is rare. The objective of this case is to highlight this rare ocular manifestation of syphilis as it manifests as a multisystemic disease affecting many organ systems. This is a case of a 46-year-old male with vision loss who was referred to the emergency department by an ophthalmologist. Two days before the presentation at the emergency department, the ophthalmologist observed the presence of optic disc edema in the left eye. At the emergency department, he complained of bright light spots in the left eye and complete darkness in the central aspect of the eyes. He reported having a non-pruritic erythematous rash on the anterior abdomen that began one week before his presentation at the emergency department. The patient also reported having multiple sexual partners. Physical examination findings showed a visual field defect in the left eye, normal bilateral eye movement, and a non-tender skin reticulation over the anterior abdominal wall. Lab results showed complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) within normal limits, fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA) antibody reactive, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test and hepatitis panel negative, rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titer 1:64, and imaging results negative for any significant abnormalities. The infectious disease specialists were consulted, and the recommended IV penicillin of four million units every four hours was given. The patient reported an improvement in his blurry vision over three days. By six months, his vision was back to baseline. This case report is significant due to the rare occurrence of ocular complications as an initial presentation of syphilis. Considering the rising cases of syphilis in the United States, it is important to highlight the possibility of this uncommon clinical presentation of syphilis.

The "Reservoir" Metaphor in Anti-Venereal-Disease Campaigns in Mid-Twentieth-Century North America.

Focusing on British Columbia during the mid-twentieth century, this article illuminates how North American medical, public-health, and law-enforcement professionals used the "reservoir" metaphor in efforts to control venereal disease (VD). It traces the transition from a pre-Second-World-War paradigm of VD eradication - what I call an epidemio-logic - focused on the single reservoir of female sex workers, to one concerned with several groups, including the White "male homosexual." The article also demonstrates how conceptualizing VD control in terms of human reservoirs led to analogical reasoning, improvements and setbacks to disease-control efforts, shifting understandings of infection risks, and changes to the built urban environment.

Bovine campylobacteriosis in bulls: insights in the conventional and molecular diagnosis.

Campylobacter fetus is a gram-negative motile bacterium, with two subspecies relevant to cattle health: C. fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) and C. fetus subsp. fetus (Cff). Both subspecies are associated with reproductive losses in cattle. In this study, we evaluated the identification of C. fetus for the diagnosis of bovine campylobacteriosis through bacteriological culture, direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and molecular tests in preputial smegma (PS) samples of three Angus bulls challenged with Cfv, Cfv biovar intermedius (Cfvi) or Cff, respectively, in an experiment imitating the natural infection. Two DNA extraction protocols were tested (in-house thermal extraction and commercial kit). Aspiration and scraping collection for PS were compared by conventional tests. Additionally, bacteremia was also evaluated in blood samples. Bulls were challenged by natural mating with heifers that had been experimentally infected with C. fetus subspecies; which led to infection. The Cfv- and Cfvi-bulls were positive for at least 9 months. Although Cff is not considered a venereal strain, in this study it was transmissible to bull from heifers experimentally infected, as evidenced by its colonization and persistence in the preputial cavity for 5 to 6 months. This finding suggests a potential risk of dissemination within herds. The results obtained by bacteriological culture or direct immunofluorescence (DIF) showed no significant differences, regardless the sampling device used (aspiration with Cassou pipette, metal and plastic scraper). C. fetus qPCR, on the other hand, yielded better results with an in-house DNA extraction method than with a commercial kit (75% vs 66.6%). Furthermore, qPCR diagnosis was more efficient than culture (66.6%) or DIF (56%). Bacteremia in whole blood samples was negative by qPCR and bacteriological culture in all samples. Altogether, this study demonstrated the transmission of Cff from heifers to bull and also showed that PCR-based methods are promising for the diagnosis of Bovine Genital Campylobacteriosis from clinical samples of PS.

Presence of Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts in human semen: Toxoplasmosis as a potential sexually transmissible infection.

OBJECTIVES: Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent protozoan parasite in human populations. This parasite is thought to be primarily transmitted through undercooked meat and contamination by cat feces. Here, we seek to determine if Toxoplasma gondii cysts can be found within human semen. METHODS: We used a mixture of histological and immunofluorescence stains to visualize Toxoplasma gondii cysts in thin smears of human semen. Further, we probed for presence of bradyzoite-specific mRNA transcription using in-situ hybridization. RESULTS: We visualized Toxoplasma gondii cysts in ejaculates of immune-competent and latently infected human volunteers. We confirmed the encystment by probing transcription of a bradyzoite-specific gene in these structures. These observations extend previous observations of the parasite in semen of several non-human host species, including rats, dogs, and sheep. CONCLUSIONS: Toxoplasma gondii infection is a clinically significant infection, in view of its high prevalence, its purported role in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, as well as in the more serious form of congenital toxoplasmosis. Our demonstration of intact Toxoplasma gondii cysts in the ejaculate supports the possibility of sexual transmission of the parasite and provides an impetus for further investigations.

A menace to fraternity: Early congenital syphilis - A rare case report.

Congenital syphilis (CS), once a forgotten disease, has now remerged. A 2-month-old male child presented with multiple discrete skin-colored papules over the trunk, back, bilateral lower limbs, and groin. He also had a deformity of bilateral lower limbs and a widening at the wrist. Radiological findings suggested syphilitic changes in long bones. Nontreponemal as well as treponemal tests were positive in the baby and both parents confirming the diagnosis of CS. The father had a history of multiple sex partners and untreated genital lesions in the past. The case emphasizes the importance of awareness regarding sexually transmitted infections and its timely treatment and judicious antenatal screening for the same.

Ocular manifestations and full house membranous nephropathy as a rare presentation of secondary syphilis.

Syphilis is an often-overlooked diagnosis and without timely diagnosis and treatment, can have serious repercussions. Although its prevalence had decreased with the introduction of penicillin, it has had a resurgence over the years. Discerning the proper patient population to test for syphilis should be led by a patient's risk factors. Here, we present a patient diagnosed with secondary syphilis, with initial concern for a possible concomitant lupus diagnosis. He initially presented with visual symptoms and optic nerve inflammation, along with a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA). Due to an unprotected sexual encounter, there was suspicion for a sexually transmitted infection. Testing revealed reactive rapid plasma reagin (RPR) (≥1:256 titer) and reactive treponemal antibody, consistent with active syphilis. He was immediately started on intravenous Penicillin G. Lumbar puncture was consistent with a reactive venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL). Urinalysis revealed nephrotic range proteinuria, which along with the positive ANA, prompted renal biopsy. This showed membranous nephropathy with full house staining, which is seen primarily in lupus nephritis and further confounded the diagnosis. He completed a two-week course of penicillin and steroids inpatient with clinical improvement. On follow up, his RPR improved (≥1:64 titer), and lumbar puncture showed a non-reactive VDRL. Due to the resolution of proteinuria, decrease of the ANA titer and no further positive testing or symptoms convincing for a concomitant rheumatologic disorder, the presence of lupus was collectively determined to be of low concern. and the sole diagnosis of secondary syphilis was made.

Isolated Cranial Nerve VI Palsy and Neurosyphilis: A Case Report and Review of Related Literature.

An isolated cranial nerve VI palsy is a rare initial manifestation of undiagnosed neurosyphilis. A 33-year-old male presented with a one month history of progressive headache and diplopia. Neurologic examination only revealed an isolated abducens palsy on the left. Cranial imaging was unremarkable. Examination of his cerebrospinal fluid revealed lymphocytic predominant leukocytosis and elevated protein. Microbiologic work-up were all negative. Further work-up revealed the patient to be serum Rapid Plasma Reagin and Enzyme Immunoassay reactive. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Human Immunodeficiency Virus also tested positive. His cerebrospinal fluid was then sent for Rapid Plasma Reagin to confirm the diagnosis of neurosyphilis. He completed 14 days of intravenous penicillin and was eventually discharged with partial resolution of the abducens palsy. We describe the second case of neurosyphilis presenting only with an isolated cranial nerve VI involvement. On further review, ours was the first case documented on an individual who had an undiagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection. There are various differentials for an isolated cranial neuritis but infectious causes, particularly neurosyphilis, should be considered among young individuals with known risk factors despite their apparently benign medical history.

Prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetus in beef bulls slaughtered at two abattoirs in northern Australia.

Bovine trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoal parasite Tritrichomonas foetus, is a highly contagious venereal disease characterised by early pregnancy loss, abortion and pyometra. Persistently infected bulls and cows are the primary reservoirs of infection in infected herds. This research investigated the prevalence of T. foetus infection in bulls from properties located across northern Australia and New South Wales. Preputial samples were collected from 606 bulls at slaughter and tested for T. foetus using the VetMAX-Gold Trich Detection Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The apparent prevalence of T. foetus infection varied between regions, with northern regions in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia showing a prevalence of 15.4%, 13.8% and 11.4%, respectively. There was some evidence of an association between infection and postcode (P = 0.06) and increasing bull age (P = 0.054). This study confirms that T. foetus infection is likely to be present in many beef breeding herds and contributing to lower than expected reproductive performance, particularly across northern Australia.

Organización de los Servicios de Salud en Portugal a Principios del Siglo XX: el Caso de la Sífilis / Organization of the Health Services in Portugal in the Beginning of the 20th Century: The Syphilis’s Case

La lucha contra las enfermedades venéreas como la sífilis se viene dando desde el siglo XVI, desarrollándose significativamente en el siglo XIX, especialmente tras el armisticio de 1918. El gran impacto social sobre todo debido a las malformaciones que causaba la sífilis congénita, poco tiempo después de terminar la primera guerra mundial fue creada la Unión Internacional Contra el Peligro Venéreo [Fragmento de texto] (AU)

Isolation of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis from seminal vesicle of a naturally challenged bull.

Campylobacter fetus is a well-recognized pathogen that affects reproductive rate in cattle. In the present study, two Angus bulls were kept (39 days) separately with a group of heifers experimentally infected with Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv) and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis biovar intermedius (Cfvi), respectively. Each bull resulted infected post-mating by its respective strain (Cfv and Cfvi). Semen samples collected from each bull at days 39, 82, 132 and 269 resulted positive for C. fetus by bacteriological culture and/or direct immunofluorescence (DIF) test, and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from colonies isolated. Diagnosis resulted better with bacteriological culture (100%) compared to DIF (37,5%). Campylobacter fetus was isolated from seminal vesicle and preputial mucosa by bacteriological culture and confirmed by PCR and DIF test from colonies previously isolated from these tissues (day 276). Microscopic lesions detected in both bulls showed moderate diffuse subepithelial lymphoplasmacytic postitis. None of the seminal vesicle presented relevant microscopic lesions. To our knowledge this is the first report of isolation of C. fetus from seminal vesicles in a bull. The experimental model herein described, mimicks the natural infection and constitutes a promising alternative for future studies of campylobacteriosis in cattle.

Phylogenomic analysis for Campylobacter fetus ocurring in Argentina.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Campylobacter fetus is one of the most important pathogens that severely affects livestock industry worldwide. C. fetus mediated bovine genital campylobacteriosis infection in cattle has been associated with significant economic losses in livestock production in the Pampas region, the most productive area of Argentina. The present study aimed to establish the genomic relationships between C. fetus strains, isolated from the Pampas region, at local and global levels. The study also explored the utility of multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) as a typing technique for C. fetus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For pangenome and phylogenetic analysis, whole genome sequences for 34 C. fetus strains, isolated from cattle in Argentina were downloaded from GenBank. A local maximum likelihood (ML) tree was constructed and linked to a Microreact project. In silico analysis based on MLST was used to obtain information regarding sequence type (ST) for each strain. For global phylogenetic analysis, a core genome ML-tree was constructed using genomic dataset for 265 C. fetus strains, isolated from various sources obtained from 20 countries. RESULTS: The local core genome phylogenetic tree analysis described the presence of two major clusters (A and B) and one minor cluster (C). The occurrence of 82% of the strains in these three clusters suggested a clonal population structure for C. fetus. The MLST analysis for the local strains revealed that 31 strains were ST4 type and one strain was ST5 type. In addition, a new variant was identified that was assigned a novel ST, ST70. In the present case, ST4 was homogenously distributed across all the regions and clusters. The global analysis showed that most of the local strains clustered in the phylogenetic groups that comprised exclusively of the strains isolated from Argentina. Interestingly, three strains showed a close genetic relationship with bovine strains obtained from Uruguay and Brazil. The ST5 strain grouped in a distant cluster, with strains obtained from different sources from various geographic locations worldwide. Two local strains clustered in a phylogenetic group comprising intercontinental Campylobacter fetus venerealis strains. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggested active movement of animals, probably due to economic trade between different regions of the country as well as with neighboring countries. MLST results were partially concordant with phylogenetic analysis. Thus, this method did not qualify as a reliable subtyping method to assess C. fetus diversity in Argentina. The present study provided a basic platform to conduct future research on C. fetus, both at local and international levels.

Strategic options for syphilis control in Papua New Guinea- impact and cost-effectiveness projections using the syphilis interventions towards elimination (SITE) model.

OBJECTIVES: Papua New Guinea (PNG) has among the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally and is committed to reducing their incidence. The Syphilis Interventions Towards Elimination (SITE) model was used to explore the expected impact and cost of alternative syphilis intervention scale-up scenarios. METHODS: SITE is a dynamical model of syphilis transmission among adults 15-49 years. Individuals are divided into nine groups based on sexual behaviour and into six stages of infection. The model was calibrated to PNG using data from routine surveillance, bio-behavioural surveys, research studies and program records. Inputs included syphilis prevalence, risk behaviours, intervention coverage and service delivery unit costs. Scenarios compared different interventions (clinical treatment, contact tracing, syphilis screening, and condom promotion) for incidence and cost per infection averted over 2021-2030. RESULTS: Increasing treatment coverage of symptomatic primary/secondary-stage syphilis cases from 25-35% in 2020 to 60% from 2023 onwards reduced estimated incidence over 2021-2030 by 55%, compared to a scenario assuming constant coverage at 2019-2020 levels. The introduction of contact tracing in 2020, assuming 0.4 contacts per symptomatic person treated, reduced incidence over 2021-2030 by 10%. Increasing screening coverage by 20-30 percentage points from the 2019-2020 level reduced incidence over 2021-2030 by 3-16% depending on the target population. Scaling-up clinical, symptom-driven treatment and contact tracing had the lowest cost per infection averted, followed by condom promotion and periodic screening of female sex workers and men who have sex with men. CONCLUSIONS: PNG could considerably reduce its syphilis burden by scaling-up clinical treatment and contact tracing alongside targeted behavioural risk reduction interventions. SITE is a useful tool countries can apply to inform national STI programming and resource allocation.

Campylobacter fetus in abomasal fluid from spontaneously aborted bovine and ovine fetuses

Pregnancy losses are a major concern in livestock industry due to their economic impact on producers. Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus (Cff) and C. fetus subspecies venerealis (Cfv) are directly related to reproductive failures in ruminants. Cff colonizes the gastrointestinal tract of a wide range of hosts leading to abortion, while Cfv is restricted to genital tract being generally associated to infertility in bovine. Considering the great economic losses related to campylobacteriosis in cattle and ovine herds, this study aims to investigate the occurrence of C. fetus, considering Cff and Cfv subspecies, in bovine and ovine spontaneously aborted fetuses in state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In this study, samples of abomasal fluid collected from 30 spontaneously aborted bovine (n = 18) and ovine (n = 12) fetuses were investigated for the detection of Campylobacter fetus throughout conventional PCR. Positive fetuses for C. fetus presence were further analyzed by molecular assays for Cff and Cfv detection, in order to determine subspecies identification. When available, samples of the main organs of the thoracic and abdominal cavities, as well as the brain, skeletal muscle, eyelid, skin, and placenta were collected for further histopathological analyses and bacterial culture, aiming to assess the presence of infection lesions and pathogens in those sites, respectively. Additionally, RT-qPCR assays were also performed for the detection of ruminant pestivirus, in order to detect bovine viral diarrhea cases. Throughout the present methodology, C. fetus was detected in the abomasal fluid samples of 2 bovine fetuses, being both identified as Cfv subspecies by PCR. Histopathological analyses demonstrated that macroscopic and microscopic changes found in the Cfv-positive animals were not either specific or directly related to Campylobacter infections. Moreover, no significant bacterial growth was observed in microbiological culture from the collected tissues, and both fetuses were negative for ruminant pestivirus. Differently, there was no detection of C. fetus in any of the analyzed ovine fetuses. Considering that abortion diagnosis rates reported in cattle and sheep industry are highly variable among the published studies, and that abortion diagnoses are commonly inconclusive due to difficulties in sampling methodology and inadequate identification of the pathogen involved, it is important to investigate the etiological causes of abortion the herds for better understanding the causes of pregnancy issues and monitoring their occurrence. In addition, the absence of pathognomonic lesions in the tissues investigated in the histopathological analyses observed in this study strongly suggests that well-known etiological agents commonly associated to abortion, such as Leptospira spp., Toxoplasma spp., Chlamydia spp. and Neospora caninum, are unlikely to be the cause of infection of the analyzed fetuses. Taking this into account, the presence of C. fetus in the abomasal fluid samples from two bovine fetuses demonstrated in the present study suggests the possible association of Cfv not only with infertility, but also with cases of bovine abortion, highlighting the importance of investigating unusual causal agents of abortions in sheep and cattle. Overall, an adequate diagnosis is essential for establishing better prevention strategies to avoid the circulation of abortion-related infectious agents in the herds.(AU)

Congenital syphilis: Missed opportunities and the case for rescreening during pregnancy and at delivery.

Two infants treated for syphilis born to at risk mothers who screened negative at their first prenatal visit but were not rescreened at delivery are described. The first presented with classic, but unrecognized, features of congenital syphilis. In the second case, possible early maternal syphilis was diagnosed soon after delivery using the treponemal first reverse-screening algorithm. Although the child's physical exam was normal and the maternal rapid plasma reagin (RPR) negative, the child was treated for syphilis because maternal confirmatory treponemal tests suggested recent seroconversion. Given the re-emergence of congenital syphilis, our report aims to demonstrate the importance of rescreening women at increased risk and improve awareness of common manifestations of the syphilis disease in the newborn. For women at increased risk, repeat syphilis testing early in the third trimester and again at delivery in communities and populations with a high prevalence of syphilis is recommended.

Seroprevalence of syphilis by VDRL test and biological false positive reactions in different patient populations: Is it alarming? Our experience from a tertiary care center in India.

INTRODUCTION: Many centers for sexually transmitted infections in India perform only a single screening assay for diagnosis of syphilis which may yield biological false positive (BFP) reactions. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the true picture of seroprevalence of syphilis and BFP reactions in different patient groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 57,308 serial serum samples obtained over a period of 5 years from different patient groups were screened by venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test both qualitatively and quantitatively. VDRL reactive sera were confirmed by Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) test. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of syphilis by VDRL test was 1.27%, and BFP rate in test population was 0.14%. The rate of BFP reactions among total tested male (0.44%) and female (0.1%) patients differs significantly. Out of 733 VDRL reactive samples, 81 were BFP, i.e., BFP reaction is occurring at a frequency of 11% of the total VDRL reactive samples (ratio of 8:1 for true positives/BFP). Similarly, among antenatal cases, almost 24% of the total VDRL reactive samples were BFP, or for every 116 true positives, there were 37 (almost one-third) BFP. CONCLUSION: Although the overall seroprevalence of syphilis is low; the frequency of occurrence of BFP reactions is quite alarming. Hence, treponemal test must be used for confirmation of VDRL reactive sera.

Between Mars and Eros: British Army's Fight Against Venereal Disease during the First World War.

"Total War" calls upon combatant countries to mobilize all of their resources and energies for war and their civilians to contribute in their own ways to the "war effort" of their respective governments. Carrying out such war, some governments try to redefine the distinction between the private sphere and the public sphere in their people's lives. Even sexual life, the most private sphere in people's lives, may be exposed to various forms of supervision and control from their states in the name of the national "war effort." In particular, the government in war does not hesitate to scrutinize the most private sphere of their people's lives when certain aspects of their lives do considerable harm to "war effort" or "national efficiency." The British society in the First World War intensively experienced some kind of "social control" due to the increasing spread of venereal disease (VD) both among civilians and troops. Like British society as a whole, the British army, who had primary responsibility to fight the war in the field, had to fight another hard battle against an enemy within VD, throughout the war. During the First World War, VD caused 416,891 hospital admissions among British and Dominion troops. Excluding readmissions for relapses, approximately five percent of all the men who served in Britain's armies in the course of the war became infected. During the war, at least a division was constantly out of action because so many troops had to treat VD. This disease caused a huge drain on the British army's human and material resources and consequently undermined, to a considerable extent, its military efficiency. However, a series of measures of the British Army to improve the high rate of infection among their troops have been simply considered ineffective by both contemporaries and subsequent researchers. This article aims to provide a more balanced perspective on the efforts of the British Army to fight VD during the war and reconsider the existing understandings in regard to their general effectiveness. It argues that the overall measures of the British Army regarding VD have to be examined in the context of the national efforts of British society to fight against VD as a whole. Their supposed ineffectiveness well-reflected the indecisiveness of the overall British society in terms of both how to view VD and how to fight against it.

Histopathological characterization of the reproductive organs of heifers experimentally infected with Campylobacter fetus venerealis / Caracterización histopatológica de los órganos reproductivos de vaquillonas experimentalmente infectadas con Campylobacter fetus venerealis / Caracterização histopatológica em órgãos reprodutores de novilhas infetadas no modo experimental com Campylobacter fetus venerealis

Abstract Background: Bovine campylobacteriosis is a venereal disease due to infection with Campylobacter fetus venerealis. It causes mainly reproductive failures that lead to considerable economic losses. Objective: To perform a histopathological description of the mucosa from reproductive organs of heifers experimentally infected with Campylobacter fetus venerealis. Methods: Twelve 15-18-months-old Aberdeen Angus heifers were treated for estrous synchronization and exposed to natural breeding. They were then randomly divided into two groups: group A (n=9) was inoculated with C. fetus venerealis; group B (n=3, control) was inoculated with a placebo. Ultrasonography was performed at days 29, 38, and 42 post-breeding, and plasmatic progesterone levels were quantified using ELISA to confirm pregnancies. Animals in group A with plasma progesterone levels below 1 ng/mL and/or diagnosed as non-pregnant were further divided into three subgroups: A1 (n=4), euthanized at day 30 post-breeding; A2 (n=3), euthanized at day 40 post-breeding and A3 (n=2), euthanized at day 55 post-breeding. Heifers from group B, all diagnosed as pregnant, were euthanized each at day 30, 40, and 55 days post-breeding as well. Histological sections from every group were taken from oviducts, uterus, and vagina. Results: Lymphocytic inflammation was the most common lesion in all infected heifers. Trophoblast cells were found in the non-pregnant heifers euthanized at days 40, and 55 post-breeding. The inflammatory process with the presence of lymphoid cells probably altered the balance in the activity of maternal lymphoid cells, as well as gene expression of the trophoblast, finally affecting the embryo survival. Conclusion: This work contributes to the understanding of the histopathological process involved in post-mating infection of Campylobacter fetus bovine.

Resumen Antecedentes: La campilobacteriosis bovina es una enfermedad venérea causada por el Campylobacter fetus venerealis, que produce principalmente fallas reproductivas ocasionando grandes pérdidas económicas Objetivo: Describir las características histopatológicas de la mucosa de órganos reproductores de vaquillonas infectadas experimentalmente con Campylobacter fetus venerealis. Métodos: Doce vaquillonas Aberdeen Angus (15 a 18 meses de edad) con celo sincronizado, recibieron servicio natural, e inmediatamente se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos: A (n=9), inoculadas con Campylobacter fetus venerealis; B (n=3; control), inoculadas con placebo. El diagnóstico de preñez se realizó por ultrasonografía a los 29, 38 y 42 días post-servicio; los niveles plasmáticos de progesterona fueron determinados por ELISA. Las vaquillonas del grupo A con niveles de progesterona plasmáticos menores a 1 ng/mL y/o diagnosticadas no preñadas, fueron consideradas para eutanasia y divididas en tres subgrupos: A1-eutanasia día 30 (n=4); A2-día 40 (n=3); y A3-día 55 (n=2) post-servicio. Las vaquillonas del grupo B, diagnosticadas preñadas, fueron eutanasiadas a los 30, 40 y 55 días. Se tomaron muestras de oviductos, útero y vagina. Resultados: Se observó inflamación linfocitaria en la totalidad de muestras del grupo A. Células trofoblásticas fueron encontradas en muestras correspondientes a los grupos A2 y A3. Probablemente, el proceso inflamatorio alteró el equilibrio de las células linfoides maternas y la expresión génica del trofoblasto, afectando la supervivencia embrionaria. Conclusión: Este trabajo contribuye a la comprensión del proceso histopatológico involucrado en la infección poscoital por Campylobacter fetus bovino.

Resumo Antecedentes: A campilobacteriose bovina é uma doença venérea originada pelo Campylobacter fetus venerealis, quem produz principalmente falha reprodutiva e porém grandes perdas económicas. Objetivo: Descrever as características histopatológicas da mucosa dos órgãos reprodutores de novilhas infetadas no modo experimental com Campylobacter fetus venerealis. Métodos: Doze novilhas Aberdeen Angus de 15 até 18 meses com cio sincronizado, receberam serviço natural. Logo após, foram aleatóreamente separados em grupos: A (n=9) inoculados com Campylobacter fetus venerealis e grupo B (n=3; controle) inoculadas com um placebo. O diagnóstico da gestação foi realizado por ultrasom nos dias 29, 38 y 42 pós-serviço. Os níveis plasmáticos da progesterona foram determinados por ELISA. As novilhas do grupo A, com níveis plasmáticos de progesterona menores a 1 ng/mL e/ou diagnosticadas não grávidas, foram consideradas para eutanásia e foram divididas em três subgrupos: A1-eutanásia aos 30 dias pós- serviço (n=4); A2-dia 40 (n=3); A3-dia 55 (n=2). Foram realizada eutanásia ás novilhas do grupo B diagnosticadas prenhadas, aos 30, 40 e 55 dias e a amostragem de ovidutos, útero e vagina. Resultados: A presença de inflamação linfocitária foi observada na totalidade das amostras do grupo A. Foram achadas células trofoblásticas nas amostras correspondente aos grupos A2 e A3. Provavelmente, pelo processo inflamatório tenha sido alterado o equilíbrio das células linfoides maternas, assim também como a expressão gênica do trofoblasto, afetando a supervivência embrionária. Conclusão: Este trabalho contribue á compreensão do processo histopatologico na infecção com Campylobacter fetus bovino pós-acasalamento.

Noddle Pox: Syphilis and the Conception of Nosomania/Nosophobia (c. 1665-c. 1965).

Hypochondriac or phobic reactions to venereal disease, specifically syphilis, have invited over three centuries of medical reification and nosological reframing. This bibliographic overview establishes that the early specification and psychiatricization of early modern concepts of melancholy and hypochondriasis, imaginary syphilis or syphilophobia, animated the early respective territorializations of venereology, infectiology more broadly, neurology, and mental medicine. Together with mercuriophobia and a wider emergent clinical sensitivity to sexual angst, the diagnosis, while evidently only sporadically made, functioned as a durable soundboard in the confrontation of emergent medical rationale with various confounders and contenders: medically literate and increasingly mobile but possibly deluded patients; charlatans and putative malpractitioners; self-referral laboratory serology (after 1906); and eventually, through psychoanalysis, the patient's unconscious. Requiring medical psychology early on, syphilology became and remained self-conscious and circumspect, attentive to the casualties of overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and iatrogenesis. Finally, patient apprehension led to makeshift forms of "moral treatment," including fear-instilling and placebos.

Isolation of Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis from swan goose (Anser cygnoides) in China.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma anserisalpingitidis causes significant economic losses in the domestic goose (Anser anser) industry in Europe. As 95% of the global goose production is in China where the primary species is the swan goose (Anser cygnoides), it is crucial to know whether the agent is present in this region of the world. RESULTS: Purulent cloaca and purulent or necrotic phallus inflammation were observed in affected animals which represented 1-2% of a swan goose breeding flock (75,000 animals) near Guanghzou, China, in September 2019. From twelve sampled animals the cloaca swabs of five birds (three male, two female) were demonstrated to be M. anserisalpingitidis positive by PCR and the agent was successfully isolated from the samples of three female geese. Based on whole genome sequence analysis, the examined isolate showed high genetic similarity (84.67%) with the European isolates. The antibiotic susceptibility profiles of two swan goose isolates, determined by microbroth dilution method against 12 antibiotics and an antibiotic combination were also similar to the European domestic goose ones with tylvalosin and tiamulin being the most effective drugs. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge this is the first description of M. anserisalpingitidis infection in swan goose, thus the study highlights the importance of mycoplasmosis in the goose industry on a global scale.

Alopecia areata y vitamina D sérica en pacientes iraquíes: un estudio de casos y controles / Alopecia Areata And Serum Vitamin D in Iraqi Patients: a case-control study

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a typical hair issue, which may have obliterating mental and social outcomes and is portrayed by the nearness of nonscarring alopecia. Objective: This examination has targets to assess the serum nutrient D levels , with AA; contrast the outcome and clearly sound control; and confirm relationship between AA types and serum nutrient D levels. Patients Also Methods: the examine might have been led clinched alongside Tikrit educating healing facility throughout those time starting with June 2019 of the limit for January 2020. Irrefutably the quantity of subjects associated with the assessment was ninety individuals isolated in two social events; the patients bundle were forty five the people who whimper of AA while the resulting gathering including a forty five age and sex-made solid volunteers were picked as a benchmark gathering. The degree and movement of the alopecia were noted and the patients were meticulously broke down for signs of various ailments. Research center assessments were led to patients and also to those control population, these included serum vitamin D levels were measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D {25(OH)D} using a chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. Blood models were gotten starting with patients and control subjects after totally taught consent was gotten. Results : An essential complexity may have been found for serum 25-OH Vit D levels between patients other than controls. Vitamin D sufficiency were more common in controls than in patients. Serum Vitamin D was deficient in both cases and controls group; but, the deficiency was significantly more throughout AA group (35. 6%) compared to the handle group (11. 1%). Among the list patients gathering, levels associated with nutrient D were totally higher in guys in contrast with females. Conclusions: AA might be related with nutrient D deficiency as mean degrees of nutrient D of patients were seen as fundamentally lower than typical sound controls.