AIDS-Associated Mycoplasmas Infections in Patients with Nongonococcal Urethritis and Mucopurulent Cervicitis

Background: The incidence of sexually transmittedHIV infections is rapidly increasing in China, and theprevalence of AIDS-associated mycoplasmas (includingMycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma penetrans, Myco-plasma pirum and Mycoplasma fermentans) infections isunknown in patients with sexually transmitted diseases.Objective: To investigate the prevalence of these 4species of AIDS-associated mycoplasmas infections inpatients with nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) andmucopurulent cervicitis (MPC).Methods: In 65 patients with NGU/MPC, detection ofM. genitalium, M. penetrans, M. pirum and M. fermentansin genital and pharyngeal specimens was performed byculture and nested polymerase chain reaction.Results: M. genitalium, M. penetrans, M. pirum and M.fermentans were identified in genital specimens from23.1% (15/65), 12.3% (8/65), 1.5% (1/65) and 0% ofpatients, respectively, and from pharyngeal samples in26.2% (17/65), 15.4% (10/65), 1.5% (1/65) and 0% ofpatients, respectively. M. genitalium was detected in bothgenital and pharyngeal samples in 10.8% (7/65) ofpatients, and M. penetrans in 4.6% (3/65) of patients. M.pirum was found in only 2 cases, and no M. fermentanswas discovered.Conclusions: This study suggests that M. genitaliumand M. penetrans infections are common in patients withNGU/MPC. M. genitalium and M. penetrans may be trans-mitted by genital-genital or oral-genital sex, and maycause urethritis and cervicitis.

Mycoplasmas and Mycoplasmosis in Sheep and Goats

The known mycoplasmas isolated from goats and sheep were listed. The pathogenicity of these mycoplasmas and their effects during occurrence of mycoplasmosis were summarized.

Detection of Mycoplasmas in Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive degenerative disease of the motor neurons and the cause is unknown. Diverse factors such as genetic defects, nutritional deficiencies, head trauma, environmental toxin, autoimmune responses and viral and bacterial infections are involved. Mycoplasmas have been implicated as causal agents of different illnesses in human. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of mycoplasmas in the bloodstream of patients with ALS. Patients with ALS and healthy individuals were included in the study. A blood sample was taken in tubes with or without anticoagulant. Mycoplasmas were detected by culture or direct PCR, and the presence of antibodies IgM and IgG against LAMPs of these microorganisms by Western blot. Cultures for aerobic facultative bacteria were also done. Blood samples from 13 patients and 44 healthy individuals were screened. All blood cultures for non-fermentative mycoplasmas and aerobic facultative bacteria were negative. Cultures for fermentative mycoplasmas were considered positive after identification of mycoplasmal DNA by PCR. Mycoplasma sp. was detected by culture or direct PCR in 6/13 (46%) patients and in 4/44 (9%) of healthy individuals. M. fermentans was detected by PCR using specific primers in six patients and in two healthy individuals. IgM against LAMPs of M. fermentans were detected in 6/13 (46%) blood samples from patients and in 13/44 (30%) from healthy individuals, while. IgG was detected in 4/13 (31%) patients and in 3/44 (7%) healthy individuals. The results of this study show that mycoplasmas cause a systemic infection and could play a role in the origin or progression of the ALS.

Analysis of Culture and Drug Sensitivity Tests of Mycoplasmas for 387 Patients with Nongonococcal Urethritis (Cervicitis) in Chongqing

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of myco-plasma infections and the sensitivity to antibiotics among patients with nongonococcal urethritis or cer-vicitis (NGU) in Chongqing. Methods: 387 NGU cases with mycoplasma-positive results upon culture were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: The majority of patients with mycoplasma infections were in the 20-40 year old age group. No significant difference was found between males and females. Ureaplasma urealyticum is the main pathogen of these NGU cases and no clear relationship between its concentration and pathogenic ability was noted. Drug sensitivity was tested against nine antibiotics; the sensitivity rates to josamycim, minocycline and doxycycline were 94.06%, 88.89% and 86.82% respectively, while the resistance rates to lincomycin, ofloxacin, azithromycin and roxthromycin were 74.94%, 42.12%, 41.60% and 40.31% in turn. Conclusions: Josamycin, minocycline and doxycycline could be used as the first choice to treat NGU with mycoplasma infections in Chongqing. It is important to select antibiotics for NGU treatment with mycoplasma infections based on the results of drug sensitivity tests.

Chinese herbal medicine combined with Western medicine for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children:An overview of systematic reviews

Objective:To summarize the characteristics and evaluate the quality of the methodology and evidence within systematic reviews(SRs)of Chinese herbal medicine(CHM)for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)inchildren.Methods:SRs of randomized controlled trials were searched using PubMed,the Cochrane Library,Embase,the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases(CNKI),the Chinese Scientific Journals Database(VIP),Wanfang,and the SinoMed Database.SRs on the use of CHM alone or in combination with Western medications for MPP in children were included.The study compared the effects of Western medicine alone with those of CHM.The evidence quality using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews(AMSTAR)2,the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)2020,and the Grading of Recommendations,Assessment,Development,and Evaluation(GRADE)criteria.The primary indicators were the total effective rate,fever subsidence time,and cough disappearance time.The secondary outcomes were pulmonary rale disappearance time,average hospitalization time,lung X-ray infiltrate disappearance time,immunological indices,and inflammatory cytokine levels.Results:Twelve relevant SRs were included;75%(9/12)were assessed as very low quality,and 25%(3/12)Were rated as low quality using the AMSTAR 2 criteria.According to the PRISMA 2020 checklist,the average SR score was 20.3 out of a 27 point maximum.In all SRs,CHM demonstrated improvement in symptoms and signs among children with MPP.The evidence quality using the GRADE criteria ranged from"very low"(>50%)to"moderate"(<5%).The most common downgrading factor was imprecision,followed by publication bias and inconsistency.Conclusion:This overview highlights the limited quality of the methodology and evidence of the included SRs.Although the included studies showed the beneficial effects of CHM on MPP in children,it was difficult to draw firm conclusions owing to methodological flaws.

Evaluating the role of interleukin-2 and interleukin-12 in pediatric patients with concurrent Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Epstein-Barr virus infections

BACKGROUND Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP)frequently causes respiratory infections in children,whereas Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)typically presents subclinical manifestations in immunocompetent pediatric populations.The incidence of MP and EBV coinfections is often overlooked clinically,with the contributory role of EBV in pulmonary infections alongside MP remaining unclear.AIM To evaluate the serum concentrations of interleukin-2(IL-2)and interleukin-12(IL-12)in pediatric patients with MP pneumonia co-infected with EBV and assess their prognostic implications.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from patients diagnosed with MP and EBV co-infection,isolated MP infection,and a control group of healthy children,spanning from January 1,2018 to December 31,2021.Serum IL-2 and IL-12 levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Logistic regression was employed to identify factors influencing poor prognosis,while receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves evaluated the prognostic utility of serum IL-2 and IL-12 levels in co-infected patients.RESULTS The co-infection group exhibited elevated serum IL-2 and C-reactive protein(CRP)levels compared to both the MP-only and control groups,with a reverse trend observed for IL-12(P<0.05).In the poor prognosis cohort,elevated CRP and IL-2 levels,alongside prolonged fever duration,contrasted with reduced IL-12 levels(P<0.05).Logistic regression identified elevated IL-2 as an independent risk factor and high IL-12 as a protective factor for adverse outcomes(P<0.05).ROC analysis indicated that the area under the curves for IL-2,IL-12,and their combination in predicting poor prognosis were 0.815,0.895,and 0.915,respectively.CONCLUSION Elevated serum IL-2 and diminished IL-12 levels in pediatric patients with MP and EBV co-infection correlate with poorer prognosis,with combined IL-2 and IL-12 levels offering enhanced predictive accuracy.

Serum inflammatory markers in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and their predictive value for mycoplasma severity

BACKGROUND Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)significantly impacts pediatric health,necessitating markers for early severe disease identification.AIM To investigate the correlation between serum inflammatory marker and the severity of MPP in children.METHODS A prospective study was carried out from January 2023 to November 2023.A total of 160 children with MPP who underwent treatment were selected:80 had severe MPP and 80 had mild MPP.Clinical and laboratory data were collected at the time of hospital admission and during hospitalization.Receiver operating characteristic curves were utilized to assess the diagnostic and prognostic for severe MPP.RESULTS Fever duration and length of hospitalization in pediatric patients with severe MPP exceeded those with mild MPP.The incidence of pleural effusion,lung consolidation,and bronchopneumonia on imaging was markedly elevated in the severe MPP cohort compared to the mild MPP cohort.In contrast to the mild cohort,there was a notable increase in C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT),erythrocyte sedimentation rate,lactic dehydrogenase,D-dimer,and inflammatory cytokines[interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α]in the severe MPP group were significantly higher.CONCLUSION Serum inflammatory markers(CRP,PCT,IL-6,D-dimer,IL-10 and TNF-α)were considered as predictors in children with severe MPP.

Preparation of Ephedra houttuynia Granule and Its Therapeutic Mechanism of Anti-Mycoplasma gallisepticum Infection Based on Network Pharmacology

The use of Chinese herbal medicines can replace antibiotics that cause drug-resistance problems,which are currently necessary for disease control.In this paper,a traditional Chinese medicine compound named Ephedra houttuynia granule for the treatment of Mycoplasma galliscepticum(MG)infection was prepared.Furthermore,its action mechanism was explored through network pharmacology.The optimal extraction and granulation processes of the compound were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)method and L9 orthogonal test,and in the treatment experiment,Ephedra houttuynia granule showed a significant therapeutic effect on MG infection.In the study of network pharmacology,the results showed that the core targets of Ephedra houttuynia granule against MG infection were vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGFA),fos proto-oncogene(FOS),prepro-coagulation factor II(F2),etc.,the gene ontology/kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(GO/KEGG)analysis results indicated that the signaling pathways of neuroactive ligand receptor interaction,cAMP,IL-17,T cell receptor,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)might involve in anti-MG infection.In conclusion,this study would provide a new idea for elucidating the action mechanism of other diseases in veterinary clinic,which had a certain guiding significance.

Sero-Prevalence and Risk factors of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Afgoye District Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia

Contagious bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an infectious and highly contagious respiratory disease of cattle and water buffalo, caused by the Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides. It induces significant economic losses and leads to a severe livestock production problem, negatively influencing people’s livelihoods of affected countries. In Somalia, there is no updated data on the prevalence and distribution of the disease. Hence, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to June 2023 in different villages under the Afgoye District of lower Shabelle region, Somalia. The main purpose of this study is to assess the sero-prevalence and identify the associated risk factors for the occurrence of the disease. In this study, villages, age, sex, breed, and body condition were considered as risk factors. A total of 90 blood samples were collected and tested in the laboratory using the Anti-CBPP Elisa kit test. Out of 90 serum samples from herd cattle, 32 were positive, resulting in an overall prevalence of 35.5%. In addition, we found a statistically significant variation between the prevalence of the disease and factors such as sex, age, body condition and breeds. In summary, the overall prevalence of Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in this study area is worth to be considered because there is a low quality of health care and less awareness of the Contagious bovine Pleuropneumonia effects on herds, which warrants the official authorities to act and follow appropriate preventive and control measures to reduce the incidence of the disease and generate appropriate controlling and prevention measures in all regions of Somalia.

滋阴清肺止咳汤联合阿奇霉素治疗小儿肺炎支原体感染后阴虚型咳嗽的临床疗效观察

支原体感染(mycoplasma pneumoniae, MP)是呼吸系统常见的一类感染性疾病,儿童为易感人群。感染后导致支原体肺炎,出现干咳、发热等症状,若治疗不及时或不规范,将会严重影响到小儿的生长发育。有资料显示,近年来,受过度免疫反应、混合感染和大环内酯类抗生素耐药性等因素的影响,肺炎支原体(MP)肺炎发病率呈递增趋势[1-2]。

Understanding serum inflammatory markers in pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

This editorial reflects on the research,which investigates the potential of serum markers to predict the severity of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)is a prevalent cause of respiratory infections in children,often leading to significant morbidity.Predicting the severity of MPP can significantly enhance patient management and outcomes.This editorial reviews the role of specific laboratory markers:(1)Lactate dehydrogenase;(2)Interleukin(IL)-6;(3)IL-10;(4)Tumor necrosis factor-α;and(5)D-dimer in predicting the severity of MPP in pediatric patients.Elevated levels of these markers are strongly associated with severe cases of MPP,providing clinicians with valuable tools for early diagnosis and targeted intervention.

Molecular Detection of Pathogens Involved in Sexually Transmitted Infections in Brazzaville, Congo

The objective of this multicentric study was to assess the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma génitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis infections in Brazzaville, in the Republic of Congo, using molecular methods. From January to December 2021, the sexually transmitted disease risk participants were recruited from six centers: The Association of Young HIV-Positive People of Congo, The Congolese Association for Family Welfare, The Association for Support to Vulnerable Groups, Talangaï hospital, Brazzaville university hospital (outpatient service) and the private clinic COGEMO (outpatient service). The real-time multiplex PCR was carried out to detect these pathogens. Each patient had at least one specimen (urine, urethral, anal and/or vaginal samples). The patients were considered infected when one of their samples was positive. 287 participants made of 227 women and 60 men were tested. The general prevalence of these infections was: Chlamydia trachomatis 2.79%, Neisseria gonorrhoeae 3.14%, Mycoplasma génitalium 3.45% and Trichomonas vaginalis 2.97. The prevalence rates according to sex were: C. trachomatis, M. génitalium, N. gonorrhea and T. vaginalis were 1.32%, 2.05%, 1.32% and 3.42% in women and 8.33%, 7.02%, 10% and 1.75% in men, respectively. Most infected patients were asymptomatic. Prevalence rates were higher in bisexual individuals, with the exception of T. vaginalis which showed higher prevalence in heterosexual patients. The bisexual and homosexual individuals represent a major public health problem in sexually active young adults, particularly among men having sex with men. These sexually transmitted infections are mainly asymptomatic, their diagnosis and management remain difficult in developing countries.

Study on the Correlation between Human Papillomavirus and Mycoplasma genitalium Combined with TCT Detection

Objective: This study aims to explore the correlation between human papillomavirus (HPV) and Mycoplasma genitalium (CT) combined with TCT detection in cervical cancer screening. Method: A cross-sectional study design was adopted, and a total of 609 women who came to seek medical treatment were recruited as the study subjects. Combination testing was evaluated on cervical cancer screening by testing the women for HPV, CT with TCT detection and analyzing the relationship of cervical lesions with HPV and CT infection. Results: The study results showed that 21.57% of the subjects were infected with both HPV and CT, and 48.42% of the cases had abnormal TCT results at the same time. Further data analysis showed that HPV infection was significantly associated with abnormal TCT outcomes (p < 0.05), suggesting a possible synergistic effect of the two infections in cervical lesions. The combined sensitivity and specificity of HPV, CT and TCT detection were 21.57% and 48.42%, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of single detection. Conclusion: In summary, the results of this study support the importance of combined HPV, CT, and TCT testing in cervical cancer screening, and propose the hypothesis that combined testing may improve screening effectiveness. However, further large sample studies are needed to confirm this conclusion and explore the prospects of combined testing in clinical practice.

The Predictive Value of NLR, IL-6, CRP, and PCT in Mycoplasmal Pneumonia with Complicated Myocardial Injury

Objective:To evaluate the dynamic changes in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP),and procalcitonin(PCT)levels in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)complicated by myocardial injury and to determine their predictive value both individually and in combination.Methods:150 children diagnosed with MPP at Jiujiang Maternal and Child Health Hospital between June 2023 and June 2024 were selected.Patients were divided into the myocardial damage group(MD group,n=65)and the non-myocardial damage group(non-MD group,n=85),based on the presence of myocardial injury.Ninety hospitalized children without MPP served as the control group(Con group).Myocardial enzyme profile indicators,including lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase(α-HBDH),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I(hs-cTnI),creatine kinase(CK),and creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB),were measured using a chemiluminescent immunoassay analyzer.Serum NLR,IL-6,CRP,and PCT levels were determined using appropriate analyzers.The correlation between these markers and myocardial enzyme indicators was analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis.Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify risk factors for myocardial injury in MPP patients.Results:Serum levels of NLR,IL-6,CRP,and PCT in the MD and non-MD groups were significantly higher than in the Con group(P<0.05),with the MD group showing higher levels than the non-MD group(P<0.05).These markers were positively correlated with myocardial enzyme indicators.Logistic regression identified elevated NLR,IL-6,CRP,PCT,LDH,α-HBDH,AST,hs-cTnI,CK,and CK-MB as risk factors for myocardial injury in MPP patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:Elevated levels of NLR,IL-6,CRP,PCT,and myocardial enzymes are significant risk factors for myocardial injury in children with MPP,offering valuable insights for prevention and prognosis.

Analysis of the Role of D-Dimer,Interleukin-6,and Interleukin-18 in Differential Diagnosis of Pediatric Refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia

Objective:To analyze the value of D-dimer(D-D),interleukin-6(IL-6),and IL-18 in the differential diagnosis of children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(RMPP).Methods:The medical records of 92 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)treated in the hospital were selected for retrospective analysis from January 2023 to January 2024.After comprehensive examinations such as computed tomography examination of the chest,48 children with general Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(GMPP)were put in the GMPP group and 44 children with RMPP were grouped in the RMPP group.The IL-6,IL-18,and D-D levels were compared between the two groups,and the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to analyze their value for differential diagnosis of RMPP.Results:The levels of IL-6,IL-18,and D-D in the RMPP group were higher than those in the GMPP group(P<0.05);the ROC curves showed that the specificity of the differential diagnosis of IL-6,IL-18,and D-D was higher,and their diagnostic value was significant.Conclusion:Determination of IL-6,IL-18,and D-D levels in children with MPP can further diagnose the children’s condition,which can help physicians formulate targeted treatment plans,and is of great significance to the improvement of the children’s condition,which is worthy of attention.

Research Progress on Combined Chinese and Western Medicine Treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children

With the continuous development of medical technology,combined treatment of Chinese and Western medicine has gradually become a research hotspot.As a common disease in pediatrics,the treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)in children is also being explored and improved.This article summarizes the research progress of combined Chinese and Western medicine treatment of MPP in children in recent years,aiming to provide a useful reference for the combined treatment of MPP in children.The article firstly introduces the etiology and pathogenesis of MPP in children,thereafter briefly introduces the Western anti-infective treatment and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)diagnosis and treatment of MPP in children,and lastly introduces the methods of combined treatment of TCM and Western medicine in detail.The article points out that the combination of Chinese and Western medicine can give full play to the overall regulation of Chinese medicine and the precise treatment advantages of Western medicine,improve the therapeutic effect,reduce the use of antibiotics,and lower the recurrence rate of the disease,which is worthy of further research and promotion.

牛支原体黏附素及黏附素结合蛋白研究进展

牛支原体(M.bovis)是感染牛的一种重要病原体,可导致感染牛出现肺炎、关节炎、乳房炎、角膜结膜炎和生殖道炎等多种临床症状,给养牛业造成了巨大经济损失。M.bovis黏附素在M.bovis致病过程中发挥重要作用,包括病原感染、细胞入侵、免疫逃逸和毒力产生。迄今为止,已鉴定出十多种M.bovis黏附素。这些黏附素主要结合宿主细胞的纤溶酶原(plasminogen,Plg)、纤连蛋白(fibronectin,FN)、硫酸肝素(heparin sulfate,HS)和淀粉样前体样蛋白-2(amyloid precursor-like protein-2,APLP2)。本文将对目前已知的M.bovis黏附素及其宿主细胞靶蛋白的研究现状进行综述,为M.bovis已知和未知黏附素的鉴定和应用提供参考。

牛支原体病病原特性及疫苗研究进展

牛支原体(Mycoplasma bovis)感染可引起牛呼吸系统综合征、结膜炎、中耳炎、乳腺炎、关节炎甚至流产等疾病,给养牛产业带来重大经济损失。鉴于无特效疫苗及药物防治该病,及时诊断、提前预防有利于牛场采取措施降低扩散风险,减少经济损失。从牛支原体病的特性、流行状况、造成的经济损失、病程研究、病理组织学变化、疫苗研究及膜蛋白的研究进展等方面进行了综述,以供借鉴。

儿童肺炎支原体肺炎诊疗指南(2023年版)

肺炎支原体肺炎(mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia,MPP)是我国5岁及以上儿童最主要的社区获得性肺炎(community acquired pneumonia,CAP)。如何早期发现重症和危重症病例、合理救治、避免死亡和后遗症的发生是MPP诊治的核心和关键问题。为此,国家卫生健康委员会委托国家儿童医学中心(首都医科大学附属北京儿童医院)牵头撰写儿童MPP诊疗指南。

儿童肺炎支原体肺炎诊疗指南(2023年版)

肺炎支原体肺炎(mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia,MPP)是我国5岁及以上儿童最主要的社区获得性肺炎(community acquired pneumonia,CAP)。如何早期发现重症和危重症病例、合理救治、避免死亡和后遗症的发生是MPP诊治的核心和关键问题。为此,国家卫生健康委员会委托国家儿童医学中心(首都医科大学附属北京儿童医院)牵头撰写儿童MPP诊疗指南。