Susceptibilities of Mycoplasma Hominis and Ureaplasma Urealyticum to Fluoroquinolones

Objectives: To determine the susceptibilities of M.hominis and U. urealyticum to fluoroquinolones forthe instruction of reasonable clinical application ofantibiotics.Method: The susceptibilities of M. hominis and U.urealyticum to six fluoroquinolones were determinedby the broth dilution method.Results: Sparfloxacin and gatifloxacin were veryactive with MIC50S of 0.03125 and 0.25 μg/ml againstM. hominis, 0.25 and 0.5 μg/ml against U. urealyticum,respectively. Levofloxacin and ofloxacin had MIC50S of1 μg/ml and 2 μg/ml, respectively against both species.Norfloxacin was less effective against both species at16 and 32 μg/ml. Ciprofloxacin was unusual in thatthe MIC50S varied fourfold between species, with 2 μg/ml against M. hominis and 8 μg/ml against U.urealyticum.Conclusions: The results can provide useful infor-mation for selecting fluoroquinolones for treatmentof urogenital mycoplasma infections.

Presence of an Active Effiux System in the Fluoroquinolones Resistance of Mycoplasma Hominis

Objective: To investigate the possible presence ofan active efflux system in resistance tofluoroquinolones in Mycoplasma hominis. Methods: The resistant strains of M. hominis wereselected from one hundred and three clinical strainsof M. hominis by broth microdilution method. The ac-cumulation of ciprofloxacin in M. hominis and the in-fluence of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl-hydrazone(CCCP) and reserpine were measured by a fluores-cence method. Results: Two resistant strains and two susceptiblestrains of M. hominis were selected in vitro. The accu-mulation of ciprofloxacin for resistant strains is lowerthan that of susceptible strains. CCCP and reserpinehad different influence on clinical strains of M.hominis. Reserpine could dramatically increase theaccumulation of ciprofloxacin, however CCCP had alittle effect on it. Conclusion: These results suggest that the pres-ence of an active efflux system implicated in thefluoroquinolones-resistant in M. hominis.

Susceptibility of Mixed Infection of Ureaplasma Urealyticum and Mycoplasma Hominis to Seven Antimicrobial Agents and Comparison with that of Ureaplasma Urealyticum Infection

In order to investigate the susceptibility of mixed infection of Ureaplasma Urealyticum (UU) and Mycoplasma Hominis (MH) to 7 kinds of antimicrobial agents and comparison with that of UU infection in NGU patients, the in vitro susceptibility was determined by using microdilution method. The positive results were analyzed. The results showed that the sequence of susceptibility to 7 kinds of antimicrobial agents for both UU infection group and UU-MH mixed infection group was almost the same from the highest susceptibility to the lowest accordingly: Josamycin, Doxycycline, Minocycline, Sparfloxacin, Roxithromycin, Ofloxacin and Azithromycin. The total drug resistance rate for UU-MH mixed infection group (97. 67 %) was significantly higher than that for UU infection group (44. 67 %, P<.0. 01). The highest drug resistance rate in UU group and UU-MH mixed infection group was 31. 33 % (Ofloxacin) and 90. 48 % (Azithromycin) respectively. UU-MH mixed infection showed an increased drug resistance and changes of drug resistance spectrum.

Ureaplasma Urealyticum or Mycoplasma Hominis Infections and Semen Quality of Infertile Men in Abidjan

Objective To determine the prevalence of U. urealyticum and M. hominis in semen samples collected from men admitted in clinic for infertility, and to compare the quality of these semen samples.Methods A total of 1 058 semen samples collected were investigated. Sperm semiological assays were performed according to the guidelines of the World Health Organisation （WHO）. Semen were examined by Mycoplasma IST for the detection of mycoplasma. Semen culture on agar media was used to detect other microorganisms. Chlamydia was detected using direct fluorescent assay （DFA） of Clamydia Trachomatis.Results Among 1 058 semen samples, microorganisms were detected in 638 （60.3%）. The infected sperms consisted of mycoplasma alone in 507 cases （47.9%）, mycoplasma and other microorganisms in 98 （9.3%）, giving in all 605 （57.2%） samples infected with mycoplasma. The last 33 （3.1%） consisted of other microorganisms alone. The frequency of U. urealyticum, M. hominis and mixed genital infections detected in semen samples of infertile men were 39%, 23.8% and 5.6%, respectively. The rates of abnormal semen parameters recorded among patients infected with mycoplasma were for volume （22.2%-25%）, viscosity （29.6%-43.5%）, pH （64.7%-72.9%）, motility （80.8%-93.8%）, morphology （36.3%-47.9%）, sperm concentration （53.3%-58.3%） and leukocyte count （51.4%-58.3%）.Conclusion Frequency of U. urealyticum infection was higher than that of M. hominis. Mycoplasma infections were associated with disorders of pH, motility and sperm concentration. In addition M. hominis infection affected spermatozoa morphology. Therefore, screening of U. urealyticum clinically relevant in Abidjan. and M. hominis for routine semen analysis is

Mycoplasma hominis meningitis after operative neurosurgery:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Mycoplasma hominis(M.hominis),which causes central nervous system infections in adults,is very rare.It is also relatively difficult to culture mycoplasma and culturing requires special media,resulting in a high rate of clinical underdiagnosis.Therefore,clinicians often treat patients based on their own experience before obtaining pathogenic results and may ignore infections with atypical pathogens,thus delaying the diagnosis and treatment of patients and increasing the length of hospital stay and costs.CASE SUMMARY A 44-year-old man presented to the hospital complaining of recurrent dizziness for 1 year,which had worsened in the last week.After admission,brain magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed a 7.0 cm×6.0 cm×6.1 cm lesion at the skull base,which was irregular in shape and had a midline shift to the left.Based on imaging findings,meningioma was our primary consideration.After lesion resection,the patient had persistent fever and a diagnosis of suppurative meningitis based on cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)examination.The patient was treated with the highest level of antibiotics(meropenem and linezolid),but the response was ineffective.Finally,M.hominis was detected by next-generation metagenomic sequencing(mNGS)in the CSF.Therefore,we changed the antibiotics to moxifloxacin 0.4 g daily combined with doxycycline 0.1 g twice a day for 2 wk,and the patient had a normal temperature the next day.CONCLUSION Mycoplasma meningitis after neurosurgery is rare.We can use mNGS to detect M.hominis in the CSF and then provide targeted treatment.

<i>Mycoplasma hominis</i>Variable Adherence-Associated Antigen: A Major Adhesin and Highly Variable Surface Membrane Protein

Mycoplasma hominis is a member of the genus mycoplasma and has only been isolated from humans. It is most frequently isolated from the urogenital tract in the absence of symptoms, but has been isolated from wounds, brain abscess, inflamed joints, blood and placenta from pregnancy with adverse outcomes (especially preterm birth and occasionally term stillbirth). Controversy surrounds whether this organism is a commensal or a pathogen;however, Mycoplasma hominis has been shown to induce preterm birth and foetal lung injury in an experimental primate model as a sole pathogen. These bacteria are known to exist as a parasitic infection, due to a number of missing synthetic and metabolism pathway enzymes from their minimal genome;therefore, the ability to adhere to host cells is important. Here we provide a review that clarifies the different nomenclature (variable adherence-associated antigen and P50) that has been used to investigate the major surface adhesin for this organism, as well as reported mechanisms responsible for turning off its expression. Variation in the structure of this protein can be used to separate strains into six categories, a method that we were able to use to distinguish and characterise 12 UK strains isolated from between 1983 and 2012. We propose that the Vaa should be used in further investigations to determine if commensal populations and those that are associated with disease utilise different forms of this adhesin, as this is under-studied and identification of pathogenic determinants is overdue for this organism.

Charcterization of Type Ⅱ Topoisomerase Gene Mutations in Clinical Isolates of Mycoplasma Hominis Resistant to Fluoroquinolones

Objective: To analyze type II topoisomerase genes in clinical isolates of fluoroquinolone-resistant Mycoplasmahominis. Methods: Eight isolates of M.hominis cross resistant to 6fluoroquinolones were selected from 103 clinical strains ofM.hominis using a broth microdilution method. Type IItopoisomerase genes were amplified by PCR and directlysequenced. Nucleotide sequences were compared to sequencesfrom a susceptible strain (M.hominis PG2I). Results: MICs of resistant Mh isolates were 4- to 512-foldhigher than MICs from the susceptible reference strain.Sequence comparison revealed a C to T change at 113nt ingyrA QRDR led to the substitution of Ser83 by Leucine and noamino acid change in gyrB. A change of G to T at 134nt inparC QRDR led to the substitution of Ser80 by Isoleucine anda G to A change at 70nt in ParE QRDR led to the substitutionof Aspartic acid by Asparagine.Conclusion: These results suggest that a C to T change at113nt in gyrA, a G to T change at 134nt in parC and a G to Achange at 70nt i atrE are associated with fluoroquinolone resistance of M.hominis.

A Study on Diagnosis of Mycoplasma Hominis in The Urogenital Tract By Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction with First Void Urine in Men

Objectives: To evaluate thc efficacy of nested polymerasechain reaction (PCR) with first void urine (FVU) for thediagnosis of Mycoplasma hominis in male patients. Methods: Matched FVU specimens and urethral swabs werecollected from 194 male patients with NongonococcalUrethritis and tested by nested PCR and cell culture. Cellculture was used as a gold standard for evaluating other assaytechniques. Results: For FVU nested PCR assay and FVU cell culture,our results showed that the sensitivity was 100% and 93.3%;specificity was 97.0% and 98.2%; positive predictive value(PPV) was 85.7% and 90.3%, negative predictive value (NPV)was 100% and 98.8%, respectively. The total consistencybetween the two techniques was 97.4%. Conclusions: For the diagnosis of Mycoplasma hominis inmen, nested PCR detecting FVU is a highly sensitive andspecific method. First void urine can replace swab culture orPCR in terms of acceptability and feasibility.

A Study on Infertility of Males Infected with <i>Mycoplasma hominis</i>with Reference to Sperm Morphology

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Mycoplasma hominis infection on the morphology of sperms and its association with the infertility of men. The patients were referred to the Urology Departments of Mosul General Hospital and Soran Hospital in Mosul and Erbil respectively. Methods: The present study was carried out from April 2019 to March 2020 and the number of the patients group was 108. The patients aged 20 to 60 years. Semen was collected from infertile men of a couple that female failed to become pregnant after one year of regular and unprotected intercourse of marriage and submitted for seminal fluid analysis as well as for bacteriological investigations Results: M. hominis was detected in 14 semen specimens (12.9%) from the infertile men. The teratozoospermia, normozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia, oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia and leukospermia were seen among patients examined. Statistically, there were no significant differences between these forms of infected infertile men and non-infected infertile men (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of present study demonstrated that the genital Mycoplasma hominis seems to be widespread among male partners of infertile couples in Iraq. The present data did not show any significant differences between forms of the sperm concentration and sperm morphology related to the infection by M. hominis.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Sensibility Profile Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis Isolated from Women in Brazzaville

Background: Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum are opportunistic pathogens frequently encountered in the female genital tract. They are involved in various infections that can lead to serious complications such as pregnancy complications, spontaneous abortions, bacterial vaginosis, salpingitis, and infertility. Syndromic management is common, but monitoring antibiotic sensitivity is crucial to limit the emergence and spread of resistant strains. Methodology: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted at the Clinique Médico-Chirurgicale COGEMO in Brazzaville between January 2019 and December 2021, involving 162 sexually active women followed up in the gynecology-obstetrics department. Duplicate endocervical samples were collected and analyzed using the Mycoplasma AF Genital System kit (Liofilchem) to identify Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum, as well as their sensitivity profiles to fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and tetracyclines. Results: The prevalence of genital mycoplasmas was 21.6%. Ureaplasma urealyticum was detected in 10.49% of the samples, Mycoplasma hominis in 3.08%, and co-infections in 8.02%. Women infected with Ureaplasma urealyticum were generally in a couple, aged 28 to 37 years, unemployed, and asymptomatic. For Mycoplasma hominis, the profile was similar but with a wider age range of 18 to 47 years. Mycoplasma hominis showed high resistance to pefloxacin (80%), erythromycin (60%), tetracycline (60%), and doxycycline (60%). In co-infections, resistances were 61.4% for erythromycin and 53.85% for tetracycline. Ureaplasma urealyticum showed a sensitivity significantly higher than 20% for all tested antibiotic molecules. Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in the female genital tract and their concerning resistance to antibiotics. Mycoplasma hominis shows high resistance while Ureaplasma urealyticum presents better sensitivity, though still notable. The variability of observed sensitivity profiles underscores the need for personalized therapeutic approaches based on updated data to protect women’s reproductive health.

Detection and evaluation of different morphological forms of Mycoplasma hominis in human semen

Recently discovered microcolonial forms of Mycoplasma hominis(M.hominis)and their impact on human spermatogenesis are studied.The spermatozoa of 125 fertile men(sperm donors;from Reprobank[Reproductive Tissue Bank,Moscow,Russial)and of 93 patients with fertility problems(from the Federal State Budgetary Institution"Research Centre for Medical Genetics[RCMG]",Moscow,Russia)were used.Classical colonies of M.hominis and microcolonies were detected by molecular biological methods,culture of bacteria,and transmission electron microscopy.The unique structure of microcolonial cells,in which the cytoplasmic cylinder is surrounded by concentric electron-dense and electron-light layers with a periodicity of 12-14 nm,and the ability of microcolonial cells to attach to spermatozoa are shown.In patients with lower sperm quality,microcolonies of M.hominis were detected 2.5 times more frequently than classical colonies.The detection of microcolonies in the ejaculate and the frequent isolation of microcolonies from sperm samples of patients with fertility problems suggest that microcolonial cells may be one cause of infertility.

Resistance Profile of Urogenital Mycoplasmas to Antibiotics: Comparative Study between the Mycoplasma IST2 and Mycoplasma IST3

Acquired resistance of mycoplasmas to antibiotics constitutes a major health problem in the world in general and in Africa in particular. Despite the diversity of kits marketed, several of them evaluating the sensitivity of mycoplasmas to antibiotics continue to present resistance, in this case, the Mycoplasma IST2. In order to overcome this resistance, a new kit (Mycoplasma IST3) has been developed in accordance with the new Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) recommendations. The objective of the study was to determine the resistance profile of urogenital Mycoplasmas to antibiotics using this new kit and to highlight cases of co-infections in comparison with the Mycoplasma IST2. Over a period of four mo nths, one hundred and one (101) samples of urogenital secretions were collected (from sexually active men and women) and analyzed. Culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed in a liquid medium using the Mycoplasma IST2 and Mycoplasma IST3 Tests according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Among the different samples analyzed, we noted a mycoplasma positivity rate of 71.29% with a predominance of infection in women, i.e. 86.12% compared to men 13.88%. Ureaplasma spp was the most encountered germ with a rate of 62.50% followed by cases of co-infections at 33.33% (Uspp/Mh) and the least encountered was Mycoplasma hominis with a rate of 2.79%. We analyzed 25 samples, among which we had 4 co-infections, simultaneously using the two kits in the same patients. The distribution of cases between the two kits was equivalent. We noted a significant rate of resistance to erythromycin 100% using Mycoplasma IST2. However, no resistance was observed in erythromycin with Mycoplasma IST3. Mycoplasma IST2 also showed resistance to fluoroquinolones, which was not the case for Mycoplasma IST3 which did not show any resistance to fluoroquinolones. Both kits showed resistance to tetracycline. The antibiotic sensitivity test using the Mycoplasma IST3 revealed a high rate of resistance to tetracycline, i.e. 57.14% and 91.67% for Ureaplasma spp and Mycoplasma hominis respectively. Resistance rates to other antibiotics were less than 25%. This study was able to demonstrate that Mycoplasma IST3 constitutes a better therapeutic choice compared to its predecessor Mycoplasma IST2, because it eliminated the biggest shortcoming of its predecessor.

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.

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.

Mycoplasma hominis Pneumonia Presented as a Cavitary Mass with a Halo Sign in an Immunocompetent Adult Male:A Case Report

Mycoplasma hominis is an opportunistic microorganism that colonizes the genitourinary tract and causes genitourinary infections.However,pulmonary infections caused by M.hominis have rarely been reported in immunocompetent individuals.Herein,we report a rare case of an immunocompetent adult male with M.hominis pneumonia who presented with multiple pulmonary nodules that progressed to a cavitary mass with a halo sign.The presence of M.hominis infection was confirmed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction(mPCR)of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.The patient demonstrated no response to the initial levofloxacin therapy;however,the symptoms subsequently improved after the administration of moxifloxacin.M.hominis may be an underestimated causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia of unknown etiology in immunocompetent adults,and the involvement of the organism should be especially suspected in sexually active patients.Molecular diagnostic methods,such as mPCR,can be used to identify the etiology of atypical pneumonia.Appropriate antibiotics are crucial for effective treatment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.