Growth of RB Population in the Conversion Phase of Chlamydia Life Cycle

Upon infecting a host cell,the reticulate body(RB)form of the Chlamydia bacteria simply proliferates by binary fission for an extended period.Available data show only RB units in the infected cells 20 hours post infection(hpi),spanning nearly half way through the development cycle.With data collected every 4 hpi,conversion to the elementary body(EB)form begins abruptly at a rapid rate sometime around 24 hpi.By modeling proliferation and conversion as simple birth and death processes,it has been shown that the optimal strategy for maximizing the total(mean)EB population at host cell lysis time is a bang-bang control qualitatively replicating the observed conversion activities.However,the simple birth and death model for the RB proliferation and conversion to EB deviates in a significant way from the available data on the evolution of the RB population after the onset of RB-to-EB conversion.By working with a more refined model that takes into account a small size threshold eligibility requirement for conversion noted in the available data,we succeed in removing the deficiency of the previous models on the evolution of the RB population without affecting the optimal bang-bang conversion strategy.

Co-infection of Chlamydia psittaci and Tropheryma whipplei: A case report

BACKGROUND The co-infection of Chlamydia psittaci(C.psittaci)and Tropheryma whipplei(T.whipplei)is unusual,and the detection of pathogenic microorganisms is particularly important for patients with severe diseases or poor experience in treatment.Early identification of pathogens can significantly improve the prognosis of the patients.Targeted next-generation sequencing(tNGS)is currently widely used in clinical practice for various infectious diseases,including respiratory infections,to achieve early,accurate,and rapid microbial diagnosis.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a 40-year-old female patient with a history of contact with parrots who was diagnosed with C.psittaci and T.whipplei infection through bronchial lavage fluid targeted next generation sequencing.After moxifloxacin treatment,the patient's symptoms improved significantly,and the imaging changes were obviously resolved.CONCLUSION Coinfection with C.psittaci and T.whipplei is not common.In this case,timely and accurate identification of both pathogens was achieved using tNGS.Moreover,the efficacy of monotherapy with moxifloxacin was confirmed.

Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Women of Procreate Age in the Mayo-Boneye Department in Chad

Introduction: Chlamydia trachomatis infections constitute a major public health problem, particularly in women. The objective of this study is to identify Chlamydia trachomatis to improve the health of women in the Department of Mayo-Boneye. Methodology: This is a prospective observational study that took place from October to December 2021, including 168 patients with their sociodemographic characteristics. The venous blood of the patients was collected in dry tubes and centrifuged to obtain the serum. The Chlamydia IgG Rapid Test Cassette was used for the detection of antibodies to Chlamydia infection. The Epi Info 7TM software was used to perform the statistical analyses. Results: A total of 168 patients were included in this study. The average age was 26.36 ± 9.21 years, the median was 25.5 years with the extremes of 14 years and 70 years. Among these patients, 46.43% were illiterate, 5.95% and 20.83% were primary and secondary school students, respectively, and 26.79% university students. For marital status, 66.67% were single, 16.67% married, 10.71% divorced and 5.95% widowed. Regarding the profession, 26.79% were traders, 8.93% were employees and 64.29% unemployed. In this study, the 168 patients had performed Chlamydia trachomatis serology among whom 02 (1.19%) were excluded for invalid results and 10.71% presented positive cases. The city of Bongor was the most infected with 61% of cases. Among these patients, 54.22% were linked to risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis. The most infected age group was between 25 and 35 with a seroprevalence of 5.36% of cases. Conclusion: In this study, Chlamydia trachomatis was positive for 10.71% of diagnosed cases. The most affected age groups are young, sexually active women. The State should emphasize the screening of women, the awareness of students and academics.

FQ-PCR检测尿道炎病原体的临床应用及评价

目的为临床提供一次反应可同时检测由奈瑟氏淋球菌(Neissria gonorrhea,NG)、解脲支原体(Ureaplasma urealyticum,UU)及沙眼衣原体(Chlamydia trachomatis,CT)引起的淋菌性尿道炎和非淋菌性尿道炎的荧光定量PCR实验方法。对不同的试剂盒进行评价、比较,优化其荧光定量PCR反应条件。方法在一次荧光定量PCR反应中,利用任意一套标准品同时检测三种病原体,进行χ2检验。将同样的标本分别用三种不同试剂盒试验,将结果进行χ2检验。优化反应条件,比较结果有无差异,进行t检验。结果用同一厂家试剂盒的一套标准品分别同时检测三种病原体,结果无统计学差异,P>0.05。三个厂家试剂盒无明显差异,P>0.05。将某些反应条件优化,结果无显著影响,t=1.1806,P>0.05。结论用同一厂家试剂盒的一套标准品分别同时检测三种病原体,可减少标准品的使用量,且优化反应条件后又可以节省时间,为临床提供了快速、简便、经济的检测方法。

猪鹦鹉热衣原体CJ4株生物学特性研究

从发病猪分离出鹦鹉热衣原体(Chlamydia psittaci)CJ4株,该菌株对青霉素敏感,不被磺胺嘧啶钠所抑制;能够致死6～7日龄鸡胚,其ELD50为10-7.69/0.3 mL;用该毒株制备的疫苗免疫小鼠可以抵抗衣原体强毒的攻击,具有较好的免疫原性。

羊流产嗜性衣原体蛋白-蛋白相互作用网络的构建

病原菌的相互作用组学研究是揭示潜在信号转导通路和新型药物靶标的有力工具。通过同源蛋白映射的方法构建了羊流产嗜性衣原体(Chlamydia abortus)的蛋白-蛋白相互作用网络。结果表明,所构建的互作网络包含220个蛋白和1276个相互作用关系。通过分析蛋白的互作频率,确定了在羊流产嗜性衣原体中互作频率最高的20个蛋白,主要与转录、翻译、分子伴侣等功能相关。进一步分析发现,伴侣蛋白DnaK、GroEL、DnaJ发生互作的频率较高,能与核糖体蛋白、代谢相关蛋白等多种功能蛋白发生相互作用。若DnaK、GroEL、DnaJ的功能受到抑制,将会对羊流产嗜性衣原体的正常生命活动造成较大的影响。

猫衣原体病

猫衣原体病是由鹦鹉热衣原体的某些菌株引起的接触性传染病,以病猫的喷嚏、咳嗽、流泪、结膜炎、鼻气管炎、肺炎及胃肠道感染为主要特征。病原鹦鹉热衣原体(Chlamydia psittacci)是一个专性细胞内寄生的微生物群,因不能合成高能化合物而只能在活细胞内繁殖,革兰氏阴性,有独特的发育周期,感染型称为原体,球形,直径0.2—0.

Clinical, Paraclinical and Therapeutic Aspects of Chronic Prostatitis

Aim: Present the clinical and paraclinical aspects of chronic prostatitis and report the management in urology. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of 47 patients referred to the urology department from January 2011 to December 2013. Analysed variables were epidemiological (age, marital status, place of residence, occupation, education level, taking stimulants), clinical, paraclinical (CBU, chlamydia, syphilis and HIV serologies, urine culture susceptibility testing, semen analysis, ultrasound of urinary tree, radiographs, RCU, IVU), treatment and results. Results: The mean age was 44.6 years. The main reasons for consultation were dysuria (55.3%), prostatorrhea (29.8%) and sexual asthenia (12.8%). The general condition was satisfactory (80.9%). Purulent drop was objectified in the urethral meatus in 10.6% of cases, and the DRE was painful at 44.68%. Escherichia coli was the main isolated germ (23.4%). In 55.3%, calcification of the prostatic area was objectified to ultrasound of the urinary tract. The RCU had objectified bilharzia in 8.5% of calcifications of the bladder area and 19.14% of urethral stricture. The medical treatment was completed in all patients according to the etiology and complications by an instrumental or surgical treatment, offline or emergency. The outcome was favorable in 25 patients. Symptoms were improved in 12 others and a failure for the ten remaining. Conclusion: Chronic prostatitis is relatively frequent in urology. Clinical manifestations are diverse and varied. Treatment is difficult with a significant failure rate.

衣原体和动物衣原体病

动物衣原体病(Chlamydiosis)是由鹦鹉热衣原体(Chlamydia Psitaci)引起的一种传染病。能引起肺炎、流产、肠炎、脑炎、眼结膜角膜炎或多发性关节炎等多种疾病。该病原能使100多种禽类;16种哺乳类和其他种动物致病,人可因接触动物而受感染。在自然界中,节肢动物对衣原体的传播和保存起了重要的作用。该病在国外已遍及世界五大洲的几十个国家。1964年,我国首次报道了京津地区鸭群、鸽和饲养人员的衣原体感染,继在甘肃、青海、内蒙古、西藏、新疆、湖北、云南、北京、天津、广州等省、市、自治区都已证实了各种动物的衣原体性感染。近年来,随着人们对衣原体危害性认识的逐步加深。

Bacterial vaginosis:a synthesis of the literature on etiology,prevalence,risk factors,and relationship with chlamydia and gonorrhea infections

Bacterial vaginosis(BV) is a common vaginal disorder in women of reproductive age. Since the initial work of Leopoldo in 1953 and Gardner and Dukes in 1955, researchers have not been able to identify the causative etiologic agent of BV. There is increasing evidence, however, that BV occurs when Lactobacillus spp., the predominant species in healthy vaginal flora, are replaced by anaerobic bacteria, such as Gardenella vaginalis, Mobiluncus curtisii, M. mulieris, other anaerobic bacteria and/or Mycoplasma hominis. Worldwide, it estimated that 20%–30% of women of reproductive age attending sexually transmitted infection(STI) clinics suffer from BV, and that its prevalence can be as high as 50%–60% in high-risk populations(e.g., those who practice commercial sex work(CSW). Epidemiological data show that women are more likely to report BV if they: 1) have had a higher number of lifetime sexual partners; 2) are unmarried; 3) have engaged in their first intercourse at a younger age; 4) have engaged in CSW, and 5) practice regular douching. In the past decade, several studies have provided evidence on the contribution of sexual activity to BV. However, it is difficult to state that BV is a STI without being able to identify the etiologic agent. BV has also emerged as a public health problem due to its association with other STIs, including: human immunodeficiency virus(HIV), herpes simplex virus type 2(HSV-2), Chlamydia trachomatis(CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae(NG). The most recent evidence on the association between BV and CT/NG infection comes from two secondary analyses of cohort data conducted among women attending STI clinics. Based on these studies, women with BV had a 1.8 and 1.9-fold increased risk for NG and CT infection, respectively. Taken together, BV is likely a risk factor or at least an important contributor to subsequent NG or CT infection in high-risk women. Additional research is required to determine whether this association is also present in other low-risk sexually active populations, such as among women in the US military. It is essential to conduct large scale cross-sectional or population-based case-control studies to investigate the role of BV as a risk factor for CT/NG infections. These studies could lead to the development of interventions aimed at reducing the burden associated with bacterial STIs worldwide.

Atherosclerosis,inflammation and Chlamydia pneumoniae

Coronary heart disease is the single most common cause of illness and death in the developed world.Coronary atherosclerosis is by far the most frequent cause of ischemic heart disease,and plaque disruption with superimposed thrombosis is the main cause of the acute coronary syndromes of unstable angina,myocardial infarction,and sudden death.Atherosclerosis is the result of a complex interaction between blood elements,disturbed flow,and vessel wall abnormality,involving several pathological processes:inflammation,with increased endothelial permeability,endothelial activation,and monocyte recruitment;growth,with smooth muscle cell proliferation,migration,and matrix synthesis;degeneration,with lipid accumulation;necrosis,possibly related to the cytotoxic effect of oxidized lipid;calcification/ossification,which may represent an active rather than a dystrophic process;and thrombosis,with platelet recruitment and fibrin formation.In this review we discuss these processes and the possible pathological effects of Chlamydia infection and the ensuing phlogosis.

Clinical metagenomic sequencing for rapid diagnosis of pneumonia and meningitis caused by Chlamydia psittaci

BACKGROUND Chlamydia psittaci(C.psittaci)is a gram-negative intracellular parasitic pathogenic bacterium that can infect avian and mammalian hosts,including humans.The detection of C.psittaci infections typically relies on traditional antigen-based immunoassays or serological testing that often lack sensitivity and/or specificity.Metagenomic next generation sequencing(mNGS)is an emerging tool for diagnosis.AIM To demonstrate that mNGS represents a valuable tool for rapid,sensitive,and accurate pathogen detection including C.psittaci infections.METHODS Four cases of psittacosis pneumonia and one case of pediatric psittacosis meningitis were diagnosed between December 2019 and May 2020 using mNGS at Changzhou Second People’s Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University.Patients’clinical characteristics,manifestations,and treatment histories were retrospectively evaluated.RESULTS All five patients had a history of exposure to wild(psittacine or other birds)or domesticated birds(chickens).All patients had a high fever(>39℃)and three of them(60%)experienced organ insufficiency during the disease.The laboratory data showed normal to slightly increased leucocyte and neutrophil counts,and elevated procalcitonin levels in all five cases,and very high C-reactive protein levels in psittacosis pneumonia patients.mNGS identified a potential pathogen,C.psittaci,in patients’bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or cerebrospinal fluid.Computed tomography revealed lung air-space consolidation,pleural thickening,and effusion fluid buildup in psittacosis pneumonia cases,and an arachnoid cyst in the right temporal lobe of the pediatric psittacosis meningitis patient.All patients experienced complete recovery following the administration of targeted antichlamydia therapy.CONCLUSION This study not only demonstrated that mNGS represents a valuable tool for rapid,sensitive,and accurate pathogen detection,but also raised public health concerns over C.psittaci infections.

Evaluation of patients with dry eye disease for conjunctival Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum

AIM：To determine the possibility of the development of dry eye disease（DED） as a result of persistent infection with Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in the conjunctiva of patients.METHODS： This study was conducted on 58 patients of age range 20-50 y,diagnosed with DED confirmed by Schirmer I test and tear breakup time.The non-dry eye control group included 27 subjects of the same age.Ocular specimens were collected as conjunctival scrapings and swabs divided into three groups： the first used for bacterial culture,the second and third taken to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum by direct fluorescent antibody（DFA） assay and polymerase chain reaction（PCR） method. RESULTS： Chlamydia trachomatis was detected in 65.5% and 76% of DED patients by DFA and PCR methods respectively.Ureaplasma urealyticum was found in 44.8% of DED infected patients using the PCR method.Both organisms were identified in only 37.9% of DED patients found to be infected.Control subjects had a 22%detection rate of Chlamydia trachomatis by DFA assay versus a 7% detection rate by PCR; while Ureaplasma urealyticum was detected in 3.7% of the controls by PCR method.The conjunctival culture revealed that gram positive microorganisms represented 75% of isolates with coagulase negative Staphylococci the most common（50%） followed by Staphylococcus aureus（20%）,whereas gram negative microorganisms occurred in 25% of cases,isolating Moraxella spp.as the most frequent organism. CONCLUSION： Our results tend to point out that Chlamydia trachomatis and Ureaplasma urealyticum were detected in a moderate percentage of patients with DED,and could be a fair possibility for its development.PCR is more reliable in detecting Chlamydia trachomatis than DFA technique.The presence of isolated conjunctival bacterial microflora can be of some potential value.

Development of a Novel PmpD-N ELISA for Chlamydia psittaci Infection

Objective Chlamydia psittaci is an avian respiratory pathogen and zoonotic agent. The wide prevalence of C. psittaci poses a threat to the poultry industry and its employees. However, few commercial kits are available for detecting avian antibodies excluding the in-house ELISA kit. In this study, we developed a novel ELISA kit for detecting antibodies against C. psittaci based on the N-terminal fragment of polymorphic outer membrane protein D （PmpD-N） as the coating antigen. Methods The antigen concentrations, primary antibody, and cut-off value were determined and optimized. The ELISA, designated PmpD-N ELISA, was assessed for sensitivity, specificity, and concordance using sera samples from 48 experimentally infected and 168 uninfected SPF chickens. Results The sensitivity and specificity of PmpD-N ELISA were 97.9%, 100%, respectively, while the concordance was 98.1% as compared to that of MOMP-ELISA. No cross-reaction with positive sera for other avian pathogens was found. Using PmpD-N ELISA, 799/836 clinical samples were positive, including 93.0% and 98.1% positivity in layers and broilers, respectively. Conclusion These data indicate that indirect ELISA with PmpD-N as the antigen candidate is a promising approach for the surveillance of C. psittaci infection.

Study of the prevalence and association of ocular chlamydial conjunctivitis in women with genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Candida albicans attending outpatient clinic

AIMTo determine the association between chlamydial conjunctivitis and genital infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Candida albicans, in addition to the possible relationship between cultured bacterial pathogens and oculogenital chlamydial infection.METHODSThis study was performed on 100 (50 symptomatic and 50 asymptomatic) women attending the Gynecological and Obstetric outpatient clinic of Alzahra hospital, Alazhar University. Simultaneously a conjunctival swab was taken from these patients. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done on DNA extracted from both vaginal and conjunctival swab samples. Culture for both vaginal and conjunctival swabs was also done.RESULTSCandida albicans was the predominant organism isolated by culture in 20% and 40% of conjunctival and vaginal swabs respectively. By the PCR method, ocular Chlamydia trachomatis was present in 60% of symptomatic women, while genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection was present in 30% of symptomatic women. The results of this method also indicated that 25/50 (50%) vaginal swabs were positive with PCR for Candida albicans versus 15/50 (30%) were PCR positive in conjunctival swab. Mycoplasma genitalium was present in only 10% of vaginal swabs. Concomitant oculogenital PCR positive results for Chlamydia trachomatis and Candida albicans were 30% and 28% respectively.CONCLUSIONOcular Chlamydia trachomatis was associated with genital Chlamydia trachomatis in a high percentage of women followed by Candida albicans. Cultured bacterial organisms do not play a role in enhancement of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.

Clustering cases of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia mimicking COVID-19 pneumonia

BACKGROUND The onset symptoms of people infected by Chlamydia psittaci can mimic the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).However,the differences in laboratory tests and imaging features between psittacosis and COVID-19 remain unknown.AIM To better understand the two diseases and then make an early diagnosis and treatment.METHODS Six patients from two institutions confirmed as psittacosis by high-throughput genetic testing and 31 patients confirmed as COVID-19 were retrospectively included.The epidemiology,clinical characteristics,laboratory tests and computed tomography(CT)imaging features were collected and compared between the two groups.The follow-up CT imaging findings of patients with psittacosis were also investigated.RESULTS The white blood cell count(WBC),neutrophil count and calcium were more likely to be decreased in patients with COVID-19 but were increased in patients with psittacosis(all P=0.000).Lymphocyte count and platelet count were higher in patients with psittacosis than in those with COVID-19(P=0.044,P=0.035,respectively).Lesions in patients with psittacosis were more likely to be unilateral(P=0.001),involve fewer lung lobes(P=0.006)and have pleural effusions(P=0.002).Vascular enlargement was more common in patients with COVID-19(P=0.003).Consolidation in lung CT images was absorbed in all 6 patients.CONCLUSION Psittacosis has the potential for human-to-human transmission.Patients with psittacosis present increased WBC count and neutrophil count and have specific CT imaging findings,including unilateral distribution,less involvement of lung lobes and pleural effusions,which might help us to differentiate it from COVID-19.

Serosurvey of Avian metapneumovirus, Orithobacterium rhinotracheale, and Chlamydia psittaci and Their Potential Association with Avian Airsacculitis

Seasonal outbreaks of airsacculitis in China＇s poultry cause great economic losses annually. This study tried to unveil the potential role of Avian metopneumovirus （AM PV）, Ornithobacterium rhinotrocheale （aRT） and Chlarnydia psittaci （CPS） in avian airsacculitis. A serological investigation of 673 breeder chickens and a case-controlled study of 430 birds were undertaken. Results showed that infection with AMPV, aRT, and CPS was highly associated with the disease. The correlation between AMPV and CPS were positively robust in both layers and broilers. Finally, we determined the co-infection with AMPV, aRT, and CPS was prevalent in the sampled poultry farms suffering from respiratory diseases and the outbreak of airsacculitis was closely related to simultaneous exposure to all three agents.

Patients with Cervical Ureaplasma Urealyticum and Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET: The Need for New Paradigm

Genital tract infections with ureaplasma urealyticum（UU） and chlamydia trachomatis（CT） are the most frequent sexually-transmitted disease worldwide. UU and CT infections are considered to be the leading cause for infertility and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, little is known about the specific effect of cervical UU and CT infections on the etiology of female infertility, as well as the pregnancy outcomes of the patients undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer（IVF/ICSI-ET）. In order to find the association between cervical UU and/or CT infection and pregnancy outcomes, we conducted a retrospective case-control study on the patients undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET with cervical UU and/or CT infection. A total of 2208 patients who received IVF/ICSI-ET were enrolled in this study. Data on the general conditions, pregnancy history and clinical pregnant outcomes were analyzed in terms of the cervical UU and CT detection. Our results revealed that cervical UU and CT infections were the risk factors for ectopic pregnancy and tubal factor-induced infertility. Moreover, the pregnancy rate, abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and premature birth rate in patients with UU and/or CT infections showed no significant difference when compared with the control group. We recommend that cervical UU and CT detection should be an optional item for infertility patients and clinical UU detection should differentiate the subtypes of cervical UU. Positive cervical UU and CT infections should not be taken as strict contraindications for IVF/ICSI-ET.

High frequency of latent Chlamydia trachomatis infection in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

AIM： To determine the frequency of detection of ocular and extraocular Chlamydia trachomatis （CT） infection in non -high myopes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment （RRD）. METHODS： This was a single-center, nonrandomized, prospective, case-control study. One hundred and four patients were divided into a study group with RRD （n= 63） and a control group with traumatic retinal detachment （n=41）. Samples of subretinal fluid （SFR）, conjunctival, urethral/cervical swabs, and blood were collected. The frequency of detection of CT infection in SRF samples was determined by polymerase chain reaction （PCR）, direct fluorescence assay （DFA） and cell culture, whereas that in conjunctival swabs was determined by PCR and DFA, and those in urethral/cervical swabs and blood were determined by DFA. Yates Chi-square test （with Bonferroni correction） and two-tailed Student＇s t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS： SRF CT infection was detected more frequently in the study group （50.8%-71.4%） than in the control group （9.8%-12.2%） by all the methods used （P〈 0.01）. The frequency of detection of conjunctival CT infection by DFA was higher in the RRD patients compared with the controls （81.0% vs 24.4%, P=0.004）. The PCR detected conjunctival CT infection more often in the study group than in the controls （46.0% vs89.8%, P= 0.007）. The DFA detected CT in blood specimens almost as frequently as in urogenital specimens, for the RRD patients （61.2% vs 63.5%） and the controls （7.3% vs 9.8%）. CONCLUSION： CT infection is detected with high frequency in non-high myopes with RRD.