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Guimarães JPT, Fogaça MBT, Moura RS, Mendonça M, Conceição FR, Gimaque JBL, de Almeida THP, Abrain C, Mourão MPG, Figueiredo LTM, Stefani MMA, Bührer-Sékula S. Hantavirus: Preliminary assessment of lateral flow immune assay prototypes to detect IgM and IgG antibodies. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 110:116521. [PMID: 39243495 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2024.116521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Three lateral flow immunoassay prototypes developed to detect IgM, IgG and IgM/IgG antibodies against Hantavirus were evaluated. A total of 163 samples were tested: 10 from Hantavirus patients, 103 from related diseases, and 50 from healthy controls. The prototypes exhibited 100 % sensitivity, 97.5 % to 99.3 % specificity, indicating promising improved diagnosis.
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Fogaça MBT, Lopes-Luz L, Saavedra DP, de Oliveira NKAB, Jesus Sousa MBD, Perez JDP, de Andrade IA, Crispim GJB, Pinto LDS, Ferreira MRA, Ribeiro BM, Nagata T, Conceição FR, Stefani MMDA, Bührer-Sékula S. Production of antigens expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plant and Escherichia coli for the SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody detection by ELISA. J Virol Methods 2024; 329:114969. [PMID: 38834144 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2024.114969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic disclosed a critical shortage of diagnostic kits worldwide, emphasizing the urgency of utilizing all resources available for the development and production of diagnostic tests. Different heterologous protein expression systems can be employed for antigen production. This study assessed novel SARS-CoV-2 proteins produced by a transient expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana utilizing an infectious clone vector based on pepper ringspot virus (PepRSV). These proteins included the truncated S1-N protein (spike protein N-terminus residues 12-316) and antigen N (nucleocapsid residues 37-402). Two other distinct SARS-CoV-2 antigens expressed in Escherichia coli were evaluated: QCoV9 chimeric antigen protein (spike protein residues 449-711 and nucleocapsid protein residues 160-406) and QCoV7 truncated antigen (nucleocapsid residues 37-402). ELISAs using the four antigens individually and the same panel of samples were performed for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Sensitivity was evaluated using 816 samples from 351 COVID-19 patients hospitalized between 5 and 65 days after symptoms onset; specificity was tested using 195 samples collected before 2018, from domiciliary contacts of leprosy patients. Our findings demonstrated consistent test sensitivity, ranging from 85 % to 88 % with specificity of 97.5 %, regardless of the SARS-CoV2 antigen and the expression system used for production. Our results highlight the potential of plant expression systems as useful alternative platforms to produce recombinant antigens and for the development of diagnostic tests, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
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Fogaça MBT, Crispim GJB, Saavedra DP, Lopes-Luz L, da Silva LA, de Camargo BR, Guimarães RA, Nagata T, Ribeiro BM, Bührer-Sékula S. An indirect ELISA for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in human sera using a baculovirus-expressed recombinant nucleocapsid antigen. Biologicals 2024; 86:101769. [PMID: 38759304 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2024.101769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
This study focuses on the development and initial assessment of an indirect IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) specifically designed to detect of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The unique aspect of this ELISA method lies in its utilization of a recombinant nucleocapsid (N) antigen, produced through baculovirus expression in insect cells. Our analysis involved 292 RT-qPCR confirmed positive serum samples and 54 pre-pandemic healthy controls. The process encompassed cloning, expression, and purification of the SARS-CoV-2 N gene in insect cells, with the resulted purified protein employed in our ELISA tests. Statistical analysis yielded an Area Under the Curve of 0.979, and the optimized cut-off exhibited 92 % sensitivity and 94 % specificity. These results highlight the ELISA's potential for robust and reliable serological detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Further assessments, including a larger panel size, reproducibility tests, and application in diverse populations, could enhance its utility as a valuable biotechnological solution for diseases surveillance.
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Penna GO, Pontes MADA, Talhari S, Gonçalves HDS, Talhari C, Pessoa ADS, Pedroza V, Bührer-Sékula S, Stefani MMDA, Penna MLF. Late relapses in leprosy patients in Brazil: 10-year post-trial of uniform multidrug therapy (U-MDT/CT-BR). Braz J Infect Dis 2024; 28:103745. [PMID: 38697216 PMCID: PMC11078633 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2024.103745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leprosy is a neglected dermato-neurologic, infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae or M. lepromatosis. Leprosy is treatable and curable by multidrug therapy/MDT, consisting of 12 months rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine for multibacillary/MB patients and for 6 months for paucibacillary/PB patients. The relapse rate is considered a crucial treatment outcome. A randomized Controlled Clinical Trial (U-MDT/CT-BR) conducted from 2007‒2012 compared clinical outcomes in MB patients after 12 months regular MDT/R-MDT and 6 months uniform MDT/U-MDT in two highly endemic Brazilian areas. OBJECTIVES To estimate the 10 years relapse rate of MB patients treated with 6 months U-MDT. METHODS The statistical analyses treated the data as a case-control study, sampled from the cohort generated for the randomized trial. Analyses estimated univariate odds ratio and applied logistic regression for multivariate analysis, controlling the confounding variables. RESULTS The overall relapse rate was 4.08 %: 4.95 % (16 out of 323) in the U-MDT group and 3.10 % (9 out of 290) in the regular/R-MDT group. The difference in relapse proportion between U-MDT and R-MDT groups was 1.85 %, not statistically significant (Odds Ratio = 1.63, 95 % CI 0.71 to 3.74). However, misdiagnosis of relapses, may have introduced bias, underestimating the force of the association represented by the odds ratio. CONCLUSIONS The relapse estimate of 10 years follow-up study of the first randomized, controlled study on U-MDT/CT-BR was similar to the R-MDT group, supporting strong evidence that 6 months U-MDT for MB patients is an acceptable option to be adopted by leprosy endemic countries worldwide. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00669643.
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Moreira NS, Baldo TA, Duarte LC, Lopes-Luz L, Oliveira KA, Estrela PFN, Simões AM, Bührer-Sékula S, Duarte GRM, Coltro WKT. Direct immunoassay on a polyester microwell plate for colorimetric detection of the spike protein in swab and saliva samples. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 16:74-82. [PMID: 38073521 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01755a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
This study presents the development of a polyester microplate for detecting the S-protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva and nasopharyngeal swab samples using direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technology. The polyester microplate was designed to contain 96 zones with a 3 mm diameter each, and a volume of 2-3 μL. The experimental conditions including reagent concentration and reaction time were optimized. The microplate image was digitized and analyzed using graphical software. The linear range obtained between protein S concentrations and pixel intensity was 0-10 μg mL-1, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99 and a limit of detection of 0.44 μg mL-1. The developed methodology showed satisfactory intraplate and interplate repeatability with RSD values lower than 7.8%. The results achieved through immunoassay performed on polyester microplates were consistent with those of the RT-PCR method and showed a sensitivity of 100% and 90% and specificity of 85.71% and 100% for saliva and nasopharyngeal samples, respectively. The proposed direct immunoassay on polyester microplates emerges as an alternative to conventional immunoassays performed on commercial polystyrene plates, given the low cost of the device, low consumption of samples and reagents, lower waste generation, and shorter analysis time. Moreover, the immunoassay has shown great potential for diagnosing COVID-19 with precision and accuracy.
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Lopes-Luz L, Fogaça MBT, Bentivoglio-Silva BG, Saavedra DP, Alves LM, Franca LV, Crispim GJB, de Andrade IA, Ribeiro BM, Nagata T, Bührer-Sékula S. A novel highly specific biotinylated MAC-ELISA for detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen IgM antibodies during the acute phase of COVID-19. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:2893-2901. [PMID: 37930615 PMCID: PMC10689632 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01160-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19 in the acute phase is RT-qPCR. However, this molecular technique can yield false-negative results when nasopharyngeal swab collection is not conducted during viremia. To mitigate this challenge, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) identifies anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibodies in the initial weeks after symptom onset, facilitating early COVID-19 diagnosis. This study introduces a novel and highly specific IgM antibody capture ELISA (MAC-ELISA), which utilizes biotinylated recombinant SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) antigen produced in plants. Our biotinylated approach streamlines the procedure by eliminating the requirement for an anti-N-conjugated antibody, circumventing the need for peroxidase-labeled antigens, and preventing cross-reactivity with IgM autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor. Performance evaluation of the assay involved assessing sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy using 682 RT-qPCR-positive samples, categorized by weeks relative to symptoms onset. Negative controls included 205 pre-pandemic serum samples and 46 serum samples from patients diagnosed with other diseases. Based on a cut-off of 0.087 and ROC curve analysis, the highest sensitivity of 81.2% was observed in the 8-14 days post-symptom (dps) group (2nd week), followed by sensitivities of 73.8% and 68.37% for the 1-7 dps (1st week) and 15-21 dps groups (3rd week), respectively. Specificity was consistently 100% across all groups. This newly developed biotinylated N-MAC-ELISA offers a more streamlined and cost-effective alternative to molecular diagnostics. It enables simultaneous testing of multiple samples and effectively identifies individuals with false-negative results.
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Lopes-Luz L, Saavedra DP, Fogaça MBT, Bührer-Sékula S, Stefani MMDA. Challenges and advances in serological and molecular tests to aid leprosy diagnosis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:2083-2094. [PMID: 38059475 PMCID: PMC10800132 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231209422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Leprosy is a neglected chronic infectious disease caused by obligate intracellular bacilli, Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. Despite multidrug therapy (MDT) success, leprosy accounts for more than 200,000 new cases yearly. Leprosy diagnosis remains based on the dermato-neurologic examination, but histopathology of skin biopsy and bacilloscopy of intradermal scraping are subsidiary diagnostic tests that require expertise and laboratory infrastructure. This minireview summarizes the state of the art of serologic tests to aid leprosy diagnosis, highlighting enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and point-of-care tests (POCT) biotechnologies. Also, the impact of the postgenomic era on the description of new recombinantly expressed M. leprae-specific protein antigens, such as leprosy Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) diagnostic (LID)-1 is summarized. Highly specific and sensitive molecular techniques to detect M. leprae DNA as the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) are briefly reviewed. Serology studies using phenolic glycolipid-I (PGL-I) semi-synthetic antigens, LID-1 fusion antigen, and the single fusion complex natural disaccharide-octyl (NDO)-LID show high sensitivity in multibacillary (MB) patients. However, serology is not applicable to paucibacillary patients, as they have weak humoral response and robust cell-mediated response, requiring tests for cellular biomarkers. Unlike ELISA-based tests, leprosy-specific POCT based on semi-synthetic PGL-I antigens and NDO-LID 1 antigen is easy to perform, cheaper, equipment-free, and can contribute to early diagnosis avoiding permanent incapacities and helping to interrupt M. leprae transmission. Besides its use to help diagnosis of household contacts or at-risk populations in endemic areas, potential applications of leprosy serology include monitoring MDT efficacy, identification of recent infection, especially in young children, as surrogate markers of disease progression to orient adult chemoprophylaxis and as a predictor of type 2 leprosy reactions. Advances in molecular biology techniques have reduced the complexity and execution time of qPCR confirming its utility to help diagnosis while leprosy-specific LAMP holds promise as an adjunct test to detect M. leprae DNA.
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de Andrade Rodrigues RS, Heise EFJ, Hartmann LF, Rocha GE, Olandoski M, de Araújo Stefani MM, Latini ACP, Soares CT, Belone A, Rosa PS, de Andrade Pontes MA, de Sá Gonçalves H, Cruz R, Penna MLF, Carvalho DR, Fava VM, Bührer-Sékula S, Penna GO, Moro CMC, Nievola JC, Mira MT. Prediction of the occurrence of leprosy reactions based on Bayesian networks. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1233220. [PMID: 37564037 PMCID: PMC10411956 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1233220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Leprosy reactions (LR) are severe episodes of intense activation of the host inflammatory response of uncertain etiology, today the leading cause of permanent nerve damage in leprosy patients. Several genetic and non-genetic risk factors for LR have been described; however, there are limited attempts to combine this information to estimate the risk of a leprosy patient developing LR. Here we present an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system that can assess LR risk using clinical, demographic, and genetic data. Methods The study includes four datasets from different regions of Brazil, totalizing 1,450 leprosy patients followed prospectively for at least 2 years to assess the occurrence of LR. Data mining using WEKA software was performed following a two-step protocol to select the variables included in the AI system, based on Bayesian Networks, and developed using the NETICA software. Results Analysis of the complete database resulted in a system able to estimate LR risk with 82.7% accuracy, 79.3% sensitivity, and 86.2% specificity. When using only databases for which host genetic information associated with LR was included, the performance increased to 87.7% accuracy, 85.7% sensitivity, and 89.4% specificity. Conclusion We produced an easy-to-use, online, free-access system that identifies leprosy patients at risk of developing LR. Risk assessment of LR for individual patients may detect candidates for close monitoring, with a potentially positive impact on the prevention of permanent disabilities, the quality of life of the patients, and upon leprosy control programs.
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de Andrade IA, Franca LV, Kauffmann CM, Maeda MHK, Koyama LHH, Hamann PRV, Lopes-Luz L, Fogaça MBT, de Camargo BR, Ribeiro BM, Bührer-Sékula S, Nagata T. Practical use of tobravirus-based vector to produce SARS-CoV-2 antigens in plants. J Virol Methods 2023; 315:114710. [PMID: 36914098 PMCID: PMC10008036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2023.114710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
A plant-based heterologous expression system is an attractive option for recombinant protein production because it is based on a eukaryotic system of high feasibility, and low biological risks. Frequently, binary vector systems are used for transient gene-expression in plants. However, plant virus vector-based systems offer advantages for higher protein yields due to their self-replicating machinery. In the present study, we show an efficient protocol using a plant virus vector based on a tobravirus, pepper ringspot virus, that was employed for transient expression of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 partial gene fragments of the spike (named S1-N) and the nucleocapsid (named N) proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Purified proteins yield of 40~60µg/g of fresh leaves were obtained. Both proteins, S1-N and N, showed high and specific reactivities against convalescent patients' sera by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay format. The advantages and critical points in using this plant virus vector are discussed. DATA AVAILABILITY: All data generated and analyzed during this study are included in this published article and supporting materials.
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Lopes-Luz L, Silva-Filho E, Mendonça M, Moreira ÂN, Venceslau A, de Sousa DR, Sánchez TG, de Moura RS, Conceição FR, Kipnis A, Stefani MMDA, Bührer-Sékula S. Combined antibodies against internalins A and B proteins have potential application in immunoassay for detection of Listeria monocytogenes. JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 60:123-131. [PMID: 36618043 PMCID: PMC9813296 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-022-05597-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne bacterium that causes listeriosis upon the ingestion of contaminated food. Traditional methods to detect L. monocytogenes require pre-enrichment broths to increase its concentration. To improve the screening of contaminated food and prevent listeriosis outbreaks, rapid, specific and sensitive assays are needed to detect L. monocytogenes. This study developed a prototype lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA) employing antibodies against L. monocytogenes Internalin A (InlA) and Internalin B (InlB) proteins, that are involved in non-phagocytic cell invasion. The following antibodies were used to capture L. monocytogenes antigenic targets: mouse anti-Internalin A monoclonal antibody (MAb-2D12) conjugated to colloidal gold nanoparticles and a mouse anti-Internalin B polyclonal antibody. This test was able to detect pure L. monocytogenes from culture with a limit of detection (LOD) ranging from 5.9 × 103 to 1.5 × 104 CFU/mL. In milk artificially contaminated with L. monocytogenes, the LOD was 1 × 105 CFU/mL. This prototype test discriminated L. monocytogenes from other bacterial species (Listeria innocua, Enterobacter cloacae, Bacillus cereus). Results indicate that this LFIA developed using antibodies against L. monocytogenes InlA and InlB proteins is a sensitive and specific tool that can be potentially useful to rapidly detect L. monocytogenes in contaminated food. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05597-9.
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Kendall C, Kerr LRFS, Miranda JGV, Rubin de Pinho ST, Silva Andrade RF, Rodrigues LC, Frota CC, Mota RMS, Freitas de Almeida RL, Moreira FB, Gomes RBC, Alves de Almeida N, França L, Pontes MADA, Gonçalves H, Penna GO, Bührer-Sékula S, Klovdahl A, Barreto ML. A social network approach for the study of leprosy transmission beyond the household. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 116:100-107. [PMID: 34015825 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trab071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycobacterium leprae was the first microorganism directly associated with a disease, however, there are still important gaps in our understanding of transmission. Although household contacts are prioritized, there is evidence of the importance of extrahousehold contacts. The goal of this article is to contribute to our understanding of the transmission of leprosy ex-household. METHODS We compare co-location data of 397 leprosy cases and 211 controls drawn from the Centro de Dermatologia Sanitária D. Libânia in Fortaleza, Brazil. We collected lifetime geolocation data related to residence, school attendance and workplace and developed novel methods to establish a critical distance (Rc) for exposure and evaluated the potential for transmission for residence, school and workplace. RESULTS Our methods provide different threshold values of distance for residence, school and workplace. Residence networks demonstrate an Rc of about 500 m. Cases cluster in workplaces as well. Schools do not cluster cases. CONCLUSIONS Our novel network approach offers a promising opportunity to explore leprosy transmission. Our networks confirm the importance of coresidence, provide a boundary and suggest a role for transmission in workplaces. Schools, on the other hand, do not demonstrate a clustering of cases. Our findings may have programmatic relevance.
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Lopes-Luz L, Mendonça M, Bernardes Fogaça M, Kipnis A, Bhunia AK, Bührer-Sékula S. Listeria monocytogenes: review of pathogenesis and virulence determinants-targeted immunological assays. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 47:647-666. [PMID: 33896354 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1911930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most invasive foodborne pathogens and is responsible for numerous outbreaks worldwide. Most of the methods to detect this bacterium in food require selective enrichment using traditional bacterial culture techniques that can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. Moreover, molecular methods are expensive and need specific technical knowledge. In contrast, immunological approaches are faster, simpler, and user-friendly alternatives and have been developed for the detection of L. monocytogenes in food, environmental, and clinical samples. These techniques are dependent on the constitutive expression of L. monocytogenes antigens and the specificity of the antibodies used. Here, updated knowledge on pathogenesis and the key immunogenic virulence determinants of L. monocytogenes that are used for the generation of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for the serological assay development are summarised. In addition, immunological approaches based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, lateral flow immunochromatographic assays, and immunosensors with relevant improvements are highlighted. Though the sensitivity and specificity of the assays were improved significantly, methods still face many challenges that require further validation before use.
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Uaska Sartori PV, Penna GO, Bührer-Sékula S, Pontes MAA, Gonçalves HS, Cruz R, Virmond MCL, Dias-Baptista IMF, Rosa PS, Penna MLF, Medeiros Fava V, Stefani MMA, Távora Mira M. Human Genetic Susceptibility of Leprosy Recurrence. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1284. [PMID: 31992776 PMCID: PMC6987179 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58079-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Host genetic susceptibility to leprosy has been intensively investigated over the last decades; however, there are no studies on the role of genetic variants in disease recurrence. A previous initiative identified three recurrent cases of leprosy for which none of the M. leprae strains, as obtained in the first and the second diagnosis, had any known genomic variants associated to resistance to Multidrug therapy; in addition, whole genome sequencing indicated that the same M. leprae was causing two out of the three recurrences. Thus, these individuals were suspected of being particularly susceptible to M. leprae infection, either as relapse or reinfection. To verify this hypothesis, 19 genetic markers distributed across 11 loci (14 genes) classically associated with leprosy were genotyped in the recurrent and in three matching non-recurrent leprosy cases. An enrichment of risk alleles was observed in the recurrent cases, suggesting the existence of a particularly high susceptibility genetic profile among leprosy patients predisposing to disease recurrence.
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Santos JHA, Bührer-Sékula S, Melo GC, Cordeiro-Santos M, Pimentel JPD, Gomes-Silva A, Costa AG, Saraceni V, Da-Cruz AM, Lacerda MVG. Ascaris lumbricoides coinfection reduces tissue damage by decreasing IL-6 levels without altering clinical evolution of pulmonary tuberculosis or Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine profile. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2019; 52:e20190315. [PMID: 31800922 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0315-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunological control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is dependent on the cellular immune response, mediated predominantly by Th1 type CD4+ T cells. Polarization of the immune response to Th2 can inhibit the host immune protection against pathogens. Patients with tuberculosis coinfected with helminths demonstrate more severe pulmonary symptoms, a deficiency in the immune response against tuberculosis, and an impaired response to anti-tuberculosis therapy. METHODS We evaluated the cellular immune response and the impact of the presence of Ascaris lumbricoides on the immune and clinical response in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Ninety-one individuals were included in the study: 38 tuberculosis patients, 11 tuberculosis patients coinfected with Ascaris lumbricoides and other helminths, 10 Ascaris lumbricoides patients, and 34 non-infected control individuals. Clinical evolution of pulmonary tuberculosis was studied on 0, 30, 60, and 90 days post-diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Ascaris lumbricoides. Furthermore, immune cells and plasma cytokine profiles were examined in mono/coinfection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Ascaris lumbricoides using flow cytometry. RESULTS There were no statistical differences in any of the evaluated parameters and the results indicated that Ascaris lumbricoides infection does not lead to significant clinical repercussions in the presentation and evolution of pulmonary tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS The association with Ascaris lumbricoides did not influence the Th1, Th2, and Th17 type responses, or the proportions of T lymphocyte subpopulations. However, higher serum levels of IL-6 in tuberculosis patients may explain the pulmonary parenchymal damage.
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Cruz RC, Bührer-Sékula S, Penna MLF, Penna GDO, Talhari S. Reply of the authors of the Continuing Medical Education article to Dr. Jaison Barreto and Dr. Laila Laguiche. An Bras Dermatol 2018; 93:625-626. [PMID: 30066790 PMCID: PMC6063105 DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.201893404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Cruz RCDS, Bührer-Sékula S, Penna GO, de Moraes MEA, Gonçalves HDS, Stefani MMDA, Penna MLF, Pontes MADA, Talhari S. Clinical trial for uniform multidrug therapy for leprosy patients in Brazil (U-MDT/CT-BR): adverse effects approach. An Bras Dermatol 2018; 93:377-384. [PMID: 29924240 PMCID: PMC6001105 DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20186709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Clinical Trial for Uniform Multidrug Therapy for Leprosy Patients in Brazil (U-MDT/CT-BR), designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a six-months regimen, assessed the adverse effects caused by the drugs. OBJECTIVE Describe adverse effects due to MDT in U-MDT/CT-BR, comparing the uniform regimen (U-MDT) to the current WHO regimen (R-MDT). PATIENTS AND METHODS After operational classification, patients were randomly allocated to the study groups. U-MDT PB and U-MDT MB groups, received the U-MDT regimen, six doses of MB-MDT (rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine). R-MDT PB and R-MDT MB groups, received the WHO regimens: six doses (rifampicin and dapsone) for PB and 12 doses (rifampicin, dapsone and clofazimine) for MB. During treatment, patients returned monthly for clinical and laboratorial evaluation. Patients with single lesion were not included in this trial. RESULTS Skin pigmentation (21.7%) and xerosis (16.9%) were the most frequent complaints among 753 patients. Laboratory exams showed hemoglobin concentration lower than 10g/dL in 23.3% of the patients, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) above 40U/L in 29.5% and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) above 40U/L in 28.5%. Twenty-four patients (3.2%) stopped dapsone intake due to adverse effects, of whom 16.6% due to severe anemia. One case of sulfone syndrome was reported. STUDY LIMITATIONS Loss of some monthly laboratory sample collection. CONCLUSIONS There was no statistical difference regarding adverse effects in the R-MDT and U-MDT groups but anemia was greater in patients from R-MDT/MB group, therefore adverse effects do not represent a constraint to recommend the six-month uniform regimen of treatment for all leprosy patients.
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Hungria EM, Bührer-Sékula S, Oliveira RM, Aderaldo LC, Pontes MAA, Cruz R, de Gonçalves HS, Penna MLF, Penna GO, Stefani MMA. Mycobacterium leprae-Specific Antibodies in Multibacillary Leprosy Patients Decrease During and After Treatment With Either the Regular 12 Doses Multidrug Therapy (MDT) or the Uniform 6 Doses MDT. Front Immunol 2018; 9:915. [PMID: 29867930 PMCID: PMC5960669 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Leprosy serology reflects the bacillary load of patients and multidrug therapy (MDT) reduces Mycobacterium leprae-specific antibody titers of multibacillary (MB) patients. The Clinical Trial for Uniform Multidrug Therapy Regimen for Leprosy Patients in Brazil (U-MDT/CT-BR) compared outcomes of regular 12 doses MDT/R-MDT and the uniform 6 doses MDT/U-MDT for MB leprosy, both of regimens including rifampicin, clofazimine, and dapsone. This study investigated the impact of R-MDT and U-MDT and the kinetic of antibody responses to M. leprae-specific antigens in MB patients from the U-MDT/CT-BR. We tested 3,400 serum samples from 263 MB patients (R-MDT:121; U-MDT:142) recruited at two Brazilian reference centers (Dona Libânia, Fortaleza, Ceará; Alfredo da Matta Foundation, Manaus, Amazonas). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays with three M. leprae antigens [NT-P-BSA: trisaccharide-phenyl of phenollic glycolipid-I antigen (PGL-I); LID-1: Leprosy Infectious Disease Research Institute Diagnostic 1 di-fusion recombinant protein; and ND-O-LID: fusion complex of disaccharide-octyl of PGL-I and LID-1] were performed using around 13 samples per patient. Samples were collected at baseline/M0, during MDT (R-MDT:M1–M12 months, U-MDT:M1–M6 months) and after MDT discontinuation (first, second year). Statistical significance was assessed by the Mann–Whitney U test for comparison between groups (p values < 0.05). Mixed effect multilevel regression analyses were used to investigate intraindividual serological changes overtime. In R-MDT and U-MDT groups, males predominated, median age was 41 and 40.5 years, most patients were borderline lepromatous and lepromatous leprosy (R-MDT:88%, U-MDT: 90%). The bacilloscopic index at diagnosis was similar (medians: 3.6 in the R-MDT and 3.8 in the U-MDT group). In R-MDT and U-MDT groups, a significant decline in anti-PGL-I positivity was observed from M0 to M5 (p = 0.035, p = 0.04, respectively), from M6 to M12 and at the first and second year posttreatment (p < 0.05). Anti-LID-1 antibodies declined from M0 to M6 (p = 0.024), M7 to M12 in the R-MDT; from M0 to M4 (p = 0.003), M5 to M12 in the U-MDT and posttreatment in both groups (p > 0.0001). Anti-ND-O-LID antibodies decreased during and after treatment in both groups, similarly to anti-PGL-I antibodies. Intraindividual serology results in R-MDT and U-MDT patients showed that the difference in serology decay to all three antigens was dependent upon time only. Our serology findings in MB leprosy show that regardless of the duration of the U-MDT and R-MDT, both of them reduce M. leprae-specific antibodies during and after treatment. In leprosy, antibody levels are considered a surrogate marker of the bacillary load; therefore, our serological results suggest that shorter U-MDT is also effective in reducing the patients’ bacillary burden similarly to R-MDT.
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Cruz RCDS, Bührer-Sékula S, Penna MLF, Penna GO, Talhari S. Leprosy: current situation, clinical and laboratory aspects, treatment history and perspective of the uniform multidrug therapy for all patients. An Bras Dermatol 2017; 92:761-773. [PMID: 29364430 PMCID: PMC5786388 DOI: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20176724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, the most relevant and current epidemiological data, the main clinical, laboratory and therapeutical aspects of leprosy are presented. Detailed discussion of the main drugs used for leprosy treatment, their most relevant adverse effects, evolution of the therapeutic regimen, from dapsone as a monotherapy to the proposed polychemotherapy by World Health Organization (WHO) can be found in this CME. We specifically highlight the drug acceptability, reduction in treatment duration and the most recent proposal of a single therapeutic regimen, with a fixed six months duration, for all clinical presentations, regardless of their classification.
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Stefani MMA, Avanzi C, Bührer-Sékula S, Benjak A, Loiseau C, Singh P, Pontes MAA, Gonçalves HS, Hungria EM, Busso P, Piton J, Silveira MIS, Cruz R, Schetinni A, Costa MB, Virmond MCL, Diorio SM, Dias-Baptista IMF, Rosa PS, Matsuoka M, Penna MLF, Cole ST, Penna GO. Whole genome sequencing distinguishes between relapse and reinfection in recurrent leprosy cases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005598. [PMID: 28617800 PMCID: PMC5498066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since leprosy is both treated and controlled by multidrug therapy (MDT) it is important to monitor recurrent cases for drug resistance and to distinguish between relapse and reinfection as a means of assessing therapeutic efficacy. All three objectives can be reached with single nucleotide resolution using next generation sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of Mycobacterium leprae DNA present in human skin. METHODOLOGY DNA was isolated by means of optimized extraction and enrichment methods from samples from three recurrent cases in leprosy patients participating in an open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial of uniform MDT in Brazil (U-MDT/CT-BR). Genome-wide sequencing of M. leprae was performed and the resultant sequence assemblies analyzed in silico. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In all three cases, no mutations responsible for resistance to rifampicin, dapsone and ofloxacin were found, thus eliminating drug resistance as a possible cause of disease recurrence. However, sequence differences were detected between the strains from the first and second disease episodes in all three patients. In one case, clear evidence was obtained for reinfection with an unrelated strain whereas in the other two cases, relapse appeared more probable. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This is the first report of using M. leprae whole genome sequencing to reveal that treated and cured leprosy patients who remain in endemic areas can be reinfected by another strain. Next generation sequencing can be applied reliably to M. leprae DNA extracted from biopsies to discriminate between cases of relapse and reinfection, thereby providing a powerful tool for evaluating different outcomes of therapeutic regimens and for following disease transmission.
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Magno EDS, Saraceni V, Souza ABD, Magno RDS, Saraiva MDGG, Bührer-Sékula S. [Factors associated with TB/HIV coinfection: evidence from notification data in the State of Amazonas, Brazil, 2001-2012]. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2017; 33:e00019315. [PMID: 28614446 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00019315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) in persons living with HIV (PLHIV) is the leading infectious cause of AIDS-related death. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of TB/HIV coinfection, evaluate notification of the two diseases over time by probabilistic database linkage, and identify factors associated with AIDS and TB notifications. Prevalence of TB/HIV coinfection was 7.7%. The group of PLHIV with subsequent TB diagnosis was the most representative, despite available preventive measures. Underreporting of TB among AIDS cases was 35%, and 19.6% of TB cases could have been reported as AIDS. For AIDS cases with mention of TB, living in the state capital showed 75% greater odds of being reported to the Tuberculosis Notification System (SINAN-TB), and having died increased the odds of reporting by 40%. Of TB cases with mention of HIV, brown skin color, age 25 to 39 years, living in the state capital, and having evolved to death were associated with higher odds of reporting to the AIDS Notification System. Periodic linkage of these databases can be a powerful tool for programs to decrease underreporting.
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Hungria EM, Bührer-Sékula S, de Oliveira RM, Aderaldo LC, Pontes ADA, Cruz R, Gonçalves HDS, Penna MLF, Penna GO, Stefani MMDA. Leprosy reactions: The predictive value of Mycobacterium leprae-specific serology evaluated in a Brazilian cohort of leprosy patients (U-MDT/CT-BR). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005396. [PMID: 28222139 PMCID: PMC5336302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leprosy reactions, reversal reactions/RR and erythema nodosum leprosum/ENL, can cause irreversible nerve damage, handicaps and deformities. The study of Mycobacterium leprae-specific serologic responses at diagnosis in the cohort of patients enrolled at the Clinical Trial for Uniform Multidrug Therapy Regimen for Leprosy Patients in Brazil/U-MDT/CT-BR is suitable to evaluate its prognostic value for the development of reactions. Methodology IgM and IgG antibody responses to PGL-I, LID-1, ND-O-LID were evaluated by ELISA in 452 reaction-free leprosy patients at diagnosis, enrolled and monitored for the development of leprosy reactions during a total person-time of 780,930 person-days, i.e. 2139.5 person-years, with a maximum of 6.66 years follow-up time. Principal findings Among these patients, 36% (160/452) developed reactions during follow-up: 26% (119/452) RR and 10% (41/452) had ENL. At baseline higher anti-PGL-I, anti-LID-1 and anti-ND-O-LID seropositivity rates were seen in patients who developed ENL and RR compared to reaction-free patients (p<0.0001). Seroreactivity in reactional and reaction-free patients was stratified by bacilloscopic index/BI categories. Among BI negative patients, higher anti-PGL-I levels were seen in RR compared to reaction-free patients (p = 0.014). In patients with 0<BI<3, (36 RR, 36 reaction-free), higher antibody levels to PGL-I (p = 0.014) and to LID-1 (p = 0.035) were seen in RR while difference in anti-ND-O-LID positivity was borderline (p = 0.052). Patients with BI≥3 that developed ENL had higher levels of anti-LID-1 antibodies (p = 0.028) compared to reaction-free patients. Anti-PGL-I serology had a limited predictive value for RR according to receiver operating curve/ROC analyses (area-under-the-curve/AUC = 0.7). Anti LID-1 serology at baseline showed the best performance to predict ENL (AUC 0.85). Conclusions Overall, detection of anti-PGL-I, anti-LID-1 and anti-ND-O-LID antibodies at diagnosis, showed low sensitivity and specificity for RR prediction, indicating low applicability of serological tests for RR prognosis. On the other hand, anti-LID-1 serology at diagnosis has shown prognostic value for ENL development in BI positive patients. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00669643 Leprosy is a debilitating dermato-neurologic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. One of the main difficulties in the clinical management of leprosy patients is the development of leprosy reactions which are immune inflammatory episodes that can cause irreversible handicaps, incapacities and deformities. There are two major types of leprosy reactions: reversal reaction (RR) and erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL). Currently, there is no laboratory test able to predict the emergence of leprosy reactions among recently diagnosed patients. In order to investigate laboratory markers for the occurrence of leprosy reactions, we investigated the prognostic value of serologic responses to M. leprae antigens (PGL-I, LID-1, ND-O-LID) in 452 leprosy patients enrolled at the Clinical Trial for Uniform Multidrug Therapy Regimen for Leprosy Patients in Brazil/U-MDT/CT-BR. At diagnosis higher anti-PGL-I, anti-LID-1 and anti-ND-O-LID seropositivity rates were seen in patients who developed ENL and RR compared to reaction-free patients. The anti-PGL-I serology at diagnosis show low sensitivity to predict RR and anti-LID-1 serology at diagnosis has shown prognostic value for ENL development.
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Hungria EM, Oliveira RM, Penna GO, Aderaldo LC, Pontes MADA, Cruz R, Gonçalves HDS, Penna MLF, Kerr LRFS, Stefani MMDA, Bührer-Sékula S. Can baseline ML Flow test results predict leprosy reactions? An investigation in a cohort of patients enrolled in the uniform multidrug therapy clinical trial for leprosy patients in Brazil. Infect Dis Poverty 2016; 5:110. [PMID: 27919284 PMCID: PMC5139020 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-016-0203-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The predictive value of the serology to detection of IgM against the Mycobacterium leprae-derived phenolic glycolipid-I/PGL-I to identify leprosy patients who are at higher risk of developing reactions remains controversial. Whether baseline results of the ML Flow test can predict leprosy reactions was investigated among a cohort of patients enrolled in The Clinical Trial for Uniform Multidrug Therapy for Leprosy Patients in Brazil (U-MDT/CT-BR). METHODS This was a descriptive study focusing on the main clinical manifestations of leprosy patients enrolled in the U-MDT/CT-BR from March 2007 to February 2012 at two Brazilian leprosy reference centers. For research purposes, 753 leprosy patients were categorized according to a modified Ridley-Jopling (R&J) classification and according to the development of leprosy reactions (reversal reaction/RR and erythema nodosum leprosum/ENL), and whether they had a positive or negative bacillary index/BI. RESULTS More than half of the patients (55.5 %) reported leprosy reaction: 18.3 % (138/753) had a RR and 5.4 % (41/753) had ENL. Leprosy reactions were more frequent in the first year following diagnosis, as seen in 27 % (205/753) of patients, while 19 % (142/753) developed reactions during subsequent follow-up. Similar frequencies of leprosy reactions and other clinical manifestations were observed in paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) leprosy patients treated with U-MDT and regular MDT (R-MDT) (P = 0.43 and P = 0.61, respectively). Compared with PB patients, leprosy reactions were significantly more frequent in MB patients with a high BI, and more patients developed RR than ENL. However, RR and neuritis were also reported in patients with a negative BI. At baseline, the highest rate of ML Flow positivity was observed in patients with a positive BI, especially those who developed ENL, followed by patients who had neuritis and RR. Among reaction-free patients, 81.9 % were ML Flow positive, however, the differences were not statistically significant compared to reactional patients (P = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS MB and PB patients treated with R-MDT and U-MDT showed similar frequencies of RR and other clinical manifestations. Positive ML Flow tests were associated with MB leprosy and BI positivity. However, ML Flow test results at baseline showed limited sensitivity and specificity for predicting the development of leprosy reactions.
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Cordeiro-Santos M, Trajman A, Cobelens F, Durovni B, Gonçalves M, Bührer-Sékula S, Saraceni V. Tuberculosis Infection Control: Potential Benefit of a New Rapid Tuberculosis Test in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus/AIDS Reference Hospital. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016; 35:1206-7. [DOI: 10.1086/677643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Garrido MDS, Bührer-Sékula S, Souza AB, de Oliveira GP, Antunes IA, Mendes JM, Saraceni V, Martinez-Espinosa FE, Ramasawmy R. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the Amazonas State, Brazil, 2000-2011. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2016; 19:531-6. [PMID: 25868020 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.14.0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
SETTINGS Amazonas is facing increasing challenges in tuberculosis (TB) control, with nearly 3000 cases per year, and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) may jeopardise the TB control programme. OBJECTIVE To assess the number of MDR-TB cases in the Amazonas and to improve estimates of the burden of TB. DESIGNS The Brazilian National Mandatory Disease Reporting System (SINAN) and the Brazilian Epidemiological Surveillance System of Multidrug Resistance (TBMR) were searched for MDR-TB cases in the State of Amazonas from 2000 to 2011. RESULTS Eighty-one MDR-TB cases were notified. The rates of primary MDR-TB, initial MDR-TB during the first treatment regimen and acquired MDR-TB were respectively 3.8%, 13.7% and 82.7%; 26.9% of previously treated patients had ⩾ 4 treatment cycles. The MDR-TB cases reported 263 contacts, only 35.0% of whom were examined. The cure and death rates among the 81 patients with MDR-TB were respectively 45.7% and 25.9%. CONCLUSIONS The number of MDR-TB cases seems incompatible with the high TB prevalence in the Amazonas. Most patients were unaware of contact with TB patients. TB is endemic in the Amazonas. This highlights the need for improving resistance investigation among all TB cases.
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Moura RS, Penna GO, Cardoso LPV, de Andrade Pontes MA, Cruz R, de Sá Gonçalves H, Fernandes Penna ML, de Araújo Stefani MM, Bührer-Sékula S. Description of leprosy classification at baseline among patients enrolled at the uniform multidrug therapy clinical trial for leprosy patients in Brazil. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 92:1280-4. [PMID: 25940192 PMCID: PMC4458838 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The uniform multidrug therapy clinical trial, Brazil (U-MDT/CT-BR), database was used to describe and report the performance of available tools to classify 830 leprosy patients as paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) at baseline. In a modified Ridley and Jopling (R&J) classification, considering clinical features, histopathological results of skin biopsies and the slit-skin smear bacterial load results were used as the gold standard method for classification. Anti-phenolic glycolipid-I (PGL-I) serology by ML Flow test, the slit skin smear bacterial load, and the number of skin lesions were evaluated. Considering the R&J classification system as gold standard, ML Flow tests correctly allocated 70% patients in the PB group and 87% in the MB group. The classification based on counting the number of skin lesions correctly allocated 46% PB patients and 99% MB leprosy cases. Slit skin smears properly classified 91% and 97% of PB and MB patients, respectively. Based on U-MDT/CT-BR results, classification of leprosy patients for treatment purposes is unnecessary because it does not impact clinical and laboratories outcomes. In this context, the identification of new biomarkers to detect patients at a higher risk to develop leprosy reactions or relapse remains an important research challenge.
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