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Yakobi S, Zuma L, Pooe O. Investigation into the Interaction between Penicillin-Resistant and Penicillin-Susceptible Gonococcal Penicillin-Binding Protein 2 and Target Phenolic Ligands through Molecular Docking Studies and Structure-Activity Relationship Analysis. Adv Pharmacol Pharm Sci 2024; 2024:2585922. [PMID: 38938595 PMCID: PMC11208787 DOI: 10.1155/2024/2585922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Gonococcal infections present a notable public health issue, and the major approach for treatment involves using β-lactam antibiotics that specifically target penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP2) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This study examines the influence of flavonoids, namely, rutin, on the structural changes of PBP2 in both penicillin-resistant (FA6140) and penicillin-susceptible (FA19) strains. The research starts by clarifying the structural effects of certain mutations, such as the insertion of an aspartate residue at position 345 (Asp-345a), in the PBP2. The strain FA6140, which is resistant to penicillin, shows specific changes that lead to a decrease in penicillin binding. These mutations, namely, P551S and F504L, have a significant impact on the pace at which acylation occurs and the stability of the strain under high temperatures. Molecular docking analyses investigate the antibacterial activities of rutin and other phytocompounds, emphasising rutin's exceptional binding affinity and its potential as an inhibitor of PBP2. Quercetin and protocatechuic acid have encouraging antibacterial effectiveness, with quercetin displaying characteristics similar to those of drugs. Molecular dynamics simulations offer a detailed comprehension of the interactions between flavonoids and PBP2, highlighting rutin's exceptional antioxidant effects and strong affinity for the substrate binding site. The study's wider ramifications pertain to the pressing requirement for antiviral treatments, namely, in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic. Flavonoids have a strong affinity for binding to PBP2, indicating their potential as inhibitors to impair cell wall formation in N. gonorrhoeae. Ultimately, this study provides extensive knowledge on the interactions between proteins and ligands, the dynamics of the structure, and the ability of flavonoids to combat penicillin-resistant N. gonorrhoeae bacteria. The verified simulation outcomes establish a basis for the creation of potent inhibitors and medicinal therapies to combat infectious illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinethemba Yakobi
- School of Life Sciences, Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lindiwe Zuma
- School of Life Sciences, Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ofentse Pooe
- School of Life Sciences, Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Kocaata Z, Currie B, Beck E, Zaiser E, Cutts K, Barnes N, Meszaros K. A Qualitative Concept Elicitation Study to Understand Patient-Reported Symptoms and Impacts of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections in the United States. Sex Transm Dis 2024; 51:393-399. [PMID: 38395028 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonorrhea is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States, with rising rates. Emerging antimicrobial resistance threatens public health, and vaccines are in development. This study documents patient-reported gonorrhea symptoms and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) impact in women who have sex with men (WSM), men who have sex with women (MSW), and men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted (April 2021-March 2022) among US adults with recent (≤6 months) confirmed gonorrhea. Concept saturation was achieved, confirming adequate participant numbers to meet objectives. Elicited symptom and HRQoL impacts were used to develop a conceptual disease model. Common patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) items were compared with elicited concepts. RESULTS Thirty-two participants (15 WSM, 8 MSW, and 9 MSM) were included. Eight were asymptomatic, 6 had repeat infections, and 5 women and 4 men had complications (i.e., infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease, and urethritis, respectively).The most frequently reported symptoms were vaginal discharge (n = 11 of 12), dysuria (n = 10 of 12), and abdominal/vaginal pain (n = 9 of 12) for symptomatic WSM; dysuria (n = 5 of 6) and penile discharge (n = 4 of 6) for symptomatic MSW; and throat, testicular, or rectal pain (n = 4 of 6) for symptomatic MSM. All (symptomatic and asymptomatic) participants reported HRQoL impacts including negative emotional experiences (n = 31 of 32), and interference with sexual activity (n = 30 of 32), relationships (n = 24 of 32), and social life (n = 17 of 32). Concepts were poorly represented in existing PROMs. CONCLUSIONS Participants reported a diverse range of symptoms and HRQoL impacts, to help inform the value of new treatment and prevention options. More research is needed to quantify patient burden and develop PROMs.
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Golparian D, Cole MJ, Sánchez-Busó L, Day M, Jacobsson S, Uthayakumaran T, Abad R, Bercot B, Caugant DA, Heuer D, Jansen K, Pleininger S, Stefanelli P, Aanensen DM, Bluemel B, Unemo M. Antimicrobial-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Europe in 2020 compared with in 2013 and 2018: a retrospective genomic surveillance study. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2024; 5:e478-e488. [PMID: 38614111 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00370-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular quality-assured whole-genome sequencing linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and patient metadata is imperative to elucidate the shifting gonorrhoea epidemiology, both nationally and internationally. We aimed to examine the gonococcal population in the European Economic Area (EEA) in 2020, elucidate emerging and disappearing gonococcal lineages associated with AMR and patient metadata, compare with 2013 and 2018 whole-genome sequencing data, and explain changes in gonococcal AMR and gonorrhoea epidemiology. METHODS In this retrospective genomic surveillance study, we analysed consecutive gonococcal isolates that were collected in EEA countries through the European Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (Euro-GASP) in 2020, and made comparisons with Euro-GASP data from 2013 and 2018. All isolates had linked AMR data (based on minimum inhibitory concentration determination) and patient metadata. We performed whole-genome sequencing and molecular typing and AMR determinants were derived from quality-checked whole-genome sequencing data. Links between genomic lineages, AMR, and patient metadata were examined. FINDINGS 1932 gonococcal isolates collected in 2020 in 21 EEA countries were included. The majority (81·2%, 147 of 181 isolates) of azithromycin resistance (present in 9·4%, 181 of 1932) was explained by the continued expansion of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae sequence typing for antimicrobial resistance (NG-STAR) clonal complexes (CCs) 63, 168, and 213 (with mtrD/mtrR promoter mosaic 2) and the novel NG-STAR CC1031 (semi-mosaic mtrD variant 13), associated with men who have sex with men and anorectal or oropharyngeal infections. The declining cefixime resistance (0·5%, nine of 1932) and negligible ceftriaxone resistance (0·1%, one of 1932) was largely because of the progressive disappearance of NG-STAR CC90 (with mosaic penA allele), which was predominant in 2013. No known resistance determinants for novel antimicrobials (zoliflodacin, gepotidacin, and lefamulin) were found. INTERPRETATION Azithromycin-resistant clones, mainly with mtrD mosaic or semi-mosaic variants, appear to be stabilising at a relatively high level in the EEA. This mostly low-level azithromycin resistance might threaten the recommended ceftriaxone-azithromycin therapy, but the negligible ceftriaxone resistance is encouraging. The decreased genomic population diversity and increased clonality could be explained in part by the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in lower importation of novel strains into Europe. FUNDING European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and Örebro University Hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Golparian
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Leonor Sánchez-Busó
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Community (FISABIO-Public Health), Valencia, Spain; CIBERESP, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Susanne Jacobsson
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Raquel Abad
- Reference Laboratory for Neisseria, National Centre of Microbiology-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Beatrice Bercot
- French National Reference Center for Bacterial STI, Associated Laboratory for Gonococci, APHP, Paris Cité University, IAME 1137, Paris, France
| | | | - Dagmar Heuer
- Unit 18: 'Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens and HIV', Department of Infectious Disease, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Jansen
- Unit 34: 'HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-Borne Infections', Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Paola Stefanelli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - David M Aanensen
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin Bluemel
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.
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4
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Seib KL, Donovan B, Thng C, Lewis DA, McNulty A, Fairley CK, Yeung B, Jin F, Fraser D, Bavinton BR, Law M, Chen MY, Chow EPF, Whiley DM, Mackie B, Jennings MP, Jennison AV, Lahra MM, Grulich AE. Multicentre double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of the meningococcal B vaccine, 4CMenB (Bexsero), against Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in men who have sex with men: the GoGoVax study protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e081675. [PMID: 38626958 PMCID: PMC11029339 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-081675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gonorrhoea, the sexually transmissible infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, has a substantial impact on sexual and reproductive health globally with an estimated 82 million new infections each year worldwide. N. gonorrhoeae antimicrobial resistance continues to escalate, and disease control is largely reliant on effective therapy as there is no proven effective gonococcal vaccine available. However, there is increasing evidence from observational cohort studies that the serogroup B meningococcal vaccine four-component meningitis B vaccine (4CMenB) (Bexsero), licensed to prevent invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis, may provide cross-protection against the closely related bacterium N. gonorrhoeae. This study will evaluate the efficacy of 4CMenB against N. gonorrhoeae infection in men (cis and trans), transwomen and non-binary people who have sex with men (hereafter referred to as GBM+). METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial in GBM+, either HIV-negative on pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV or living with HIV (CD4 count >350 cells/mm3), who have had a diagnosis of gonorrhoea or infectious syphilis in the last 18 months (a key characteristic associated with a high risk of N. gonorrhoeae infection). Participants are randomised 1:1 to receive two doses of 4CMenB or placebo 3 months apart. Participants have 3-monthly visits over 24 months, which include testing for N. gonorrhoeae and other sexually transmissible infections, collection of demographics, sexual behaviour risks and antibiotic use, and collection of research samples for analysis of N. gonorrhoeae-specific systemic and mucosal immune responses. The primary outcome is the incidence of the first episode of N. gonorrhoeae infection, as determined by nucleic acid amplification tests, post month 4. Additional outcomes consider the incidence of symptomatic or asymptomatic N. gonorrhoeae infection at different anatomical sites (ie, urogenital, anorectum or oropharynx), incidence by N. gonorrhoeae genotype and antimicrobial resistance phenotype, and level and functional activity of N. gonorrhoeae-specific antibodies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval was obtained from the St Vincent's Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, NSW, Australia (ref: 2020/ETH01084). Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and via presentation at national and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04415424.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Caroline Thng
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Gold Coast Sexual Health, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - David A Lewis
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School - Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health and Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anna McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Barbara Yeung
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Doug Fraser
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin R Bavinton
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Law
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David M Whiley
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Michael P Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amy V Jennison
- Public Health Microbiology, Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Monica M Lahra
- WHO Collaborating Centre for STI and AMR, New South Wales Health Pathology Microbiology, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew E Grulich
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Padeniya TN, Hui BB, Wood JG, Regan DG, Seib KL. Review of mathematical models of Neisseria gonorrhoeae vaccine impact: Implications for vaccine development. Vaccine 2024:S0264-410X(24)00380-3. [PMID: 38556390 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.068] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
An effective prophylactic vaccine for prevention of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection would have a major impact on sexual and reproductive health worldwide. Interest in developing gonorrhoea vaccines is growing due to the reported high rates of N. gonorrhoeae infections globally, and the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Several gonorrhoea vaccine candidates are currently under evaluation and various mathematical models have been used to assess the potential population-level impact a gonorrhoea vaccine may have once available. Here we review key aspects of gonorrhoea vaccine mathematical modelling studies, including model structures, populations considered, and assumptions used as well as vaccine characteristics and implementation scenarios investigated. The predicted vaccine impact varied between studies, ranging from as little as ∼17 % reduction in N. gonorrhoeae prevalence after 30 years up to 100 % reduction after 5 years. However, all studies predicted that even a partially effective gonorrhoea vaccine could have a substantial impact in reducing N. gonorrhoeae prevalence or incidence, particularly when high coverage is achieved within either important risk groups or the overall sexually active population. As expected, higher vaccine efficacy against acquisition of N. gonorrhoeae and longer duration of protection were linked to greater reductions in infections. A vaccine that alters onward transmission could also substantially reduce infections. Several gaps and research needs have been identified by researchers in the field and via this narrative literature review. For example, future modelling to inform gonorrhoea vaccine development and implementation should consider additional populations that are at high risk of N. gonorrhoeae infection, especially in low- and middle-income settings, as well as the impact of vaccination on the potential adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes of infection. In addition, more detailed and robust epidemiological, biological, and behavioural data is needed to enable more accurate and robust modelling of gonorrhoea vaccine impact to inform future scientific and public health decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilini N Padeniya
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Ben B Hui
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James G Wood
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David G Regan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Williams E, Seib KL, Fairley CK, Pollock GL, Hocking JS, McCarthy JS, Williamson DA. Neisseria gonorrhoeae vaccines: a contemporary overview. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0009423. [PMID: 38226640 PMCID: PMC10938898 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00094-23] [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: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection is an important public health issue, with an annual global incidence of 87 million. N. gonorrhoeae infection causes significant morbidity and can have serious long-term impacts on reproductive and neonatal health and may rarely cause life-threatening disease. Global rates of N. gonorrhoeae infection have increased over the past 20 years. Importantly, rates of antimicrobial resistance to key antimicrobials also continue to increase, with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifying drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae as an urgent threat to public health. This review summarizes the current evidence for N. gonorrhoeae vaccines, including historical clinical trials, key N. gonorrhoeae vaccine preclinical studies, and studies of the impact of Neisseria meningitidis vaccines on N. gonorrhoeae infection. A comprehensive survey of potential vaccine antigens, including those identified through traditional vaccine immunogenicity approaches, as well as those identified using more contemporary reverse vaccinology approaches, are also described. Finally, the potential epidemiological impacts of a N. gonorrhoeae vaccine and research priorities for further vaccine development are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Williams
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate L. Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georgina L. Pollock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane S. Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - James S. McCarthy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah A. Williamson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Waltmann A, Chen JS, Duncan JA. Promising developments in gonococcal vaccines. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2024; 37:63-69. [PMID: 38050729 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW While effective vaccines to prevent invasive infections by Neisseria meningitidis have been deployed around the world, development of a vaccine to prevent Neisseria gonorrhoeae has lagged. After multiple failed vaccine candidates, vaccine development for N. gonorrhoeae is showing promise for the first time in several decades. This review highlights recent progress in the field. RECENT FINDINGS Vaccines containing outer-membrane vesicles (OMV) have been used to manage outbreaks of the serogroup B N. meningitidis in a number of countries. Epidemiologic studies indicate these vaccination campaigns were associated with reductions in reported N. gonorrhoeae infections. Recently, a serogroup B N. meningitidis vaccine containing both recombinant antigens and OMV has been licensed through much of the world. Epidemiologic studies also demonstrate associations between 4CMenB immunization and reduced N. gonorrhoeae infections. Additionally, mathematical modeling studies have begun to identify potential strategies for vaccine deployment to maximize reduction of infections. SUMMARY After several decades with little progress towards an effective gonococcal vaccine, large observational studies have provided evidence that a new generation of group B N. meningitidis vaccines containing OMV have serendipitously restarted the field. Ongoing clinical trials will soon provide definitive evidence regarding the efficacy of these vaccines in preventing N. gonorrhoeae infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Waltmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases
| | - Jane S Chen
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Joseph A Duncan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Lyu Y, Choong A, Chow EPF, Seib KL, Marshall HS, Unemo M, de Voux A, Wang B, Miranda AE, Gottlieb SL, Mello MB, Wi T, Baggaley R, Marshall C, Abu-Raddad LJ, Abara WE, Chen XS, Ong JJ. Vaccine value profile for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Vaccine 2023:S0264-410X(23)00086-5. [PMID: 38123397 PMCID: PMC11169088 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection (gonorrhoea) is a global public health challenge, causing substantial sexual and reproductive health consequences, such as infertility, pregnancy complications and increased acquisition or transmission of HIV. There is an urgency to controlling gonorrhoea because of increasing antimicrobial resistance to ceftriaxone, the last remaining treatment option, and the potential for gonorrhoea to become untreatable. No licensed gonococcal vaccine is available. Mounting observational evidence suggests that N. meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicle-based vaccines may induce cross-protection against N. gonorrhoeae (estimated 30%-40% effectiveness using the 4CMenB vaccine). Clinical trials to determine the efficacy of the 4CMenB vaccine against N. gonorrhoeae are underway, as are Phase 1/2 studies of a new gonococcal-specific vaccine candidate. Ultimately, a gonococcal vaccine must be accessible, affordable and equitably dispensed, given that those most affected by gonorrhoea are also those who may be most disadvantaged in our societies, and most cases are in less-resourced settings. This vaccine value profile (VVP) provides a high level, holistic assessment of the current data to inform the potential public health, economic and societal value of pipeline vaccines. This was developed by a working group of subject matter experts from academia, non-profit organizations, public private partnerships and multi-lateral organizations. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the N. gonorrhoeae VVP and collectively aimed to identify current research and knowledge gaps. The VVP was developed using published data obtained from peer-reviewed journals or reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Lyu
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Annabelle Choong
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3053, Australia; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3053, Australia.
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia.
| | - Helen S Marshall
- The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Women's and Children's Health Network, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO CC for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Institute for Global Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
| | - Alex de Voux
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa.
| | - Bing Wang
- The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Women's and Children's Health Network, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Angelica E Miranda
- Department of Social Medicine, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514 - Goiabeiras, Vitória - ES 29075-910, Brazil.
| | - Sami L Gottlieb
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Av. Appia 20, 1211 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Maeve B Mello
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Av. Appia 20, 1211 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Teodora Wi
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Av. Appia 20, 1211 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Av. Appia 20, 1211 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Caroline Marshall
- Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, World Health Organization, Av. Appia 20, 1211 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Box 24144, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Winston E Abara
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Xiang-Sheng Chen
- National Center for STD Control of China CDC, 12 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing 210042, China.
| | - Jason J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
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Martinez FG, Zielke RA, Fougeroux CE, Li L, Sander AF, Sikora AE. Development of a Tag/Catcher-mediated capsid virus-like particle vaccine presenting the conserved Neisseria gonorrhoeae SliC antigen that blocks human lysozyme. Infect Immun 2023; 91:e0024523. [PMID: 37916806 PMCID: PMC10715030 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00245-23] [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] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising nanotools for the development of subunit vaccines due to high immunogenicity and safety. Herein, we explored the versatile and effective Tag/Catcher-AP205 capsid VLP (cVLP) vaccine platform to address the urgent need for the development of an effective and safe vaccine against gonorrhea. The benefits of this clinically validated cVLP platform include its ability to facilitate unidirectional, high-density display of complex/full-length antigens through an effective split-protein Tag/Catcher conjugation system. To assess this modular approach for making cVLP vaccines, we used a conserved surface lipoprotein, SliC, that contributes to the Neisseria gonorrhoeae defense against human lysozyme, as a model antigen. This protein was genetically fused at the N- or C-terminus to the small peptide Tag enabling their conjugation to AP205 cVLP, displaying the complementary Catcher. We determined that SliC with the N-terminal SpyTag, N-SliC, retained lysozyme-blocking activity and could be displayed at high density on cVLPs without causing aggregation. In mice, the N-SliC-VLP vaccines, adjuvanted with AddaVax or CpG, induced significantly higher antibody titers compared to controls. In contrast, similar vaccine formulations containing monomeric SliC were non-immunogenic. Accordingly, sera from N-SliC-VLP-immunized mice also had significantly higher human complement-dependent serum bactericidal activity. Furthermore, the N-SliC-VLP vaccines administered subcutaneously with an intranasal boost elicited systemic and vaginal IgG and IgA, whereas subcutaneous delivery alone failed to induce vaginal IgA. The N-SliC-VLP with CpG (10 µg/dose) induced the most significant increase in total serum IgG and IgG3 titers, vaginal IgG and IgA, and bactericidal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian G. Martinez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Ryszard A. Zielke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Lixin Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Adam F. Sander
- AdaptVac Aps, Hørsholm, Denmark
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute for Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Aleksandra E. Sikora
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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10
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Mahnoor I, Shabbir H, Nawaz S, Aziz K, Aziz U, Khalid K, Irum S, Andleeb S. Characterization of exclusively non-commensal Neisseria gonorrhoeae pangenome to prioritize globally conserved and thermodynamically stable vaccine candidates using immune-molecular dynamic simulations. Microb Pathog 2023; 185:106439. [PMID: 37944674 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106439] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ngo) has emerged as a global threat leading to one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. It has also become one of the leading antimicrobial resistant organisms, resulting in fewer treatment options and an increased morbidity. Therefore, in recent years, there has been an increased focus on the development of new treatments and preventive strategies to combat its infection. In this study, we have combined the most conserved epitopes from the completely assembled strains of Ngo to develop a universal and a thermodynamically stable vaccine candidate. For our vaccine design, the epitopes were selected for their high immunogenicity, non-allergenicity and non-cytotoxicity, making them the ideal candidates for vaccine development. For the screening process, several reverse vaccinology tools were employed to rigorously extract non-homologous and immunogenic epitopes from the selected proteins. Consequently, a total number of 3 B-cell epitopes and 6 T-cell epitopes were selected and joined by multiple immune-modulating adjuvants and linkers to generate a promiscuous immune response. Additionally, the stability and flexible nature of the vaccine construct was confirmed using various molecular dynamic simulation tools. Overall, the vaccine candidate showed promising binding affinity to various HLA alleles and TLR receptors; however, further studies are needed to assess its efficacy in-vivo. In this way, we have designed a multi-subunit vaccine candidate to potentially combat and control the spread of N. gonorrhoeae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqra Mahnoor
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Hamna Shabbir
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Shabana Nawaz
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Kinza Aziz
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Ubair Aziz
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Kashaf Khalid
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Sidra Irum
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Saadia Andleeb
- Atta-ur-Rehman School of Biosciences, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.
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11
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Gsell PS, Giersing B, Gottlieb S, Wilder-Smith A, Wu L, Friede M. Key considerations for the development of novel mRNA candidate vaccines in LMICs: A WHO/MPP mRNA Technology Transfer Programme meeting report. Vaccine 2023; 41:7307-7312. [PMID: 37949751 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.10.027] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The WHO/MPP mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, initiated in 2021, focuses on establishing mRNA vaccine manufacturing capacity in LMICs. On 17-21 April 2023, Programme partners were convened to review technology transfer progress, discuss sustainability aspects and promote mRNA product development for diseases relevant to LMICs. To help guide product development, this report introduces key considerations for for understanding the likelihood of technical and regulatory success and of policy development and procurement for mRNA vaccines to be developed and manufactured in LMICs. The report underscores the potential for LMICs to establish sustainable mRNA R&D pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lindsey Wu
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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12
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Valleroy T, Garon C, Perroud J, Wagner AL. Public willingness to receive chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis vaccines: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1290. [PMID: 37996885 PMCID: PMC10668406 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10334-9] [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] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Researchers are pursuing vaccines for these STIs, and a clinical trial is currently underway for a chlamydia vaccine. However, there is little research available on individuals' willingness to receive chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis vaccines. The purpose of this analysis was to map the existing literature we have on individuals' willingness to receive these bacterial/parasitic STI vaccines and understand what information on vaccine acceptability is still needed. METHODS We searched seven databases for literature on STI vaccine acceptability, then conducted title/abstract and full-text reviews to assess eligibility. All reviews and abstractions were conducted blindly by two reviewers, with discrepancies settled by discussion or the input of a third reviewer. RESULTS Eight of the original 2,259 texts of interest met inclusion criteria. After data abstraction, we found that gonorrhea was the most commonly examined, followed by chlamydia and syphilis. Trichomoniasis vaccine acceptability was not reported. Most texts reported high acceptability, but there did not appear to be data describing how vaccine characteristics affect acceptability. Similarly, while the literature covers a variety of populations, most of the study populations were based out of the United States or Canada and were patrons of healthcare facilities or participants from a larger health intervention study. Therefore, more information is needed on populations outside North America, and on groups with lower healthcare access and utilization. CONCLUSION As the incidence of bacterial and parasitic STIs increase, and as we grow nearer vaccines for these illnesses, understanding how likely the public is to accept and receive these vaccines is crucial to their success. While the existing literature describes STI vaccine acceptability in a variety of populations, their overall number is small. More research into STI vaccine acceptability outside of North America, and especially examining how factors like number of doses, timing, and cost influence vaccine acceptability is needed to ensure effective future vaccine rollouts.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Valleroy
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Colin Garon
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Janamarie Perroud
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Abram L Wagner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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13
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Padeniya TN, Hui BB, Wood JG, Seib KL, Regan DG. The potential impact of a vaccine on Neisseria gonorrhoeae prevalence among heterosexuals living in a high prevalence setting. Vaccine 2023; 41:5553-5561. [PMID: 37517908 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is under threat with the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Thus, there is a growing interest in the development of a gonorrhoea vaccine. We used mathematical modelling to assess the impact of a hypothetical vaccine in controlling gonorrhoea among heterosexuals living in a setting of relatively high N. gonorrhoeae prevalence (∼3 %). METHODS We developed a mathematical model of N. gonorrhoeae transmission among 15-49-year-old heterosexuals, stratified by age and sex, and calibrated to prevalence and sexual behaviour data from South Africa as an example of a high prevalence setting for which we have data available. Using this model, we assessed the potential impact of a vaccine on N. gonorrhoeae prevalence in the entire population. We considered gonorrhoea vaccines having differing impacts on N. gonorrhoeae infection and transmission and offered to different age-groups. RESULTS The model predicts that N. gonorrhoeae prevalence can be reduced by ∼50 % in 10 years following introduction of a vaccine if annual vaccination uptake is 10 %, vaccine efficacy against acquisition of infection is 25 % and duration of protection is 5 years, with vaccination available to the entire population of 15-49-year-olds. If only 15-24-year-olds are vaccinated, the predicted reduction in prevalence in the entire population is 25 % with equivalent vaccine characteristics and uptake. Although predicted reductions in prevalence for vaccination programmes targeting only high-activity individuals and the entire population are similar over the same period, vaccinating only high-activity individuals is more efficient as the cumulative number of vaccinations needed to reduce prevalence in the entire population by 50 % is ∼3 times lower for this programme. CONCLUSION Provision of a gonorrhoea vaccine could lead to substantial reductions in N. gonorrhoeae prevalence in a high prevalence heterosexual setting, even with moderate annual vaccination uptake of a vaccine with partial efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilini N Padeniya
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Ben B Hui
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James G Wood
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - David G Regan
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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14
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Raccagni AR, Galli L, Spagnuolo V, Bruzzesi E, Muccini C, Bossolasco S, Ranzenigo M, Gianotti N, Lolatto R, Castagna A, Nozza S. Meningococcus B Vaccination Effectiveness Against Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection in People Living With HIV: A Case-Control Study. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:247-251. [PMID: 36728240 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the vaccination effectiveness (VE) of multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B (4CMenB) vaccine against gonorrhea among people living with HIV (PLWH) with a previous diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection. METHODS Unmatched case-control study on men who have sex with men living with HIV, in care at San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy, with gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, or anal human papillomavirus between July 2016 (beginning of 4CMenB vaccination) and February 2021 (date of freezing). For the analysis, cases were people with ≥1 gonorrhea infection since July 2016, and controls were people with ≥1 syphilis, chlamydia, or anal human papillomavirus infection since July 2016. Logistic regression was used to provide the estimate of 4CMenB VE against gonorrhea. RESULTS Included people living with HIV were 1051 (103 cases, 948 controls); 349 of 1051 (33%) received 2 doses of 4CMenB vaccination. The median follow-up was 3.8 years (2.1-4.3 years). The unadjusted estimate for VE against gonorrhea was 42% (95% confidence interval, 6%-64%; P = 0.027). Logistic regression showed that VE against gonorrhea remained significant (44%; 95% confidence interval, 9%-65%; P = 0.020) after adjusting for some factors that might have a potential influence on VE or those with significant unbalanced distributions between cases and controls at univariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS 4CMenB vaccination is associated with a lower risk of gonorrhea in the setting of men who have sex with men living with HIV with a previous sexually transmitted infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Galli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Spagnuolo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Camilla Muccini
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Bossolasco
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Gianotti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Lolatto
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Nozza
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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15
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Riou J, Althaus CL, Allen H, Cole MJ, Grad YH, Heijne JCM, Unemo M, Low N. Projecting the development of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae from antimicrobial surveillance data: a mathematical modelling study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:252. [PMID: 37081443 PMCID: PMC10116452 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08200-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends changing the first-line antimicrobial treatment for gonorrhoea when ≥ 5% of Neisseria gonorrhoeae cases fail treatment or are resistant. Susceptibility to ceftriaxone, the last remaining treatment option has been decreasing in many countries. We used antimicrobial resistance surveillance data and developed mathematical models to project the time to reach the 5% threshold for resistance to first-line antimicrobials used for N. gonorrhoeae. METHODS We used data from the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (GRASP) in England and Wales from 2000-2018 about minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, cefixime and ceftriaxone and antimicrobial treatment in two groups, heterosexual men and women (HMW) and men who have sex with men (MSM). We developed two susceptible-infected-susceptible models to fit these data and produce projections of the proportion of resistance until 2030. The single-step model represents the situation in which a single mutation results in antimicrobial resistance. In the multi-step model, the sequential accumulation of resistance mutations is reflected by changes in the MIC distribution. RESULTS The single-step model described resistance to ciprofloxacin well. Both single-step and multi-step models could describe azithromycin and cefixime resistance, with projected resistance levels higher with the multi-step than the single step model. For ceftriaxone, with very few observed cases of full resistance, the multi-step model was needed to describe long-term dynamics of resistance. Extrapolating from the observed upward drift in MIC values, the multi-step model projected ≥ 5% resistance to ceftriaxone could be reached by 2030, based on treatment pressure alone. Ceftriaxone resistance was projected to rise to 13.2% (95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.7-44.8%) among HMW and 19.6% (95%CrI: 2.6-54.4%) among MSM by 2030. CONCLUSIONS New first-line antimicrobials for gonorrhoea treatment are needed. In the meantime, public health authorities should strengthen surveillance for AMR in N. gonorrhoeae and implement strategies for continued antimicrobial stewardship. Our models show the utility of long-term representative surveillance of gonococcal antimicrobial susceptibility data and can be adapted for use in, and for comparison with, other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Riou
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Christian L Althaus
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Janneke C M Heijne
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
- Department of Social Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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16
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Microencapsulated IL-12 Drives Genital Tract Immune Responses to Intranasal Gonococcal Outer Membrane Vesicle Vaccine and Induces Resistance to Vaginal Infection with Diverse Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. mSphere 2023; 8:e0038822. [PMID: 36537786 PMCID: PMC9942569 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00388-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
An experimental gonococcal vaccine consisting of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and microsphere (ms)-encapsulated interleukin-12 (IL-12 ms) induces Th1-driven immunity, with circulating and genital antibodies to Neisseria gonorrhoeae, after intravaginal (i.vag.) administration in female mice, and generates resistance to vaginal challenge infection. Because i.vag. administration is inapplicable to males and may not be acceptable to women, we determined whether intranasal (i.n.) administration would generate protective immunity against N. gonorrhoeae. Female and male mice were immunized i.n. with gonococcal OMVs plus IL-12 ms or blank microspheres (blank ms). Responses to i.n. immunization were similar to those with i.vag. immunization, with serum IgG, salivary IgA, and vaginal IgG and IgA antigonococcal antibodies induced when OMVs were administered with IL-12 ms. Male mice responded with serum IgG and salivary IgA antibodies similarly to female mice. Gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production by CD4+ T cells from iliac lymph nodes was elevated after i.n. or i.vag. immunization with OMVs plus IL-12 ms. Female mice immunized with OMVs plus IL-12 ms by either route resisted challenge with N. gonorrhoeae to an equal extent, and resistance generated by i.n. immunization extended to heterologous strains of N. gonorrhoeae. Detergent-extracted OMVs, which have diminished lipooligosaccharide, generated protective immunity to challenge similar to native OMVs. OMVs from mutant N. gonorrhoeae, in which genes for Rmp and LpxL1 were deleted to eliminate the induction of blocking antibodies against Rmp and diminish lipooligosaccharide endotoxicity, also generated resistance to challenge infection similar to wild-type OMVs when administered i.n. with IL-12 ms. IMPORTANCE We previously demonstrated that female mice can be immunized intravaginally with gonococcal outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) plus microsphere (ms)-encapsulated interleukin-12 (IL-12 ms) to induce antigonococcal antibodies and resistance to genital tract challenge with live Neisseria gonorrhoeae. However, this route of vaccination may be impractical for human vaccine development and is inapplicable to males. Because intranasal immunization has previously been shown to induce antibody responses in both male and female genital tracts, we have evaluated this route of immunization with gonococcal OMVs plus IL-12 ms. In addition, we have refined the composition of gonococcal OMVs to reduce the endotoxicity of lipooligosaccharide and to eliminate the membrane protein Rmp, which induces countereffective blocking antibodies. The resulting vaccine may be more suitable for ultimate translation to human application against the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, which is becoming increasingly resistant to treatment with antibiotics.
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17
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The Optimal Management of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10122388. [PMID: 36557641 PMCID: PMC9784239 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10122388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is one of the most frequent etiologic agents of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Untreated asymptomatic gonococcal infection in women can lead to spreading of the infection in the sexually active population and could lead to late consequences, such as sterility or ectopic pregnancies. One important issue about N. gonorrhoeae is its increasing resistance to antibiotics. This paper summarized the newest molecular antimicrobial resistance (AMR) detection assays for Neisseria gonorrhoeae connected with the latest therapeutic antimicrobials and gonococcal vaccine candidates. The assays used to detect AMR varied from the classical minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) detection to whole-genome sequencing. New drugs against multi drug resistant (MDR) N. gonorrhoeae have been proposed and were evaluated in vivo and in vitro as being efficient in decreasing the N. gonorrhoeae burden. In addition, anti-N. gonorrhoeae vaccine candidates are being researched, which have been assessed by multiple techniques. With the efforts of many researchers who are studying the detection of antimicrobial resistance in this bacterium and identifying new drugs and new vaccine candidates against it, there is hope in reducing the gonorrhea burden worldwide.
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18
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Ong JJ, Unemo M, Choong ALC, Zhao V, Chow EPF. Is the end of gonorrhoea in sight? THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:919-921. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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19
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White PJ, Nikitin D, Whittles LK. We need estimates of gonorrhoea vaccine protection and symptomaticity by sex and anatomical site. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:937. [PMID: 35752179 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00343-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J White
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling and Health Economics, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK; Modelling and Economics Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK.
| | - Dariya Nikitin
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling and Health Economics, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Lilith K Whittles
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis and National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling and Health Economics, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
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20
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Bagwe P, Bajaj L, Gala RP, D‘Souza MJ, Zughaier SM. Assessment of In Vitro Immunostimulatory Activity of an Adjuvanted Whole-Cell Inactivated Neisseria gonorrhoeae Microparticle Vaccine Formulation. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:983. [PMID: 35891147 PMCID: PMC9320116 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10070983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant gonorrhea infections worldwide combined with the lack of a vaccine is alarming. We prepared a novel microparticulate (MP) vaccine formulation using whole-cell inactivated Neisseria gonorrhoeae as the vaccine antigen, with Alum and AddaVax™ as vaccine adjuvants. The adjuvanted vaccine MP formulation was assessed for in vitro immunostimulatory activity, autophagy, and antigen presentation ability. The data shows that the adjuvanted gonococci vaccine MP enhanced autophagy induction in antigen presenting cells (APCs) compared to gonococci vaccine MP without adjuvants, which is important for enhancing antigen presentation. In addition, the adjuvanted vaccine formulation increased the surface expression of antigen presenting molecules MHCI and MHCII as well as co-stimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86 on the surface of dendritic cells. In addition, the gonococci vaccine microparticles at lower doses did not significantly increase the expression of the death receptor CD95 in APCs, which when elevated leads to suboptimal antigen presentation and reduced immune responses. The adjuvanted whole-cell inactivated gonococci microparticle vaccine formulation enhanced antigen uptake, processing, and antigen presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyal Bagwe
- Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, Center for Drug Delivery Research, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA; (P.B.); (L.B.); (M.J.D.)
| | - Lotika Bajaj
- Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, Center for Drug Delivery Research, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA; (P.B.); (L.B.); (M.J.D.)
| | - Rikhav P. Gala
- Fraunhofer USA, Center Mid-Atlantic, Biotechnology Division, 9, Innovation Way, Newark, DE 19011, USA;
| | - Martin J. D‘Souza
- Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, Center for Drug Delivery Research, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA; (P.B.); (L.B.); (M.J.D.)
| | - Susu M. Zughaier
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2731, Qatar
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21
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Prasad SK, Bhat S, Shashank D, C R A, R S, Rachtanapun P, Devegowda D, Santhekadur PK, Sommano SR. Bacteria-Mediated Oncogenesis and the Underlying Molecular Intricacies: What We Know So Far. Front Oncol 2022; 12:836004. [PMID: 35480118 PMCID: PMC9036991 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.836004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers are known to have multifactorial etiology. Certain bacteria and viruses are proven carcinogens. Lately, there has been in-depth research investigating carcinogenic capabilities of some bacteria. Reports indicate that chronic inflammation and harmful bacterial metabolites to be strong promoters of neoplasticity. Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric adenocarcinoma is the best illustration of the chronic inflammation paradigm of oncogenesis. Chronic inflammation, which produces excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) is hypothesized to cause cancerous cell proliferation. Other possible bacteria-dependent mechanisms and virulence factors have also been suspected of playing a vital role in the bacteria-induced-cancer(s). Numerous attempts have been made to explore and establish the possible relationship between the two. With the growing concerns on anti-microbial resistance and over-dependence of mankind on antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, it must be deemed critical to understand and identify carcinogenic bacteria, to establish their role in causing cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashanka K Prasad
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, India
| | - Smitha Bhat
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, India
| | - Dharini Shashank
- Department of General Surgery, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Mandya, India
| | - Akshatha C R
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Sindhu R
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara (JSS) Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, India
| | - Pornchai Rachtanapun
- School of Agro-Industry, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Cluster of Agro Bio-Circular-Green Industry (Agro BCG), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Devananda Devegowda
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CEMR), Department of Biochemistry, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, India
| | - Prasanna K Santhekadur
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CEMR), Department of Biochemistry, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, India
| | - Sarana Rose Sommano
- Cluster of Agro Bio-Circular-Green Industry (Agro BCG), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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22
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Fatima F, Kumar S, Das A. Vaccines against sexually transmitted infections: an update. Clin Exp Dermatol 2022; 47:1454-1463. [DOI: 10.1111/ced.15223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Farhat Fatima
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy; Medical College & Hospital Kolkata India
| | - Satarupa Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy; Medical College & Hospital Kolkata India
| | - Anupam Das
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy; KPC Medical College & Hospital Kolkata India
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23
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Maurakis SA, Cornelissen CN. Recent Progress Towards a Gonococcal Vaccine. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:881392. [PMID: 35480233 PMCID: PMC9038166 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.881392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonorrhea is a global health concern. Its etiological agent, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, rapidly acquires antimicrobial resistance and does not confer protective immunity as a consequence of infection. Attempts to generate an effective vaccine for gonorrhea have thus far been unsuccessful, as many structures on the bacterial envelope have the propensity to rapidly change, thus complicating recognition by the human immune system. In response to recent efforts from global health authorities to spur the efforts towards development of a vaccine, several new and promising steps have been made towards this goal, aided by advancements in computational epitope identification and prediction methods. Here, we provide a short review of recent progress towards a viable gonococcal vaccine, with a focus on antigen identification and characterization, and discuss a few of the tools that may be important in furthering these efforts.
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24
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Whittles LK, Didelot X, White PJ. Public health impact and cost-effectiveness of gonorrhoea vaccination: an integrated transmission-dynamic health-economic modelling analysis. THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:1030-1041. [PMID: 35427491 PMCID: PMC9217755 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(21)00744-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Gonorrhoea is a rapidly growing public health threat, with rising incidence and increasing drug resistance. Evidence that the MeNZB and four-component serogroup B meningococcal (4CMenB) vaccines, designed against Neisseria meningitidis, can also offer protection against gonorrhoea has created interest in using 4CMenB for this purpose and for developing gonorrhoea-specific vaccines. However, cost-effectiveness, and how the efficacy and duration of protection affect a gonorrhoea vaccine's value, have not been assessed. Methods We developed an integrated transmission-dynamic health-economic model, calibrated using Bayesian methods to surveillance data (from the Genitourinary Medicine Clinic Activity Dataset and the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme) on men who have sex with men (MSM) in England. We considered vaccination of MSM from the perspective of sexual health clinics, with and without vaccination offered to all adolescents in schools (vaccination before entry [VbE]), comparing three realistic approaches to targeting: vaccination on attendance (VoA) for testing; vaccination on diagnosis (VoD) with gonorrhoea; or vaccination according to risk (VaR), offered to patients diagnosed with gonorrhoea plus individuals who test negative but report having more than five sexual partners per year. For the primary analysis, vaccine impact was assessed relative to no vaccination in a conservative baseline scenario wherein time-varying behavioural parameters (sexual risk behaviour and screening rates) stabilise. To calculate the value of vaccination per dose administered, the value of vaccination was calculated by summing the averted costs of testing and treatment, and the monetary value of quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gains with a QALY valued at £20 000. Costs were in 2018–19 GB£, and both costs and QALYs were discounted at 3·5% per year. We analysed the effects of varying vaccine uptake (0·5, 1, or 2 times HPV vaccine uptake by MSM in sexual health clinics in England), vaccine efficacy (1–100%) and duration of protection (1–20 years), and the time-horizon considered (10 years and 20 years). In addition, we calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for the use of 4CMenB using assumed vaccine prices. Findings VbE has little impact on gonorrhoea diagnoses, with only 1·7% of MSM vaccinated per year. VoA has the largest impact but requires more vaccine doses than any other strategy, whereas VoD has a moderate impact but requires many fewer doses than VoA. VaR has almost the same impact as VoA but with fewer doses administered than VoA. VaR is the most cost-effective strategy for vaccines of moderate efficacy or duration of protection (or both), although VoD is more cost-effective for very protective and long-lasting vaccines. Even under conservative assumptions (efficacy equivalent to that of MeNZB and protection lasting for 18 months after two-dose primary vaccination and 36 months after single-dose booster vaccination), 4CMenB administered under VaR would likely be cost-saving at its current National Health Service price, averting an estimated mean 110 200 cases (95% credible interval 36 500–223 600), gaining a mean 100·3 QALYs (31·0–215·8), and saving a mean £7·9 million (0·0–20·5) over 10 years. A hypothetical gonorrhoea vaccine's value is increased more by improving its efficacy than its duration of protection—eg, 30% protection lasting 2 years has a median value of £48 (22–85) per dose over 10 years; doubling efficacy increases the value to £102 (53–144) whereas doubling the duration of protection increases it to £72 (34–120). Interpretation We recommend that vaccination of MSM against gonorrhoea according to risk in sexual health clinics in England with the 4CMenB vaccine be considered. Development of gonorrhoea-specific vaccines should prioritise maximising efficacy over duration of protection. Funding Medical Research Council (UK), National Institute for Health Research (UK).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilith K Whittles
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Xavier Didelot
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; Department of Statistics, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Genomics and Enabling Data, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Peter J White
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK.
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25
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Wang B, Giles L, Andraweera P, McMillan M, Almond S, Beazley R, Mitchell J, Lally N, Ahoure M, Denehy E, Koehler A, Flood L, Marshall H. Effectiveness and impact of the 4CMenB vaccine against invasive serogroup B meningococcal disease and gonorrhoea in an infant, child, and adolescent programme: an observational cohort and case-control study. THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:1011-1020. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(21)00754-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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26
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Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an obligate human pathogen that is the cause of the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea. Recently, there has been a surge in gonorrhoea cases that has been exacerbated by the rapid rise in gonococcal multidrug resistance to all useful antimicrobials resulting in this organism becoming a significant public health burden. Therefore, there is a clear and present need to understand the organism's biology through its physiology and pathogenesis to help develop new intervention strategies. The gonococcus initially colonises and adheres to host mucosal surfaces utilising a type IV pilus that helps with microcolony formation. Other adhesion strategies include the porin, PorB, and the phase variable outer membrane protein Opa. The gonococcus is able to subvert complement mediated killing and opsonisation by sialylation of its lipooligosaccharide and deploys a series of anti-phagocytic mechanisms. N. gonorrhoeae is a fastidious organism that is able to grow on a limited number of primary carbon sources such as glucose and lactate. The utilization of lactate by the gonococcus has been implicated in a number of pathogenicity mechanisms. The bacterium lives mainly in microaerobic environments and can grow both aerobically and anaerobically with the aid of nitrite. The gonococcus does not produce siderophores for scavenging iron but can utilize some produced by other bacteria, and it is able to successful chelate iron from host haem, transferrin and lactoferrin. The gonococcus is an incredibly versatile human pathogen; in the following chapter, we detail the intricate mechanisms used by the bacterium to invade and survive within the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke R Green
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Joby Cole
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Ernesto Feliz Diaz Parga
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan G Shaw
- Department of Infection, Immunity & Cardiovascular Disease, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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27
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Semchenko EA, Jen FEC, Jennings MP, Seib KL. Assessment of Serum Bactericidal and Opsonophagocytic Activity of Antibodies to Gonococcal Vaccine Targets. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2414:363-372. [PMID: 34784046 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1900-1_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
There is no vaccine available to prevent Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection, however there is currently a high level of interest in developing gonococcal vaccines due to the increasing number of cases and continuing emergence of antimicrobial resistance worldwide. A key aspect of vaccine development is the investigation of the functional immune response raised to the vaccine targets under investigation. Here, we describe two assays used to assess the functional immune response raised against gonococcal vaccine targets: the serum bactericidal assay (SBA) and the opsonophagocytic assay (OPA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny A Semchenko
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
| | - Freda E-C Jen
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael P Jennings
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
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28
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Christensen H, Vickerman P. Gonococcal vaccines for controlling Neisseria gonorrhoeae in men who have sex with men: a promising game-changer. J Infect Dis 2021; 225:931-933. [PMID: 34894131 PMCID: PMC8922012 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Vickerman
- University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol
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29
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Hui BB, Padeniya TN, Rebuli N, Gray RT, Wood JG, Donovan B, Duan Q, Guy R, Hocking JS, Lahra MM, Lewis DA, Whiley DM, Regan DG, Seib KL. A gonococcal vaccine has the potential to rapidly reduce the incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection among urban men who have sex with men. J Infect Dis 2021; 225:983-993. [PMID: 34894134 PMCID: PMC8922007 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A gonococcal vaccine is urgently needed due to increasing gonorrhea incidence and emerging multidrug-resistant gonococcal strains worldwide. Men who have sex with men (MSM) have among the highest incidences of gonorrhea and may be a key target population for vaccination when available. Methods An individual-based, anatomical site-specific mathematical model was used to simulate Neisseria gonorrhoeae transmission in a population of 10 000 MSM. The impact of vaccination on gonorrhea prevalence was assessed. Results With a gonococcal vaccine of 100% or 50% protective efficacy, gonorrhea prevalence could be reduced by 94% or 62%, respectively, within 2 years if 30% of MSM are vaccinated on presentation for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Elimination of gonorrhea is possible within 8 years with vaccines of ≥ 50% efficacy lasting 2 years, providing a booster vaccination is available every 3 years on average. A vaccine’s impact may be reduced if it is not effective at all anatomical sites. Conclusions Our study indicates that with a vaccine of modest efficacy and an immunization strategy that targets MSM presenting for STI screening, the prevalence of gonorrhea in this population could be rapidly and substantially reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben B Hui
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Nic Rebuli
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard T Gray
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James G Wood
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Qibin Duan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Monica M Lahra
- Microbiology Department, New South Wales Health Pathology, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Lewis
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine & Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David M Whiley
- Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David G Regan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, QLD Australia
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30
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Novel strategies for prevention and treatment of antimicrobial resistance in sexually-transmitted infections. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2021; 34:591-598. [PMID: 34545855 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antimicrobial resistance in sexually acquired infection (STI) pathogens is an important global public health threat. There is an urgent need for novel STI treatment and prevention strategies to tackle the rising incidence of STIs in high-income settings and the static progress in low- and middle-income settings over the past decade. The purpose of this review was to describe the research outlining the emergence of resistance in common STI pathogens and new strategies for their treatment and prevention. RECENT FINDINGS Rates of STIs have dramatically increased over the past decade. Further, antimicrobial resistance to first-line agents among key STI pathogens continues to emerge globally. Recent findings demonstrate promising results regarding the efficacy of novel antimicrobial treatment strategies for these pathogens, including several new, repurposed and unique combinations of antimicrobials. In addition, a number of new biomedical prevention strategies, such as antibacterial mouthwash and doxycycline chemoprophylaxis, are being investigated as novel prevention strategies for bacterial STIs. SUMMARY Significant progress has been made in the development of novel antimicrobials for the treatment of antimicrobial-resistant sexually acquired pathogens. However, due to the rapid development of resistance to antimicrobials demonstrated by these pathogens in the past, further research and development of effective prevention strategies should be prioritized.
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31
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Unemo M, Lahra MM, Escher M, Eremin S, Cole MJ, Galarza P, Ndowa F, Martin I, Dillon JAR, Galas M, Ramon-Pardo P, Weinstock H, Wi T. WHO global antimicrobial resistance surveillance for Neisseria gonorrhoeae 2017-18: a retrospective observational study. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2021; 2:e627-e636. [PMID: 35544082 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(21)00171-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonorrhoea and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae are major health concerns globally. Increased global surveillance of gonococcal AMR is essential. We aimed to describe the 2017-18 data from WHO's global gonococcal AMR surveillance, and to discuss priorities essential for the effective management and control of gonorrhoea. METHODS We did a retrospective observational study of the AMR data of gonococcal isolates reported to WHO by 73 countries in 2017-18. WHO recommends that each country collects at least 100 gonococcal isolates per year, and that quantitative methods to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of antimicrobials, interpreted by internationally standardised resistance breakpoints, are used. FINDINGS In 2017-18, 73 countries provided AMR data for one or more drug. Decreased susceptibility or resistance to ceftriaxone was reported by 21 (31%) of 68 reporting countries and to cefixime by 24 (47%) of 51 reporting countries. Resistance to azithromycin was reported by 51 (84%) of 61 reporting countries and to ciprofloxacin by all 70 (100%) reporting countries. The annual proportion of decreased susceptibility or resistance across countries was 0-21% to ceftriaxone and 0-22% to cefixime, and that of resistance was 0-60% to azithromycin and 0-100% to ciprofloxacin. The number of countries reporting gonococcal AMR and resistant isolates, and the number of examined isolates, have increased since 2015-16. Surveillance remains scarce in central America and the Caribbean and eastern Europe, and in the WHO African, Eastern Mediterranean, and South-East Asian regions. INTERPRETATION In many countries, ciprofloxacin resistance was exceedingly high, azithromycin resistance was increasing, and decreased susceptibility or resistance to ceftriaxone and cefixime continued to emerge. WHO's global surveillance of gonococcal AMR needs to expand internationally to provide imperative data for national and international management guidelines and public health policies. Improved prevention, early diagnosis, treatment of index patients and partners, enhanced surveillance (eg, infection, AMR, treatment failures, and antimicrobial use or misuse), and increased knowledge on antimicrobial selection, stewardship, and pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics are essential. The development of rapid, accurate, and affordable point-of-care gonococcal diagnostic tests, new antimicrobials, and gonococcal vaccines is imperative. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Monica M Lahra
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Sexually Transmitted Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, New South Wales Health Pathology, Microbiology, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Martina Escher
- Department of the Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI programmes, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sergey Eremin
- Surveillance, Evidence and Laboratory Strengthening, Antimicrobial Resistance Division, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michelle J Cole
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Patricia Galarza
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, National Reference Laboratory for STDs, National Institute of Infectious Diseases-ANLIS Dr Carlos G Malbrán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Francis Ndowa
- Skin and Genitourinary Medicine Clinic, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Irene Martin
- Public Health Agency of Canada, National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jo-Anne R Dillon
- Vaccine and Infecious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Marcelo Galas
- Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Pilar Ramon-Pardo
- Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hillard Weinstock
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Teodora Wi
- Department of the Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI programmes, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
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32
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Abstract
Multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global health problem, and the development of a vaccine is considered essential for the effective control of gonorrhoea. The use of outer membrane vesicle vaccines to prevent N. gonorrhoeae infection has garnered considerable interest, and a recent study using a mouse model of experimental gonococcal infections adds support for this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny A Semchenko
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
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33
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Stewart J, Baeten JM. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and sexually transmitted infections: intersection and opportunity. Nat Rev Urol 2021; 19:7-15. [PMID: 34697493 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00527-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has revolutionized HIV prevention, but PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Rates of STIs are rising worldwide, with notably high incidences among PrEP-using men who have sex with men in high-income countries; in low-income and middle-income countries, data are sparse, but results from a limited number of studies among African women initiating and taking PrEP have shown high STI prevalence and incidence. Efforts aimed at markedly reducing HIV in populations worldwide include a major focus on increasing PrEP use, along with improving HIV testing and treatment in order to eliminate HIV transmission. Together, these efforts could augment continued expansion of the global STI epidemic, but they could alternatively create an opportunity to improve STI control, including the development of comprehensive sexual health programmes and research to develop new STI prevention strategies. The introduction of PrEP globally has been characterized by challenges and many successes, and its role as part of a range of robust strategies to reduce HIV infections is clear. Looking ahead, understanding rising rates of curable STIs and their relationship to HIV prevention, and considering the future directions for synergies in PrEP and STI prevention will be integral to improving sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenell Stewart
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Jared M Baeten
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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34
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Mitchev N, Singh R, Allam M, Kwenda S, Ismail A, Garrett N, Ramsuran V, Niehaus AJ, Mlisana KP. Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanisms, Multilocus Sequence Typing, and NG-STAR Sequence Types of Diverse Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0075921. [PMID: 34280016 PMCID: PMC8448096 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00759-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major challenge to managing infectious diseases. Africa has the highest incidence of gonorrhoea, but there is a lack of comprehensive data from sparse surveillance programs. This study investigated the molecular epidemiology and AMR profiles of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in KwaZulu-Natal province (KZN), South Africa. Repository isolates from patients attending public health care clinics for sexually transmitted infection (STI) care were used for phenotypic and genotypic analysis. An Etest was performed to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to determine epidemiology and to predict susceptibility by detecting resistance-associated genes and mutations. Among the 61 isolates, multiple sequence types were identified. Six isolates were novel, as determined by multilocus sequence typing. N. gonorrhoeae sequence typing for antimicrobial resistance (NG-STAR) determined 48 sequence types, of which 35 isolates had novel antimicrobial profiles. Two novel penA alleles and eight novel mtrR alleles were identified. Point mutations were detected in gyrA, parC, mtrR, penA, ponA, and porB1. This study revealed a high prevalence of AMR (penicillin 67%, tetracycline 89%, and ciprofloxacin 52%). However, spectinomycin, cefixime, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin remained 100% effective. This study is one of the first to comprehensively describe the epidemiology and AMR of N. gonorrhoeae in KZN, South Africa and Africa, using WGS. KZN has a wide strain diversity and most of these sequence types have been detected in multiple countries; however, more than half of our isolates have novel antimicrobial profiles. Continued surveillance is crucial to monitor the emergence of resistance to cefixime, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nireshni Mitchev
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ravesh Singh
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mushal Allam
- Sequencing Core Facility, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stanford Kwenda
- Sequencing Core Facility, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Arshad Ismail
- Sequencing Core Facility, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Veron Ramsuran
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Abraham J. Niehaus
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Koleka P. Mlisana
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Harvey SM, Gibbs SE, Sikora AE. A Critical Need for Research on Gonorrhea Vaccine Acceptability. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:e116-e118. [PMID: 33201020 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Haese EC, Thai VC, Kahler CM. Vaccine Candidates for the Control and Prevention of the Sexually Transmitted Disease Gonorrhea. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070804. [PMID: 34358218 PMCID: PMC8310131 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) has placed N. gonorrhoeae on the global priority list of antimicrobial resistant pathogens and is urgently seeking the development of new intervention strategies. N. gonorrhoeae causes 86.9 million cases globally per annum. The effects of gonococcal disease are seen predominantly in women and children and especially in the Australian Indigenous community. While economic modelling suggests that this infection alone may directly cost the USA health care system USD 11.0–20.6 billion, indirect costs associated with adverse disease and pregnancy outcomes, disease prevention, and productivity loss, mean that the overall effect of the disease is far greater still. In this review, we summate the current progress towards the development of a gonorrhea vaccine and describe the clinical trials being undertaken in Australia to assess the efficacy of the current formulation of Bexsero® in controlling disease.
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Whelan J, Eeuwijk J, Bunge E, Beck E. Systematic Literature Review and Quantitative Analysis of Health Problems Associated with Sexually Transmitted Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10:1887-1905. [PMID: 34279817 PMCID: PMC8572915 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00481-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) is the second most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection (STI), leading to serious health problems in men, women and newborns. While early antibiotic treatment is effective, infections are increasingly antibiotic-resistant. No systematic reviews present health problems associated with Ng infections or their likelihood of occurrence. The objective, therefore, was to conduct a systematic literature review to address these gaps. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted of all studies with an English abstract published since 1950 (Pubmed)/1966 (Embase). The search included patients with a history of/current sexually transmitted Ng infection. Expected outcomes were defined from published reviews of gonorrhoea health problems. Observational studies with a control group were included. A decision tree determined the best quality studies for each outcome, prioritising generalisable populations, laboratory-confirmed diagnosis, clearly defined outcomes, no STI co-infections, adjusted analyses and risk estimates. Where feasible, a meta-analysis was performed; otherwise, the best quality study estimates were identified. Findings In total, 46 studies were included, and 22 health problems were identified. Of these problems, Ng infection was statistically significantly associated with preterm premature ruptures of membranes, preterm birth, low birth weight, stillbirth, infant death, neonatal ophthalmia, schizophrenia in offspring, pelvic inflammatory disease and subsequent tubal infertility, human immunodeficiency virus and prostate cancer/problems. High-quality evidence was generally lacking, with high heterogeneity across studies, and limited or inconclusive data on other health problems. Conclusion Ng infection is associated with severe health problems in women, men and newborns. More high-quality comparative studies are needed to address the limitations in current knowledge. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40121-021-00481-z.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Eeuwijk
- Pallas Health Research and Consultancy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eveline Bunge
- Pallas Health Research and Consultancy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Unemo M, Ahlstrand J, Sánchez-Busó L, Day M, Aanensen D, Golparian D, Jacobsson S, Cole MJ. High susceptibility to zoliflodacin and conserved target (GyrB) for zoliflodacin among 1209 consecutive clinical Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from 25 European countries, 2018. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 76:1221-1228. [PMID: 33564854 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Novel antimicrobials for treatment of gonorrhoea are imperative. The first-in-class spiropyrimidinetrione zoliflodacin is promising and currently in an international Phase 3 randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) for treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhoea. We evaluated the in vitro activity of and the genetic conservation of the target (GyrB) and other potential zoliflodacin resistance determinants among 1209 consecutive clinical Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates obtained from 25 EU/European Economic Area (EEA) countries in 2018 and compared the activity of zoliflodacin with that of therapeutic antimicrobials currently used. METHODS MICs of zoliflodacin, ceftriaxone, cefixime, azithromycin and ciprofloxacin were determined using an agar dilution technique for zoliflodacin or using MIC gradient strip tests or an agar dilution technique for the other antimicrobials. Genome sequences were available for 96.1% of isolates. RESULTS Zoliflodacin modal MIC, MIC50, MIC90 and MIC range were 0.125, 0.125, 0.125 and ≤0.004-0.5 mg/L, respectively. The resistance was 49.9%, 6.7%, 1.6% and 0.2% to ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, cefixime and ceftriaxone, respectively. Zoliflodacin did not show any cross-resistance to other tested antimicrobials. GyrB was highly conserved and no zoliflodacin gyrB resistance mutations were found. No fluoroquinolone target GyrA or ParC resistance mutations or mutations causing overexpression of the MtrCDE efflux pump substantially affected the MICs of zoliflodacin. CONCLUSIONS The in vitro susceptibility to zoliflodacin was high and the zoliflodacin target GyrB was conserved among EU/EEA gonococcal isolates in 2018. This study supports further clinical development of zoliflodacin. However, additional zoliflodacin data regarding particularly the treatment of pharyngeal gonorrhoea, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and resistance selection, including suppression, would be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, National Reference Laboratory for STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Josefine Ahlstrand
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, National Reference Laboratory for STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Leonor Sánchez-Busó
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.,Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Community (FISABIO-Public Health), Valencia, Spain
| | - Michaela Day
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - David Aanensen
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.,Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Daniel Golparian
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, National Reference Laboratory for STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Susanne Jacobsson
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, National Reference Laboratory for STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Michelle J Cole
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
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Sánchez-Busó L, Yeats CA, Taylor B, Goater RJ, Underwood A, Abudahab K, Argimón S, Ma KC, Mortimer TD, Golparian D, Cole MJ, Grad YH, Martin I, Raphael BH, Shafer WM, Town K, Wi T, Harris SR, Unemo M, Aanensen DM. A community-driven resource for genomic epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance prediction of Neisseria gonorrhoeae at Pathogenwatch. Genome Med 2021; 13:61. [PMID: 33875000 PMCID: PMC8054416 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00858-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an urgent threat to public health, as strains resistant to at least one of the two last-line antibiotics used in empiric therapy of gonorrhoea, ceftriaxone and azithromycin, have spread internationally. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data can be used to identify new AMR clones and transmission networks and inform the development of point-of-care tests for antimicrobial susceptibility, novel antimicrobials and vaccines. Community-driven tools that provide an easy access to and analysis of genomic and epidemiological data is the way forward for public health surveillance. METHODS Here we present a public health-focussed scheme for genomic epidemiology of N. gonorrhoeae at Pathogenwatch ( https://pathogen.watch/ngonorrhoeae ). An international advisory group of experts in epidemiology, public health, genetics and genomics of N. gonorrhoeae was convened to inform on the utility of current and future analytics in the platform. We implement backwards compatibility with MLST, NG-MAST and NG-STAR typing schemes as well as an exhaustive library of genetic AMR determinants linked to a genotypic prediction of resistance to eight antibiotics. A collection of over 12,000 N. gonorrhoeae genome sequences from public archives has been quality-checked, assembled and made public together with available metadata for contextualization. RESULTS AMR prediction from genome data revealed specificity values over 99% for azithromycin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone and sensitivity values around 99% for benzylpenicillin and tetracycline. A case study using the Pathogenwatch collection of N. gonorrhoeae public genomes showed the global expansion of an azithromycin-resistant lineage carrying a mosaic mtr over at least the last 10 years, emphasising the power of Pathogenwatch to explore and evaluate genomic epidemiology questions of public health concern. CONCLUSIONS The N. gonorrhoeae scheme in Pathogenwatch provides customised bioinformatic pipelines guided by expert opinion that can be adapted to public health agencies and departments with little expertise in bioinformatics and lower-resourced settings with internet connection but limited computational infrastructure. The advisory group will assess and identify ongoing public health needs in the field of gonorrhoea, particularly regarding gonococcal AMR, in order to further enhance utility with modified or new analytic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonor Sánchez-Busó
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research in the Valencian Community (FISABIO-Public Health), Valencia, Spain.
| | - Corin A Yeats
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Benjamin Taylor
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Richard J Goater
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
- European Molecular Biology Lab, Heidelberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Anthony Underwood
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Khalil Abudahab
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Silvia Argimón
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Kevin C Ma
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tatum D Mortimer
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Golparian
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Michelle J Cole
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Yonatan H Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene Martin
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brian H Raphael
- Division of STD prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William M Shafer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Laboratories of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Katy Town
- Division of STD prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Teodora Wi
- Department of the Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Simon R Harris
- Microbiotica, Biodata Innovation Centre, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Magnus Unemo
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - David M Aanensen
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK.
- Centre for Genomic Pathogen Surveillance, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.
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Comprehensive Bioinformatic Assessments of the Variability of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Vaccine Candidates. mSphere 2021; 6:6/1/e00977-20. [PMID: 33536323 PMCID: PMC7860988 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00977-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A protective vaccine is the only viable way to stop the spread of gonorrhea in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. However, the notorious phase and antigenic variation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae surface proteins remains one of the challenges in vaccine development. To facilitate vaccine advancement efforts, we carried out comprehensive bioinformatic analyses of sequence variation by comparing 34 gonorrhea antigen candidates among >5,000 clinical N. gonorrhoeae isolates deposited in the Neisseria PubMLST database. Eight protein antigens showed exceptional conservation by having a single allele variant distributed in >80% of isolates. An additional 18 vaccine candidates were represented by ≤3 alleles in >50% of N. gonorrhoeae isolates globally. Phylogenetic analyses highlighted closely related antigen variants and additionally showed that AniA and FetB were the closest between N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis Up to 44% of N. meningitidis alleles for both antigens have premature stop codons, suggesting differential expression. Mapping polymorphisms to the available three-dimensional structures of 12 antigens revealed low-frequency surface polymorphisms. PorB and TbpB possessed numerous high-prevalence polymorphic sites. While TbpA was also highly variable, conserved loops were nonetheless identified. A high degree of sequence conservation, the distribution of a single antigen variant among N. gonorrhoeae strains globally, or low-frequency sequence polymorphisms in surface loops make ACP, AniA, BamA, BamE, MtrE, NspA, NGO0778, NGO1251, NGO1985, OpcA, PldA, Slam2, and ZnuD promising candidates for a gonorrhea vaccine. Finally, the commonly used N. gonorrhoeae FA1090 strain emerges as a vaccine prototype, as it carries antigen sequence types identical to the most broadly distributed antigen variants.IMPORTANCE Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the Gram-negative bacterium responsible for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, is categorized as a high-priority pathogen for research and development efforts. N. gonorrhoeae's "superbug" status, its high morbidity, and the serious health impact associated with gonorrhea highlight the importance of vaccine development. One of the longstanding barriers to developing an effective vaccine against N. gonorrhoeae is the remarkable variability of surface-exposed antigens. In this report, we addressed this roadblock by applying extensive bioinformatic analyses to 34 gonorrhea antigen candidates among >5,000 clinical N. gonorrhoeae isolates. Our studies are important, as they reveal promising, conserved gonorrhea vaccine candidates and aid structural vaccinology. Moreover, these approaches are broadly applicable to other infectious diseases where surface antigen variability impedes successful vaccine design.
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Unemo M, Ross J, Serwin AB, Gomberg M, Cusini M, Jensen JS. Background review for the '2020 European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in adults'. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 32:108-126. [PMID: 33323071 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420948739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Gonorrhoea is a major public health concern globally. Increasing incidence and sporadic ceftriaxone-resistant cases, including treatment failures, are growing concerns. The 2020 European gonorrhoea guideline provides up-to-date evidence-based guidance regarding the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea. The updates and recommendations emphasize significantly increasing gonorrhoea incidence; broad indications for increased testing with validated and quality-assured nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and culture; dual antimicrobial therapy including high-dose ceftriaxone and azithromycin (ceftriaxone 1 g plus azithromycin 2 g) OR ceftriaxone 1 g monotherapy (ONLY in well-controlled settings, see guideline for details) for uncomplicated gonorrhoea when the antimicrobial susceptibility is unknown; recommendation of test of cure (TOC) in all gonorrhoea cases to ensure eradication of infection and identify resistance; and enhanced surveillance of treatment failures when recommended treatment regimens have been used. Improvements in access to appropriate testing, test performance, diagnostics, antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance and treatment, and follow-up of gonorrhoea patients are essential in controlling gonorrhoea and to mitigate the emergence and/or spread of ceftriaxone resistance and multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant gonorrhoea. This review provides the detailed background, evidence base and discussions, for the 2020 European guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea in adults (Unemo M, et al. Int J STD AIDS. 2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- M Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and other STIs, National Reference Laboratory for STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Örebro University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jdc Ross
- University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - A B Serwin
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - M Gomberg
- Moscow Scientific and Practical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, Moscow, Russia
| | - M Cusini
- Department of Dermatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - J S Jensen
- Infection Preparedness, Research Unit for Reproductive Tract Microbiology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Jiao H, Yang H, Zheng W, Zhang Q, Zhao D, Li G. Enhancement of immune responses by co-administration of bacterial ghosts-mediated Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA vaccines. J Appl Microbiol 2020; 130:1770-1777. [PMID: 32770820 DOI: 10.1111/jam.14815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM Gonorrhoea remains a leading public health burden and the development of vaccine against gonorrhoea becomes more urgent. Here, a novel Neisseria gonorrhoeae DNA vaccine delivered by Salmonella enteritidis ghosts was developed and the immune responses of the vaccine candidate were evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS Neisseria gonorrhoeae nspA gene was cloned into the pVAX1 vector. The constructed recombinant plasmid pVAX1-nspA was loaded into the lyophilized SE ghosts to produce SE ghosts (pVAX1-nspA). Then, the immune responses induced by SE ghosts (pVAX1-nspA) alone and co-administrated with SE ghosts (pVAX1-porB) were evaluated in mouse model. Co-administered SE ghosts (pVAX1-nspA) and SE ghosts (pVAX1-porB) could elicited significantly higher levels of specific IgG antibody responses and lymphocyte proliferative responses than the control groups. Furthermore, the group co-administered SE ghosts (pVAX1-nspA) and SE ghosts (pVAX1-porB) had the highest bactericidal antibody titres. CONCLUSIONS Co-administration of SE ghosts (pVAX1-nspA) and SE ghosts (pVAX1-porB) elicited significant specific humoral and cellular immune responses. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study demonstrates the potential of co-administration of SE ghosts (pVAX1-nspA) and SE ghosts (pVAX1-porB) as an attractive vaccination regimen for gonorrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Jiao
- Medical College, Yangzhou University/ Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis/Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - H Yang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University/ Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, China.,The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, China
| | - W Zheng
- Medical College, Yangzhou University/ Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, China
| | - Q Zhang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University/ Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, China
| | - D Zhao
- Medical College, Yangzhou University/ Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, China
| | - G Li
- Medical College, Yangzhou University/ Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research, Yangzhou, China
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Chemaitelly H, Majed A, Abu-Hijleh F, Blondeel K, Matsaseng TC, Kiarie J, Toskin I, Abu-Raddad LJ. Global epidemiology of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in infertile populations: systematic review, meta-analysis and metaregression. Sex Transm Infect 2020; 97:157-169. [PMID: 32423944 PMCID: PMC7892374 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To provide an in-depth systematic assessment of the global epidemiology of gonorrhoea infection in infertile populations. Methods A systematic literature review was conducted up to 29 April 2019 on international databases and WHO regional databases, and reported following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. All prevalence measures of gonorrhoea infection among infertile populations, based on primary data, qualified for inclusion. Infertile populations were broadly defined to encompass women/men undergoing infertility evaluation or treatment (infertility clinic attendees and partners). Pooled mean prevalence by relevant strata was estimated using random-effects meta-analysis. Associations with prevalence and sources of heterogeneity were explored using metaregression. Risk of bias was assessed using four quality domains. Findings A total of 147 gonorrhoea prevalence studies were identified from 56 countries. The pooled mean prevalence of current gonorrhoea infection was estimated globally at 2.2% (95% CI 1.3% to 3.2%), with the highest prevalence in Africa at 5.0% (95% CI 1.9% to 9.3%). The mean prevalence was higher for populations with tubal factor infertility (3.6%, 95% CI 0.9%–7.7%) and mixed cause and unexplained infertility (3.6%, 95% CI 0.0% to 11.6%) compared with other diagnoses, such as ovarian and non-tubal infertility (0.1%, 95% CI 0.0% to 0.8%), and for secondary (2.5%, 95% CI 0.2% to 6.5%) compared with primary (0.5%, 95% CI 0.0% to 1.7%) infertility. Metaregression identified evidence of variations in prevalence by region and by infertility diagnosis, higher prevalence in women than men and a small-study effect. There was a trend of declining prevalence by about 3% per year over the last four decades (OR=0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99). Conclusions Gonorrhoea prevalence in infertile populations is several folds higher than that in the general population, with even higher prevalence in women with tubal factor infertility and in individuals with secondary infertility. These findings support the potential role of gonorrhoea in infertility and suggest that some infertility is possibly preventable by controlling gonorrhoea transmission. PROSPERO registration number CRD42018102934.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alzahraa Majed
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Farah Abu-Hijleh
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Academic Quality Affairs Office, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Karel Blondeel
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thabo Christopher Matsaseng
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - James Kiarie
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Igor Toskin
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar .,Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
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Semchenko EA, Chen X, Thng C, O'Sullivan M, Seib KL. Gonorrhoea: past, present and future. MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/ma20055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea is an ancient human disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterial pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Despite decades of research focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating gonorrhoea, it remains a major global health concern due to its high prevalence, high rates of asymptomatic cases, the severe sequelae that can result from untreated infections, and the increasing difficulty in treating infections caused by multi-drug resistant strains of N. gonorrhoeae. It is estimated that there are more than 87 million cases of gonorrhoea worldwide each year, and the WHO, CDC and Australian National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Strategy have prioritised N. gonorrhoeae as an urgent public health threat for which new therapeutics and a vaccine are needed.
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