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Asad M, Hassan A, Wang W, Alonazi WB, Khan MS, Ogunyemi SO, Ibrahim M, Bin L. An integrated in silico approach for the identification of novel potential drug target and chimeric vaccine against Neisseria meningitides strain 331401 serogroup X by subtractive genomics and reverse vaccinology. Comput Biol Med 2024; 178:108738. [PMID: 38870724 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108738] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis, commonly known as the meningococcus, leads to substantial illness and death among children and young adults globally, revealing as either epidemic or sporadic meningitis and/or septicemia. In this study, we have designed a novel peptide-based chimeric vaccine candidate against the N. meningitidis strain 331,401 serogroup X. Through rigorous analysis of subtractive genomics, two essential cytoplasmic proteins, namely UPI000012E8E0(UDP-3-O-acyl-GlcNAc deacetylase) and UPI0000ECF4A9(UDP-N-acetylglucosamine acyltransferase) emerged as potential drug targets. Additionally, using reverse vaccinology, the outer membrane protein UPI0001F4D537 (Membrane fusion protein MtrC) identified by subcellular localization and recognized for its known indispensable role in bacterial survival was identified as a novel chimeric vaccine target. Following a careful comparison of MHC-I, MHC-II, T-cell, and B-cell epitopes, three epitopes derived from UPI0001F4D537 were linked with three types of linkers-GGGS, EAAAK, and the essential PADRE-for vaccine construction. This resulted in eight distinct vaccine models (V1-V8). Among them V1 model was selected as the final vaccine construct. It exhibits exceptional immunogenicity, safety, and enhanced antigenicity, with 97.7 % of its residues in the Ramachandran plot's most favored region. Subsequently, the vaccine structure was docked with the TLR4/MD2 complex and six different HLA allele receptors using the HADDOCK server. The docking resulted in the lowest HADDOCK score of 39.3 ± 9.0 for TLR/MD2. Immune stimulation showed a strong immune response, including antibodies creation and the activation of B-cells, T Cytotoxic cells, T Helper cells, Natural Killer cells, and interleukins. Furthermore, the vaccine construct was successfully expressed in the Escherichia coli system by reverse transcription, optimization, and ligation in the pET-28a (+) vector for the expression study. The current study proposes V1 construct has the potential to elicit both cellular and humoral responses, crucial for the developing an epitope-based vaccine against N. meningitidis strain 331,401 serogroup X.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asad
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus, Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Hassan
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus, Pakistan
| | - Weiyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wadi B Alonazi
- Health Administration Department, College of Business Administration, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Solabomi Olaitan Ogunyemi
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus, Pakistan.
| | - Li Bin
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Breeding, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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2
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Baskol Elik D, Yıldırım C, Akyol Seyhan D, Aytac Erdem H, Zeytinoglu A, Pullukcu H, Aydemir SS, Tasbakan M. Evaluation of antibody responses in healthcare workers before & after meningococcal vaccine and determination of meningococcal carriage rates. Vaccine 2024; 42:3961-3967. [PMID: 38719693 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The rates of nasopharyngeal meningococcal carriage in healthcare workers are unknown. Meningococcal vaccine is recommended for risk groups but healthcare workers are not included in risk groups for many countries. Herein, we aimed to investigate the nasopharyngeal meningococcal carriage rates, basal and after one dose of Men-ACWY-DT vaccine response on the 30th day by evaluating meningococcus IgG antibody levels and decolonization at month six after vaccination among the detected carriers. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were taken before vaccination to evaluate meningococcal carriage in healthcare workers. All participants received a single dose of Men-ACWY-DT vaccine. Serum samples were collected immediately before vaccination and again on day 30 post-vaccination. Antibodies in the stored sera were analyzed using the ELISA method. Participants who were determined to carry meningococci at the initial visit underwent another round of nasopharyngeal swab tests six months post-vaccination to check for decolonization. Between November 2020 and May 2021, we evaluated samples from 100 physicians [52 % females, 28.28 ± 4.45 (min: 24, max: 49)]. The majority of the physicians worked in the emergency department (45 %), followed by the infectious diseases clinic (14 %). Fifty-eight physicians had a history of at least one contact with a meningococcus-infected patient, and 53 (91.4 %) had used prophylactic antibiotics at least once due to this exposure. None of the study group nasopharyngeal swab cultures were positive for Neisseria meningitidis. Before the Men-ACWY-DT vaccine, anti-meningococcus IgG positivity was detected in the serum samples of only 3 (3 %) participants. By day 30 after vaccination, 48 % of participants showed positive for antibodies. As we didn't detect nasopharyngeal carriage in any participants, we didn't evaluate decolonization among carriers six months post-vaccination. Notably, detection of antibodies was evident in about half of the participants on day 30 after receiving a single dose of the Men-ACWY-DT vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilsah Baskol Elik
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey; Turgutlu State Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Manisa, Turkey.
| | - Cigdem Yıldırım
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey; Nigde Training and Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Nigde, Turkey
| | - Deniz Akyol Seyhan
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey; Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Aytac Erdem
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aysin Zeytinoglu
- Izmir University of Economics, Medical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Medical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Husnu Pullukcu
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Meltem Tasbakan
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Izmir, Turkey
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3
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de Pouvourville G, Breau-Brunel M, Loncle-Provot V, Beck E, Gaugain L, Nachbaur G, Pribil C. Public Health Impact and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of 4-Component Meningococcal Serotype B Vaccination for Infants in France. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2024; 8:539-557. [PMID: 38780884 PMCID: PMC11252096 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-024-00488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In France, meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) is the most common serogroup causing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in infants and young children. Our objective was to illustrate the impact of model choices on health outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of infant vaccination with the multicomponent meningococcal serogroup B vaccine (4CMenB) versus no vaccine in France. METHODS A previously published dynamic transmission-based cost-effectiveness model was adapted for the French context using updated, French-specific demographic, epidemiological, and cost data. IMD incidence and long-term sequelae were derived through analysis of French healthcare and surveillance databases. A collective perspective over a 100-year time horizon was adopted, with a discount rate of 2.5%, reduced to 1.5% after the first 30 years. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed. RESULTS In the base case analysis, infant vaccination with 4CMenB avoided 3101 MenB IMD cases in infants aged < 1 year (- 54%) and 6845 cases in all age groups (- 21%). The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was €316,272/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) but was highly sensitive to the types of sequelae included, MenB incidence, vaccine effectiveness parameters, and consideration of life-expectancy in IMD survivors (range: €65,272/QALY to €493,218/QALY). CONCLUSIONS Using economic models compliant with French methodology guidelines, 4CMenB does not seem cost-effective; however, results are sensitive to model choices and 4CMenB immunization is an effective strategy to prevent MenB IMD cases and to improve quality of life and economic burden associated with MenB IMD treatment, especially with regard to long-term sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Céline Pribil
- GSK, 23, rue François Jacob, 92500, Rueil-Malmaison, France.
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4
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Kim YR, Hyun H, Kim EJ, Choi YH, Yoo JS, Lee Y, Oh HS, Heo JY. Effectiveness of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine against meningococcal carriage and genotype character changes: A secondary analysis of prospective cohort study in Korean military trainees. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 146:107150. [PMID: 38914368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107150] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated the changes and molecular epidemiology of meningococcal carriage in military recruits after quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY) vaccination. METHODS Oropharyngeal swabs were obtained at the beginning and end of the 5-week training. Carriage rates before and after vaccination were compared to estimate vaccine effectiveness (VE). Cultured isolates were characterized by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). RESULTS Of 866 vaccinated participants, the overall carriage rate was 10.6% prior to MenACWY vaccination and it tended to decrease to 9.5% after 5 weeks of vaccination (P = 0.424). Carriage rate of serogroup ACWY decreased significantly after vaccination (VEACWY = 72.6%, 95% CI: 36.3-88.2), and serogroup C was particularly reduced (VEC = 83.0%, 95% CI: 50.6-94.1), whereas non-groupable isolates increased significantly after vaccination (VENG = -76.1%, 95% CI: -176.2 to -13.1). Among 99 carriage isolates with complete MLST profiles, 45 different sequence types with nine clonal complexes (CCs) were identified, and 35.3% of the carriage isolates belonged to hypervirulent strains such as CC-32, CC-41/44, and CC-269. CONCLUSIONS MenACWY vaccination in military recruits led to reduced carriage rates of serogroups C, W, and Y within a short 5-week period. However, serogroup B isolates belonging to the hypervirulent lineage remained after the implementation of MenACWY vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Rong Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hakjun Hyun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jin Kim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hwa Choi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Sae Yoo
- Department of Acute Care Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeunji Lee
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Sang Oh
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Yeon Heo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Sotheran E, Lane CR, Horan K, Stevens K, Guglielmino C, Bradbury S, Kennedy K, Cooley L, McEwan B, Kahler CM, Mowlaboccus S, Speers DJ, Baird R, Freeman K, Leong L, Warner M, Williamson DA, McVernon J, Lahra M, Jennison AV, Howden BP, Andersson P. Genomic Surveillance of Invasive Meningococcal Disease During a National MenW Outbreak in Australia, 2017-2018. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae249. [PMID: 38854393 PMCID: PMC11161896 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae249] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In Australia, invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) incidence rapidly increased between 2014 and 2017 due to rising serogroup W (MenW) and MenY infections. We aimed to better understand the genetic diversity of IMD during 2017 and 2018 using whole genome sequencing data. Methods Whole genome sequencing data from 440 Australian IMD isolates collected during 2017 and 2018 and 1737 international MenW:CC11 isolates collected in Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, and South America between 1974 and 2020 were used in phylogenetic analyses; genetic relatedness was determined from single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Results Australian isolates were as follows: 181 MenW (41%), 144 MenB (33%), 88 MenY (20%), 16 MenC (4%), 1 MenW/Y (0.2%), and 10 nongenogroupable (2%). Eighteen clonal complexes (CCs) were identified, and 3 (CC11, CC23, CC41/44) accounted for 78% of isolates (343/440). These CCs were associated with specific serogroups: CC11 (n = 199) predominated among MenW (n = 181) and MenC (n = 15), CC23 (n = 80) among MenY (n = 78), and CC41/44 (n = 64) among MenB (n = 64). MenB isolates were highly diverse, MenY were intermediately diverse, and MenW and MenC isolates demonstrated the least genetic diversity. Thirty serogroup and CC-specific genomic clusters were identified. International CC11 comparison revealed diversification of MenW in Australia. Conclusions Whole genome sequencing comprehensively characterized Australian IMD isolates, indexed their genetic variability, provided increased within-CC resolution, and elucidated the evolution of CC11 in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Sotheran
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Courtney R Lane
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kristy Horan
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kerrie Stevens
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christine Guglielmino
- Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Department of Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Susan Bradbury
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canberra Health Services, Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australia
| | - Karina Kennedy
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canberra Health Services, Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australia
| | - Louise Cooley
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Belinda McEwan
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Hobart Hospital, Tasmanian School of Medicine, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Charlene M Kahler
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Shakeel Mowlaboccus
- Marshall Centre for Infectious Diseases Research and Training, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - David J Speers
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Robert Baird
- Royal Darwin Hospital Pathology, Darwin, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Deborah A Williamson
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jodie McVernon
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Monica Lahra
- New South Wales Health Pathology, Microbiology Randwick, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amy V Jennison
- Public Health Microbiology, Forensic and Scientific Services, Queensland Department of Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Benjamin P Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Pathogen Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Patiyan Andersson
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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6
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Harris-Jones TN, Chan JM, Hackett KT, Weyand NJ, Schaub RE, Dillard JP. Peptidoglycan fragment release and NOD activation by commensal Neisseria species from humans and other animals. Infect Immun 2024; 92:e0000424. [PMID: 38563734 PMCID: PMC11075463 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00004-24] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, a human restricted pathogen, releases inflammatory peptidoglycan (PG) fragments that contribute to the pathophysiology of pelvic inflammatory disease. The genus Neisseria is also home to multiple species of human- or animal-associated Neisseria that form part of the normal microbiota. Here we characterized PG release from the human-associated nonpathogenic species Neisseria lactamica and Neisseria mucosa and animal-associated Neisseria from macaques and wild mice. An N. mucosa strain and an N. lactamica strain were found to release limited amounts of the proinflammatory monomeric PG fragments. However, a single amino acid difference in the PG fragment permease AmpG resulted in increased PG fragment release in a second N. lactamica strain examined. Neisseria isolated from macaques also showed substantial release of PG monomers. The mouse colonizer Neisseria musculi exhibited PG fragment release similar to that seen in N. gonorrhoeae with PG monomers being the predominant fragments released. All the human-associated species were able to stimulate NOD1 and NOD2 responses. N. musculi was a poor inducer of mouse NOD1, but ldcA mutation increased this response. The ability to genetically manipulate N. musculi and examine effects of different PG fragments or differing amounts of PG fragments during mouse colonization will lead to a better understanding of the roles of PG in Neisseria infections. Overall, we found that only some nonpathogenic Neisseria have diminished release of proinflammatory PG fragments, and there are differences even within a species as to types and amounts of PG fragments released.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany N. Harris-Jones
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jia Mun Chan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kathleen T. Hackett
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nathan J. Weyand
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
| | - Ryan E. Schaub
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Joseph P. Dillard
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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7
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Gonzales Y Tucker RD, Addepalli A. Fever and Rash. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2024; 42:303-334. [PMID: 38641393 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2024.01.005] [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] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Infectious causes of fever and rash pose a diagnostic challenge for the emergency provider. It is often difficult to discern rashes associated with rapidly progressive and life-threatening infections from benign exanthems, which comprise the majority of rashes seen in the emergency department. Physicians must also consider serious noninfectious causes of fever and rash. A correct diagnosis depends on an exhaustive history and head-to-toe skin examination as most emergent causes of fever and rash remain clinical diagnoses. A provisional diagnosis and immediate treatment with antimicrobials and supportive care are usually required prior to the return of confirmatory laboratory testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Diego Gonzales Y Tucker
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Box 0209, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Alameda Health System - Wilma Chan Highland Hospital, 1411 E 31st Street, Oakland, CA 94602, USA.
| | - Aravind Addepalli
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, Box 0209, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Cotugno N, Neri A, Sanna M, Santilli V, Manno EC, Pascucci GR, Morrocchi E, Amodio D, Ruggiero A, Ciofi degl Atti ML, Barneschi I, Grappi S, Cocchi I, Giacomet V, Trabattoni D, Olivieri G, Bernardi S, O’Connor D, Montomoli E, Pollard AJ, Palma P. Children with perinatally acquired HIV exhibit distinct immune responses to 4CMenB vaccine. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e177182. [PMID: 38775152 PMCID: PMC11141905 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.177182] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Children with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) have special vaccination needs, as they make suboptimal immune responses. Here, we evaluated safety and immunogenicity of 2 doses of 4-component group B meningococcal vaccine in antiretroviral therapy-treated children with PHIV and healthy controls (HCs). Assessments included the standard human serum bactericidal antibody (hSBA) assay and measurement of IgG titers against capsular group B Neisseria meningitidis antigens (fHbp, NHBA, NadA). The B cell compartment and vaccine-induced antigen-specific (fHbp+) B cells were investigated by flow cytometry, and gene expression was investigated by multiplexed real-time PCR. A good safety and immunogenicity profile was shown in both groups; however, PHIV demonstrated a reduced immunogenicity compared with HCs. Additionally, PHIV showed a reduced frequency of fHbp+ and an altered B cell subset distribution, with higher fHbp+ frequency in activated memory and tissue-like memory B cells. Gene expression analyses on these cells revealed distinct mechanisms between PHIV and HC seroconverters. Overall, these data suggest that PHIV presents a diverse immune signature following vaccination. The impact of such perturbation on long-term maintenance of vaccine-induced immunity should be further evaluated in vulnerable populations, such as people with PHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Cotugno
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine and
| | - Alessia Neri
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Sanna
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Veronica Santilli
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emma Concetta Manno
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rubens Pascucci
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Morrocchi
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Amodio
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine and
| | - Alessandra Ruggiero
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marta Luisa Ciofi degl Atti
- Unit of Epidemiology, Clinical Pathways and Clinical Risk, Medical Direction, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Ilaria Cocchi
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, and
| | - Vania Giacomet
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, “Luigi Sacco” Hospital, and
| | - Daria Trabattoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Olivieri
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Bernardi
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel O’Connor
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- VisMederi Life Sciences Srl, Siena, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrew J. Pollard
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Paolo Palma
- Clinical and Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine and
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9
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Mohammed H, Peut C, McMillan M, Wang B, Sullivan TR, Marshall HS. THE ROLE OF SCHOOLS IN MENINGOCOCCAL CARRIAGE AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024:00006454-990000000-00833. [PMID: 38621163 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis carriage peaks in adolescents. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (NCT03089086) assessing 4CMenB herd protection in South Australia ("B-Part-of-It" study) explored school attributes linked to baseline carriage in 34,489 adolescents prevaccination. Carriage was higher in students attending single-sex [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.49; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-1.93], boarding (aOR: 1.92; 1.13-3.27) and government schools (aOR: 1.32, 1.09-1.61).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassen Mohammed
- From the Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Hospital
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide
| | | | - Mark McMillan
- From the Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Hospital
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide
| | - Bing Wang
- From the Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Hospital
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide
| | - Thomas R Sullivan
- SAHMRI Women and Kids Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Helen S Marshall
- From the Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Hospital
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide
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10
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Sharma P, Kale S, Phugare S, Pendharkar S, Shinde P, Mandhan A, Goel SK, Gairola S. Molecular size distribution in pentavalent (A, C, Y, W, X) meningococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine by HPSEC-UV-MALS-RI method- a conceivable stability indicating parameter. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1236:124048. [PMID: 38430603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Molecular size distribution (MSD) of polysaccharides serves as a key parameter that directly correlates to the immunogenicity of vaccine. MSD at meningococcal polysaccharide (A, C, Y and W) or conjugate bulk level is well established under detailed pharmacopeial and WHO guidelines. We report here, a newly developed method for determination of molecular size distribution of pentavalent Meningococcal conjugate vaccine comprising of A, C, Y, W and X (MenFive). Although serogroup specific molecular size could not be estimated here; lot to lot consistency monitoring, molecular aggregates distribution in final lot, are key takeaways of this method. Determination of MSD in pentavalent fill finished product was quite challenging. Various columns/detectors combination, buffers, physico-chemical conditions (temperature, 2-8 °C, 25 °C, 40 °C and 60 °C; flow rate, 0.3 mL to 0.8 mL), liquid/lyophilized formulations, were explored. Polymer-based packed columns were explored for estimation for MSD by aqueous size exclusion chromatography, using combinations of- Shodex OHPAK SB 807 HQ, Shodex OHPAK SB 806 HQ, G6000 PWXL, coupled with guard Shodex OHPAK SB-G-6B. MenFive showed heterogenous distribution of molecules ranging from 200 to 19000 kDa, indicating its complex nature. However, 1000-8000 kDa was dominant range, comprising of ≥ 50 % distribution of molecules, in both liquid as well as lyophilized formulations, with average molecular weight around 6000-6500 kDa. The molar mass distribution after slicing would provide an insight to the conformation of molecules through its presentation as HMW, LMW, aggregates and subsequently, the presence of dominant population of molecules of a particular molecular weight and its total contribution in the sample.
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11
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Persson A, Koivula T, Jacobsson S, Stenmark B. Diverse proinflammatory response in pharyngeal epithelial cells upon interaction with Neisseria meningitidis carriage and invasive isolates. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:286. [PMID: 38443838 PMCID: PMC10916014 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09186-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), including sepsis and meningitis, can develop when Neisseria meningitidis bacteria breach the barrier and gain access to the circulation. While IMD is a rare outcome of bacterial exposure, colonization of the oropharynx is present in approximately 10% of the human population. This asymptomatic carriage can be long or short term, and it is unknown which determining factors regulate bacterial colonization. Despite descriptions of many bacterial virulence factors and recent advances in detailed genetic identification and characterization of bacteria, the factors mediating invasion and disease vs. asymptomatic carriage following bacterial colonization remain unknown. The pharyngeal epithelia play a role in the innate immune defense against pathogens, and the aim of this study was to investigate the proinflammatory response of pharyngeal epithelial cells following meningococcal exposure to describe the potential inflammatory mediation performed during the initial host‒pathogen interaction. Clinically relevant isolates of serogroups B, C, W and Y, derived from patients with meningococcal disease as well as asymptomatic carriers, were included in the study. RESULTS The most potent cellular response with proinflammatory secretion of TNF, IL-6, CXCL8, CCL2, IL-1β and IL-18 was found in response to invasive serogroup B isolates. This potent response pattern was also mirrored by increased bacterial adhesion to cells as well as induced cell death. It was, however, only with serogroup B isolates where the most potent cellular response was toward the IMD isolates. In contrast, the most potent cellular response using serogroup Y isolates was directed toward the carriage isolates rather than the IMD isolates. In addition, by comparing isolates from outbreaks in Sweden (epidemiologically linked and highly genetically similar), we found the most potent proinflammatory response in cells exposed to carriage isolates rather than the IMD isolates. CONCLUSION Although certain expected correlations between host‒pathogen interactions and cellular proinflammatory responses were found using IMD serogroup B isolates, our data indicate that carriage isolates invoke stronger proinflammatory activation of the epithelial lining than IMD isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Persson
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Therese Koivula
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Inflammatory Response and Infection Susceptibility Centre (iRiSC), Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Susanne Jacobsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Bianca Stenmark
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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12
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Vollmuth N, Sin J, Kim BJ. Host-microbe interactions at the blood-brain barrier through the lens of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain-like endothelial cells. mBio 2024; 15:e0286223. [PMID: 38193670 PMCID: PMC10865987 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02862-23] [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: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbe-induced meningoencephalitis/meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the central nervous system (CNS) that occurs when pathogens are able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and gain access to the CNS. The BBB consists of highly specialized brain endothelial cells that exhibit specific properties to allow tight regulation of CNS homeostasis and prevent pathogen crossing. However, during meningoencephalitis/meningitis, the BBB fails to protect the CNS. Modeling the BBB remains a challenge due to the specialized characteristics of these cells. In this review, we cover the induced pluripotent stem cell-derived, brain-like endothelial cell model during host-pathogen interaction, highlighting the strengths and recent work on various pathogens known to interact with the BBB. As stem cell technologies are becoming more prominent, the stem cell-derived, brain-like endothelial cell model has been able to reveal new insights in vitro, which remain challenging with other in vitro cell-based models consisting of primary human brain endothelial cells and immortalized human brain endothelial cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Vollmuth
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Jon Sin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Brandon J. Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Center for Convergent Biosciences and Medicine, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- Alabama Life Research Institute, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
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13
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McMillan M, Mohammed H, Bednarz J, Leong LEX, Lawrence A, Sullivan TR, Maiden MCJ, Marshall HS. Longitudinal study of meningococcal carriage in adolescents and young adults in South Australia 2017-2020. J Infect 2024; 88:149-157. [PMID: 38242365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.01.002] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This analysis investigated longitudinal changes in meningococcal carriage in adolescents in South Australia over 4 years. METHODS Data from the "B Part of It" study, which included a state-wide cluster randomized controlled trial in secondary-school students (n = 34,489 in 2017 and 2018) and serial cross-sectional studies in school leavers aged 17-25 years (n = 4028 in 2019-2020). Individuals had oropharyngeal swabs collected annually. This study included two unique cohorts: (1) individuals enrolled in 2019, with three consecutive annual swabs taken in 2017, 2018 and 2019; and (2) individuals enrolled in 2020, with swabs taken in 2017, 2018, and 2020. Disease-associated N. meningitidis genogroups were identified using PCR and whole genome sequencing. Univariate analysis identified risk factors for recurrent carriage (≥2). RESULTS Among school leavers, 50 (1.7%, total n = 2980) had carriage detected at successive visits. In participants with meningococcal carriage at successive visits, 38/50 (76.0%) had the same genogroup detected by porA PCR. Of those, 19 had the same MLST type and demonstrated minimal variation, indicating they most likely had sustained carriage of the same isolate (range 226 to 490 days, mean duration 352 [SD 51] days). In the 2019 school leaver cohort, 6.7% acquired carriage in their first year out of school compared to 3.3% in their final school year. Compared to single carriage detection, recurrent carriage was potentially more likely in older adolescents (16 compared to ≤15 years; OR = 1.97 (95%CI 1.0, 3.86); p = 0.048). CONCLUSION Whilst carriage is typically transient, some adolescents/young adults may have persistent carriage and are likely to be an important group in the transmission of meningococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark McMillan
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hassen Mohammed
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jana Bednarz
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; SAHMRI Women and Kids Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lex E X Leong
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, SA Pathology, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Andrew Lawrence
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, SA Pathology, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Thomas R Sullivan
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; SAHMRI Women and Kids Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Helen S Marshall
- Vaccinology and Immunology Research Trials Unit, Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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Oduoye MO, Akanbi-Hakeem HB, Muzammil MA, Arama UO, Abbasi HQ, Farhan K, Fariha FNU, Modupeoluwa OO, Paul HW, Badarou ADE, Akilimali A. Meningitis in Niger Republic amidst COVID-19: current issues and novel recommendations. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:345-352. [PMID: 38222679 PMCID: PMC10783331 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001511] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Amidst coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there has been a misplaced priority on meningitis in the Niger Republic, thus refocusing resources and attention away from the continuing meningitis campaign in the Niger Republic. The over-strained state of public health resources and staff has also led to decreased surveillance, postponed diagnoses, and constrained immunization efforts in Niger Republic. This review aims to bridge the gaps regarding meningitis amid COVID-19 in Niger Republic and offer recommendations to government to mitigate meningitis in the country, with the hope of finding a permanent solution to this debilitating disease. The authors reviewed 45 past and present pieces of literature on meningitis and COVID-19 from 2013 to 2023 in well-renowned scientific databases such as PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, Medline, and Embase. Since 2015, Niger Republic has experienced multiple meningitis epidemics that have resulted in 20, 789 cases and 1, 369 deaths [a case fatality rate (CFR) of 6.6%]. A total of 231 cases of meningitis were reported from 1 November 2021 to 31 January 2022. And recently, 559 cases of meningitis (of which 111 are laboratory confirmed), including 18 deaths (overall CFR 3.2%), occurred in the Zinder region, southeast of Niger Republic, from 1 November 2022 to 27 January 2023. Meningitis remains a public health concern in the world, especially in Niger Republic, which could lead to serious long-term complications. Therefore, adequate and novel measures and therapeutic actions should be implemented by the Niger Government to lessen the burden of the disease in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Olatunde Oduoye
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
- Department of Research, Medical Research Circle, Bukavu
| | | | | | | | | | - Kanza Farhan
- Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi
| | | | | | - Houessou W. Paul
- Faculty of Health Sciences of Andre Salifou Zinder University, Niger Republic
| | - Achiraf-deen E. Badarou
- Department of General Medicine, FSS-Cotonou, Association of Medical Students of Cotonou, Cotonou, Littoral, Benin
| | - Aymar Akilimali
- Department of Research, Medical Research Circle, Bukavu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Goma, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
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15
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Wu S, Coureuil M, Nassif X, Tautz L. Enzyme mechanistic studies of NMA1982, a protein tyrosine phosphatase and potential virulence factor in Neisseria meningitidis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22015. [PMID: 38086986 PMCID: PMC10716126 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49561-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is an integral part of many cellular processes, not only in eukaryotes but also in bacteria. The discovery of both prokaryotic protein kinases and phosphatases has created interest in generating antibacterial therapeutics that target these enzymes. NMA1982 is a putative phosphatase from Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of meningitis and meningococcal septicemia. The overall fold of NMA1982 closely resembles that of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). However, the hallmark C(X)5R PTP signature motif, containing the catalytic cysteine and invariant arginine, is shorter by one amino acid in NMA1982. This has cast doubt about the catalytic mechanism of NMA1982 and its assignment to the PTP superfamily. Here, we demonstrate that NMA1982 indeed employs a catalytic mechanism that is specific to PTPs. Mutagenesis experiments, transition state inhibition, pH-dependence activity, and oxidative inactivation experiments all support that NMA1982 is a genuine PTP. Importantly, we show that NMA1982 is secreted by N. meningitidis, suggesting that this protein is a potential virulence factor. Future studies will need to address whether NMA1982 is indeed essential for N. meningitidis survival and virulence. Based on its unique active site conformation, NMA1982 may become a suitable target for developing selective antibacterial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangding Wu
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Mathieu Coureuil
- Université Paris CitéUFR de Médecine, 15 Rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006, Paris, France
- Institut Necker Enfants-MaladesInserm U1151, CNRS UMR 8253, 160 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Nassif
- Université Paris CitéUFR de Médecine, 15 Rue de l'École de Médecine, 75006, Paris, France
- Institut Necker Enfants-MaladesInserm U1151, CNRS UMR 8253, 160 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Lutz Tautz
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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16
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Wang B, Marshall HS. A new era for equity in meningococcal disease prevention. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:1329-1330. [PMID: 37579772 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00232-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Wang
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, SA, Australia; Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - Helen S Marshall
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, SA, Australia; Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia.
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17
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Gonzalez GA, Porto G, Tecce E, Oghli YS, Miao J, O'Leary M, Chadid DP, Vo M, Harrop J. Advances in diagnosis and management of atypical spinal infections: A comprehensive review. NORTH AMERICAN SPINE SOCIETY JOURNAL 2023; 16:100282. [PMID: 37915965 PMCID: PMC10616400 DOI: 10.1016/j.xnsj.2023.100282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Atypical spinal infections (ASIs) of the spine are a challenging pathology to management with potentially devastating morbidity and mortality. To identify patients with atypical spinal infections, it is important to recognize the often insidious clinical and radiographic presentations, in the setting of indolent and smoldering organism growth. Trending of inflammatory markers, and culturing of organisms, is essential. Once identified, the spinal infection should be treated with antibiotics and possibly various surgical interventions including decompression and possible fusion depending on spine structural integrity and stability. Early diagnosis of ASIs and immediate treatment of debilitating conditions, such as epidural abscess, correlate with fewer neurological deficits and a shorter duration of medical treatment. There have been great advances in surgical interventions and spinal fusion techniques for patients with spinal infection. Overall, ASIs remain a perplexing pathology that could be successfully treated with early diagnosis and immediate, appropriate medical, and surgical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn A. Gonzalez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, 909 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Guilherme Porto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, 909 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Eric Tecce
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, 909 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Yazan Shamli Oghli
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, 909 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Jingya Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, 909 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Matthew O'Leary
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, 909 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | | | - Michael Vo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, 909 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - James Harrop
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, 909 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
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18
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Kale S, Phugare S, Sharma P, Goel SK, Gairola S. Method development and validation of unbound saccharide content (serogroup A, C, Y, W, X) in novel pentavalent meningococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine with two different carrier proteins. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 236:115679. [PMID: 37660546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115679] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Exclusive DOC-HCl formulations were developed for free polysaccharide content estimation in Meningococcal serogroup A, C, Y, W and X from pentavalent meningococcal vaccine (A, C, Y, W, X). The DOC precipitation method reported herein stands as an alternative to the ultra-filtration method for free polysaccharide estimation. DOC content was optimized for all the serogroups at a single concentration, where as effective acid concentration was altered as per serogroup. Briefly, two DOC-HCl formulations were developed for intended purpose, one for TT conjugated serogroups Men A & Men X where as other for CRM conjugated serogroups Men C, Men Y and Men W with effective HCl concentration of 23 mM and 193 mM for precipitation of Protein-DOC complex respectively. Furthermore, an exclusive buffer/DOC-HCl formulation for estimation of Men X free polysaccharide in fill finished product was developed. Accuracy of the method was proven at 12.5 %, 25 %, 50 % and 100 % of test specification where recoveries were found in the range of 70-130 %. In case of repeatability, intra assay variation ranged from 2 % to 7 % whereas inter assay variation was noted to be 2-14 %. Specificity studied revealed no interference of assay components such as sample excipients, DOC, acids. Critical quality and stability-indicating characteristics were measured. Monovalent polysaccharide standards of Men A, C, Y, W and X were developed and assigned the unitage concentration 1.01, 1.10, 1.09, 1.08 and 1.00 mg/mL respectively. Linearity curve was optimized from 0.17 to 27 µg/mL for Men A and C whereas from 0.33 to 27 µg/mL for Men Y and W considering free polysaccharide content estimation. The study suggests that DOC-HCl method meets all the criteria for free polysaccharide estimation in multivalent vaccines with additional advantages of high throughput and sized independent separation hence can be used for quality control testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Kale
- Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., Pune 411028, India
| | | | - Pankaj Sharma
- Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., Pune 411028, India
| | | | - Sunil Gairola
- Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., Pune 411028, India.
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Brusletto BS, Hellerud BC, Øvstebø R, Brandtzaeg P. Neisseria meningitidis accumulate in large organs during meningococcal sepsis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1298360. [PMID: 38089821 PMCID: PMC10713808 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1298360] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) is the cause of epidemic meningitis and fulminant meningococcal septicemia. The clinical presentations and outcome of meningococcal septic shock is closely related to the circulating levels of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and of Neisseria meningitidis DNA (Nm DNA). We have previously explored the distribution of Nm DNA in tissues from large organs of patients dying of meningococcal septic shock and in a porcine meningococcal septic shock model. Objective 1) To explore the feasibility of measuring LPS levels in tissues from the large organs in patients with meningococcal septic shock and in a porcine meningococcal septic shock model. 2) To evaluate the extent of contamination of non-specific LPS during the preparation of tissue samples. Patients and methods Plasma, serum, and fresh frozen (FF) tissue samples from the large organs of three patients with lethal meningococcal septic shock and two patients with lethal pneumococcal disease. Samples from a porcine meningococcal septic shock model were included. Frozen tissue samples were thawed, homogenized, and prepared for quantification of LPS by Pyrochrome® Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay. Results N. meningitidis DNA and LPS was detected in FF tissue samples from large organs in all patients with meningococcal septic shock. The lungs are the organs with the highest LPS and Nm DNA concentration followed by the heart in two of the three meningococcal shock patients. Nm DNA was not detected in any plasma or tissue sample from patients with lethal pneumococcal infection. LPS was detected at a low level in all FF tissues from the two patients with lethal pneumococcal disease. The experimental porcine meningococcal septic shock model indicates that also in porcinis the highest LPS and Nm DNA concentration are detected in lungs tissue samples. The quantification analysis showed that the highest concentration of both Nm DNA and LPS are in the organs and not in the circulation of patients with lethal meningococcal septic shock. This was also shown in the experimental porcine meningococcal septic shock model. Conclusion Our results suggest that LPS can be quantified in mammalian tissues by using the LAL assay.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Reidun Øvstebø
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter Brandtzaeg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Nydalen, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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20
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Lin HL, Chen HM, Lin CY, Chen CC. Accuracy of antigen tests for meningococcal meningitis in cerebrospinal fluid: A diagnostic meta-analysis. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:797-805. [PMID: 37641441 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neisseria meningitidis is one of the major pathogens of meningitis in children worldwide and causes invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), which is a critical illness that mainly presents as meningitis and/or septicemia in children. Identification of N. meningitidis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis, but antigen tests have advantages such as timely results, relatively low cost, and convenience. Yet, the diagnostic accuracy of antigen tests remains uncertain. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of antigen tests for N. meningitidis in CSF. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of antigen tests for N. meningitidis in CSF. We included studies that provided sufficient data to construct a 2 × 2 table on a per-sample basis. To determine the overall sensitivity and specificity of the antigen tests, we used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the reference standard and employed the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model. RESULTS Nine studies with 4533 CSF samples were included. The meta-analysis yielded a pooled sensitivity of 91.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80.0%-100.0%) and a pooled specificity of 93.8% (95% CI: 83.9%-100.0%). A subgroup analysis of 2 studies that reported the outcomes of MeningoSpeed yielded a pooled sensitivity of 93.4% (95% CI: 90.0%-95.8%) and a pooled specificity of 91.9% (95% CI: 88.6%-94.4%). Antigen testing for the N. meningitidis serogroup X had a pooled sensitivity of 92.4% (95% CI: 85.2%-96.2%) and a pooled specificity of 99.2% (95% CI: 78.7%-100.0%). CONCLUSIONS The studied antigen tests had high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis in CSF specimens. Antigen testing could serve as an accurate diagnostic method for assessing patients who have a suspected N. meningitidis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Ling Lin
- Department of Nursing, Landseed International Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Mei Chen
- Department of Nursing, Landseed International Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yen Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chieh Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Eriksson L, Johannesen TB, Stenmark B, Jacobsson S, Säll O, Hedberg ST, Fredlund H, Stegger M, Mölling P. Genetic variants linked to the phenotypic outcome of invasive disease and carriage of Neisseria meningitidis. Microb Genom 2023; 9:001124. [PMID: 37874326 PMCID: PMC10634450 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001124] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis can be a human commensal in the upper respiratory tract but is also capable of causing invasive diseases such as meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia. No specific genetic markers have been detected to distinguish carriage from disease isolates. The aim here was to find genetic traits that could be linked to phenotypic outcomes associated with carriage versus invasive N. meningitidis disease through a bacterial genome-wide association study (GWAS). In this study, invasive N. meningitidis isolates collected in Sweden (n=103) and carriage isolates collected at Örebro University, Sweden (n=213) 2018-2019 were analysed. The GWAS analysis, treeWAS, was applied to single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genes and k-mers. One gene and one non-synonymous SNP were associated with invasive disease and seven genes and one non-synonymous SNP were associated with carriage isolates. The gene associated with invasive disease encodes a phage transposase (NEIS1048), and the associated invasive SNP glmU S373C encodes the enzyme N-acetylglucosamine 1-phosphate (GlcNAC 1-P) uridyltransferase. Of the genes associated with carriage isolates, a gene variant of porB encoding PorB class 3, the genes pilE/pilS and tspB have known functions. The SNP associated with carriage was fkbp D33N, encoding a FK506-binding protein (FKBP). K-mers from PilS, tbpB and tspB were found to be associated with carriage, while k-mers from mtrD and tbpA were associated with invasiveness. In the genes fkbp, glmU, PilC and pilE, k-mers were found that were associated with both carriage and invasive isolates, indicating that specific variations within these genes could play a role in invasiveness. The data presented here highlight genetic traits that are significantly associated with invasive or carriage N. meningitidis across the species population. These traits could prove essential to our understanding of the pathogenicity of N. meningitidis and could help to identify future vaccine targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Eriksson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Thor Bech Johannesen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bianca Stenmark
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Susanne Jacobsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Olof Säll
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Sara Thulin Hedberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Hans Fredlund
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Marc Stegger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paula Mölling
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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22
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Wu S, Coureuil M, Nassif X, Tautz L. Enzyme Mechanistic Studies of NMA1982, a Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase and Potential Virulence Factor in Neisseria meningitidis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3098138. [PMID: 37693380 PMCID: PMC10491346 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3098138/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is an integral part of many cellular processes, not only in eukaryotes but also in bacteria. The discovery of both prokaryotic protein kinases and phosphatases has created interest in generating antibacterial therapeutics that target these enzymes. NMA1982 is a putative phosphatase from Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of meningitis and meningococcal septicemia. The overall fold of NMA1982 closely resembles that of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). However, the hallmark C(X)5R PTP signature motif, containing the catalytic cysteine and invariant arginine, is shorter by one amino acid in NMA1982. This has cast doubt about the catalytic mechanism of NMA1982 and its assignment to the PTP superfamily. Here, we demonstrate that NMA1982 indeed employs a catalytic mechanism that is specific to PTPs. Mutagenesis experiments, transition state inhibition, pH-dependence activity, and oxidative inactivation experiments all support that NMA1982 is a genuine PTP. Importantly, we show that NMA1982 is secreted by N. meningitidis, suggesting that this protein is a potential virulence factor. Future studies will need to address whether NMA1982 is indeed essential for N. meningitidis survival and virulence. Based on its unique active site conformation, NMA1982 may become a suitable target for developing selective antibacterial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lutz Tautz
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
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23
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Zhu N, Hu L, Hu W, Li Q, Mao H, Wang M, Ke Z, Qi L, Wang J. Comparative Transcriptome Profiling of mRNA and lncRNA of Mouse Spleens Inoculated with the Group ACYW135 Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1295. [PMID: 37631863 PMCID: PMC10458039 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081295] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Group ACYW135 meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPV-ACYW135) is a classical common vaccine used to prevent Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W135, but studies on the vaccine at the transcriptional level are still limited. In the present study, mRNAs and lncRNAs related to immunity were screened from the spleens of mice inoculated with MPV-ACYW135 and compared with the control group to identify differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs in the immune response. The result revealed 34375 lncRNAs and 41321 mRNAs, including 405 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 52 DE mRNAs between the MPV group and the control group. Results of GO and KEGG enrichment analysis turned out that the main pathways related to the immunity of target genes of those DE mRNAs and DE lncRNAs were largely associated with positive regulation of T cell activation, CD8-positive immunoglobulin production in mucosal tissue, alpha-beta T cell proliferation, negative regulation of CD4-positive, and negative regulation of interleukin-17 production, suggesting that the antigens of MPV-ACYW135 capsular polysaccharide might activate T cell related immune reaction in the vaccine inoculation. In addition, it was noted that Bach2 (BTB and CNC homolog 2), the target gene of lncRNA MSTRG.17645, was involved in the regulation of immune response in MPV-ACYW135 vaccination. This study provided a preliminary catalog of both mRNAs and lncRNAs associated with the proliferation and differentiation of body immune cells, which was worthy of further research to enhance the understanding of the biological immune process regulated by MPV-ACYW135.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhu
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
- Aimei Vacin BioPharm (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Liping Hu
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
- Aimei Vacin BioPharm (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Wenlong Hu
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
- Aimei Vacin BioPharm (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Qiang Li
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
- Aimei Vacin BioPharm (Zhejiang) Co., Ltd., Ningbo 315000, China
| | - Haiguang Mao
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
| | - Mengting Wang
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
| | - Zhijian Ke
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
| | - Lili Qi
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
| | - Jinbo Wang
- School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Qianhunan Road 1, Ningbo 315100, China; (N.Z.); (L.H.); (W.H.); (Q.L.); (M.W.); (Z.K.); (L.Q.)
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24
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He J, Guo X, Pan C, Cheng G, Zheng M, Zi Y, Cui H, Li X. High-output soft-contact fiber-structure triboelectric nanogenerator and its sterilization application. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 34:385403. [PMID: 37339612 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/acdfd5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are spreading rapidly with the flow of the world's population, and the prevention of epidemic diseases is particularly important for public and personal health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a simple, efficient and non-toxic method to control the spread of bacteria and viruses. The newly developed triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) can generate a high voltage, which inhibits bacterial reproduction. However, the output performance is the main factor limiting real-world applications of TENGs. Herein, we report a soft-contact fiber-structure TENG to avoid insufficient friction states and to improve the output, especially at a high rotation speed. Rabbit hair, carbon nanotubes, polyvinylidene difluoride film and paper all contain fiber structures that are used to guarantee soft contact between the friction layers and improve the contact state and abrasion problem. Compared with a direct-contact triboelectric nanogenerator, the outputs of this soft-contact fiber-structure TENG are improved by about 350%. Meanwhile, the open-circuit voltage can be enhanced to 3440 V, which solves the matching problems when driving high-voltage devices. A TENG-driven ultraviolet sterilization system is then developed. The bactericidal rate of this sterilization system can reach 91%, which significantly reduces the risk of disease spread. This work improves a forward-looking strategy to improve the output and service life of the TENG. It also expands the applications of self-powered TENG sterilization systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei He
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuhua Guo
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, People's Republic of China
| | - Caofeng Pan
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101400, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Cheng
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingli Zheng
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Zi
- Sustainable Energy and Environment Thrust, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Guangzhou, 510000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongzhi Cui
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyi Li
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, People's Republic of China
- Key Lab for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, People's Republic of China
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25
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Kanojiya P, Saroj SD. Effect of respiratory tract co-colonizers on initial attachment of Neisseria meningitidis. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:273. [PMID: 37400657 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03612-x] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory tract is a complex system comprising of unique microbiota inhabitants. Neisseria meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae are few prevalent bacteria in the community composition during lung infections. Although, N. meningitidis resides asymptomatically in nasopharynx of the human host, it can cause fatal infections like meningitis. However, factors affecting transit from carriage to symptomatic infection are not well understood. Various host metabolites and environmental conditions affect the virulence of bacteria. Here, we report that presence of co-colonizers significantly reduces the initial attachment of N. meningitidis to A549 nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Further, significant decrease in invasion to A549 nasopharyngeal epithelial cells was observed. Moreover, survival in J774A.1 murine macrophage also increases significantly when conditioned media (CM) from S. pyogenes and L. rhamnosus is used for culturing N. meningitidis. The increase in survival could be attributed to increased capsule synthesis. The gene expression studies revealed increased expression of siaC and ctrB in CM prepared from the growth S. pyogenes and L. rhamnosus. Overall, the results suggest change in the virulence of N. meningitidis is assisted by lung microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Kanojiya
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, Maharashtra, 412115, India
| | - Sunil D Saroj
- Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Pune, Maharashtra, 412115, India.
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26
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Wakchaure PD, Ganguly B. Exploring the structure, function of thiamine pyrophosphate riboswitch, and designing small molecules for antibacterial activity. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1774. [PMID: 36594112 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade, riboswitches emerged as new small-molecule sensing RNA in bacteria. Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) riboswitch is widely distributed and occurs in plants, bacteria, fungi, and archaea. Extensive biochemical, structural, and genetic studies have been carried out to elucidate the recognition mechanism of TPP riboswitches. However, a comprehensive report summarizing all information on recognition principles and newly designed ligands for TPP riboswitch is scarce in the literature. This review gives a comprehensive understanding of the TPP riboswitch's structure, mechanism, and methods applied to design ligands for the TPP riboswitch. The ligand-bound TPP riboswitch was studied with various experimental and theoretical techniques to elucidate the conformational dynamics. The mutation studies shed light on the significance of pyrimidine sensing helix for the binding of ligands. Further, the structure-activity relationship study and fragment-based approach lead to the development of ligands with Kd values at the sub-micromolar level. However, there is a need to design more potent inhibitors for TPP riboswitch for therapeutic applications. The recent advancements in ligand design highlight the TPP riboswitch as a promising target for developing new antibiotics. This article is categorized under: Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Riboswitches Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padmaja D Wakchaure
- Computation and Simulation Unit (Analytical and Environmental Science Division and Centralized Instrument Facility), CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Bishwajit Ganguly
- Computation and Simulation Unit (Analytical and Environmental Science Division and Centralized Instrument Facility), CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
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27
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Stephens DS. Global Control of Meningococcal Disease. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:2003-2005. [PMID: 37224203 DOI: 10.1056/nejme2301698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
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28
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Wu S, Coureuil M, Nassif X, Tautz L. NMA1982 is a Novel Phosphatase and Potential Virulence Factor in Neisseria meningitidis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.23.541968. [PMID: 37292688 PMCID: PMC10245925 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.23.541968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is an integral part of many cellular processes, not only in eukaryotes but also in bacteria. The discovery of both prokaryotic protein kinases and phosphatases has created interest in generating antibacterial therapeutics that target these enzymes. NMA1982 is a putative phosphatase from Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of meningitis and meningococcal septicemia. The overall fold of NMA1982 closely resembles that of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). However, the hallmark C(X)5R PTP signature motif, containing the catalytic cysteine and invariant arginine, is shorter by one amino acid in NMA1982. This has cast doubt about the catalytic mechanism of NMA1982 and its assignment to the PTP superfamily. Here, we demonstrate that NMA1982 indeed employs a catalytic mechanism that is specific to PTPs. Mutagenesis experiments, transition state inhibition, pH-dependence activity, and oxidative inactivation experiments all support that NMA1982 is a genuine phosphatase. Importantly, we show that NMA1982 is secreted by N. meningitidis, suggesting that this protein is a potential virulence factor. Future studies will need to address whether NMA1982 is indeed essential for N. meningitidis survival and virulence. Based on its unique active site conformation, NMA1982 may become a suitable target for developing selective antibacterial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangding Wu
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mathieu Coureuil
- Université Paris Cité, UFR de Médecine, 15 Rue de l’École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France
- Institut Necker Enfants-Malades, Inserm U1151, CNRS UMR 8253, 160 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Xavier Nassif
- Université Paris Cité, UFR de Médecine, 15 Rue de l’École de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France
- Institut Necker Enfants-Malades, Inserm U1151, CNRS UMR 8253, 160 Rue de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Lutz Tautz
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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29
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You H, Li W, Chen Q. Effect of Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage on Cerebrospinal Fluid Indicators. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050778. [PMID: 37239250 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050778] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis in ruptured aneurysms can be greatly affected by subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), making the diagnosis of intracranial infection more difficult after surgery. This study aimed to identify the reference value range of CSF in the pathological state following spontaneous SAH. A retrospective analysis of demographic and CSF data of all spontaneous SAH patients treated between January 2018 and January 2023 was conducted. A total of 101 valid CSF specimen data were collected for analysis. Our results indicate that in 95% of patients after spontaneous SAH, the leukocyte count in CSF was less than 880 × 106/L. Additionally, the proportion of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes did not exceed 75%, 75%, and 15%, respectively, in 95% of the population. Furthermore, in 95% of the specimens, the concentration of chloride, glucose, and protein was >115 mmol/L, >2.2 mmol/L, and <2.3 g/L, respectively. Compared to the normal reference values, the CSF indexes after spontaneous SAH showed significant changes, especially in the leukocyte count, chloride concentration, and glucose concentration. Using "white blood cell count < 880/mm3, glucose > 2.2 mmol/L, chloride > 115" as the reference values for SAH pathological status is more meaningful for reference purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huichao You
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wenqi Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Hubei No. 3 People's Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan 430033, China
| | - Qianxue Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
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30
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Guzzetta G, Ajelli M, Miglietta A, Fazio C, Neri A, Merler S, Rezza G, Stefanelli P. Evaluating the effect of targeted strategies as control tools for hypervirulent meningococcal C outbreaks: a case study from Tuscany, Italy, 2015 to 2016. Euro Surveill 2023; 28:2200650. [PMID: 37166763 PMCID: PMC10176827 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2023.28.19.2200650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundMeningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis) is the causative bacteria of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), a major cause of meningitis and sepsis. In 2015-16, an outbreak caused by serogroup C meningococci (MenC), belonging to the hyperinvasive strain ST-11(cc-11), resulted in 62 IMD cases in the region of Tuscany, Italy.AimWe aimed to estimate the key outbreak parameters and assess the impact of interventions used in the outbreak response.MethodsWe developed a susceptible-carrier-susceptible individual-based model of MenC transmission, accounting for transmission in households, schools, discos/clubs and the general community, which was informed by detailed data on the 2015-16 outbreak (derived from epidemiological investigations) and on the implemented control measures.ResultsThe outbreak reproduction number (Re) was 1.35 (95% prediction interval: 1.13-1.47) and the IMD probability was 4.6 for every 1,000 new MenC carriage episodes (95% confidence interval: 1.8-12.2). The interventions, i.e. chemoprophylaxis and vaccination of close contacts of IMD cases as well as age-targeted vaccination, were effective in reducing Re and ending the outbreak. Case-based interventions (including ring vaccination) alone would have been insufficient to achieve outbreak control. The definition of age groups to prioritise vaccination had a critical impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of control measures.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that there are no effective alternatives to widespread reactive vaccination during outbreaks of highly transmissible MenC strains. Age-targeted campaigns can increase the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns. These results can be instrumental to define effective guidelines for the control of future meningococcal outbreaks caused by hypervirulent strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Guzzetta
- Center for Health Emergencies, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
| | - Marco Ajelli
- Center for Health Emergencies, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
- Laboratory for Computational Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, United States
| | - Alessandro Miglietta
- Units of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Central Tuscany Health Authority, Florence, Italy
- Regional Health Agency of Tuscany, Epidemiologic Observatory, Florence , Italy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Fazio
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Neri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Merler
- Center for Health Emergencies, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rezza
- Health Prevention Directorate, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Stefanelli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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31
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Invasive Meningococcal Disease and Meningococcal Serogroup B Vaccination in Adults and Their Offspring: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Italy (2019). Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11030508. [PMID: 36992092 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its effectiveness in preventing invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), pediatric uptake of recombinant meningococcal vaccination for serogroup B meningitis (MenB) is low in Italy. This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) about IMD and the vaccine uptake for MenB from July to December 2019, in a sample collected from a series of local Facebook discussion groups from the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia (North-Eastern Italy; 337,104 registered users). A self-administered anonymous web-based questionnaire was used to collect demographics, knowledge status, perceived risk for contracting meningitis, attitude towards the utility of meningococcal vaccine, and willingness to receive/perform MenB vaccine in their offspring. In total, 541 parents returned a fully completed questionnaire (response rate of 1.6% of potential recipients), with a mean age of 39.2 years ± 6.3 (78.1% females). Meningococcal infection was identified as severe or highly severe by most participants (88.9%), while it was recognized as being frequent/highly frequent in the general population by 18.6% of respondents. The overall knowledge status was unsatisfactory (57.6% ± 33.6 of correct answers to the knowledge test). Even though 63.4% of participants were somewhat favorable to MenB/MenC vaccines, offspring’s vaccination towards MenB was reported by only 38.7% of participants. In a binary logistic regression model, the male gender of respondents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.184, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.772 to 5.721), living in a municipality >15,000 inhabitants (aOR 1.675, 95%CI 1.051 to 2.668), reporting a favorable attitude on meningococcus B vaccine (aOR 12.472, 95%CI 3.030 to 51.338), having been vaccinated against serogroup B (aOR 5.624, 95%CI 1.936 to 16.337) and/or serogroup C (aOR 2.652, 95%CI 1.442 to 4.872), and having previously vaccinated their offspring against serogroup C meningococcus (aOR 6.585, 95%CI 3.648 to 11.888) were characterized as positive effectors of offspring’s vaccination. On the contrary, having a higher risk perception on vaccines was identified as the only negative effector (aOR 0.429, 95%CI 0.241 to 0.765). Our results hint towards extensive knowledge gaps on IMD and preventive interventions in the general population, suggesting that a positive attitude towards vaccines and vaccinations could be identified as the main effector also for MenB acceptance. Interventions in the general population aimed at improving confidence, compliance, and acknowledgment of the collective responsibility, as well as preventing actual constraints and the sharing of false beliefs on infectious diseases and their preventive measures, could therefore increase vaccination acceptance in both targeted individuals and their offspring.
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Barichello T, Rocha Catalão CH, Rohlwink UK, van der Kuip M, Zaharie D, Solomons RS, van Toorn R, Tutu van Furth M, Hasbun R, Iovino F, Namale VS. Bacterial meningitis in Africa. Front Neurol 2023; 14:822575. [PMID: 36864913 PMCID: PMC9972001 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.822575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial meningitis differs globally, and the incidence and case fatality rates vary by region, country, pathogen, and age group; being a life-threatening disease with a high case fatality rate and long-term complications in low-income countries. Africa has the most significant prevalence of bacterial meningitis illness, and the outbreaks typically vary with the season and the geographic location, with a high incidence in the meningitis belt of the sub-Saharan area from Senegal to Ethiopia. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) are the main etiological agents of bacterial meningitis in adults and children above the age of one. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B Streptococcus), Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus are neonatal meningitis's most common causal agents. Despite efforts to vaccinate against the most common causes of bacterial neuro-infections, bacterial meningitis remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in Africa, with children below 5 years bearing the heaviest disease burden. The factors attributed to this continued high disease burden include poor infrastructure, continued war, instability, and difficulty in diagnosis of bacterial neuro-infections leading to delay in treatment and hence high morbidity. Despite having the highest disease burden, there is a paucity of African data on bacterial meningitis. In this article, we discuss the common etiologies of bacterial neuroinfectious diseases, diagnosis and the interplay between microorganisms and the immune system, and the value of neuroimmune changes in diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Barichello
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Carlos Henrique Rocha Catalão
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Science, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ursula K. Rohlwink
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Martijn van der Kuip
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dan Zaharie
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Services, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Regan S. Solomons
- Department of Pediatric and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ronald van Toorn
- Department of Pediatric and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marceline Tutu van Furth
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rodrigo Hasbun
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Health, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Federico Iovino
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vivian Ssonko Namale
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Rohokale R, Guo Z. Development in the Concept of Bacterial Polysaccharide Repeating Unit-Based Antibacterial Conjugate Vaccines. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:178-212. [PMID: 36706246 PMCID: PMC9930202 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The surface of cells is coated with a dense layer of glycans, known as the cell glycocalyx. The complex glycans in the glycocalyx are involved in various biological events, such as bacterial pathogenesis, protection of bacteria from environmental stresses, etc. Polysaccharides on the bacterial cell surface are highly conserved and accessible molecules, and thus they are excellent immunological targets. Consequently, bacterial polysaccharides and their repeating units have been extensively studied as antigens for the development of antibacterial vaccines. This Review surveys the recent developments in the synthetic and immunological investigations of bacterial polysaccharide repeating unit-based conjugate vaccines against several human pathogenic bacteria. The major challenges associated with the development of functional carbohydrate-based antibacterial conjugate vaccines are also considered.
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Tian C, Wang K, Zhao M, Cong S, Di X, Li R. Extracellular vesicles participate in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1018692. [PMID: 36579343 PMCID: PMC9791067 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1018692] [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: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide and is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. The early diagnosis and effective treatment of sepsis still face challenges due to its rapid progression, dynamic changes, and strong heterogeneity among different individuals. To develop novel strategies to control sepsis, a better understanding of the complex mechanisms of sepsis is vital. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane vesicles released from cells through different mechanisms. In the disease state, the number of EVs produced by activated or apoptotic cells and the cargoes they carry were altered. They regulated the function of local or distant host cells in autocrine or paracrine ways. Current studies have found that EVs are involved in the occurrence and development of sepsis through multiple pathways. In this review, we focus on changes in the cargoes of EVs in sepsis, the regulatory roles of EVs derived from host cells and bacteria, and how EVs are involved in multiple pathological processes and organ dysfunction in sepsis. Overall, EVs have great application prospects in sepsis, such as early diagnosis of sepsis, dynamic monitoring of disease, precise therapeutic targets, and prevention of sepsis as a vaccine platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Tian
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Shan Cong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xin Di
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ranwei Li
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China,*Correspondence: Ranwei Li,
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Presa J, Serra L, Weil-Olivier C, York L. Preventing invasive meningococcal disease in early infancy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:1979846. [PMID: 35482946 PMCID: PMC9196819 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1979846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This review considers the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease in infants, to examine and critique meningococcal disease prevention in this population through vaccination. High rates of meningococcal disease and poor outcomes, particularly for very young infants, highlight the importance of meningococcal vaccination in early infancy. Although effective and safe meningococcal vaccines are available for use from 6 weeks of age, they are not recommended globally. Emerging real-world data from the increased incorporation of these vaccines within immunization programs inform recommendations regarding effectiveness, appropriate vaccination schedule, possible long-term safety effects, and persistence of antibody responses. Importantly, to protect infants from IMD, national vaccination recommendations should be consistent with available data regarding vaccine safety, effectiveness, and disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Presa
- Vaccine Medical, Development, Scientific, and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Lidia Serra
- Global Vaccines Medical Development and Scientific, and Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | - Laura York
- York Biologics Consulting LLC, Wayne, PA, USA
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Endres LM, Jungblut M, Divyapicigil M, Sauer M, Stigloher C, Christodoulides M, Kim BJ, Schubert-Unkmeir A. Development of a multicellular in vitro model of the meningeal blood-CSF barrier to study Neisseria meningitidis infection. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:81. [PMID: 36289516 PMCID: PMC9597984 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00379-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening disease that occurs when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis cross the meningeal blood cerebrospinal fluid barrier (mBCSFB) and infect the meninges. Due to the human-specific nature of N. meningitidis, previous research investigating this complex host–pathogen interaction has mostly been done in vitro using immortalized brain endothelial cells (BECs) alone, which often do not retain relevant barrier properties in culture. Here, we developed physiologically relevant mBCSFB models using BECs in co-culture with leptomeningeal cells (LMCs) to examine N. meningitidis interaction. Methods We used BEC-like cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iBECs) or hCMEC/D3 cells in co-culture with LMCs derived from tumor biopsies. We employed TEM and structured illumination microscopy to characterize the models as well as bacterial interaction. We measured TEER and sodium fluorescein (NaF) permeability to determine barrier tightness and integrity. We then analyzed bacterial adherence and penetration of the cell barrier and examined changes in host gene expression of tight junctions as well as chemokines and cytokines in response to infection. Results Both cell types remained distinct in co-culture and iBECs showed characteristic expression of BEC markers including tight junction proteins and endothelial markers. iBEC barrier function as determined by TEER and NaF permeability was improved by LMC co-culture and remained stable for seven days. BEC response to N. meningitidis infection was not affected by LMC co-culture. We detected considerable amounts of BEC-adherent meningococci and a relatively small number of intracellular bacteria. Interestingly, we discovered bacteria traversing the BEC-LMC barrier within the first 24 h post-infection, when barrier integrity was still high, suggesting a transcellular route for N. meningitidis into the CNS. Finally, we observed deterioration of barrier properties including loss of TEER and reduced expression of cell-junction components at late time points of infection. Conclusions Here, we report, for the first time, on co-culture of human iPSC derived BECs or hCMEC/D3 with meningioma derived LMCs and find that LMC co-culture improves barrier properties of iBECs. These novel models allow for a better understanding of N. meningitidis interaction at the mBCSFB in a physiologically relevant setting. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12987-022-00379-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo M. Endres
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marvin Jungblut
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mustafa Divyapicigil
- grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Microbiology Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA ,grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Center for Convergent Biosciences & Medicine, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA ,grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Alabama Life Research Institute, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA
| | - Markus Sauer
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Stigloher
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Myron Christodoulides
- grid.5491.90000 0004 1936 9297Molecular Microbiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Brandon J. Kim
- grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA ,grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Microbiology Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL USA ,grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Center for Convergent Biosciences & Medicine, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA ,grid.411015.00000 0001 0727 7545Alabama Life Research Institute, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA
| | - Alexandra Schubert-Unkmeir
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Vaccinating Front-Line Healthcare Workers: Results of a Pre-Pandemic Cross-Sectional Study from North-Eastern Italy on First Responders. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091492. [PMID: 36146570 PMCID: PMC9503083 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
First responders are front-line healthcare workers who are potentially exposed to different infectious agents. Characterizing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards immunization, therefore, has the potential to significantly improve occupational health and safety. A cross-sectional study was performed in October 2018 using a sample of 161 first responders from the Parma Province (mean age 45.1 ± 14.1 years; seniority 10.8 ± 8.6 years). The participants were questioned on three recommended vaccinations (i.e., the seasonal influenza, measles, and pertussis vaccines) and on meningococcal vaccines (not officially recommended for first responders). The participant’s knowledge status and risk perception were assessed as percentage values through a specifically designed questionnaire. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for factors associated with vaccination status were calculated by means of a binary logistic regression analysis. The internal consistency result, calculated using a general knowledge test, was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.894), but the corresponding score was unsatisfying (46.5% ± 32.4), evidencing uncertainties surrounding the recommendations for measles and meningococcal vaccines (39.1% and 34.2% incorrect answers, respectively). While the large majority of respondents were favorable towards the meningococcal (89.4%), measles (87.5%), and pertussis vaccines (83.0%), 55.3% exhibited a favorable attitude toward the seasonal influenza vaccine, the uptake of which in 2018, was reported by 28.0% of respondents, compared to the self-reported lifetime status for meningitis (26.1%), measles (42.2%), and pertussis (34.8%). Not coincidentally, all assessed infections were associated with a low-risk perception score, particularly influenza (33.9% ± 18.4). Interestingly enough, neither knowledge status nor risk perception were associated with vaccination rates. More precisely, the main predictor for being vaccinated against seasonal influenza in 2018 was a seniority of ≥10 years (aOR 3.26, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.35–7.91), while both pertussis and measles were positively associated with higher educational achievement (aOR 3.27, 95%CI 1.29–8.30; and aOR 2.69, 95%CI 1.09–6.65, respectively). The reasons for vaccination gaps among the sampled first responders, apparently, did not find their roots in inappropriate knowledge status and risk perception alone. However, the very low rates of sampled immunization lead us to recommend stronger and more appropriate information campaigns.
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Brusletto BS, Hellerud BC, Olstad OK, Øvstebø R, Brandtzaeg P. Transcriptomic changes in the large organs in lethal meningococcal shock are reflected in a porcine shock model. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:908204. [PMID: 36034711 PMCID: PMC9413276 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.908204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fulminant meningococcal sepsis with shock and multiple organ failure is associated with a massive systemic inflammatory response involving solid organs. We have previously established a porcine model of the disease to study pathophysiologic and possible therapeutic strategies. Objective This study examined whether the organ specific gene expression profile in such a large animal model reflects the profile seen in patients with fulminant meningococcal sepsis. Patients and methods Data from gene expression profiles induced in organs from patients (n=5) and the porcine model (n=8) were imported into the Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software for comparison analysis. The number of meningococci in the organs were quantified by real time-PCR. Results The all-over transcriptional activation between different organs revealed a striking concordance between the patients and the pigs regarding the pattern of transcriptional activation and activated pathways. Comparison analysis demonstrated similar pattern of upregulation of genes being associated with a large range of inflammatory biofunctions in the patients and the porcine model. Genes associated with biofunctions such as organismal death, morbidity and mortality were similarly downregulated in the patients and the porcine model. Comparison analysis of main predicted canonical pathways also demonstrated a high degree of similarity regarding up- and downregulation in both groups. Core analysis revealed different top-upstream regulators in the different organs in the patients. In the patients pro-inflammatory regulators were most activated in the lungs. In the other organs up-stream factors that regulate signaling pathways involved in development, growth, repair and homeostasis and triglyceride synthesis were most activated. In the porcine model, the top-upstream regulators were pro-inflammatory in all organs. The difference may reflect the shorter duration of the porcine experiment than the duration of the patient’s infection before death. Conclusion The inflammatory responses measured on the transcriptomic level in organs in patients with fulminant meningococcal sepsis is reproduced in the porcine model of the disease, although some differences may exist regarding the top-upregulated factors in individual organs. Thus, this large animal model reproduces important immunological features of meningococcal sepsis and can be a valuable tool in further investigations of inflammatory aspects and possible treatment options
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Sletbakk Brusletto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Berit Sletbakk Brusletto,
| | | | | | - Reidun Øvstebø
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter Brandtzaeg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Sarkar I, Dey P, Rathore SS, Singh GD, Singh RP. Global genomic and proteomic analysis indicates co-evolution of Neisseria species and with their human host. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:149. [PMID: 35773545 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03338-w] [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: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neisseria, a genus from the beta-proteobacteria class, is of potential clinical importance. This genus contains both pathogenic and commensal strains. Gonorrhea and meningitis are two major diseases caused by pathogens belonging to this genus. With the increased use of antimicrobial agents against these pathogens they have evolved the antimicrobial resistance capacity making these diseases nearly untreatable. The set of anti-bacterial resistance genes (resistome) and genes associated with signal processing (secretomes) are crucial for the host-microbial interaction. With the virtue of whole-genome sequences and computational biology, it is now possible to study the genomic and proteomic riddles of Neisseria along with their comprehensive evolutionary and metabolic profiling. We have studied relative synonymous codon usage, amino acid usage, reverse ecology, comparative genomics, evolutionary analysis and pathogen-host (Neisseria-human) interaction through bioinformatics analysis. Our analysis revealed the co-evolution of Neisseria genomes with the human host. Moreover, the co-occurrence of Neisseria and humans has been supported through reverse ecology analysis. A differential pattern of the evolutionary rate of resistomes and secretomes was evident among the pathogenic and commensal strains. Comparative genomics supported the presence of virulent genes in both pathogenic and commensal strains of the select genus. Our analysis also indicated a transition from commensal to pathogenic Neisseria strains through the long run of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrani Sarkar
- Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641 108, India
| | - Prateek Dey
- Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641 108, India
| | | | | | - Ram Pratap Singh
- Department of Life Science, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, 824236, India.
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Trung NT, Son LHP, Hien TX, Quyen DT, Bang MH, Song LH. CRISPR-Cas12a combination to alleviate the false-positive in loop-mediated isothermal amplification-based diagnosis of Neisseria meningitidis. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:429. [PMID: 35508977 PMCID: PMC9066958 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07363-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Loop isothermal amplification (LAMP) has recently been proposed as a point-of-care diagnostic tool to detect acute infectious pathogens; however, this technique embeds risk of generating false-positive results. Whereas, with abilities to accurately recognize specific sequence, the CRISPR/Cas12a can forms complexes with cognate RNA sensors and cleave pathogen’s DNA targets complimerntary to its cognate RNA, afterward acquiring the collateral activity to unbiasedly cut nearby off-target fragments. Therefore, if relevant fluorescent-quencher-nucleic probes are present in the reaction, the non-specific cleavage of probes releases fluorescences and establish diagnostic read-outs. Methods The MetA gene of N. meningitidis was selected as target to optimize the LAMP reaction, whereas pseudo-dilution series of N. meningitidis gemonics DNA was used to establish the detection limit of LAMP/Cas12a combination assay. The diagnostic performance of established LAMP/Cas12a combination assay was validated in comparation with standard real-time PCR on 51 CSF samples (14 N. meningitidis confirmed patients and 37 control subjects). Results In relevant biochemical conditions, CRISPR-Cas12a and LAMP can work synchronously to accurately identify genetics materials of Nesseria menitigistis at the level 40 copies/reaction less than 2 h. Conclusions In properly optimized conditions, the CRISPR-Cas12a system helps to alleviate false positive result hence enhancing the specificity of the LAMP assays. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07363-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngo Tat Trung
- Centre for Genetics Consultation and Cancer Screening (CGC), Hanoi, Vietnam. .,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam. .,Faculty of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, 108 Military Central Hospital, Hai Ba Trung District, No 1, Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. .,108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Le Huu Phuc Son
- Centre for Genetics Consultation and Cancer Screening (CGC), Hanoi, Vietnam.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trinh Xuan Hien
- Centre for Genetics Consultation and Cancer Screening (CGC), Hanoi, Vietnam.,Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Dao Thanh Quyen
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam.,Faculty of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, 108 Military Central Hospital, Hai Ba Trung District, No 1, Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi, Vietnam.,108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mai Hong Bang
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam.,108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Le Huu Song
- Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE), Hanoi, Vietnam. .,Faculty of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, 108 Military Central Hospital, Hai Ba Trung District, No 1, Tran Hung Dao Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. .,108 Institute of Clinical Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
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Abstract
The noncanonical structures, G-quadruplexes (GQs), formed in the guanine-rich region of nucleic acids regulate various biological and molecular functions in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Neisseria meningitidis is a commensal residing in a human's upper respiratory tract but occasionally becomes virulent, causing life-threatening septicemia and meningitis. The factors causing these changes in phenotypes are not fully understood. At the molecular level, regulatory components help in a clearer understanding of the pathogen's virulence and pathogenesis. Herein, genome analysis followed by biophysical assays and cell-based experiments revealed the presence of conserved GQ motifs in N. meningitidis. These GQs are linked to the essential genes involved in cell adhesion, pathogenesis, virulence, transport, DNA repair, and recombination. Primer extension stop assay, reporter assays, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) further affirmed the formation of stable GQs in vitro and in vivo. These results support the existence of evolutionarily conserved GQ motifs in N. meningitidis and uphold the usage of GQ-specific ligands as novel antimeningococcal therapeutics.
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Marshall GS, Fergie J, Presa J, Peyrani P. Rationale for the Development of a Pentavalent Meningococcal Vaccine: A US-Focused Review. Infect Dis Ther 2022; 11:937-951. [PMID: 35357651 PMCID: PMC8969818 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00609-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
While invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is uncommon, it can result in serious sequelae and even death. In 2018 in the United States, the incidence of IMD per 100,000 people was 0.03 among adolescents 11−15 years of age, 0.10 among persons 16−23 years of age, and 0.83 among infants < 1 year of age. Serogroup B accounted for 86%, 62%, and 66% of cases, respectively, in those age groups. Currently, routine meningococcal vaccination covering serogroups ACWY (MenACWY) is recommended in the United States for all adolescents at 11−12 years of age, with a booster dose at 16 years of age, whereas a meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) vaccine series is recommended for persons 16−23 years of age under the shared clinical decision-making paradigm. The MenACWY vaccination program in adolescents has been successful in reducing disease burden, but does not prevent disease caused by serogroup B, which accounts for more than half of IMD cases. There are currently no approved vaccines that cover all of the most common disease-causing meningococcal serogroups, which are A, B, C, W, and Y. A pentavalent MenABCWY vaccine that is constituted from 2 licensed meningococcal vaccines—MenB-FHbp and MenACWY-TT—is being investigated in healthy persons ≥ 10–25 years of age. The addition of a MenABCWY vaccine is the next natural step in the incremental meningococcal immunization program in the United States to improve protection against the most common serogroup causing IMD, with no increase in the number of immunizations needed. With high uptake, routine use of MenABCWY could reduce IMD cases and associated mortality, the rate of long-term physical and psychosocial sequelae in survivors, and costs associated with controlling outbreaks, particularly on college campuses. A MenABCWY vaccine would also reduce the number of injections required for adolescents, potentially improving compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary S. Marshall
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Norton Children’s and University of Louisville School of Medicine, 571 S. Floyd St, Suite 321, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Jaime Fergie
- Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Corpus Christi, TX USA
| | - Jessica Presa
- Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA USA
| | - Paula Peyrani
- Vaccines Medical Development & Scientific/Clinical Affairs, Pfizer Inc, Collegeville, PA USA
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Prunas O, Weinberger DM, Medini D, Tizzoni M, Argante L. Evaluating the Impact of Meningococcal Vaccines With Synthetic Controls. Am J Epidemiol 2022; 191:724-734. [PMID: 34753175 PMCID: PMC8971084 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) has a low and unpredictable incidence, presenting challenges for real-world evaluations of meningococcal vaccines. Traditionally, meningococcal vaccine impact is evaluated by predicting counterfactuals from pre-immunization IMD incidences, possibly controlling for IMD in unvaccinated age groups, but the selection of controls can influence results. We retrospectively applied a synthetic control (SC) method, previously used for pneumococcal disease, to data from 2 programs for immunization of infants against serogroups B and C IMD in England and Brazil. Time series of infectious/noninfectious diseases in infants and IMD cases in older unvaccinated age groups were used as candidate controls, automatically combined in a SC through Bayesian variable selection. SC closely predicted IMD in absence of vaccination, adjusting for nontrivial changes in IMD incidence. Vaccine impact estimates were in line with previous assessments. IMD cases in unvaccinated age groups were the most frequent SC-selected controls. Similar results were obtained when excluding IMD from control sets and using other diseases only, particularly respiratory diseases and measles. Using non-IMD controls may be important where there are herd immunity effects. SC is a robust and flexible method that addresses uncertainty introduced when equally plausible controls exhibit different post-immunization behaviors, allowing objective comparisons of IMD programs between countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Duccio Medini
- Correspondence to Dr. Duccio Medini, Via Fiorentina 1, Siena, 53100, Italy (e-mail: )
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Guedes S, Bricout H, Langevin E, Tong S, Bertrand-Gerentes I. Epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease and sequelae in the United Kingdom during the period 2008 to 2017 - a secondary database analysis. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:521. [PMID: 35296287 PMCID: PMC8928586 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12933-3] [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: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) causes high fatality in untreated patients alongside long-term sequelae in 20% survivors. For a comprehensive assessment of epidemiology, an analysis of these sequelae is required. This study aims to investigate the epidemiology of disease between 2008 and 2017 including a description of the sequelae, through the analysis of data collected from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) linked with data from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), and Office for National Statistics (ONS) mortality registry data. Methods This was a 10-year retrospective observational cohort study designed to describe the incidence, case-fatality rate (CFR) and occurrence of sequelae due to meningococcal disease, in the UK between 2007 and 2017 using data from the UK CPRD-HES-ONS. Cases were identified and matched on age, gender, date of diagnosis of IMD and followed-up-time with a control group without IMD. Demographics, clinical characteristics, mortality, and IMD-related sequelae were examined for IMD cases and compared with matched controls for a more comprehensive assessment. Results The study analysed 640 IMD patients with majority of the cases diagnosed (76.9%) in a hospital setting. Age-group analysis showed a decrease in the incidence rate of IMD in patients aged <1 year (30.4 – 7.5%) and an increase in those >50 years (10.4 – 27.8%). CFR was slightly higher among females, toddlers, and adults >50 years. No significant change in CFR was observed over study period. Case-control study showed a higher number of IMD sequelae among cases compared to age- and gender-matched controls, especially in those ≥ 50 years. Conclusion The study showed that, despite a relatively low incidence rate, IMD is responsible for a high CFR, namely in older age groups and by a high number of IMD sequelae. The study showed that leveraging data from existing databases can be used to complement surveillance data in truly assessing the epidemiology of IMD. Despite the availability of routine vaccination programs, IMD still poses a significant burden in the healthcare system of the UK. Optimization of vaccination programs may be required to reduce the disease burden. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-12933-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Guedes
- Sanofi Pasteur, 14 Espace Henry Vallée, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Hélène Bricout
- Sanofi Pasteur, 14 Espace Henry Vallée, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Edith Langevin
- Sanofi Pasteur, 14 Espace Henry Vallée, 69007, Lyon, France
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Honskus M, Okonji Z, Musilek M, Krizova P. Whole genome sequencing of Neisseria meningitidis Y isolates collected in the Czech Republic in 1993-2018. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265066. [PMID: 35271677 PMCID: PMC8912901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The study presents the analysis of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup Y isolates collected in the Czech Republic and their comparison to other countries. The aim of the study was to determine whether there are lineages of N. meningitidis serogroup Y in the Czech Republic genetically related to foreign ones that have been causing an increase of the morbidity and the mortality of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) world-wide recently. Material and methods The WGS data of 43 Czech N. meningitidis Y isolates, 35 from IMD and 8 from healthy carriers were analysed. Due to the potential of meningococcal B vaccines to induce protection against non-B serogroups, the coverage of Czech isolates of N. meningitidis Y by these vaccines was studied. The WGS data of Czech, European and non-European isolates of N. meningitidis serogroup Y were compared. Results WGS assigned 36 isolates of N. meningitidis Y to five clonal complexes: cc23, cc92, cc167, cc103, and cc174, while seven isolates remained unassigned to any clonal complexes (ccUA). Eighteen invasive isolates belonged to clonal complex cc23, which was detected throughout the studied years. The occurrence of cc23 was recorded in all age groups of IMD patients, with the highest found in those aged 15–19 years. On the phylogenetic network isolates of cc23 form a separate lineage, distinct from all other isolates of N. meningitidis Y. The remaining isolates were assigned to other clonal complexes and have very low relatedness to cc23 isolates and to each other. The comparison with foreign WGS data showed that within the main genetic lineages, which are defined by clonal complexes, Czech isolates of N. meningitidis Y, similar to European ones, mostly cluster together and form geographical sublineages. Conclusions WGS analysis showed the population of Czech N. meningitidis Y isolates as relatively heterogeneous, containing a large number of genetic lineages. The Czech isolates of N. meningitidis Y follow the trend observed for European isolates. Our result was one of the bases for updating the recommended vaccination strategy in the Czech Republic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Honskus
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Okonji
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Musilek
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Krizova
- National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections, Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology, National Institute of Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
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BACTERIAL MENINGITIS PRESENTING WITH A NORMAL CEREBROSPINAL FLUID LEUKOCYTE COUNT. J Infect 2022; 84:615-620. [PMID: 35245581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We describe clinical characteristics and outcome of adults with bacterial meningitis presenting with a normal CSF leukocyte count. METHODS We studied community-acquired bacterial meningitis with a normal CSF leukocyte count (≤ 5 per mm3) in adults from a prospective nationwide cohort study. RESULTS From 2006 through 2020, 39 of 2,357 (2%) episodes presented with a normal CSF leukocyte count. Immunocompromising conditions were present in 19 of 39 patients (49%), compared to 690 of 2303 (30%) in patients with elevated leukocytes (P=0.02). The triad of fever, neck stiffness, and altered consciousness was present in 6 of 34 patients (18%). CSF protein was abnormal in 25 of 37 patients (68%). We identified 3 clinical subgroups: those with severe pneumococcal meningitis (20 patients [51%]), with mainly sepsis (8 [21%]), and a miscellaneous group (11 [28%]). All patients with severe pneumococcal meningitis presented with high CSF protein levels and 18 of 19 (95%) had bacteria in the CSF Gram stain. Outcome was unfavorable in 23 of 39 (59%) patients and 12 (31%) died. CONCLUSION Patients with bacterial meningitis may present with normal CSF leukocyte counts. In these patients, CSF protein levels and Gram staining are important diagnostic parameters.
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Wang X, Mi Q, Yang J, Guan Y, Zeng W, Xiang H, Liu X, Yang W, Yang G, Li X, Cui Y, Gao Q. Effect of electronic cigarette and tobacco smoking on the human saliva microbial community. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:991-1000. [PMID: 35229279 PMCID: PMC9151971 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00721-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence demonstrated the oral microbial community profile characteristics affected by conventional cigarettes smoking, but few studies focus on oral microbiome in response to electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes). This study aimed to investigate the effect of E-cigarettes on the oral microbiome and to describe the difference of oral community profiles between E-cigarette smokers and tobacco smokers. 16S rRNA V4 gene sequencing was performed to investigate the oral microbial profiles of 5 E-cigarette smokers, 14 tobacco smokers, 8 quitting tobacco smokers, and 6 nonsmokers. The Chao1, ACE, and Shannon diversity indexes increased significantly in saliva samples collected from E-cigarette smokers and tobacco smokers compared to the non-smokers, and no significant difference was found in alpha diversity between E-cigarette smokers and tobacco smokers. The main phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria and major genera Neisseria, Streptococcus, Prevotellaceae, Fusobacterium, and Porphyromonas dominated in the smoking groups, while Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria became the dominant phyla along with the genera Corynebacterium, Neisseria, Streptococcus, Actinomyces, and Porphyromonas in the nonsmokers. The differences in the phylum Actinobacteria and genus Corynebacterium contributed to various functional differences between smokers and nonsmokers. The difference on oral microbial and composition between E-cigarettes and common tobacco were associated with increased Prevotellaceae and decreased Neisseria. Additionally, smoking cessation could lead to re-establishment of the oral microbiome to that of nonsmokers. Our data demonstrate that E-cigarette smoking had different effects on the structure and composition of the oral microbial community compared to tobacco smoking. However, the short- and long-term impact of E-cigarette smoking on microbiome composition and function needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wang
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., No. 41 Keyi Road, Kunming, 650106 China ,School of Pharmaceutical Science &Yunnan Key Laboratory of Pharmacology for Natural Products, Kunming Medical University, No. 1168 West Chunrong Road, Kunming, 650504 China
| | - Qili Mi
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., No. 41 Keyi Road, Kunming, 650106 China
| | - Ji Yang
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., No. 41 Keyi Road, Kunming, 650106 China
| | - Ying Guan
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., No. 41 Keyi Road, Kunming, 650106 China
| | - Wanli Zeng
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., No. 41 Keyi Road, Kunming, 650106 China
| | - Haiying Xiang
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., No. 41 Keyi Road, Kunming, 650106 China
| | - Xin Liu
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., No. 41 Keyi Road, Kunming, 650106 China
| | - Wenwu Yang
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., No. 41 Keyi Road, Kunming, 650106 China
| | - Guangyu Yang
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., No. 41 Keyi Road, Kunming, 650106 China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., No. 41 Keyi Road, Kunming, 650106 China
| | - Yinshan Cui
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing, 100083 China
| | - Qian Gao
- Technology Center of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. Ltd., No. 41 Keyi Road, Kunming, 650106, China.
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The AmiC/NlpD pathway dominates peptidoglycan breakdown in Neisseria meningitidis and affects cell separation, NOD1 agonist production, and infection. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0048521. [PMID: 35225652 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00485-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human-restricted pathogen Neisseria meningitidis, which is best known for causing invasive meningococcal disease, has a nonpathogenic lifestyle as an asymptomatic colonizer of the human naso- and oropharyngeal space. N. meningitidis releases small peptidoglycan (PG) fragments during growth. It was demonstrated previously that N. meningitidis releases low levels of tripeptide PG monomer, which is an inflammatory molecule recognized by the human intracellular innate immune receptor NOD1. In this present study, we demonstrated that N. meningitidis released more PG-derived peptides compared to PG monomers. Using a reporter cell line overexpressing human NOD1, we showed that N. meningitidis activates NOD1 using PG-derived peptides. Generation of such peptides required the presence of the periplasmic N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine amidase AmiC, and the outer membrane lipoprotein, NlpD. AmiC and NlpD were found to function in cell separation, and mutation of either amiC or nlpD resulted in large clumps of unseparated N. meningitidis cells instead of the characteristic diplococci. Using stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, we demonstrated that FLAG epitope-tagged NlpD localized to the septum, while similarly-tagged AmiC was found at the septum in some diplococci but distributed around the cell in most cases. In a human whole blood infection assay, an nlpD mutant was severely attenuated and showed particular sensitivity to complement. Thus, in N. meningitidis the cell separation proteins AmiC and NlpD are necessary for NOD1 stimulation and for survival during infection of human blood.
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Ghosh S, Nandi S, Basu T. Nano-Antibacterials Using Medicinal Plant Components: An Overview. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:768739. [PMID: 35273578 PMCID: PMC8902597 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.768739] [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: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gradual emergence of new bacterial strains, resistant to one or more antibiotics, necessitates development of new antibacterials to prevent us from newly evolved disease-causing, drug-resistant, pathogenic bacteria. Different inorganic and organic compounds have been synthesized as antibacterials, but with the problem of toxicity. Other alternatives of using green products, i.e., the medicinal plant extracts with biocompatible and potent antibacterial characteristics, also had limitation because of their low aqueous solubility and therefore less bioavailability. Use of nanotechnological strategy appears to be a savior, where phytochemicals are nanonized through encapsulation or entrapment within inorganic or organic hydrophilic capping agents. Nanonization of such products not only makes them water soluble but also helps to attain high surface to volume ratio and therefore high reaction area of the nanonized products with better therapeutic potential, over that of the equivalent amount of raw bulk products. Medicinal plant extracts, whose prime components are flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, polyphenolic compounds, and essential oils, are in one hand nanonized (capped and stabilized) by polymers, lipids, or clay materials for developing nanodrugs; on the other hand, high antioxidant activity of those plant extracts is also used to reduce various metal salts to produce metallic nanoparticles. In this review, five medicinal plants, viz., tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), aloe vera (Aloe vera), oregano (Oregano vulgare), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), with promising antibacterial potential and the nanoformulations associated with the plants' crude extracts and their respective major components (eugenol, curcumin, anthraquinone, carvacrol, eucalyptus oil) have been discussed with respect to their antibacterial potency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tarakdas Basu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, India
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Abbas AM, Rashed ME, El-Gebaly E, AbdelAllah NH, Gaber Y. Comparative evaluation of the humoral immune interaction when BCG and conjugated meningococcal vaccines combined or co-administrated in mice. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 84:101778. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2022.101778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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