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De Meyst A, Alexiou Z, Lernout T, Morré SA, Vanrompay D. Challenges in Chlamydial Serology: Insights from a Belgian and a Dutch Population Cohort. Microorganisms 2024; 12:658. [PMID: 38674603 PMCID: PMC11052210 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12040658] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Serology routinely serves as a diagnostic tool to confirm Chlamydia infections in humans. Particularly in delayed settings, such as post-outbreak scenarios where the acute phase of infection has subsided, serology is invaluable. Multiple studies, nonetheless, indicate deficiencies in specificity and sensitivity of current chlamydial antibody detection assays. Incorporation of multiple antigens per target is known to improve the accuracy of chlamydial serological assays. We, therefore, used the recomLine test (Mikrogen diagnostics) on serological samples of two cohorts, as it is the only commercially available test allowing detection of antibodies against three human pathogenic Chlamydia species (C. trachomatis, C. pneumoniae and C. psittaci) using multiple antigens per target. The first cohort (n = 156; samples collected between 2008 and 2022 during a C. trachomatis screening initiative) comprised women from the Netherlands (NL) with past exposure to C. trachomatis, while the second cohort (n = 44; samples collected in 2018 in a health examination survey) consisted of Belgian citizens (BE) with occupational or recreational exposure to chickens, representing a risk population for C. psittaci. The test indicated a statistically equivalent C. pneumoniae seroprevalence in both cohorts (39.10% in NL and 34.09% in BE; p = 0.337). As expected C. trachomatis seroprevalence was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the Dutch cohort (48.72%), as compared to the Belgian cohort (4.55%). Lastly, C. psittaci seroprevalence did not significantly differ between the two groups (2.27% in BE and 1.92% in NL; p = 0.633), even though a higher prevalence was expected for the Belgian cohort. This prompts us to question whether the Belgian cohort truly constituted a C. psittaci risk population or whether the recomLine test is susceptible to cross-reaction of species-specific antibodies, thereby increasing C. psittaci prevalence in the Dutch cohort. We advocate for the development of affordable, highly sensitive antibody detection assays that can effectively distinguish between chlamydial species, addressing the increasing demand for enhanced serological testing methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne De Meyst
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Zoïe Alexiou
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands;
- Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands;
| | - Tinne Lernout
- Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology and Public Health, Sciensano, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Servaas A. Morré
- Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands;
- Dutch Chlamydia trachomatis Reference Laboratory, Deptartment Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad 211007, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Daisy Vanrompay
- Laboratory of Immunology and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
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Pang Y, Shui J, Li C, Li Y, Chen H, Tang S. The serodiagnositic value of Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in antibody detection using luciferase immunosorbent assay. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1333559. [PMID: 38476494 PMCID: PMC10927828 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1333559] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Among the different antigens used in the detection of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies, significant differences in sensitivity and specificity have been observed. Further evaluation of C. trachomatis antigens in antibody detection is urgently needed for the development and application of C. trachomatis serologic assays. Methods Chlamydia trachomatis antigens Pgp3, TmeA, InaC, and HSP60 were selected and used in luciferase immunosorbent assay (LISA). The detection results obtained from well-defined C. trachomatis positive and negative samples were compared with the commercial C. trachomatis ELISA (Mikrogen) for performance evaluation. Results Pgp3, TmeA, InaC, and HSP60-based LISA showed sensitivity of 92.8, 88.8, 90.4, and 94.4%, and specificity of 99.2, 99.2, 99.2, and 92%, respectively. ROC analysis indicated that Pgp3-based LISA showed similar performance to Mikrogen ELISA (AUC 0.986 vs. 0.993, p = 0.207). Furthermore, four C. trachomatis antigens achieved strong diagnostic efficiency, i.e., positive likelihood ratios [+LR] ≥ 10 in C. trachomatis-infected women and negative likelihood ratios [-LR] ≤ 0.1 in C. trachomatis negative low exposure risk children, but only Pgp3 and TmeA showed strong diagnostic value in general adults. In addition, Pgp3, TmeA, and InaC, but not HSP60, achieved high performance, i.e., both positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) ≥ 90.9%, and showed no significant cross-reactivity with anti-Chlamydiapneumoniae. Conclusion Three C. trachomatis species-specific antigens Pgp3, TmeA, and InaC show superior performance in the detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibody, indicating the potential to be used in developing C. trachomatis serologic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulian Pang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingwei Shui
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Changchang Li
- Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongzhi Li
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Shixing Tang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Yu H, Geisler WM, Dai C, Gupta K, Cutter G, Brunham RC. Antibody responses to Chlamydia trachomatis vaccine candidate antigens in Chlamydia-infected women and correlation with antibody-mediated phagocytosis of elementary bodies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1342621. [PMID: 38371301 PMCID: PMC10869445 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1342621] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Murine research has revealed a significant role for antibody responses in protection against Chlamydia reinfection. To explore potential humoral immune markers of protection elicited by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) antigens in humans in the context of presumed clinical correlates of protection, we used both an IgG1-based ELISA and a conventional total IgG ELISA to evaluate antibody responses. We evaluated responses to five CT outer membrane proteins (PmpE, PmpF, PmpG, PmpH, and MOMP), along with other promising CT antigens (Pgp3 and HSP60), negative control antigens (RecO and AtpE), and CT elementary bodies (EBs) in sera from a well-characterized cohort of 60 women with different CT infection outcomes, including two outcomes that are likely clinical correlates of protective immunity: spontaneous resolution of infection and absence of reinfection after treatment. Furthermore, we used a flow cytometry-based assay to measure antibody-mediated phagocytosis by neutrophils in these sera. Results demonstrated that IgG1 ELISA displayed higher sensitivity than conventional total IgG ELISA in assessing antibody responses to CT EBs and antigens. Pgp3 IgG1 ELISA exhibited the highest sensitivity compared to IgG1 ELISA incorporating CT EBs or other antigens, confirming Pgp3 IgG1 ELISA as an ideal assay for CT antibody detection. Most (95%) sera from women with CT infection outcomes exhibited antibody-mediated phagocytosis of CT EBs, which was significantly correlated with IgG1 antibody responses to MOMP, Pgp3, HSP60, and PmpF. However, neither IgG1 responses to CT antigens and EBs nor antibody-mediated phagocytosis were associated with clinical correlates of protection. These findings suggest that neither CT IgG1 antibody detection nor antibody-mediated phagocytosis will be useful as immune correlates of protection against CT infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yu
- Department of Medicine, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William M. Geisler
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Chuanbin Dai
- Department of Medicine, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kanupriya Gupta
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Gary Cutter
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Robert C. Brunham
- Department of Medicine, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Li P, Chen Z. Association between serum Chlamydia trachomatis antibody levels and infertility among reproductive-aged women in the U.S. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1117245. [PMID: 37089503 PMCID: PMC10113615 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1117245] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chlamydia trachomatis infection, the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial infection worldwide, is a significant cause of infertility. Many countries have introduced the widespread use of serologic assays for IgG seropositivity to chlamydial plasmid gene product 3 (Pgp3). However, data on the association between the level of Pgp3-IgG in the multiplex bead array assay (Pgp3AbMBA) and female infertility are still scarce. Methods This cross-sectional analysis included 1,425 women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2013 to 2016. Results In the fully adjusted logistic regression model, each standard deviation increments of Pgp3AbMBA (SD = 17,079.63) led to a 28% increase in the risk of infertility. The relationship remained consistent in women who had been pregnant and women who gave birth. Smooth curve fitting revealed that the association was linear across the entire range of Pgp3AbMBA. Subgroup analysis suggested that the association was significantly stronger in women who had ever used marijuana and lived in poverty. Conclusions This study revealed a linear and independent association between the level of Pgp3AbMBA and self-reported infertility in U.S. women. Furthermore, we found that women who had ever used marijuana and lived in poverty were at the highest risk of infertility upon chlamydial infection.
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Anyalechi GE, Hong J, Kirkcaldy RD, Wiesenfeld HC, Horner P, Wills GS, McClure MO, Hammond KR, Haggerty CL, Kissin DM, Hook EW, Steinkampf MP, Bernstein K, Geisler WM. Chlamydial Pgp3 Seropositivity and Population-Attributable Fraction Among Women With Tubal Factor Infertility. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:527-533. [PMID: 34110735 PMCID: PMC9208281 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydial infection is associated with tubal factor infertility (TFI); however, assessment of prior chlamydial infection and TFI is imperfect. We previously evaluated a combination of serological assays for association with TFI. We now describe the chlamydial contribution to TFI using a newer Chlamydia trachomatis Pgp3-enhanced serological (Pgp3) assay. METHODS In our case-control study of women 19 to 42 years old with hysterosalpingogram-diagnosed TFI (cases) and non-TFI (controls) in 2 US infertility clinics, we assessed possible associations and effect modifiers between Pgp3 seropositivity and TFI using adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) stratified by race. We then estimated the adjusted chlamydia population-attributable fraction with 95% CI of TFI. RESULTS All Black (n = 107) and 618 of 620 non-Black women had Pgp3 results. Pgp3 seropositivity was 25.9% (95% CI, 19.3%-33.8%) for non-Black cases, 15.2% (95% CI, 12.3%-18.7%) for non-Black controls, 66.0% (95% CI, 51.7%-77.8%) for Black cases, and 71.7% (95% CI, 59.2%-81.5%) for Black controls. Among 476 non-Black women without endometriosis (n = 476), Pgp3 was associated with TFI (adjusted odds ratio, 2.6 [95% CI, 1.5-4.4]), adjusting for clinic, age, and income; chlamydia TFI-adjusted population-attributable fraction was 19.8% (95% CI, 7.7%-32.2%) in these women. Pgp3 positivity was not associated with TFI among non-Black women with endometriosis or among Black women (regardless of endometriosis). CONCLUSIONS Among non-Black infertile women without endometriosis in these clinics, 20% of TFI was attributed to chlamydia. Better biomarkers are needed to estimate chlamydia TFI PAF, especially in Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria E. Anyalechi
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA
| | - Jaeyoung Hong
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA
| | - Robert D. Kirkcaldy
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA
| | - Harold C. Wiesenfeld
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Paddy Horner
- Population Health Sciences and National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation in Partnership with Public Health England, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gillian S. Wills
- Section of Infectious Diseases Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary’s Campus
| | - Myra O. McClure
- Section of Infectious Diseases Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary’s Campus
| | | | - Catherine L. Haggerty
- University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Dmitry M. Kissin
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA
| | - Edward W. Hook
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | | | - Kyle Bernstein
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA
| | - William M. Geisler
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Shui J, Xie D, Zhao J, Ao C, Lin H, Liang Y, Wang H, Dai Y, Tang S. Seroepidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in the General Population of Northern China: The Jidong Community Cohort Study. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:729016. [PMID: 34650533 PMCID: PMC8507574 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.729016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A longitudinal serological study to investigate the seropositive frequency, incidence, and antibody dynamics of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the general population of China is urgently needed in order to optimize the strategies for surveillance and precise prevention of C. trachomatis infection. This longitudinal study enrolled 744 subjects aged 18-65 years from Jidong Community of Northern China from 2014 to 2018. Seropositive frequency, incidence, and reinfection of C. trachomatis were determined by detecting antibody against C. trachomatis Pgp3 using "in-house" luciferase immunosorbent assay (LISA). The dynamic of anti-Pgp3 antibody was analyzed using the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model. The overall Pgp3 seropositive frequency among the 18-65-year-old population was 28.1% (95% CI 24.9-31.5), and significantly increased from 12.0% in those aged 18-29 years to 48.6% in the 60-65 years old. The seropositive frequency was slightly higher in women than in men (31.3% vs. 25.4%) without statistical significance. The C. trachomatis incidence and reinfection rate were 11 and 14 per 1,000 person-years, respectively, and showed no significant difference with respect to age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, and education levels. Furthermore, anti-Pgp3 antibody remained detectable in 93.3% (195/209) of the seropositive subjects during the 5 years of follow-up. The overall decay rate for anti-Pgp3 antibody for CT-infected persons was -0.123 Log2 RLU/year, which was dramatically slower than in CT new infection (-3.34 Log2 RLU/year) or reinfection (-1.1 Log2 RLU/year). In conclusion, at least one quarter of the people aged 18-65 years have been infected with C. trachomatis over their lifetime while all age groups are susceptible to C. trachomatis infection in the community of Northern China. Therefore, comprehensive prevention strategies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Shui
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongjie Xie
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cailing Ao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongqing Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanhao Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingchun Dai
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shixing Tang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China
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Horner PJ, Flanagan H, Horne AW. Is There a Hidden Burden of Disease as a Result of Epigenetic Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Following Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Tract Infection? J Infect Dis 2021; 224:S128-S136. [PMID: 34396405 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection worldwide, has been widely researched for its involvement in many disease pathologies in the reproductive tract, including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and tubal factor infertility. Recent findings, through the efforts to understand the pathogenesis of CT, suggest that CT can induce the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through epigenetic changes in the epithelium of the female reproductive tract. This literature review aims to analyze the evidence for CT's ability to promote EMT and to pinpoint the areas that merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Horner
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Flanagan
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew W Horne
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Horner PJ, Anyalechi GE, Geisler WM. What Can Serology Tell Us About the Burden of Infertility in Women Caused by Chlamydia? J Infect Dis 2021; 224:S80-S85. [PMID: 34396401 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) causes pelvic inflammatory disease, which may result in tubal factor infertility (TFI) in women. Serologic assays may be used to determine the proportion of women with and without TFI who have had previous CT infection and to generate estimates of infertility attributable to chlamydia. Unfortunately, most existing CT serologic assays are challenged by low sensitivity and, sometimes, specificity for prior CT infection; however, they are currently the only available tests available to detect prior CT infection. Modeling methods such as finite mixture modeling may be a useful adjunct to quantitative serologic data to obtain better estimates of CT-related infertility. In this article, we review CT serological assays, including the use of antigens preferentially expressed during upper genital tract infection, and suggest future research directions. These methodologic improvements, coupled with creation of new biomarkers for previous CT infection, should improve our understanding of chlamydia's contribution to female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Horner
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Gloria E Anyalechi
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - William M Geisler
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Paavonen J, Turzanski Fortner R, Lehtinen M, Idahl A. Chlamydia trachomatis, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:S121-S127. [PMID: 34396414 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiologic, clinical, molecular and translational research findings support an interrelationship between Chlamydia trachomatis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Overall, the link between C. trachomatis, PID, and EOC seems to be relatively weak, although nondifferential misclassification bias may have attenuated the results. The predominant tubal origin of EOC and the role of chronic inflammation in tumorigenesis suggest that the association is biologically plausible. Thus, C. trachomatis and PID may represent potential risk factors or risk markers for EOC. However, many steps in this chain of events are still poorly understood and need to be addressed in future studies. Research gaps include time of exposure in relation to the long-term consequences and lag time to EOC. Data of differential risk for EOC between chlamydial and nonchlamydial PID is also needed. Another major research gap has been the absence of high-performance biomarkers for C. trachomatis, PID, and EOC, as well as EOC precursors. Biomarkers for C. trachomatis and PID leading to increased risk of EOC should be developed. If the association is confirmed, C. trachomatis and PID prevention efforts may play a role in reducing the burden of EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorma Paavonen
- Professor Emeritus, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Petersen MR, Patel EU, Grabowski MK, Gaydos CA, Quinn TC, Tobian AAR. Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis Among Female Adults in the United States: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e629-e637. [PMID: 33367598 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common nationally notifiable sexually transmitted infection in the United States; however, the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis infection is unknown. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1725 females aged 18 to 39 years who provided serum and urine samples in the 2013 through 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Presence of anti-C. trachomatis Pgp3 immunoglobulin G (IgG) was determined using both an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and multiplex bead array (MBA). Weighted seroprevalence estimates were calculated. Correlates of seroprevalence were examined by multivariable Poisson regression. RESULTS In 2013 through 2016, overall seroprevalence of C. trachomatis Pgp3 IgG was 30.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 25.5-35.0) as measured by ELISA and 29.4% (95% CI, 25.8-33.0) as measured by the MBA assay. Overall agreement between tests was 87.1% (1503/1725). There was a high positive agreement by the MBA assay with current detection of chlamydia in urine (86% [36/42]), a past-year diagnosis of chlamydia (81.8% [27/33]), and a history of treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease (60.7% [37/61]). Seroprevalence of C. trachomatis Pgp3 IgG, as measured by MBA, was significantly higher among non-Hispanic Blacks (68.0%; adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 2.7 [95% CI, 2.3-3.3]), Mexican Americans (30.9%; aPR = 1.5 [95% CI, 1.2-1.9]), and other Hispanics (35.0%; aPR = 1.9 [95% CI, 1.4-2.5]) compared with non-Hispanic Whites (21.4%). A higher lifetime number of sexual partners and a younger age at sexual debut was also associated with higher seroprevalence. CONCLUSION Both the ELISA and MBA serologic assays revealed a high prevalence of antibodies to C. trachomatis Pgp3 in young adult females in the US household population. There were major racial/ethnic disparities in exposure to C. trachomatis, with increased vulnerability among non-Hispanic Black females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly R Petersen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eshan U Patel
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - M Kate Grabowski
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charlotte A Gaydos
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas C Quinn
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Laboratory of Immunoregulation, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aaron A R Tobian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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11
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Danavall DC, Gwyn S, Anyalechi GE, Bowden KE, Hong J, Kirkcaldy RD, Bernstein KT, Kersh EN, Martin D, Raphael BH. Assessment and utility of 2 Chlamydia trachomatis Pgp3 serological assays for seroprevalence studies among women in the United States. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 101:115480. [PMID: 34325205 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115480] [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: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Two plasmid gene protein (Pgp3)-based serological assays, the Pgp3-ELISA and multiplex bead assay (Pgp3-MBA), were compared and used to estimate seropositivity of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) among females 14 to 39 years old participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2013-2016. Of the 2,201 specimens tested, 502 (29.5%, 95% CI 27.6-31.5) were positive using Pgp3-ELISA and 624 (28.4%, 95% CI 26.5-30.3) were positive using Pgp3-MBA. The overall agreement between the assays was 87.7%. Corresponding nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) results were available for 1,725 specimens (from women 18-39 years old); of these, 42 (2.4%, 95% CI 1.8-3.3) were CT NAAT-positive. Most of the CT NAAT-positive specimens had corresponding positive serological assay results; 33 (78.6%, 95% CI 62.8-89.2) were Pgp3-ELISA-positive and 36 (85.7%, 95% CI 70.8-94.1) were Pgp3-MBA-positive. Although Pgp3-ELISA and Pgp3-MBA demonstrated equivalent performance in this study, an advantage of the Pgp3-MBA over Pgp3-ELISA is that it is well suited for high sample throughput applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien C Danavall
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Sarah Gwyn
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gloria E Anyalechi
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katherine E Bowden
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jaeyoung Hong
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert D Kirkcaldy
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kyle T Bernstein
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ellen N Kersh
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Diana Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brian H Raphael
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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12
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Comparison of platforms for testing antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Togo. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7225. [PMID: 33790370 PMCID: PMC8012353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86639-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Trachoma, caused by repeated ocular infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), is targeted for elimination as a public health problem. Serological testing for antibodies is promising for surveillance; determining useful thresholds will require collection of serological data from settings with different prevalence of the indicator trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF). Dried blood spots were collected during trachoma mapping in two districts each of Togo and Democratic Republic of the Congo. Anti-Ct antibodies were detected by multiplex bead assay (MBA) and three different lateral flow assays (LFA) and seroprevalence and seroconversion rate (SCR) were determined. By most tests, the district with > 5% TF (the elimination threshold) had five–sixfold higher seroprevalence and tenfold higher SCR than districts with < 5% TF. The agreement between LFA and MBA was improved using a black latex developing reagent. These data show optimization of antibody tests against Ct to better differentiate districts above or below trachoma elimination thresholds.
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13
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Idahl A, Le Cornet C, González Maldonado S, Waterboer T, Bender N, Tjønneland A, Hansen L, Boutron-Ruault MC, Fournier A, Kvaskoff M, Boeing H, Trichopoulou A, Valanou E, Peppa E, Palli D, Agnoli C, Mattiello A, Tumino R, Sacerdote C, Onland-Moret NC, Gram IT, Weiderpass E, Quirós JR, Duell EJ, Sánchez MJ, Chirlaque MD, Barricarte A, Gil L, Brändstedt J, Riesbeck K, Lundin E, Khaw KT, Perez-Cornago A, Gunter MJ, Dossus L, Kaaks R, Fortner RT. Serologic markers of Chlamydia trachomatis and other sexually transmitted infections and subsequent ovarian cancer risk: Results from the EPIC cohort. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:2042-2052. [PMID: 32243586 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A substantial proportion of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) arises in the fallopian tube and other epithelia of the upper genital tract; these epithelia may incur damage and neoplastic transformation after sexually transmitted infections (STI) and pelvic inflammatory disease. We investigated the hypothesis that past STI infection, particularly Chlamydia trachomatis, is associated with higher EOC risk in a nested case-control study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort including 791 cases and 1669 matched controls. Serum antibodies against C. trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and human papillomavirus (HPV) 16, 18 and 45 were assessed using multiplex fluorescent bead-based serology. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) comparing women with positive vs. negative serology. A total of 40% of the study population was seropositive to at least one STI. Positive serology to C. trachomatis Pgp3 antibodies was not associated with EOC risk overall, but with higher risk of the mucinous histotype (RR = 2.30 [95% CI = 1.22-4.32]). Positive serology for chlamydia heat shock protein 60 (cHSP60-1) was associated with higher risk of EOC overall (1.36 [1.13-1.64]) and with the serous subtype (1.44 [1.12-1.85]). None of the other evaluated STIs were associated with EOC risk overall; however, HSV-2 was associated with higher risk of endometrioid EOC (2.35 [1.24-4.43]). The findings of our study suggest a potential role of C. trachomatis in the carcinogenesis of serous and mucinous EOC, while HSV-2 might promote the development of endometrioid disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Idahl
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Le Cornet
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Tim Waterboer
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Noemi Bender
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Tjønneland
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Diet, Genes and Environment (DGE), Copenhagen, Germany
| | - Louise Hansen
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Diet, Genes and Environment (DGE), Copenhagen, Germany
| | - Marie-Christine Boutron-Ruault
- CESP, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Agnès Fournier
- CESP, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Marina Kvaskoff
- CESP, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Sud, UVSQ, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Heiner Boeing
- Department of Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE) Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Nuthetal, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Domenico Palli
- Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network - ISPRO, Cancer Risk Factors and Life-Style Epidemiology Unit, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Agnoli
- Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano Via Venezian, Epidemiology and Prevention Unit Fondazione IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Amalia Mattiello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II university, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Tumino
- Cancer Registry and Histopathology Department, "Civic - M.P. Arezzo" Hospital, ASP, Ragusa, Italy
| | - Carlotta Sacerdote
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza University-Hospital and Center for Cancer Prevention (CPO), Turin, Italy
| | - N Charlotte Onland-Moret
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, UMC Utrecht, YOUth onderzoek - Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Inger T Gram
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Jose R Quirós
- J.S. Información Sanitaria, Dirección General de Salud Pública, Consejería de Sanidad, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Eric J Duell
- Unit of Nutrition and Cancer, Cancer Epidemiology Research Program, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO-IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria-Jose Sánchez
- Escuela Andaluza de Salud Pública, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA. Hospitales Universitarios de Granada/Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Dolores Chirlaque
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Epidemiology, Regional Health Council, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Aurelio Barricarte
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Navarra Public Health Institute, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA) Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leire Gil
- Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, Research institute of BioDonostia, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Jenny Brändstedt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Division of Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Division of Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristian Riesbeck
- Clinical Microbiology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Eva Lundin
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kay-Tee Khaw
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Aurora Perez-Cornago
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marc J Gunter
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Laure Dossus
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Rudolf Kaaks
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Renée T Fortner
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Abstract
This case-control study assesses the association between past Chlamydia trachomatis infection with first-trimester miscarriage by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect antibodies to the protein Pgp3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W. Horne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Bioquarter, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick J. Horner
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - W. Colin Duncan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Bioquarter, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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15
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Mazraani R, Timms P, Hill PC, Suaalii-Sauni T, Niupulusu T, Temese SVA, Iosefa-Siitia L, Auvaa L, Tapelu SA, Motu MF, Righarts A, Walsh MS, Rombauts L, Allan JA, Horner P, Huston WM. Evaluation of a PGP3 ELISA for surveillance of the burden of Chlamydia infection in women from Australia and Samoa. Pathog Dis 2020; 77:5519228. [PMID: 31201421 PMCID: PMC6607412 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftz031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Serological assays can be used to investigate the population burden of infection and potentially sequelae from Chlamydia. We investigated the PGP3 ELISA as a sero-epidemiological tool for infection or sub-fertility in Australian and Samoan women. The PGP3 ELISA absorbance levels were compared between groups of women with infertility, fertile, and current chlamydial infections. In the Australian groups, women with chlamydial tubal factor infertility had significantly higher absorbance levels in the PGP3 ELISA compared to fertile women (P < 0.0001), but not when compared to women with current chlamydial infection (P = 0.44). In the Samoan study, where the prevalence of chlamydial infections is much higher there were significant differences in the PGP3 ELISA absorbance levels between chlamydial sub-fertile women and fertile women (P = 0.003). There was no difference between chlamydial sub-fertile women and women with a current infection (P = 0.829). The results support that the PGP3 assay is effective for sero-epidemiological analysis of burden of infection, but not for evaluation of chlamydial pathological sequelae such as infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Mazraani
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD 4558, Australia
| | - Philip C Hill
- Centre for International Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Tamaailau Suaalii-Sauni
- School of Languages and Cultures, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, 2820, New Zealand
| | | | - Seiuli V A Temese
- Centre for Samoa Studies, National University of Samoa, Le Papaigalagala Campus, To'omatagi, Samoa
| | | | | | | | | | - Antoinette Righarts
- Preventive and Social Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, The University of Otago, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
| | - Michael S Walsh
- Planning, Funding and Health Outcomes, Waitemata and Auckland District Health Boards, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Luk Rombauts
- MIMR-PH Institute of Medical Research, Monash, Australia
| | - John A Allan
- UC Health Clinical School, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, Queensland, 4066, Australia
| | - Patrick Horner
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Wilhelmina M Huston
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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16
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Chlamydia trachomatis Whole-Proteome Microarray Analysis of The Netherlands Chlamydia Cohort Study. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120703. [PMID: 31888186 PMCID: PMC6956083 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) whole-proteome microarrays were utilized to identify antibody patterns associated with infection; pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal factor infertility, chronic pelvic pain (CPP) and ectopic pregnancy in a subsample of the Netherlands Chlamydia cohort study. Serum pools were analyzed on whole-proteome arrays. The 121 most reactive antigens identified during whole-proteome arrays were selected for further analysis with minimized microarrays that allowed for single sera analysis. From the 232 single sera; 145 (62.5%) serum samples were reactive for at least one antigen. To discriminate between positive and negative serum samples; we created a panel of in total 18 antigens which identified 96% of all microarray positive samples. Antigens CT_858; CT_813 and CT_142 were most reactive. Comparison of antibody reactivity's among women with and without Ct related sequelae revealed that the reactivity of CT_813 and CT_142 was less common among women with PID compared to women without (29.0% versus 58.6%, p = 0.005 and 25.8% versus 50.6%, p = 0.017 respectively). CT_858 was less common among CPP cases compared to controls (33.3% versus 58.6; p = 0.028). Using a whole-proteome array to select antigens for minimized arrays allows for the identification of novel informative antigens as general infection markers or disease associated antigens.
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17
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Hoenderboom BM, van Willige ME, Land JA, Pleijster J, Götz HM, van Bergen JEAM, Dukers-Muijrers NHTM, Hoebe CJPA, van Benthem BHB, Morré SA. Antibody Testing in Estimating Past Exposure to C hlamydia trachomatis in the Netherlands Chlamydia Cohort Study. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7100442. [PMID: 31614620 PMCID: PMC6843155 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7100442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The asymptomatic course of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections can result in underestimated CT lifetime prevalence. Antibody testing might improve this estimate. We assessed CT antibody positivity and predictive factors thereof in the Netherlands Chlamydia Cohort Study. Women who had ≥1 CT Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) in the study (2008–2011) and who provided self-reported information on NAATs were tested for CT major outer membrane protein specific IgG in serum (2016). CT antibody positivity was assessed and predictive factors were identified using multivariable logistic regressions, separately for CT-positive women (≥1 positive NAAT or ≥1 self-reported positive CT test) and CT-negative women (negative by study NAAT and self-report). Of the 3,613 women studied, 833 (23.1%) were CT -positive. Among the CT-negative women, 208 (7.5%, 95% CI 6.5–8.5) tested positive for CT antibodies. This increased CT lifetime prevalence with 5.8% (95% CI 5.0–6.5). Among women with a CT-positive history, 338 (40.6%, 95% CI 38.5–44.1) tested positive. Predictive factors for antibody positivity related to lower social economic status, sexual risk behavior, multiple infections, higher body mass index, and non-smoking. CT antibody testing significantly increased the lifetime prevalence. Combining NAAT outcomes, self-reported positive tests, and antibody testing reduced misclassification in CT prevalence estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernice M Hoenderboom
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, department Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centre (UMC), De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Michelle E van Willige
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Jolande A Land
- Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Research School GROW (School for Oncology & Developmental Biology), Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Jolein Pleijster
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, department Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centre (UMC), De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Hannelore M Götz
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
- Department Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond (GGD Rotterdam), Schiedamsedijk 95, 3011 EN Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan E A M van Bergen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
- Department of General Practice, Division Clinical Methods and Public Health, location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centre (UMC), Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- STI AIDS Netherlands (SOA AIDS Nederland), Keizersgracht 392, 1016 GB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Nicole H T M Dukers-Muijrers
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, South Limburg Public Health Service (GGD South Limburg), Het Overloon 2, 6411 TE Heerlen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Christian J P A Hoebe
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, South Limburg Public Health Service (GGD South Limburg), Het Overloon 2, 6411 TE Heerlen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Birgit H B van Benthem
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Servaas A Morré
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics, department Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centre (UMC), De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Research School GROW (School for Oncology & Developmental Biology), Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ET Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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18
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Pinsent A, Solomon AW, Bailey RL, Bid R, Cama A, Dean D, Goodhew B, Gwyn SE, Jack KR, Kandel RP, Kama M, Massae P, Macleod C, Mabey DCW, Migchelsen S, Müller A, Sandi F, Sokana O, Taoaba R, Tekeraoi R, Martin DL, White MT. The utility of serology for elimination surveillance of trachoma. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5444. [PMID: 30575720 PMCID: PMC6303365 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07852-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Robust surveillance methods are needed for trachoma control and recrudescence monitoring, but existing methods have limitations. Here, we analyse data from nine trachoma-endemic populations and provide operational thresholds for interpretation of serological data in low-transmission and post-elimination settings. Analyses with sero-catalytic and antibody acquisition models provide insights into transmission history within each population. To accurately estimate sero-conversion rates (SCR) for trachoma in populations with high-seroprevalence in adults, the model accounts for secondary exposure to Chlamydia trachomatis due to urogenital infection. We estimate the population half-life of sero-reversion for anti-Pgp3 antibodies to be 26 (95% credible interval (CrI): 21–34) years. We show SCRs below 0.015 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.0–0.049) per year correspond to a prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular below 5%, the current threshold for elimination of active trachoma as a public health problem. As global trachoma prevalence declines, we may need cross-sectional serological survey data to inform programmatic decisions. Robust surveillance methods are needed for trachoma control and recrudescence monitoring, but existing methods have limitations. Here, Pinsent et al. analyse data from nine trachoma-endemic populations and provide operational thresholds for interpretation of serological data in low transmission and post-elimination settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Pinsent
- Department of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia. .,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, 1211, Geneva 27, Switzerland.,Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Robin L Bailey
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Rhiannon Bid
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Anaseini Cama
- International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, Western Pacific Region, Suva, Fiji.,The Fred Hollows Foundation, Level 2, 61 Dunning Ave, Rosebury, NSW, 2018, Australia
| | - Deborah Dean
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA, 94609, USA
| | - Brook Goodhew
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Sarah E Gwyn
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Kelvin R Jack
- Eyecare Department, Ministry of Health, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | | | - Mike Kama
- Department of Communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, Suva, Fiji
| | - Patrick Massae
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Colin Macleod
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.,Sightsavers, 35 Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 6NG, UK
| | - David C W Mabey
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Stephanie Migchelsen
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Andreas Müller
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Level 7/32 Gisborne St, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
| | - Frank Sandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania.,The University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Oliver Sokana
- Eyecare Department, Ministry of Health, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - Raebwebwe Taoaba
- Eye Department, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, South Tarawa, Kiribati
| | - Rabebe Tekeraoi
- Eye Department, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, South Tarawa, Kiribati
| | - Diana L Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Michael T White
- Malaria: Parasites & Hosts, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015, Paris, France
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19
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Blomquist PB, Mighelsen SJ, Wills G, McClure E, Ades AE, Kounali D, Dunbar JK, McClure MO, Soldan K, Woodhall SC, Horner P. Sera selected from national STI surveillance system shows Chlamydia trachomatis PgP3 antibody correlates with time since infection and number of previous infections. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208652. [PMID: 30557408 PMCID: PMC6296657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seroprevalence surveys of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) antibodies are promising for estimating age-specific CT cumulative incidence, however accurate estimates require improved understanding of antibody response to CT infection. METHODS We used GUMCAD, England's national sexually transmitted infection (STI) surveillance system, to select sera taken from female STI clinic attendees on the day of or after a chlamydia diagnosis. Serum specimens were collected from laboratories and tested anonymously on an indirect and a double-antigen ELISA, both of which are based on the CT-specific Pgp3 antigen. We used cross-sectional and longitudinal descriptive analyses to explore the relationship between seropositivity and a) cumulative number of chlamydia diagnoses and b) time since most recent chlamydia diagnosis. RESULTS 919 samples were obtained from visits when chlamydia was diagnosed and 812 during subsequent follow-up visits. Pgp3 seropositivity using the indirect ELISA increased from 57.1% (95% confidence interval: 53.2-60.7) on the day of a first-recorded chlamydia diagnosis to 89.6% (95%CI: 79.3-95.0) on the day of a third or higher documented diagnosis. With the double-antigen ELISA, the increase was from 61.1% (95%CI: 53.2-60.7) to 97.0% (95%CI: 88.5-99.3). Seropositivity decreased with time since CT diagnosis on only the indirect assay, to 49.3% (95%CI: 40.9-57.7) two or more years after a first diagnosis and 51.9% (95%CI: 33.2-70.0) after a repeat diagnosis. CONCLUSION Seropositivity increased with cumulative number of infections, and decreased over time after diagnosis on the indirect ELISA, but not on the double-antigen ELISA. This is the first study to demonstrate the combined impact of number of chlamydia diagnoses, time since diagnosis, and specific ELISA on Pgp3 seropositivity. Our findings are being used to inform models estimating age-specific chlamydia incidence over time using serial population-representative serum sample collections, to enable accurate public health monitoring of chlamydia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula B Blomquist
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with Public Health England and in collaboration with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions at University of Bristol in partnership with Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie J Mighelsen
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with Public Health England and in collaboration with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions at University of Bristol in partnership with Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Wills
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor McClure
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony E Ades
- Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions at University of Bristol in partnership with Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Population Health Science Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Daphne Kounali
- Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions at University of Bristol in partnership with Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Population Health Science Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - J Kevin Dunbar
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with Public Health England and in collaboration with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions at University of Bristol in partnership with Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Myra O McClure
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Section of Infectious Diseases, Wright-Fleming Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Soldan
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with Public Health England and in collaboration with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions at University of Bristol in partnership with Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah C Woodhall
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with Public Health England and in collaboration with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions at University of Bristol in partnership with Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Horner
- Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions at University of Bristol in partnership with Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom.,Population Health Science Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Senyonjo LG, Debrah O, Martin DL, Asante-Poku A, Migchelsen SJ, Gwyn S, deSouza DK, Solomon AW, Agyemang D, Biritwum-Kwadwo N, Marfo B, Bakajika D, Mensah EO, Aboe A, Koroma J, Addy J, Bailey R. Serological and PCR-based markers of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis transmission in northern Ghana after elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0007027. [PMID: 30550537 PMCID: PMC6310292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Validation of elimination of trachoma as a public health problem is based on clinical indicators, using the WHO simplified grading system. Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection and anti-Ct antibody responses (anti-Pgp3) have both been evaluated as alternative indicators in settings with varying levels of trachoma. There is a need to evaluate the feasibility of using tests for Ct infection and anti-Pgp3 antibodies at scale in a trachoma-endemic country and to establish the added value of the data generated for understanding transmission dynamics in the peri-elimination setting. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Dried blood spots for serological testing and ocular swabs for Ct infection testing (taken from children aged 1-9 years) were integrated into the pre-validation trachoma surveys conducted in the Northern and Upper West regions of Ghana in 2015 and 2016. Ct infection was detected using the GeneXpert PCR platform and the presence of anti-Pgp3 antibodies was detected using both the ELISA assay and multiplex bead array (MBA). The overall mean cluster-summarised TF prevalence (the clinical indicator) was 0.8% (95% CI: 0.6-1.0) and Ct infection prevalence was 0.04% (95%CI: 0.00-0.12). Anti-Pgp3 seroprevalence using the ELISA was 5.5% (95% CI: 4.8-6.3) compared to 4.3% (95%CI: 3.7-4.9) using the MBA. There was strong evidence from both assays that seropositivity increased with age (p<0.001), although the seroconversion rate was estimated to be very low (between 1.2 to 1.3 yearly events per 100 children). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Infection and serological data provide useful information to aid in understanding Ct transmission dynamics. Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem does not equate to the absence of ocular Ct infection nor cessation in acquisition of anti-Ct antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura G. Senyonjo
- Research Department, Sightsavers UK, Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Debrah
- Eye Care Unit, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Diana L. Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Adwoa Asante-Poku
- Bacteriology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stephanie J. Migchelsen
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Gwyn
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Dzeidzom K. deSouza
- Parasitology Department, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Benjamin Marfo
- Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | - James Addy
- Eye Care Unit, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Robin Bailey
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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21
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Gwyn S, Mkocha H, Randall JM, Kasubi M, Martin DL. Optimization of a rapid test for antibodies to the Chlamydia trachomatis antigen Pgp3. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 93:293-298. [PMID: 30709562 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Serological surveillance for trachoma could allow monitoring of transmission levels in areas that have achieved elimination targets. Platforms that allow testing in basic laboratories or testing of easy-to-manage samples such as dried blood spots would contribute to the feasibility of serologic testing. Blood from 506 1-12-year-olds in 2 villages in Kongwa district, Tanzania, was tested for antibodies against the antigen Pgp3. Whole blood, plasma, and dried blood spots (DBS) were tested in lab and field settings using a cassette-enclosed Pgp3 lateral flow assay (LFA-cassette) and a pared-back "dipstick" assay (LFA-dipstick). DBS were also tested with a bead-based multiplex assay (MBA). There was no significant difference in antibody positivity between the MBA and either LFA format (ranging from 42.5% to 48.4%). Interrater agreement between an expert rater and 3 different raters in field and lab settings was uniformly good, with Cohen's kappa >0.81 in all cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gwyn
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Jessica Morgan Randall
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Diana L Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Mixed Chlamydia trachomatis Peptide Antigens Provide a Specific and Sensitive Single-Well Colorimetric Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detection of Human Anti -C. trachomatis Antibodies. mSphere 2018; 3:3/6/e00484-18. [PMID: 30404936 PMCID: PMC6222056 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00484-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
For detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies by serological assays, use of classical chlamydial antigens results in high cross-reactivity and poor sensitivity. Previously, we discovered 48 strongly reactive peptide antigens of C. trachomatis-specific B-cell epitopes from 21 immunodominant proteins, and individual testing and combined scoring of 5 to 11 peptide antigens provided highly sensitive and specific detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies in chemiluminescent ELISAs. To simplify this method, this study established a single-well labor-saving colorimetric ELISA using a mixture of 12 strongly reactive C. trachomatis peptide antigens (Ctr Mix1) for detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies. This Ctr Mix1 ELISA (94% sensitivity and 98% specificity) outperformed 4 commercial ELISAs (49% to 79% sensitivity and 98% specificity). This ELISA can be easily implemented and commercialized, with convenient setup for use in nonspecialized laboratories. Thus, this mixed peptide assay with superior specificity and sensitivity will improve serodiagnosis of C. trachomatis infections. Sensitive and specific detection of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies in standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) is compromised by cross-reactivity and poor sensitivity of classical C. trachomatis antigens. Previously, we discovered 48 strongly reactive peptide antigens of C. trachomatis-specific B-cell epitopes from 21 immunodominant proteins. By comprehensive individual testing of 11 top-ranked peptide antigens, we found very high sensitivity and specificity for detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies in chemiluminescent ELISAs. The current study established a labor-saving colorimetric ELISA by using a mixture of 12 strongly reactive C. trachomatis peptide antigens (Ctr Mix1) in a single well/serum rather than assaying reactivity to each individual peptide. For performance evaluation, we used a simulated population of 212 anti-C. trachomatis antibody-positive and -negative sera from 125 women with NAAT-confirmed active C. trachomatis infection and from 87 healthy women at low risk for C. trachomatis infection. In comparison to a composite reference standard (CRS) for anti-C. trachomatis antibody status, the Ctr Mix1 IgG ELISA achieved 93.9% sensitivity, significantly superior to the 49% to 79% sensitivities of four commercial anti-C. trachomatis IgG ELISAs, and 98% specificity of all tested assays. Compared to the labor-intensive individual peptide testing, this mixed peptide ELISA retained high specificity with only marginal, ∼5% sensitivity loss. By ROC-AUC, likelihood ratio, and predictive value analyses, the Ctr Mix1 ELISA performed satisfactorily at 10% to 75% prevalence range of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies but significantly better than commercial ELISAs. Thus, the labor-saving mixed peptide colorimetric ELISA format provides simultaneously high specificity and sensitivity for detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies. IMPORTANCE For detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies by serological assays, use of classical chlamydial antigens results in high cross-reactivity and poor sensitivity. Previously, we discovered 48 strongly reactive peptide antigens of C. trachomatis-specific B-cell epitopes from 21 immunodominant proteins, and individual testing and combined scoring of 5 to 11 peptide antigens provided highly sensitive and specific detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies in chemiluminescent ELISAs. To simplify this method, this study established a single-well labor-saving colorimetric ELISA using a mixture of 12 strongly reactive C. trachomatis peptide antigens (Ctr Mix1) for detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies. This Ctr Mix1 ELISA (94% sensitivity and 98% specificity) outperformed 4 commercial ELISAs (49% to 79% sensitivity and 98% specificity). This ELISA can be easily implemented and commercialized, with convenient setup for use in nonspecialized laboratories. Thus, this mixed peptide assay with superior specificity and sensitivity will improve serodiagnosis of C. trachomatis infections.
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23
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Can Chlamydia Serology Be Used to Help Inform a Potential Future Chlamydia Vaccination Strategy? Sex Transm Dis 2018; 44:722-724. [PMID: 29140889 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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24
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Performance of Chlamydia trachomatis OmcB Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay in Serodiagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Women. J Clin Microbiol 2018; 56:JCM.00275-18. [PMID: 29899001 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00275-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis serological assays with improved sensitivity over commercially available assays are needed to evaluate the burden of C. trachomatis infection and the effectiveness of prevention efforts. We evaluated the performance of a C. trachomatis outer membrane complex protein B (OmcB) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibody responses in C. trachomatis-infected women. OmcB ELISA was less sensitive than our C. trachomatis elementary body (EB) ELISA, but it was highly specific. The magnitude of the antibody response was higher in African-Americans and those with prior C. trachomatis infection. Unlike EB ELISA, the IgG1 response to C. trachomatis OmcB was short-lived and was not maintained by repeat C. trachomatis infection.
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Abstract
Current serological assays for species-specific detection of anti-Chlamydia species antibodies suffer from well-known shortcomings in specificity and ease of use. Due to the high prevalences of both anti-C. trachomatis and anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies in human populations, species-specific serology is unreliable. Therefore, novel specific and simple assays for chlamydial serology are urgently needed. Conventional antigens are problematic due to extensive cross-reactivity within Chlamydia spp. Using accurate B cell epitope prediction and a robust peptide ELISA methodology developed in our laboratory, we identified immunodominant C. trachomatis B cell epitopes by screening performed with sera from C. trachomatis-infected women. We discovered 38 novel human host-dependent antigens from 20 immunodominant C. trachomatis proteins, in addition to confirming 10 host-independent mouse serum peptide antigens that had been identified previously. This extended set of highly specific C. trachomatis peptide antigens can be used in simple ELISA or multiplexed microarray formats and will provide high specificity and sensitivity to human C. trachomatis serodiagnosis. Chlamydia species-specific serology is compromised by cross-reactivity of the gold standard microimmunofluorescence (MIF) or commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). This study was conducted to discover novel C. trachomatis-specific peptide antigens that were recognized only by the antibody response of the natural human host. We evaluated a library of 271 peptide antigens from immunodominant C. trachomatis proteins by reactivity with 125 C. trachomatis antibody-positive sera from women with PCR-confirmed C. trachomatis infection and 17 C. trachomatis antibody-negative sera from low-risk women never diagnosed with C. trachomatis infection. These C. trachomatis peptide antigens had been predicted in silico to contain B cell epitopes but had been nonreactive with mouse hyperimmune sera against C. trachomatis. We discovered 38 novel human host-dependent antigens from 20 immunodominant C. trachomatis proteins (PmpD, IncE, IncG, CT529, CT618, CT442, TarP, CT143, CT813, CT795, CT223, PmpC, CT875, CT579, LcrE, IncA, CT226, CT694, Hsp60, and pGP3). Using these human sera, we also confirmed 10 C. trachomatis B cell epitopes from 6 immunodominant C. trachomatis proteins (OmpA, PmpD, IncE, IncG, CT529, and CT618) as host species-independent epitopes that had been previously identified by their reactivity with mouse hyperimmune sera against C. trachomatis. ELISA reactivities against these peptides correlated strongly with the C. trachomatis microimmunofluorescence (MIF) text results (Pearson’s correlation coefficient [R] = 0.80; P < 10−6). These C. trachomatis peptide antigens do not cross-react with antibodies against other Chlamydia species and are therefore suitable for species-specific detection of antibodies against C. trachomatis. This study identified an extended set of peptide antigens for simple C. trachomatis-specific ELISA serology. IMPORTANCE Current serological assays for species-specific detection of anti-Chlamydia species antibodies suffer from well-known shortcomings in specificity and ease of use. Due to the high prevalences of both anti-C. trachomatis and anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies in human populations, species-specific serology is unreliable. Therefore, novel specific and simple assays for chlamydial serology are urgently needed. Conventional antigens are problematic due to extensive cross-reactivity within Chlamydia spp. Using accurate B cell epitope prediction and a robust peptide ELISA methodology developed in our laboratory, we identified immunodominant C. trachomatis B cell epitopes by screening performed with sera from C. trachomatis-infected women. We discovered 38 novel human host-dependent antigens from 20 immunodominant C. trachomatis proteins, in addition to confirming 10 host-independent mouse serum peptide antigens that had been identified previously. This extended set of highly specific C. trachomatis peptide antigens can be used in simple ELISA or multiplexed microarray formats and will provide high specificity and sensitivity to human C. trachomatis serodiagnosis.
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Comprehensive Molecular Serology of Human Chlamydia trachomatis Infections by Peptide Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays. mSphere 2018; 3:3/4/e00253-18. [PMID: 30068559 PMCID: PMC6070734 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00253-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
For detection of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies by serological assays, use of classical whole-organism chlamydial antigens results in high cross-reactivity. These antigens bind mainly antibodies against the major outer membrane protein (OmpA) and bind antibodies against other immunodominant non-OmpA proteins to a lesser extent, resulting in poor assay sensitivity. The specificity of C. trachomatis serology is also compromised by the high prevalence of cross-reactive anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies in human populations. We previously identified 48 highly specific C. trachomatis B cell epitope peptide antigens of 21 immunodominant proteins. This study validated peptide antigen-based novel ELISAs that provide highly specific and sensitive detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies. Compared to four commercial ELISAs that achieved only poor sensitivities (51.5% to 64.8%), the combined signals of 5 to 11 peptides provided high sensitivity (86.5% to 91.8%) at the same 98% specificity. Thus, by using multiple peptide antigens of immunodominant proteins, we created simple ELISAs with specificity and sensitivity superior to standard C. trachomatis serodiagnosis. Sensitive species-specific detection of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies is compromised by cross-reactivity of the C. trachomatis antigens used in standard microimmunofluorescence (MIF) testing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Previously, we discovered 48 strongly reactive C. trachomatis-specific B cell epitope peptides from 21 immunodominant proteins. Here we comprehensively evaluated the 11 top-ranked C. trachomatis-specific peptide antigens from 8 proteins for use in C. trachomatis serology. Sera from 125 women with nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)-confirmed active C. trachomatis infection and from 49 healthy women with a low risk of C. trachomatis infection were used as anti-C. trachomatis antibody-positive and -negative sera. Results obtained for detection of IgG1, IgG3, and IgA1 antibodies against the 11 C. trachomatis peptide antigens were compared to results from 4 commercial anti-C. trachomatis IgG ELISAs. Using composite reference standards (CRS) of all assays for anti-C. trachomatis antibody status, commercial ELISAs detected antibodies in antibody-positive women with sensitivities of 51.5% to 64.8%. In contrast, a combination of the results of all 11 peptides detected IgG (IgG1 and IgG3) antibodies with 91.8% sensitivity, and a labor-saving combination of the 5 optimal peptides still detected antibodies in antibody-positive women with 86.5% sensitivity (all at 98% specificity). The superior performance of the combined peptide ELISAs was confirmed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC), likelihood ratio, and predictive value analyses. The higher sensitivity of the peptide assays results from using multiple B cell epitopes of several C. trachomatis immunodominant proteins, including OmpA, compared to exclusively using the OmpA antigens used in commercial ELISAs. Thus, ELISAs with combined use of synthetic peptide antigens for C. trachomatis antibody detection have the advantage of simultaneous high sensitivity and high specificity. IMPORTANCE For detection of anti-Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies by serological assays, use of classical whole-organism chlamydial antigens results in high cross-reactivity. These antigens bind mainly antibodies against the major outer membrane protein (OmpA) and bind antibodies against other immunodominant non-OmpA proteins to a lesser extent, resulting in poor assay sensitivity. The specificity of C. trachomatis serology is also compromised by the high prevalence of cross-reactive anti-C. pneumoniae antibodies in human populations. We previously identified 48 highly specific C. trachomatis B cell epitope peptide antigens of 21 immunodominant proteins. This study validated peptide antigen-based novel ELISAs that provide highly specific and sensitive detection of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies. Compared to four commercial ELISAs that achieved only poor sensitivities (51.5% to 64.8%), the combined signals of 5 to 11 peptides provided high sensitivity (86.5% to 91.8%) at the same 98% specificity. Thus, by using multiple peptide antigens of immunodominant proteins, we created simple ELISAs with specificity and sensitivity superior to standard C. trachomatis serodiagnosis.
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Dize L, Martin D, Gwyn S, Perin J, Gaydos C, Trent M. Comparison of three serological assays to measure antibody response to Chlamydia antigen Pgp3 in adolescent and young adults with pelvic inflammatory disease. Int J STD AIDS 2018; 29:1324-1329. [PMID: 30049256 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418785244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Antibody-based epidemiologic surveillance to determine population-level exposure to sexually transmitted infections could help inform public health fertility preservation strategies. We compared the performance of three platforms to detect antibodies against the Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) antigen Pgp3 - multiplex bead array (MBA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and lateral flow assay (LFA) - on sera from adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Ninety-five of 118 AYAs diagnosed with PID (80.5%) had positive antibody response to Pgp3 antigen by at least one test, and 78 (66.1%) tested positive by all three tests. Among 27 individuals with infection detected using nucleic acid amplification testing, 92.6% were positive by MBA (25/27), 77.8% (21/27) were positive by ELISA, and 74.1% (20/27) were positive by LFA. These data suggest that the MBA was the most sensitive of the three tests and could be useful in seroepidemiologic studies designed to assess population-level exposure to CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dize
- 1 Department of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Diana Martin
- 2 Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Gwyn
- 2 Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jamie Perin
- 3 Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charlotte Gaydos
- 1 Department of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Maria Trent
- 3 Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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28
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Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis in Inner-City Children and Adolescents-Implications for Vaccine Development. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 44:717-721. [PMID: 28876302 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of Chlamydia trachomatis infection is an ideal application for a vaccine program, which should optimally be administered before sexual debut. However, there are limited epidemiologic studies of C. trachomatis infection in an unselected pediatric population since routine screening and treatment of pregnant women was implemented in the United States in 1993. METHODS Anonymized serum samples were obtained from children younger than 21 years in 2 medical centers in Brooklyn, New York, from 2013 to 2015. Anti-C. trachomatis IgG antibody was determined by a validated enzyme immunoassay. Infants younger than 1 year were excluded from the final analysis due to interference of maternal antibody. RESULTS One thousand two sera were included in the final analysis. Fifty-seven percent were females. No antibody was detected at younger than 11 years. Anti-C. trachomatis IgG antibody was detected in 11.4% and 5.6% of female and male subjects, respectively, older than 11 years (P = 0.0027), and seropositivity increased with age. There was no significant difference in the distribution of age at infection between the centers (P = 0.432), but a difference was detected between genders (P = 0.012) with a higher percentage of female subjects testing positive. CONCLUSIONS Antibody was first detected at 11 years of age, likely coinciding with sexual debut. The prevalence of antibody was higher and appeared earlier in females, mirroring national surveillance trends based on nucleic acid amplification testing. The delay in male antibody detection may be due to biological or behavioral differences between genders. These data are critical in informing potential C. trachomatis vaccine strategies.
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Brunham RC. Perspective: my 37 year journey through Chlamydia research: Chlamydia antigen analysis using monoclonal antibodies and major histocompatibility complex molecules. Pathog Dis 2018; 75:4056143. [PMID: 28961985 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia antigen analysis enables understanding of disease pathogenesis, facilitates development of diagnostic immunoassays and is essential to the design of a subunit Chlamydia trachomatis vaccine. Using an autobiographical narrative, I review over three decades of antigen analysis research findings coming from my research laboratory and provide an outlook to the broader field of Chlamydia seroepidemiology and vaccinology. Based on the experiences of my scientific career I conclude with thoughts for young scientists newly entering the Chlamydia research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Brunham
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6 1N4, Canada
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30
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Woodhall SC, Gorwitz RJ, Migchelsen SJ, Gottlieb SL, Horner PJ, Geisler WM, Winstanley C, Hufnagel K, Waterboer T, Martin DL, Huston WM, Gaydos CA, Deal C, Unemo M, Dunbar JK, Bernstein K. Advancing the public health applications of Chlamydia trachomatis serology. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018; 18:e399-e407. [PMID: 29983342 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(18)30159-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection. Trachoma is caused by ocular infection with C trachomatis and is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. New serological assays for C trachomatis could facilitate improved understanding of C trachomatis epidemiology and prevention. C trachomatis serology offers a means of investigating the incidence of chlamydia infection and might be developed as a biomarker of scarring sequelae, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Therefore, serological assays have potential as epidemiological tools to quantify unmet need, inform service planning, evaluate interventions including screening and treatment, and to assess new vaccine candidates. However, questions about the performance characteristics and interpretation of C trachomatis serological assays remain, which must be addressed to advance development within this field. In this Personal View, we explore the available information about C trachomatis serology and propose several priority actions. These actions involve development of target product profiles to guide assay selection and assessment across multiple applications and populations, establishment of a serum bank to facilitate assay development and evaluation, and development of technical and statistical methods for assay evaluation and analysis of serological findings. The field of C trachomatis serology will benefit from collaboration across the public health community to align technological developments with their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Woodhall
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Service, Public Health England, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Rachel J Gorwitz
- Division of STD Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephanie J Migchelsen
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Service, Public Health England, London, UK; Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sami L Gottlieb
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick J Horner
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - William M Geisler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Katrin Hufnagel
- Division of Molecular Diagnostics of Oncogenic Infections, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Waterboer
- Division of Molecular Diagnostics of Oncogenic Infections, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diana L Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wilhelmina M Huston
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Charlotte A Gaydos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carolyn Deal
- Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - J Kevin Dunbar
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Service, Public Health England, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kyle Bernstein
- Division of STD Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Pathway-Wide Genetic Risks in Chlamydial Infections Overlap between Tissue Tropisms: A Genome-Wide Association Scan. Mediators Inflamm 2018; 2018:3434101. [PMID: 29967566 PMCID: PMC6008910 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3434101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial sexually transmitted infection and can lead to tubal factor infertility, a disease characterised by fibrosis of the fallopian tubes. Genetic polymorphisms in molecular pathways involving G protein-coupled receptor signalling, the Akt/PI3K cascade, the mitotic cell cycle, and immune response have been identified in association with the development of trachomatous scarring, an ocular form of chlamydia-related fibrotic pathology. In this case-control study, we performed genome-wide association and pathways-based analysis in a sample of 71 Dutch women who attended an STI clinic who were seropositive for Chlamydia trachomatis antibodies and 169 high-risk Dutch women who sought similar health services but who were seronegative. We identified two regions of within-gene SNP association with Chlamydia trachomatis serological response and found that GPCR signalling and cell cycle pathways were also associated with the trait. These pathway-level associations appear to be common to immunological sequelae of chlamydial infections in both ocular and urogenital tropisms. These pathways may be central mediators of human refractoriness to chlamydial diseases.
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Hufnagel K, Lueong S, Willhauck-Fleckenstein M, Hotz-Wagenblatt A, Miao B, Bauer A, Michel A, Butt J, Pawlita M, Hoheisel JD, Waterboer T. Immunoprofiling of Chlamydia trachomatis using whole-proteome microarrays generated by on-chip in situ expression. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7503. [PMID: 29760479 PMCID: PMC5951824 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25918-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Using Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) as a complex model organism, we describe a method to generate bacterial whole-proteome microarrays using cell-free, on-chip protein expression. Expression constructs were generated by two successive PCRs directly from bacterial genomic DNA. Bacterial proteins expressed on microarrays display antigenic epitopes, thereby providing an efficient method for immunoprofiling of patients and allowing de novo identification of disease-related serum antibodies. Through comparison of antibody reactivity patterns, we newly identified antigens recognized by known Ct-seropositive samples, and antigens reacting only with samples from cervical cancer (CxCa) patients. Large-scale validation experiments using high-throughput suspension bead array serology confirmed their significance as markers for either general Ct infection or CxCa, supporting an association of Ct infection with CxCa. In conclusion, we introduce a method for generation of fast and efficient proteome immunoassays which can be easily adapted for other microorganisms in all areas of infection research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Hufnagel
- Division of Molecular Diagnostics of Oncogenic Infections (F020), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Smiths Lueong
- Division of Molecular Diagnostics of Oncogenic Infections (F020), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina Willhauck-Fleckenstein
- Division of Molecular Diagnostics of Oncogenic Infections (F020), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Agnes Hotz-Wagenblatt
- Genomics Proteomics Core Facility HUSAR Bioinformatics Lab, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beiping Miao
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis (B070), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andrea Bauer
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis (B070), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angelika Michel
- Division of Molecular Diagnostics of Oncogenic Infections (F020), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Butt
- Division of Molecular Diagnostics of Oncogenic Infections (F020), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Pawlita
- Division of Molecular Diagnostics of Oncogenic Infections (F020), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jörg D Hoheisel
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis (B070), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Waterboer
- Division of Molecular Diagnostics of Oncogenic Infections (F020), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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van Ess EF, Ouburg S, Land JA, Morré SA. Comparison of the Mikrogen multi-target ELISA with the Mikrogen recomLine immunoblot for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibodies in serum in infertile women. J Microbiol Methods 2018; 150:5-8. [PMID: 29746924 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) IgG serology is used in many fertility clinics in order to estimate the risk for tubal factor infertility (TFI) in the fertility work-up. The predictive value for TFI of the currently used mono-target CT serology test should be improved. This study compares the performance of the new multi-target Mikrogen recomWell CT IgG ELISA with the Mikrogen recomLine CT immunoblot and visualizes distribution of individual antibodies in serum with the immunoblot in order to potentially improve the current CT IgG serology test that is clinically used. METHODS Study population consisted of 183 Dutch Caucasian infertile women who underwent laparoscopy and/or hysterosalpingography. 48 women had TFI, 135 were controls. Serum was tested with Mikrogen CT IgG ELISA, which detects 3 CT IgG antibodies in one well, and Mikrogen CT immunoblot, which can individually detect 5 CT IgG antibodies. Tests were compared based on the results in general and in the case and control group also taking the individual antibodies into account. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), Kappa value and distribution of individual antibodies in positive samples were calculated. RESULTS In 183 patients 51% tested positive in the ELISA versus 35% in the immunoblot. 32% versus 65% tested negative. Difference between PPV was not statistically significant (33% and 39% respectively) and NPV in both tests was 81%. Difference in sensitivity and specificity was statistically significant, respectively 65% vs. 52% and 54% vs. 71%. Kappa was only 45%. 64.5% of samples that tested positive with ELISA were positive for at least 4 individual CT antibodies with the immunoblot. CONCLUSION The concordance between CT ELISA and CT immunoblot is moderate. Due to separate criteria for positivity of both tests there is a significant difference in sensitivity and specificity. PPV and NPV, the most relevant characteristics for clinicians, of both tests did not differ significantly. The distribution of individual antibodies and the adjustment of the immunoblot algorithm will be further explored in the future in order to develop a potentially better prediction method for TFI with a higher clinical accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F van Ess
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - S Ouburg
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J A Land
- Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Research Institute GROW, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - S A Morré
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Research Institute GROW, Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Ahmad SF, Brown JK, Campbell LL, Koscielniak M, Oliver C, Wheelhouse N, Entrican G, McFee S, Wills GS, McClure MO, Horner PJ, Gaikoumelou S, Lee KF, Critchley HOD, Duncan WC, Horne AW. Pelvic Chlamydial Infection Predisposes to Ectopic Pregnancy by Upregulating Integrin β1 to Promote Embryo-tubal Attachment. EBioMedicine 2018; 29:159-165. [PMID: 29500127 PMCID: PMC5925620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tubal ectopic pregnancies are a leading cause of global maternal morbidity and mortality. Previous infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is a major risk factor for tubal embryo implantation but the biological mechanism behind this association is unclear. Successful intra-uterine embryo implantation is associated with increased expression of endometrial "receptivity" integrins (cell adhesion molecules). We examined integrin expression in Fallopian tubes of women with previous C. trachomatis infection, in mice experimentally infected with C. trachomatis, in immortalised human oviductal epithelial cells (OE-E6/E7) and in an in vitro model of human embryo attachment (trophoblast spheroid-OE-E6/7 cell co-culture). Previous exposure with C. trachomatis increased Fallopian tube/oviduct integrin-subunit beta-1 (ITGB1) in women and mice compared to controls. C. trachomatis increased OE-E6/E7 cell ITGB1 expression and promoted trophoblast attachment to OE-E6/E7 cells which was negated by anti-ITGB1-antibody. We demonstrate that infection with C. trachomatis increases tubal ITGB1 expression, predisposing to tubal embryo attachment and ectopic pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed F Ahmad
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jeremy K Brown
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lisa L Campbell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Magda Koscielniak
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Catriona Oliver
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute and Napier University, Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Gary Entrican
- Moredun Research Institute and the Roslin Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Stuart McFee
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Gillian S Wills
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Myra O McClure
- Jefferiss Research Trust Laboratories, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick J Horner
- Department of Medical Microbiology, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Kai F Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - W Colin Duncan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew W Horne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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West SK, Munoz B, Kaur H, Dize L, Mkocha H, Gaydos CA, Quinn TC. Longitudinal change in the serology of antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis pgp3 in children residing in a trachoma area. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3520. [PMID: 29476106 PMCID: PMC5824943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A serologic test for antibodies to chlamydial antigen pgp3 may be a useful tool for trachoma surveillance. However, little is known about the stability of antibody status over time, or factors associated with seroreversion/conversion. A cohort of 2,111 children ages 1-9 years in Tanzania were followed for one year in the absence of mass azithromycin. At baseline and follow-up, they were evaluated for trachoma, chlamydial infection, and antibodies to chlamydial antigen pgp3. At baseline, 31% of children were seropositive for pgp3 antibodies and 6.4% seroreverted to negative over one year. Of those seronegative, 9.8% seroconverted over the year. The seroreverters had lower baseline mean fluorescence intensity (MFI-BG) values compared to the seropositives who remained positive (Odds Ratio = 0.04 for every unit increase in log10MFI-BG, 95% CI = 0.02-0.09), and were more likely to live in communities with trachoma <5% (p < 0.008). While seroconversion was expected, seroreversion was unexpected. The low seroprevalence rate reported from low endemic areas may be due to seroreversion as well as lack of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila K West
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Ophthalmology Department, Baltimore, 21287, USA.
| | - Beatriz Munoz
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Ophthalmology Department, Baltimore, 21287, USA
| | - Hemjot Kaur
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Ophthalmology Department, Baltimore, 21287, USA
| | - Laura Dize
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Ophthalmology Department, Baltimore, 21287, USA
| | | | - Charlotte A Gaydos
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Ophthalmology Department, Baltimore, 21287, USA
| | - Thomas C Quinn
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, 20814, USA
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Chlamydia trachomatis Incidence Using Self-Reports and Serology by Gender, Age Period, and Sexual Behavior in a Birth Cohort. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 44:344-350. [PMID: 28499283 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although understanding chlamydia incidence assists prevention and control, analyses based on diagnosed infections may distort the findings. Therefore, we determined incidence and examined risks in a birth cohort based on self-reports and serology. METHODS Self-reported chlamydia and behavior data were collected from a cohort born in New Zealand in 1972/3 on several occasions to age 38 years. Sera drawn at ages 26, 32, and 38 years were tested for antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis Pgp3 antigen using a recently developed assay, more sensitive in women (82.9%) than men (54.4%). Chlamydia incidence by age period (first coitus to age 26, 26-32, and 32-38 years) was calculated combining self-reports and serostatus and risk factors investigated by Poisson regression. RESULTS By age 38 years, 32.7% of women and 20.9% of men had seroconverted or self-reported a diagnosis. The highest incidence rate was to age 26, 32.7 and 18.4 years per 1000 person-years for women and men, respectively. Incidence rates increased substantially with increasing number of sexual partners. After adjusting age period incidence rates for partner numbers, a relationship with age was not detected until 32 to 38 years, and then only for women. CONCLUSIONS Chlamydia was common in this cohort by age 38, despite the moderate incidence rates by age period. The strongest risk factor for incident infection was the number of sexual partners. Age, up to 32 years, was not an independent factor after accounting for partner numbers, and then only for women. Behavior is more important than age when considering prevention strategies.
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Gwyn SE, Xiang L, Kandel RP, Dean D, Gambhir M, Martin DL. Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis-Specific Antibodies before and after Mass Drug Administration for Trachoma in Community-Wide Surveys of Four Communities in Nepal. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:216-220. [PMID: 29141720 PMCID: PMC5928690 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The target end date for the global elimination of trachoma as a public health problem is 2020. As countries begin the process for submitting their dossier for the validation of elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, strategies for post-validation surveillance must be considered. Seroprevalence of antibodies against antigens from the causative bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) in young children has been shown to reflect trachomatous inflammation–follicular (TF) rates in both endemic and previously endemic settings. However, none of these studies has directly compared age seroprevalence in the same communities before and after mass drug administration (MDA) for trachoma. Here we report a marked shift in age seroprevalence curves in four villages in Kapilvastu District, Nepal, before and after MDA. Clinical examinations were performed and blood was taken before (N = 659) and 5 years after (N = 646) MDA. Rates of TF decreased from 17.6% in ≤ 9-year-olds before MDA (N = 52) to 0% in ≤ 9-year-olds (N = 73) after MDA. Positive antibody responses to Ct in the entire population decreased from 82.1% pre-MDA to 35.8% post-MDA, whereas those among ≤ 9-year-olds decreased from 59.6% to 4.1%. These data show that the postintervention decrease in TF was reflected in a drop in anti-Ct antibody responses, suggesting that antibody responses could be useful indicators for post-validation surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Gwyn
- IHRC, Inc. Contractor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lingwei Xiang
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Deborah Dean
- University of California at San Francisco and Berkeley Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California.,UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California
| | - Manoj Gambhir
- Health Economics and Modeling Unit, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Diana L Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Population-Based Study of Prediagnostic Antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis in Relation to Adverse Pregnancy Outcome. Sex Transm Dis 2017; 43:382-7. [PMID: 27196260 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted reported bacterial infections worldwide. The well-known sequelae of chlamydial infection include pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal factor infertility, but the evidence linking C. trachomatis infection and adverse pregnancy outcome is inconsistent and has been largely based on case-control studies with limited study populations. We evaluated this link in a population-based longitudinal biobank health registry setting. METHODS The association between C. trachomatis major outer membrane protein (MOMP) peptide-specific IgG antibodies and ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, and preterm delivery was examined in a prospective case-control study nested in the Finnish Maternity Cohort. Ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage cases were identified through the Hospital Discharge Register 1998-2005; cases with preterm deliveries were identified through the Finnish Medical Birth register 1988-2005. Control samples were retrieved from the Finnish Maternity Cohort serum bank. A total of 800 cases of ectopic pregnancy, 800 cases of miscarriage, and 1350 cases of preterm birth were included. Equal number of pregnant women without the outcome diagnosis served as controls. The cases and controls were matched by sampling time, at the serum sampling and postal code district. RESULTS Antichlamydial IgG antibodies were associated with ectopic pregnancy. Positive antibody levels were found in 21.0% of cases and 14.6% of controls (P = 0.001; odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-2.03). Previous exposure to C. trachomatis, as indicated by serum antibodies, doubled the risk of ectopic pregnancy within age and was highest among women 35 years or older. Antichlamydial IgG antibody rates between the cases with miscarriage (16.3% in cases vs. 16.8% in controls) or preterm delivery (18.1% vs. 18.1%) and controls did not differ. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the association between previous exposure to C. trachomatis and ectopic pregnancy. We found no association between C. trachomatis seropositivity and miscarriage or preterm birth.
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Gwyn S, Cooley G, Goodhew B, Kohlhoff S, Banniettis N, Wiegand R, Martin DL. Comparison of Platforms for Testing Antibody Responses against the Chlamydia trachomatis Antigen Pgp3. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:1662-1668. [PMID: 29016320 PMCID: PMC5805053 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody responses to Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) antigens may be useful tools for surveillance of trachoma by estimating cumulative prevalence of infection within a population. Data were compared from three different platforms-multiplex bead array (MBA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and lateral flow assay (LFA)-measuring antibody responses against the CT antigen protein plasmid gene product 3 (Pgp3). Sensitivity was defined as the proportion of specimens testing antibody positive from a set of dried blood spots from Tanzanian 1-9-year olds who were positive for CT nucleic acid of all nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)-positive individuals (N = 103). The sensitivity of the LFA could not be determined because of the use of dried blood spots for this test; this specimen type has yet to be adapted to LFA. Specificity was defined as the proportion of sera from U.S. and Bolivian 1-9-year olds that had previously tested negative by the Chlamydia microimmunofluorescence (MIF) assay testing negative to Pgp3-specific antibodies (N = 154). The sensitivity for MBA and ELISA was the same-93.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88.3-98.1). Specificity ranged across platforms from 96.1 (95% CI: 91.8-98.2) to 99.4% (95% CI: 98.2-100). ELISA performance was similar regardless of whether the plates were precoated or freshly coated with antigen. Sensitivity and specificity of control panels were similar if the cutoff was determined using receiver operator curves or a finite mixture model, but the cutoffs themselves differed by approximately 0.5 OD using the different methodologies. These platforms show good sensitivity and specificity and show good agreement between tests at a population level, but indicate variability for ELISA outcomes depending on the cutoff determination methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gwyn
- IHRC, Inc. Contractor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Gretchen Cooley
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Brook Goodhew
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stephan Kohlhoff
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Natalie Banniettis
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Ryan Wiegand
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Diana L. Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Migchelsen SJ, Sepúlveda N, Martin DL, Cooley G, Gwyn S, Pickering H, Joof H, Makalo P, Bailey R, Burr SE, Mabey DCW, Solomon AW, Roberts CH. Serology reflects a decline in the prevalence of trachoma in two regions of The Gambia. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15040. [PMID: 29118442 PMCID: PMC5678181 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15056-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Trachoma is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). It is targeted for global elimination as a public health problem. In 2014, a population-based cross-sectional study was performed in two previously trachoma-endemic areas of The Gambia. Participants of all ages from Lower River Region (LRR) (N = 1028) and Upper River Region (URR) (N = 840) underwent examination for trachoma and had blood collected for detection of antibodies against the Ct antigen Pgp3, by ELISA. Overall, 30 (1.6%) individuals had active trachoma; the prevalence in children aged 1-9 years was 3.4% (25/742) with no statistically significant difference in prevalence between the regions. There was a significant difference in overall seroprevalence by region: 26.2% in LRR and 17.1% in URR (p < 0.0001). In children 1-9 years old, seroprevalence was 4.4% in LRR and 3.9% in URR. Reversible catalytic models using information on age-specific seroprevalence demonstrated a decrease in the transmission of Ct infection in both regions, possibly reflecting the impact of improved access to water, health and sanitation as well as mass drug administration campaigns. Serological testing for antibodies to Ct antigens is potentially useful for trachoma programmes, but consideration should be given to the co-endemicity of sexually transmitted Ct infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Migchelsen
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Diana L Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gretchen Cooley
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sarah Gwyn
- IHRC, Inc., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Harry Pickering
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hassan Joof
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council, The Gambia Unit, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Pateh Makalo
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council, The Gambia Unit, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Robin Bailey
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E Burr
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council, The Gambia Unit, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - David C W Mabey
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chrissy H Roberts
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Pickering H, Burr SE, Derrick T, Makalo P, Joof H, Hayward RD, Holland MJ. Profiling and validation of individual and patterns of Chlamydia trachomatis-specific antibody responses in trachomatous trichiasis. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:143. [PMID: 28288672 PMCID: PMC5347170 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2078-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection causes trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness. A Ct D/UW3 proteome microarray and sera from Gambian adults with trachomatous trichiasis (TT) or healthy matched controls previously identified several novel antigens, which suggested differential recognition in adults with TT. METHODS We re-analysed this serological microarray data using more robust microarray analysis techniques accounting for typical problems associated with highly dimensional data. We examined the Ct-specific antibody profile concerning the overall diversity of responses, antigen expression stage and cellular localisation of antigens. We tested differentially recognised antigens by further serological testing of the screened sera and used larger independent sample sets for validation. RESULTS Antibody responses identified High-Performance on antigens expressed early and late in the Ct developmental cycle and those secreted or localised to the outer membrane. Eight antigens were preferentially recognised by scarred individuals and one antigen by healthy individuals. Three of these antigens, two associated with scarring (CT667 and CT706) and one healthy-associated (CT442), were not associated with the presence or absence of scarring following specific serological testing of the arrayed sera and sera from larger, independent case-control cohorts. CONCLUSIONS This study identified focussed Ct-specific antibody profiles targeting proteins expressed during entry and exit from cells and localised to interact with the host. A small panel of antibody responses could discriminate between adults with and without TT in a trachoma-endemic community. Heterogenous responses in the independent validation of these antibody targets highlighted the need for large sample sizes, clearly defined clinical phenotypes and follow-up work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Pickering
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK.
| | - Sarah E Burr
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council, The Gambia Unit, Fajara, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Tamsyn Derrick
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
| | - Pateh Makalo
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council, The Gambia Unit, Fajara, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Hassan Joof
- Disease Control and Elimination Theme, Medical Research Council, The Gambia Unit, Fajara, Banjul, Gambia
| | - Richard D Hayward
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and University College London, Malet Street, London, UK
| | - Martin J Holland
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, UK
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Winstanley CE, Ramsey KH, Marsh P, Clarke IN. Development and evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibodies to a common urogenital derivative of Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid-encoded PGP3. J Immunol Methods 2017; 445:23-30. [PMID: 28283408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urogenital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the developed world. Accurate measurement and therefore understanding the seroprevalence of urogenital C. trachomatis infections requires a rigorously optimised and validated ELISA. Previous ELISAs based on the C. trachomatis plasmid-encoded protein, PGP3, have been described but lack standardisation and critical controls or use a less common PGP3 as the capture antigen. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A sensitive and specific indirect ELISA was developed based on recombinant PGP3 derived from a urogenital strain of C. trachomatis, serovar E (pSW2), using a rigorous validation protocol. Serum samples were collected from 166 genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic patients diagnosed as positive or negative for urogenital C. trachomatis infection by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAATs). Overall sensitivity and specificity compared to NAATs was 68.18% and 98.0%, respectively. Sensitivities for female and male samples were 71.93% and 64.15%, respectively. Comparison of samples from these patients diagnosed positive for C. trachomatis by NAAT and patients diagnosed negative by NAAT revealed statistical significance (p≤0.0001). CONCLUSIONS We have developed and validated a sensitive and specific ELISA to detect anti-PGP3 antibodies as an indicator of past and current infection to C. trachomatis using PGP3 from a common urogenital strain. It is anticipated that this assay will be used for seroepidemiological analysis of urogenital C. trachomatis in populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Winstanley
- Molecular Microbiology Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom.
| | - Kyle H Ramsey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA
| | - Peter Marsh
- Public Health England Regional Microbiology Laboratory, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
| | - Ian N Clarke
- Molecular Microbiology Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, Hampshire, United Kingdom
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Chlamydia trachomatis Pgp3 Antibody Population Seroprevalence before and during an Era of Widespread Opportunistic Chlamydia Screening in England (1994-2012). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0152810. [PMID: 28129328 PMCID: PMC5271337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Opportunistic chlamydia screening of <25 year-olds was nationally-implemented in England in 2008 but its impact on chlamydia transmission is poorly understood. We undertook a population-based seroprevalence study to explore the impact of screening on cumulative incidence of chlamydia, as measured by C.trachomatis-specific antibody. Methods Anonymised sera from participants in the nationally-representative Health Surveys for England (HSE) were tested for C.trachomatis antibodies using two novel Pgp3 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) as a marker of past infection. Determinants of being seropositive were explored using logistic regression among 16–44 year-old women and men in 2010 and 2012 (years when sexual behaviour questions were included in the survey) (n = 1,402 women; 1,119 men). Seroprevalence trends among 16–24 year-old women (n = 3,361) were investigated over ten time points from 1994–2012. Results In HSE2010/2012, Pgp3 seroprevalence among 16–44 year-olds was 24.4% (95%CI 22.0–27.1) in women and 13.9% (11.8–16.2) in men. Seroprevalence increased with age (up to 33.5% [27.5–40.2] in 30–34 year-old women, 18.7% [13.4–25.6] in 35–39 year-old men); years since first sex; number of lifetime sexual partners; and younger age at first sex. 76.7% of seropositive 16–24 year-olds had never been diagnosed with chlamydia. Among 16–24 year-old women, a non-significant decline in seroprevalence was observed from 2008–2012 (prevalence ratio per year: 0.94 [0.84–1.05]). Conclusion Our application of Pgp3 ELISAs demonstrates a high lifetime risk of chlamydia infection among women and a large proportion of undiagnosed infections. A decrease in age-specific cumulative incidence following national implementation of opportunistic chlamydia screening has not yet been demonstrated. We propose these assays be used to assess impact of chlamydia control programmes.
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Migchelsen SJ, Martin DL, Southisombath K, Turyaguma P, Heggen A, Rubangakene PP, Joof H, Makalo P, Cooley G, Gwyn S, Solomon AW, Holland MJ, Courtright P, Willis R, Alexander NDE, Mabey DCW, Roberts CH. Defining Seropositivity Thresholds for Use in Trachoma Elimination Studies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005230. [PMID: 28099433 PMCID: PMC5242428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Efforts are underway to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem by 2020. Programmatic guidelines are based on clinical signs that correlate poorly with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection in post-treatment and low-endemicity settings. Age-specific seroprevalence of anti Ct Pgp3 antibodies has been proposed as an alternative indicator of the need for intervention. To standardise the use of these tools, it is necessary to develop an analytical approach that performs reproducibly both within and between studies. Methodology Dried blood spots were collected in 2014 from children aged 1–9 years in Laos (n = 952) and Uganda (n = 2700) and from people aged 1–90 years in The Gambia (n = 1868). Anti-Pgp3 antibodies were detected by ELISA. A number of visual and statistical analytical approaches for defining serological status were compared. Principal Findings Seroprevalence was estimated at 11.3% (Laos), 13.4% (Uganda) and 29.3% (The Gambia) by visual inspection of the inflection point. The expectation-maximisation algorithm estimated seroprevalence at 10.4% (Laos), 24.3% (Uganda) and 29.3% (The Gambia). Finite mixture model estimates were 15.6% (Laos), 17.1% (Uganda) and 26.2% (The Gambia). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis using a threshold calibrated against external reference specimens estimated the seroprevalence at 6.7% (Laos), 6.8% (Uganda) and 20.9% (The Gambia) when the threshold was set to optimise Youden’s J index. The ROC curve analysis was found to estimate seroprevalence at lower levels than estimates based on thresholds established using internal reference data. Thresholds defined using internal reference threshold methods did not vary substantially between population samples. Conclusions Internally calibrated approaches to threshold specification are reproducible and consistent and thus have advantages over methods that require external calibrators. We propose that future serological analyses in trachoma use a finite mixture model or expectation-maximisation algorithm as a means of setting the threshold for ELISA data. This will facilitate standardisation and harmonisation between studies and eliminate the need to establish and maintain a global calibration standard. Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct). Individuals who have previously been infected with Ct carry specific antibodies in their blood. Recent studies have suggested that these antibodies may be a good way to estimate the intensity of transmission of this bacterium in a population. Among people who do have antibodies (seropositives) there is variation in the amount that is detectable in their blood. Some people have such low levels that differentiating them from those who don’t have antibodies (seronegatives) is challenging. We used a new test for Ct antibodies on blood specimens from three countries. Our test worked extremely well, giving reproducible results when we tested the same samples multiple times. We compared four different methods for setting the position of the threshold line between seronegatives and seropositives. The estimated transmission intensity in each country varied depending on the threshold method used, but two methods that used statistical modelling algorithms to define the two groups performed consistently across all three countries’ samples. We recommend that future studies should consider adopting the statistical modelling approaches, as they are objective tests that require no reference material and allow for standardisation between studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J. Migchelsen
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Diana L. Martin
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Patrick Turyaguma
- Trachoma Control Programme, Ugandan Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anne Heggen
- NTD Support Centre, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | - Hassan Joof
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Pateh Makalo
- Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia, Fajara, The Gambia
| | - Gretchen Cooley
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Sarah Gwyn
- IHRC, Inc., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Anthony W. Solomon
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martin J. Holland
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Courtright
- Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology, University Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rebecca Willis
- International Trachoma Initiative, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Neal D. E. Alexander
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - David C. W. Mabey
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chrissy h. Roberts
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Ades AE, Price MJ, Kounali D, Akande VA, Wills GS, McClure MO, Muir P, Horner PJ. Proportion of Tubal Factor Infertility due to Chlamydia: Finite Mixture Modeling of Serum Antibody Titers. Am J Epidemiol 2017; 185:124-134. [PMID: 28062393 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kww117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined whether the proportion of tubal factor infertility (TFI) that is attributable to Chlamydia trachomatis, the population excess fraction (PEF), can be estimated from serological data using finite mixture modeling. Whole-cell inclusion immunofluorescence serum antibody titers were recorded among infertile women seen at St. Michael's Hospital in Bristol, United Kingdom, during the period 1985-1995. Women were classified as TFI cases or controls based on laparoscopic examination. Finite mixture models were used to identify the number of component titer distributions and the proportion of serum samples in each, from which estimates of PEF were derived. Four titer distributions were identified. The component at the highest titer was found only in samples from women with TFI, but there was also an excess of the second-highest titer component in TFI cases. Minimum and maximum estimates of the PEF were 28.0% (95% credible interval: 6.9, 50.0) and 46.8% (95% credible interval: 23.2, 64.1). Equivalent estimates based on the standard PEF formula from case-control studies were 0% and over 65%. Finite mixture modeling can be applied to serological data to obtain estimates of the proportion of reproductive damage attributable to C. trachomatis Further studies using modern assays in contemporary, representative populations should be undertaken.
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Price MJ, Ades AE, Soldan K, Welton NJ, Macleod J, Simms I, DeAngelis D, Turner KM, Horner PJ. The natural history of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women: a multi-parameter evidence synthesis. Health Technol Assess 2016; 20:1-250. [PMID: 27007215 DOI: 10.3310/hta20220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The evidence base supporting the National Chlamydia Screening Programme, initiated in 2003, has been questioned repeatedly, with little consensus on modelling assumptions, parameter values or evidence sources to be used in cost-effectiveness analyses. The purpose of this project was to assemble all available evidence on the prevalence and incidence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) in the UK and its sequelae, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy (EP) and tubal factor infertility (TFI) to review the evidence base in its entirety, assess its consistency and, if possible, arrive at a coherent set of estimates consistent with all the evidence. METHODS Evidence was identified using 'high-yield' strategies. Bayesian Multi-Parameter Evidence Synthesis models were constructed for separate subparts of the clinical and population epidemiology of CT. Where possible, different types of data sources were statistically combined to derive coherent estimates. Where evidence was inconsistent, evidence sources were re-interpreted and new estimates derived on a post-hoc basis. RESULTS An internally coherent set of estimates was generated, consistent with a multifaceted evidence base, fertility surveys and routine UK statistics on PID and EP. Among the key findings were that the risk of PID (symptomatic or asymptomatic) following an untreated CT infection is 17.1% [95% credible interval (CrI) 6% to 29%] and the risk of salpingitis is 7.3% (95% CrI 2.2% to 14.0%). In women aged 16-24 years, screened at annual intervals, at best, 61% (95% CrI 55% to 67%) of CT-related PID and 22% (95% CrI 7% to 43%) of all PID could be directly prevented. For women aged 16-44 years, the proportions of PID, EP and TFI that are attributable to CT are estimated to be 20% (95% CrI 6% to 38%), 4.9% (95% CrI 1.2% to 12%) and 29% (95% CrI 9% to 56%), respectively. The prevalence of TFI in the UK in women at the end of their reproductive lives is 1.1%: this is consistent with all PID carrying a relatively high risk of reproductive damage, whether diagnosed or not. Every 1000 CT infections in women aged 16-44 years, on average, gives rise to approximately 171 episodes of PID and 73 of salpingitis, 2.0 EPs and 5.1 women with TFI at age 44 years. CONCLUSIONS AND RESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS The study establishes a set of interpretations of the major studies and study designs, under which a coherent set of estimates can be generated. CT is a significant cause of PID and TFI. CT screening is of benefit to the individual, but detection and treatment of incident infection may be more beneficial. Women with lower abdominal pain need better advice on when to seek early medical attention to avoid risk of reproductive damage. The study provides new insights into the reproductive risks of PID and the role of CT. Further research is required on the proportions of PID, EP and TFI attributable to CT to confirm predictions made in this report, and to improve the precision of key estimates. The cost-effectiveness of screening should be re-evaluated using the findings of this report. FUNDING The Medical Research Council grant G0801947.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm J Price
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - A E Ades
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kate Soldan
- Public Health England (formerly Health Protection Agency), Colindale, London, UK
| | - Nicky J Welton
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John Macleod
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ian Simms
- Public Health England (formerly Health Protection Agency), Colindale, London, UK
| | - Daniela DeAngelis
- Public Health England (formerly Health Protection Agency), Colindale, London, UK.,Medical Research Council Biostatistics Unit, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Paddy J Horner
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Bristol Sexual Health Centre, University Hospital Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
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Development and evaluation of a multi-antigen peptide ELISA for the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis-related infertility in women. J Med Microbiol 2016; 65:915-922. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Lateral flow-based antibody testing for Chlamydia trachomatis. J Immunol Methods 2016; 435:27-31. [PMID: 27208400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2016.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We describe here a lateral flow-based assay (LFA) for the detection of antibodies against immunodominant antigen Pgp3 from Chlamydia trachomatis, the causative agent of urogenital chlamydia infection and ocular trachoma. Optimal signal detection was achieved when the gold-conjugate and test line contained Pgp3, creating a dual sandwich capture assay. The LFA yielded positive signals with serum and whole blood but not with eluted dried blood spots. For serum, the agreement of the LFA with the non-reference multiplex assay was 96%, the specificity using nonendemic pediatric sera was 100%, and the inter-rater agreement was κ=0.961. For whole blood, the agreement of LFA with multiplex was 81.5%, the specificity was 100%, and the inter-rater agreement was κ=0.940. The LFA was tested in a field environment and yielded similar results to those from laboratory-based testing. These data show the successful development of a lateral flow assay for detection of antibodies against Pgp3 with reliable use in field settings, which would make antibody-based testing for trachoma surveillance highly practical, especially after cessation of trachoma elimination programs.
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Horner PJ, Wills GS, Righarts A, Vieira S, Kounali D, Samuel D, Winston A, Muir D, Dickson NP, McClure MO. Chlamydia trachomatis Pgp3 Antibody Persists and Correlates with Self-Reported Infection and Behavioural Risks in a Blinded Cohort Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151497. [PMID: 26974653 PMCID: PMC4790965 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) serological studies in populations could help monitor changes in lifetime cumulative risk of infection. We developed a double-antigen sandwich ELISA based on the Ct-specific Pgp3 antigen, then tested blind stored sera from over 800 participants in a New Zealand birth cohort from Dunedin at ages 26, 32 and 38. The double-antigen sandwich ELISA was more sensitive than our previously characterised indirect Pgp3 ELISA. Pgp3 antibody was detected more often in women compared to men and correlated with increasing numbers of sexual partners, self-reported Ct, and younger age at sexual debut in both women and men. At age 26, 24.1% (99/411) of women were Pgp3 seropositive, as were 79.5% (35/44) of those reporting Ct infection; Pgp3 antibody persisted to age 38 in 96.5% (83/86). In men at age 26, the figures were 10.7% (47/442) and 25.0% (6/24), respectively, with high (83.9%) antibody persistence to age 38. At age 38, among those Pgp3 seropositive, 63.3% of women and 83.1% of men had not reported Ct infection. Thus, Ct-specific Pgp3 antibody was detected in most women reporting Ct infection and correlated with risk of infection in those who did not, with most infections remaining undetected. As this antibody persisted for at least twelve years in 96% of these women, serology could be used to evaluate Ct prevention programmes among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Horner
- Jefferiss Trust Laboratories, Wright-Fleming Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian S. Wills
- Jefferiss Trust Laboratories, Wright-Fleming Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antoinette Righarts
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sueli Vieira
- Jefferiss Trust Laboratories, Wright-Fleming Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daphne Kounali
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Evaluation of Interventions in partnership with Public Health England, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Dhanraj Samuel
- Public Health for England, Colindale, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Winston
- Jefferiss Trust Laboratories, Wright-Fleming Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Muir
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Imperial College Healthcare Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel P. Dickson
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Myra O. McClure
- Jefferiss Trust Laboratories, Wright-Fleming Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Defining species-specific immunodominant B cell epitopes for molecular serology of Chlamydia species. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2015; 22:539-52. [PMID: 25761461 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00102-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Urgently needed species-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antibodies against Chlamydia spp. have been elusive due to high cross-reactivity of chlamydial antigens. To identify Chlamydia species-specific B cell epitopes for such assays, we ranked the potential epitopes of immunodominant chlamydial proteins that are polymorphic among all Chlamydia species. High-scoring peptides were synthesized with N-terminal biotin, followed by a serine-glycine-serine-glycine spacer, immobilized onto streptavidin-coated microtiter plates, and tested with mono-specific mouse hyperimmune sera against each Chlamydia species in chemiluminescent ELISAs. For each of nine Chlamydia species, three to nine dominant polymorphic B cell epitope regions were identified on OmpA, CT618, PmpD, IncA, CT529, CT442, IncG, Omp2, TarP, and IncE proteins. Peptides corresponding to 16- to 40-amino-acid species-specific sequences of these epitopes reacted highly and with absolute specificity with homologous, but not heterologous, Chlamydia monospecies-specific sera. Host-independent reactivity of such epitopes was confirmed by testing of six C. pecorum-specific peptides from five proteins with C. pecorum-reactive sera from cattle, the natural host of C. pecorum. The probability of cross-reactivity of peptide antigens from closely related chlamydial species or strains correlated with percent sequence identity and declined to zero at <50% sequence identity. Thus, phylograms of B cell epitope regions predict the specificity of peptide antigens for rational use in the genus-, species-, or serovar-specific molecular serology of Chlamydia spp. We anticipate that these peptide antigens will improve chlamydial serology by providing easily accessible assays to nonspecialist laboratories. Our approach also lends itself to the identification of relevant epitopes of other microbial pathogens.
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