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Tian J, Chen S, Li X, Teng Y, Chen B. Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among first time visitors at STIs clinic in Hangzhou, China: Assessing the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e70009. [PMID: 39222020 PMCID: PMC11367921 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.70009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study assesses the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in first time visitors to the STIs clinic in Hangzhou, China, considering different genders, ages and symptoms. And also explores howthe COVID-19 pandemic has affected on STIs. METHODS From 2019 to 2023, 27,283 first time visitors were tested for nine distinct STIs, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), syphilis, Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 (HSV-2), Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), and vaginal Candida. RESULTS Symptomatic male and female visitors showed overall STI-positive rates of 39.27% and 59.20%, respectively(p < .001). The top three pathogens in both genders were HPV (47.56% and 56.71%), UU (29.21% and 56.47%), and HSV-2 (22.41% and 52.94%). Among asymptomatic visitors, the total STI-positive rate was 36.63% in males and 52.03% in females. Age-stratified analysis revealed higher STI rates in visitors ≤ 20 or >50 years, regardless of gender and symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, symptomatic visitors showed lower positive rates for HPV, HIV, syphilis, and HSV-2, while Candida, UU, CT, NG, and multiple infections increased. Among asymptomatic visitors, HPV had the lowest positive rate, while NG and multiple infections increased during the pandemic. CONCLUSION STI prevalence is notably high, particularly in those aged ≤ 20 and >50 years. It emphasizes the need for enhanced health education, condom use, and vaccination. The COVID-19 pandemic impacting STIs through varied factors, such as reduced sexual activity and clinical service interruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyun Tian
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Third People's Hospital of HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Shi Chen
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Third People's Hospital of HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Xinzheng Li
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Third People's Hospital of HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Third People's Hospital of HangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Baobing Chen
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Third People's Hospital of HangzhouZhejiangChina
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Boaitey YA, Owusu-Ofori A, Anyogu A, Aghakhanian F, Arora N, Parr JB, Bosshard PP, Raheem S, Gerbault P. Prevalence of yaws and syphilis in the Ashanti region of Ghana and occurrence of H. ducreyi, herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 in skin lesions associated with treponematoses. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295088. [PMID: 38776332 PMCID: PMC11111032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295088] [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] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Yaws affects children in tropical regions, while syphilis primarily affects sexually active adults worldwide. Despite various campaigns towards the eradication of yaws and elimination of syphilis, these two diseases are still present in Ghana. The aetiological agents of both diseases, two Treponema pallidum subspecies, are genetically similar. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of these treponematoses and the occurrence of pathogens causing similar skin lesions in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A point-of-care test was used to determine the seroprevalence of the treponematoses. Both yaws and syphilis were identified in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Multiplex PCR was used to identify treponemes and other pathogens that cause similar skin lesions. The results indicated that the seroprevalences of T. pallidum in individuals with yaws-like and syphilis-like lesions were 17.2% and 10.8%, respectively. Multiplex PCR results showed that 9.1%, 1.8% and 0.9% of yaws-like lesions were positive for Haemophilus ducreyi, herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) and T. pallidum respectively. Among syphilis-like lesions, 28.3% were positive for herpes simplex virus -2 (HSV-2) by PCR. To our knowledge, this is the first time HSV-I and HSV-2 have been reported from yaws-like and syphilis-like lesions, respectively, in Ghana. The presence of other organisms apart from T. pallidum in yaws-like and syphilis-like lesions could impede the total healing of these lesions and the full recovery of patients. This may complicate efforts to achieve yaws eradication by 2030 and the elimination of syphilis and warrants updated empirical treatment guidelines for skin ulcer diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaw Agyekum Boaitey
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Alex Owusu-Ofori
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Amarachukwu Anyogu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of West London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Farhang Aghakhanian
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Natasha Arora
- Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan B. Parr
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Saki Raheem
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pascale Gerbault
- Department of Genetic and Evolution, Laboratory of Anthropology, Genetic and Population, University of Geneva, Genève, Switzerland
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Stein RA, Bianchini EC. Bacterial-Viral Interactions: A Factor That Facilitates Transmission Heterogeneities. FEMS MICROBES 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/femsmc/xtac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The transmission of infectious diseases is characterized by heterogeneities that are shaped by the host, the pathogen, and the environment. Extreme forms of these heterogeneities are called super-spreading events. Transmission heterogeneities are usually identified retrospectively, but their contribution to the dynamics of outbreaks makes the ability to predict them valuable for science, medicine, and public health. Previous studies identified several factors that facilitate super-spreading; one of them is the interaction between bacteria and viruses within a host. The heightened dispersal of bacteria colonizing the nasal cavity during an upper respiratory viral infection, and the increased shedding of HIV-1 from the urogenital tract during a sexually transmitted bacterial infection, are among the most extensively studied examples of transmission heterogeneities that result from bacterial-viral interactions. Interrogating these transmission heterogeneities, and elucidating the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, are part of much-needed efforts to guide public health interventions, in areas that range from predicting or controlling the population transmission of respiratory pathogens, to limiting the spread of sexually transmitted infections, and tailoring vaccination initiatives with live attenuated vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Stein
- NYU Tandon School of Engineering Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 6 MetroTech Center Brooklyn , NY 11201 USA
| | - Emilia Claire Bianchini
- NYU Tandon School of Engineering Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 6 MetroTech Center Brooklyn , NY 11201 USA
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Tu W, Li YY, Kuang YQ, Xie RH, Dong XQ, Zhang D, Ma YL, Zhang WY, Lu L. High prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and risk factors among HIV-positive individuals in Yunnan, China. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:9. [PMID: 35027093 PMCID: PMC8756631 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00635-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Yunnan has the highest rates of HIV in China. Other treatable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are associated with accelerated HIV transmission and poor ART outcomes, but are only diagnosed by syndromic algorithms. Methods We recruited 406 HIV-positive participants for a cross-sectional study (204 ART-naive and 202 receiving ART). Blood samples and first-voided urine samples were collected. Real-time polymerase chain reaction methods were used for diagnosing Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG). Syphilis and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) tests were also performed. Results Among the 406 participants, the overall prevalence of STIs was 47.0% and 45.1% in ART-naive individuals and 49.0% in individuals receiving ART, respectively. The testing frequencies were 11.6% (11.8% vs. 11.4%), 33.2% (29.4% vs. 37.1%), 3.2% (3.4% vs. 3.0%), 2.0% (3.4% vs. 0.5%) and 4.7% (6.4% vs. 3.0%) for active syphilis, HSV-2, CT, NG and MG, respectively. The percentage of multiple infections in both groups was 10.8% (22/204) in ART-naive participants and 9.9% (20/202) in participants receiving ART. Female sex, an age between 18 and 35 years, ever injecting drugs, homosexual or bisexual status, HIV/HBV coinfection, and not receiving ART were identified as risk factors. Self-reported asymptomatic patients were not eliminated from having a laboratory-diagnosed STI. Conclusions The STI prevalence was 47.0% (45.1% vs. 49.0%), and HSV-2, syphilis and MG were the most common STIs in HIV-infected individuals. We found a high prevalence (6.4%) of MG in ART-naive individuals. HIV-positive individuals tend to neglect or hide their genital tract discomfort; thus, we suggest strengthening STI joint screening and treatment services among HIV-infected individuals regardless of whether they describe genital tract discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tu
- Department of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Yu-Ye Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China.
| | - Yi-Qun Kuang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China.
| | - Rong-Hui Xie
- Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Infectious Diseases/Yunnan AIDS Care Center (YNACC), Anning, 650300, China
| | - Xing-Qi Dong
- Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Infectious Diseases/Yunnan AIDS Care Center (YNACC), Anning, 650300, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Yan-Ling Ma
- Yunnan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, 650022, China
| | - Wan-Yue Zhang
- Yunnan Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, 650022, China
| | - Lin Lu
- Department of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
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How dendritic cells sense and respond to viral infections. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:2217-2242. [PMID: 34623425 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to sense viral pathogens and orchestrate a proper immune response makes them one of the key players in antiviral immunity. Different DC subsets have complementing functions during viral infections, some specialize in antigen presentation and cross-presentation and others in the production of cytokines with antiviral activity, such as type I interferons. In this review, we summarize the latest updates concerning the role of DCs in viral infections, with particular focus on the complex interplay between DC subsets and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite being initiated by a vast array of immune receptors, DC-mediated antiviral responses often converge towards the same endpoint, that is the production of proinflammatory cytokines and the activation of an adaptive immune response. Nonetheless, the inherent migratory properties of DCs make them a double-edged sword and often viral recognition by DCs results in further viral dissemination. Here we illustrate these various aspects of the antiviral functions of DCs and also provide a brief overview of novel antiviral vaccination strategies based on DCs targeting.
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Svanberg C, Ellegård R, Crisci E, Khalid M, Borendal Wodlin N, Svenvik M, Nyström S, Birse K, Burgener A, Shankar EM, Larsson M. Complement-Opsonized HIV Modulates Pathways Involved in Infection of Cervical Mucosal Tissues: A Transcriptomic and Proteomic Study. Front Immunol 2021; 12:625649. [PMID: 34093520 PMCID: PMC8173031 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.625649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genital mucosal transmission is the most common route of HIV spread. The initial responses triggered at the site of viral entry are reportedly affected by host factors, especially complement components present at the site, and this will have profound consequences on the outcome and pathogenesis of HIV infection. We studied the initial events associated with host-pathogen interactions by exposing cervical biopsies to free or complement-opsonized HIV. Opsonization resulted in higher rates of HIV acquisition/infection in mucosal tissues and emigrating dendritic cells. Transcriptomic and proteomic data showed a significantly more pathways and higher expression of genes and proteins associated with viral replication and pathways involved in different aspects of viral infection including interferon signaling, cytokine profile and dendritic cell maturation for the opsonized HIV. Moreover, the proteomics data indicate a general suppression by the HIV exposure. This clearly suggests that HIV opsonization alters the initial signaling pathways in the cervical mucosa in a manner that promotes viral establishment and infection. Our findings provide a foundation for further studies of the role these early HIV induced events play in HIV pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Svanberg
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Raleigh, NC, Sweden
| | - Rada Ellegård
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Raleigh, NC, Sweden
| | - Elisa Crisci
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Raleigh, NC, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Khalid
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Raleigh, NC, Sweden
| | | | | | - Sofia Nyström
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Raleigh, NC, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kenzie Birse
- National HIV and Retrovirology Labs, JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Adam Burgener
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Esaki M Shankar
- Infection Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
| | - Marie Larsson
- Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Raleigh, NC, Sweden
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Yandrapally S, Mohareer K, Arekuti G, Vadankula GR, Banerjee S. HIV co-receptor-tropism: cellular and molecular events behind the enigmatic co-receptor switching. Crit Rev Microbiol 2021; 47:499-516. [PMID: 33900141 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2021.1902941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recognition of cell-surface receptors and co-receptors is a crucial molecular event towards the establishment of HIV infection. HIV exists as several variants that differentially recognize the principal co-receptors, CCR5 and CXCR4, in different cell types, known as HIV co-receptor-tropism. The relative levels of these variants dynamically adjust to the changing host selection pressures to infect a vast repertoire of cells in a stage-specific manner. HIV infection sets in through immune cells such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and T-lymphocytes in the acute stage, while a wide range of other cells, including astrocytes, glial cells, B-lymphocytes, and epithelial cells, are infected during chronic stages. A change in tropism occurs during the transition from acute to a chronic phase, termed as co-receptor switching marked by a change in disease severity. The cellular and molecular events leading to co-receptor switching are poorly understood. This review aims to collate our present understanding of the dynamics of HIV co-receptor-tropism vis-à-vis host and viral factors, highlighting the cellular and molecular events involved therein. We present the possible correlations between virus entry, cell tropism, and co-receptor switching, speculating its consequences on disease progression, and proposing new scientific pursuits to help in an in-depth understanding of HIV biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Geethika Arekuti
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
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SAMHD1 … and Viral Ways around It. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030395. [PMID: 33801276 PMCID: PMC7999308 DOI: 10.3390/v13030395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The SAM and HD domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) is a dNTP triphosphohydrolase that plays a crucial role for a variety of different cellular functions. Besides balancing intracellular dNTP concentrations, facilitating DNA damage repair, and dampening excessive immune responses, SAMHD1 has been shown to act as a major restriction factor against various virus species. In addition to its well-described activity against retroviruses such as HIV-1, SAMHD1 has been identified to reduce the infectivity of different DNA viruses such as the herpesviruses CMV and EBV, the poxvirus VACV, or the hepadnavirus HBV. While some viruses are efficiently restricted by SAMHD1, others have developed evasion mechanisms that antagonize the antiviral activity of SAMHD1. Within this review, we summarize the different cellular functions of SAMHD1 and highlight the countermeasures viruses have evolved to neutralize the restriction factor SAMHD1.
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Liu ZH, Niu FJ, Xie YX, Xie SM, Liu YN, Yang YY, Zhou CZ, Wan XH. A review: Natural polysaccharides from medicinal plants and microorganisms and their anti-herpetic mechanism. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110469. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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