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Imai K, Sato A, Tanaka M, Ohama Y, Nakayama SI, Omachi R, Takeuchi K, Tarumoto N, Tokano M, Mesaki S, Maeda T, Akeda Y. Prospective evaluation of non-invasive saliva specimens for the diagnosis of syphilis and molecular surveillance of Treponema pallidum. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0080924. [PMID: 39503502 PMCID: PMC11633093 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00809-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 11/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The promising diagnostic performance of molecular testing for syphilis using saliva and urine samples has been reported; however, further evaluation of its possible application for diagnosis and molecular surveillance is required. In addition, the development of a rapid and easy-to-perform molecular test for syphilis is important for its use in the clinical setting. We comprehensively evaluated the diagnostic and surveillance performance of two novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays using saliva and urine samples. Saliva, urine, and whole blood were collected from patients who underwent serological testing for syphilis at outpatient clinics. Treponema pallidum DNA in specimens was detected using quantitative PCR (qPCR), nested PCR, and novel LAMP assays. T. pallidum genotyping was conducted by multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Of the 163 patients recruited, 98 were diagnosed with syphilis (primary: n = 35; secondary: n = 40; latent: n = 23). qPCR showed the highest sensitivity among the molecular tests performed with a sensitivity of 54.1% and 30.3% for all syphilis patients using saliva and urine samples, respectively. A novel method of LAMP combined with dry reagents and crude DNA extraction (Dry-LAMP) showed a probit detection limit of 37.4 copies/reaction within 45 min. The agreement rate between Dry-LAMP and qPCR for saliva was 95.7% (κ coefficient 0.90). The T. pallidum genotype was identified in 48 patients by MLST using saliva samples. Molecular analysis of saliva could be used as a supplementary diagnostic test for syphilis and molecular surveillance of the T. pallidum genotype. Dry-LAMP is expected to be helpful in the clinical diagnosis of syphilis.
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Tokano M, Tarumoto N, Imai K, Yamaguchi H, Takeji M, Inayoshi F, Okamoto K, Okumura N, Maesaki S. Malignant syphilis requiring differentiation from Kaposi's sarcoma. IDCases 2024; 36:e01943. [PMID: 38646599 PMCID: PMC11031774 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2024.e01943] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant syphilis (MS) is a rare variant of secondary syphilis. Also known as rupioid syphilis, MS is characterized by the presence of multiple papules, papulopustules, black lamellate crust that may resemble an oyster shell, or nodules with ulceration lacking central clearing. MS is often associated with immunodeficiency and frequently co-occurs with HIV infection. We here report a case of MS in a patient with HIV infection. HIV infection can cause atypical clinical symptoms of syphilis. In this case, unlike previous cases, cutaneous lesions of MS were limited to the face, making the diagnosis challenging based on clinical findings alone. However, his laboratory findings, appearance of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, and a dramatic response to antibiotic therapy are characteristic of MS, making the diagnosis even more certain. Our case suggests the importance of physicians considering the possibility of MS when observing black-crusted lesions.
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Tokano M, Tarumoto N, Sakai J, Imai K, Koizumi S, Karaushi H, Hatanaka T, Kishi E, Seki M, Mitsutake K, Maesaki S. Multicenter Study of the Effectiveness of Antifungal Stewardship Team Intervention for Candidemia in Japan in 2008-2021. Infect Dis Rep 2024; 16:356-366. [PMID: 38667753 PMCID: PMC11050113 DOI: 10.3390/idr16020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Candidemia, linked to high mortality rates, requires prompt antifungal therapy for better outcomes. Treatment is structured as an action bundle, which is beneficial when followed closely. However, the Japanese action bundle lacks detailed guidance on severe complications like endocarditis or ocular issues. To address this, we adjusted the action bundle and assessed outcomes with and without AFT intervention. We strengthened protocols for blood cultures and organ assessments, and the AFT contacted the primary physician when yeast-like fungi were detected in the patient's blood culture bottles. Analyzing 204 candidemia cases from 2008-2021, we observed increased adherence and reduced mortality post-AFT intervention. Ophthalmology consultations rose significantly, but many patients had only one visit, suggesting inadequate follow-up. If endophthalmitis is diagnosed, a change in the treatment approach may be necessary. There is a possibility that abnormal ocular findings will be detected during subsequent visits, which highlights the need for improvement in ophthalmology follow-up rates as a future challenge for our AFT activities.
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Tokano M, Tarumoto N, Imai K, Sekine T, Omura Y, Uehara K, Maesaki S. Acute tenosynovitis following an accidental injection of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in a health care worker: A case report. Infect Prev Pract 2024; 6:100332. [PMID: 38292208 PMCID: PMC10826301 DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2023.100332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Case A 36-year-old female healthcare worker with no past medical history, accidentally injected her flexed right middle finger with live attenuated Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Swelling and erythema around the injured area appeared two days after the needlestick injury. She was referred to the hospital and presented approximately nine days after self-inoculation. Surgical debridement was immediately performed. After 38 days, colonies were observed on cultures of the removed tissue on Ogawa's medium. This isolate was identified as M. bovis BCG by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on RD1 gene deletion. She had a history of BCG vaccination and her skin lesion appeared immediately after the accidental injection of M. bovis BCG. Therefore, in the differential diagnosis, the possibility that the lesion was an allergic reaction to BCG was considered. The subsequent culture results came back positive for M. bovis BCG and acute tenosynovitis caused by M. bovis BCG was diagnosed. The skin lesion was treated with anti-mycobacterial drugs and resolved. Discussion The allergic reactions to BCG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions following BCG vaccination. It is important to promptly submit a specimen for culture as delayed initiation of appropriate treatment can lead to a poor prognosis. In patients with accidental injection of M. bovis BCG, it is important to consider timely surgical excision and appropriate antimycobacterial therapy.
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Fukae S, Aozasa N, Tarumoto N, Nakamura K, Tsunemi Y. Secondary syphilis presenting with widespread psoriasiform lesions. J Dermatol 2024; 51:e27-e28. [PMID: 38087823 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
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Tokano M, Tarumoto N, Sakai J, Imai K, Kodana M, Kawamura T, Maeda T, Maesaki S. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in Japan, 2007-2015: a molecular epidemiology analysis focused on examining strain characteristics over time. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0244423. [PMID: 38100166 PMCID: PMC10783050 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02444-23] [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: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Our study emphasizes the efficacy of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in addressing outbreaks of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. WGS enables the identification and tracking of resistant bacterial strains, early detection and management of novel infectious disease outbreaks, and the appropriate selection and use of antibiotics. Furthermore, our approach deepens our understanding of how resistant bacteria transfer genes and adapt to their environments or hosts. For modern medicine, these insights have significant implications for controlling infections and effectively managing antibiotic use in the current era, where antibiotic resistance is progressing.
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Kaneko S, Inoue T, Tarumoto N, Haga Y, Yokota K, Yamaguchi H, Okada H. A case of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in a hemodialysis patient with coronavirus disease 2019. CEN Case Rep 2023; 12:390-396. [PMID: 36864233 PMCID: PMC9982797 DOI: 10.1007/s13730-023-00776-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
During the treatment of a patient on hemodialysis with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the patient was weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which was used to treat severe COVID-19 pneumonia. However, the patient's condition worsened after the peak infection phase of COVID-19 because of acute respiratory distress syndrome with suspected hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). After a bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, methylprednisolone pulse therapy, followed by combination therapy (including oral prednisolone and cyclosporine) was immediately administered, and the patient survived. Because HLH can occur a month or more after the onset of COVID-19, even if the viral load is reduced to the point of being undetectable by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, it can be considered to correspond to the "post-acute COVID-19 syndrome," which has recently been proposed. Early intervention is necessary, because HLH can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to know that HLH can occur at any stage of COVID-19 and to pay attention to the patient's progress over time, including checking the HScore.
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Miyazaki T, Hosogaya N, Fukushige Y, Takemori S, Morimoto S, Yamamoto H, Hori M, Ozawa Y, Shiko Y, Inaba Y, Kurokawa T, Hanaoka H, Iwanami S, Kim K, Iwami S, Watashi K, Miyazawa K, Umeyama T, Yamagoe S, Miyazaki Y, Wakita T, Sumiyoshi M, Hirayama T, Izumikawa K, Yanagihara K, Mukae H, Kawasuji H, Yamamoto Y, Tarumoto N, Ishii H, Ohno H, Yatera K, Kakeya H, Kichikawa Y, Kato Y, Matsumoto T, Saito M, Yotsuyanagi H, Kohno S. A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial To Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Nelfinavir in Patients with Mild COVID-19. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0431122. [PMID: 37140398 PMCID: PMC10269734 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04311-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nelfinavir, an orally administered inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus protease, inhibits the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in vitro. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of nelfinavir in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We included unvaccinated asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic adult patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection within 3 days before enrollment. The patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive oral nelfinavir (750 mg; thrice daily for 14 days) combined with standard-of-care or standard-of-care alone. The primary endpoint was the time to viral clearance, confirmed using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR by assessors blinded to the assigned treatment. A total of 123 patients (63 in the nelfinavir group and 60 in the control group) were included. The median time to viral clearance was 8.0 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.0 to 12.0) days in the nelfinavir group and 8.0 (95% CI, 7.0 to 10.0) days in the control group, with no significant difference between the treatment groups (hazard ratio, 0.815; 95% CI, 0.563 to 1.182; P = 0.1870). Adverse events were reported in 47 (74.6%) and 20 (33.3%) patients in the nelfinavir and control groups, respectively. The most common adverse event in the nelfinavir group was diarrhea (49.2%). Nelfinavir did not reduce the time to viral clearance in this setting. Our findings indicate that nelfinavir should not be recommended in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The study is registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT2071200023). IMPORTANCE The anti-HIV drug nelfinavir suppresses the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in vitro. However, its efficacy in patients with COVID-19 has not been studied. We conducted a multicenter, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of orally administered nelfinavir in patients with asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic COVID-19. Compared to standard-of-care alone, nelfinavir (750 mg, thrice daily) did not reduce the time to viral clearance, viral load, or the time to resolution of symptoms. More patients had adverse events in the nelfinavir group than in the control group (74.6% [47/63 patients] versus 33.3% [20/60 patients]). Our clinical study provides evidence that nelfinavir, despite its antiviral effects on SARS-CoV-2 in vitro, should not be recommended for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 having no or mild symptoms.
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Ogane K, Imai K, Orihara Y, Kodana M, Tezuka M, Matsuzaki N, Takahashi R, Ichimura S, Tokano M, Sakai J, Tarumoto N, Maesaki S, Takuya M. Clinical evaluation of anterior nasal cavity swab specimens by a rapid antigen test using a GLINE-2019-nCoV Ag Kit to diagnose COVID-19. J Infect Chemother 2023:S1341-321X(23)00120-4. [PMID: 37187412 PMCID: PMC10182653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.05.010] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The promising diagnostic performance of rapid antigen tests (RATs) using non-invasive anterior nasal (AN) swab specimens to diagnose COVID-19 has been reported. A large number of RATs are commercially available; however, the careful assessment of RATs is essential prior to their implementation in clinical practice. We evaluated the clinical performance of the GLINE-2019-nCoV Ag kit as a RAT using AN swabs in a prospective, blinded study. Adult patients who visited outpatient departments and received SARS-CoV-2 tests between August 16 and September 8, 2022, were eligible for this study. Patients who were aged under 18 years and patients without appropriate specimens were excluded. Two sets of AN and nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs were collected from all patients. Each set of specimens was tested by the RAT and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Of the 138 recruited patients, 84 were positive and 54 were negative by RT-qPCR using NP swabs. The positive agreement rate between RT-qPCR using NP swabs and RAT using AN swabs was 78.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 68.3%-86.8%), the negative agreement rate was 98.1% (95% CI, 90.1%-99.9%), and the overall agreement rate was 86.2% (95% CI, 79.3%-91.5%), with a κ coefficient of 0.73. The positive agreement rate in the early phase (≤3 days from symptom onset) was >80%, but this fell to 50% in the late phase (≥4 days). This study demonstrates that the GLINE-2019-nCoV Ag Kit using AN swabs has good clinical performance and might be a reliable alternative method for diagnosing COVID-19.
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Kodana M, Orihara Y, Tezuka M, Takahashi R, Noguchi S, Matsuzaki N, Takada T, Kobari N, Ogane K, Kawamura R, Kawamura T, Takeuchi S, Kamiyama Y, Shiomi R, Aoyagi R, Saito M, Kusano T, Nakaya N, Kaneko S, Morita H, Uchida Y, Yazawa H, Sekiya R, Katayama K, Mikami S, Sato T, Tarumoto N, Kobayashi T, Nakamoto H, Maeda T. Evaluation of an immunochromatography-based rapid antigen test, Inspecter Kowa® SARS-CoV-2, using saliva specimens for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. J Infect Chemother 2023; 29:586-591. [PMID: 36849098 PMCID: PMC9968476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a rapid and reliable point-of-care test is an essential tool for controlling the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In particular, an immunochromatography test (ICT) that uses saliva specimens for rapid antigen detection not only reduces the risk of secondary infections but also reduces the burden on medical personnel. METHODS The newly developed salivary antigen test kit "Inspecter Kowa® SARS-CoV-2" is an ICT to which saliva specimens can be directly applied. We evaluated its usefulness in comparison with reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and the Espline® SARS-CoV-2 Kit for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using nasopharyngeal swab specimens. In this study, 140 patients with suspected symptomatic COVID-19 who visited our hospital were enrolled, and nasopharyngeal swab and saliva specimens were collected after they consented to participate in the study. RESULTS Inspector Kowa SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 45 of 61 (73.8%) saliva that were positive by RT-qPCR and the Espline® SARS-CoV-2 Kit was also positive in 56 of 60 (93.3%) Np swabs that were positive by RT-qPCR. Good antigen detection was achieved by ICT with saliva and nasopharyngeal swab specimens when viral load was ≥105 copies/mL, whereas detection sensitivity was low when viral load was <105 copies/mL, especially in saliva specimens. CONCLUSION This ICT for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 salivary antigen is an attractive tool that does not require specialized equipment and allows patients to perform the entire process from sample collection to self-diagnose and to reduce the burden on medical care during a pandemic.
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Tokano M, Tarumoto N, Imai K, Sakai J, Kodana M, Naito E, Uchida Y, Nagata M, Maesaki S. A case of Talaromyces marneffei infection that required differentiation from Pneumocystis pneumonia. IDCases 2023; 31:e01654. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
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Tokano M, Tarumoto N, Imai K, Sakai J, Maeda T, Kawamura T, Seo K, Takahashi K, Yamamoto T, Maesaki S. A Case of Bacterial Meningitis Caused by Bacillus subtilis var. natto. Intern Med 2022. [PMID: 36418098 PMCID: PMC10372276 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.0768-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A 67-year-old woman with a 2-day history of a fever, headache and disturbed consciousness was admitted to our hospital. Bacillus subtilis was isolated from both the cerebrospinal fluid and blood. She was cured by the administration of vancomycin. Next-generation sequencing identified the strain as B. subtilis var. natto, the same strain found in natto, which this patient ate daily. We suspected that some of the B. subtilis that caused the infection may have actually been B. subtilis var. natto.
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Wada TT, Yokota K, Sakai S, Soma M, Kajiyama H, Tarumoto N, Maesaki S, Maeda T, Nagata M, Mimura T. Evaluation of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibody levels in coronavirus disease breakthrough infection during immunosuppressive therapy in a patient with connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease. Mod Rheumatol Case Rep 2022; 7:288-292. [PMID: 35730997 PMCID: PMC9278182 DOI: 10.1093/mrcr/rxac052] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report the case of a 67-year-old man with severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccine breakthrough infection during immunosuppressive therapy for connective tissue disease-related interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD). The patient received glucocorticoids combined with tacrolimus as maintenance therapy. His serum anti-SARS-CoV-2-immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels were extremely low at the onset of COVID-19 pneumonia, even after the second dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2). After treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia, the levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibodies increased. These results indicated a lack of the ability to produce neutralising antibodies from immune cells despite the booster vaccination. Therefore, we suggest that advanced-age patients with CTD-ILD receiving immunosuppressive therapy with polypharmacy require consistent personal protection, vaccination of close caregivers, increased awareness, and booster vaccination. Moreover, we recommend that tacrolimus should be withdrawn for a while after vaccination under controlled conditions.
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Tokano M, Takagi R, Kawano M, Maesaki S, Tarumoto N, Matsushita S. Signaling via dopamine and adenosine receptors modulate viral peptide-specific and T-cell IL-8 response in COVID-19. Immunol Med 2022; 45:162-167. [PMID: 35623041 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2022.2079369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell but not T-cell responses have been extensively studied using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our recent study showed that not only T-helper (Th) 17 but also Th1 cells directly produce interleukin (IL)-8, a major source of neutrophilic inflammation, which is also known to induce disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in COVID-19 patients. Neutrophilic inflammation caused by IL-17A or IL-8 can be fatal; thus, therapeutic intervention is highly expected. The present study aimed to investigate the T-cell responses in the Japanese patients. We synthesized spike protein-derived 15-mer peptides that are expected to bind to HLA class II allelic products frequently observed in the Japanese population, and checked the T-cell responses in Japanese patients with COVID-19. We have found that (i) patients show marked IL-8 but not IL-17A responses; (ii) these responses are restricted by HLA-DR; and (iii) IL-8 responses are abrogated by a dopamine D2 like receptor (D2R) agonist, ropinirole, and an adenosine A2a receptor (A2aR) antagonist, istradefylline. Compounds used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease may ease DIC in COVID-19. (183 words).
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Imai K, Ishibashi N, Kodana M, Tarumoto N, Sakai J, Kawamura T, Takeuchi S, Taji Y, Ebihara Y, Ikebuchi K, Murakami T, Maeda T, Mitsutake K, Maesaki S. Correction to: Clinical characteristics in blood stream infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella variicola, and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae: a comparative study, Japan, 2014-2017. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:425. [PMID: 35509016 PMCID: PMC9066817 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07384-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Yanagisawa S, Oikawa Y, Takagi S, Horikoshi Y, Satomura A, Imai K, Sakai J, Ishibashi N, Tarumoto N, Iida S, Nakayama H, Haga Y, Maesaki S, Shimada A. HbA1c level may be a risk factor for oxygen therapy requirement in patients with coronavirus disease 2019. J Diabetes Investig 2022; 13:909-917. [PMID: 34958706 PMCID: PMC9077726 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many clinical studies have identified significant predictors or risk factors for the severity or mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. However, there are very limited reports on the risk factors for requiring oxygen therapy during hospitalization. In particular, we sought to investigate whether plasma glucose and HbA1c levels could be risk factors for oxygen therapy requirement. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single-center, retrospective study was conducted of 131 COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Saitama Medical University Hospital between March 2020 and November 2020. To identify the risk factors for oxygen therapy requirement during hospitalization, a stepwise multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed using several clinical parameters commonly obtained on admission, including plasma glucose and HbA1c levels. RESULTS Of the 131 patients with COVID-19, 33.6% (44/131) received oxygen therapy during hospitalization. According to the logistic regression analysis, male sex (odds ratio [OR]: 8.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.65-46.5, P < 0.05), age (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.12, P < 0.01), HbA1c levels (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.09-3.44, P < 0.05), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.54-3.20, P < 0.01) emerged as independent variables associated with oxygen therapy requirement during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS In addition to male sex, age, and serum CRP levels, HbA1c levels on admission may serve as a risk factor for oxygen therapy requirement during the clinical course of COVID-19, irrespective of diabetes history and status. This may contribute to the efficient delegation of limited numbers of hospital beds to patients at risk for oxygen therapy requirement.
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Kitagawa Y, Imai K, Matsuoka M, Fukada A, Kubota K, Sato M, Takada T, Noguchi S, Tarumoto N, Maesaki S, Takeuchi S, Maeda T. Evaluation of the correlation between the access SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG II antibody tests with the SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus neutralization test. J Med Virol 2021; 94:335-341. [PMID: 34524695 PMCID: PMC8661952 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Fully automated immunoassays for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies that are strongly correlated with neutralization antibodies (nAbs) are clinically important because they enable the assessment of humoral immunity after infection and vaccination. Access SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) II antibody tests are semi-quantitative, fully automated immunoassays that detect anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibodies and might reflect nAb levels in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, no studies have investigated the clinical utility of these tests in association with nAbs to date. To evaluate the clinical utility of Access SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG II antibody tests and their correlation with the SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) that measures nAbs in patients with COVID-19, we analyzed 54 convalescent serum samples from COVID-19 patients and 89 serum samples from non-COVID-19 patients. The presence of anti-RBD antibodies was detected using Access SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG II antibody tests, while nAbs were measured by sVNT. The sensitivity and specificity of sVNT were 94.4% and 98.9%, respectively. There were strong positive correlations between the inhibition values of sVNT and the results of the Access SARS-CoV-2 IgM (R = 0.95, R2 = 0.90, p < 0.001) and IgG II antibody tests (R = 0.96, R2 = 0.92, p < 0.001). In terms of the presence of nAbs, the sensitivity and specificity were 98.1% and 98.9% in the IgM assay and 100.0% and 100.0% in the IgG II assay, respectively. The Access SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG II antibody tests showed high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of nAbs in COVID-19 patients and might be alternatives for measuring nAbs.
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Shinkai M, Tsushima K, Tanaka S, Hagiwara E, Tarumoto N, Kawada I, Hirai Y, Fujiwara S, Komase Y, Saraya T, Koh H, Kagiyama N, Shimada M, Kanou D, Antoku S, Uchida Y, Tokue Y, Takamori M, Gon Y, Ie K, Yamazaki Y, Harada K, Miyao N, Naka T, Iwata M, Nakagawa A, Hiyama K, Ogawa Y, Shinoda M, Ota S, Hirouchi T, Terada J, Kawano S, Ogura T, Sakurai T, Matsumoto Y, Kunishima H, Kobayashi O, Iwata S. Efficacy and Safety of Favipiravir in Moderate COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients without Oxygen Therapy: A Randomized, Phase III Clinical Trial. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10:2489-2509. [PMID: 34453234 PMCID: PMC8396144 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00517-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus. Favipiravir is an orally administrable antiviral drug whose mechanism of action is to selectively inhibit RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. A preliminary trial in COVID-19 patients reported significant improvements across a multitude of clinical parameters, but these findings have not been confirmed in an adequate well-controlled trial. We conducted a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III trial assessing the efficacy and safety of favipiravir in patients with moderate pneumonia not requiring oxygen therapy. Methods COVID-19 patients with moderate pneumonia (SpO2 ≥ 94%) within 10 days of onset of fever (temperature ≥ 37.5 °C) were assigned to receive either placebo or favipiravir (1800 mg twice a day on Day 1, followed by 800 mg twice a day for up to 13 days) in a ratio of 1:2. An adaptive design was used to re-estimate the sample size. The primary endpoint was a composite outcome defined as the time to improvement in temperature, oxygen saturation levels (SpO2), and findings on chest imaging, and recovery to SARS-CoV-2-negative. This endpoint was re-examined by the Central Committee under blinded conditions. Results A total of 156 patients were randomized. The median time of the primary endpoint was 11.9 days in the favipiravir group and 14.7 days in the placebo group, with a significant difference (p = 0.0136). Favipiravir-treated patients with known risk factors such as obesity or coexisting conditions provided better effects. Furthermore, patients with early-onset in the favipiravir group showed higher odds ratio. No deaths were documented. Although adverse events in the favipiravir group were predominantly transient, the incidence was significantly higher. Conclusions The results suggested favipiravir may be one of options for moderate COVID-19 pneumonia treatment. However, the risk of adverse events, including hyperuricemia, should be carefully considered. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.jp number: JapicCTI-205238. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40121-021-00517-4.
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Matsuzaki N, Orihara Y, Kodana M, Kitagawa Y, Matsuoka M, Kawamura R, Takeuchi S, Imai K, Tarumoto N, Maesaki S, Maeda T. Evaluation of a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay-based high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 antigen assay for the diagnosis of COVID-19: The VITROS® SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test. J Med Virol 2021; 93:6778-6781. [PMID: 34170555 PMCID: PMC8426666 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A high-throughput, fully automated antigen detection test for SARS-CoV-2 is a viable alternative to reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for mass screening during outbreaks. In this study, we compared RT-qPCR for viral load and the VITROS® SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test with reference to the results of the LUMIPULSE® SARS-CoV-2 Ag Test. Of 128 nasopharyngeal swab specimens taken from patients suspected of being infected with SARS-CoV-2, 49 were positive and 79 were negative according to RT-qPCR. Consistent dose-dependent detection with VITROS® assay was successfully achieved when using nasopharyngeal swab specimens with Ct values of 32.0 or lesser, whereas the CLEIA-based LUMIPULSE® assay was able to detect lower viral loads compared with the VITROS® assay. Our results show that the performance of the VITROS® assay was satisfactory for the diagnosis of contagious COVID-19 patients in the clinical setting. Highlights The performance of the VITROS® SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test was sufficient for the diagnosis of contagious COVID-19. This test showed high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in samples with a Ct value of 32 or less.
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Kodana M, Kitagawa Y, Takahashi R, Matsuoka M, Fushimi N, Sakai J, Ishibashi N, Imai K, Takeuchi S, Tarumoto N, Maesaki S, Ikezono T, Maeda T. Concerns about the clinical usefulness of saliva specimens for the diagnosis of COVID-19. J Infect 2021; 83:119-145. [PMID: 33872667 PMCID: PMC8051001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Kubota K, Kitagawa Y, Matsuoka M, Imai K, Orihara Y, Kawamura R, Sakai J, Ishibashi N, Tarumoto N, Takeuchi S, Maesaki S, Maeda T. Clinical evaluation of the antibody response in patients with COVID-19 using automated high-throughput immunoassays. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 100:115370. [PMID: 33744623 PMCID: PMC7954771 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Several automated high-throughput immunoassays for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by a semi-quantitative approach have been commercialized. In this study, we describe the timeline of the antibody response in patients with RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19. A total of 292 sequential serum samples from 33 Japanese patients were retrospectively analyzed using four test kits for SARS-CoV-2: the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay (Abbott), Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay (Roche Diagnostic), and VITROS® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total and IgG assays (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics). All automated immunoassays could equivalently identify positive sera collected within 2 weeks after symptom onset (99.3%-100%). In addition, the S protein-based automated immunoassay, the VITROS® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Total assay, may play a complementary role in evaluating passive antibody therapies or vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, although further research is required.
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Imai K, Kitagawa Y, Tabata S, Kubota K, Nagura-Ikeda M, Matsuoka M, Miyoshi K, Sakai J, Ishibashi N, Tarumoto N, Takeuchi S, Ito T, Maesaki S, Tamura K, Maeda T. Antibody response patterns in COVID-19 patients with different levels of disease severity in Japan. J Med Virol 2021; 93:3211-3218. [PMID: 33620098 PMCID: PMC8014305 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed antibody response patterns according to the level of disease severity in patients with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Japan. We analyzed 611 serum specimens from 231 patients with COVID-19 (mild, 170; severe, 31; critical, 30). Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies against nucleocapsid protein (N) and spike 1 protein (S1) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The peaks of fitting curves for the optical density (OD) values of IgM and IgG antibodies against N appeared simultaneously, while those against S1 were delayed compared with N. The OD values of IgM against N and IgG against both N and S1 were significantly higher in the severe and critical cases than in the mild cases at 11 days after symptom onset. The seroconversion rates of IgG were higher than those of IgM against both N and S1 during the clinical course based on the optimal cut-off values defined in this study. The seroconversion rates of IgG and IgM against N and S1 were higher in the severe and critical cases than in the mild cases. Our findings show that a stronger antibody response occurred in COVID-19 patients with greater disease severity and there were low seroconversion rates of antibodies against N and S1 in the mild cases.
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Tarumoto N, Imai K, Nakayama SI, Itoda I, Sakai J, Murakami T, Maesaki S, Hayakawa S, Ohnishi M, Maeda T. A novel peptide nucleic acid- and loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the detection of mutations in the 23S rRNA gene of Treponema pallidum. J Med Microbiol 2020; 69:1339-1345. [PMID: 33180016 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Macrolides could be a potential alternative treatment for Treponema pallidum infections in patients; however, macrolide-resistant T. pallidum is spreading rapidly worldwide.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. There are presently no alternatives to serological tests for syphilis that can be used to evaluate therapeutic effects due to the fact that T. pallidum cannot be cultured in vitro.Aim. In this study, we constructed a method for rapidly identifying T. pallidum and confirming macrolide resistance by using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with peptide nucleic acids (PNAs).Methodology. A set of LAMP primers was designed to span nucleotide positions 2058 and 2059 in 23S rRNA. A PNA clamping probe was also designed to be complementary to the wild-type sequence (A2058/A2059) and positioned to interfere with both the annealing of the 3' end of the backward inner primer and the concomitant extension. Prior to the LAMP assay, swab samples from suspected syphilitic lesions were boiled for DNA extraction.Results. The assay had an equivalent detection limit of 1.0×101 copies/reaction and showed specificity against 38 pathogens. In the presence of a 4 µM PNA probe, LAMP amplified up to 1.0×101 copies/reaction using plasmids harbouring the complementary mutant sequences (A2058G or A2059G), whereas amplification was completely blocked for the wild-type sequence up to a concentration of 1.0×103 copies/reaction. For the 66 PCR-positive clinical specimens, the overall detection rate via LAMP was 93.9 % (62/66). Amplification was successful for all 53 mutant samples and was incomplete for all nine WT samples by the PNA-mediated LAMP assays.Conclusion. We developed a PNA-mediated LAMP method that enabled us to rapidly identify T. pallidum and determine its macrolide susceptibility via a culture-independent protocol.
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Imai K, Murakami T, Misawa K, Fujikura Y, Kawana A, Tarumoto N, Maesaki S, Maeda T. Optimization and evaluation of the ARCHITECT Chagas assay and in-house ELISA for Chagas disease in clinical settings in Japan. Parasitol Int 2020; 80:102221. [PMID: 33137505 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 250,000 immigrants from Latin America live in Japan and it is estimated that 1500-3000 of them are potentially infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the cause of Chagas disease. Therefore, the establishment of a standardized diagnostic method for Chagas disease in Japan is urgently needed. In this study, we optimized and evaluated the ARCHITECT Chagas assay and in-house ELISA for Chagas disease in clinical settings. In particular, we evaluated the performance of ARCHITECT Chagas as well as ELISA with whole-cell lysates and three recombinant proteins (TcF, TcBCDE, and CP1 + CP3) using 93 Chagas disease-positive serum samples and 108 Chagas disease-positive samples. The sensitivities of ARCHITECT Chagas, whole-cell lysate, TcF, TcBCDE, and CP1 + CP3 ELISA were respectively 100%, 100%, 98.9%, 98.9%, and 89.2% and the corresponding specificities were 100%, 99.1%, 99.1%, 100%, and 99.1%. False-positive results were obtained for whole-cell lysate, TcF, and CP1 ± CP3 ELISA. This is the first evidence that OD cut-off values optimized for in-house ELISA are similar in terms of sensitivity and specificity to those of the ARCHITECT Chagas test, supporting the use of these in-house assays as diagnostic tests for Chagas disease in the clinical setting in Japan.
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Tamura S, Jwa SC, Tarumoto N, Ishihara O. Septic Shock Caused by Fusobacterium Necrophorum after Sexual Intercourse during Recovery from Infectious Mononucleosis in an Adolescent: A Case Report. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2020; 33:566-569. [PMID: 32599171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2020.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious mononucleosis (IM) develops after primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus. We report a case of septic shock from pelvic inflammatory disease caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum in an adolescent after sexual intercourse during recovery from IM. CASE A 17-year-old girl with a 7-day history of fever was diagnosed with IM. During follow-up, she developed lower abdominal pain and high fever after sexual intercourse and was transferred to our hospital. She was in shock and had a right ovarian abscess. Emergency laparotomy, drainage, and right adnexectomy were performed. F necrophorum was subsequently detected in blood and abscess cultures.
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