Search

To overcome shortcomings in discriminating Chlamydia pecorum strains infecting the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) at the local level, we developed a novel genotyping scheme for this pathogen to inform koala management at a fine-scale subpopulation level. We applied this scheme to two geographically distinct koala populations in New South Wales, Australia: the Liverpool Plains and the Southern Highlands to South-west Sydney (SHSWS). Our method provides greater resolution than traditional multi-locus sequence typing, and can be used to monitor strain emergence, movement, and divergence across a range of fragmented habitats. Within the Liverpool Plains population, suspected recent introduction of a novel strain was confirmed by an absence of genetic diversity at the earliest sampling events and limited diversity at recent sampling events. Across the partially fragmented agricultural landscape of the Liverpool Plains, diversity within a widespread sequence type suggests that this degree of fragmentation may hinder but not prevent spread. In the SHSWS population, our results suggest movement of a strain from the south, where diverse strains exist, into a previously Chlamydia-free area in the north, indicating the risk of expansion towards an adjacent Chlamydia-negative koala population in South-west Sydney. In the south of the SHSWS where koala subpopulations appear segregated, we found evidence of divergent strain evolution. Our tool can be used to infer the risks of strain introduction across fragmented habitats in population management, particularly through practices such as wildlife corridor constructions and translocations., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chlamydiosis, an infection caused by several Chlamydia species, has been reported in Nile, saltwater, and Siamese crocodiles. Despite its widespread reports in various countries, including Thailand, genetic information on Chlamydia species remains limited. This study presents a whole-genome-based characterization of Siamese crocodile-isolated Chlamydia. The results showed that Siamese crocodile Chlamydia contained a single circular chromosome with a size of 1.22-1.23 Mbp and a plasmid with a size of 7.7-8.0 kbp. A plasmid containing eight coding sequences (CDSs) was grouped in a β lineage. A chromosome sequence had approximately 1,018-1,031 CDSs. Chlamydial factors involving virulence were documented in terms of the presence of cytotoxins and several virulence factors in the chromosomes of Siamese crocodile Chlamydia. The analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes in the Chlamydia genome revealed that the most common resistance genes were associated with aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, tetracyclines, and cephalosporins, with loose matching (identities between 21.12 % and 74.65 %). Phylogenetic analyses, encompassing the assessments of both whole proteome and nine taxonomic markers, revealed that Siamese crocodile Chlamydia was separated into three lineages (lineages I-III) with high bootstrapping statistic support. Interestingly, isolate 12-01 differed genetically from the others, suggesting that it is a new member of Chlamydia. The study findings indicate that Siamese crocodiles are susceptible hosts to Chlamydia, involving more than one species. This study is the first employing the highest number of whole-genome data on Siamese crocodile Chlamydia and provides better insights into pathogen genetics., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chlamydia pecorum is a widespread veterinary chlamydial species causing endemic infections in livestock, such as ruminants and pigs, globally. However, there is limited contemporary knowledge on infecting strain diversity in various hosts. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of C. pecorum strains infecting Swiss livestock through C. pecorum genotyping and phylogenetic analyses in comparison to the global population, while also assessing chlamydial strains for plasmid carriage. A total of 263 C. pecorum positive samples from clinically healthy ruminant and pig herds (Bovines = 216, sheep = 25, pigs = 14) as well as placentae from eight C. pecorum positive ruminant abortion cases from other Swiss herds were investigated. The ompA and Multi-Locus sequence typing revealed novel C. pecorum genotypes, and bovine strains exhibited considerable genetic diversity, contrasting with lower diversity in sheep and pig strains. C. pecorum plasmid was detected in 100.0% of sheep (41/41) and pig (255/255) samples, and in 69.4% of bovine samples (150/216). In contrast, no plasmid was detected in the eight C. pecorum-positive ruminant abortion cases either representing plasmid-less strains or possibly escaping PCR detection due to autolysis of the placenta. This study supports the genetic diversity of C. pecorum strains, particularly in bovines, and identifies novel sequence types in Swiss livestock., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Nicole Borel reports financial support was provided by University of Zurich Vetsuisse Faculty. Nicole Borel reports a relationship with University of Zurich Vetsuisse Faculty that includes: funding grants. None If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chlamydiaceae are a family of obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens that affect both humans and animals. Recently, a new species named Chlamydia (C.) buteonis was isolated from hawks. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of Chlamydiaceae in 60 falcons that underwent a routine health check at a specialized clinic in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Using real-time PCR, we analyzed cloacal and tracheal swabs from these birds and found that 39 of them tested positive for Chlamydiaceae. Subsequent real-time PCR assays specific for C. psittaci, C. abortus, C. avium, and C. gallinacea yielded negative results, while testing positive for C. buteonis. Analysis of ompA and MLST sequences indicated a highly conserved group of strains within this set of samples, but with sequences distinct from the C. buteonis RSHA reference strains and other C. buteonis strains isolated from hawks in the United States. Two strains were further isolated by cell culture and sequenced using whole-genome sequencing, confirming the clustering of these falcon strains within the C. buteonis species, but in a separate clade from the previously identified hawk strains. We also developed a SNP-based PCR-HRM assay to distinguish between these different genotypes. Overall, our findings suggest a high prevalence of C. buteonis in falcons in Dubai and highlight the importance of monitoring this pathogen in birds of prey., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None of the authors have any financial or personal relationships with any individuals or organizations that could inappropriately influence or bias this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Chlamydia remains the most notified bacterial sexually transmissible infection in Australia with guidelines recommending testing for re-infection at 3months post treatment. This paper aimed to determine chlamydia retesting and repeat positivity rates within 2-4months among young women in Australia, and to evaluate what factors increase or decrease the likelihood of retesting., Methods: Chlamydia retesting rates among 16-29-year-old women were analysed from Australian Collaboration for Coordinated Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance of sexually transmissible infection and bloodborne virus (ACCESS) sentinel surveillance data (n =62 sites). Among women with at least one positive test between 1 January 2018 and 31 August 2022, retesting counts and proportions within 2-4months were calculated. Logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with retesting within 2-4months., Results: Among 8758 women who were positive before 31 August 2022 to allow time for follow up, 1423 (16.2%) were retested within 2-4months, of whom 179 (12.6%) tested positive. The odds of retesting within 2-4months were 25% lower if tested in a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-9) pandemic year (2020-2022) (aOR=0.75; 95% CI 0.59-0.95). Among 9140 women with a positive test before 30 November 2022, 397 (4.3%) were retested too early (within 7days to 1month) and 81 (20.4%) of those were positive., Conclusions: Chlamydia retesting rates remain low with around a sixth of women retested within 2-4months in line with guidelines. Re-infection is common with around one in eight retesting positive. An increase in retesting is required to reduce the risk of reproductive complications and onward transmission.

Chlamydia (C.) suis, a zoonotic intracellular bacterium, is described as a causative agent for conjunctivitis, particularly in nursery and fattening pigs. Chlamydiaceae are claimed to survive drying and to persist in dust. The objective of this study was to evaluate the viability of Chlamydia in dust sampled in a fattening pig farm with a high appearance of chlamydial-induced conjunctivitis. Dust was collected and stored at room temperature. To evaluate bacterial load and survival over time, quantitative PCR (Chlamydiaceae, C. suis) and isolation in cell culture were performed every week for up to 16 weeks. While qPCR results remained highly positive with consistent bacterial loads between 10 3 and 10 4 copy numbers/100 μL eluate over a period of 16 weeks and even after 40 weeks, it was not possible to isolate Chlamydia except for the initial sample. These results show only short-term viability of C. suis in dust. This is an important information regarding reduction of chlamydial loads in pig farms and risk for pigs and people to get infected via dust., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: The role of infectious agents, including Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn), in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS), is still a matter of major contention., Objective: This meta-analysis study aimed to assess the actual involvement of Cpn in MS development., Methods: We undertook a search of international scientific databases to identify eligible studies. We used a random-effects meta-analysis model (REM) to generate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was calculated using the I 2 statistic. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were applied to assess the effects of study characteristics and socio-demographic variables on the pooled OR., Results: We identified 37 studies comprising 51 datasets that satisfied the inclusion criteria. Considering diagnostic methods for Cpn, 26 and 25 datasets used PCR- and serological-based methods, respectively. In PCR-based datasets, REM showed a significant positive association between Cpn infection and the development of MS (OR, 5.29; 95% CI, 3.12-8.97), while a non-significant positive association was achieved in serological-based datasets (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.88-2.03). In subgroup analyses on PCR-based datasets, results were significant for both CSF (OR, 5.70) and serum (OR, 4.84) samples; both healthy (OR, 16.11) and hospital-based (OR, 2.88) controls; and both moderate (OR, 5.14) and high (OR, 5.48) quality studies. In serological-based datasets, only those that used CSF samples yielded significant results (OR, 3.41)., Conclusions: Our findings verify the significant positive relationship between Cpn infection and MS. We advocate prospective cohort studies with lifelong follow-ups and also experimental studies to better understand the role of Cpn in MS development., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Sexually transmissible infections are important causes of loss of health and lives in women and infants worldwide. This paper presents the methods and results of a systematic review that focuses on the impact of antibiotic treatment for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea during pregnancy on birth outcomes for the Lives Saved Tool (LiST)., Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Libraries, Global Health and Global Index Medicus for articles available until May 23rd, 2022. The search criteria focused on the impact of treatment for the three sexually transmitted infection among pregnant women. Nearly all the articles found were non-randomized studies., Results: Treatment for pregnant women with active syphilis reduced the risk of preterm birth by 52% (95% CI = 42%-61%; 11 043 participants, 15 studies; low quality); stillbirth by 79% (95% CI = 65%-88%; 14 667 participants, eight studies; low quality); and low birth weight by 50% (95% CI = 41%-58%; 9778 participants, seven studies; moderate quality). Treatment for pregnant women with chlamydia infection reduced the risk of preterm birth by 42% (95% CI = 7%-64%; 5468 participants, seven studies; low quality) and might reduce the risk of low birth weight by 40% (95% CI = 0%-64%; 4684 participants, four studies; low quality). No studies provided data on treatment of gonorrhoea therefore no meta-analysis was conducted., Conclusions: Because few studies adjusted for potential confounding factors, the overall quality of evidence was considered low. However, given the consistent and large effects, we recommend updating the estimated effect of timely detection and treatment for syphilis on preterm birth and stillbirth in the LiST model. More research is required to ascertain the effect of antibiotic treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection in pregnancy., Competing Interests: Disclosure of interest: The authors completed the ICMJE Disclosure of Interest Form (available upon request from the corresponding author) and disclose no relevant interests., (Copyright © 2023 by the Journal of Global Health. All rights reserved.)

Physcion, a natural anthraquinone derivative, has been reported to exert remarkable antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, it is not fully illustrated as anti-Chlamydia substance. In the present study, minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)values for physcion against Chlamydia psittaci(C.psittaci) 6BC, C.psittaci SBL and C.psittaci HJ were 128 μg/mL,256 μg/mL and 128 μg/mL while minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were 256 μg/mL,512 μg/mL and 256 μg/mL,respectively. Moreover, Chlamydial adhesion to Hela 229 cells was blocked in a dose-dependent manner and RB-to-EB differentiation was inhibited by physcion from 28 to 48 hpi.Post treatment,upregulation of LC3-II was in a dose-dependent manner, indicating physcion activated autophagy and bacterial clearance.To validate clinical efficacy,49 SPF chickens aged 21days were divided into 5 groups and infected intra-laryngeally with 0.2 mL of 1 × 10 7 IFU/mL C.psittaci 6 BCE.Three days later, birds received orally with serial doses of physcion (4 mg/kg to 9 mg/kg), or 3 mg/kg of doxycycline for 6 days.Chickens with difficulty in breathing were alleviated significantly with increasing concentrations of physicon.Postmortem,lesions of air sacs were reduced significantly in a dose-dependent manner.More importantly,birds with 9 mg/kg of physcion could alleviate lesions of air sacs and lungs, and reduce bacterial loads in spleens, which was comparable to doxycycline treatment. Based on above evidences, physcion is a promising cost-effective natural drug by blocking Chlamydial adhesions to host cells, RB-to-EB differentiation and activating bacterial autophagy and it will be a good alternative to doxycycline combating virulent C.psittaci infection, contributing to eradication of Chlamydial transmission from animals to human beings., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest We declare that we have no competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

(1) Problem: The increasing incidence and prevalence of infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal groups and Torres Strait Islanders) are concerning. Indigenous Australians experience the burden of infectious diseases disproportionately when compared to non-Indigenous Australians. (2) Aim: Our report aims to describe how to apply Strengths-Based Nursing (SBN) to ameliorate the impact of the most common infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians. Specifically, we aim to describe how nurses can use SBN to partner with Indigenous Australian communities to remediate, control, and mollify the impact of the most common infectious diseases encountered by them using their limited resources. (3) Methods: Meticulous PubMed, Google Scholar, and web searches were conducted pertaining to Strengths-Based Nursing and common infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians. (4) Findings: The two groups of infectious diseases considered are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and infectious skin diseases (including parasitic infestations). The prevalence of these infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians is deliberated on, with data when possible, or known trends and impacts. Finally, existing, evidence-based, prudent, and possible SBN approaches are discussed towards tackling these infectious diseases judiciously with available local resources, in conjunction with the support of impacted people, their families, and their communities. (5) Discussion and Conclusion: The SBN approach is a relatively new perspective/approach to clinical and nursing care. In contradistinction to the commonly utilised medical model, SBN pits strengths against deficits, available resources against professional judgment, solutions against unavailable items, and collaborations against hierarchy. In light of the current situation/data, several SBN approaches to combat STIs and skin infections in Indigenous Australians were identified and discussed for the first time in the "Results" section of this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the mathematical modeling of infectious diseases is a big trend worldwide. The mathematical models help us to forecast future outbreaks of diseases in the presence of present data. In this article, we represent a model of the transmission of Chlamydia in the United States by using data from 1989 to 2019. In the formulation of the model, we used integer and fractional derivatives. Several graphs are plotted for the various possible cases of the given parameters. The aim of this paper is to justify how the mathematical models in terms of fractional derivatives have more degree of freedom to explore disease dynamics for a particular data set and capture memory effects. The separate parameter estimation for each value of the fractional order increases the novelty of this work. The use of a real-data set of Chlamydia in the United States makes this study more visible and important to the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'Australian Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Management Guidelines For Use In Primary Care' (www.sti.guidelines.org.au) provide evidence-based, up-to-date guidance targeted at use in primary care settings. A major review of the guidelines was undertaken in 2020-22. All content was reviewed and updated by a multi-disciplinary group of clinical and non-clinical experts, and assessed for appropriateness of recommendations for key affected populations and organisational and jurisdictional suitability. The guidelines are divided into six main sections: (1) standard asymptomatic check-up; (2) sexual history; (3) contact tracing; (4) STIs and infections associated with sex; (5) STI syndromes; and (6) populations and situations. This paper highlights important aspects of the guidelines and provides the rationale for significant changes made during this major review process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlamydia trachomatis infections may occur in multiple organs, including the lungs, lymph nodes, peritoneal cavity, and genitourinary systems. This disease results in significant ascites, the swelling of lymph nodes, and elevated tumor markers (CA125), sometimes mimicking an ovarian malignancy. At our hospital, we often perform examination laparoscopic surgery in cases of suspected gynecologic cancers before initial treatment. In this paper, we report the case of a 19-year-old woman who came to our hospital because of an ovarian tumor and ascites. There was no history of sexual intercourse (self-reported). We suspected ovarian cancer from image inspections, so we performed laparoscopic surgery for diagnosis. The final pathological diagnosis was acute-to-chronic inflammation of the bilateral fallopian tubes, and a cytologic examination of the ascites was negative for malignant cells. The C. trachomatis antigen was positive on vaginal examination after the operation. Based on this result, we diagnosed this patient with C. trachomatis infection. Chlamydia peritonitis should be a differential diagnosis for cancer peritonitis in juvenile patients with abnormal ascites. Exploratory laparoscopy should help confirm the pathological diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlamydia psittaci is an established zoonotic agent causing respiratory disease in humans. An infection often remains asymptomatic but can also result in flu-like illness, pneumonia or even multi-organ failure. This paper describes three patients, hospitalised at AZ Sint-Lucas Hospital, with atypical pneumonia who were diagnosed with C. psittaci after an in-depth anamnesis and laboratory investigation in the midst of the COVID pandemic. All three infections were confirmed with PCR and serology, whereas viable bacteria were only present for one patient. Genotyping revealed the presence of genotype B for patient 1 and 2 whereas ompA genotyping was unsuccessful for patient 3. This case report demonstrates the importance of a thorough patient history as close contact with birds is one of the main risk factors to contract the pathogen. Once exposure to birds has been confirmed, a diagnosis by a combination of PCR and serology is essential in order to initiate a treatment with the proper antibiotics. As psittacosis is still an underestimated and underdiagnosed disease, communication between laboratory, clinicians and bird fanciers is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To prepare for the development of the 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, the CDC convened a committee of expert consultants in June 2019 to discuss recent abstracts and published literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of sexually transmitted infections.This paper summarizes the key questions, evidence, and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of uncomplicated Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections in adolescents and adults that were reviewed and discussed for consideration in developing the guidelines. The evidence reviewed mostly focused on efficacy of doxycycline and azithromycin for urogenital, rectal, and oropharyngeal CT infection, CT risk factors in women, performance of CT nucleic acid amplification tests on self-collected meatal specimens in men, and performance of newer CT point-of-care tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Prevalence of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) has been associated with availability of alcohol. This paper investigates potential associations between prevalent cases of chlamydia in young people in Australia and the availability of alcohol within their local area, defined as postcode of residence. Methods Alcohol availability was determined at the postcode level using liquor licensing data, classified as total number of licences, number of 'take-away' licences and number of licenses by population. Participant data were drawn from a survey targeting Australians aged 16-29years in rural and regional Australia, capturing demographic details including postcode of residence, indicators of sexual behaviour including condom use and chlamydia test results. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to examine potential associations between first, alcohol availability and chlamydia, and second, between condom use and chlamydia. Results We found little evidence of associations between alcohol availability and chlamydia in either unadjusted or adjusted models. After adjusting for alcohol availability, we observed significant associations between inconsistent condom use and chlamydia prevalence, whether alcohol availability was measured as total number (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20, 3.70), number of take-away licenses (AOR 2.19; 95% CI1.30, 3.69) or licenses per 1000 population (AOR 2.19; 95% CI 1.30, 3.68). Conclusion Little evidence of association between alcohol availability and chlamydia at the postcode level was found. Further research is required to determine appropriate measures of 'local area' and how characteristics thereof may impact on sexual health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) involves providing a prescription or medication to a patient diagnosed with chlamydia to pass to their sexual partner/s. Barriers to PDPT include uncertainty about its integration into clinical practice and permissibility. In Victoria, Australia, the Department of Health provides clinical guidance for PDPT (updated in 2022). We explored health practitioner views on the usefulness of the updated guidance for providing PDPT. Methods: We conducted an online survey (12 December 2022 to 2 May 2023) of health practitioners who primarily work in Victoria and can prescribe to treat chlamydia. The survey displayed excerpts from the guidance, and asked closed and free-text questions about its ability to address barriers to PDPT. Quantitative data were descriptively analysed, complemented by conventional content analysis of qualitative data. Results: Of a total of 49 respondents (66.7% general practitioners), 74.5% were aware of PDPT, and 66.7% had previously offered PDPT. After viewing excerpts of the guidance, >80% agreed it could support them to identify patients eligible/ineligible for PDPT, and 66.7% indicated they would be comfortable to offer PDPT. The guidance was viewed as helpful to address some barriers, including complicated documentation (87.7%) and medico-legal concerns (66.7%). Qualitative data highlighted medico-legal concerns by a minority of respondents. Some raised concerns that the guidance recommended prescribing azithromycin, despite doxycycline being first-line chlamydia treatment. Conclusions: The guidance was largely viewed as supportive for PDPT decision-making. There is scope for further refinements and clarifications, and wider dissemination of the guidance. Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) involves providing a prescription or medication to a patient with chlamydia to pass to their sexual partner/s, but clinicians have expressed uncertainty about its permissibility and integration into practice. We surveyed clinician perspectives on updated health authority guidance for PDPT; finding they largely viewed it as supportive for PDPT decision-making and addressed some practical barriers. Low awareness of the updated guidance, and medico-legal concerns, for some, highlight scope for further dissemination and clarification of PDPT permissibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The general practice out-of-hours (GPOOH) service is under pressure to treat more patients in less time, while reducing referrals and minimising diagnostic errors. Point-of-care (POC) testing involves rapid clinical tests that can be used to generate results during the consultation, and has the potential to facilitate managing these competing demands safely. Aim: To describe current availability of POC tests in GPOOH in Scotland, and identify barriers, enablers, benefits, and drawbacks to its use. Design & setting: Cross-sectional mixed-methods study, which surveyed opinions of clinicians working in the GPOOH service in NHS Scotland. Method: An electronic questionnaire was developed, designed, piloted, and distributed to clinicians, which had closed questions and areas for free text. Results: In total, 142 responses were received. Urine dipstick testing (99.2%), pregnancy tests (98.5%), oxygen saturation (97.7%), and blood glucose testing (93.9%), were the only POC tests commonly available in GPOOH in NHS Scotland. There was strongest support for the provision of POC tests, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP; 79.4%), strep A (76.0%), and D-dimer (75.2%). Responders felt that POC tests would improve confidence (92.3%) and safety (89.8%) surrounding clinical decision making, improve patient satisfaction (80.6%), and reduce hospital and secondary care referrals (77.5%). Barriers to POC test use were availability of the test kits and machines (94.5%), training requirements on how to use the machine (71.1%) and interpret results (56.3%), and time to do the test (62.0%). Conclusion: Few POC tests are in regular use in GPOOH in Scotland. GPOOH clinicians are supportive of using POC testing. They identified a number of benefits to its use, with very few drawbacks. Increased provision of POC testing in GPOOH in NHS Scotland should be considered urgently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) is one of the most reported bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI) worldwide. Chlamydia can cause long term complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancy (EP) and tubal factor infertility (TFI). Changing testing strategies, for example reduced asymptomatic testing, influence chlamydia surveillance, highlighting the need for exploring alternative ways of monitoring chlamydia. We investigated the possibility of introducing routine surveillance of chlamydia related long term complications. Methods: A qualitative study including 15 in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of gynaecologists, general practitioners (GP), sexual health and emergency doctors was conducted in the Netherlands in 2021–2022. A semi-structured interview guide focused on experiences with diagnosis and registration of PID, EP and TFI and how a change in asymptomatic chlamydia testing strategy might influence this. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a thematic approach. Results: Analysis showed that gynaecologists most frequently reported diagnosing PID, EP and TFI. Other professions rarely diagnose these complications, with emergency doctors only diagnosing EP. Most respondents reported unique registration codes for PID and EP, but the coding for TFI is more ambiguous. They reflected that diagnosis and registration of PID, EP and TFI are handled differently within their professions. Most respondents acknowledged registration in diagnostic codes as a useful surveillance tool. They expressed concerns in representativeness (e.g. differences in interpretation of diagnosis criteria) and data quality for surveillance. Conclusions: Patient files of gynaecologists are likely to be most complete for monitoring trends of diagnosed chlamydia related long term complications in the Netherlands. However, when establishing a chlamydia complication surveillance system, professionals should be engaged in further standardizing diagnosis and registration practices. This will improve the quality and interpretability of complication surveillance and facilitate comparison between countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the presence of Chlamydia psittaci in poultry and the environment in live poultry wholesale markets in Changsha during 2021–2022 and conducted a phylogenetic analysis to understand its distribution in this market. Methods: In total, 483 samples were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and 17 C. psittaci-positive samples using high-throughput sequencing, BLAST similarity, and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Twenty-two out of 483 poultry and environmental samples were positive for C. psittaci (overall positivity rate: 4.55%) with no difference in positivity rates over 12 months. Chlamydia psittaci was detected at 11 sampling points (overall positivity rate: 27.5%), including chicken, duck, and pigeon/chicken/duck/goose shops, with pigeon shops having the highest positivity rate (46.67%). The highest positivity rates were found in sewage (12.5%), poultry fecal (7.43%), cage swab (6.59%), avian pharyngeal/cloacal swab (3.33%), and air (2.29%) samples. The ompA sequences were identified in two strains of C. psittaci, which were determined to bear genotype B using phylogenetic analysis. Thus, during monitoring, C. psittaci genotype B was detected in the poultry and environmental samples from the poultry wholesale market in Changsha. Conclusions: To address the potential zoonotic threat, C. psittaci monitoring programs in live poultry markets should be enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Colombiana de Ciencias Pecuarias is the property of Universidad de Antioquia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Men having sex with men (MSM) represent a key population, in which sexually transmitted rectal infections (STIs) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) are very common and linked to significant morbidity. Investigating the anorectal microbiome associated with rectal STIs holds potential for deeper insights into the pathogenesis of these infections and the development of innovative control strategies. In this study, we explored the interplay at the rectal site between C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, HR-HPV infection, and the anorectal microbiome in a cohort of 92 MSM (47 infected by CT and/or NG vs 45 controls). Moreover, we assessed the presence of Torquetenovirus (TTV), a non-pathogenic endogenous virus, considered as a possible predictor of immune system activation. We found a high prevalence of HR-HPV rectal infections (61%), especially in subjects with a concurrent CT/NG rectal infection (70.2%) and in people living with HIV (84%). In addition, we observed that TTV was more prevalent in subjects with CT/NG rectal infections than in non-infected ones (70.2% vs 46.7%, respectively). The anorectal microbiome of patients infected by CT and/or NG exhibited a reduction in Escherichia, while the presence of TTV was significantly associated with higher levels of Bacteroides. We observed a positive correlation of HR-HPV types with Escherichia and Corynebacterium, and a negative correlation with the Firmicutes phylum, and with Prevotella, Oscillospira, Sutterella. Our findings shed light on some of the dynamics occurring within the rectal environment involving chlamydial/gonococcal infections, HPV, TTV, and the anorectal microbiome. These data could open new perspectives for the control and prevention of STIs in MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The members of the Chlamydiaceae family are important pathogens that infect a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including humans. Among them, Chlamydia psittaci, historically considered as an avian agent, has recently been identified in livestock, primarily sheep and cattle, but also in horses, with the infection being linked to reproductive disorders, such as abortion, absorption of embryos, stillbirth, and the birth of weak foals. Much less is known about chlamydial infections in the Sardinian equine population. This study aimed to identify the chlamydial diversity in genital samples from asymptomatic Sardinian horses. However, some horses had a previous history of reproductive disorders, i.e., abortion and infertility. A total of 60 horses (39 mares and 21 stallions) were opportunistically recruited from 17 equine farms in central-northern Sardinia. Vaginal and uterine swabs from mares and urethral swabs and seminal fluid from stallions were sampled for the presence of chlamydial DNA. Samples from environments where the horses lived were also tested for the detection of Chlamydia spp. Eight vaginal swabs (8/39; 20%), two uterine swabs (2/27; 7%), two seminal fluid samples (2/20; 10%), and one urethral swab (1/21; 4.7%) were found to be positive for Chlamydia spp. by PCR analysis. In addition, results from environmental samples showed the presence of Chlamydia spp. in three environmental swabs (3/8; 37.5%) and five water samples (5/16; 31.2%). Sequencing results revealed that strains here identified were 99–100% similar to members belonging to the Chlamydiaceae family, including C. abortus, C. psittaci, and uncultured Chlamydia genotypes. ompA species-specific PCR performed on samples was found to be positive after 16S rRNA amplification gave positive results for C. psittaci. These results reveal the first presence of C. psittaci in the genital tract of horses and in the environment in Sardinia and indicate that this pathogen could be the prevailing cause of infertility and abortion in the tested equines. However, these findings need further proof and highlight the importance of adopting a 'One Health' approach to control the presence of this zoonotic bacteria in domestic animals in order to understand its impact on people exposed to the infection risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Misan Journal of Academic Studies is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Non-gonococcal sexually transmitted infections (STIs) include chlamydia, syphilis, and chancroids. Chlamydia is the most common STI caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse or vertical transmission at birth. Although symptoms are mostly absent or mild, untreated chlamydial infections in females can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility due to the narrowing of fallopian tubes. Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum and is divided into phase I, phase II, latent syphilis, and phase III. The incidence of syphilis, including congenital syphilis, has significantly increased in the United States in recent years. The chronic status of this disease can significantly increase morbidity and potentially affect almost all body organs, which, in rare cases, can lead to death. Additionally, untreated maternal syphilis can lead to fetal death and fatal congenital infections in newborns. Chancroid is an STI caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, and its prevalence is gradually decreasing in Korea and worldwide. The symptoms include shallow genital ulcers with suppurative granulomatous inflammation and tender inguinal lymphadenopathy. Chancroids can be differentiated from syphilitic chancres based on their appearance. In contrast to painless chancres, chancroids are painful. Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, and Mycoplasma hominis are considered symbiotic bacteria. Infections caused by these bacteria are usually not considered STIs and do not require treatment unless they are suspected of being associated with infertility. This article presents the 2023 Korean STI guidelines for non-gonococcal bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical development of an effective Chlamydia vaccine requires in-depth understanding of how well protective pre-clinical immune signatures translate to humans. Here, we report a comparative immunological characterization of CTH522/CAF®01 in female mice and humans. We find a range of immune signatures that translate from mouse to human, including a Th1/Th17 cytokine profile and antibody functionality. We identify vaccine-induced T cell epitopes, conserved among Chlamydia serovars, and previously found in infected individuals. Using the mouse model, we show that the common immune signature protected against ascending infection in mice, and vaccine induced antibodies could delay bacterial ascension to the oviduct, as well as development of pathology, in a T cell depleted mouse model. Finally, we demonstrate long-lasting immunity and protection of mice one year after vaccination. Based on the results obtained in the present study, we propose to further investigate CTH522/CAF®01 in a phase IIb study. Authors present a comparative immunological characterisation of Chlamydia vaccine, CTH522/CAF®01, in mice and humans. Findings suggest the mouse to be a good predictor of human immunity to the Chlamydia vaccine CTH522/CAF®01, and long-lasting protection in the mouse further supports the development of this promising vaccine candidate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of new approaches and drugs for effective control of the chronic and complicated forms of urogenital chlamydia caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, which is suspected to be one of the main causes of infertility in both women and men, is an urgent task. We used the technology of single-domain antibody (nanobody) generation both for the production of targeting anti-chlamydia molecules and for the subsequent acquisition of anti-idiotypic nanobodies (ai-Nbs) mimicking the structure of a given epitope of the pathogen (the epitope of the Chlamydial Type III Secretion System Needle Protein). In a mouse model, we have shown that the obtained ai-Nbs are able to induce a narrowly specific humoral immune response in the host, leading to the generation of intrinsic anti-Chlamydia antibodies, potentially therapeutic, specifically recognizing a given antigenic epitope of Chlamydia. The immune sera derived from mice immunized with ai-Nbs are able to suppress chlamydial infection in vitro. We hypothesize that the proposed method of the creation and use of ai-Nbs, which mimic and present to the host immune system exactly the desired region of the antigen, create a fundamentally new universal approach to generating molecular structures as a part of specific vaccine for the targeted induction of immune response, especially useful in cases where it is difficult to prepare an antigen preserving the desired epitope in its native conformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al-Anbar Journal of Veterinary Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia (CPP) is a lung disease caused by the infection with the Chlamydia psittaci bacterium, which can lead to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and systemic symptoms. This study explored the specific mechanisms underlying the impact of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the Th17/Treg balance in CPP. The levels of ROS and the differentiation ratio of Th17/ Treg in the peripheral blood of healthy individuals and CPP patients were measured using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. The association between the ROS levels and Th17/Treg was assessed using Pearson correlation analysis. The ROS levels and the Th17/Treg ratio were measured in CD4+ T cells following H2O2 treatment and NLRP3 inhibition. The effects of H2O2 treatment and NLRP3 inhibition on the NLRP3/IL-1β/caspase-1 pathway were observed using immunoblotting. Compared to the healthy group, the CPP group exhibited increased levels of ROS in the peripheral blood, an elevated ratio of Th17 differentiation, and a decreased ratio of Treg differentiation. ROS levels were positively correlated with the Th17 cell proportion but negatively correlated with the Treg cell proportion. The ROS levels and NLRP3/IL-1β/caspase-1 expression were up-regulated in CD4+ T cells after H2O2 treat-ment. Furthermore, there was an increase in Th17 differentiation and a decrease in Treg differentiation. Conversely, the NLRP3/IL-1β/caspase-1 pathway inhibition reversed the effects of H2O2 treatment, with no significant change in the ROS levels. ROS regulates the Th17/Treg balance in CPP, possibly through the NLRP3/IL-1β/caspase-1 pathway. This study provides a new perspective on the development of immunotherapy for CPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detection of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is the key to controlling the spread of these bacterial infections. An important step in developing biosensors involves identifying reliable sensing probes against specific genetic targets for CT and NG. Here, the authors have designed single‐stranded oligonucleotides (ssDNAs) targeting mutually conserved genetic regions of cryptic plasmid and chromosomal DNA of both CT and NG. The 5′‐ and 3′‐ ends of these ssDNAs are differentially functionalized with thiol groups and coupled with gold nanoparticles (AuNP) to develop absorbance‐based assay. The AuNPs agglomerate selectively in the presence of its target DNA sequence and demonstrate a change in their surface plasmon resonance. The optimized assay is then used to detect both CT and NG DNA extracted from 60 anonymized clinical samples with a clinical sensitivity of ∼100%. The limit of detection of the assays are found to be 7 and 5 copies/µL for CT and NG respectively. Furthermore, it can successfully detect the DNA levels of these two bacteria without the need for DNA extraction and via a lateral flow‐based platform. These assays thus hold the potential to be employed in clinics for rapid and efficient monitoring of sexually transmitted infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlamydia pecorum is a globally endemic livestock pathogen but prevalence data from Switzerland has so far been limited. The present longitudinal study aimed to get an insight into the C. pecorum prevalence in Swiss cattle and investigated infection dynamics. The study population consisted of a bovine herd (n = 308) located on a farm in the north-eastern part of Switzerland. The herd comprised dairy cows, beef cattle and calves all sampled up to five times over a one-year period. At each sampling timepoint, rectal and conjunctival swabs were collected resulting in 782 samples per sampled area (total n = 1564). Chlamydiaceae screening was performed initially, followed by C. pecorum-specific real-time qPCR on all samples. For C. pecorum-positive samples, bacterial loads were determined. In this study, C. pecorum was the only chlamydial species found. Animal prevalences were determined to be 5.2–11.4%, 38.1–61.5% and 55–100% in dairy cows, beef cattle and calves, respectively. In all categories, the number of C. pecorum-positive samples was higher in conjunctival (n = 151) compared to rectal samples (n = 65), however, the average rectal load was higher. At a younger age, the chlamydial prevalence and the mean bacterial loads were significantly higher. Of all sampled bovines, only 9.4% (29/308) were high shedders (number of copies per μl >1,000). Calves, which tested positive multiple times, either failed to eliminate the pathogen between sampling timepoints or were reinfected, whereas dairy cows were mostly only positive at one timepoint. In conclusion, C. pecorum was found in healthy Swiss cattle. Our observations suggested that infection takes place at an early age and immunity might develop over time. Although the gastrointestinal tract is supposed to be the main infection site, C. pecorum was not present in rectal samples from dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Researchers are pursuing vaccines for these STIs, and a clinical trial is currently underway for a chlamydia vaccine. However, there is little research available on individuals' willingness to receive chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis vaccines. The purpose of this analysis was to map the existing literature we have on individuals' willingness to receive these bacterial/parasitic STI vaccines and understand what information on vaccine acceptability is still needed. Methods: We searched seven databases for literature on STI vaccine acceptability, then conducted title/abstract and full-text reviews to assess eligibility. All reviews and abstractions were conducted blindly by two reviewers, with discrepancies settled by discussion or the input of a third reviewer. Results: Eight of the original 2,259 texts of interest met inclusion criteria. After data abstraction, we found that gonorrhea was the most commonly examined, followed by chlamydia and syphilis. Trichomoniasis vaccine acceptability was not reported. Most texts reported high acceptability, but there did not appear to be data describing how vaccine characteristics affect acceptability. Similarly, while the literature covers a variety of populations, most of the study populations were based out of the United States or Canada and were patrons of healthcare facilities or participants from a larger health intervention study. Therefore, more information is needed on populations outside North America, and on groups with lower healthcare access and utilization. Conclusion: As the incidence of bacterial and parasitic STIs increase, and as we grow nearer vaccines for these illnesses, understanding how likely the public is to accept and receive these vaccines is crucial to their success. While the existing literature describes STI vaccine acceptability in a variety of populations, their overall number is small. More research into STI vaccine acceptability outside of North America, and especially examining how factors like number of doses, timing, and cost influence vaccine acceptability is needed to ensure effective future vaccine rollouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of medicinal plants, particularly in the treatment of sexually transmitted and related infections, is ancient. These plants may well be used as alternative and complementary medicine to a variety of antibiotics that may possess limitations mainly due to an emerging enormous antimicrobial resistance. Several computerized database literature sources such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, Scielo, PubMed, and Google Scholar were used to retrieve information on Fabaceae species used in the treatment and management of sexually transmitted and related infections in South Africa. The other information was sourced from various academic dissertations, theses, and botanical books. A total of 42 medicinal plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family, used in the treatment of sexually transmitted and related opportunistic infections associated with HIV-AIDS, have been documented. Trees were the most reported life form, yielding 47.62%, while Senna and Vachellia were the frequently cited genera yielding six and three species, respectively. Peltophorum africanum Sond. was the most preferred medicinal plant, yielding a frequency of citation of 14, while Vachellia karoo (Hayne) Banfi and Glasso as well as Elephantorrhiza burkei Benth. yielded 12 citations each. The most frequently used plant parts were roots, yielding 57.14%, while most of the plant species were administered orally after boiling (51.16%) until the infection subsided. Amazingly, many of the medicinal plant species are recommended for use to treat impotence (29.87%), while most common STI infections such as chlamydia (7.79%), gonorrhea (6.49%), syphilis (5.19%), genital warts (2.60%), and many other unidentified STIs that may include "Makgoma" and "Divhu" were less cited. Although there are widespread data on the in vitro evidence of the use of the Fabaceae species in the treatment of sexually transmitted and related infections, there is a need to explore the in vivo studies to further ascertain the use of species as a possible complementary and alternative medicine to the currently used antibiotics in both developing and underdeveloped countries. Furthermore, the toxicological profiles of many of these studies need to be further explored. The safety and efficacy of over-the-counter pharmaceutical products developed using these species also need to be explored. Dataset:  https://www.mdpi.com/article/10.3390/plants11233241/s1 Dataset License: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Strengthening sexually transmissible infection (STI) management in general practice is prioritised in Australian STI strategy. Digital interventions incorporating clinical decision support offer a mechanism to assist general practitioners (GPs) in STI care. This study explored clinicians' views towards a proposed digital intervention for supporting STI care in Australian general practice as a first step in the tool's design. Methods: Semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted during 2021 with sexual health physicians (n = 2) and GPs (n = 7) practicing in the state of Victoria, Australia. Interviews explored views on a proposed STI digital intervention for general practice. We applied the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), a behaviour change framework to our analysis. This involved: (1) directed content analysis of transcripts into TDF domains; and (2) thematic analysis to identify sub-themes within relevant TDF domains. Subthemes were subsequently categorised into enablers and barriers to the use and implementation of a STI computerised clinical decision support system (CDSS). Results: All interviewees viewed a digital intervention for STI care favourably, expressing confidence in its potential to improve care and support management. Within the relevant TDF domains (e.g. environmental context and resources), subthemes emerged as barriers (e.g. lack of sensitivity to patient context) or enablers (e.g. clear communication and guidance) to the use and implementation of a STI CDSS in primary care. Multiple subthemes (e.g. time constraints) have the potential to be a barrier or an enabler, and is largely dependent on end-user needs being met and clinical context being appropriately addressed. Conclusions: A digital intervention incorporating clinical decision support was viewed favourably, indicating a possible role for such a tool in Australian general practice. Co-design with end-users and prototype evaluation with health consumers is recommended to ensure relevance and usefulness. Digital interventions may offer a mechanism to assist general practitioners (GPs) in optimising care for sexually transmissible infections (STIs). We interviewed GPs and sexual health physicians, who viewed the concept of digital intervention for STI care favourably and with potential to improve STI processes, contingent on its design being considerate of the time-pressured general practice environment, the clinician and patient context, and integration of key evidence-based resources. A prototype digital tool for STI care informed by these insights is in development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The college student population is among the highest risk group for contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. Safe sex practices, which are intended to mitigate risks associated with sexually transmitted infections, are often negated in the population of heterosexual college students. Historically, research on safe sex practices has shown that the burden of behavior change and the focus on educational efforts historically fall onto the female population. There is little published on how safe sex education for males impacts attitudes and behaviors towards safe sex practices. This community-based participatory research (CBPR) project explored heterosexual college male attitudes and behaviors about safe sex responsibilities with the goal of creating effective health promotion messages to increase safer sex. The research team comprised almost entirely of undergraduate male students, which strengthened the design and translation of results to practice. A mixed methods design was employed utilizing both focus groups and surveys as data collection (n=121). Results showed that young men are still prioritizing pregnancy prevention over disease contraction and/or testing, and relying on female partners to initiate safe sex. Implications for health promotion practice efforts on college campuses include: male-led peer education programming and support and messaging around screening and prevention of STIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) infections are becoming increasingly prominent in respiratory infections. This study established a rapid, simple, sensitive, accurate multiplex PCR-dipstick DNA chromatography assay for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae detection. Methods. Nasopharyngeal swab samples of 300 children with an acute respiratory tract infection were detected by a multiplex PCR-dipstick chromatography assay, and the results were compared with the DNA sequencing and serum IgM antibody assay. Results. A multiplex PCR-dipstick DNA assay can specifically detect Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae and shows a good specificity, with a minimum detection limit of 10 CFU/mL, respectively. Using DNA sequencing results as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the multiplex PCR-dipstick DNA chromatography assay for the diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae were 96.61%, 100%, 100%, and 99.18% respectively, and those of Chlamydia pneumoniae were 95.24%, 100%, 100%, and 99.64% respectively. There was no statistical significance MP and CP diagnosis by the multiplex PCR-dipstick DNA assay and DNA sequencing (MP: P = 0.5 ; CP: P = 1.0), and the two assays had very high statistical consistency (MP: kappa = 0.979; CP: kappa = 0.974). The positive rate of the multiplex PCR-dipstick chromatography assay was significantly higher than that of the serum IgM antibody assay, with MP (17.7% vs. 13.3%), CP (5.7% vs. 3.3%), and mixed infection of MP and CP (1.3% vs. 0.67%). Conclusions. A multiplex PCR-dipstick chromatography assay was successfully established for the joint detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae within 2 hours. It is simple, fast, sensitive, accurate, cost-effective with good diagnostic performance, which can be used for small laboratories and point-of-care diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) is among the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) globally. According to the World Health Organization, more than 131 million people get infected with CT annually. CT is usually transmitted via sexual contact or perinatal exposure and can result in severe long-term complications. In developing nations, particularly, the prevention and control of CT is challenging. Hence, this study will explore the feedback mechanisms of chlamydia prevention and control, as well as identify the essential factors affecting the control and prevention of this infection in China. Methods: Our study will employ a mixed-methods research design that encompasses both qualitative and quantitative methods. Firstly, we will develop a causal loop diagram (CLD) based on the literature review and optimize it via in-depth interviews with stakeholders. Additionally, we will utilize a quantitative method called MICMAC(Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification tool) to obtain consensus among different stakeholders and pinpoint the key information. Next, the CLD will be transformed into a system dynamics model (SDM) to evaluate the feedback mechanisms within the CLD. The causality in the CLD will be modeled using mathematical equations, which facilitate the transformation into an SDM. As such, we will be able to analyze the dynamic behavior of the system and its response to different decisions. Discussion: Our study offers a systematic perspective on the control and prevention of chlamydia infection through system dynamics modeling, examining the dynamic properties and background factors of the system. The creation of the CLD affords stakeholders the chance to comprehend the functionality of their relationships and improve cooperation. Consequently, by evaluating the outcomes of these simulations, it will be possible to analyze and determine potential interventions and their effects on chlamydia infections. This modeling approach can help us gain insight into the dynamic characteristics of the system, evaluate the potential outcomes of different decisions, and design control strategies to either stabilize the system or adjust its behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the salivary microbiota composition employing for the first time in the literature the Oxford Nanopore Technology in patients affected by oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Unstimulated saliva samples from 24 patients affected by OSCC and 7 patients free from OSCC were collected and analyzed. In the OSCC group, 13 patients were males and 11 females with a mean age of 65.5 ± 13.9 years; in the control group, 5 patients were males and 2 females with a mean age of 51.4 ± 19.2 years. Regarding the salivary microbiota composition, Prevotella, Chlamydia, Tissierellia, Calothrix, Leotiomycetes, Firmicutes and Zetaproteobacteria were the most abundant microorganisms detected in OSCC patients. If the association between the alteration of salivary microbiota composition and OSCC onset was confirmed, it could have significant implications in the prevention strategy and in follow-up visits. Background: Advancements in DNA sequencing technology have facilitated the assessment of the connection between the oral microbiome and various diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the salivary microbiota composition employing for the first time in the literature the Oxford Nanopore Technology in patients affected by oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: Unstimulated saliva samples of 31 patients were collected (24 OSCC patients and 7 controls). DNA was extracted using the QIAamp DNA Blood Kit and metagenomic long sequencing reads were performed using the MinION device. Results: In the OSCC group, 13 were males and 11 were females, with a mean age of 65.5 ± 13.9 years; in the control group, 5 were males and 2 were females, with a mean age of 51.4 ± 19.2 years. The border of the tongue was the most affected OSCC site. The microorganisms predominantly detected in OSCC patients were Prevotella, Chlamydia, Tissierellia, Calothrix, Leotiomycetes, Firmicutes and Zetaproteobacteria. Conclusions: This study confirmed the predominance of periodontopathic bacteria in the salivary microbiome in the OSCC group. If a direct correlation between oral dysbiosis and OSCC onset was proven, it could lead to new prevention strategies and early diagnostic tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Nowadays, phytotherapy offers viable solutions in managing respiratory infections, disorders known for considerable incidence in both children and adults. In a context in which more and more people are turning to phytotherapy, finding new remedies is a topical goal of researchers in health and related fields. This paper aims to identify those traditional medicinal plants that show potentially antibacterial effects against four Gram-negative germs (Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis), which are considered to have high involvement in respiratory infections. Furthermore, a comparison with Romanian folk medicines was performed. Methods. An extensive review of books and databases was undertaken to identify vegetal species of interest in the context of the topic. Results. Some traditional Romanian species (such as Mentha × piperita, Thymus vulgaris, Pinus sylvestris, Allium sativum, Allium cepa, Ocimum basilicum, and Lavandulaangustifolia) were identified and compared with the plants and preparations confirmed as having antibacterial effects against specific germs. Conclusions. The antibacterial effects of some traditionally used Romanian medicinal plants are poorly investigated, and deserve further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]