Example Of Infection Research Articles

Inflammation unites diverse acute and chronic diseases.

Inflammation and immunity contribute pivotally to diverse acute and chronic diseases. Inflammatory pathways have become increasingly targets for therapy. Yet, despite substantial similarity in mechanisms and pathways, the scientific, medical, pharma and biotechnology sectors have generally focused programs finely on a single disease entity or organ system. This insularity may impede progress in innovation and the harnessing of powerful new insights into inflammation biology ripe for clinical translation. A multidisciplinary thinktank reviewed highlights how inflammation contributes to diverse diseases, disturbed homeostasis, ageing and impaired healthspan. We explored how common inflammatory and immune mechanisms that operate in key conditions in their respective domains. This consensus review highlights the high degree of commonality of inflammatory mechanisms in a diverse array of conditions that together contribute a major part of the global burden of morbidity and mortality and present an enormous challenge to public health and drain on resources. We demonstrate how that shared inflammatory mechanisms unite many seemingly disparate diseases, both acute and chronic. The examples of infection, cardiovascular conditions, pulmonary diseases, rheumatological disorders, dementia, cancer and ageing illustrate the overlapping pathogenesis. We outline opportunities to synergize, reduce duplication and consolidate efforts of the clinical, research and pharmaceutical communities. Enhanced recognition of these commonalties should promote cross-fertilization and hasten progress in this rapidly moving domain. Greater appreciation of the shared mechanisms should simplify understanding seemingly disparate diseases for clinicians and help them to recognize inflammation as a therapeutic target which the development of novel therapies is rendering actionable.

Recent advances in the treatment of biofilms induced surgical site infections.

Recent advances in the treatment of biofilms induced surgical site infections.

Pasteur at the Academy of Medicine: from hygiene to germ theory.

In the 19th century, the applications of the scientific discoveries of Louis Pasteur to medicine had difficulty in imposing themselves within the French medical community and its National Academy. Among those concerning infectious diseases, their prevention by hygiene and their etiology by microbes are described here. Louis Pasteur found it difficult to convince and had to fight, to show through the surgical practice of asepsis and examples of infections induced in animal models (anthrax), the modes of transmission of germs and their pathogenicity.

Inflammation and infection: cellular and biochemical processes

The terms inflammation and infection are often used interchangeably. Technically this is incorrect. Inflammation is defined as the body's response to a potentially damaging stimulus. Infection involves tissue invasion by microorganisms. An inflammatory reaction will be provoked when infection occurs in an otherwise healthy patient. Inflammation can be recognized clinically by 5 cardinal signs: rubor (redness), calor (warmth), tumor (swelling), dolor (pain), and functio laesa (loss of function). These clinical signs can be explained by the biochemical and cellular processes activated during the inflammatory response. Rubor and calor are the result of local vasodilation. Tumor, dolor and functio laesa result from extravasation of blood plasma, white blood cells, and inflammatory mediators. Pulpitis is an example of inflammation; a periapical abscess is an example of infection.

Lactobacilli as Anti-biofilm Strategy in Oral Infectious Diseases: A Mini-Review.

The spread of biofilm-related diseases in developed countries has led to increased mortality rates and high health care costs. A biofilm is a community of microorganisms that is irreversibly attached to a surface, behaving very differently from planktonic cells and providing resistance to antimicrobials and immune response. Oral diseases are an excellent example of infection associated with the formation of highly pathogenic biofilms. It is generally accepted that, when the oral homeostasis is broken, the overgrowth of pathogens is facilitated. Among them, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans are the main etiological agents of periodontitis, while Streptococcus mutans is strongly associated with the onset of dental caries. Other microorganisms, such as the fungus Candida albicans, may also be present and contribute to the severity of infections. Since the common antibiotic therapies usually fail to completely eradicate biofilm-related oral diseases, alternative approaches are highly required. In this regard, the topical administration of probiotics has recently gained interest in treating oral diseases. Thus, the present mini-review focuses on the possibility of using Lactobacillus spp. as probiotics to counteract biofilm-mediated oral infections. Many evidence highlight that Lactobacillus living cells can impede the biofilm formation and eradicate mature biofilms of different oral pathogens, by acting through different mechanisms. Even more interestingly, lactobacilli derivatives, namely postbiotics (soluble secreted products) and paraprobiotics (cell structural components) are able to trigger anti-biofilm effects too, suggesting that they can represent a novel and safer alternative to the use of viable cells in the management of biofilm-related oral diseases.

SARS-CoV-2, Zika viruses and mycoplasma: Structure, pathogenesis and some treatment options in these emerging viral and bacterial infectious diseases

The molecular evolution of life on earth along with changing environmental, conditions has rendered mankind susceptible to endemic and pandemic emerging infectious diseases. The effects of certain systemic viral and bacterial infections on morbidity and mortality are considered as examples of recent emerging infections. Here we will focus on three examples of infections that are important in pregnancy and early childhood: SARS-CoV-2 virus, Zika virus, and Mycoplasma species. The basic structural characteristics of these infectious agents will be examined, along with their general pathogenic mechanisms. Coronavirus infections, such as caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, likely evolved from zoonotic bat viruses to infect humans and cause a pandemic that has been the biggest challenge for humanity since the Spanish Flu pandemic of the early 20th century. In contrast, Zika Virus infections represent an expanding infectious threat in the context of global climate change. The relationship of these infections to pregnancy, the vertical transmission and neurological sequels make these viruses highly relevant to the topics of this special issue. Finally, mycoplasmal infections have been present before mankind evolved, but they were rarely identified as human pathogens until recently, and they are now recognized as important coinfections that are able to modify the course and prognosis of various infectious diseases and other chronic illnesses. The infectious processes caused by these intracellular microorganisms are examined as well as some general aspects of their pathogeneses, clinical presentations, and diagnoses. We will finally consider examples of treatments that have been used to reduce morbidity and mortality of these infections and discuss briefly the current status of vaccines, in particular, against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is important to understand some of the basic features of these emerging infectious diseases and the pathogens involved in order to better appreciate the contributions of this special issue on how infectious diseases can affect human pregnancy, fetuses and neonates.

Nutritional and Botanical Approaches for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Nutritional and Botanical Approaches for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Microbiological and Epidemiological Features of Mycobacteriosis

Relevance . The group of non-tuberculous mycobacteria includes more than 200 species, of which about 50 are causative agents of mycobacterial infection or mycobacteriosis, which is clinically and radiologically similar to tuberculosis. Mycobacteriosis is a multidisciplinary, insufficiently studied, problem. The purpose of the article is to summarize modern ideas about this disease. Conclusion . The review provides information on the main aspects of the considered problem: the environmental features and diagnostics of non-tuberculous mycobacteria are determined, the epidemiology of this disease is described, the possibility of the variability of the clinical manifestations of mycobacteriosis, including among immunocompromised patients and the example of infection associated with the provision of medical care. Particular attention is paid to the growing need to develop regulatory documents regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria in the Russian Federation.

Pelvic Support Hip Reconstruction with Internal Devices: An Alternative to Ilizarov Hip Reconstruction.

Aim and objectiveIlizarov hip reconstruction (IHR) is a traditional method of salvaging chronic adolescent problem hips but faces practical issues from external fixators leading to reduced compliance. We present the same reconstruction procedure using only internal devices with a modification in the technique and review early results.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively evaluated eight patients between 2014 and 2017 with chronic painful hips treated by two-stage reconstruction; stage I included femoral head resection and pelvic support osteotomy using double plating, whereas stage II comprised distal femoral osteotomy avoiding varus followed by the insertion of a retrograde magnetic nail for postoperative lengthening. Patients continued physiotherapy postoperatively while protecting from early weight-bearing.ResultsAt a mean follow-up of 19 months (range, 6–36), all osteotomies healed with a bone healing index of 47 days/cm (range, 30–72). Pain improved from 8.3 (range, 7–9) to 2 (range, 0–6) while the limb length discrepancy got corrected from 4.3 cm (range, 3–5) to 1.4 cm (range, 0–2.5) at the final follow-up. Trendelenburg sign was eliminated in three patients and delayed in five patients. No examples of infection or permanent knee stiffness were noted. One patient had plate breakage due to mechanical fall, and another patient had 35 mm of lateral mechanical axis deviation (MAD) requiring corrective osteotomy.ConclusionPelvic support hip reconstruction with exclusive internal devices is a technique in evolution with encouraging early results. It avoids common complications of external fixators and facilitates quick rehabilitation of joints. Refraining from distal varus can effectively eliminate Trendelenburg gait, although with some degree of lateral MAD. Unlike external fixation where there is a possibility of gradual correction, this staged procedure of internal fixation is technically demanding with a learning curve.Clinical significancePelvic support hip reconstruction performed by internal implants is a viable alternative to Ilizarov hip reconstruction with potential benefits.How to cite this articleMetikala S, Kurian BT, Madan SS, et al. Pelvic Support Hip Reconstruction with Internal Devices: An Alternative to Ilizarov Hip Reconstruction. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2020;15(1):34–40.

Pelvic Support Hip Reconstruction with Internal Devices: An Alternative to Ilizarov Hip Reconstruction.

Aim and objectiveIlizarov hip reconstruction (IHR) is a traditional method of salvaging chronic adolescent problem hips but faces practical problems from external fixators leading to reduced compliance. We present the same reconstruction utilising only internal devices with a modification in technique and aim to review early results.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively evaluated eight patients between 2014 and 2017 with chronic painful hips treated by a two-stage reconstruction; stage 1 included femoral head resection and pelvic support osteotomy using double plating, while stage 2 comprised distal femoral osteotomy avoiding varus followed by insertion of retrograde magnetic nail for postoperative lengthening. Patients continued physiotherapy postoperatively while protecting from early weight-bearing.ResultsAt mean follow-up of 19 months (range 6–36), all osteotomies healed with bone healing index of 47 days/cm (range 30–72). Pain improved from 8.3 (range 7–9) to 2 (range 0–6), while limb length discrepancy got corrected from 4.3 cm (range 3–5) to 1.4 cm (range 0–2.5) at final follow-up. Trendelenburg sign was eliminated in three and delayed in five. No examples of infection or permanent knee stiffness were noted. One patient had plates breakage due to mechanical fall and one had 35 mm of lateral mechanical axis deviation requiring corrective osteotomy.ConclusionPelvic support hip reconstruction with exclusive internal devices is a technique in evolution with encouraging early results. It avoids common complications of external fixators and facilitates quick rehabilitation of joints. Refraining from distal varus can effectively eliminate Trendelenburg gait, albeit with some degree of lateral mechanical axis deviation. Unlike external fixation where there is a possibility of gradual correction, this staged procedure of internal fixation is technically demanding with a learning curve.Clinical significancePelvic support hip reconstruction performed by internal implants is a viable alternative to IHR with potential benefits.How to cite this articleMetikala S, Kurian BT, Madan SS, et al. Pelvic Support Hip Reconstruction with Internal Devices: An Alternative to Ilizarov Hip Reconstruction. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2020;15(2):91–97.

CD300 receptor family in viral infections.

The CD300 molecules constitute an evolutionarily significant family of receptors that are expressed on myeloid and lymphoid cells, but also on other cell types, such as tuft cells. Many of the CD300 receptors have been shown to recognize lipids, e.g. phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Over the past couple of years, accumulating evidence has shown that this family of receptors is involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Specifically, CD300 molecules participate in the mechanisms that viruses employ to develop immune evasion strategies and to infect host cells. The participation of CD300 molecules in viral infection includes both lipid dependent and independent mechanisms, as for example in infections with dengue virus (DENV) and murine norovirus (MNV), respectively. CD300 receptors are also involved in viral escape mechanisms, for instance inhibiting NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against infected cells. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly recognized that the expression of CD300 receptors is altered during viral diseases. Here, we review the involvement of human and murine CD300 molecules in viral binding and entry and in cellular responses to viruses, which highlights the potential of CD300 molecules in the search of new biomarkers for various stages of infection and therapeutic targets for the treatment of viral infections.

Radioimmunotherapy as a Novel Approach in HIV, Bacterial, and Fungal Infectious Diseases

In the past several decades, many antimicrobial agents have been used in treating different fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. However, these agents have faced challenges such as pronounced side-effect profiles and pathogen resistance. In addition, a cure for many chronic infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has not been achieved, and the incidence of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients has increased significantly in the past decades. Therefore, an alternative strategy for combating these infections is needed. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) has been proposed to be a valuable tool in the management of such infections. The side-effects associated with RIT are minimal as the targeted antigens are only expressed on microbial or infected cells. RIT demonstrated impressive potency in eradicating pathogens in animal models and patient samples. Cryptococcus neoformans, HIV, and Bacillus anthracis are few examples of infections for which RIT has been an effective treatment using radionuclides such as bismuth-213 (213Bi) or rhenium-188 (188Re).

Dendritic cells efficiently transmit HIV to T Cells in a tenofovir and raltegravir insensitive manner.

Dendritic cell (DC)-to-T cell transmission is an example of infection in trans, in which the cell transmitting the virus is itself uninfected. During this mode of DC-to-T cell transmission, uninfected DCs concentrate infectious virions, contact T cells and transmit these virions to target cells. Here, we investigated the efficiency of DC-to-T cell transmission on the number of cells infected and the sensitivity of this type of transmission to the antiretroviral drugs tenofovir (TFV) and raltegravir (RAL). We observed activated monocyte-derived and myeloid DCs amplified T cell infection, which resulted in drug insensitivity. This drug insensitivity was dependent on cell-to-cell contact and ratio of DCs to T cells in coculture. DC-mediated amplification of HIV-1 infection was efficient regardless of virus tropism or origin. The DC-to-T cell transmission of the T/F strain CH077.t/2627 was relatively insensitive to TFV compared to DC-free T cell infection. The input of virus modulated the drug sensitivity of DC-to-T cell infection, but not T cell infection by cell-free virus. At high viral inputs, DC-to-T cell transmission reduced the sensitivity of infection to TFV. Transmission of HIV by DCs in trans may have important implications for viral persistence in vivo in environments, where residual replication may persist in the face of antiretroviral therapy.

Not all parasites are protective.

Successful endoparasites of mammals must outwit the sophisticated immune systems of their hosts that have evolved to detect and destroy/eradicate them. Many species of helminth parasite can directly or indirectly manipulate host immunity: helminth-derived molecules can suppress or skew activity of many immune cell phenotypes, and mobilization of regulatory cells in response to infection can inhibit immune cell activation. Moreover, many investigations, principally in laboratory-based rodent-helminth systems, demonstrate that infection with helminths (trematode, cestode or nematode) can ameliorate the severity of concomitant disease that model diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis. Ongoing analyses in these model systems may uncover novel approaches to the management and cure of inflammatory diseases that are major global health issues. However, the potential of environmentally or experimentally (i.e. 'therapeutically') acquired infection with helminth parasites to exaggerate the severity immunopathologies in the host should not be overlooked. Here, examples of infection with helminth parasites exacerbating concomitant disease and commentary on possible adverse effects of helminth therapy are provided--the intent is not to undermine the development of helminth therapy, but to illustrate caveats that may need to be considered should helminth therapy be utilized as a treatment for inflammatory disease.

Expression of transcription factors RORC2 and FoxP3 mRNA in lymphocytes of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Homeostasis of the Th17 and Treg lymphocyte subpopulations plays an important role in a holistic and coordinated process of pathogen eradication and the prevention of infection spread in the body. Studies of the molecular mechanisms that control the balance of these cells in the formation of immune deviation in the pathogenesis of infection process are especially urgent. In this paper, we present the results of studying the expression levels of transcription factors RORC2 and FoxP3 mRNA in Th17 and Treg lymphocytes, respectively, and the contents of these cells in the peripheral blood in infectious pathology (by the example of infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis). It was found that the course of infiltrative (regardless of drug sensitivity of the pathogen) and disseminated drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis is accompanied by Th17 polarization of the T-lymphocyte differentiation as evidenced by the increased number of CD4+CD161+IL17A+ cells in the blood combined with the increased transcription factor RORC2 mRNA expression in the lymphocytes. In disseminated drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis, the differentiation of T-lymphocytes is implemented mainly towards immunosuppressive Treg cells as evidenced by an increase in their blood levels combined with increased levels of transcription factor FoxP3 mRNA expression in the lymphocytes.

Importation and Transmission of Parasitic and Other Infectious Diseases Associated with International Adoptees and Refugees Immigrating into the United States of America.

Each year, hundreds of millions of people travel across international borders or even oceans, and up to 230 million may remain for long periods. Among these, 3–5 million settle permanently in their new homes, with about 1 million migrating permanently to the United States of America. This may result in transport of parasites and other pathogens, which might become established, infecting individuals in the new location. Beyond concern of disease spread, the health of migrants is of concern since the rigors, circumstances, and living conditions surrounding migrations may increase the vulnerability of migrants to infections. International adoptees and refugees are a small subset of these migrants but are of special significance inasmuch as adoptees may be more vulnerable to infection due to their immature immune status, and refugees may be more vulnerable due to substandard living conditions. Both originate from diverse regions, but often from environments of low hygiene and health care standards. This review examines recent examples of infections reported from adoptees and refugees entering the USA through 2010, highlighting the most common origin countries and the diseases most frequently involved, including Chagas disease, Balamuthia amebic meningoencephalitis, giardiasis, microsporidiosis, hepatitis, measles, pertussis, tuberculosis, malaria, intestinal helminths, and syphilis.

Treatment of Viral Encephalitis

Several viruses may cause central nervous system diseases with a broad range of clinical manifestations. The time course of the viral encephalitis can be acute, subacute, or chronic. Pathologically there are encephalitis with direct viral entry into the CNS in which brain parenchyma exhibits neuronal damaging and viral antigens and there are postinfectious autoimmune encephalitis associated with systemic viral infections with brain tissue presenting perivascular aggregation of immune cells and myelin damaging. Some virus affect previously healthy individuals while others produce encephalitis among imunocompromised ones. Factors such evolving lifestyles and ecological changes have had a considerable impact on the epidemiology of some viral encephalitis [e.g. West-Nile virus, and Japanese B virus]. Citomegalovirus and JC virus are examples of infections of the brain that have been seen more frequently because they occur in immunocompromised patients. In the other hand many scientific achievements in neuroimaging, molecular diagnosis, antiviral therapy, immunomodulatory treatments, and neurointensive care have allowed more precise and earlier diagnoses and more efficient treatments, resulting in improved outcomes. In this article, we will present the current drug options in the management of the main acute and chronic viral infection of the central nervous system of immunocompetent and immunocompromised adults, focusing on drugs mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side effects. The early diagnosis and correct management of such diseases can reduce mortality and neurological sequelae; however, even with recent treatment advances, potentially devastating outcomes are still possible.

Paleopathologies of the Vertebral Column in Medieval Skeletons

Paleopathological data provide valuable information about health, longevity and mortality in earlier human populations. We investigated the incidence of spinal pathologies on 54 individuals (1045 vertebrae and 18 sacral bones) that belong to a medieval skeletal series discovered in the Dalheim monastery (Northwest Germany) and compared them with contemporary and recent populations. The skeletons were analyzed with anthropological methods (sex and age determination), by macroscopic inspection, and, if pathologies of the spine and the sacrum were visible, also by X-ray. We investigated evidence of trauma, specific and nonspecific infectious diseases, joint diseases, tumors, and congenital as well as metabolic disorders. Radiocarbon determination of four samples of different specimens was also undertaken revealing a historic dating of ca. 1050 AD. The most common pathological findings were degenerative changes of the spine found in 29 individuals (53.3%). Examples of infections of the spine were rare (0.8% of all vertebrae). There were no cases of traumatic injuries of the spine. The prevalence of spondylosis deformans, the most commonly found type of pathology was found to be higher in the lumbar region, in males as well as in individuals of low stature.

Paleopathologies of the vertebral column in medieval skeletons.

Paleopathological data provide valuable information about health, longevity and mortality in earlier human populations. We investigated the incidence of spinal pathologies on 54 individuals (1045 vertebrae and 18 sacral bones) that belong to a medieval skeletal series discovered in the Dalheim monastery (Northwest Germany) and compared them with contemporary and recent populations. The skeletons were analyzed with anthropological methods (sex and age determination), by macroscopic inspection, and, if pathologies of the spine and the sacrum were visible, also by X-ray. We investigated evidence of trauma, specific and nonspecific infectious diseases, joint diseases, tumors, and congenital as well as metabolic disorders. Radiocarbon determination of four samples of different specimens was also undertaken revealing a historic dating of ca. 1050 AD. The most common pathological findings were degenerative changes of the spine found in 29 individuals (53.3%). Examples of infections of the spine were rare (0.8% of all vertebrae). There were no cases of traumatic injuries of the spine. The prevalence of spondylosis deformans, the most commonly found type of pathology was found to be higher in the lumbar region, in males as well as in individuals of low stature.

Tuberculosis en pacientes infectados por el VIH

Tuberculosis is a clear example of infection that requires cellular immunity for its control. The spread throughout the world of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) resulted in its interaction with tuberculosis altering the descending curve of the latter disease in some developed countries, and brought an aggravation of the problem in other countries with few economic and health resources and where tuberculosis was endemic. HIV increases the risk of reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection and accelerates progression after infection or reinfection; on the other hand, TB aggravates the prognosis of patients infected with HIV. This article sets out the differential aspects in the clinical manifestations of TB amongst populations with and without HIV infection; we also comment on some special characteristics in the treatment of tuberculosis in HIV patients. With the exception of primary cutaneous infections produced by accidental inoculation and infantile lymphadenitis, the majority of the cases of disease due to non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) affect patients with certain predisposing factors. In the case of patients with AIDS, the deep immunological disorder provoked by HIV brings a particular susceptibility to suffering invasive disease due to certain NTM, principally M. avium complex and M. kansasii.