Persistent Infection Research Articles

Systemic Complications Resulting from Odontogenic Infection: A Case Report

Intensive Care Units (ICUs) aim to meet the care needs of patients requiring continuous observation by an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary team, with the dentist playing a key role in adapting to the patient's needs, prioritizing their healing process and well-being according to their condition. This is particularly relevant in cases of periapical infection, the most common form of odontogenic infection, which, though often localized, can spread and lead to serious complications such as Mediastinitis, an inflammation of the mediastinum in the loose connective tissue.This report aims to present the hospital management of the treatment of a dental-origin infection, starting in the lower left third molar, which affected the mediastinum, thus highlighting the importance of having a dentist in ICUs. It was conducted at the Dr. Carlos Alberto Studart Gomes Hospital in Messejana (HM), where a female patient, without comorbidities, was admitted with a history of a dental abscess affecting the oral space, along with fever, tachycardia, intense dyspnea, edema, and other symptoms. She presented persistent toxemia (marked leukocytosis of 22,400 mm³ and elevated CRP of 22.90), thrombocytosis, and a marked edematous syndrome in the lower limbs. A combined surgery between Dentistry and Cardiac Surgery was indicated, which performed a pericardiostomy. The dental team extracted the tooth involved, performed an extraoral puncture of the affected facial space, submandibular drainage, and installed a drain. Fifteen days post-operatively, the patient showed good healing, with no signs or symptoms of inflammation or persistent infection. Laboratory tests also showed significant improvement (leukocytes 12,000 mm³ and CRP 9 mg/L), and she was discharged from the hospital.

Efficacy of human papillomavirus vaccines in the prevention of male genital diseases: a systematic review.

To evaluate the results of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the efficacy of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in preventing male genital-related diseases. A systematic search of English language literature using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was performed in April 2024 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Evidence from four RCTs (including 7008 male participants) support the efficacy of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in preventing genital warts and persistent HPV infection in HPV-naïve men. The low incidence of male genital malignancies in the control groups of the reported studies lead to underpowered evidence. However, vaccination leads to durable protection with a long-term follow-up of 10 years showing efficacy of 91.8% to prevent HPV 6-, 11-, 16-, or 18-related external genital lesions (EGLs) in HPV-naïve subjects. Additionally, the quadrivalent vaccine seems to effectively reduce the detection of DNA from all four HPV types. In summary, early quadrivalent HPV vaccination demonstrates efficacy in preventing HPV infection and EGLs in males. Well controlled prospective studies are needed to confirm the long-term efficacy, specifically in cancer prevention, in all men and specific subject subgroups, and to identify the targeted population who is most likely to benefit from early vaccination.

Study on the clinical characteristics, persistent infection capability, and viral load of human papillomavirus type 82 single infection

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a key factor in the development of cervical cancer and HPV genotyping is crucial for screening. There are significant differences in the pathogenic potential of the various HPV types. Currently, clinical data on HPV82 are scarce, and the relationship between its viral load, pathogenicity, and persistence is unknown. This study analyzed the characteristics of HPV82 single infection.MethodsCervical samples were collected to determine the positivity rate of HPV82 and its clinical features in a single infection and examined the association between viral load, persistent infection, and pathogenicity.ResultsThe positive rate of HPV82 among women attending hospitals for gynecological physical examination or medical consultation was approximately 0.24% (1,033/435,072). Among 335 cases of HPV82 single infection, the number of patients with lesion-free tissue biopsy results, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, CIN2, CIN3, and cervical cancer were 263, 42, 11, 18, and one, respectively. A follow-up of 210 patients showed that 21.21% (7/33) of patients with CIN1 progressed to high-grade lesions, whereas 7.34% (13/177) of lesion-free patients progressed to CIN. The viral load in the CIN and cervical cancer group was significantly higher than that in the lesion-free group (p < 0.001), and the viral load in the persistent infection group was higher than that in the viral clearance group (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe pathogenicity of single HPV82 infection ranks in the middle among high-risk HPV types, and it can lead to cervical cancer, warranting the inclusion of HPV82 in expanded screening for HPV. High viral load is a significant factor that improves the persistent infection ability and pathogenicity of HPV82. Viral load is expected to serve as a screening risk factor for persistent infection and disease progression associated with HPV82.

Persistence and clearance rates of human papillomaviruses in a cohort of women treated or not treated for cervical dysplasia in northwest Ethiopia

Persistence of high-risk Human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) infection increases the risk of precancerous lesions development. The aim of this study was to assess the persistence and clearance rate of HPV infection. A prospective cohort study was conducted between January and December 2023 among patients attending gynecology unit of FHCSH in Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia. Out of 297 study participants, 95 women with HPV infected and cytological abnormalities were followed; of these 93.7% were HPV positive at the baseline study. Of which, 46.1% did not receive treatment, the rest 53.9% were treated. Among the women without treatment, HPV persistence and clearance rates were 65.9% and 34.1% respectively while persistence rate of 46.3% and clearance rate of 53.7% were observed in 12-month follow up period. Among women who received treatment, HPV persistence rate of 45.8% and clearance rate of 54.2% were recorded in six while persistence rate of 33.3% and clearance rate of 66.7% were observed in 12- month follow up period. The findings of our study indicated that the high persistence rate and low clearance rate of HPV infection. Detection of persistent HPV infection without treatment or after treatment should be considered as the main risk factor for the development or recurrence of cervical neoplasia.

CROSS-SPECIES TRANSMISSION OF A GENOGROUP C FERLAVIRUS IN A ZOOLOGICAL COLLECTION IN THE UNITED STATES.

Ferlaviruses have been associated with significant mortality events in squamates. Over a 5-month period in 2012, a mortality event at the Phoenix Zoo involved seven rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp.), a Sonoran gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer affinis), and a Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum). All individuals had been managed within the same group of enclosures at the zoo, and many of the affected individuals had previously been housed together. Clinical signs during the outbreak included sudden death, agonal behavior, anorexia, regurgitation, and loss of body condition. Histologic findings were similar in all animals, with lesions primarily in the respiratory tract and pancreas; these findings were consistent with viral infection, and in five of the seven cases for which samples were submitted, RT-PCR identified a genogroup C Ferlavirus. The findings in this outbreak support the possibility of cross-species viral transmission and clinical disease associated with genogroup C Ferlavirus infection and suggest persistence of paramyxoviral infection within captive reptile populations. These findings have widespread implications for the management of mixed reptile species habitats in zoological and private collections, and suggest a need to include all reptiles, not just snakes, in preshipment and quarantine investigation of potential ferlavirus infection.

Aspergillus in Children and Young People with Cystic Fibrosis: A Narrative Review

Cystic fibrosis is a severe, inherited, life-limiting disorder, and over half of those living with CF are children. Persistent airway infection and inflammation, resulting in progressive lung function decline, is the hallmark of this disorder. Aspergillus colonization and infection is a well-known complication in people with CF and can evolve in a range of Aspergillus disease phenotypes, including Aspergillus bronchitis, fungal sensitization, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Management strategies for children with CF are primarily aimed at preventing lung damage and lung function decline caused by bacterial infections. The role of Aspergillus infections is less understood, especially during childhood, and therefore evidence-based diagnostic and treatment guidelines are lacking. This narrative review summarizes our current understanding of the impact of Aspergillus on the airways of children and young people with CF.

Silk Nonwoven Fabric-Based Dressing with Antibacterial and ROS-Scavenging Properties for Modulating Wound Microenvironment and Promoting Diabetic Wound Healing.

The microenvironment of diabetic wounds is exceptionally complex, characterized notably by persistent bacterial infections and the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Traditional treatment methods often fall short of achieving ideal results. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop and implement more advanced and efficient treatment strategies to effectively address the complexity and recalcitrance of diabetic wounds. This study pioneers a novel approach by fabricating a silk fibroin-based nonwoven dressing (SF-Ag-HCA) under neutral conditions, integrating silver ions with dihydrocaffeic acid-modified silk fibroin. Uniquely, this dressing achieves dual functionality: exceptional antibacterial efficacy against common pathogens (E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa) and robust ROS-scavenging capabilities, effectively mitigating oxidative stress and promoting immune homeostasis. The SF-Ag-HCA dressing not only surpasses conventional materials in regulating the wound microenvironment but also accelerates re-epithelialization and collagen deposition. Animal studies further validate its superior performance in healing diabetic and infected wounds compared to commercial alternatives. This innovative dressing represents a significant advancement in wound care, offering an integrated, cost-effective solution tailored for complex chronic wound management.

Leukocyte-specific protein 1 is associated with the stage and tumor immune infiltration of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women and is strongly associated with persistent infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV), particularly the HPV16 subtype. Existing detection methods have limitations in meeting clinical requirements. This study aims to identify biomarkers that can aid in the staging and prognosis of cervical cancer. Cervical epithelial exfoliated cell samples were collected from three groups: HPV16-negative normal cervix, HPV16-positive normal cervix, and HPV16-positive cervical cancer. Differential expression proteins (DEPs) were identified using TMT-LC–MS/MS technology, and their associations with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and immune regulatory molecules were analyzed. Leukocyte-specific protein 1 (LSP1), an intracellular F-actin-binding protein predominantly expressed in macrophages, neutrophils, B cells, and T cells, was identified as a potential biomarker. The expression levels of LSP1 were evaluated and validated using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting (WB), and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was employed to assess the co-localization of LSP1 with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Results indicated that both protein and mRNA levels of LSP1 were significantly elevated in cervical cancer tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor tissues. Notably, LSP1 expression was higher in early-stage cervical cancer (Stage IB) than in advanced-stage disease (Stage IIIC). Furthermore, LSP1 was predominantly localized in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with low TIM-3 expression. Analysis of public databases (GEPIA, TIMER2.0, and TISIDB) revealed that higher LSP1 mRNA levels correlated with better patient outcomes. LSP1 expression was positively associated with the abundance of major TILs and immune regulatory molecules, particularly activated B cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD4+ T cells, while negatively correlated with M2 macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. These findings indicate that the expression levels of LSP1 in cervical tissues are correlated with cancer staging and patient prognosis, potentially reflecting both tumor immune infiltration and T-cell exhaustion within the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Biofilm Control by Active Topography with Mucin Coating

AbstractIn the innate immune system of mammalians, beating cilia of epithelial cells and the attached mucin proteins prevent the colonization of microbial pathogens. Abiotic biomaterials of medical implants lack such protection and thus are susceptible to microbial colonization, leading to biofilm formation and persistent infections with high‐level antibiotic tolerance. To address this challenge, the team further develops its new strategy of biofilm control by magnetically driven oscillation of micron‐sized pillars on biomaterials. This study is based on a bioinspired design by covalently coating the pillars with mucin, a glycoprotein found ubiquitously in mammalian innate immune systems. The results show that mucin coating significantly enhances the antifouling effects of active topography in both the inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation and removal of its mature biofilms. Analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that mucin coating inhibits bacterial attachment near the pillar base, the area protected from the direct force of beating pillars. In addition, mucin coating enhances the twitching motility of P. aeruginosa but represses its swarming motility and the synthesis of cyclic di‐GMP. These effects further contribute to the antifouling activities. Overall, these findings demonstrate the feasibility of engineering bioinspired antifouling materials for safer medical devices.

Repurposing alcohol-abuse drug disulfiram for the treatment of KSHV-infected primary effusion lymphoma by activating antiviral innate immunity.

Cancer remains a leading cause of global mortality, characterized by high treatment costs, and generally poor prognoses. Developing new anti-cancer drugs requires substantial investment, extended development timelines, and a high failure rate. Therefore, repurposing existing US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for other diseases as potential anti-cancer therapies offers a faster and more cost-effective approach. Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an aggressive B-cell malignancy linked to Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection. In this study, we identified that disulfiram (DSF), an FDA-approved medication for alcohol dependence, acts as a potent inhibitor of KSHV-positive PEL. DSF suppresses PEL cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis through the activation of innate antiviral immunity. Remarkably, DSF effectively impedes KSHV reactivation and virion production in both PEL and endothelial cells. Inhibition of TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1) or interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), essential activators of antiviral innate immunity, reverses DSF's effects on PEL cell survival and KSHV reactivation. Furthermore, DSF treatment significantly hinders the initiation and progression of PEL tumors in a xenograft mouse model, with this effect notably abolished by TBK1 depletion. Our findings highlighted DSF as a promising therapeutic agent for targeting persistent KSHV infection and treating PEL tumors.

Interconnectedness threat: unveiling the mechanisms behind human papillomavirus-induced cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, causing over 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths in 2022, with a disproportionately high burden in low-resource countries where access to treatment is limited. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that accounts for approximately 95% of cervical cancer cases. Persistent HPV infection can progress to cervical dysplasia, categorized into varying severities (CIN1, CIN2, and CIN3), which significantly increases cancer risk. The mechanism of HPV-induced malignancy involves the disruption of cellular apoptosis by integrating viral genetic material into cervical cells, particularly within the transformation zone. The viral proteins E6 and E7 play pivotal roles in cervical carcinogenesis by inhibiting tumor suppressor proteins, promoting uncontrolled cell proliferation, and evading immune responses, ultimately driving progression toward malignancy. Timely detection and intervention are essential for managing HPV-related cervical cancers. Preventative measures such as HPV vaccination have demonstrated substantial efficacy. Six vaccines targeting high-risk (HR) HPV strains are recommended before sexual activity or exposure. Despite these advancements, barriers, such as misinformation, logistical challenges, and limited healthcare infrastructure, persist, particularly in underserved regions. Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies have offered new avenues for addressing these challenges. Next-generation sequencing and CRISPR gene editing are emerging as promising tools for HPV-related cancer treatment that enable precise and targeted interventions. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) and imaging innovations have significantly enhanced diagnostic accuracy and personalized care. Pap smears and HPV DNA testing are indispensable tools for early detection. To tackle HPV-related cervical cancer globally, a multifaceted approach is required. Public health education, vaccination programs, research, and international collaboration are crucial. Public health campaigns should combat misinformation, strengthen vaccination programs, and focus on novel therapies, screening technologies, and next-generation sequencing.

Role of human herpesvirus homologs of infected cell protein 27 (ICP27) in the biogenesis, processing, and maturation of mRNAs.

Herpesviruses are enveloped viruses with large double-stranded DNA genomes that are highly prevalent in the human population and elicit numerous types of clinical manifestations, from mild to severe. These viruses are classified into three subfamilies: alpha-, beta-, and gammaherpesvirinae, all capable of establishing life-long persistent infections in the host. As strict intracellular parasites, these viruses have evolved molecular determinants to support and modulate viral and host gene transcription processes during infection and the translation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to synthesize proteins that participate in cellular pathways promoting their replication cycles and virion formation. Notably, some of these proteins have functional RNA-binding domains consisting of arginine-glycine-glycine (RGG) amino acid (aa) sequences that, when methylated, regulate their nucleic acid-binding capacities and can influence the export of mRNAs lacking introns from the nucleus into the cytoplasm. Additional domains and motifs in these proteins mediate their interactions with regulatory proteins related to RNA splicing, either promoting or repressing mRNA processing. Notably, all human herpesviruses (HHVs) encode in their genomes proteins that share homology with infected cell protein 27 (ICP27) of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which can significantly impact the biogenesis of mRNAs and their processing during infection. Here, we review and discuss the roles of ICP27 and the corresponding homologs encoded in different human herpesviruses, focusing on their similarities and differences in structure and function. A more profound knowledge of the role of key viral factors required for effective herpesvirus replication could aid in the design and identification of novel antivirals to treat the diseases produced by these viruses.

Prolonged Survival in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: Case Series with a Review of Literature on "Long Survivors".

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive and usually fatal disorder, arising from persistent measles virus infection in the brain. Exceptionally, prolonged survival has been noted. We report four such patients and also review current literature on long survival in SSPE.

The Potential of Microalgae in the Era of Antibiotic Resistance

A major global health issue is antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotic resistance is caused by bacteria gradually developing resistance to antibiotics. This resistance allows bacteria to survive conventional therapeutic doses of antibiotics, leading to persistent infections and making treatment more difficult. The emergence of antibiotic resistance in microalgae is a complicated biological process that is connected to a number of variables, such as bacterial-microalgae interactions, environmental pollution, and antibiotic use. This study reviews the antibacterial mechanisms of microalgae and their role in antibiotic elimination, such as the ability of microalgae to produce substances with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, the synergistic effect of microalgae and antibiotics to enhance the antibacterial effect of antibiotics, and the potential of microalgae to degrade antibiotics due to their impact on antibiotic antimicrobial activity. In addition, this paper discusses the limiting factors and future research directions of the application of microalgae impact products, and the analysis shows that microalgae, as a natural material, has good potential application value in antimicrobial and antibiotic removal, and provides new ideas and solutions to address the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Dutch bovine viral diarrhea virus control program: Evaluation 2018-2023.

Dutch bovine viral diarrhea virus control program: Evaluation 2018-2023.

Assessing the potential role of deer in the dissemination of Mycobacterium bovis infection to cattle in Northern Ireland.

Assessing the potential role of deer in the dissemination of Mycobacterium bovis infection to cattle in Northern Ireland.

Tissue microarray validation in cervical carcinoma studies. A methodological approach.

Tissue microarrays (TMAs) are a cost-effective tool to study biomarkers in clinical research. Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most prevalent in women worldwide, with the highest prevalence in low-middle-income countries due to a lack of organized screening. CC is associated with persistent high-risk human papillomavirus infection. Several biomarkers have been studied for diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic purposes. We aimed to evaluate and validate the effectiveness of TMA in CC compared to whole slide images (WSs). We selected and anonymized twenty cases of CC. P16, cytokeratin 5 (CK5), cytokeratin 7 (CK7), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and CD8 expression were immunohistochemically investigated. All WS were scanned and 10 representative virtual TMA cores with 0.6 mm diameter per sample were selected. Ten random combinations of 1-5 cylinders per case were assessed for each biomarker. The agreement of scoring between TMA and WS was evaluated by kappa statistics. We found that three cores of 0.6 mm on TMA can accurately represent WS in our setting. The Kappa value between TMA and WS varied from 1 for p16 to 0.61 for PD-L1. Our study presents an approach to address TMA sampling that could be generalized to TMA-based research, regardless of the tissue and biomarkers of interest.

Exploring the role of the IL-12/IFN-γ immune axis in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Exploring the role of the IL-12/IFN-γ immune axis in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Formulation of Asiatic acid-loaded polymeric chitosan-based hydrogel for effective MRSA infection control and enhanced wound healing in zebrafish models

Formulation of Asiatic acid-loaded polymeric chitosan-based hydrogel for effective MRSA infection control and enhanced wound healing in zebrafish models

Construction of CeO2/Ti3C2Tx heterojunction with antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities for diabetic wound healing.

Construction of CeO2/Ti3C2Tx heterojunction with antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities for diabetic wound healing.