Showed Infection Rates Research Articles

Pathogenic diversity of Puccinia kuehnii strains, causal agent of sugarcane leaf rust and biological control approach using biopesticides under semi-controlled conditions

Context: In Côte d'Ivoire, sugarcane plays an important role in the economy. However, its production is constrained by biotic factors, particularly orange rust caused by Puccinia kuehnii. Pathogenic diversity of strains is not widely understood. Existing control methods are ineffective and limited. The aim of this study was to determine the pathogenicity of Puccinia kuehnii strains, and to evaluate anti-fungal activity of essential oil-based formulations against this disease. Materials and methods: Strains 51bB and 381Z were evaluated for infectivity by foliar spraying plants of variety SP711406 under semi-controlled conditions at the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire). Curative control was carried out by foliar spraying plants with formulations based on natural substances of Ocimum gratissimum L, Zingiber officinale and Cymbopogon citratus, at 1000 and 2000ppm. The synthetic product copper oxide was used at a single dose of 5000 ppm. Results: Strains 51bB and 381Z showed infection rates of 62.26 and 67.36% respectively after a four-month incubation period. Severities of 30.64% (51bB) and 30.23% (381Z) were observed. ZinC1 and ZinC2 treatments had an estimated incidence reduction rate of 64.28%. Treatments based on natural substances achieved a reduction in severity of over 50%. The CymC2 treatment was the most effective, with a reduction rate of 86.04% followed by ZinC1 with rates of over than 50% reduction rate of incidence and severity due to the synthetic product was 50 and 48.83% respectively. Conclusion: Puccinia kuehnii strains induced orange rust disease in sugarcane. The effect of essential oil-based formulations has been proven on the disease under semi-controlled conditions.

Effect of Palivizumab Prophylaxis on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Very Preterm Infants in the First Year of Life in The Netherlands.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses a severe threat to infants, particularly preterm infants. Palivizumab, the standard preventive prophylaxis, is primarily utilized in high-risk newborns due to its cost. This study assessed palivizumab's effectiveness in preventing RSV infections in predominantly very preterm infants during their first year of life. Serum samples from a prospective multicentre cohort study in the Netherlands were analyzed to assess RSV infection rates by measuring IgG levels against three RSV proteins: nucleoprotein, pre-fusion, and post-fusion protein. Infants were stratified based on gestational age (GA), distinguishing very preterm (≤32 weeks GA) from moderate/late preterm (>32 to ≤36 weeks GA). In very preterm infants, palivizumab prophylaxis significantly reduced infection rates (18.9% vs. 48.3% in the prophylaxis vs. non-prophylaxis group. Accounting for GA, sex, birth season, and birth weight, the prophylaxis group showed significantly lower infection odds. In infants with >32 to ≤36 weeks GA, the non-prophylaxis group (55.4%) showed infection rates similar to the non-prophylaxis ≤32-week GA group, despite higher maternal antibody levels in the moderate/late preterm infants. In conclusion, palivizumab prophylaxis significantly reduces RSV infection rates in very premature infants. Future research should explore clinical implications and reasons for non-compliance, and compare palivizumab with emerging prophylactics like nirsevimab aiming to optimize RSV prophylaxis and improve preterm infant outcomes.

COVID-19 infection in Libyan chronic hemodialysis patients: Prevalence, risk factors, severity and predictors of mortality

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with the increased risk of both outpatient and inpatient pneumonia. This association is independent of comorbid diabetes, cardio-vascular disease (CVD), asthma, and chronic obstructive airway disease. Dialysis patients are considered at risk groups for SARS-CoV-2 infection; Short-term mortality in patients on chronic hemodialysis who were hospitalized with COVID-19 was high. Outcomes in those requiring intensive care unit (ICU) and mechanical ventilation management were poor. Aim: This study mainly aimed to identify the prevalence, risk factors, severity and predictors of mortality in Libyan hemodialysis patients infected with COVID- 19. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data of CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis diagnosed with COVID-19 infection from two large dialysis centers in Libya were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 22 for .demographic, clinical and laboratory profiles. Results: The data of 810 patients from two hemodialysis centers in Libya showed infection rate was 10.2 %, and the overall mortality was 26.5% (39/83) 47% of patients needed admission to ICU for supportive mechanical ventilation (SPO2 ranged from 76-92%). The biochemical and laboratory data showed a decreased mean absolute lymphocyte counts. A high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and a mild decrease in platelet counts. C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, ferritin, and D-dimer were also high at admission. (22/83, 26.5%) of total patients, and (17/39) 43.6% of ICU patients died in less than 28 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. Conclusions: In CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis diagnosed with COVID-19 infection; severity of disease at presentation, need for invasive supportive mechanical ventilation, older age, raised serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and lower level of albumin may have been valuable predictors of mortality and poor outcomes.

Comparative Analytic Epidemiology of Plasmodium Parasitized Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women Attending Tertiary Health Care Facility in Port Harcourt, Niger Delta

Malaria remains a public health burden in Nigeria. This study compared and determined the prevalence of malaria parasites and other possible risk factors among pregnant and non-pregnant women in Port Harcourt. A total of 200 blood samples (capillary) were collected from 100 pregnant and 100 non-pregnant women as a control through convenience sampling technique research design. The subjects for the study were drawn from women attending antenatal clinic in Braithwaite Memorial Hospital Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Thick and thin films were made on clean grease free glass slide and stained after drying with 3% solution of Giemsa stain to detect and identify the species of malaria parasites. SPSS version 21 was used to estimate frequency and percentage outcome. The results showed that out of 100 slides examined for pregnant women, 68% had malaria infection while 32% were negative. There were high prevalence rate of malaria infection among pregnant women of 20-23 years and 32-35 years age group while those ≥ 40 years showed least rate of 33%. The control samples showed infection rate of 71% with 29% negative. Showing that, non-pregnant women have a high prevalence rate when compared to pregnant women. It was discovered that illiterate pregnant women showed high prevalence rate than their educated counterparts. The use of indigenous (drug) herbs by some pregnant women proved 100% sensitive to P. falciparum as none were positive for malaria infection as captured through the administration of well-structured questionnaire. Intermittent treatment is therefore, recommended and further robust research should be channelled towards indigenous (drug) herbs for malaria treatment, especially in the developing communities. There is also urgent need for more inclusive malaria public health education in the region, especially among the vulnerable groups.

Understanding the Temporal, Regional, Demographic, and Policy Factors Influencing Counties' Daily Traffic Volume Reductions in Response to COVID-19.

This research aims to understand temporal, regional, demographic, and policy factors that influenced travel reduction within the contiguous United States during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly, this research combines U.S. Census data, infection rates, and state-level mandates to determine their effects on daily, county-level vehicle miles traveled (VMT) estimations from March 1, 2020 to April 21, 2020. Specifically, this work generates metrics of VMT per capita, daily change in VMT, and VMT immediate reaction rates for every county in the U.S.A. and develops regression models to determine how these factors influence VMT rates over time. Results show that state-mandated orders were deployed in a pattern relative to their expected economic impact. Model results showed infection rates may have had a greater influence on forcing state policy adoption, ensuring reduced VMT, rather than the number of cases directly influencing individual travel to a significant degree. Additionally, counties with higher populations or labeled as urban counties saw a greater reduction in VMT across all three models compared with lower population and rural counties. Planners and policy makers in the future can utilize the results of this research to make better informed responses as well as to know the expected results of their actions.

Aedes aegypti as potential vector of filariasis in Pekalongan, Central Java Province, Indonesia

Background: The filariasis elimination program in Indonesia has been conducted, but new cases and some chronic cases are still often found. Objective: This study aims to determine levels of endemicity and to identify filarial worm species in filariasis cases and s and their surrounding communities by using microscopic examination, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and to examine levels of infection in vectors mosquito by surgery and PCR. Also to to determine that Ae. aegypti can act as vector of filariasis. Methods: This study was conducted at 10 locations in Pekalongan Regency, Central Java Province, with a cross sectional design. Intravenous blood sampling was conducted on 102 respondents consisting of 10 elephantiasis patients and 92 non-elephantiasis patients at night, starting at 8 pm, then examined microscopically and PCR. Mosquitoes in this study were collected by using a human landing collection method for 12 hours from 6 pm to 6 am by volunteers. Artificial infection of microfilaria W. bancrofti was held against Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae.aegypti from laboratory collection. Results: Results of this study found that there were 5.729 of mosquitos, consisting of 8 species, namely Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex vishnui, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles subpictus, Anopheles vagus, and Armigeres kesseli. Microfilarial (mf) rate was 0.89%, and and the blood PCR showed infection rate of 3.92% and the blood PCR showed infection rate of 3.92%. No larva was found in female mosquito dissection. The PCR results showed that the infection rate was 9.10% in Ae. aegypty pool respectively. Artificial infection results was negative both dissecting microscopis and PCR. Conclusion: This study revealed that the locations were low of filariasis endemicity. The mf rate was less than 1%, and there was a moderate density to high density of microfilaria in the patients. The low level of infection rates in mosquito is suggested as an alert to its potential transmission.

Investigation of Tickborne Pathogens within Naturally Infected Brown Dog Tick (Ixodidae: Rhipicephalus Sanguineus) in Egypt by Light and Electron Microscopy

Tick borne pathogens present a significant health challenge to animals and human because a single tick may transmit multiple pathogens to a mammalian host during feeding. The present study detected tick-borne pathogens from pet dogs. A total of 666 ticks were collected from 144 pet and sheltered dogs in Egypt from April to September 2018. For hemolymph, midgut and salivary gland smears 546 ticks were used as well as 360 egg smears from 120 female tick were examined by light microscope. The infected ticks were prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Ticks were identified; Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Light microscopy showed infection rates of 44.69%, 68.50% & 15.75%, in hemolymph, midgut and salivary gland, respectively. H. canis recorded the highest rates in hemolymph and midgut (35.89% & 49.82%, respectively), but Theileria spp. was the lowest (0.73% & 2.93%, respectively). In salivary gland smears, Babesia canis. was detected in 13.55% and Theileria spp. in 1.83%. Mixed infection in same tick was recorded in 4.76% &0.37% in midgut and salivary gland smears, respectively. Babesia canis stages were recovered from 15% of egg smears. R. sanguineus was natural infected by Babesia, Theileria, Hepatozoon and Anaplasma phagocytophilum as well as mixed infections of protozoa accompanied by a complicated sign of diseases and failure in accurate diagnosis.

Bacteriological Profile and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern among Isolates Obtained From Body Fluids.

Infections of the sterile body sites, when occurs typically have greater clinical urgency and these infections could be life threatening. For the appropriate management of patient, early detection and identification of organism is crucial. Hence, the present study was designed to evaluate the prevalence, organism profile and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of isolates obtained from infection of body fluids. Laboratory and clinical records of all the sterile body fluid except blood and cerebrospinal fluid submitted to the Department of Microbiology, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences during the period of 5 years (January 2012 to December 2016) were analyzed. Among 1835 samples, 196 fluids samples showed growth of organisms with an isolation rate of 10.68%. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most common organism followed by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed variable degree of resistance. Thirty percentage of organisms were multi-drug resistant, 10% were extensively-drug resistant, none was pan-drug resistant, 35% of E. coli and K. pneumoniae were extended spectrum ?-lactamase producer and 30% of S. aureus were methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The study showed increasing trends of multi-drug resistant, extensively-drug resistant, methicillin-resistant S. aureus and extended spectrum ?-lactamase over the years. The study showed infection rate of 10% among normally sterile body fluids. E.coli, S. aureus and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex are the common organisms. The infections are associated with multi drug resistant organisms. Routine surveillance of multi-drug resistant in infection of body fluids is necessary to guide treatment.

CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS IN DUCK FARMS, RETAIL OUTLETS AND IN CONTACT WORKERS IN EGYPT INCIDENCE AND TOXIN GENOTYPING

This study investigated incidence and toxin genotyping of Clostridium perfringens isolated from ducks and farm workers. Caecal contents of 125 ducks including apparently healthy (n=100) and diseased (n=25) ducks; and stool specimens of farm workers (n=25) were randomly collected from duck farms at Sharkia governorate, Egypt. Also, caecal contents (n=25) and meat (n=25) of ducks were collected from retail outlets at Sharkia governorate, Egypt. Samples were cultured on tryptose sulfite cycloserine agar supplied with Perfringens selective supplement then isolates were biochemically identified. Toxin genotyping of 17 C. perfringensisolates was performed by multiplex PCR. In duck farms, C. perfringens was isolated from 80% of healthy ducks, 84% of diseased one and 80% of in contact workers. In retail outlets, caecal contents and meat of ducks showed infection rates of 72% and 4%, respectively. The frequency distribution of cpa gene infarms was 80% in healthy ducks, 100% in diseased birds and 66.6% in apparently healthy workers. In retail outlets, cpa had frequency distribution of 66.6% in caecal contents and 100% in duck meat. Therefore, presence of C. perfringens type A and its associated cpa gene in caecal contents and meat of ducks confirmed its zoonotic hazard and public health implications.

Molecular Epidemiological Survey of Leptospira Infection of Wild Rodents in the Urban Settlement of Cambodia.

Leptospirosis remains a major public health threat in Cambodia. In this study, we aimed at facilitating the development of preventive strategies against leptospirosis in Cambodia by conducting molecular epidemiological surveys of Leptospira infection among wild rodents. One hundred sixty-three wild rodents were captured in the capital Phnom Penh and surrounding areas, and their kidneys and bladders were collected for analysis. Identification of wild rodent species was determined by using the cytochrome c oxidase I gene. TaqMan PCR of the flagellin B gene (flaB) was performed to detect Leptospira, and species of the isolates were identified by flaB sequencing analysis. The species and respective number of rodents collected were as follows: Rattus norvegicus, 80 (49.1%); Rattus argentiventer, 53 (32.5%); Rattus exulans, 6 (3.7%); Rattus indica, 15 (9.2%); Maxomys surifer, 3 (1.8%); and Rattus sp., 6 (3.7%). Leptospira was detected in 20 out of the 163 rodents (12.3%) and was categorized as either Leptospira interrogans or Leptospira noguchii. R. norvegicus had the highest prevalence of Leptospira (17.5%), and R. argentiventer and Rattus sp. showed infection rates of 9.4% and 16.7%, respectively. Based on these results, wild rodents living in urban areas of Cambodia were found to be important reservoirs of highly virulent Leptospira. The flaB sequence results of our study provided information regarding the prevalence of Leptospira species, which was dependent on the rodent species. This study is the first study on leptospirosis in wild rodents in the urban areas of Cambodia, where there is limited information on leptospirosis.

Detection of Leishmania DNA and Blood Meal Identification in Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) From Lençois Maranhenses National Park Region, Brazil.

To elucidate portions of the transmission cycles of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) occurring in the region surrounding the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, an important tourist center in Brazil, the present study objectives were to determine the rate of natural infection by Leishmania spp. and the blood meal in caught sand flies species in the region. Sand flies were captured over 36 mo in 62 locations of the municipality of Barreirinhas, Maranhão with notifications of disease incidence. Species identification of parasites was performed with internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) PCR-RFLP using HaeIII enzyme. Blood meal identification was performed with cytochrome b (cytb) gene PCR-RFLP using HaeIII and MboI enzyme. The species Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva 1912) presented a positivity rate of 3.7% for Leishmania infantum. Species not considered vectors of this parasite such as Lu. lenti (Mangabeira 1938) and Lu. whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho 1939) showed infection rates of 0.6% and 0.9%, respectively. Among the vectors of Leishmania spp. was Lu. whitmani with detection rate of 0.3% for Le. braziliensis and Lu. flaviscutellata (Mangabeira 1942) with a detection rate of 8% for Le. amazonensis. After restriction of amplification product encoding a 359bp sequence of the cytb recognized in as follows: pigs (37.9%); dogs (27.4%); chickens (20.9%); horses (9%), rodents (3.3%), and humans (1.4%). The presence of Leishmania DNA in sand flies fed with human blood and domestic animals in villages with transmission of VL and TL suggests that transmission could be occurring in the locations of the infected patients.

Seed Transmission of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus in White Soybean (Glycine max).

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) infection of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) has been reported, but soybean (Glycine max) has not previously been identified as a TYLCV host. Five cultivars of white soybean were agro-inoculated using an infectious TYLCV clone. At 30 days post-inoculation, they showed infection rates of 25% to 100%. Typical TYLCV symptoms were not observed in any inoculated plants. To examine whether TYLCV was transmitted in soybean seeds, DNA was isolated from bundles of five randomly selected seeds from TYLCV-inoculated soybean plants and amplified with a TYLCV-specific primer set. With the exception of one bundle, all bundles of seeds were verified to be TYLCV-infected. Virus dissemination was also confirmed in three of the 14 bunches. Viral replication was also identified in seeds and seedlings. This is the first report demonstrating that soybean is a TYLCV host, and that TYLCV is a seed-transmissible virus in white soybean.

Distribution of Oncogenic Human Papillomavirus Genotypes at High Grade Cervical Lesions above CIN 2 Grade with Histological Diagnosis

High risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is major risk factor for uterine cervical cancer. There are approximately 15 types of HR-HPV. Liquid based cytology samples (116 samples) with high grade cervical lesions belonging to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2, CIN 3, carcinoma in situ (CIS) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were used after histologic confirmation. HR-HPV genotype assay was conducted using DNA chips. The HR-HPV infection rate was 81.9% with SCC samples showing the highest HR-HPV infection rate of 31%. CIN 3, CIS and CIN 2 showed infection rates of 25%, 16.4% and 9.5%, respectively. According to age with HR HPV infection rate, the 30~39 years-old group showed the highest infection rate by 92.3%. According to distribution with HR HPV genotyping, HPV 16 showed the highest infection rate by 42.3% whereas HPV 33 and HPV 58 showed infection rates of 11.7% and 10.8%, respectively. HPV 18 which is the second most common infected HPV genotype in the world showed 3.6%. Of the three most common oncogenic HR-HPV genotypes in CIN 2, we detected HPV 16, 35, 58; CIN 3 was HPV 16, 33, 58; CIS was HPV 16, 58, 33 (35/52); and SCC was HPV 16, 33, and 18 (31/52/58). Among the HPV 18, CIN 2, CIN 3, CIS and SCC showed 0.9%, 0.9%, 0% and 1.8%, respectively. The most often used preventive vaccines for cervical cancers use HPV 16 and HPV 18 as targets. However, results derived from this study suggest that a preventive vaccine against HPV 16 and HPV 18 would not be optimal for populations in this study.

Canine Babesioses in Noninvestigated Areas of Serbia.

During the years 2012-2014, a total of 158 outdoor dogs from Pančevo and Đurđevo (northern Serbia) and Niš and Prokuplje (southern Serbia) were submitted to molecular analyses (PCR and sequencing) for canine babesioses. An overall prevalence of 21.5% was found, due to the species Babesia sp. 'spanish dog' (10.1%), B. gibsoni (5.7%), B. canis vogeli (1.9%), B. caballi (1.9%), and B. microti (1.9%). In addition, sequence analysis showed the presence of Hepatozoon canis in a dog from Niš. No significant difference between infected and noninfected dogs was found by age, sex, and place of residence, whereas there was difference regarding the presence of ticks (p<0.005) and application of preventive measures such as applying of antitick drugs/devices. Moreover, a significant difference was established by area: Dogs from Prokuplje showed infection rates (59.1%) higher than dogs from Pančevo (11.9%), Niš (4.5), and Đurđevo (where infected dogs were not found), and a different geographical distribution of the species was found. The presence of so many Babesia species and the first identification of H. canis will allow investigations on the pathogenic role played by each one and suggests entomological studies on the tick species that are more suitable vectors for each of them. Finally, the presence of so many infected dogs offers the opportunity of evaluating the hypothesis of a possible zoonotic role of babesial species affecting dogs.

Occurrence Of Strongyloides Stercoralis In Slum Areas Of Dhaka, Bangladesh

The present study was conducted to find out the prevalence of Strongyloidesstercoralisin three slum areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Overall prevalence of S. stercoralis incollected samples was found to be 14.68%. Other enteric parasites detected in the stoolwere Ascarislumbricoides (16.08%), Trichuristrichura (8.39%) and Enterobiusvermicularis (5.59%). Male respondents showed higher prevalence (16.66%) of S.stercoralis infection compared to female (11.32%). Age group of 41-50 years showed thehighest prevalence (44.44%) compared to other age groups. Highest infestation rate wasobserved in labors (22.22%). Mud floor house dweller showed higher prevalence ofinfestation (18.66%) compared to those in cement floor. Prevalence of S. stercoralis washighest (20.77%) in community latrine users. Supplied drinking water users also showedthe higher infection rate (15.84%). Bare footed respondents showed infection rate ofabout 16.66%, whereas 11.86% was noted in those who use shoes.&#x0D; Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 41(1): 45-50, June 2015

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES AND THERAPEUTICAL EFFECT OF TOXOPLASMOSIS IN NINEVEH’S WOMEN AND SMALL RUMINANTS

Toxoplasma gondii is an important protozoan pathogen of human and animals, The study was conducted on 557 serum samples of pregnant women from Al-Battol, Al-Hansa, Hamdania Hospital and privet laboratories located in Nineveh between October 2011 to March 2012,suspected patients were in age ranged between 22 up to 41 years to detect Toxoplasma antibodies using latex agglutination test (LAT). Results showed infection rate of 32-43%, with titer ranged between 1 4 to 1 32 which indicated chronic infection.Significant decrease in TRBs, Hb and PCV were detected in pretreatment patients compared with post treatment .Moreover 312 sheep and goats serum samples were also used to identified Toxoplasma antibodies and results showed that (43.66%) , (37.64%) of goats and sheep respectively were infected with Toxoplasmosis. It have been concluded that Toxoplasmosis were and important infectious disease affected both woman and animals in Ninavah province .

Occurrence of Linguatula serrata nymphs in cattle slaughtered in Tabriz, Iran.

The Linguatula serrata is a tongue-shaped parasite that infects carnivores or insectivorous reptile as final and herbivores as intermediate host. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of nymphal stages of L. serrata in mesenteric nodes (MLN) and mediastinal lymph nodes of cattle slaughtered in Tabriz slaughterhouse, North West of Iran. Mesenteric and mediastinal lymph nodes of 640 cattle of different sex and age were inspected. A digestion method was applied for investigation of samples revealing an infection prevalence of 18.9%. The MLNs in 97 cattle out of 640 (15.1%) and the mediastinal lymph nodes in 47 cattle out of 640 (7.3%) were infected by L. serrata nymphs. The results showed infection rate of mesenteric lymph nodes higher than mediastinal mesenteric lymph nodes (P<0.05). The infection rate increased with age (P<0.05). Although a significant difference seen in the infection rate between male and female but it was not significant at the same age groups of male and female (P>0.05). In addition, there was a significant difference in the infection rate of different seasons (P<0.05). Linguatulosis occurs as an endemic zoonosis in the northwest of Iran and has an active transmission life cycle.

Intestinal and Multivisceral Transplantation Immunosuppression Protocols—Literature Review

IntroductionCurrently the most used techniques for small bowel transplant are isolated intestinal transplantation, multivisceral transplantation (MVT), and modified multivisceral transplantation. One important factor is early diagnosis of acute cellular rejection (ACR). In addition, improvements in immunosuppression have recently reduced the number and enhanced treatment of ACR episodes, enabling graft recovery. ObjectiveWe analyzed immunosuppression protocols of leading transplantation centers in the last 5 years. MethodWe reviewed papers published in PubMed from major multivisceral and intestinal transplantation centers from 2006 to 2010 in adult recipients. The 211 adults transplanted in seven centers were divided into three groups according to the immunosuppression protocol used: protocol 1: daclizumab induction with tacrolimus and steroid maintenance; protocol 2: alemtuzumab and tacrolimus; and protocol 3: thymoglobulin and rituximab and tacrolimus. ResultsProtocol 2 showed the lowest rate of ACR (34%). Protocols 1 and 3 displayed 54% and 48% ACR rates; respectively. However, protocol 1 patients developed only mild ACR, whereas those in protocols 2 and 3 developed moderate ACR in 26.3% and 11.7%, and severe ACR in 7.9% and 47% of cases, respectively. The infection rate was considerably lower in protocol 3 (7.4%). Protocols 1 and 2 showed infection rates of 62.5% and 52%, respectively. One-year patient survival rates were 70%, 79% and 81%, respectively. Three-year patient survival rates were 62%, 56%, and 78% for protocols 1, 2 and 3, respectively. ConclusionProtocol 2 was the strongest immunosuppressive regimen capable of reducing ACR rates when compared with the other protocols, but the strong effect resulted in high infection rate that impacts 1-year patient survival. Protocol 3 seems to be the best available one balancing ACR and infection rates.

Genotype identification and genetic diversity of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus in China

A survey of Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV) in China showed infection rates of 1·1–42·4% in six different sugarcane growing provinces, with an average rate of 20·3% (129/634), and no infection in one province. The majority of the infected plants showed yellowing of the midrib on the abaxial surface of leaves. Genotypic diversity of the 129 SCYLV isolates was analysed by a reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (RT‐PCR‐RFLP) assay and nucleotide sequencing. Sixty‐six isolates from Guangxi, Yunnan, Hainan, Fujian and Guizhou provinces were of the genotype BRA, whereas another 63 isolates from Guangdong province consisted of five genotypes, BRA, CHN1, CUB, PER and a novel genotype, CHN2. Among these genotypes, BRA was the predominant one identified in 43 samples (68·3%). Mixed infection of BRA and PER was also found in two samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on a 1·3‐kb nucleotide sequence (including ORFs 3–4 and partial ORF 5) supported the identification of the novel CHN2 genotype. CHN2 shared 91·9–97·8% identity with five other known genotypes and was most closely related to the CHN1 genotype (97·6–97·8% identities). The nearly complete genomic sequences of seven isolates representing genotypes BRA, CUB and PER were determined, and they shared nucleotide sequence identities of 97·2–97·5%, 98·4–98·9% and 98·4%, respectively, with previously reported sequences of the corresponding genotypes.

Genital mycoplasma &amp; Chlamydia trachomatis infections in treatment naïve HIV-1 infected adults

Background & objectives:Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) enhance the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Thus, screening for STIs is a routine component of primary HIV care. There are limited data for selective screening guidelines for genital mycoplasmas and Chlamydia trachomatis in HIV-infected adults. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of genital infections with Ureaplasma spp., Mycoplasma hominis, M. genitalium and C. trachomatis in treatment naïve asymptomatic HIV-1 - infected adults and study their association with CD4+ T-cell count.Methods:First-void urine samples were collected from 100 treatment-naïve HIV-1-infected adults and 50 healthy volunteers. C. trachomatis and M. genitalium were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis were detected by both culture and PCR. Circulating CD4+ cell counts of HIV-1-infected patients were determined from peripheral blood by flow-cytometry.Results:C. trachomatis was detected in 7 per cent of HIV-1-infected adults compared to none in control population. Ureaplasma spp. and M. hominis showed infection rates of 6 and 1 per cent in the HIV group and 2 and 0 per cent in the control group, respectively. None of the individuals from the patient and control groups was tested positive for M. genitalium. A significant association was found between CD4 cell count and detection of C. trachomatis in HIV-infected adults (P = 0.01).Interpretation & conclusions:Screening of HIV-infected individuals for C. trachomatis infection could be recommended as a routine component of HIV care. The role of mycoplasmas as co-pathogens of the genitourinary tract in HIV-1 infected patients seems to be unlikely. Further longitudinal studies need to be done to confirm these findings.