scholarly journals Men and Women Have Similar Neisseria gonorrhoeae Bacterial Loads: a Comparison of Three Anatomical Sites

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian M. J. W. van der Veer ◽  
Christian J. P. A. Hoebe ◽  
Nicole H. T. M. Dukers-Muijrers ◽  
Lieke B. van Alphen ◽  
Petra F. G. Wolffs
Keyword(s):  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transmission Potential ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Standard Curve ◽  
Sex With Men

ABSTRACT Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI). Currently, there are limited data on the bacterial load in both men and women and on both genital and extragenital sites. Therefore, we quantified N. gonorrhoeae bacterial loads in a large population of women, heterosexual men, and men who have sex with men (MSM) at three different anatomical sites. N. gonorrhoeae-positive samples (n = 1265) of STI clinic consultations (n = 944) were tested for N. gonorrhoeae with the Roche Cobas 4800 system, and quantification cycle (Cq) values were used as an inversely proportional measure for N. gonorrhoeae bacterial load after interpolation from a standard curve. Bacterial loads were compared between sample materials and sexes using t tests. The following mean N. gonorrhoeae loads were observed: urine, 4.5 ± 1.0 log10 CFU/ml; vaginal swabs, 4.3 ± 1.1 log10 CFU/ml; anorectal swabs (women), 4.0 ± 1.2 log10 CFU/ml; anorectal swabs (men), 4.5 ± 1.3 log10 CFU/ml; oropharyngeal swabs (women), 2.8 ± 0.9 log10 CFU/ml; and oropharyngeal swabs (men), 3.2 ± 1.0 log10 CFU/ml. Oropharyngeal swabs had a significantly lower N. gonorrhoeae load (P < 0.001) than genital and anorectal samples. Loads did not differ between men and women. This is the first study that determined N. gonorrhoeae load in both women and men at three anatomical sites. The substantial N. gonorrhoeae load at all sample sites suggest that all sites may have transmission potential. However, the oropharyngeal site presents the lowest bacterial load. Men and women have a similar N. gonorrhoeae loads on separate anatomical sites, arguing for similar transmission potential and similar clinical relevance.

scholarly journals Analysis of Infection Loads in Mycoplasma genitalium Clinical Specimens by Use of a Commercial Diagnostic Test

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald L. Murray ◽  
Jennifer Danielewski ◽  
Kaveesha Bodiyabadu ◽  
Dorothy A. Machalek ◽  
Catriona S. Bradshaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Treatment Success ◽  
Mycoplasma Genitalium ◽  
Sample Type ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Diagnostic Laboratory ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Diagnostic Potential ◽  
Female Urine

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma genitalium is a common sexually transmitted infection with a propensity to acquire resistance to commonly used antimicrobial therapies. Bacterial load has been linked to patient symptoms and the success of treatment. In this study, we demonstrate methodology to estimate load from routine diagnostic assays using the ResistancePlus MG test (SpeeDx Pty Ltd., Australia). The method gave comparable quantitation to an M. genitalium-specific 16S rRNA quantitative PCR (qPCR; Spearman r = 0.94) for the samples analyzed (n = 499, including urine and swab types as detailed below) and was, therefore, employed to analyze typical load levels for samples in a diagnostic laboratory (total of 1,012 tests). When stratified by sample type, female urine (median, 826 genomes/ml) had the lowest load. This was significantly lower than median loads for all other sample types (male urine [6.91 × 103 genomes/ml], anal swabs [5.50 × 103], cervical swabs [8.15 × 103], endocervical swabs [3.97 × 103], and vaginal swabs [6.95 × 103]) (P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in load estimates between the other sample types. Reproducibility of load estimates conducted on the same samples was high (r > 0.85). In conclusion, this methodology to provide load estimates for M. genitalium can be easily integrated into routine diagnostic laboratory workflow. Given the association between organism load, symptoms, and treatment success, load assessment has future diagnostic potential.

scholarly journals Transcriptomic Data Sets To Determine Gene Expression Changes Mediated by the Presence of PBT2 in Growth Medium of Multidrug-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae WHO Z

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (21) ◽  
Author(s):  
Freda E.-C. Jen ◽  
Ibrahim M. El-Deeb ◽  
John M. Atack ◽  
Mark von Itzstein ◽  
Michael P. Jennings
Keyword(s):  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Transcriptome Sequencing ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
High Coverage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Transcriptomic Data

ABSTRACT Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. High-coverage (∼3,300-fold) transcriptome sequencing data have been collected from multidrug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae strain WHO Z grown in the presence and absence of PBT2.

scholarly journals Trends in antimicrobial susceptibility for azithromycin and ceftriaxone in Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 2012 and 2015

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolien M Wind ◽  
Maarten F Schim van der Loeff ◽  
Alje P van Dam ◽  
Henry JC de Vries ◽  
Jannie J van der Helm
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Infection Clinic

Resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to azithromycin and ceftriaxone has been increasing in the past years. This is of concern since the combination of these antimicrobials is recommended as the first-line treatment option in most guidelines. To analyse trends in antimicrobial resistance, we retrospectively selected all consultations with a positive N. gonorrhoeae culture at the sexually transmitted infection clinic, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from January 2012 through September 2015. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for azithromycin and ceftriaxone were analysed per year, and determinants associated with decreased susceptibility to azithromycin (MIC > 0.25 mg/L) or ceftriaxone (MIC > 0.032 mg/L) were assessed. Between 2012 and 2015 azithromycin resistance (MIC > 0.5 mg/L) was around 1.2%, the percentage of isolates with intermediate MICs (> 0.25 and ≤ 0.5 mg/L) increased from 3.7% in 2012, to 8.6% in 2015. Determinants associated with decreased azithromycin susceptibility were, for men who have sex with men (MSM), infections diagnosed in the year 2014, two infected sites, and HIV status (HIV; associated with less decreased susceptibility); for heterosexuals this was having ≥ 10 sex partners (in previous six months). Although no ceftriaxone resistance (MIC > 0.125 mg/L) was observed during the study period, the proportion of isolates with decreased ceftriaxone susceptibility increased from 3.6% in 2012, to 8.4% in 2015. Determinants associated with decreased ceftriaxone susceptibility were, for MSM, infections diagnosed in 2014, and pharyngeal infections; and for heterosexuals, infections diagnosed in 2014 or 2015, being of female sex, and having ≥ 10 sex partners. Continued decrease of azithromycin and ceftriaxone susceptibility will threaten future treatment of gonorrhoea. Therefore, new treatment strategies are warranted.

scholarly journals Discovery of a New Neisseria gonorrhoeae Type IV Pilus Assembly Factor, TfpC

mBio ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda I. Hu ◽  
Shaohui Yin ◽  
Egon A. Ozer ◽  
Lee Sewell ◽  
Saima Rehman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Bacterial Cell ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Type Iv Pili ◽  
Type Iv Pilus ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Type Iv

ABSTRACT Neisseria gonorrhoeae relies on type IV pili (T4p) to promote colonization of their human host and to cause the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. This organelle cycles through a process of extension and retraction back into the bacterial cell. Through a genetic screen, we identified the NGO0783 locus of N. gonorrhoeae strain FA1090 as containing a gene encoding a protein required to stabilize the type IV pilus in its extended, nonretracted conformation. We have named the gene tfpC and the protein TfpC. Deletion of tfpC produces a nonpiliated colony morphology, and immuno-transmission electron microscopy confirms that the pili are lost in the ΔtfpC mutant, although there is some pilin detected near the bacterial cell surface. A copy of the tfpC gene expressed from a lac promoter restores pilus expression and related phenotypes. A ΔtfpC mutant shows reduced levels of pilin protein, but complementation with a tfpC gene restored pilin to normal levels. Bioinformatic searches show that there are orthologues in numerous bacterial species, but not all type IV pilin-expressing bacteria contain orthologous genes. Coevolution and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis indicates that TfpC contains an N-terminal transmembrane helix, a substantial extended/unstructured region, and a highly charged C-terminal coiled-coil domain. IMPORTANCE Most bacterial species express one or more extracellular organelles called pili/fimbriae that are required for many properties of each bacterial cell. The Neisseria gonorrhoeae type IV pilus is a major virulence and colonization factor for the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. We have discovered a new protein of Neisseria gonorrhoeae called TfpC that is required to maintain type IV pili on the bacterial cell surface. There are similar proteins found in other members of the Neisseria genus and many other bacterial species important for human health.

scholarly journals Extragenital Gonorrhoea in Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Retrospective Study in a STI Clinic in Lisbon, Portugal

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarida Moura Valejo Coelho ◽  
Eugénia Matos-Pires ◽  
Vasco Serrão ◽  
Ana Rodrigues ◽  
Cândida Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infection ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Infection Clinic

Introduction: Recent studies worldwide reveal a significant prevalence of extragenital infections by Neisseria gonorrhoeae among men who have sex with men. We aimed to analyse the frequency and characteristics of extragenital gonococcal infections diagnosed in men who have sex with men in a walk-in Sexually Transmitted Infection clinic in Lisbon, Portugal.Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective study of the anorectal and/or oropharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in men who have sex with men, diagnosed in our Sexually Transmitted Infection clinic between January 2014 and December 2016.Results: We found extragenital infection in 87 cases of gonorrhoea identified in men who have sex with men in this period, including: 49 cases of anorectal disease, 9 of oropharyngeal disease, 13 cases of infection at both extragenital sites, and 16 of simultaneous extragenital and urogenital gonorrhoea. Patients’ ages ranged from 17 to 64 years (median: 28 years). Forty-seven (54%) of the patients did not present with any extragenital symptoms. Thirty (35%) were human immunodeficiency virus-1-positive.Discussion: Since most extragenital Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections are asymptomatic, they may be missed and go untreated unless actively investigated. Current international guidelines recommend the screening of gonorrhoea at extragenital sites in men who have sex with men because anorectal and oropharyngeal infections constitute a potential disease reservoir, and may facilitate transmission and/or acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus infection.Conclusion: Our results highlight the relevance of testing men who have sex with men for Neisseria gonorrhoeae at extragenital sites, regardless of the existence of local complaints. The implementation of adequate screening programmes in Portugal should be considered. We also reinforce the need to raise awareness in the population regarding the adoption of prophylactic measures against transmission of sexually transmitted infections during anal and/or oral sexual exposure.

Factors associated with sexually transmitted infection diagnosis in women who have sex with women, women who have sex with men and women who have sex with both

2020 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2020-054561
Author(s):  
Nazia Rahman ◽  
Khalil G Ghanem ◽  
Elizabeth Gilliams ◽  
Kathleen R Page ◽  
Susan Tuddenham
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Trichomonas Vaginalis ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Sti Prevention ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Lower Test ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Use Factors

IntroductionMany US women report same sex behaviour, yet data on risk factors and STIs in women who have sex with women (WSW), women who have sex with both men and women (WSB) and how these compare to women who have sex with men only (WSM) remain limited. Here we compared self-identified WSW, WSB and WSM attending two STI clinics in Baltimore, Maryland.MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis using a database of first clinic visits 2005–2016. WSW and WSB were compared with an age-matched random sample of WSM. Proportions were compared using the χ2 test. Acute STI (aSTI) was defined as gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, GC), chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis, CT), trichomonas (Trichomonas vaginalis, TV) or early syphilis. Logistic regression was used to assess aSTI predictors. CT testing was not uniformly done, so a sensitivity analysis removing CT from the aSTI definition was conducted.ResultsVisits from 1095 WSW, 1678 WSB and 2773 WSM were analysed. WSB had equal or higher test positivity for all STIs except urogenital chlamydia, had more sexual partners, were more likely to engage in transactional sex and were more likely to report drug use and binge drinking than WSM (p≤0.01). WSW had lower test positivity for urogenital GC and CT than WSM or WSB, but comparable test positivity for TV, higher reported binge drinking and comparable reported substance use as WSM. Younger age and cocaine use predicted STI diagnosis only in WSM.ConclusionsWSB in these clinics bear an equal or higher burden of most STIs, have more partners and report more substance use than WSM. WSW carry a lower, but still substantial burden of STIs, and many report substance use. Factors predicting STI diagnosis differ between WSW, WSB and WSM suggesting that tailored STI prevention and testing approaches are needed in these groups.

scholarly journals The “3 in 1” Study: Pooling Self-Taken Pharyngeal, Urethral, and Rectal Samples into a Single Sample for Analysis for Detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis in Men Who Have Sex with Men

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 650-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Sultan ◽  
J. A. White ◽  
R. Fish ◽  
G. Carrick ◽  
N. Brima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Site Testing ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Soc Testing ◽  
Sex With Men

Triple-site testing (using pharyngeal, rectal, and urethral/first-void urine samples) forNeisseria gonorrhoeaeandChlamydia trachomatisusing nucleic acid amplification tests detects greater numbers of infections among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, triple-site testing represents a cost pressure for services. MSM over 18 years of age were eligible if they requested testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), reported recent sexual contact with eitherC. trachomatisorN. gonorrhoeae, or had symptoms of an STI. Each patient underwent standard-of-care (SOC) triple-site testing, and swabs were taken to form a pooled sample (PS) (pharyngeal, rectal, and urine specimens). The PS was created using two methods during different periods at one clinic, but we analyzed the data in combination because the sensitivity of the two methods did not differ significantly forC. trachomatis(P= 0.774) orN. gonorrhoeae(P= 0.163). The sensitivity of PS testing (92%) was slightly lower than that of SOC testing (96%) for detectingC. trachomatis(P= 0.167). ForN. gonorrhoeae, the sensitivity of PS testing (90%) was significantly lower than that of SOC testing (99%) (P< 0.001). When pharynx-only infections were excluded, the sensitivity of PS testing to detectN. gonorrhoeaeinfections increased to 94%. Our findings show that pooling of self-taken samples could be an effective and cost-saving method, with high negative predictive values. (Interim results of this study were presented at the BASHH 2013 summer meeting.)

scholarly journals Challenges and Controversies Concerning Neisseria gonorrhoeae-Neutrophil Interactions in Pathogenesis

mBio ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison K. Criss ◽  
Caroline A. Genco ◽  
Scott D. Gray-Owen ◽  
Ann E. Jerse ◽  
H Steven Seifert
Keyword(s):  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infection ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sexually Transmitted

The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ngo) is the main cause of the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea. The global incidence of 87 million new Ngo infections each year, rising infection rates, and the emergence of Ngo strains that are resistant to all clinically recommended antibiotics have raised the specter of untreatable infections (M.

scholarly journals Trends and determinants of antimicrobial susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the Netherlands, 2007 to 2015

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (36) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanne HI Hofstraat ◽  
Hannelore M Götz ◽  
Alje P van Dam ◽  
Marianne AB van der Sande ◽  
Birgit HB van Benthem
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Inhibitory Concentration ◽  
Intervention Strategies ◽  
Heterosexual Men ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Geometric Means ◽  
Adequate Treatment ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Neisseria gonorrhoeae antibiotic resistance surveillance is important to maintain adequate treatment. We analysed 2007–15 data from the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance (GRAS), which currently includes 19 of 25 sexually transmitted infection (STI) centres in the Netherlands. Methods: From each patient with a gonorrhoea culture, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for several antibiotics was determined. Time trends were assessed by geometric means and linear regression of logarithmic MIC. Determinants for decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone (MIC > 0.032 mg/L) and resistance to cefotaxime (MIC > 0.125 mg/L) and azithromycin (MIC > 0.5 mg/L) were assessed using stratified logistic regression. Results: 11,768 isolates were analysed. No ceftriaxone resistance was found. In 2015, 27 of 1,425 isolates (1.9%) were resistant to cefotaxime and 176 of 1,623 (10.9%) to azithromycin. Ceftriaxone susceptibility showed no trend (p = 0.96) during the study period, but cefotaxime MIC decreased (p < 0.0001) and azithromycin MIC increased (p < 0.0001) significantly. Concerning ceftriaxone, isolates of men who have sex with men (MSM) from 2013 (p = 0.0005) and 2014 (p = 0.0004) were significantly associated with decreased susceptibility. Significant determinants for cefotaxime resistance were having ≥ 6 partners for women (p = 0.0006). For azithromycin, isolates from MSM collected in 2012 (p = 0.0035), 2013 (p = 0.012), and 2014 (p = 0.013), or from non-Dutch (p < 0.0001) or older (≥ 35 years; p = 0.01) MSM were significantly associated with susceptibility. Resistance in heterosexual men was significantly associated with being ≥ 25 years-old (p = 0.0049) or having 3–5 partners (p = 0.01). Conclusions: No ceftriaxone resistance was found, but azithromycin MIC increased in 2007–15. Resistance determinants could help with focused intervention strategies.

Clinical significance of questionnaire-elicited or clinically reported anorectal symptoms for rectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis amongst men who have sex with men

Sexual Health ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nichole A. Lister ◽  
Nadia J. Chaves ◽  
Chee W. Pang ◽  
Anthony Smith ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Recruitment Rate ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Clinical Indicators ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Clinical Consultation ◽  
Sex With Men

Background: Although Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) and Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) are common infections in men who have sex with men, it is unclear from previous studies whether anorectal symptoms are reliable clinical indicators of infection. Aim: The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical significance of questionnaire-elicited or clinically reported anal symptoms for rectal Ng and Ct. Methods: During 2002 to 2003, men who have sex with men (MSM) screened or tested for Ng or Ct according to the national guidelines were invited to participate in a questionnaire. Results: During the study period, 366 MSM were enrolled into the study (88% recruitment rate), of whom 20 (5%) and 25 (7%) were diagnosed with rectal Ng or Ct, respectively. Overall, ‘any’ anorectal symptoms on a questionnaire were reported equally by those with and without rectal Ng (75 v. 74%, P = 0.69), but heavy anal discharge (P < 0.01) and anal pain (P = 0.04) were more common in those with rectal Ng. Symptoms on the questionnaire were not different among those with and without Ct. Any anal symptoms were reported substantially more often via questionnaire than in a clinical consultation (75 v. 16%, P < 0.01) and symptoms reported in a clinical consultation were not associated with Ng or Ct detection. Conclusion: The weak or absent association between symptoms and the presence of Ct or Ng highlights the importance of annual sexually transmitted infection screening in MSM regardless of symptoms.

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