scholarly journals Two Potential Syphilis Vaccine Candidates Inhibit Dissemination of Treponema pallidum

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Man Xu ◽  
Yafeng Xie ◽  
Kang Zheng ◽  
Haodang Luo ◽  
Manyi Tan ◽  
...  

Syphilis, caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, continues to be a major public health problem worldwide. Recent increases in the number of syphilis cases, in addition to the lack of an efficient vaccine against T. pallidum for humans, highlights an urgent need for the design and development of an efficacious syphilis vaccine. Here, we assess the vaccine potential of the adhesion protein Tp0136 and the outer membrane protein Tp0663. Rabbits were subcutaneously immunized with recombinant proteins Tp0136, Tp0663, or control PBS. Immunization with Tp0136 or Tp0663 generated a strong humoral immune response with high titers of IgG, as assessed by ELISA. Moreover, animals immunized with Tp0136 or Tp0663 exhibited attenuated lesion development, increased cellular infiltration at the lesion sites, and inhibition of treponemal dissemination to distant organs compared to the unimmunized animals. These findings indicate that Tp0136 and Tp0663 are promising syphilis vaccine candidates. Furthermore, these results provide novel and important information for not only understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of spirochetes, but also the development of spirochete-specific subunit vaccines.

2009 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1413-1419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anoop S. Pulickal ◽  
Samir Gautam ◽  
Elizabeth A. Clutterbuck ◽  
Stephen Thorson ◽  
Buddha Basynat ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Typhoid fever is a major public health problem in developing countries, conservatively estimated to occur in 17 million cases and be responsible for 200,000 deaths annually. We investigated the acquisition of natural immunity to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi in a region where typhoid is endemic by testing sera from an age-stratified sample of 210 healthy participants in Kathmandu, Nepal, for bactericidal activity toward S. Typhi and for anti-Vi capsular polysaccharide antibodies. Bactericidal titers in children were significantly lower than those in newborns and adults (P < 0.0001). Anti-S. Typhi bactericidal geometric mean titers were age dependent, increasing 10-fold during childhood. Anti-Vi polysaccharide antibody geometric mean concentrations were also lower in children than in adults. Data presented here indicate the possibility of a relationship between low levels of bactericidal activity toward S. Typhi in serum and susceptibility to disease, as observed for other polysaccharide-encapsulated bacteria. Bactericidal antibody may be a marker of protective immunity against S. Typhi.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-49
Author(s):  
Maryam Kusumawaty ◽  
Khairuddin Djawad ◽  
Muh Nasrum Massi ◽  
Andi Muhammad Adam ◽  
Siswanto Wahab ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction. Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum spirochete and is mainly transmitted by sexual contact. Syphilis has the potential to cause serious complications and is closely related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection thus making syphilis still a major public health problem. In Indonesia, surveys of high-risk populations in 2007 and 2011 reported an increase in the prevalence of syphilis, especially in men who have sexual relationships with other men (MSM). Moreover, studies have described risk factors for HIV transmission including MSM, heterosexual contacts, Intravenous (IV) drug use, and infected partners. Objectives. To assess the epidemiological aspects and risk factors for syphilis in Makassar, as well as the correlation with a coinfection of other sexually transmitted infections. Material and Methods. This study is a multi-centre cross-sectional descriptive study with consecutive sampling. We evaluated cases for eligibility by confirming the diagnosis based on the serological result using rapid plasma reagin assay (RPR), Treponema pallidum haemagglutination (TPHA), and HIV screening kit. The cases were analyzed based on epidemiological features, risk factors and clinical findings, co-infection with other sexually transmitted infection (ST), and stadium of the disease. Results. A total of 79 serologically confirmed syphilis cases were collected between January 2017 and December 2018 in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province in Indonesia. Of the 63 male subjects (79.7%), 38 (48.1%) were homosexual/MSM, and in 41 cases of HIV-infected subjects, 25 (60.9%) of them were also MSM. Conclusion. Our study showed there was a significant correlation between syphilis and an increased risk of HIV transmission in MSM groups. The higher number of cases of syphilis and HIV co-infection among MSM can increase transmission of both infections and should be considered a major risk factor for syphilis in Makassar.


Author(s):  
Antonio Gerbase ◽  
Vanessa Martins de Oliveira ◽  
Suelen Porto Basgalupp ◽  
Thayane Martins Dornelles ◽  
Emerson Silveira de Brito ◽  
...  

Introduction: Syphilis is a major public health problem. Its incidence has increased in Brazil, particularly in the Southern Region. New tools are available, and immediate action is necessary. Objective: To describe the pilot study of an investigation aimed to assess the prevalence of syphilis, hepatitis B and C, and HIV and evaluate three strategies for adherence to syphilis treatment. Methods: A spontaneous sample of participants was evaluated with a structured questionnaire and underwent rapid tests for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C after signing an informed consent form (ICF). Rapid tests reagent for syphilis were confirmed by quantitative venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). Participants with confirmation of syphilis were randomized into three groups for follow-up: telephone calls, SIM app, and usual care at the health unit. Results: During a two-day pilot, 68 participants were included. Fourteen (20.6%) had tests reagent for syphilis, 1 (1.5%) for hepatitis B, 3 (4.4%) for hepatitis C, and 1 (1.5%) for HIV. Eight (57.1%) of the initial 14 individuals with rapid tests reagent for syphilis agreed to participate in the study. Out of the 8 rapid tests for syphilis, 2 (25%) were confirmed as active syphilis (>1/8). Conclusion: The prevalence of active syphilis estimated in this population was 3.5%. The demand for tests was high. The COVID-19 epidemic had a negative impact on the development of the study, which is ready for implementation. Discussions on the role of such a testing unit and the coverage of the research project in a context that requires increasing COVID-19-focused testing are fundamental for the future development of the project.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markos Negash ◽  
Tadelo Wondmagegn ◽  
Demeke Geremew

Background.Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the spirocheteTreponema pallidum, and it persists to be a major public health problem in Africa, including Ethiopia. Syphilis diagnosis is made by either nontreponemal or treponemal approaches, though in developing countries the diagnosis relies mostly on nonspecific tests due to several reasons. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and agreement of rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) withTreponema pallidumhemagglutination assay (TPHA) as a gold standard for the diagnosis of syphilis.Results. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ECOTEST-RPR were 100%, 80.8%, 76.2%, and 100%, respectively. However, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of DIALAB-ELISA were 98.4%, 94.9%, 92.3%, and 98.9%, respectively. The agreement between DIALAB-ELISA and Randox-TPHA was excellent (kappa value: 0.96) as compared to ECOTEST-RPR and Randox-TPHA assay (kappa value: 0.88).Conclusion.We found a characteristically variable performance of DIALAB-ELISA test and the currently available traditional ECOTEST-RPR test in the study area. The use of ECOTEST-RPR as a diagnostic test is confronted by its false positivity. Thus, neither the ECOTEST-RPR nor the DIALAB-ELISA test stands on its own to be used either as screening or confirmatory test for syphilis diagnosis. Consequently, thorough studies should be conducted aiming on a change of the current diagnostic scheme in the community.


Crisis ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Mino ◽  
Arnaud Bousquet ◽  
Barbara Broers

The high mortality rate among drug users, which is partly due to the HIV epidemic and partly due to drug-related accidental deaths and suicides, presents a major public health problem. Knowing more about prevalence, incidence, and risk factors is important for the development of rational preventive and therapeutic programs. This article attempts to give an overview of studies of the relations between substance abuse, suicidal ideation, suicide, and drug-related death. Research in this field is hampered by the absence of clear definitions, and results of studies are rarely comparable. There is, however, consensus about suicidal ideation being a risk factor for suicide attempts and suicide. Suicidal ideation is also a predictor of suicide, especially among drug users. It is correlated with an absence of family support, with the severity of the psychosocial dysfunctioning, and with multi-drug abuse, but also with requests for treatment. Every clinical examination of a drug user, not only of those who are depressed, should address the possible presence of suicidal ideation, as well as its intensity and duration.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-201
Author(s):  
Mir M Hassan Bullo ◽  
Mirza Amir Baig ◽  
Jawad Faisal Malik ◽  
Ejaz Ahmad Khan ◽  
Muazam Abbas Ranjha ◽  
...  

Background: Measles is highly contagious vaccine preventable disease (VPD), and a major public health problem considered as leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries like Pakistan. An outbreak of measles was reported in Sharifabad Islamabad on 15th of April 2017, and an investigation was launched to assess the magnitude of outbreak, evaluate risk factors and recommend control measures. Methods: A comprehensive house to house active case search along with vaccine coverage survey was conducted from April 19-22, 2017. A case was defined as "onset of maculopapular rash with fever in a resident of Sharifabad with at least one of the following signs/ symptoms, Coryza, Conjunctivitis, Cough, Otitis media or Pneumonia present in between 19 March to 22nd April 2017". Four age & sex matched controls were selected from the neighborhood. Data was collected through interview method using structured questionnaire and vaccination coverage was determined by using Epi survey form. Blood samples were sent for laboratory confirmation. Results: A total of eight cases were identified through active case finding while three were reported by local practitioner. Mean age of cases were 20 months (range 8-36 months). Severely affected age-group was 1-2 years with attack rate of 46%. Around two-third (64%) of cases and a few (16%) of controls were unvaccinated against measles. Contact with measles patient [OR 25.2, CI 3.9-160.1, P=0.00], unvaccinated children [OR 9.2 CI 2.12-40.4, P=0.000], social misconception regarding vaccination [OR 7.8 CI 1.42-42.6, P=0.00], and distance from healthcare facility [OR 5.7 CI 1.15-28.35, P=0.02] were significant risk factors. Vaccine efficacy was 90%. Conclusion: Main reasons of the outbreak were contact with the cases, and low vaccination status. We recommended comprehensive measles vaccination and community awareness sessions. On our recommendations district health authority Islamabad carried out mop up of whole area.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 513
Author(s):  
Rakhshan .

Mosquitoes are vectors of many pathogens which causes serious human diseases like Malaria, Filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Yellow fever and Zika virus which constitute a major public health problem globally. Mosquito borne diseases cause high level of economic impact all over the world and result in millions of death every year. They infect around 700,000,000 people annually worldwide and 40,000,000 only in India. The continuous use of synthetic pesticides to control vector mosquitoes has caused physiological resistance, toxic effect on human health, environmental pollution and addition to these, its adverse effects can be observed on non-target organisms. Synthetic chemical pesticides have been proved to be effective, but overall in last 5 decades indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides against vector borne disease control have originated several ecological issues due to their residual accumulation and development of resistance in target vectors and their chronic effects.


2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-91
Author(s):  
Z Rahman ◽  
KK Karmaker ◽  
M Ahmed ◽  
M Aziz ◽  
S Chowdhury ◽  
...  

Hypertension is a major public health problem. Despite the increasing awareness of hypertension and its implications among patients and treating physicians, the prevalence of resistant hypertension    remains high.Resistant hypertension define as blood pressure that remains elevated above treatment goals despite administration of an optimal three drug regimen that include a diuretic1 The prevalence of resistant    hypertension is projected to increase, owing to the aging population and increasing trends in obesity, sleep apnea, and chronic kidney disease. It is estimated that at least 10% of all patients with hypertension are resistant to existing drugs. Management of resistant hypertension must begin with  a careful evaluation of the patient to confirm the diagnosis and exclude factors associated with “pseudo-resistance,” such as improper BP measurement technique, the white-coat effect, and poor patient adherence to life-style and/or antihypertensive medications. Despite the use of the appropriate dose and type of diuretic to overcome the management of resistant hypertension, we can’t achieve our goal. But there is at least two devices namely Baroreflex Activation Therapy and Catheter-based  renal sympathetic denervation make the new hope for the patient with resistant hypertension DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v5i1.12278 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 5(1): 81-91


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-149
Author(s):  
Md Golam Mustafa ◽  
Md Shahinul Alam ◽  
Md Golam Azam ◽  
Md Mahabubul Alam ◽  
Md Saiful Islam ◽  
...  

Worldwide, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still a major public health problem. Bangladesh having a large burden of HBV infection, should be a major contributor towards it’s elimination by 2030. The country has been making progress in reducing incidence of HBV infection during the past decades. The progresses are mainly due to large vaccination coverage among children and large coverage of timely birthdose vaccine for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HBV. However, Bangladesh still faces challenges in achieving target of reduction in mortality from HBV. On the basis of targets of the WHO’s Global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis 2016–2021, we highlight priorities for action towards HBV elimination. To attain the target of reduced mortality we propose that, the service coverage targets of diagnosis and treatment should be prioritized along with vaccination. Firstly, improvements are needed in the diagnostic and treatment abilities of medical institutions and health workers. Secondly, the government needs to reduce the costs of health care. Thirdly, better coordination is needed across existing national program and resources to establish an integrated system for prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of HBV infection. In this way, we can make progress towards achieving the target of eliminating HBV from Bangladesh by 2030 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38(3): 145-149


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 967-971
Author(s):  
Poonam Thakre ◽  
Waqar M. Naqvi ◽  
Trupti Deshmukh ◽  
Nikhil Ingole ◽  
Sourabh Deshmukh

The emergence in China of 2019 of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2) previously provisionally names 2019-nCoV disease (COVID19) caused major global outbreak and is a major public health problem. On 30 January 2020, the WHO declared COVID19 to be the sixth international public health emergency. This present pandemic has engrossed the globe with a high rate of mortality. As a front line practitioner, physiotherapists are expected to be getting in direct contact with patients infected with the virus. That’s why it is necessary for understanding the many aspects of their role in the identification, contains, reduces and treats the symptoms of this disease. The main presentation is the involvement of respiratory system with symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, sneezing and characteristics of pneumonia leads to ARDS(Acute respiratory distress syndrome) also land up in multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. This text describes and suggests physiotherapy management of acute COVID-19 patients. It also includes recommendations and guidelines for physiotherapy planning and management. It also covers the guidelines regarding personal care and equipment used for treatment which can be used in the treatment of acute adult patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document