Investigation of syphilis immunology and Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum biology to improve clinical management and design a broadly protective vaccine: study protocol.
BMC Infect Dis
; 20(1): 444, 2020 Jun 23.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-32576149
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The syphilis epidemic continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, despite several recent disease control initiatives. Though our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and the biology of the syphilis agent, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum has improved over the last two decades, further research is necessary to improve clinical diagnosis and disease management protocols. Additionally, such research efforts could contribute to the identification of possible targets for the development of an effective vaccine to stem syphilis spread.METHODS:
This study will recruit two cohorts of participants with active syphilis infection, one with de novo infection, one with repeat infection. Whole blood specimens will be collected from each study participant at baseline, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks, to track specific markers of their immunological response, as well as to compare humoral reactivity to Treponema pallidum antigens between the two groups. Additionally, we will use serum specimens to look for unique cytokine patterns in participants with early syphilis. Oral and blood samples, as well as samples from any syphilitic lesions present, will also be collected to sequence any Treponema pallidum DNA found.DISCUSSION:
By furthering our understanding of syphilis pathogenesis and human host immune response to Treponema pallidum, we will provide important data that will help in development of new point-of-care tests that could better identify active infection, leading to improved syphilis diagnosis and management. Findings could also contribute to vaccine development efforts.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Treponema pallidum
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Vacinas Bacterianas
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Sífilis
/
Vacinação
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
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Guideline
/
Incidence_studies
/
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
America do sul
/
Peru
Idioma:
En
Revista:
BMC Infect Dis
Assunto da revista:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Ano de publicação:
2020
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos