The role of bacterial genital infections in spontaneous preterm delivery: a case-control study.

Background: Spontaneous preterm delivery is defined as the beginning of the birth process before the 37th week of pregnancy. The presence of microorganisms in the fetal membranes is accompanied by an increase in the production of prostaglandin, one of the important factors associated with the prevalence of preterm birth. The invasion of microorganisms leads to the production of protease, coagulase, and elastase, which directly stimulate the onset of childbirth. We investigated the role of genital infections in women with preterm birth. Methods: The present case-control study was conducted in the west of Iran on 100 women with spontaneous preterm delivery (following 24 weeks of gestation and before 36 weeks and 6 days) as the case group and 100 women with normal delivery as controls. A questionnaire was applied to collect the data. Polymerase chain reaction and pathological examination of the placenta were performed. Results: The average age in women with normal delivery (30.92 ± 5.10) in women with spontaneous preterm delivery (30.27 ± 4.93). The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Listeria monocytogenes, and Mycoplasma genitalium infections was zero in both groups. The highest prevalence of Gardnerella vaginalis was 19 (19%) in the case group and Ureaplasma parvum 15 (15%) in the control group. Also, Placental inflammation was zero in controls and 7(7%) in the patient group. There was a significant relationship between Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria and spontaneous preterm delivery. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that except for Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria, there is no significant relationship between the above bacterial infections and spontaneous preterm birth. Moreover, despite the significant reduction in the prevalence of many sexually transmitted infections in this research, it is still suggested to increase the awareness of people, including pregnant women, about the ways it can be transmitted by gynecologists and health and treatment centers.

Comparative Genitourinary Safety of In-class Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors among Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The American Heart Association recommended sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) for the management of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, little is known about their real-world in-class comparative safety in patients with HFpEF. We aimed to assess the comparative safety of SGLT2i in the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) or genital infection separately or as a composite outcome among patients with HFpEF. METHODS: This cohort study using MarketScan® Commercial and Medicare supplemental databases (2012-2020) included patients aged ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of HFpEF who initiated SGLT2i therapy. Three pairwise comparison groups were established: cohort 1, dapagliflozin versus canagliflozin; cohort 2, empagliflozin versus canagliflozin; and cohort 3, dapagliflozin versus empagliflozin. After stabilized inverse probability treatment weighting, Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compare the risk of UTI or genital infection separately or as a composite outcome in each cohort. RESULTS: The risk of the composite outcome did not significantly differ between canagliflozin and dapagliflozin (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36-1.14) or between empagliflozin and canagliflozin (aHR 1.25; 95% CI 0.77-2.05). Similarly, there was no evidence of difference between dapagliflozin and empagliflozin in this risk (aHR 0.76; 95% CI 0.48-1.21). The results of analyses separately assessing UTI or genital infection were similar. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the risk of UTI or genital infection among patients with HFpEF who initiated canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, or empagliflozin.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are used for the management of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). It is important to assess their comparative risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) or genital infection among patients with HFpEF. We compared patients with HFpEF using SGLT2i in three pairwise groups: cohort 1, dapagliflozin versus canagliflozin; cohort 2, empagliflozin versus canagliflozin; and cohort 3, dapagliflozin versus empagliflozin. We found that there was no significant difference in the risk of genitourinary infections including UTI or genital infections among dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, and canagliflozin.

Genito-urinary infectious adverse events related to sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors: a network meta-analysis and meta-regression.

INTRODUCTION: Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are an emerging class of drugs with wide indications. Controversial evidence exists regarding the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) and genital infections (GI) with SGLT2is paving way for undertaking this network meta-analysis and meta-regression study. METHODS: Data from randomized trials evaluating SGLT2is reporting the number of patients with UTI and GI were included. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were the effect estimates. Meta-regression analysis identified risk factors. Number needed to harm (NNH) was estimated. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-four articles were included [UTI (213 studies; 150,140 participants) and GI (188 studies; 121,275 participants)]. An increased risk of UTI (OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.16) and GI (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 3.1, 3.9) was observed. Men showed a lower risk of UTI (OR: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.3) and GI (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.4, 0.5). Meta-regression analyses revealed BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and duration of SGLT2i treatment for ≥6 months as risk factors. NNH was 16 for UTI and 25 for GI. CONCLUSION: SGLT2is increase the risk of UTI and GI that needs to be incorporated in the treatment guidelines with precautions in high-risk patients. PROSPECTIVE PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: https://osf.io/5fwyk.

Urinary and reproductive tract infection symptoms and menstrual hygiene practices in refugee camps in Jordan: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections and reproductive tract infections pose significant health risks, particularly among women living in challenging conditions. Unhygienic menstrual practices can exacerbate these risks, impacting physical and psychological well-being. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the association between unhygienic menstrual care and self-reported urinary tract infection/reproductive tract infection symptoms among refugee women. In addition, it explored the association between these symptoms and mental health, specifically depressive symptoms. DESIGN: This study adopted a cross-sectional observational design. METHODS: This study was conducted between January and March 2023, involving 387 reproductive-age refugee women. Data collected included sociodemographic information and urinary tract infection/reproductive tract infection symptoms. In addition, we used the Menstrual Practice Needs Scale to evaluate menstrual hygiene practices and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depressive symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using Python version 3.9.12. RESULTS: Of 387 refugee women, 92.25% reported having urinary or reproductive tract infection symptoms in the previous 3 months. Factors like older age (odds ratio = 1.764, 95% confidence interval = 1.083-2.873, p-value = 0.023), lower family income (odds ratio = 0.327, 95% confidence interval = 0.138-0.775, p-value = 0.011), lower educational level (odds ratio = 0.222, 95% confidence interval = 0.068-0.718, p-value = 0.012), and being married (odds ratio = 0.328, 95% confidence interval = 0.188-0.574, p-value < 0.001) were significantly associated with urinary or reproductive tract infection risk. Difficulties obtaining menstrual products and thus reusing them increased the odds of urinary or reproductive tract infection diagnosis (odds ratio = 2.452, 95% confidence interval = 1.497-4.015, p-value < 0.001). Women with urinary or reproductive tract infection symptoms exhibited higher Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores than those without (12.14 ± 5.87 vs 9.99 ± 5.86, p-value < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study highlights a high prevalence of urinary or reproductive tract infection symptoms among refugee women residing in camps in Jordan, which was associated with poor menstrual hygiene practices and depressive symptoms. To reduce the urinary tract infection/reproductive tract infection burden in marginalized communities, public health initiatives should enhance healthcare accessibility, provide reproductive education, and promote holistic well-being practices for refugee women.

Haematopoietic innate interleukin 17A production drives immunopathology in female mouse genital Chlamydia muridarum infection.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the leading cause of bacterial urogenital infection and has been demonstrated to drive inflammation and scarring of the reproductive tract. Recent studies have identified key triggers of proinflammatory adaptive immune responses driven by innate leukocytes and epithelia driving immunopathology. Utilizing chimeric mouse models, we investigated the definitive source and role of IL17 and IL17 signalling receptors during early Chlamydia muridarum infection of the female urogenital tract. Bone marrow transplants from wild-type (WT) and IL17A-/- mice to recipients demonstrated equivocal infection kinetics in the reproductive tract, but interestingly, adoptive transfer of IL17A-/- immune cells to WT recipients resulted in no infertility, suggesting a haematopoietic (as opposed to tissue) source of IL17 driving immunopathology. To further delineate the role of IL17 in immunopathology, we infected WT and IL17 receptor A (IL17RA)-/- female mice and observed a significant reduction in immunopathology in IL17RA-/- mice. WT bone marrow transplants to IL17RA-/- recipient mice prevented hydrosalpinx, suggesting signalling through IL17RA drives immunopathology. Furthermore, early chemical inhibition of IL17 signalling significantly reduced hydrosalpinx, suggesting IL17 acts as an innate driver of disease. Early during the infection, IL17 was produced by γδ T cells in the cervico-vagina, but more importantly, by neutrophils at the site of infertility in the oviducts. Taken together, these data suggest innate production of IL17 by haematopoietic leukocytes drives immunopathology in the epithelia during early C. muridarum infection of the female reproductive tract.

Risk factors for premature rupture of membranes in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for premature rupture of membranes (PROM) in pregnant women. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP) and China Biology Medicine Disc were searched from inception to October 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies published in English or Chinese that reported the risk factors for PROM were eligible for inclusion. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers independently extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and American Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality tools. Analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 software, and heterogeneity was assessed using χ2 tests and I2 statistics. The sensitivity analyses included a methodological transition between fixed-effect and random-effect models and the systematic stepwise exclusion of studies. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies involving 18 174 participants with 18 risk factors were included. The significant risk factors were low Body Mass Index (BMI) (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.32 to 3.61), interpregnancy interval (IPI) <2 years (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.98 to 4.50), previous abortion (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.76 to 3.14), previous preterm birth (OR 5.72, 95% CI 3.44 to 9.50), prior PROM (OR 3.95, 95% CI 2.48 to 6.28), history of caesarean section (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.72 to 5.43), gestational hypertension (OR 3.84, 95% CI 2.36 to 6.24), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.44 to 3.23), abnormal vaginal discharge (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.45 to 3.27), reproductive tract infection (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.75), malpresentation (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.78 to 2.85) and increased abdominal pressure (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.97). The sensitivity analysis showed that the pooled estimates were stable. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicated that low BMI, IPI <2 years, previous abortion, previous preterm birth, prior PROM, history of caesarean section, gestational hypertension, GDM, abnormal vaginal discharge, reproductive tract infection, malpresentation and increased abdominal pressure might be associated with a greater risk of PROM. Associations between smoking status, short cervical length, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and PROM require further investigation. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022381485.

Characteristics of reproductive tract infections caused by common pathogens among the outpatients of reproductive medicine center in Putian: retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the infection and age distribution of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Herpes simplex virus type II (HSV II) among the outpatients of Reproductive Medicine Center in Putian, Fujian Province to provide a clinical basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of various reproductive tract diseases and infertility in this region. METHODS: A total of 1736 samples of secretions and exfoliated cervical cells were collected from the outpatients of the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University from December 2021 to April 2023. The infections of UU, CT, NG and HSVII were detected by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the infection statuses of the patients with different genders, ages and diagnoses were analysed. RESULTS: Among the 1736 patients, 611 were male and 1125 were female. The male patients had higher UU infection rate but lower HSV II infection rate than the female patients. No significant difference in CT and NG infection rates was observed between the genders. The CT infection rate gradually decreased with the increase in the age. The difference in UU, NG and HSV II infection rates among the different age groups was not statistically significant. For UU infection, the male infertile patients had the highest rate of 37.72% (172/456). Meanwhile, the differences in CT, NG and HSV II infection rates among the different diagnosis groups were not statistically significant. Among the male and female infertile patients, the CT infection rate was the highest in the 21-25 years of age group at 11.11% (2/18) and 9.47% (9/95), respectively. No statistically significant difference in UU, CT, NG and HSV II infection rates was observed among the different age groups of patients diagnosed in relation to the family planning guidance and between the male and female patients with other diagnoses results. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that UU was the most frequently identified pathogen in infertile men in Putian, Fujian Province. The CT infection rate was the highest in people under 20 years old, and the infection showed a tendency toward young individuals. Therefore, the publicity of sexual health knowledge must be strengthened, and the prevention and treatment of venereal diseases among young and middle-aged people must be improved. Moreover, the pathogen infection is related to infertility to a certain extent, which is conducive to clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic and treatment patterns in urinary and genital tract infections: insights from a referral clinic in Beirut, Lebanon.

BACKGROUND: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Genital Tract Infections (GTIs) are common yet serious health concerns. Precise diagnosis is crucial due to the potential severe consequences of misdiagnosis. This study aims to distinguish between UTIs and GTIs, highlighting the importance of accurate differentiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study encompassed 294 patients, categorized into 4 groups: Group GNI (no infection, N = 57), Group GUI (urinary infection, N = 52), Group GGI (genital infection, N = 139), and Group GGUI (both infections, N = 46). Methods included patient interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory tests such as urine and vaginal swab cultures. RESULTS: The investigation revealed no significant differences in age, BMI, residency, or nationality across groups. However, socioeconomic status varied, with Group GNI having the lowest proportion of low socioeconomic status. In obstetrical characteristics, non-pregnancy rates were higher in Groups GUI and GGUI, with GGUI showing a notably higher abortion rate. Symptom analysis indicated lower symptom prevalence in Group GNI, with pain, itching, pruritus, and vaginal discharge being less frequent, suggesting a link between infection presence and symptom severity. Treatment patterns showed higher usage of ciprofloxacin, antifungals, and vaginal tablets in Groups GUI and GGUI. Laboratory findings highlighted significant Leucocyte Esterase presence and variations in WBC and RBC counts, particularly in Group GGUI. CONCLUSION: The study emphasizes the need for advanced diagnostic techniques, especially those focusing on individual microbial patterns, to enhance UGTI diagnosis. Variations in symptom presentation and treatment across groups underline the necessity for personalized diagnostic and treatment strategies.

[Maternal mortality due to genital tract infection in France, 2016-2018]. / Mortalité maternelle par infection à porte d'entrée génitale en France 2016­2018.

Over the 2016-2018 period, maternal mortality due to direct infectious causes accounted for 13% of maternal deaths by direct causes. The increasing trend in genital-tract infections related-deaths noted in the 2013-2015 report continues for the 2016-2018 period, but this 2010-2018 increase remains at the limit of statistical significance given the low number of cases (p 0.08). The 13 deaths from direct infectious causes for the 2016-2018 period were due to 4 cases of puerperal toxic shock syndrome (Streptococcus A beta hemolyticus or Clostridium group bacilli), 6 sepsis caused by intrauterine infection due to E. Coli and 3 cases of septic shock from intrauterine origin and no documented bacteria. In this 2016-2018 triennium, the quality of care concerning women who died of direct infections was considered non-optimal in 85% (11/13). Death was considered possibly or probably avoidable in 9/13 cases (69%), which made it one of the most avoidable causes of maternal mortality. Preventable factors related to the medical management were the most frequent (9/13), with in particular a diagnostic failure or delayed diagnosis leading to a delay in the introduction of medical treatment. The others contributory factors to these deaths were related to the organization of healthcare (delayed transfer, lack of communication between practitioners) as well as factors related to patient social and/or mental vulnerability.

Repurposing of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for combination therapies to combat multidrug-resistant S. aureus of bovine reproductive tract origin.

Multidrug-resistant bacteria have become the predominant etiology in bovine female reproductive tract infections and thus require effective treatment approaches. The main goal of this study was the molecular detection of mecA, blaZ, tetK, and aacA-aphD genes in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) responsible for methicillin, beta-lactam, tetracycline, and aminoglycoside resistance respectively. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to check the homology of staphylococcal genes with NCBI sequences. The in-vitro efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in combination therapies against MDR S. aureus was evaluated using well diffusion assay and checkerboard method. Vaginal swab samples (n = 384) collected from bovines suffering from endometritis, pyometra, and retained placenta were tested for S. aureus. Results showed a 17.96% overall prevalence. Both phenotypic and genotypic resistance was observed among S. aureus isolates with 50.72% and 37.68% isolates being confirmed as methicillin-resistant (MRSA), 36.23% and 18.84% isolates exhibiting beta-lactam, 40.58%, and 27.54% isolates showing tetracycline, and 33.33% and 36.23% isolates showing aminoglycosides resistance based on disc diffusion and gene confirmation, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated homology with previously reported Pakistani isolates suggesting the possibility of MDR S. aureus transmission within and between animals. Synergy testing indicated that combinations of ceftriaxone-ketoprofen (153.77%), ceftriaxone-meloxicam (149.55%), amoxiclav-flunixin meglumine (106.06%), and oxytetracycline-flunixin meglumine (104.47%) showed synergy on well diffusion assay. Based on the fractional inhibitory concentration index by checkerboard method, oxytetracycline-meloxicam and gentamicin-ketoprofen combinations exhibited synergistic interaction. In conclusion, MDR S. aureus resistance was mitigated in-vitro through the combination of antibiotics (oxytetracycline, gentamicin) with NSAIDs (meloxicam, ketoprofen) that could be used to create therapeutic strategies for bovine reproductive issues.

Immunohistochemical characterization of the immune cell response during chlamydial infection in the male and female koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) reproductive tract.

Chlamydiosis is one of the main causes of the progressive decline of koala populations in eastern Australia. While histologic, immunologic, and molecular studies have provided insights into the basic function of the koala immune system, the in situ immune cell signatures during chlamydial infection of the reproductive tract in koalas have not been investigated. Thirty-two female koalas and 47 males presented to wildlife hospitals with clinical signs suggestive of Chlamydia infection were euthanized with the entire reproductive tract collected for histology; immunohistochemistry (IHC) for T-cell (CD3ε, CD4, and CD8α), B-cell (CD79b), and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR markers; and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (rtPCR) for Chlamydia pecorum. T-cells, B-cells, and HLA-DR-positive cells were observed in both the lower and upper reproductive tracts of male and female koalas with a statistically significant associations between the degree of the inflammatory reaction; the number of CD3, CD4, CD79b, and HLA-DR positive cells; and the PCR load. CD4-positive cells were negatively associated with the severity of the gross lesions. The distribution of immune cells was also variable according to the location within the genital tract in both male and female koalas. These preliminary results represent a step forward towards further exploring mechanisms behind chlamydial infection immunopathogenesis, thus providing valuable information about the immune response and infectious diseases in free-ranging koalas.

The current status of Group B Streptococcus infection in the reproductive tract of late-pregnancy women and its impact on pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in late-pregnancy pregnant women in Shanghai, the risk factors of GBS infection, and its impact on pregnancy outcomes, providing guidance for early prevention and treatment in clinical practice. METHODS: We selected 12,132 late-pregnancy pregnant women admitted from January 2022 to December 2022 as the research subjects. Based on the GBS test results of reproductive tract secretion samples from pregnant women, 210 cases of GBS positive pregnant women were randomly selected as the observation group, and 200 cases of GBS negative pregnant women were selected as the control group. The risk factors of infection and the impact on pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The GBS colonization rate of pregnant women in this study was 6.52%; the incidence of Vaginal delivery and Neonatal infection in GBS positive group was significantly higher than that in GBS negative group (P < 0.05); with Neonatal infection as the dependent variable, and the GBS infection, Vaginal delivery and GDM of the elderly and women in late pregnancy as independent variables, the results showed that GBS infection of women in late pregnancy was an independent risk factor for Neonatal infection. CONCLUSION: Clinical practice should attach great importance to GBS infection in late pregnancy, strengthen GBS screening in late pregnancy, and actively implement the strategy of intrapartum antibiotic intervention (IAP), which is of great significance in reducing the vertical infection rate of maternal and infant GBS and improving the quality of newborn birth.

Manejo en atención primaria de las infecciones de transmisión sexual (II). Lesión ulcerada genital. Vulvovaginitis. Virus del papiloma humano / Management of sexually transmitted diseases in primary care (II). Genital ulcers. Vulvovaginitis. Human papilloma virus

En el presente artículo abordamos tres síndromes clínicos infecciosos con diferentes gérmenes como causantes, pero tienen en común que las manifestaciones que presentan son a nivel genital. Algunos son estrictamente originados por gérmenes de transmisión sexual, pero otros no. Hablaremos en este capítulo de las vulvovaginitis, de la lesión ulcerada genital y del virus del papiloma humano, tres grandes entidades que presentan una tasa no menospreciable de consulta en atención primaria, en aumento en los últimos años, y que como profesionales de salud debemos saber abordar por completo, desde su manejo diagnóstico, pasando por su correcto tratamiento y finalizando con los posteriores controles. En estas entidades es tan importante el correcto abordaje como el saber recomendar la prevención, el estudio de contactos y los cribados de otras infecciones que pueden presentarse concomitantemente.(AU)

In this paper we approach three clinical syndromes with different microbial agents that cause sexually transmitted diseases (STD) with a common condition: the symptomatology is in the genital area. Some of these microbial agents are transmitted strictly sexually, but not all. In this section we will discuss about vulvovaginitis, genital ulcers and human papilloma virus, three syndromes which have increased their incidence in recent years and primary care must know its management: diagnosis, correct treatment, controls, and study of sexual contacts. The optimal approach is as important as knowing how to recommend prevention of STD, contact study and screening for other infections that can be present at the same time although asymptomatically.(AU)

Aislamiento de Haemophilus no ducreyi en muestras del aparato genital de varones: relación con la clínica / Isolation of Haemophilus no ducreyi in samples from the genital tract of men: Its clinical relationship

Introducción: Con el avance de los métodos microbiológicos, cada vez es más frecuente el aislamiento de patógenos menos típicos en cuadros de infección uretral y rectal, además de los agentes etiológicos clásicos. Uno de ellos está formado por especies de Haemophilus no ducreyi (HND). El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la frecuencia, la sensibilidad antibiótica y las características clínicas de las uretritis y proctitis por HND en varones. Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y retrospectivo, a partir de los resultados emitidos por el Laboratorio de Microbiología del Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves de Granada, de los aislamientos, entre 2016 y 2019, de HND en episodios infecciosos genitales y rectales de varones adultos. Resultados: Se aisló HND en 135 (7%) episodios. La especie más frecuente fue H. parainfluenzae (34/45; 75,6%). Los síntomas más frecuentes de las proctitis fueron: tenesmo rectal (31,6%) y adenopatías (10,5%); en aquellos con uretritis, fueron disuria (71,6%), supuración uretral (46,7%) y lesiones en el glande (27%), siendo manifestaciones similares a las infecciones provocadas por los genitopatógenos habituales. Un 43% de los pacientes eran VIH positivos. Las tasas de resistencia a antibióticos de H. parainfluenzae fueron elevadas a levofloxacino, ampicilina, tetraciclina y azitromicina. Conclusión: Las especies de HND deberían tenerse en cuenta como posibles agentes etiológicos en episodios de infección uretral y rectal en varones, sobre todo en los casos con pruebas de detección negativas para agentes productores habituales de infecciones de transmisión sexual. Su detección microbiológica es fundamental para la instauración de un tratamiento efectivo dirigido. (AU)

Introduction: With the advancement of microbiological methods, the isolation of less typical pathogens in cases of urethral and rectal infection is more frequent, apart from the classic etiological agents. One of them is formed by species of Haemophilus no ducreyi (HND). The objective of this work is to describe frequency, susceptibility to antibiotics, and clinical features of HDN urethritis and proctitis in adult males. Patients and methods: This is an observational retrospective descriptive study of the results obtained by the Microbiology laboratory of the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital on the isolates of HND in genital and rectal samples from males between 2016 and 2019. Results: HND was isolated in 135 (7%) of the genital infection episodes diagnosed in men. H. parainfluenzae was the most commonly isolated (34/45; 75.6%). The most frequent symptoms in men with proctitis were rectal tenesmus (31.6%) and lymphadenopathy (10.5%); in those with urethritis, dysuria (71.6%), urethral suppuration (46.7%) and gland lesions (27%), so differentiating it from infections caused by other genitopathogens is difficult. 43% of patients were HIV positive. Antibiotic resistance rates for H. parainfluenzae were high to quinolons, ampicillin, tetracycline and macrolides. Conclusion: HND species should be considered as possible etiologic agents in episodes of urethral and rectal infection in men, especially in cases with negative screening tests for agents that cause sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Its microbiological identification is essential for the establishment of an effective targeted treatment. (AU)

Importancia del papel de Haemophilus no ducreyi en el tracto genital femenino y su relación con la clínica / Importance of the role of Haemophilus no ducreyi isolates in female genital tract and its clinical relationship

Antecedentes: Cada vez son más frecuentes los informes microbiológicos con agentes emergentes en episodios clínicos del aparato genital de sujetos con sospecha de infección, como son las especies de Haemophilus no ducreyi (HND). El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la importancia clínica del aislamiento de estas especies en el tracto genital del sexo femenino. Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y retrospectivo en un hospital universitario del sudeste español, donde se evalúan los aislamientos de HND en muestras de exudados genitales femeninos procedentes de atención sanitaria especializada entre 2016 y 2019. Se analizaron variables clínicas, epidemiológicas y microbiológicas de los episodios infecciosos de mujeres adultas y niñas. Resultados: Se encontraron 45 (25 mujeres y 20 niñas) aislamientos de HND, correspondiendo al 1% del total, siendo la especie más frecuente Haemophilus influenzae (64,4%). En mujeres predominaron la leucorrea y el dolor abdominal, y en el 72% hubo aislamiento polimicrobiano. En niñas se aisló frecuentemente de forma aislada, con presencia de eritema vulvovaginal, flujo patológico y prurito local. Destacó la alta tasa de resistencia de Haemophilus parainfluenzae a azitromicina (72,7%) y cotrimoxazol (18,2%) en mujeres adultas, y la resistencia a azitromicina en niñas (25%). Conclusiones: H. influenzae y H.parainfluenzae deben tenerse en cuenta como posible agente etiológico en casos de vaginitis y cervicitis en mujeres adultas, así como en sospecha de enfermedad pélvica inflamatoria. En niñas, H.influenzae representa uno de los agentes microbiológicos de las infecciones vulvovaginales. La tasa de resistencia a azitromicina de H.parainfluenzae y a cotrimoxazol de ambas especies se debe tener presente.(AU)

Background: The isolation of new pathogens in clinical samples from the genital tract of subjects with suspected infection, such as Haemophilus no ducreyi (HND) species, is becoming more frequent. The objective of this work is to analyze the pathogenic role and the clinical importance of the isolation of these species in female genital tract. Patients and methods: We carried out an observational, descriptive, and retrospective study from a Hospital in Granada (Spain). HND isolates in female genital samples between 2016 and 2019 from specialized care were studied. Clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological variables of clinical episodes of adult women and girls were analyzed. Results: Forty-five (25 women and 20 girls) isolates of HND were found, corresponding to 1%; the most frequent specie was Haemophilus influenzae (64.4%). In women, leukorrhea and abdominal pain was frequent and in 72% there was a polymicrobial isolate. In girls, it was frequently in isolation, with the presence of vulvovaginal erythema, pathological discharge, and local itching. We highlight the high rate of resistance of Haemophilus parainfluenzae to azithromycin (72.7%) and cotrimoxazole (18.2%) in adult women, in contrast to resistance to azithromycin in girls (25%). Conclusions: H. influenzae and H. parainfluenzae should be considered as a possible etiological agent in cases of vaginitis and cervicitis in adult women, as well as in suspected pelvic inflammatory disease. In girls, H.influenzae represents one of the microbiological agents within the etiologies of vulvovaginal infections. We highlight the rate of resistance to azithromycin in H.parainfluenzae and to cotrimoxazole in both species.(AU)

Exploratory study on the mechanism of necrotic effect of nourishing cells in the context of genital tract infection in premature rupture of membranes.

To explore the mechanism of necrotic effect of nourishing cells in the context of genital tract infection in premature rupture of membranes (PROM). One hundred eight patients with PROM treated at our hospital from June 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the PROM group. Simultaneously, 108 cases of normal full-term pregnant women were chosen as the control group. Western blot analysis was performed to measure the relative expression levels of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), and interleukin (IL)-1ß proteins, which are associated with necrosis of placental nourishing cells, in the placenta of both groups. TUNEL staining was used to detect the number of apoptotic placental nourishing cells. The differences in necrotic factors of placental nourishing cells were analyzed between full-term and preterm cases in the PROM group, as well as among patients with different genital tract infections. The apoptotic count of placental nourishing cells in the PROM group was 58.46 ±â€…11.26 cells/field, which was markedly higher than that of the control group (P < .05). The relative expression levels of the necrotic factors Caspase-1, Caspase-3, NLRP3, and IL-1ß proteins in placental nourishing cells of the PROM group were 1.32 ±â€…0.26, 1.19 ±â€…0.30, 1.29 ±â€…0.28, and 1.23 ±â€…0.24, respectively. These values were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < .05). The relative expression levels of the necrotic factors Caspase-1, Caspase-3, NLRP3, and IL-1ß proteins in placental nourishing cells were compared between full-term and preterm patients in the PROM group (P > .05). The relative expression levels of the necrotic factors Caspase-1, Caspase-3, NLRP3, and IL-1ß proteins in placental nourishing cells were higher in patients with multiple genital tract infections compared to those with single infections or no infections in the PROM group (P < .05). PROM is associated with a significant upregulation of placental nourishing cell apoptosis and necrotic factors, including Caspase-1, Caspase-3, NLRP3, and IL-1ß proteins. This upregulation is correlated with the presence of genital tract infections.

Self-collection of samples for group B streptococcus testing during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sample self-collection for reproductive tract infection diagnosis has been found to offer greater convenience, privacy, autonomy, and expanded access to testing in non-pregnant adults. This review aimed to determine whether sample self-collection is as accurate as provider-collection for detection of group B streptococcus colonisation in pregnancy and whether a strategy of self-collection compared to provider-collection might improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. METHODS: We searched CINAHL Plus, Medline, EMBASE, Maternity and Infant Care Database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in June 2022. Eligible studies compared self-collected and provider-collected samples taken from the same participants or participants randomised to either self-collection or provider-collection for reproductive tract infection testing using the same test and testing method in pregnant individuals. We included trials and observational studies. Reviewers assessed risk of bias using the QUADAS-2 checklist and independently extracted data. Sensitivity and specificity for group B streptococcus colonisation of self-collected compared to provider-collected samples were pooled using a bivariate, random-effects, meta-analytic model. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023396573). RESULTS: The search identified 5909 references, of which eleven diagnostic accuracy group B streptococcus studies were included (n = 3269 participants). No studies assessed the effects of self-collection in pregnancy on health outcomes. All studies had high or unclear risk of bias. Pooled sensitivities of self-collected samples for group B streptococcus detection were 82% (95% CI: 66-91%; I2 = 68.85%) in four trials (n = 1226) and 91% (95% CI: 83-96%; I2 = 37.38%) in seven non-randomised studies (n = 2043). Pooled specificities were 99% (95% CI: 98-99%; I2 = 12.08%) and 97% (95% CI: 94-99%; I2 = 72.50%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Self-collected samples for group B streptococcus detection in pregnancy had high specificity compared to provider-collection, but lower sensitivity, particularly for included trials. Studies investigating the effect of self-collection on health outcomes, and further higher quality trials comparing accuracy of self-collection to provider-collection, are required.

Genital tract infections, the vaginal microbiome and gestational age at birth among pregnant women in South Africa: a cohort study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Preterm birth complications are the most common cause of death in children under 5 years. The presence of multiple microorganisms and genital tract inflammation could be the common mechanism driving early onset of labour. South Africa has high levels of preterm birth, genital tract infections and HIV infection among pregnant women. We plan to investigate associations between the presence of multiple lower genital tract microorganisms in pregnancy and gestational age at birth. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This cohort study enrols around 600 pregnant women at one public healthcare facility in East London, South Africa. Eligible women are ≥18 years and at <27 weeks of gestation, confirmed by ultrasound. At enrolment and 30-34 weeks of pregnancy, participants receive on-site tests for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, with treatment if test results are positive. At these visits, additional vaginal specimens are taken for: PCR detection and quantification of Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida spp., Mycoplasma genitalium, M. hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and U. parvum; microscopy and Nugent scoring; and for 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and quantification. Pregnancy outcomes are collected from a postnatal visit and birth registers. The primary outcome is gestational age at birth. Statistical analyses will explore associations between specific microorganisms and gestational age at birth. To explore the association with the quantity of microorganisms, we will construct an index of microorganism load and use mixed-effects regression models and classification and regression tree analysis to examine which combinations of microorganisms contribute to earlier gestational age at birth. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol has approvals from the University of Cape Town Research Ethics Committee and the Canton of Bern Ethics Committee. Results from this study will be uploaded to preprint servers, submitted to open access peer-reviewed journals and presented at regional and international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT06131749; Pre-results.

Assessing the link between hygienic material use during menstruation and self-reported reproductive tract infections among women in India: a propensity score matching approach.

Background: Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) present a substantial health concern for women, especially in developing nations such as India, where inadequate access to proper sanitation and hygiene facilities frequently results in suboptimal menstrual health and hygiene (MHH), exacerbating the risk of RTIs. In this study, we analysed the self-reported prevalence of RTIs among young women in India and evaluated the impact of hygienic menstrual material usage on these RTIs. Methods: The study used information on 27,983 women aged 15-24 years, from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019-21). The prevalence of RTIs was calculated for all the states and UTs of India, and propensity score matching (PSM) technique was used to evaluate the impact of hygienic material use on RTIs among women in India. Results: Every four out of 100 women reported RTIs in India in 2019-21. Notably, RTI prevalence displayed substantial state-level disparities. West Bengal exhibited the highest RTI prevalence at 9.3%, followed by Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, all surpassing 6%. In contrast, the lowest RTI rates were recorded in Puducherry at 0.9%, succeeded by Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Odisha, and Jammu & Kashmir, all registering rates below 2%. The PSM analysis revealed that women who utilized hygienic materials during menstruation exhibited a reduced prevalence of RTIs (referred to as the "treated group" with an Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) of 0.0315) compared to those who did not utilize such materials (referred to as the "control group" with an ATT of 0.0416). Conclusions: The study underscores the critical significance of using hygienic materials during menstruation as a preventive measure against RTIs among women in India. The findings suggest the need for targeted interventions focused at promoting hygienic menstrual materials to reduce the prevalence of RTIs among women in India.

Preclinical screen for protection efficacy of chlamydial antigens that are immunogenic in humans.

To search for subunit vaccine candidates, immunogenic chlamydial antigens identified in humans were evaluated for protection against both infection and pathology in a mouse genital tract infection model under three different immunization regimens. The intramuscular immunization regimen was first used to evaluate 106 chlamydial antigens, which revealed that two antigens significantly reduced while 11 increased genital chlamydial burden. The two infection-reducing antigens failed to prevent pathology and 23 additional antigens even exacerbated pathology. Thus, intranasal mucosal immunization was tested next since intranasal inoculation with live Chlamydia muridarum prevented both genital infection and pathology. Two of the 29 chlamydial antigens evaluated were found to prevent genital infection but not pathology and three exacerbate pathology. To further improve protection efficacy, a combinational regimen (intranasal priming + intramuscular boosting + a third intraperitoneal/subcutaneous boost) was tested. This regimen identified four infection-reducing antigens, but only one of them prevented pathology. Unfortunately, this protective antigen was not advanced further due to its amino acid sequence homology with several human molecules. Two pathology-exacerbating antigens were also found. Nevertheless, intranasal mucosal priming with viable C. muridarum in control groups consistently prevented both genital infection and pathology regardless of the subsequent boosters. Thus, screening 140 different chlamydial antigens with 21 repeated multiple times in 17 experiments failed to identify a subunit vaccine candidate but demonstrated the superiority of viable chlamydial organisms in inducing immunity against both genital infection and pathology, laying the foundation for developing a live-attenuated Chlamydia vaccine.