Chlamydia buteonis in birds of prey presented to California wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

Chlamydial infections, caused by a group of obligate, intracellular, gram-negative bacteria, have health implications for animals and humans. Due to their highly infectious nature and zoonotic potential, staff at wildlife rehabilitation centers should be educated on the clinical manifestations, prevalence, and risk factors associated with Chlamydia spp. infections in raptors. The objectives of this study were to document the prevalence of chlamydial DNA shedding and anti-chlamydial antibodies in raptors admitted to five wildlife rehabilitation centers in California over a one-year period. Chlamydial prevalence was estimated in raptors for each center and potential risk factors associated with infection were evaluated, including location, species, season, and age class. Plasma samples and conjunctiva/choana/cloaca swabs were collected for serology and qPCR from a subset of 263 birds of prey, representing 18 species. Serologic assays identified both anti-C. buteonis IgM and anti-chlamydial IgY antibodies. Chlamydial DNA and anti-chlamydial antibodies were detected in 4.18% (11/263) and 3.14% (6/191) of patients, respectively. Chamydial DNA was identified in raptors from the families Accipitridae and Strigidae while anti-C.buteonis IgM was identified in birds identified in Accipitridae, Falconidae, Strigidae, and Cathartidae. Two of the chlamydial DNA positive birds (one Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni) and one red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)) were necropsied, and tissues were collected for culture. Sequencing of the cultured elementary bodies revealed a chlamydial DNA sequence with 99.97% average nucleotide identity to the recently described Chlamydia buteonis. Spatial clusters of seropositive raptors and raptors positive for chlamydial DNA were detected in northern California. Infections were most prevalent during the winter season. Furthermore, while the proportion of raptors testing positive for chlamydial DNA was similar across age classes, seroprevalence was highest in adults. This study questions the current knowledge on C. buteonis host range and highlights the importance of further studies to evaluate the diversity and epidemiology of Chlamydia spp. infecting raptor populations.

Pangenomics reveals alternative environmental lifestyles among chlamydiae.

Chlamydiae are highly successful strictly intracellular bacteria associated with diverse eukaryotic hosts. Here we analyzed metagenome-assembled genomes of the "Genomes from Earth's Microbiomes" initiative from diverse environmental samples, which almost double the known phylogenetic diversity of the phylum and facilitate a highly resolved view at the chlamydial pangenome. Chlamydiae are defined by a relatively large core genome indicative of an intracellular lifestyle, and a highly dynamic accessory genome of environmental lineages. We observe chlamydial lineages that encode enzymes of the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle and for light-driven ATP synthesis. We show a widespread potential for anaerobic energy generation through pyruvate fermentation or the arginine deiminase pathway, and we add lineages capable of molecular hydrogen production. Genome-informed analysis of environmental distribution revealed lineage-specific niches and a high abundance of chlamydiae in some habitats. Together, our data provide an extended perspective of the variability of chlamydial biology and the ecology of this phylum of intracellular microbes.

Chlamydia pecorum detection in aborted and stillborn lambs from Western Australia.

Lamb survival is an important welfare and productivity issue for sheep industries worldwide. Lower lamb survival has been reported for primiparous ewes, but the causes of this are not well studied. The aim of this study was to determine causes of perinatal deaths for lambs born to primiparous ewes in Western Australia, and identify if infectious diseases are implicated. Lamb mortality from birth to marking were determined for 11 primiparous ewe flocks on 10 farms in Western Australia. Lamb mortality from birth to marking averaged 14% for single-born and 26% for multiple-born lambs. Lamb necropsies (n = 298) identified starvation-mismosthering-exposure (34%), dystocia (24%) and stillbirth (15%) as the most common causes of perinatal lamb death. There was no evidence of exotic abortigenic pathogens in aborted and stillborn lambs (n = 35). Chlamydia pecorum was detected by qPCR in 15/35 aborted and stillborn lambs on 5/6 farms. Preliminary molecular characterisation of C. pecorum detected in samples from aborted and stillborn lambs (n = 8) using both Multilocus Sequence Typing and ompA genotyping indicated all strains were genetically identical to previously described pathogenic livestock strains, denoted ST23, and dissimilar to gastrointestinal strains. High frequency of detection of a pathogenic C. pecorum strains ST23 associated with ovine abortion and stillbirth on multiple farms located across a wide geographic area has not been previously reported. Chlamydia pecorum may contribute to reproductive wastage for primiparous sheep in Western Australia. Further investigation to understand C. pecorum epidemiology and impact on sheep reproduction is warranted.

A new species of Chlamydia isolated from Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis).

Chlamydia is a known pathogen in both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. However, the exact species/strain has not been clearly identified. In this study, we successfully cultivated Siamese crocodile Chlamydia in McCoy cells at a temperature of 30°C. Electron microscopy; phylogeny based on nine conserved taxonomically informative markers, on ompA, or on seven housekeeping genes; and whole-genome sequencing and analysis of the isolate confirmed the identity of the isolate as a new member of the genus Chlamydia, a new species that we name Chlamydia crocodili.

Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Incident HIV Infection During Pregnancy Predict Preterm Birth Despite Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Identifying predictors of preterm birth (PTB) in high-burden regions is important as PTB is the leading cause of global child mortality. METHODS: This analysis was nested in a longitudinal study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence in Kenya. HIV-seronegative women enrolled in pregnancy had nucleic acid amplification tests (chlamydia and gonorrhea), rapid plasma reagin (syphilis), wet mount microscopy (Trichomonas and yeast), and Gram stain (bacterial vaginosis); sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment was provided. PTB predictors were determined using log-binomial regression. RESULTS: Among 1244 mothers of liveborn infants, median gestational age at enrollment was 26 weeks (IQR, 22-31), and at delivery was 39.1 weeks (IQR, 37.1-40.9). PTB occurred in 302 women (24.3%). Chlamydia was associated with a 1.59-fold (P = .006), gonorrhea a 1.62-fold (P = .04), and incident HIV a 2.08-fold (P = .02) increased PTB prevalence. Vaginal discharge and cervical inflammation were associated with PTB, as were age ≤21 (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.39, P = .001) and any STI (PR = 1.47, P = .001). Associations with chlamydia and incident HIV remained in multivariable models. CONCLUSIONS: STIs and incident HIV in pregnancy predicted PTB despite treatment, suggesting the need for earlier treatment and interventions to decrease genital inflammation.

Analysis of the vaginal microbiome of giant pandas using metagenomics sequencing.

In this study, a total of 14 vaginal samples (GPV1-14) from giant pandas were analyzed. These vaginal samples were divided into two groups as per the region and age of giant pandas. All the vaginal samples were analyzed using metagenomic sequencing. As per the outcomes of metagenomic analysis, Proteobacteria (39.04%), Firmicutes (5.27%), Actinobacteria (2.94%), and Basidiomycota (2.77%) were found to be the dominant phyla in the microbiome of the vaginal samples. At the genus level, Pseudomonas (21.90%) was found to be the most dominant genus, followed by Streptococcus (3.47%), Psychrobacter (1.89%), and Proteus (1.38%). Metastats analysis of the microbial species in the vaginal samples of giant pandas from Wolong Nature Reserve, Dujiangyan and Ningbo Youngor Zoo, and Ya'an Bifengxia Nature Reserve was found to be significantly different (p < 0.05). Age groups, that is, AGE1 (5-10 years old) and AGE2 (11-16 years old), also demonstrated significantly different inter-group microbial species (p < 0.05). For the first time, Chlamydia and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were detected in giant pandas' reproductive tract. GPV3 vaginal sample (2.63%) showed highest Chlamydia content followed by GPV14 (0.91%), and GPV7 (0.62%). GPV5 vaginal sample (7.17%) showed the highest Neisseria gonorrhoeae content, followed by GPV14 (7.02%), and GPV8 (6.50%). Furthermore, we employed eggNOG, CAZy, KEGG, and NCBI databases to investigate the functional significance of giant panda's vaginal microbial community. The outcomes indicated that giant panda's vaginal microbes were involved in biological processes. The data from this study will help in improving the reproductive health of giant pandas.

Who fails to return within 30 days after being tested positive for HIV/STI in a free testing centre?

BACKGROUND: Some patients who test positive for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) fail to return for results and treatment. To target improvement actions, we need to find out who these patients are. This study aimed to explore factors associated with failure to return within 30 days (FTR30) after testing among patients with positive results in a free STI testing centre in Paris. METHODS: All patients with at least one positive result between October 2016 and May 2017 and who completed a self-administered questionnaire were included in this cross-sectional study (n = 214). The questionnaire included sociodemographic factors, sexual behaviour and history of testing. Factors associated with FTR30 were assessed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: More than two-thirds of patients were men (72%), and the median age of patients was 27 years. Most patients were born in metropolitan France (56%) or in sub-Saharan Africa (22%). Men who had sex with men represented 36% of the study population. The FTR30 rate was 14% (95% CI [10-19%]). In multivariate analysis, previous HIV testing in younger persons (aOR: 3.36, 95% CI [1.27-8.84]), being accompanied by another person at the pretest consultation (aOR: 3.45, 95% CI [1.36-8.91]), and lower self-perceived risk of HIV infection (aOR: 2.79, 95% CI [1.07-7.30]) were associated with a higher FTR30. Testing for chlamydia/gonorrhoea without presumptive treatment was associated with a lower FTR30 (aOR: 0.21, 95% CI [0.07-0.59]). CONCLUSIONS: These factors that affect failure to return are related to the patient's representations and involvement in the STI screening process. Increasing health literacy and patient empowerment could help to decrease failure to return after being tested positive for HIV/STI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Koala immunogenetics and chlamydial strain type are more directly involved in chlamydial disease progression in koalas from two south east Queensland koala populations than koala retrovirus subtypes.

Chlamydial disease control is increasingly utilised as a management tool to stabilise declining koala populations, and yet we have a limited understanding of the factors that contribute to disease progression. To examine the impact of host and pathogen genetics, we selected two geographically separated south east Queensland koala populations, differentially affected by chlamydial disease, and analysed koala major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, circulating strains of Chlamydia pecorum and koala retrovirus (KoRV) subtypes in longitudinally sampled, well-defined clinical groups. We found that koala immunogenetics and chlamydial genotypes differed between the populations. Disease progression was associated with specific MHC alleles, and we identified two putative susceptibility (DCb 03, DBb 04) and protective (DAb 10, UC 01:01) variants. Chlamydial genotypes belonging to both Multi-Locus Sequence Typing sequence type (ST) 69 and ompA genotype F were associated with disease progression, whereas ST 281 was associated with the absence of disease. We also detected different ompA genotypes, but not different STs, when long-term infections were monitored over time. By comparison, KoRV profiles were not significantly associated with disease progression. These findings suggest that chlamydial genotypes vary in pathogenicity and that koala immunogenetics and chlamydial strains are more directly involved in disease progression than KoRV subtypes.

Prevalence of feline herpesvirus-1, feline calicivirus, Chlamydia felis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica in a population of shelter cats on Prince Edward Island.

The prevalence of the causative agents of feline upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) has been previously documented in many regions worldwide, but has yet to be reported in eastern Canada. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), Chlamydia felis (C. felis), and Bordetella bronchiseptica (B. bronchiseptica) in a population of shelter cats with clinical signs related to URTD on Prince Edward Island, Canada; to compare the prevalence of FHV-1 and FCV as detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and virus isolation (VI) in this population; and lastly, to determine whether factors, such as co-infections, time of year, concurrent feline leukemia virus (FeLV)- or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-positive status, or clinical signs, were associated with prevalence of particular pathogens. Conjunctival, nasal mucosal, and oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 82 cats with clinical signs consistent with URTD. Samples were pooled in transport medium and PCR was used to detect FHV-1, FCV, and C. felis and VI was also used to detect FHV-1 and FCV. A separate swab was submitted for aerobic bacterial culture to detect B. bronchiseptica. Feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) was the most prevalent in this population, followed by C. felis, B. bronchiseptica, and FCV. Of the 4 cats that were positive for B. bronchiseptica, 3 were concurrently positive for FHV-1. All positive B. bronchiseptica cultures were resistant to cefovecin. The prevalence for FHV-1 was lowest in autumn (seasons P < 0.001) and was positively associated with the presence of nasal discharge (P = 0.018) and coughing (P = 0.043).

La prévalence des agents causals de maladies du tractus respiratoire supérieur félin (URTD) a été préalablement documentée dans plusieurs régions du monde mais n'a pas encore été rapportée dans l'est du Canada. Les objectifs de la présente étude étaient de déterminer la prévalence d'herpès virus félin-1 (FHV-1), du calicivirus félin (FCV), de Chlamydia felis et de Bordetella bronchiseptica dans une population de chats de refuge de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard, Canada avec des signes cliniques reliés au URTD; de comparer la prévalence de FHV-1 et FCV telle que détecter par réaction d'amplification en chaîne par la polymérase (PCR) et l'isolement viral (VI) dans ces populations; et finalement, déterminer si des facteurs, tels que les co-infections, la période de l'année, le statut concomitant positif pour le virus de la leucémie féline (FeLV) ou le virus de l'immunodéficience féline (FIV) ou les signes cliniques étaient associés avec la prévalence d'un agent pathogène en particulier. Des écouvillons de la conjonctive, de la muqueuse nasale et de l'oropharynx furent obtenus de 82 chats avec des signes cliniques compatibles avec URTD. Les échantillons étaient regroupés dans un milieu de transport et la PCR utilisée pour détecter FHV-1, FCV et C. felis et l'isolement viral fut également utilisé pour détecter FHV-1 et FCV. Un écouvillon séparé fut soumis pour culture bactérienne aérobie afin de détecter B. bronchiseptica. Le FHV-1 était le plus prévalent dans cette population, suivi par C. felis, B. bronchiseptica et FCV. Des quatre chats qui étaient positifs pour B. bronchiseptica, trois étaient positifs également pour FHV-1. Tous les isolats de B. bronchiseptica obtenus étaient résistants au céfovecin. La prévalence de FHV-1 était à son plus bas en automne (P < 0,001 pour les saisons) et était associée positivement avec la présence d'écoulement nasal (P = 0,018) et de la toux (P = 0,043).(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Molecular detection of important abortion-causing microorganisms in preputial swab of breeding bucks using PCR-based assays.

Infectious diseases and aetiological agents related to female reproductive systems were extensively covered compared to its male counterpart. There needs a proper study to bridge this gap, where microflora and infectious agents of both male and female reproductive are mutually intelligible. With this study, we aimed to evaluate the microbial contamination of the preputial cavity and also screened for abortion-causing agents which are zoonotic as well. In goats, such types of abortions are caused by Brucella melitensis, Chlamydophila, Campylobacter and Coxiella etc. One of the major sources of contamination of semen is the preputial cavity, which is exposed to the external environment leading to spread of infection into the female via semen straws or by natural service. In the current study, good quality bucks (n = 32, Barbari = 12, Jamunapari = 10, Jakhrana = 10) which were routinely used for semen collection were screened for their preputial swabs, for the presence of the above pathogens. For detection of Brucella melitensis, OMP31 based TaqMan® probe real-time PCR assay was used, and for Chlamydia, 16srRNA gene based SYBR® green real-time PCR assay was employed for detection of Chlamydophila abortus. While for Campylobacter spp. and Coxiella burnetii, 16srRNA gene based conventional PCR and Trans-PCR were used, respectively. In the current study, of the screened preputial swabs, none of them showed positive for Brucella and Coxiella, but of the screened 32 samples 17 showed positive for Chlamydia (53.13%) and two (6.25%) showed positive for Campylobacter spp. The current study emphasizes on the farms and laboratories which were regularly involved in screening of brucellosis also often overlook the other potential non-brucella pathogens, causing abortions eventually incurring severe economic losses to the goat keepers.

Water-filtered Infrared A and visible light (wIRA/VIS) treatment reduces Chlamydia caviae-induced ocular inflammation and infectious load in a Guinea pig model of inclusion conjunctivitis.

Trachoma is a devastating neglected tropical disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and the leading global cause of infectious blindness. Although antibiotic treatment against trachoma is efficient (SAFE strategy), additional affordable therapeutic strategies are of high interest. Water-filtered infrared A and visible light (wIRA/VIS) irradiation has proven to reduce chlamydial infectivity in vitro and ex vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether wIRA/VIS can reduce chlamydial infection load and/or ocular pathology in vivo, in a guinea pig model of inclusion conjunctivitis. Guinea pigs were infected with 1 × 106 inclusion-forming units/eye of Chlamydia caviae via the ocular conjunctiva on day 0. In infected animals, wIRA/VIS irradiation (2100 W/m2) was applied on day 2 (single treatment) and on days 2 and 4 (double treatment) post-infection (pi). wIRA/VIS reduced the clinical pathology score on days 7 and 14 pi and the conjunctival chlamydial load on days 2, 4, 7, and 14 pi in comparison with C. caviae-infected, not irradiated, controls. Furthermore, numbers of chlamydial inclusions were decreased in wIRA/VIS treated C. caviae-infected guinea pigs on day 21 pi compared to C. caviae-infected, non-irradiated, controls. Double treatment with wIRA/VIS (days 2 and 4 pi) was more efficient than a single treatment on day 2 pi. wIRA/VIS treatment did neither induce macroscopic nor histologic changes in ocular tissues. Our results indicate that wIRA/VIS shows promising efficacy to reduce chlamydial infectivity in vivo without causing irradiation related pathologies in the follow-up period. wIRA/VIS irradiation is a promising approach to reduce trachoma transmission and pathology of ocular chlamydial infection.

Chlamydiae in the Environment.

Chlamydiae have been known for more than a century as major pathogens of humans. Yet they are also found ubiquitously in the environment where they thrive within protists and in an unmatched wide range of animals. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding chlamydial diversity and distribution in nature. Studying these environmental chlamydiae provides a novel perspective on basic chlamydial biology and evolution. A picture is beginning to emerge with chlamydiae representing one of the evolutionarily most ancient and successful groups of obligate intracellular bacteria.

Detection of Chlamydia species in 2 cases of equine abortion in Switzerland: a retrospective study from 2000 to 2018.

Species of genus Chlamydia are important pathogens of animals, with a worldwide distribution and broad host range. Some species, such as Chlamydia psittaci, also pose a zoonotic disease risk. Abortion is one of the many diseases that has been associated with chlamydial infections in animals, with most attention focused on the economic impacts to sheep production. The role of chlamydia in equine abortions is unknown. Using the family-specific 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) Chlamydiaceae real-time PCR, we tested 169 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded fetal membrane samples from 162 equine abortion cases collected between 2000 and 2018 in Switzerland. Two equine abortion cases (1.2%) tested positive for Chlamydiaceae. Further analyses by the species-specific 23S rRNA ArrayMate microarray and sequencing of a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene revealed C. abortus and C. psittaci. In both cases, equine herpesvirus 1 was also present, which might have been the abortion cause, alone or in synergy with Chlamydia. The prevalence of abortigenic chlamydial species in equine abortion cases in our study was significantly lower than rates described elsewhere. Zoonotic chlamydial agents present in equine fetal membranes nevertheless should be considered a potential risk to humans during foaling, abortion, or stillbirth.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for chlamydiosis, coxiellosis and brucellosis in sheep and goats in Borana pastoral area, southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Abortion is considered an important disease problem of small ruminants in Borana pastoral area. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of chlamydiosis, coxiellosis (Q-fever) and brucellosis in small ruminants in selected districts of Borana zone. RESULTS: A total of 506 sheep and goats were tested using serological tests. Fifty (9.88%; 95% CI: 7.42, 12.82), 144 (28.46%; 95% CI: 24.56, 32.61) and none (0.00%; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.59) of them were positive for chlamydiosis, coxiellosis and brucellosis, respectively. History of abortion was recorded in 136 (32.00%; CI: 27.59, 36.67) of sheep and goats in the study area. The logistic regression analysis, however, showed that statistically significant difference ccurred among districts and between the species of small ruminants. The prevalence odd of antibodies against C. abortus was significantly lower in Miyo, Dire and Teltelle districts compared to Dillo. The odd of infection with this bacterium was lower in sheep than goats. Similarly the odd of infection with C. burnettii was significantly higher in Dillo district than the rest of the districts studied, higher in goats than sheep and higher in adult animals than young ones. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of abortion is observed in sheep and goats in the study area. High seropositivity of C. burnetii and C. abortus in both sheep and goats tested implies risks of human infection by both diseases. Thus, attention needs to be paid to further study of both diseases in animals and humans in the area.

How to increase chlamydia testing in primary care: a qualitative exploration with young people and application of a meta-theoretical model.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore young people's perspectives barriers to chlamydia testing in general practice and potential intervention functions and implementation strategies to overcome identified barriers, using a meta-theoretical framework (the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW)). METHODS: Twenty-eight semistructured individual interviews were conducted with 16-24 year olds from across the UK. Purposive and convenience sampling methods were used (eg, youth organisations, charities, online platforms and chain-referrals). An inductive thematic analysis was first conducted, followed by thematic categorisation using the BCW. RESULTS: Participants identified several barriers to testing: conducting self-sampling inaccurately (physical capability); lack of information and awareness (psychological capability); testing not seen as a priority and perceived low risk (reflective motivation); embarrassment, fear and guilt (automatic motivation); the UK primary care context and location of toilets (physical opportunity) and stigma (social opportunity). Potential intervention functions raised by participants included education (eg, increase awareness of chlamydia); persuasion (eg, use of imagery/data to alter beliefs); environmental restructuring (eg, alternative sampling methods) and modelling (eg, credible sources such as celebrities). Potential implementation strategies and policy categories discussed were communication and marketing (eg, social media); service provision (eg, introduction of a young person's health-check) and guidelines (eg, standard questions for healthcare providers). CONCLUSIONS: The BCW provided a useful framework for conceptually exploring the wide range of barriers to testing identified and possible intervention functions and policy categories to overcome said barriers. While greater education and awareness and expanded opportunities for testing were considered important, this alone will not bring about dramatic increases in testing. A societal and structural shift towards the normalisation of chlamydia testing is needed, alongside approaches which recognise the heterogeneity of this population. To ensure optimal and inclusive healthcare, researchers, clinicians and policy makers alike must consider patient diversity and the wider health issues affecting all young people.

Semen infections in men with primary infertility in the real-life setting.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of asymptomatic semen infections on seminal parameters in men presenting for primary couple's infertility. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Academic center. PATIENTS: Socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from 1689 infertile men were analyzed. INTERVENTION(S): Semen analysis was based on 2010 World Health Organization reference criteria. Each patient underwent semen culture test to identify common urogenital pathogens. Infections by Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, and Chlamydia spp. were evaluated through a real time polymerase chain reaction platform. Descriptive statistics and linear and logistic regression models were used to test the association between semen infections and clinical, seminal, and hormonal parameters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Prevalence of asymptomatic semen infection and impact of semen infection on sperm parameters. RESULTS: Of 1689 men, 354 (21.0%) had an asymptomatic positive semen culture. Ureaplasma urealyticum (37.6%) was the most frequent single pathogen, followed by Enterobacteriaceae (any type; 24.8%), other pathogens (20.3%), Chlamydia trachomatis (3.4%) and Mycoplasma spp (3.4%). Positive semen cultures were associated with lower sperm concentrations (P<0.001) and progressive motility (P<.001). These latter findings were mostly particular to men with infections caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum compared with negative semen cultures. A positive semen culture was both univariably (P<.001) and multivariably (P=.04) associated with a lower sperm concentration. CONCLUSION: One out of five men presenting for a couple's primary infertility had asymptomatic semen infections, which were significantly associated with impaired sperm concentration. These observations point out the importance of an accurate investigation of semen infection in the everyday clinical practice diagnostic workup of infertile men.

Transactional Sex and Incident Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in Atlanta, Georgia.

BACKGROUND: Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STI), including chlamydia and gonorrhea. Transactional sex is an hypothesized risk factor for STI acquisition in BMSM. METHODS: We estimated the association of transactional sex with incident chlamydia/gonococcal infection among BMSM using longitudinal data from a randomized trial in Atlanta (2012-2015). BMSM were eligible for inclusion if they tested human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-antibody-negative and reported both ≥2 male sex partners and any condomless anal sex in the last year. We defined chlamydia/gonorrhea incidence as the first occurrence of either rectal or urogenital chlamydia or gonococcal infections after a negative result at enrollment. We used Poisson regression to estimate the incidence rate (IR) for chlamydia/gonorrhea over 12 months. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) compared estimates by reported experience of transactional sex. Subgroup analyses assessed potential heterogeneity by age and sexual identity. RESULTS: This analysis included 416 BMSM, of whom 191 (46%) were gay-identified, 146 (42%) reported a history of transactional sex, and 57 (14%) had prevalent chlamydia/gonococcal infection at baseline. Over a median of 1 year of follow-up, an additional 55 men tested laboratory-positive for chlamydia/gonorrhea (IR, 17.3 per 100 person-years). Transactional sex was not associated with chlamydia/gonorrhea incidence overall. However, among gay-identified BMSM, transactional sex was associated with incident chlamydia/gonorrhea (IRR, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-6.8). CONCLUSIONS: Economic and social vulnerabilities may motivate engagement in high-risk sexual behaviors through commodified sex, potentially increasing the burden of STIs among BMSM. In this investigation, the relationship between transactional sex and chlamydia/gonorrhea was not homogenous across BMSM with diverse sexual identities in Atlanta, suggesting that within select sexual networks, transactional sex may drive STI risks. Delivering accessible and targeted STI screening for marginalized BMSM should be prioritized for STI and HIV prevention.

Chlamydia abortus in Pregnant Woman with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

We describe a case of Chlamydia abortus in a woman in rural France who was pregnant, developed severe generalized infection, and suffered fetal loss. The case stresses the need for healthcare personnel to perform thorough anamnesis in pregnant women in farming areas and to advise them to avoid contact with small ruminants.

Isolation and Identification of Chlamydia abortus from Aborted Ewes in Sulaimani Province, Northern Iraq.

Abortion in small ruminants is a significant problem in Iraq and causes severe economic losses in sheep farms. Chlamydia abortus causes enzootic abortion in ewes and is associated with reproductive problems in sheep in Sulaimani province - Northern Iraq. During a lambing season in 2017, abortion was widespread among several sheep flocks in different regions of Sulaimani (Kalar, Said Sadiq, and Chamchamal), and C. abortus was one of the causes. Accordingly, we carried out this study to isolate and identify C. abortus in aborted ewes in these regions. We collected 30 samples of aborted fetuses from five herds in which abortions had been observed. The pathogen isolation was done by inoculation into embryonated chicken eggs and conventional PCR was used to identify C. abortus in clinical specimens. C. abortus was identified in one of the 30 aborted fetuses (3.33%) from the Kalar district, and all the remaining 29 samples (96.66%) were found positive to Brucella abortus. The gene ompA encoding the outer membrane protein of C. abortus was sequenced and got the accession number MK643153 in NCBI GenBank. The sequence was named C. abortus strain Sul/2017. Our isolate showed 99.79% homology with Sul/014 (accession No. KY399850) and differed from the latter by two amino acid substitutions at E115K and K259N. The topology of the phylogenetic tree based on the ompA gene showed that the isolate belongs to C. abortus and has a common ancestor with isolates of sheep in Iraq and Tunisia with accession numbers KY399850 and HQ62243, respectively.Abortion in small ruminants is a significant problem in Iraq and causes severe economic losses in sheep farms. Chlamydia abortus causes enzootic abortion in ewes and is associated with reproductive problems in sheep in Sulaimani province ­ Northern Iraq. During a lambing season in 2017, abortion was widespread among several sheep flocks in different regions of Sulaimani (Kalar, Said Sadiq, and Chamchamal), and C. abortus was one of the causes. Accordingly, we carried out this study to isolate and identify C. abortus in aborted ewes in these regions. We collected 30 samples of aborted fetuses from five herds in which abortions had been observed. The pathogen isolation was done by inoculation into embryonated chicken eggs and conventional PCR was used to identify C. abortus in clinical specimens. C. abortus was identified in one of the 30 aborted fetuses (3.33%) from the Kalar district, and all the remaining 29 samples (96.66%) were found positive to Brucella abortus. The gene ompA encoding the outer membrane protein of C. abortus was sequenced and got the accession number MK643153 in NCBI GenBank. The sequence was named C. abortus strain Sul/2017. Our isolate showed 99.79% homology with Sul/014 (accession No. KY399850) and differed from the latter by two amino acid substitutions at E115K and K259N. The topology of the phylogenetic tree based on the ompA gene showed that the isolate belongs to C. abortus and has a common ancestor with isolates of sheep in Iraq and Tunisia with accession numbers KY399850 and HQ62243, respectively.