Study of CD27, CD38, HLA-DR and Ki-67 immune profiles for the characterization of active tuberculosis, latent infection and end of treatment.

Background: Current blood-based diagnostic tools for TB are insufficient to properly characterize the distinct stages of TB, from the latent infection (LTBI) to its active form (aTB); nor can they assess treatment efficacy. Several immune cell biomarkers have been proposed as potential candidates for the development of improved diagnostic tools.

Objective: To compare the capacity of CD27, HLA-DR, CD38 and Ki-67 markers to characterize LTBI, active TB and patients who ended treatment and resolved TB.

Direct Quantitative Immunochemical Analysis of Autoinducer Peptide IV for Diagnosing and Stratifying Infections.

An immunochemical strategy to detect and quantify AIP-IV, the quorum sensing (QS) signaling molecule produced by type IV, is reported here for the first time. Theoretical calculations and molecular modeling studies have assisted on the design and synthesis of a suitable peptide hapten (AIPIVS), allowing to obtain high avidity and specific antibodies toward this peptide despite its low molecular weight. The ELISA developed achieves an IC value of 2.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Isolates from the Respiratory Tract in Mechanically-Ventilated Patients.

is a commensal and frequent colonizer of the upper respiratory tract. When mechanical ventilation disrupts natural defenses, is frequently isolated from the lower airways, but distinguishing between colonization and infection is difficult. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the bacterial genome sequence in consecutive isolates in order to identify changes related to the pathological adaptation to the lower respiratory tract and (2) to explore the relationship between specific phenotypic and genotypic features with the patient's study group, persistence of the clinical isolate and clinical outcome.

Dysfunctional accessory gene regulator (agr) as a prognostic factor in invasive Staphylococcus aureus infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The accessory gene regulator (agr) locus of Staphylococcus aureus is a quorum-sensing virulence regulator. Although there are many studies concerning the effect of dysfunctional agr on the outcomes of S. aureus infection, there is no systematic review to date.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Interferon Gamma-Induced Protein 10 mRNA Release Assay for Tuberculosis.

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release assays (IGRAs) are increasingly used to test for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. Although highly specific, IGRAs have a relatively high false-negative rate in active TB patients. A more sensitive assay is needed.

Effect of vaccination on the prevention of influenza-related severe illness in adults attended in a third level hospital during the 2017-2018 epidemic season.

Objectives: The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of influenza vaccination on the prevention of influenza-related severe cases in adults treated in a third-level hospital during the 2017-2018 epidemic season.

Methodology: A descriptive analysis was performed on the entire population of subjects with a laboratory-confirmed influenza test during the 2017-2018 season. A severe case was defined as a patient treated in one of the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and/or death.

Development and Evaluation of a Microarray Platform for Detection of Serum Antibodies Against Capsular Polysaccharides.

is responsible for severe infections, causing millions of deaths yearly. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) offer serotype-specific protection. In this work, we examined the applicability of the microarray technology to detect CPS type-specific IgGs in serum, using a collection of 22 microarray-printed CPSs.

Novel intracellular antibiotic delivery system against : cloxacillin-loaded poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) acid nanoparticles.

First, to compare minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of free cloxacillin and cloxacillin-containing nanoparticles (NP) against methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and resistant (MRSA) and second, to assess NP antimicrobial activity against intracellular . Poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) acid (PLGA)-NP were loaded with cloxacillin and physico-chemically characterized. MICs were determined for reference strains Newman-(MSSA) and USA300-(MRSA).

Cell-Mediated Immune Responses to -Expressed and Stage-Specific Antigens in Latent and Active Tuberculosis Across Different Age Groups.

A quarter of the global human population is estimated to be latently infected by (), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB). TB remains the global leading cause of death by a single pathogen and ranks among the top-10 causes of overall global mortality. Current immunodiagnostic tests cannot discriminate between latent, active and past TB, nor predict progression of latent infection to active disease.

Multidrug- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing Clades, Ukraine, 2015.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) is an emerging threat to TB control in Ukraine, a country with the third highest XDR TB burden globally. We used whole-genome sequencing of a convenience sample to identify bacterial genetic and patient-related factors associated with MDR/XDR TB in this country. MDR/XDR TB was associated with 3 distinct Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex lineage 2 (Beijing) clades, Europe/Russia W148 outbreak, Central Asia outbreak, and Ukraine outbreak, which comprised 68.

Cigarette smoke exposure redirects Staphylococcus aureus to a virulence profile associated with persistent infection.

Tobacco smoking represents the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. Smoking is a recognised risk factor for several pathologies and is detrimental to host immune surveillance and defence. However, the impact of smoking on microbial residents of the nasopharyngeal cavity, in contact with cigarette smoke (CS), is lacking.

International prevalence and risk factors evaluation for drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia.

Objective: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequent bacterial pathogen isolated in subjects with Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) worldwide. Limited data are available regarding the current global burden and risk factors associated with drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (DRSP) in CAP subjects. We assessed the multinational prevalence and risk factors for DRSP-CAP in a multinational point-prevalence study.

Impact of Host Genetics and Biological Response Modifiers on Respiratory Tract Infections.

Host susceptibility to respiratory tract infections (RTI) is dependent on both genetic and acquired risk factors. Repeated bacterial and viral RTI, such as pneumonia from encapsulated microorganisms, respiratory tract infections related to respiratory syncytial virus or influenza, and even the development of bronchiectasis and asthma, are often reported as the first symptom of primary immunodeficiencies. In the same way, neutropenia is a well-known risk factor for invasive aspergillosis, as well as lymphopenia for , and mycobacterial infections.

Matryoshka-type gastro-resistant microparticles for the oral treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Aim: Production of Matryoshka-type gastroresistant microparticles containing antibiotic-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NP) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Materials & Methods: The emulsification and evaporation methods were followed for the synthesis of PLGA-NPs and methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate-based coatings to protect rifampicin from degradation under simulated gastric conditions.

Results & Conclusion: The inner antibiotic-loaded NPs here reported can be released under simulated intestinal conditions whereas their coating protects them from degradation under simulated gastric conditions.

Study of CD27 and CCR4 Markers on Specific CD4 T-Cells as Immune Tools for Active and Latent Tuberculosis Management.

The immunological characterization of different cell markers has opened the possibility of considering them as immune tools for tuberculosis (TB) management, as they could correlate with TB latency/disease status and outcome. CD4 T-cells producing IFN-γ with a low expression of CD27 have been described as an active TB marker. In addition, there are unknown homing receptors related to TB, such as CCR4, which might be useful for understanding TB pathogenesis.

Microbiological Progress in Patients with Bronchial Infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa Treated with Nebulised Colistin.

Background: Inhaled antibiotics allow the delivery of higher drug concentrations at the site of infection without the systemic adverse effects observed with the use of parenteral or oral antibiotics. These antibiotics have shown to decrease the number of exacerbations, reduce bacterial load or improve pulmonary function in several chronic respiratory conditions.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe changes in the bacteriology of sputum in patients with chronic bronchial infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa treated with nebulised colistin.

Microbiological testing of adults hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia: an international study.

This study aimed to describe real-life microbiological testing of adults hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and to assess concordance with the 2007 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)/American Thoracic Society (ATS) and 2011 European Respiratory Society (ERS) CAP guidelines. This was a cohort study based on the Global Initiative for Methicillin-resistant Pneumonia (GLIMP) database, which contains point-prevalence data on adults hospitalised with CAP across 54 countries during 2015. In total, 3702 patients were included.

Characterization of clinically relevant model bacterial strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for anti-biofilm testing of materials.

Unlabelled: There is a great interest in developing novel anti-biofilm materials in order to decrease medical device-associated bacterial infections causing morbidity and high healthcare costs. However, the testing of novel materials is often done using bacterial lab strains that may not exhibit the same phenotype as clinically relevant strains infecting medical devices. Furthermore, no consensus of strain selection exists in the field, making results very difficult to compare between studies.

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases differently affect IGRAs' accuracy for latent tuberculosis infection diagnosis in clinical practice.

Background: Clinical accuracy of IGRAs remains unclear on patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). Here, we assess the impact of immunosuppressants and IMIDs on QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFN-G-IT) and T-SPOT.TB accuracy.

Effectiveness of treatment with nebulized colistin in patients with COPD.

Objectives: To analyze whether the introduction of nebulized colistin in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and infection with (PA) is associated with a decrease of the number and duration of severe exacerbations.

Materials And Methods: Thirty six patients with COPD and infection with PA treated with nebulized colistin attending a day hospital during a 5-year (January 2010-December 2014) period were prospectively included. Repeated-measures -tests were used to assess whether the introduction of colistin was associated with changes in the number of exacerbations or the length of the hospitalizations, comparing for each patient the year prior to the introduction of colistin with the year after.

Use of IFN-γ and IP-10 detection in the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Objectives: Biologic agents are used against rheumatic diseases, however, they increase the risk of developing severe infections and diseases such as tuberculosis. We aimed to determine the benefits of IP-10 detection to diagnose latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases on different immunosuppressive drug regimens, and compare these results with IFN-γ detection.

Materials And Methods: We included 64 patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

Molecular Characterization of Strains with TB-SPRINT.

We evaluated Tuberculosis-Spoligo-Rifampicin-Isoniazid Typing (TB-SPRINT), a microbead-based method for spoligotyping and detection of rifampicin and isoniazid resistance in . For that, 67 complex strains were retrospectively selected. Membrane-based spoligotyping, restriction fragment length polymorphism, DNA sequencing/pyrosequencing of , , and promoter, TB-SPRINT, and SNP typing were performed.

Accessory gene regulator (Agr) functionality in Staphylococcus aureus derived from lower respiratory tract infections.

Objective: Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates derived from lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), and correlation between the functionality of the accessory gene regulator (Agr) and genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, clinical variables and clinical outcome.

Methods: S aureus isolates derived from LRTIs and control groups (nasal carriage and bacteraemia) were genotyped using StaphyType DNA microarray. Agr activity was evaluated using the CAMP synergistic haemolysis assay and the Vesicle Lysis Test (VLT).