Search Results (1,231)

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivation is an important agricultural sector worldwide. Its expansion into new areas, like Kazakhstan, brings significant phytosanitary risks. Viroids, such as grapevine yellow speckle viroid 1 (GYSVd-1) and hop stunt viroid (HSVd), are RNA pathogens that threaten vineyard productivity. They can cause a progressive decline through latent infections. Traditional diagnostic methods are usually targeted and therefore not suitable for thorough surveillance. In contrast, modern high-throughput sequencing (HTS) methods often face challenges due to their high costs and complicated sample preparation, such as ribosomal RNA (rRNA) depletion. This study introduces a simplified diagnostic workflow that overcomes these barriers. We utilized the latest Oxford Nanopore V14 cDNA chemistry, which is designed to prevent internal priming, by substituting a targeted oligo(dT)VN priming strategy to facilitate the sequencing of non-polyadenylated viroids from total RNA extracts, completely bypassing the rRNA depletion step and use of random oligonucleotides for c DNA synthesis. This method effectively detects and identifies both GYSVd-1 and HSVd. This workflow significantly reduces the time, cost, and complexity of HTS-based diagnostics. It provides a powerful and scalable tool for establishing strong genomic surveillance and phytosanitary certification programs, which are essential for supporting the growing viticulture industry in Kazakhstan. Full article

Background: It is still challenging to develop effective vaccines against tumorigenic human gammaherpesviruses such as Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). A major obstacle is the lack of a small animal model that reproduces the natural infection course of human gammaherpesviruses to allow for proper assessment of vaccine efficacy. Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) is a natural pathogen of wild rodents and laboratory mice and therefore can be used as a surrogate for human gammaherpesviruses to evaluate vaccination strategies. Methods: In this study, two mRNA vaccine candidates were generated, one encoding a fusion protein of the MHV68 gH with the gL (gHgL-mRNA) and the other expressing the MHV68 gB protein (gB-mRNA). The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the mRNA vaccine candidates were evaluated in a mouse model of MHV68 infection. Results: The gHgL-mRNA but not the gB-mRNA candidate vaccine was able to induce neutralizing antibodies in mice, whereas both vaccines could elicit antigen-specific T-cell responses. Following MHV68 intranasal inoculation, complete blocking of the establishment of viral latency was observed in some mice immunized with individual gHgL-mRNA or gB-mRNA vaccines. Notably, co-immunization with the two mRNA vaccines appeared to be more effective than individual vaccines, achieving sterile immunity in 50% of the vaccinated mice. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that immunization with mRNA platform-based subunit vaccines is indeed capable of preventing MHV68 latent infection, thus validating a safe and efficacious vaccination strategy that may be applicable to human gammaherpesviruses. Full article

Botryosphaeria dothidea is the causative agent of Chinese hickory trunk canker, which poses significant threat to the production of Chinese hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.). Previous studies reported that endophytic–pathogenic phase transition, also referred to as latent infection, plays an important role in the interaction of Botryosphaeria dothidea with various host plants, including Chinese hickory. However, the mechanism underlying this phase transition is not well understood. Here, we employed RNA-Seq to investigate transcriptional changes in B. dothidea during its phase transition upon interaction with Chinese hickory. A co-expression network was generated based on 6391 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified from different infection stages and temperature treatments. One co-expressed module was found that highly correlated with temperature treatments which simulated conditions of B. dothidea latent infection in the field. Subsequently, 53 hub genes were detected, and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed three categories of enriched GO terms: transmembrane transport or activity, ion homeostasis or transport, and carbohydrate metabolism. One PacC transcriptional factor (BDLA_00001555, an ambient pH regulator), and one endo-β-1,3-glucanase (BDLA_00010249) were specifically upregulated under temperature treatments that corresponded with the activation stage of B. dothidea’s pathogenic state. The knockout mutant strain of BDLA_00001555 demonstrated defective capability upon the activation of the pathogenic state. This confirmed that BDLA_00001555, the PacC transcriptional factor, plays an important role in the latent infection phase of B. dothidea. Our findings provide insights into the pathogenic mechanism of Chinese hickory trunk canker disease. Full article

Periodontal diseases in pediatric subjects represent a challenging and relatively underexplored area compared to the extensive data available about periodontal diseases in adults. The present narrative review aims to explore the periodontal status and the related subgingival and/or salivary microbial profiles in pediatric subjects (≤18 years), focusing also on the state of health or systemic diseases. In healthy periodontium, early colonizers, such as Streptococcus and Actinomyces spp., dominate the subgingival microbiota, supporting an eubiosis state. Low levels of Candida albicans and latent Herpesviridae may be detected. In gingivitis, the microbial profile shifts towards more pathogenic species, including Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum. In necrotizing gingivitis, typically affecting systemically compromised children, the microbial profile is characterized by spirochetes, Fusobacterium, and Prevotella intermedia. Viral coinfections—especially with HSV, CMV, and EBV—are more frequently detected. In periodontitis, the microbiota was dominated by red complex pathogens along with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in the aggressive forms, especially in systemically compromised children, as Herpesviridae reactivation and co-infections. Fungal involvement is less well characterized; Candida albicans may be present, particularly in cases of severe immune suppression. Nevertheless, the lack of pediatric longitudinal studies investigating periodontal disease progression after periodontal treatment and related changes in microbiological composition limited the understanding and exploration of the oral microbiota over time. Full article

Cervical cancer remains a major health burden among women in sub-Saharan Africa, where screening is often limited. Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is the principal cause, highlighting the need for accurate molecular diagnostics. This cross-sectional study evaluated the analytical performance of one mRNA assay, APTIMA^® HPV assay (APTIMA mRNA), and two DNA-based assays, the Abbott RealTime High Risk HPV assay (Abbott DNA) and Seegene Allplex™ II HPV28 assay (Seegene DNA), in 527 cervical samples from a South African tertiary hospital, focusing on 14 shared HR-HPV genotypes. Seegene DNA yielded the highest detection rate (53.7%), followed by Abbott DNA (48.2%) and APTIMA mRNA (45.2%). APTIMA mRNA showed a strong agreement with Abbott DNA (87.9%, κ = 0.80), 89.9% sensitivity, 91.2% NPV, and the highest accuracy (AUC = 0.8804 vs. 0.8681). The agreement between APTIMA mRNA and Seegene DNA was moderate (83.4%, κ = 0.70), reflecting target differences. Many DNA-positive/mRNA-negative cases likely represent transient infections, though some may be latent with reactivation potential, warranting a follow-up. In resource-constrained settings, prioritizing transcriptionally active infections through mRNA testing may enhance screening efficiency and reduce burden. Scalable, cost-effective assays with strong clinical utility are essential for broadening access and improving cervical cancer prevention. Further studies should assess the integration of mRNA testing into longitudinal screening algorithms. Full article

The 13th International Foamy Virus (FV) Conference was held from 8 to 10 November 2023 at the BioParque/Zoological Garden in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This was the first conference on spumaretroviruses to be held in the Southern Hemisphere and in the unique environment of the rainforest. New developments and current perspectives in FV research were presented. Highlights of the conference included the structural biology of the envelope protein (Env) and insights into its function and evolution, epidemiologic identification of Amazonian indigenous people with a high prevalence of simian FV (SFV) infections, investigations of virus biology and genomics using synthetic FV DNAs, studies of humoral immune response, and development and applications of SFV vectors. The last day of the meeting was a special tour of the Centro de Primatologia do Rio de Janeiro, located northeast of Rio de Janeiro amidst the protected rainforest, where New World primate hosts of spumaretroviruses are rescued and studied. Our report summarizes the meeting highlights and outcomes for future discussions. Full article

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V. parahaemolyticus) is a preeminent seafood-borne pathogen, imposing significant economic burdens on global aquaculture. The escalating prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains has accentuated the critical urgency for developing sustainable biocontrol strategies. In this study, a bacteriophage designated vB_VPAP_XY75 (XY75) was isolated and biologically characterized to establish an effective control against V. parahaemolyticus. XY75 exhibited remarkable specificity toward V. parahaemolyticus, effectively lysing 46.2% of the target strains while showing no lytic activity against non-target bacterial species. Morphological characterization confirmed its taxonomic assignment to the Myoviridae family, featuring an icosahedral head (40 ± 2 nm) and contractile tail (60 ± 2 nm). XY75 demonstrated strong environmental tolerance, remaining stable at pH 4–11 and temperatures as high as 50 °C. At an optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI = 0.01), XY75 achieved a peak titer of 8.1 × 10¹⁰ PFU/mL, a 5 min latent period, and burst size of 118 PFU/cell. Critically, XY75 reduced V. parahaemolyticus in salmon by more than 5.98 log CFU/g (99.9%) within 6 h at 4 °C, demonstrating exceptional cold tolerance and lytic activity. Genomic analysis confirmed that no virulence or antibiotic resistance genes were present. These results establish XY75 as a safe and efficacious biocontrol candidate for seafood preservation, with particular utility under refrigerated storage conditions. Full article

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for a range of severe infections and nosocomial outbreaks. Phage-based therapy and biocontrol represent effective strategies to combat the prevalence of A. baumannii. This study reports a novel phage, BUCT775, capable of specifically lysing A. baumannii, and investigates its physiological properties, genomic characteristics, in vivo therapeutic efficacy, and environmental disinfection performance. Phage BUCT775 is a podovirus that forms clear, well-defined plaques with an average diameter of 2.5 ± 0.52 mm. It exhibits a broad range of temperature stability (4–55 °C) and pH stability (pH 3–12). The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) for phage BUCT775 is 0.01. At an MOI of 0.01, it demonstrates a latent period of approximately 10 min and exhibits a high burst size. Genomic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis revealed that phage BUCT775 belongs to the order Caudoviricetes and the family Autographiviridae. Its genome has a G + C content of 39.3% and is not known to contain virulence genes or antibiotic resistance genes. Phage BUCT775 exhibited significant therapeutic effects on A. baumannii-infected G. mellonella larvae, increasing the 120 h survival rate of the larvae by 20%. Additionally, phage BUCT775 efficiently eliminated A. baumannii in the environment, with an average clearance rate exceeding 98% within 3 h. These studies suggest that phage BUCT775 holds significant potential for application in phage therapy and environmental disinfection. Full article

SMoV and SVBV are two major viruses that pose significant threats to the global strawberry industry. Both are latent viruses, making early detection difficult due to their uneven distribution and low concentration in host tissues. Traditional RT-PCR techniques are insufficient for precise and quantitative detection. In this study, TaqMan RT-qPCR detection systems for SMoV and SVBV were established for application in practical production settings, enabling accurate, rapid, and efficient detection of strawberry viruses. When viral accumulation in plants is low, the highly sensitive TaqMan RT-qPCR technique allows for accurate quantification, facilitating the early identification of infected plants and preventing large-scale outbreaks in cultivation areas. The development of a duplex TaqMan RT-qPCR assay enables simultaneous quantification of SMoV and SVBV in a single reaction, improving detection efficiency and providing technical support for risk assessment and effective control of strawberry viral diseases. Full article

Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) remains an important public health issue, as individuals can harbor Mycobacterium tuberculosis without symptoms and later develop active disease. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with LTBI positivity among tuberculosis (TB) contacts in congregate settings in Gyeongsan City, the Republic of Korea (ROK), from 2014 to 2023. A total of 213 index cases and 3666 contacts were analyzed using data from the Korea Tuberculosis Infection Control System (KTB-NET). Overall, 20.7% of contacts tested positive for LTBI, with the highest rates observed among contacts aged ≥65 years (50.4%) and in healthcare facilities (34.8%). Binary logistic regression analyses revealed that age ≥65 years (OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.95–4.39; p < 0.001), social welfare facilities (OR: 2.75; 95% CI: 2.10–3.58; p < 0.001), workplaces (OR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.88–3.10; p < 0.001), and healthcare facilities (OR: 3.42; 95% CI: 2.63–4.43; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased LTBI risk. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions and prevention strategies focused on older adults and high-risk groups to prevent future TB outbreaks by reducing the burden of LTBI. Full article

The varicella-zoster virus is a human herpesvirus that causes varicella as the primary infection and HZ as the reactivation of a latent infection. Ten to twenty percent of cases of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) involve the ophthalmic branch of the fifth cranial nerve. Any area of the eye may be affected by the condition. HZ has a lifetime risk of more than 30%. Complications from herpes zoster can significantly lower quality of life. The goal of HZ vaccinations is to stop HZ activation and PHN formation. Despite the uncommon possibility of side effects such as eye problems, the majority of vaccines on the market now are safe. The purpose of this review is to discuss VZV infection and analyze and summarize the ocular complications following VZV vaccination. Full article

Background: The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence and epidemiological changes of major sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Korea over the past decade. Methods: From 2010 to 2021, patients diagnosed with STIs based on ICD-10 codes were analyzed using Korean Health insurance data. The analysis included the number of patients, prevalence, and age-specific prevalence (in 5-year intervals) over this period. We examined changes in disease patterns over time by analyzing the annual trends and age-specific prevalence of bacterial STIs such as chlamydia, mycoplasma, gonorrhea, and syphilis; viral STIs such as genital herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); and other infections including scabies, pubic lice, and trichomoniasis. Results: In 2010, the STI with the highest prevalence due to an infectious pathogen was trichomoniasis (256.65/100,000), while latent syphilis had the lowest prevalence (5.29/100,000). In 2021, the STI with the highest prevalence was genital herpes (254.54 per 100,000 persons), and latent syphilis continued to have the lowest prevalence. Bacterial STIs showed a decreasing trend. Viral STIs showed a continuous increase throughout the study period, with anogenital warts (AGW) having the highest rate of increase. Other infections showed a decreasing trend. HIV and AGW in men showed a rapid increase. Gender differences varied depending on the disease. Conclusions: While bacterial STIs have gradually declined, viral STIs have continued to increase during last decade. The characteristics of each pathogen vary according to age and gender, necessitating the establishment of risk groups for each pathogen and the development of prevention policies accordingly. Full article

Mycobacterium tuberculosis—an acid-fast staining bacterium—is a serious global health challenge that can have both short-term and long-term complications. Although the immune response helps trap the infection, it can also cause necrosis and calcification, leading to lung tissue damage. Calcification is a known outcome of chronic granuloma evolution in TB. Multiple pathways contribute to fibrosis and calcification; some examples are IL-1β, TGF-β, and TNF-α. Current antifibrotic drugs, such as nintedanib and pirfenidone, are effective but may increase the risk of latent tuberculosis reactivation in certain patients. Experimental therapies such as artemisinin derivatives have shown promise in preclinical TB fibrosis models, while cell-based therapies like bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells are also under early investigation for dual antifibrotic and immunomodulatory effects. This literature review will explore recent studies on the pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis, the mechanisms underlying calcification in granuloma formation, and subsequent complications of the disease process. Full article

Background and Aim: Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, classically presents with genital or anal chancres; rectal involvement is rare and frequently misdiagnosed as inflammatory bowel disease or malignancy. We describe an unusually severe case of syphilitic proctitis in the setting of advanced HIV-related immunosuppression (CD4 39 cells/µL), in which targeted immunophenotyping (ERG and CD38) was a valuable adjunctive tool in the differential diagnosis. Case Presentation: A 46-year-old man with a recent history of erosive gastritis and esophageal candidiasis presented after six months of unintentional 20 kg weight loss, profound fatigue, intermittent fevers, profuse diarrhea, and two episodes of hematemesis. Workup revealed a new diagnosis of HIV infection (CD4: 39 cells/µL; viral load: 87,837 copies/mL). Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated uniform, concentric rectal wall thickening (“target sign”). Colonoscopic biopsy showed exuberant granulation tissue and dense plasma cell infiltrates. Immunohistochemistry revealed a dense infiltrate of CD38-positive plasma cells and ERG-positive endothelial proliferation. These findings, in the context of positive serology, were highly supportive of a spirochetal etiology and helped differentiate it from potential mimics. Serology was positive for latent late syphilis (VDRL 1:64). The patient received three weekly doses of intramuscular benzathine penicillin; lumbar puncture excluded neurosyphilis. Discussion: This is among the first reported cases of syphilitic proctitis in a patient with CD4 < 50 cells/µL, where advanced immunophenotyping differentiated syphilitic inflammation from neoplastic or inflammatory mimics. Profound immunosuppression accelerates disease progression and yields atypical clinical features. Conclusion: In HIV-infected patients with chronic rectal symptoms, especially those with CD4 < 50 cells/µL, syphilitic proctitis must be considered. Integration of radiologic assessment, histopathology with ERG/CD38 staining, and serologic testing permits prompt diagnosis. Early benzathine penicillin therapy and rigorous clinical and serologic follow-up are essential to prevent complications, including neurosyphilis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are at increased risk of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) reactivation, influenced by DMARD type. This study aimed to determine LTBI prevalence using interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) and identify associated risk factors in IMID patients in a middle-high TB burden setting in Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2024 to April 2025 at an IMID clinic. Patients aged ≥18 years, either receiving DMARDs or prior to initiating treatment, were included. LTBI was diagnosed using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus assay. Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test, and multivariate analysis was conducted. Results: LTBI prevalence was 34.2% (95% CI 29.1–39.7%) according to QFT-Plus and 35.6% (95% CI 29.7–42.0%) according to TSTs (n = 230). Prior TB exposure was the strongest risk factor (aOR 4.20, 95% CI 1.74–10.12, p = 0.001), while rheumatoid arthritis was associated with a lower LTBI likelihood (aOR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.59, p < 0.001). Conclusions: A high prevalence of LTBI was observed in patients with IMIDs treated with DMARDs. Prior tuberculosis exposure was strongly associated with LTBI. These findings highlight the importance of LTBI screening in this population to prevent reactivation. Full article