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Aronoff JE, McDade TW, Adair LS, Lee NR, Carba DB, MacIsaac JL, Dever K, Atashzay P, Kobor MS, Kuzawa CW. Socioeconomic status is negatively associated with immunosenescence but positively associated with inflammation among middle-aged women in Cebu, Philippines. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:101-108. [PMID: 37820972 PMCID: PMC10841485 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Socioeconomic status (SES) gradients in health are well-documented, and while biological pathways are incompletely understood, chronic inflammation and accelerated immune aging (immunosenescence) among lower SES individuals have been implicated. However, previous findings have come from samples in higher income countries, and it is unclear how generalizable they are to lower- and middle-income countries (LMIC) with different infectious exposures and where adiposity-an important contributor to chronic inflammation-might show different SES patterning. To address this gap, we explored associations between SES and inflammation and immunosenescence in a sample of women in Cebu, Philippines. METHODS Data came from the mothers of the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey birth cohort (mean age: 47.7, range: 35-69 years). SES was measured as a combination of annual household income, education level, and assets. Chronic inflammation was measured using C-reactive protein (CRP) in plasma samples from 1,834 women. Immunosenescence was measured by the abundance of exhausted CD8T (CD8 + CD28-CD45RA-) and naïve CD8T and CD4T cells, estimated from DNA methylation in whole blood in a random subsample of 1,028. Possible mediators included waist circumference and a collection of proxy measures of pathogen exposure. RESULTS SES was negatively associated with the measures of immunosenescence, with slight evidence for mediation by a proxy measure for pathogen exposure from the household's drinking water source. In contrast, SES was positively associated with CRP, which was explained by the positive association with waist circumference. CONCLUSIONS Similar to higher income populations, in Cebu there is an SES-gradient in pathogen exposures and immunosenescence. However, lifestyle changes occurring more rapidly among higher SES individuals is contributing to a positive association between SES and adiposity and inflammation. Our results suggest more studies are needed to clarify the relationship between SES and inflammation and immunosenescence across LMIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob E Aronoff
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
| | - Thomas W McDade
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Linda S Adair
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Carolina Population Center, CB #8120, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Nanette R Lee
- Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Delia B Carba
- Office of Population Studies Foundation, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kristy Dever
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Parmida Atashzay
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA; Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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Zhang H, Li L, Jia L, Liu J. Association between carotenoid intake and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease among US adults: A cross-sectional study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36658. [PMID: 38134087 PMCID: PMC10735096 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Carotenoids have been recognized for their potential health benefits due to their antioxidant properties. There is limited research on the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and carotenoids. This study aimed to investigate the effect of carotenoid intake on the risk of MAFLD. We retrospectively analyzed 2722 adults aged ≥ 18 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018. Hepatic steatosis was identified by elastography, and carotenoid consumption was evaluated through two 24-hour dietary recall interviews. Weighted logistic regression models, subgroup analyses, and restricted cubic splines were used for analyses. The weighted prevalence of MAFLD was 51.90%. Weighted logistic regression analysis demonstrated that intake of β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene was associated with a lower risk of MAFLD after adjusting for various covariates. Compared to the lowest tertile, a significant inverse correlation was observed between the highest total lycopene intake and MAFLD among females in the gender subgroup analysis. Restricted cubic spline regression analysis revealed a U-shaped association between lycopene consumption and MAFLD risk (P < .001), with an inflection point of approximately 9.48 mg/day. Moreover, the nonlinear relationship was particularly significant in females and absent in males. In summary, increased β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene consumption was associated with a decreased risk of MAFLD. The relationship between total lycopene intake and MAFLD was nonlinear, primarily in females. These findings have significant implications for the potential prevention and management of MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li Li
- Intensive Care Unit, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Jia
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinchun Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Do WL, Wang L, Forgues M, Liu J, Rabibhadana S, Pupacdi B, Zhao Y, Gholian H, Bhudhisawasdi V, Pairojkul C, Sukeepaisarnjaroen W, Pugkhem A, Luvira V, Lertprasertsuke N, Chotirosniramit A, Auewarakul CU, Ungtrakul T, Sricharunrat T, Sangrajrang S, Phornphutkul K, Budhu A, Harris CC, Mahidol C, Ruchirawat M, Wang XW. Pan-viral serology uncovers distinct virome patterns as risk predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101328. [PMID: 38118412 PMCID: PMC10772458 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the pan-serological profiles of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) compared to several diseased and non-diseased control populations to identify risk factors and biomarkers of liver cancer. We used phage immunoprecipitation sequencing, an anti-viral antibody screening method using a synthetic-phage-displayed human virome epitope library, to screen patient serum samples for exposure to over 1,280 strains of pathogenic and non-pathogenic viruses. Using machine learning methods to develop an HCC or iCCA viral score, we discovered that both viral scores were positively associated with several liver function markers in two separate at-risk populations independent of viral hepatitis status. The HCC score predicted all-cause mortality over 8 years in patients with chronic liver disease at risk of HCC, while the viral hepatitis status was not predictive of survival. These results suggest that non-hepatitis viral infections may contribute to HCC and iCCA development and could be biomarkers in at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney L Do
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Limin Wang
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marshonna Forgues
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jinping Liu
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Yongmei Zhao
- Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Heelah Gholian
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Vor Luvira
- Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anuradha Budhu
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA; Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Curtis C Harris
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Mathuros Ruchirawat
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Office of Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Xin Wei Wang
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA; Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Barry PA, Iyer SS, Gibson L. Re-Evaluating Human Cytomegalovirus Vaccine Design: Prediction of T Cell Epitopes. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1629. [PMID: 38005961 PMCID: PMC10674879 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
HCMV vaccine development has traditionally focused on viral antigens identified as key targets of neutralizing antibody (NAb) and/or T cell responses in healthy adults with chronic HCMV infection, such as glycoprotein B (gB), the glycoprotein H-anchored pentamer complex (PC), and the unique long 83 (UL83)-encoded phosphoprotein 65 (pp65). However, the protracted absence of a licensed HCMV vaccine that reduces the risk of infection in pregnancy regardless of serostatus warrants a systematic reassessment of assumptions informing vaccine design. To illustrate this imperative, we considered the hypothesis that HCMV proteins infrequently detected as targets of T cell responses may contain important vaccine antigens. Using an extant dataset from a T cell profiling study, we tested whether HCMV proteins recognized by only a small minority of participants encompass any T cell epitopes. Our analyses demonstrate a prominent skewing of T cell responses away from most viral proteins-although they contain robust predicted CD8 T cell epitopes-in favor of a more restricted set of proteins. Our findings raise the possibility that HCMV may benefit from evading the T cell recognition of certain key proteins and that, contrary to current vaccine design approaches, including them as vaccine antigens could effectively take advantage of this vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Barry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Smita S. Iyer
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA;
| | - Laura Gibson
- Departments of Medicine and of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
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Zhu S, VanWormer E, Shapiro K. More people, more cats, more parasites: Human population density and temperature variation predict prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii oocyst shedding in free-ranging domestic and wild felids. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286808. [PMID: 37343040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous zoonotic parasite that can infect warm-blooded vertebrates, including humans. Felids, the definitive hosts, drive T. gondii infections by shedding the environmentally resistant stage of the parasite (oocysts) in their feces. Few studies characterize the role of climate and anthropogenic factors in oocyst shedding among free-ranging felids, which are responsible for the majority of environmental contamination. We determined how climate and anthropogenic factors influence oocyst shedding in free-ranging domestic cats and wild felids using generalized linear mixed models. T. gondii oocyst shedding data from 47 studies were systematically reviewed and compiled for domestic cats and six wild felid species, encompassing 256 positives out of 9,635 total fecal samples. Shedding prevalence in domestic cats and wild felids was positively associated with human population density at the sampling location. Larger mean diurnal temperature range was associated with more shedding among domestic cats and warmer temperature in the driest quarter was associated with lower oocyst shedding in wild felids. Increasing human population density and temperature fluctuation can exacerbate environmental contamination with the protozoan parasite T. gondii. Management of free-ranging domestic cats could lower the burden of environmental oocysts due to their large population sizes and affinity with human settlements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth VanWormer
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
- School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Karen Shapiro
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
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Mangione CM, Barry MJ, Nicholson WK, Cabana M, Chelmow D, Coker TR, Davis EM, Donahue KE, Jaén CR, Kubik M, Li L, Ogedegbe G, Pbert L, Ruiz JM, Stevermer J, Wong JB. Serologic Screening for Genital Herpes Infection: US Preventive Services Task Force Reaffirmation Recommendation Statement. JAMA 2023; 329:502-507. [PMID: 36786784 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.0057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by 2 related viruses, herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2). Infection is lifelong; currently, there is no cure for HSV infection. Antiviral medications may provide clinical benefits to symptomatic persons. Transmission of HSV from a pregnant person to their infant can occur, most commonly during delivery; when genital lesions or prodromal symptoms are present, cesarean delivery can reduce the risk of transmission. Neonatal herpes infection is uncommon yet can result in substantial morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE To reaffirm its 2016 recommendation, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a reaffirmation evidence update on targeted key questions to systematically evaluate the evidence on accuracy, benefits, and harms of routine serologic screening for HSV-2 infection in asymptomatic adolescents, adults, and pregnant persons. POPULATION Adolescents and adults, including pregnant persons, without known history, signs, or symptoms of genital HSV infection. EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that the harms outweigh the benefits for population-based screening for genital HSV infection in asymptomatic adolescents and adults, including pregnant persons. RECOMMENDATION The USPSTF recommends against routine serologic screening for genital HSV infection in asymptomatic adolescents and adults, including pregnant persons. (D recommendation).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Esa M Davis
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | - Li Li
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | | | - Lori Pbert
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester
| | | | | | - John B Wong
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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7
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Tian T, Zhang J, Xie W, Ni Y, Fang X, Liu M, Peng X, Wang J, Dai Y, Zhou Y. Dietary Quality and Relationships with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) among United States Adults, Results from NHANES 2017-2018. Nutrients 2022; 14:4505. [PMID: 36364767 PMCID: PMC9659246 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new definition for the evidence of hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysfunctions. The specific role of the dietary factors in the development and progress of the disease are not well illuminated. Thus, we conducted this study on the associations between dietary quality assessed by five dietary quality indexes (Dietary Inflammatory Index, DII; Mediterranean diet, MED; Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension, DASH; Alternate Healthy Eating Index diet, AHEI; Healthy Eating Indices, HEI) and MAFLD phenotypes. This study was extracted from the latest NHANES 2017-2018 wave. Demographic information, health status, lifestyles, and dietary habits were reported in the questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression and multivariate ordinal logistic regression methods were applied to explore the associations between dietary quality indexes and MAFLD or MAFLD with liver fibrosis. The weighted prevalence of Non-MAFLD, MAFLD without fibrosis, and MAFLD with fibrosis were 47.05%, 36.67%, and 16.28%, respectively, at the cutoff value of a median Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) 248 dB/m and a median Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) 6.3 kPa. When the diagnostic cutoff values of CAP changed to 285 dB/m, the weighted prevalence of Non-MAFLD, MAFLD without liver fibrosis, and MAFLD with fibrosis turned to 64.62%, 22.08%, and 13.30%, respectively. All five dietary quality indexes, including DII, HEI-2015, AHEI, DASH, and MED, were all significantly associated with MAFLD phenotypes. DII was positively associated with MAFLD phenotypes, while other four dietary quality indexes, including HEI-2015, AHEI, DASH, and MED, were significantly associated with lower risk of MAFLD phenotypes. MAFLD is becoming a threatening public health concern among adult Americans and dietary quality is markedly associated with MAFLD phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Tian
- Institute of Food Safety and Assessment, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jingxian Zhang
- Institute of Food Safety and Assessment, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Institute of Food Safety and Assessment, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yunlong Ni
- Institute of Food Safety and Assessment, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xinyu Fang
- Institute of Food Safety and Assessment, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mao Liu
- Department of Environment and Health, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xianzhen Peng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Kangda College, Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang 222000, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Fundamental and Community Nursing, School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yue Dai
- Institute of Food Safety and Assessment, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yonglin Zhou
- Institute of Food Safety and Assessment, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing 210009, China
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8
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Jones RP, Ponomarenko A. Roles for Pathogen Interference in Influenza Vaccination, with Implications to Vaccine Effectiveness (VE) and Attribution of Influenza Deaths. Infect Dis Rep 2022; 14:710-758. [PMID: 36286197 PMCID: PMC9602062 DOI: 10.3390/idr14050076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathogen interference is the ability of one pathogen to alter the course and clinical outcomes of infection by another. With up to 3000 species of human pathogens the potential combinations are vast. These combinations operate within further immune complexity induced by infection with multiple persistent pathogens, and by the role which the human microbiome plays in maintaining health, immune function, and resistance to infection. All the above are further complicated by malnutrition in children and the elderly. Influenza vaccination offers a measure of protection for elderly individuals subsequently infected with influenza. However, all vaccines induce both specific and non-specific effects. The specific effects involve stimulation of humoral and cellular immunity, while the nonspecific effects are far more nuanced including changes in gene expression patterns and production of small RNAs which contribute to pathogen interference. Little is known about the outcomes of vaccinated elderly not subsequently infected with influenza but infected with multiple other non-influenza winter pathogens. In this review we propose that in certain years the specific antigen mix in the seasonal influenza vaccine inadvertently increases the risk of infection from other non-influenza pathogens. The possibility that vaccination could upset the pathogen balance, and that the timing of vaccination relative to the pathogen balance was critical to success, was proposed in 2010 but was seemingly ignored. Persons vaccinated early in the winter are more likely to experience higher pathogen interference. Implications to the estimation of vaccine effectiveness and influenza deaths are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney P Jones
- Healthcare Analysis and Forecasting, Wantage OX12 0NE, UK
| | - Andrey Ponomarenko
- Department of Biophysics, Informatics and Medical Instrumentation, Odessa National Medical University, Valikhovsky Lane 2, 65082 Odessa, Ukraine
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Kua KP, Chongmelaxme B, Lee SWH. Association Between Cytomegalovirus Infection and Tuberculosis Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiological Studies. J Infect Dis 2022; 227:471-482. [PMID: 35512129 PMCID: PMC9927079 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide from an infectious disease. This review aimed to investigate the association between prior cytomegalovirus infection and tuberculosis disease. METHODS Six bibliographic databases were searched from their respective inception to 31 December 2021. Data were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Of 5476 identified articles, 15 satisfied the inclusion criteria with a total sample size of 38 618 patients. Pooled findings showed that individuals with cytomegalovirus infection had a higher risk of tuberculosis disease compared to those not infected with cytomegalovirus (odds ratio [OR], 3.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.18-4.70). Age was the only covariate that exerted a significant effect on the result of the association. Meta-analysis of risk estimates reported in individual studies showed a marked and significant correlation of cytomegalovirus infection with active tuberculosis (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.34-4.51; adjusted OR, 1.14; 95% CI, .71-1.57). A clear dose-response relation was inferred between the levels of cytomegalovirus antibodies and the risks of tuberculosis events (OR for high levels of cytomegalovirus antibodies, 4.07; OR for medium levels of cytomegalovirus antibodies, 3.58). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest an elevated risk of tuberculosis disease among individuals with a prior cytomegalovirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kok Pim Kua
- Pharmacy Unit, Puchong Health Clinic, Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Puchong, Malaysia
| | - Bunchai Chongmelaxme
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Shaun Wen Huey Lee
- Correspondence: S. Lee, MPharm, PhD, GCHE, School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Room 4-4-37, Subang Jaya, Selangor 47500, Malaysia ()
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Abstract
Healthy development and function of essentially all physiological systems and organs, including the brain, require exposure to the microbiota of our mothers and of the natural environment, especially in early life. We also know that some infections, if we survive them, modulate the immune system in relevant ways. If we study the evolution of the immune and metabolic systems, we can understand how these requirements developed and the nature of the organisms that we need to encounter. We can then begin to identify the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of these exposures. Against this evolutionary background, we can analyze the ways in which the modern urban lifestyle, particularly for individuals experiencing low socioeconomic status (SES), results in deficient or distorted microbial exposures and microbiomes. Thus, an evolutionary approach facilitates the identification of practical solutions to the growing scandal of health disparities linked to inequality.
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Binder AR, May K, Murphy J, Gross A, Carlsten E. Environmental Health Literacy as Knowing, Feeling, and Believing: Analyzing Linkages between Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status and Willingness to Engage in Protective Behaviors against Health Threats. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052701. [PMID: 35270393 PMCID: PMC8910584 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates the relationships between environmental health literacy, the characteristics of people (race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status) associated with health disparities, and people’s willingness to engage in protective behaviors against environmental health threats. Environmental health literacy is a framework for capturing the continuum between the knowledge of environmental impacts on public health, and the skills and decisions needed to take health-protective actions. We pay particular attention to three dimensions of environmental health literacy: factual knowledge (knowing the facts), knowledge sufficiency (feeling ready to decide what to do), and response efficacy (believing that protective behaviors work). In June 2020, we collected survey data from North Carolina residents on two topics: the viral infection COVID-19 and industrial contaminants called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). We used their responses to test stepwise regression models with willingness to engage in protective behaviors as a dependent variable and other characteristics as independent variables, including environmental health literacy. For both topics, our results indicated that no disparities emerged according to socioeconomic factors (level of education, household income, or renting one’s residence). We observed disparities in willingness according to race, comparing Black to White participants, but not when comparing White to American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander participants nor Hispanic to non-Hispanic participants. The disparities in willingness between Black and White participants persisted until we introduced the variables of environmental health literacy, when the difference between these groups was no longer significant in the final regression models. The findings suggest that focusing on environmental health literacy could bridge a gap in willingness to protect oneself based on factors such as race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status, which have been identified in the environmental health literature as resulting in health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R. Binder
- Center for Human Health & the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (K.M.); (J.M.); (E.C.)
- Department of Communication, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-919-515-9750
| | - Katlyn May
- Center for Human Health & the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (K.M.); (J.M.); (E.C.)
| | - John Murphy
- Center for Human Health & the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (K.M.); (J.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Anna Gross
- Center for Health and Equity Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Elise Carlsten
- Center for Human Health & the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (K.M.); (J.M.); (E.C.)
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Olbrich L, Stockdale L, Basu Roy R, Song R, Cicin-Sain L, Whittaker E, Prendergast AJ, Fletcher H, Seddon JA. Understanding the interaction between cytomegalovirus and tuberculosis in children: The way forward. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010061. [PMID: 34882748 PMCID: PMC8659711 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 1 million children develop tuberculosis (TB) each year, with a quarter dying. Multiple factors impact the risk of a child being exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the risk of progressing to TB disease, and the risk of dying. However, an emerging body of evidence suggests that coinfection with cytomegalovirus (CMV), a ubiquitous herpes virus, impacts the host response to Mtb, potentially influencing the probability of disease progression, type of TB disease, performance of TB diagnostics, and disease outcome. It is also likely that infection with Mtb impacts CMV pathogenesis. Our current understanding of the burden of these 2 diseases in children, their immunological interactions, and the clinical consequence of coinfection is incomplete. It is also unclear how potential interventions might affect disease progression and outcome for TB or CMV. This article reviews the epidemiological, clinical, and immunological literature on CMV and TB in children and explores how the 2 pathogens interact, while also considering the impact of HIV on this relationship. It outlines areas of research uncertainty and makes practical suggestions as to potential studies that might address these gaps. Current research is hampered by inconsistent definitions, study designs, and laboratory practices, and more consistency and collaboration between researchers would lead to greater clarity. The ambitious targets outlined in the World Health Organization End TB Strategy will only be met through a better understanding of all aspects of child TB, including the substantial impact of coinfections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Olbrich
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Stockdale
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- The Jenner Institute, The Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robindra Basu Roy
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rinn Song
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Luka Cicin-Sain
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Elizabeth Whittaker
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. Prendergast
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Helen Fletcher
- Department of Infection Biology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - James A. Seddon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Zandam H, Mitra M, Akobirshoev I, Li FS, Ne'eman A. Infectious Diseases-Related Emergency Department Visits Among Non-Elderly Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in the United States: Results from the National Emergency Department Sample, 2016. Popul Health Manag 2021; 25:335-342. [PMID: 34665664 DOI: 10.1089/pop.2021.0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence on the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) points to the underlying risk and burden of infectious diseases (IDs) in this population. The objective of this study was to examine the risk of ID-related emergency department (ED) visits, subsequent hospitalizations, and hospital-based mortality during ID-related visits among adults with IDD compared to those without IDD. The authors conducted a retrospective study using data from the 2016 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample. The sample included 94,928 adults with IDD identified using ICD-10-CM codes, and age- and sex-matched 284,763 non-IDD adults in a 1:3 case-control ratio. A Poisson regression model was used to compare the risk of ID-related ED visits, subsequent hospitalizations, and hospital-based mortality during ID-related visits between adults with and without IDD. Covariates included sociodemographic and hospital characteristics. Results showed that adults with IDD are at a higher risk for ID-related ED visits, subsequent hospitalization, and mortality during ID-related ED visits compared to non-IDD adults. Adults with IDD continued to experience higher risks even after accounting for sociodemographic, hospital, and clinical characteristics. Septicemia and respiratory tract infections are the leading causes of ED visits, hospitalization, and mortality. This study found substantial disparities in ID-related ED visits, subsequent hospitalization, and mortality among the burdens for adults with IDD. These observations underscore the importance of integrated strategies to reduce ID-related morbidity among adults with IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussaini Zandam
- Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Monika Mitra
- Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ilhom Akobirshoev
- Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Frank S Li
- Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ari Ne'eman
- Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
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Stebbins RC, Edwards JK, Plassman BL, Yang YC, Noppert GA, Haan M, Aiello AE. Immune function, cortisol, and cognitive decline & dementia in an aging latino population. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 133:105414. [PMID: 34563836 PMCID: PMC8600484 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The etiology of dementias and cognitive decline remain largely unknown. It is widely accepted that inflammation in the central nervous system plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of dementia. However, less is known about the role of the peripheral immune system and interactions with cortisol, though evidence suggests that these, too, may play a role. METHODS Using data from 1337 participants aged 60+ years from the Sacramento Area Latino Study of Aging (observational cohort) we investigated variation in trajectories of cognitive decline by pathogen IgG and cytokine levels. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the association between baseline Interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and five persistent pathogens' IgG response and trajectories of cognition over 10 years, and to examine interactions between immune biomarkers and cortisol. Stratified cumulative incidence functions were used to assess the relation between biomarkers and incident dementia. Inverse probability weights accounted for loss-to-follow-up and confounding. RESULTS IL-6, TNF-α, and CMV IgG were statistically significantly associated with a higher log of Modified Mini-Mental State Examination errors (IL-6, β=0.0935 (95%CI: 0.055, 0.13), TNF-alpha β= 0.0944 (95%CI: 0.032, 0.157), and CMV, β= 0.0409 (95%CI: 0.013, 0.069)). Furthermore, cortisol interacted with HSV-1 and IL-6, and CRP for both cross-sectional cognitive function and rate of decline. No statistically significant relationship was detected between biomarkers and incidence of dementia. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the theory that the peripheral immune system may play a role in cognitive decline but not incident dementia. Furthermore, they identify specific markers amenable for intervention for slowing decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Stebbins
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Social, Genetic, & Developmental Psychiatry CentreInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Jessie K Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Brenda L Plassman
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Y Claire Yang
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Sociology, Lineberger Cancer Center University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Grace A Noppert
- Social Environment and Health, Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Mary Haan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Allison E Aiello
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Stebbins RC, Noppert GA, Yang YC, Dowd JB, Simanek A, Aiello AE. Association Between Immune Response to Cytomegalovirus and Cognition in the Health and Retirement Study. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:786-797. [PMID: 33094810 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwaa238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infections and the subsequent immune response have recently been shown to be risk factors for cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD). While some studies have shown an association between cytomegalovirus (CMV), a chronic and highly prevalent infection, and cognition and/or ADRD, these studies have been limited by nonrepresentative and small samples. Using 2016 data on 5,617 adults aged 65 years or more from the Health and Retirement Study, we investigated the cross-sectional associations of both CMV serostatus and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response with cognitive function using linear regression models adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and educational attainment. We further investigated potential effect-measure modification by educational attainment. Overall, both CMV seropositivity and higher IgG antibody response were associated with lower cognitive function, though the relationship was not statistically significant in adjusted models. Among participants with less than a high school diploma, CMV seropositivity and being in the first tertile of IgG response, relative to seronegative persons, were associated with lower scores on the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (-0.56 points (95% confidence interval: -1.63, 0.52) and -0.89 points (95% confidence interval: -2.07, 0.29), respectively), and the relationship was attenuated among those with higher education. Our results suggest that CMV may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment, particularly among persons with fewer educational resources.
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Bulka CM, Avula V, Fry RC. Associations of exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances individually and in mixtures with persistent infections: Recent findings from NHANES 1999-2016. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 275:116619. [PMID: 33578314 PMCID: PMC7957906 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Certain viruses and parasites can cause persistent infections that often co-occur and have been associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Separate lines of research indicate exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) suppress the immune system. We hypothesized that PFAS exposures might systematically increase susceptibility to persistent infections resulting in a higher pathogen burden. We used data from 8778 individuals (3189 adolescents, 5589 adults) in the nationally-representative U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2016 to examine cross-sectional associations between serum concentrations of four highly detected PFAS (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA) with the presence of antibodies to cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr virus, hepatitis C and E, herpes simplex 1 and 2, HIV, T. gondii, and Toxocara spp. Seropositivity was summed to calculate a pathogen burden score reflecting the total number of infections. Separate survey-weighted multivariable regression models were fitted to analyze PFAS individually and quantile g-computation was used to analyze PFAS mixtures. Among adolescents, 38.7% had at least one persistent infection while 14.9% had two or more; among adults, these percentages were 48.0% and 19.7%. Each PFAS was individually associated with significantly higher pathogen burdens and the most pronounced associations were observed in adolescents [e.g., among adolescents, a doubling of PFOS was associated with 30% (95% CI: 25-36%) higher pathogen burden]. Quantile g-computation revealed PFAS mixtures as a whole were also associated with higher pathogen burdens. Taken together, these results suggest PFAS exposure may increase susceptibility to and foster the clustering of persistent infections, particularly among adolescents. Since persistent infections are important contributors to long-term health, prospective data are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Bulka
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Vennela Avula
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Bond P. Ethnicity and the relationship between covid-19 and the herpes simplex viruses. Med Hypotheses 2020; 146:110447. [PMID: 33383524 PMCID: PMC8086127 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.110447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The pathogen burden, defined by the frequency of antibodies to several viruses and a parasite, is greater in Hispanic whites and black populations than it is in non-Hispanic whites, in the USA. The poor and those without higher education also have higher pathogen burdens. The most frequent pathogen that was measured, was the Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus can inactivate most of the elements in the immune system, that are designed to protect against the incursions of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. HSV-1 can also damage the blood brain barrier (BBB), which prevents the entry of pathogens into the central nervous system. Without the help of HSV-1, the COVID-19 virus may not be able to cause serious illness or death in humans. A prophylactic treatment to contain HSV-1, could be vital in the fight against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bond
- Holly House, Farm St., Fladbury, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 2QD, United Kingdom
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Noppert GA, Aiello AE, O'Rand AM, Cohen HJ. Race/Ethnic and Educational Disparities in the Association Between Pathogen Burden and a Laboratory-Based Cumulative Deficits Index. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2020; 7:99-108. [PMID: 31642044 PMCID: PMC6980710 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-019-00638-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities in adult morbidity and mortality may be rooted in patterns of biological dysfunction in early life. We sought to examine the association between pathogen burden and a cumulative deficits index (CDI), conceptualized as a pre-clinical marker of an unhealthy biomarker profile, specifically focusing on patterns across levels of social disadvantage. METHODS Using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004 wave (aged 20-49 years), we examined the association of pathogen burden, composed of seven pathogens, with the CDI. The CDI comprised 28 biomarkers corresponding to available clinical laboratory measures. Models were stratified by race/ethnicity and education level. RESULTS The CDI ranged from 0.04 to 0.78. Nearly half of Blacks were classified in the high burden pathogen class compared with 8% of Whites. Among both Mexican Americans and other Hispanic groups, the largest proportion of individuals were classified in the common pathogens class. Among educational classes, 19% of those with less than a high school education were classified in the high burden class compared with 7% of those with at least a college education. Blacks in the high burden pathogen class had a CDI 0.05 greater than those in the low burden class (P < 0.05). Whites in the high burden class had a CDI only 0.03 greater than those in the low burden class (P < 0.01). DISCUSSION Our findings suggest there are significant social disparities in the distribution of pathogen burden across race/ethnic groups, and the effects of pathogen burden may be more significant for socially disadvantaged individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A Noppert
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, 123 West Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA.
- Duke University Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - A E Aiello
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, 123 West Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
- Department of Epidemiology Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - A M O'Rand
- Duke University Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - H J Cohen
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Durham, NC, USA
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