Protective Efficacy of BCG Vaccine against Mycobacterium leprae and Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infections

Advances in diagnosis and treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease

The prevalence of Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease (NTM-PD) is increasing worldwide. The advancement in molecular diagnostic technology has greatly promoted the rapid diagnosis of NTM-PD clinically, and the pathogenic strains can be identified to the species level through molecular typing, which provides a reliable basis for treatment. In addition to the well-known PCR and mNGS methods, there are numerous alternative methods to identify NTM to the species level. The treatment of NTM-PD remains a challenging problem. Although clinical guidelines outline several treatment options for common NTM species infections, in most cases, the therapeutic outcomes of these drugs for NTM-PD often fall short of expectations. At present, the focus of research is to find more effective and more tolerable NTM-PD therapeutic drugs and regimens. In this paper, the latest diagnostic techniques, therapeutic drugs and methods, and prevention of NTM-PD are reviewed.

Protective role of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine in Alzheimer's disease progression: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a significant societal challenge, highlighting the need to explore effective prevention and treatment approaches. Recent literature has suggested that Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine may be a viable therapeutic option for immune disorders associated with AD due to its immunomodulatory properties and protection against various diseases.

Methods

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association of BCG vaccine in the prevention of AD using six medical-scientific databases. A meta-analytical approach was undertaken to estimate the risk of AD incidence in patients with and without BCG vaccine exposure, followed by subgroup analyses. A risk of bias (RoB) assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results

Six cohort studies meeting our inclusion criteria were included (47,947 participants) in the study. From our meta-analysis, intravesical BCG vaccine administration lowered the risk of incidence of AD by 26% in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (p < 0.00001). Subgroup analyses showed that BCG vaccination showed a potentially notable preventive effect on AD in older adults (>75 years) and female participants. Conversely, significant heterogeneity in results was observed among male participants and those aged <75 years. The RoB was low in three studies and unclear in the remaining studies.

Conclusions

Although our results support the potential benefits of BCG vaccine in preventing AD in specific demographics, we remain cautious about interpreting such results. Further research examining the implications of BCG vaccination for prevention and possible treatment of AD should be undertaken in the future.

Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis and Crohn's Disease-Diagnostic Microbiological Investigations Can Inform New Therapeutic Approaches

Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the cause of Johne's disease (JD), which is a chronic infectious gastrointestinal disease of ruminants and is often fatal. In humans, MAP has been associated with Crohn's disease (CD) for over a century, without conclusive evidence of pathogenicity. Numerous researchers have contributed to the subject, but there is still a need for evidence of the causation of CD by MAP. An infectious aetiology in CD that is attributable to MAP can only be proven by bacteriological investigations. There is an urgency in resolving this question due to the rising global incidence rates of CD. Recent papers have indicated the "therapeutic ceiling" may be close in the development of new biologics. Clinical trial outcomes have demonstrated mild or inconsistent improvements in therapeutic interventions over the last decades when compared with placebo. The necessity to revisit therapeutic options for CD is becoming more urgent and a renewed focus on causation is essential for progress in identifying new treatment options. This manuscript discusses newer interventions, such as vaccination, FMT, dietary remediation and gut microbiome regulation, that will become more relevant as existing therapeutic options expire. Revisiting the MAP theory as a potential infectious cause of CD, rather than the prevailing concept of an "aberrant immune response" will require expanding the current therapeutic programme to include potential new alternatives, and combinations of existing treatments. To advance research on MAP in humans, it is essential for microbiologists and medical scientists to microscopically detect CWDM and to biologically amplify the growth by directed culture.

Buruli ulcer in Africa: Geographical distribution, ecology, risk factors, diagnosis, and indigenous plant treatment options - A comprehensive review

Buruli ulcer (BU), a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. The disease has been documented in many South American, Asian, and Western Pacific countries and is widespread throughout much of Africa, especially in West and Central Africa. In rural areas with scarce medical care, BU is a devastating disease that can leave patients permanently disabled and socially stigmatized. Mycobacterium ulcerans is thought to produce a mycolactone toxin, which results in necrosis of the afflicted tissue and may be involved in the etiology of BU. Initially, patients may notice a painless nodule or plaque on their skin; as the disease progresses, however, it may spread to other parts of the body, including the muscles and bones. Clinical signs, microbial culture, and histological analysis of afflicted tissue all contribute to a diagnosis of BU. Though antibiotic treatment and surgical removal of infected tissue are necessary for BU management, plant-derived medicine could be an alternative in areas with limited access to conventional medicine. Herein we reviewed the geographical distribution, socioeconomic, risk factors, diagnosis, biology and ecology of the pathogen. Complex environmental, socioeconomic, and genetic factors that influence BU are discussed. Further, our review highlights future research areas needed to develop strategies to manage the disease through the use of indigenous African plants.

Unveiling the Clinical Diversity in Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Infections: A Comprehensive Review

Once considered rare, nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections have garnered increasing attention in recent years. This comprehensive review provides insights into the epidemiology, clinical diversity, diagnostic methods, treatment strategies, prevention, and emerging research trends in NTM infections. Key findings reveal the global prevalence of NTM infections, their diverse clinical presentations affecting respiratory and extra-pulmonary systems, and the diagnostic challenges addressed by advances in microbiological, radiological, and immunological methods. Treatment complexities, especially drug resistance and patient adherence, are discussed, along with the vulnerability of special populations. The importance of early detection and management is underscored. Prospects in NTM research, including genomics, diagnostics, drug development, and multidisciplinary approaches, promise to enhance our understanding and treatment of these infections. This review encapsulates the multifaceted nature of NTM infections, offering a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals.

THEME: "Vaccines and Vaccine Adjuvants/Immunomodulators for Infectious Diseases"

The discovery of vaccines has enabled the successful prevention of many deadly infectious diseases, decreased the overall mortality rate, and improved life expectancy worldwide [...].

Good practices in the rearing and maintenance of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in Brazilian laboratories

Abstract Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is a management quality control system that encompasses the organizational process and conditions under which non-clinical health and environmental studies are carried out. According to the World Health Organization, GLP must contain five topics: resources, characterization, rules, results, and quality control. This work aims to address a review according to WHO standards of implementing Good Laboratory Practices in zebrafish (Danio rerio) vivariums. Considering that the promotion of one health (animal, human, and environmental) associated with an education plan, protocols, and records are fundamental to guarantee the safety and integrity of employees, animals, and the environment as well as reliability in the results generated. In a way, Brazil still needs improvements related to the well-being of aquatic organisms (national laws, international agreements, corporate programs, and others), especially concerning its use in research and technological development. In this way, the implementation of GLPs provides valuable guidance for improving animal welfare and worker safety, facilitating the standardization of research.

Boas práticas na criação e manutenção de zebrafish (Danio rerio) em laboratório no Brasil

Resumo As Boas Práticas de Laboratório (BPL) são um sistema de controle de qualidade gerencial que abrange o processo organizacional e as condições sob as quais os estudos não clínicos de saúde e meio ambiente são desenvolvidos. Conforme a Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) as BPL devem conter cinco tópicos: recursos, caracterização, regras, resultados e controle de qualidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar uma revisão conforme o padrão da OMS para a implementação das BPL em biotério de zebrafish. Considerando que a promoção da saúde única (animal, humana e ambiental) associada a um plano de educação, protocolos e registros são fundamentais para garantir a segurança e a integridade dos trabalhadores/pesquisadores, animais e meio ambiente assim como confiabilidade nos resultados gerados. De certa forma o Brasil ainda necessita de melhorias relacionadas ao bem-estar de organismos aquáticos (leis nacionais, acordos internacionais, programas corporativos e outros); especialmente em relação à utilização deste na pesquisa e desenvolvimento tecnológico. Desta forma, a implementação de BPL fornece uma orientação valiosa para a melhoria do bem-estar animal, e segurança do trabalhador vindo a facilitar a padronização da pesquisa.

Mycobacterium abscessus: It’s Complex

Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) is an opportunistic pathogen usually colonizing abnormal lung airways and is often seen in patients with cystic fibrosis. Currently, there is no vaccine available for M. abscessus in clinical development. The treatment of M. abscessus-related pulmonary diseases is peculiar due to intrinsic resistance to several commonly used antibiotics. The development of either prophylactic or therapeutic interventions for M. abscessus pulmonary infections is hindered by the absence of an adequate experimental animal model. In this review, we outline the critical elements related to M. abscessus virulence mechanisms, host–pathogen interactions, and treatment challenges associated with M. abscessus pulmonary infections. The challenges of effectively combating this pathogen include developing appropriate preclinical animal models of infection, developing proper diagnostics, and designing novel strategies for treating drug-resistant M. abscessus.