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He S, Li H, Chi B, Zhang X, Wang Y, Wu J, Huang Q. Construction of a dual-component hydrogel matrix for 3D biomimetic skin based on photo-crosslinked chondroitin sulfate/collagen. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127940. [PMID: 37951430 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The main challenge in the field of 3D biomimetic skin is to search for a suitable hydrogel matrix with good biocompatibility, appropriate mechanical property and inner porosity that can support the adhesion and proliferation of skin cells. In this study, photocurable chondroitin sulfate methacrylate (CSMA) and collagen methacrylate (CoLMA) synthesized from chondroitin sulfate (CS) and type I collagen I (CoL) in the dermal matrix were used to construct a photo-crosslinked dual-component CSMA-CoLMA hydrogel matrix. Due to the toughening effect of the dual-component, the CSMA-CoLMA hydrogel improved the intrinsic brittleness of the single-component CSMA hydrogel, presented good mechanical tunability. The average storage and elasticity modulus could reach 3.3 KPa and 30.3 KPa, respectively, which were close to those of natural skin. The CSMA-CoLMA hydrogel with a ratio of 8/6 showed suitable porous structure and good biocompatibility, supporting the adhesion and proliferation of skin cells. Furthermore, the expression of characteristic marker proteins was detected in the epidermal and dermal bi-layered models constructed with the hydrogel containing keratinocytes and fibroblasts. These results suggest that the dual-component CSMA-CoLMA hydrogel has promising potential as a matrix to construct 3D biomimetic skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengsheng He
- Center of Skin Health and Cosmetic Development & Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Huijuan Li
- College of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Baiyi Chi
- Center of Skin Health and Cosmetic Development & Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xingjiang Zhang
- Center of Skin Health and Cosmetic Development & Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuzhe Wang
- Center of Skin Health and Cosmetic Development & Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jianxin Wu
- Center of Skin Health and Cosmetic Development & Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qing Huang
- Center of Skin Health and Cosmetic Development & Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Chi B, Chau B, Yeo E, Ta P. Virtual reality for spinal cord injury-associated neuropathic pain: Systematic review. Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2018; 62:49-57. [PMID: 30312665 DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI)-associated neuropathic pain is challenging, with limited efficacy and no definitive options, and SCI patients often show resistance to pharmacologic treatment. Virtual reality (VR) therapy is a non-invasive, non-pharmacologic alternative with minimal adverse effects. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of VR therapy on SCI-associated neuropathic pain in a systematic review. METHODS Articles needed to 1) be written in English; 2) include adult subjects, with at least half the study population with a SCI diagnosis; 3) involve any form of VR therapy; and 4) assess neuropathic pain by quantitative outcome measures. Articles were searched in MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL®, EMBASE, and PsycINFO up to April 2018. Reference lists of retrieved articles were hand-searched. Methodologic quality was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Score (PEDro) for randomized controlled trials and Modified Downs and Black Tool (D&B) for all other studies. Level of evidence was determined by using a modified Sackett scale. RESULTS Among 333 studies identified, 9 included in this review (n=150 participants) evaluated 4 methods of VR therapy (virtual walking, VR-augmented training, virtual illusion, and VR hypnosis) for treating neuropathic pain in SCI patients. Each VR method reduced neuropathic pain: 4 studies supported virtual walking, and the other 3 VR methods were each supported by a different study. Combined treatment with virtual walking and transcranial direct current stimulation was the most effective. The quality of studies was a major limitation. CONCLUSION VR therapy could reduce SCI-associated neuropathic pain, although the clinical significance of this analgesic effect is unclear. Clinical trials evaluating VR therapy as standalone and/or adjunct therapy for neuropathic pain in SCI patients are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Chi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Loma Linda University Health, 11406 Loma Linda Drive, Suite 516, 92354 Loma Linda, CA, USA; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra Boulevard, 11549 Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - B Chau
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Loma Linda University Health, 11406 Loma Linda Drive, Suite 516, 92354 Loma Linda, CA, USA; VA Loma Linda Healthcare System, 11201 Benton Street, 92357 Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - E Yeo
- Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11175 Campus Street, 92350 Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - P Ta
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Loma Linda University Health, 11406 Loma Linda Drive, Suite 516, 92354 Loma Linda, CA, USA
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Zhou Y, Shi H, Wang Y, Kumar AR, Chi B, Han P. Assessment of correlation between CT angiographic clot load score, pulmonary perfusion defect score and global right ventricular function with dual-source CT for acute pulmonary embolism. Br J Radiol 2011; 85:972-9. [PMID: 21976633 DOI: 10.1259/bjr/40850443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate the correlation between CT angiographic clot load (CTACL) score, pulmonary perfusion defect (PPD) score and the global right ventricular function in the assessment of pulmonary embolism (PE) severity. METHODS 49 patients with acute PE, who underwent dual-source CT scan, were included in the study. CT angiography and perfusion imaging were performed. Data from electrocardiogram-gated coronary angiography scanning protocol were used for right ventricular function analysis. Two readers evaluated the CTACL and PPD scores using the Qanadli and Chae methods, respectively. RESULTS The PPD score had a strong positive correlation with the CTACL score (r=0.72, p<0.001) and both scores in turn had a strong positive correlation with the right ventricular/left ventricular (RV/LV) diameter ratio (r=0.60, r=0.62, p<0.001). However, the PPD score had a strong negative correlation with ejection fraction (EF) (r=-0.63, p<0.001) while the CTACL score had a low negative correlation with EF (r=-0.33, p=0.02). Between the RV/LV<1 group (n=35) and the RV/LV >1 group (n=14), the PPD score, CTACL score, pulmonary artery trunk diameter, EF and reflux of inferior vena cava were significantly different, all with p<0.001. The end-systolic volume (p=0.01) was significantly different but the end-diastolic volume (p=0.11) and stroke volume (p=0.08) showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION Therefore, considering PPD scores, CTACL scores and cardiovascular manifestations together may be helpful in the evaluation of PE severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital Attached to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Lobb R, Opdyke KM, McDonnell CJ, Pagaduan MG, Hurlbert M, Gates-Ferris K, Chi B, Allen JD. Abstract P1-10-10: Organizational Use of Evidence-Based Strategies To Promote Timely Mammography among Medically Underserved Clients Recruited through the Avon Breast Health Outreach Program. Cancer Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.sabcs10-p1-10-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Income-related disparities in breast cancer screening rates are due to barriers to mammography that are more prevalent among lower-income groups. To address barriers to completion of screening mammography, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends client-oriented interventions to increase demand and improve access. While evidence-based strategies have shown increased use of mammography for lower-income populations, little is known about the use of these strategies in real-world settings. Since 2001 the Avon Foundation for Women Breast Health Outreach Program (Avon BHOP) has granted over $53 million to more than 200 organizations to promote screening for breast cancer. Data collection and reporting requirements examine the reach of the program and utilization of evidenced-based interventions in diverse settings to promote repeat use of mammography among low-income women. Methods: This cross-sectional study describes the use of evidence-based strategies among Avon BHOP grantees to promote rescreening among returning clients, age 40-64, with no history of breast cancer; and examines associations between the strategies and use of mammography within the previous two years. Data were collected from two sources: 1) online survey administered to 149 organizations in 2009 to ascertain program strategies and 2) client intake form completed by clients or staff at Avon-funded agencies when women returned for annual mammograms. Organizational-level analysis included agencies that responded to the online survey and were funded by Avon from 2006-2009.
Results: Characteristics of the 86 organizations in the sample included: US geographic location (17% Mid-West, 27% Northeast, 30% South, and 26% West); 45% clinical sites; and delivery of the program to underserved populations including a high percentage of clients that: belonged to racial or ethnic minority group (62%), reported annual income of $25k or less (72%), and/or were uninsured (62%). Use of evidence-based strategies was common across organizations, including use of client reminders to schedule appointments (83% printed reminders, 74% telephone calls) and provision of patient navigation (51%). Use of strategies did not differ between clinical sites and community groups, and the rate of recent mammogram use was similar for both (clinical sites 84%, community groups 88%) and exceeded the target rate for Healthy People 2010 (70%).
Figure 1. The Proportion of Returning Clients Age 40-64 Yeats Who Had a Mammogram Within the Past 2 Years, by Type of Organization, Avon BHOP. 2007-2009.
Discussion: Avon BHOP programs are effective in recruiting underserved women for mammography screening. Both clinical and non-clinical organizations reported high rates of use of evidence-based strategies and high rates of recent mammogram for returning clients. These results suggest that strategies used to promote use of mammography among underserved populations previously enrolled in programs may be equally effective if implemented in clinical or non-clinical settings.
Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-10-10.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lobb
- Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michaels Hospital; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Cicatelli Associates Incorporated; James Bell Associates; Avon Foundation for Women; Harvard Medical School
| | - KM Opdyke
- Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michaels Hospital; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Cicatelli Associates Incorporated; James Bell Associates; Avon Foundation for Women; Harvard Medical School
| | - CJ McDonnell
- Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michaels Hospital; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Cicatelli Associates Incorporated; James Bell Associates; Avon Foundation for Women; Harvard Medical School
| | - MG Pagaduan
- Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michaels Hospital; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Cicatelli Associates Incorporated; James Bell Associates; Avon Foundation for Women; Harvard Medical School
| | - M Hurlbert
- Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michaels Hospital; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Cicatelli Associates Incorporated; James Bell Associates; Avon Foundation for Women; Harvard Medical School
| | - K Gates-Ferris
- Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michaels Hospital; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Cicatelli Associates Incorporated; James Bell Associates; Avon Foundation for Women; Harvard Medical School
| | - B Chi
- Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michaels Hospital; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Cicatelli Associates Incorporated; James Bell Associates; Avon Foundation for Women; Harvard Medical School
| | - JD. Allen
- Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michaels Hospital; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Cicatelli Associates Incorporated; James Bell Associates; Avon Foundation for Women; Harvard Medical School
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Hurlbert M, McDonnell C, Gates-Ferris K, Opdyke K, Pagaduan M, Chi B. Promising Practices in Mammography Recruitment, Retention and Rescreening for Breast Cancer Early Detection among Community-Based Programs Supported by the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund. Cancer Res 2009. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.sabcs-09-3080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background/Significance: National guidelines recommend women age 40 and older have mammograms every 1-2 years. Since 2000, the Avon Foundation Breast Care Fund (AFBCF), a project of Cicatelli Associates Inc., has supported nonprofit community-based organizations (CBOs) to provide breast health education and outreach to link medically underserved women with free/low-cost breast cancer screening services. These organizations have developed effective strategies for recruiting, retaining and rescreening clients. This evaluation study aims to identify promising practices for effective mammography recruitment, retention and rescreening among un/underinsured, low-income, and racial and/or ethnic minority women.Methods: Twenty of 144 AFBCF-funded CBOs were selected to participate in a retrospective study to determine clients' rescreening rates.CBOs provided de-identified data on mammography screening by age and visit date to determine their rescreening rate, defined as the proportion of female outreach clients age 40+ years receiving a mammogram and subsequent mammogram through that agency within the following 6-18 and/or 18-30 months. CBOs also completed a qualitative survey about program strategies and systems. Qualitative data were linked with rescreening rates to identify promising practices. Survey results were also used to develop a discrete questionnaire administered to 144 AFBCF-funded CBOs to identify which agencies currently employ identified promising practices.Results: Data analysis will be completed in September 2009.Preliminary results indicate that rescreening rates vary widely across agencies, from 15% to over 90%. In addition, findings indicate that some CBOs lack mechanisms to routinely monitor client rescreening. Utilizing unique client identifiers in conjunction with the use of electronic data tracking systems would facilitate tracking clients over time and improve targeted outreach efforts to increase rescreening rates.Discussion: Combined qualitative and quantitative analyses of differences in practices directed at encouraging mammography rescreening among medically underserved women will enable a description of promising practices for increasing rescreening rates in this population. Analysis will include an explanation of mammography rescreening rates among medically underserved women. Agencies with high rescreening rates will be identified and discussion regarding organizational characteristics and practices will be presented. Additionally, unique and innovative strategies for reaching specific populations will be examined.
Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 3080.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - B. Chi
- 3Cicatelli Associates Inc., NY,
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Ito BR, Zhang BH, Cable EE, Song X, Fujitaki JM, MacKenna DA, Wilker CE, Chi B, van Poelje PD, Linemeyer DL, Erion MD. Thyroid hormone beta receptor activation has additive cholesterol lowering activity in combination with atorvastatin in rabbits, dogs and monkeys. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 156:454-65. [PMID: 19183199 DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3639.2009.00038.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Thyroid hormone receptor (TR) agonists are in clinical trials for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. As statins are the standard of clinical care, any new therapies must have adjunctive activity, when given in combination with statins. As already known for the statins, the cholesterol lowering effect of TR activation involves increased expression of the low-density lipoprotein receptor. Using animal models, we tested whether TR activation would have additive cholesterol lowering activity in the presence of effective doses of a statin. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We evaluated the activity of a liver-targeted prodrug, MB07811, of a novel TH receptor beta agonist, MB07344, as monotherapy and in combination with atorvastatin in rabbits, dogs and monkeys. KEY RESULTS In rabbits, MB07344 (i.v.) decreased total plasma cholesterol (TPC) comparable to that achieved with a maximally effective dose of atorvastatin (p.o.). The addition of MB07344 to atorvastatin resulted in a further decrease in TPC. Similarly, the addition of MB07811 (p.o.) to atorvastatin treatment decreased TPC beyond the level achieved with either agent as monotherapy. In dogs and monkeys, atorvastatin and MB07811 were administered as monotherapy or in combination. Consistent with the rabbit studies, the combination treatment caused a greater decrease in TPC than either MB07811 or atorvastatin administered as monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We conclude that the effects of MB07811 and atorvastatin in lowering cholesterol are additive in animals. These results would encourage and support the demonstration of similarly improved efficacy of combination versus monotherapy with such agents in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Ito
- Department of Biological Sciences, Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc., La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Chi B, Alston M, Spann K, Collins P, Rabin R. A critical role for dendritic cells in immunosuppression caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). J Allergy Clin Immunol 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2004.12.912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Abstract
Some gram-positive oral bacteria such as Streptococcus gordonii are naturally transformable. We investigated the possibility of genetic exchange among oral bacteria using an erythromycin-resistant (Erm(r)) shuttle plasmid, pKMR4PE, as an indicator. S. gordonii Challis cells were co-cultivated with purified pKMR4PE or with Trepomena denticola harboring pKMR4PE either in broth or in artificial biofilms. Transformation of S. gordonii occurred both in broth and in biofilms with pKMR4PE or T. denticola harboring pKMR4PE as donor sources. These results provide direct experimental evidence that gene transfer can occur from T. denticola to S. gordonii.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Y Wang
- Department of Oral Biology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
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Girons IS, Chi B, Kuramitsu H. Development of shuttle vectors for spirochetes. J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol 2000; 2:443-5. [PMID: 11075916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Constructions of Escherichia coli-spirochete shuttle vectors are based on naturally occurring plasmids, broad host range plasmids or bacteriophages. This review primarily focuses on genetic tools for Treponema denticola which is associated with periodontal diseases. The T. pallidum FlaA protein, E. coli beta-galactosidase, and the green fluorescent protein were successfully expressed in T. denticola from a shuttle vector system.
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Affiliation(s)
- I S Girons
- Unité de Bactériologie Moléculaire et Médicale, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
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Chi B, Chauhan S, Kuramitsu H. Development of a system for expressing heterologous genes in the oral spirochete Treponema denticola and its use in expression of the Treponema pallidum flaA gene. Infect Immun 1999; 67:3653-6. [PMID: 10377154 PMCID: PMC116559 DOI: 10.1128/iai.67.7.3653-3656.1999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present communication describes the construction of a new Escherichia coli-Treponema denticola shuttle vector based on the naturally occurring spirochete plasmid pTS1 and the expression of the heterologous T. pallidum flaA gene from the plasmid in T. denticola. This new shuttle vector system should prove useful in characterizing virulence factors from unculturable pathogenic spirochetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Chi
- Department of Oral Biology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214, USA
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Abstract
Two of the 25 Bartonella isolates recovered during a prevalence study of Bartonella henselae bacteremia in domestic cats from the greater San Francisco Bay region were found to differ phenotypically and genotypically from all prior B. henselae isolates. These isolates, C-29 and C-30, which were recovered from the blood of two pet cats belonging to the same household, grew on chocolate agar as pinpoint colonies following 14 days of incubation at 35 degrees C in a candle jar but failed to grow on heart infusion agar supplemented with 5% rabbit blood. Additional phenotypic characteristics distinguished the isolates C-29 and C-30 from other feline B. henselae isolates. The restriction patterns obtained for C-29 and C-30 by citrate synthase PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis as well as by genomic RFLP could not be distinguished from each other but were distinctly different from that of the B. henselae type strain. In reciprocal reactions, DNAs from strains C-29 and C-30 were 97 to 100% related under optimal and stringent DNA reassociation conditions, with 0 to 0.5% divergence within related sequences. Labeled DNA from the type strain of B. henselae was 61 to 65% related to unlabeled DNAs from strains C-29 and C-30 in 55 degrees C reactions, with 5.0 to 5.5% divergence within the related sequences, and 31 to 41% related in stringent, 70 degrees C reactions. In reciprocal reactions, labeled DNAs from strains C-29 and C-30 were 68 to 92% related to those of the B. henselae type strain and other B. henselae strains, with 5 to 7% divergence. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain C-29 was 99.54% homologous to that of the type strain of B. henselae. On the basis of these findings, the two isolates C-29 and C-30 are designated a new species of Bartonella, for which we propose the name Bartonella koehlerae. The type strain of Bartonella koehlerae is strain C-29 (ATCC 700693).
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Affiliation(s)
- S Droz
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University of Berne, CH-3010 Berne, Switzerland.
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Chomel BB, Kasten RW, Floyd-Hawkins K, Chi B, Yamamoto K, Roberts-Wilson J, Gurfield AN, Abbott RC, Pedersen NC, Koehler JE. Experimental transmission of Bartonella henselae by the cat flea. J Clin Microbiol 1996; 34:1952-6. [PMID: 8818889 PMCID: PMC229161 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.34.8.1952-1956.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 390] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bartonella henselae is an emerging bacterial pathogen, causing cat scratch disease and bacillary angiomatosis. Cats bacteremic with B. henselae constitute a large reservoir from which humans become infected. Prevention of human infection depends on elucidation of the natural history and means of feline infection. We studied 47 cattery cats in a private home for 12 months to determine the longitudinal prevalence of B. henselae bacteremia, the prevalence of B. henselae in the fleas infesting these cats, and whether B. henselae is transmitted experimentally to cats via fleas. Vector-mediated transmission of B.henselae isolates was evaluated by removing fleas from the naturally bacteremic, flea-infested cattery cats and transferring these fleas to specific-pathogen-free (SPF) kittens housed in a controlled, arthropod-free University Animal Facility. B. henselae bacteremia was detected in 89% of the 47 naturally infected cattery cats. A total of 132 fleas were removed from cats whose blood was simultaneously cultured during different seasons and were tested individually for the presence of B. henselae DNA by PCR. B. henselae DNA was detected in 34% of 132 fleas, with seasonal variation, but without an association between the presence or the level of bacteremia in the corresponding cat. Cat fleas removed from bacteremic cattery cats transmitted B. henselae to five SPF kittens in two separate experiments; however, control SPF kittens housed with highly bacteremic kittens in the absence of fleas did not become infected. These data demonstrate that the cat flea readily transmits B. henselae to cats. Control of feline infestation with this arthropod vector may provide an important strategy for the prevention of infection of both humans and cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- B B Chomel
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616, USA
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