1
|
Kuley R, Duvvuri B, Wallin JJ, Bui N, Adona MV, O’Connor NG, Sahi SK, Stanaway IB, Wurfel MM, Morrell ED, Liles WC, Bhatraju PK, Lood C. Mitochondrial N-formyl methionine peptides contribute to exaggerated neutrophil activation in patients with COVID-19. Virulence 2023; 14:2218077. [PMID: 37248708 PMCID: PMC10231045 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2218077] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil dysregulation is well established in COVID-19. However, factors contributing to neutrophil activation in COVID-19 are not clear. We assessed if N-formyl methionine (fMet) contributes to neutrophil activation in COVID-19. Elevated levels of calprotectin, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and fMet were observed in COVID-19 patients (n = 68), particularly in critically ill patients, as compared to HC (n = 19, p < 0.0001). Of note, the levels of NETs were higher in ICU patients with COVID-19 than in ICU patients without COVID-19 (p < 0.05), suggesting a prominent contribution of NETs in COVID-19. Additionally, plasma from COVID-19 patients with mild and moderate/severe symptoms induced in vitro neutrophil activation through fMet/FPR1 (formyl peptide receptor-1) dependent mechanisms (p < 0.0001). fMet levels correlated with calprotectin levels validating fMet-mediated neutrophil activation in COVID-19 patients (r = 0.60, p = 0.0007). Our data indicate that fMet is an important factor contributing to neutrophil activation in COVID-19 disease and may represent a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runa Kuley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Life Sciences, Mahindra University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Bhargavi Duvvuri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Nam Bui
- Biomarker Sciences, Gilead Sciences Inc, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Mary Vic Adona
- Biomarker Sciences, Gilead Sciences Inc, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas G. O’Connor
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sharon K. Sahi
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ian B. Stanaway
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark M. Wurfel
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric D. Morrell
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - W. Conrad Liles
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Sepsis Center of Research Excellence-UW (SCORE-UW), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Pavan K. Bhatraju
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Sepsis Center of Research Excellence-UW (SCORE-UW), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christian Lood
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sathe NA, Mostaghim A, Barnes E, O'Connor NG, Sahi SK, Sakr SS, Zahlan JM, Smith CH, Fitzpatrick M, Morrell ED, Liles WC, Bhatraju PK. Biomarker Signatures of Severe Acute Kidney Injury in a Critically Ill Cohort of COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Illness. Crit Care Explor 2023; 5:e0945. [PMID: 37457915 PMCID: PMC10348733 DOI: 10.1097/cce.0000000000000945] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney and lung injury are closely inter-related during acute respiratory illness, but the molecular risk factors that these organ injuries share are not well defined. OBJECTIVES We identified plasma biomarkers associated with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) during acute respiratory illness, and compared them to biomarkers associated with severe acute respiratory failure (ARF). DESIGN SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective observational cohort study enrolling March 2020 through May 2021, at three hospitals in a large academic health system. We analyzed 301 patients admitted to an ICU with acute respiratory illness. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Outcomes were ascertained between ICU admission and day 14, and included: 1) severe AKI, defined as doubling of serum creatinine or new dialysis and 2) severe ARF, which included new or persistent need for high-flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation. We measured biomarkers of immune response and endothelial function, pathways related to adverse kidney and lung outcomes, in plasma collected within 24 hours of ICU admission. Severe AKI occurred in 48 (16%), severe ARF occurred in 147 (49%), and 40 (13%) patients experienced both. Two-fold higher concentrations of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (sTNFR-1) (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.56; 95% CI, 1.24-1.96) and soluble triggering receptor on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) (aRR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.42-2.41), biomarkers of innate immune activation, were associated with higher risk for severe AKI after adjustment for age, sex, COVID-19, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-III. These biomarkers were not significantly associated with severe ARF. Soluble programmed cell death receptor-1 (sPDL-1), a checkpoint pathway molecule, as well as soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), molecules involved with endothelial-vascular leukocyte adhesion, were associated with both severe AKI and ARF. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE sTNFR-1 and sTREM-1 were linked strongly to severe AKI during respiratory illness, while sPDL-1, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were associated with both severe AKI and ARF. These biomarker signatures may shed light on pathophysiology of lung-kidney interactions, and inform precision medicine strategies for identifying patients at high risk for these organ injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha A Sathe
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Ana Mostaghim
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD
| | - Elizabeth Barnes
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Nicholas G O'Connor
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Sharon K Sahi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Sana S Sakr
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Jana M Zahlan
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Craig H Smith
- Sepsis Center Of Research Excellence-UW (SCORE-UW), University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Michael Fitzpatrick
- Sepsis Center Of Research Excellence-UW (SCORE-UW), University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Eric D Morrell
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - W Conrad Liles
- Sepsis Center Of Research Excellence-UW (SCORE-UW), University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Pavan K Bhatraju
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Sepsis Center Of Research Excellence-UW (SCORE-UW), University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Background: Lumbar puncture is recommended for individuals with syphilis who have neurological symptoms, however symptoms have poor sensitivity for predicting symptomatic neurosyphilis. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a marker for neuroaxonal injury; cerebrospinal fluid concentrations are higher in symptomatic neurosyphilis than in uncomplicated syphilis or asymptomatic neurosyphilis. Methods: Serum NfL was quantified in 20 individuals with uncomplicated syphilis, 10 with asymptomatic neurosyphilis and 10 with symptomatic neurosyphilis using an ultrasensitive single molecule array assay; it was repeated a median of 12.5 months after neurosyphilis therapy. Serum NfL concentration was age-adjusted using a published formula. Results: Age-adjusted serum NfL concentration was significantly higher in symptomatic neurosyphilis compared to each of the other two groups. It was above the highest value in uncomplicated syphilis in one of 10 participants with asymptomatic neurosyphilis and 3 of 10 with symptomatic neurosyphilis. Serum NfL concentration increased in one participant with asymptomatic neurosyphilis with possible treatment failure. Conclusions: If confirmed in a larger study, serum NfL may be a useful adjunct for identifying central nervous system infection by T. pallidum . Age-adjusted serum neurofilament light (NfL) concentration was elevated in one of 10 individuals with asymptomatic neurosyphilis, and in three of 10 with symptomatic neurosyphilis, suggesting neuroaxonal injury in these persons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sharon K. Sahi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lauren C. Tantalo
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden; Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden; Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK; Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis diagnosis relies on serological tests, which may be falsely nonreactive or may be reactive but not reflect current syphilis. METHODS Polymerase chain reaction for detection of T. pallidum DNA was performed on 123 oropharyngeal swabs, 120 whole bloods, and 46 lesion exudate swabs from 123 untreated individuals with syphilis (cases); oropharyngeal swabs from 148 at-risk controls without syphilis; and 73 oropharyngeal swabs and 36 whole bloods from 73 individuals recently treated for syphilis. RESULTS Most (90.2%) cases had early syphilis. T. pallidum DNA was detected in 33 (26.8%) of 123 oropharyngeal swabs, 32 (26.7%) of 120 bloods, and 30 (65.2%) of 46 lesion exudate swabs. T. pallidum DNA was detected in 49 (40.8%) of 120 individuals in whom both oropharyngeal swabs and blood were tested. T. pallidum was more likely to be amplified from oropharyngeal swabs when it was amplified from blood than when it was not (15 of 32 [46.9%] vs. 17 of 88 [19.3%], P = 0.003). For each 2-fold increase in serum rapid plasma reagin titer, the odds of detection of T. pallidum DNA in oropharyngeal swabs increased by 1.44 (95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.82, P = 0.003). T. pallidum DNA was not detected in oropharyngeal samples from controls, but it was detected in 3 (8.3%) of 36 bloods from individuals recently treated for syphilis: 2 at 1 day and 1 at 5 days after initiation of syphilis treatment. CONCLUSIONS Nucleic amplification tests can identify recent T. pallidum infection and may be particularly useful for diagnosis of very early or asymptomatic syphilis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C. Tantalo
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Haley Mendoza
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David A. Katz
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sharon K. Sahi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christina M. Marra
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sahi SK, Zahlan JM, Tantalo LC, Marra CM. A Comparison of Treponema pallidum Subspecies pallidum Molecular Typing Systems: Multilocus Sequence Typing vs. Enhanced Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Typing. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:670-674. [PMID: 34110749 PMCID: PMC8373628 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At least 3 syphilis typing systems are proposed. Recent work suggests that multilocus sequence typing (MLST) may be superior to enhanced Centers for Disease Control and Prevention typing (ECDCT) by yielding a higher discriminatory power. The goal of this study was to compare the 2 systems and identify associations between neurosyphilis and strain types. METHODS Multilocus sequence typing for tp0136, tp0548, and tp0705 was determined for DNA from 78 Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum isolates propagated in rabbits, 10 oral and 10 genital or non-genital lesion swabs, and 10 blood samples from patients with syphilis. These samples were chosen because they were completely typeable by ECDCT. Using both systems, association between strain types and neurosyphilis, defined as a reactive cerebrospinal fluid Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test, was determined. Partial and complete ECDCT types were also determined for samples from different anatomical sites in 35 patients, and from blood and blood isolates (rabbit propagated) from 13 patients. RESULTS The MLST type could be fully determined for 100 (92.6%) of 108 samples. Although MLST subdivided 3 common ECDCT types, it failed to distinguish among others. Neurosyphilis was more common in individuals infected with type 1.1.2 and tp0705 type 2 using MLST, and tp0548 type f using ECDCT. Enhanced Centers for Disease Control and Prevention typing was stable among anatomical sites and between patient-derived and rabbit propagated organisms. CONCLUSIONS Compared with ECDCT, MLST was not uniformly more discriminating. Both typing systems demonstrate that specific types may be more neurotropic than others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharon K. Sahi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Jana M. Zahlan
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Marra CM, Maxwell CL, Sahi SK, Tantalo LC, Dunaway SB, Lukehart SA. Previous Syphilis Alters the Course of Subsequent Episodes of Syphilis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:e1-e5. [PMID: 33999990 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The influence of previous syphilis on the course of a subsequent episode is unknown. METHODS Individuals enrolled in a study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities in syphilis were allowed to enroll in the study again with subsequent syphilis. For each participant, the index episode was defined as the most recent syphilis episode for which the study entry visit was performed within 30 days of the syphilis diagnosis date. Venipuncture and lumbar puncture (LP) were performed. Total number of syphilis episodes was determined by review of medical and public health records. T. pallidum DNA in blood and rRNA in CSF were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase PCR. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined by logistic regression. RESULTS 651 individuals had one (n = 482), two (n = 121) or three or more (n = 48) episodes of syphilis. The proportion of individuals whose index episode was early latent stage was significantly higher in those with ≥3 syphilis episodes; this relationship was reduced to a trend when rate of testing was taken into account. Adjusted odds (aOR) of detection of T. pallidum DNA in blood or rRNA in CSF at the index episode were significantly lower in those with previous syphilis (0.17 [95% CI, 0.09-0.31] and 0.15 [95% CI, 0.07-0.35]). The aOR for neurosyphilis at the index episode was also significantly lower in individuals with previous syphilis (0.54 [95% CI, 0.34-0.87]). CONCLUSIONS Previous syphilis attenuates the manifestations of subsequent infection with T. pallidum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Marra
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Seattle, WA, USA.,Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Clare L Maxwell
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sharon K Sahi
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren C Tantalo
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Sheila A Lukehart
- Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Seattle, WA, USA.,Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bhatraju PK, Morrell ED, Zelnick L, Sathe NA, Chai XY, Sakr SS, Sahi SK, Sader A, Lum DM, Liu T, Koetje N, Garay A, Barnes E, Lawson J, Cromer G, Bray MK, Pipavath S, Kestenbaum BR, Liles WC, Fink SL, West TE, Evans L, Mikacenic C, Wurfel MM. Comparison of host endothelial, epithelial and inflammatory response in ICU patients with and without COVID-19: a prospective observational cohort study. Crit Care 2021; 25:148. [PMID: 33874973 PMCID: PMC8054255 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-021-03547-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analyses of blood biomarkers involved in the host response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral infection can reveal distinct biological pathways and inform development and testing of therapeutics for COVID-19. Our objective was to evaluate host endothelial, epithelial and inflammatory biomarkers in COVID-19. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 171 ICU patients, including 78 (46%) patients positive and 93 (54%) negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection from April to September, 2020. We compared 22 plasma biomarkers in blood collected within 24 h and 3 days after ICU admission. RESULTS In critically ill COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, the most common ICU admission diagnoses were respiratory failure or pneumonia, followed by sepsis and other diagnoses. Similar proportions of patients in both groups received invasive mechanical ventilation at the time of study enrollment. COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients had similar rates of acute respiratory distress syndrome, severe acute kidney injury, and in-hospital mortality. While concentrations of interleukin 6 and 8 were not different between groups, markers of epithelial cell injury (soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products, sRAGE) and acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A, SAA) were significantly higher in COVID-19 compared to non-COVID-19, adjusting for demographics and APACHE III scores. In contrast, angiopoietin 2:1 (Ang-2:1 ratio) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR-1), markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, were significantly lower in COVID-19 (p < 0.002). Ang-2:1 ratio and SAA were associated with mortality only in non-COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS These studies demonstrate that, unlike other well-studied causes of critical illness, endothelial dysfunction may not be characteristic of severe COVID-19 early after ICU admission. Pathways resulting in elaboration of acute phase proteins and inducing epithelial cell injury may be promising targets for therapeutics in COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavan K Bhatraju
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
- Sepsis Center of Research Excellence - University of Washington (SCORE-UW), Seattle, WA, USA.
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | - Eric D Morrell
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Leila Zelnick
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Neha A Sathe
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Xin-Ya Chai
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Sana S Sakr
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Sharon K Sahi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Anthony Sader
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Dawn M Lum
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Ted Liu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Neall Koetje
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Ashley Garay
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Elizabeth Barnes
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Jonathan Lawson
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Gail Cromer
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Mary K Bray
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | | | - Bryan R Kestenbaum
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - W Conrad Liles
- Sepsis Center of Research Excellence - University of Washington (SCORE-UW), Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Susan L Fink
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - T Eoin West
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Laura Evans
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Carmen Mikacenic
- Translational Research, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark M Wurfel
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Sepsis Center of Research Excellence - University of Washington (SCORE-UW), Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Kidney Research Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dunaway SB, Maxwell CL, Tantalo LC, Sahi SK, Marra CM. Neurosyphilis Treatment Outcomes After Intravenous Penicillin G Versus Intramuscular Procaine Penicillin Plus Oral Probenecid. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:267-273. [PMID: 31504293 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data comparing neurosyphilis treatment regimens are limited. METHODS Participants were enrolled in a study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities in syphilis that was conducted at the University of Washington between April 2003 to May 2014. They were diagnosed with syphilis and referred by their providers due to concerns for neurosyphilis. We evaluated 150 people with CSF abnormalities who were treated with either intravenous aqueous penicillin G (PenG) or intramuscular aqueous procaine penicillin G plus oral probenecid (APPG-P). An abnormal CSF diagnosis was defined as a white blood cell (WBC) count >20/µL, a CSF protein reading >50 mg/dL, or a reactive CSF-Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (VDRL). Hazard ratios for normalization of CSF or serum measures were determined using Cox regression. RESULTS In individuals treated with either PenG or APPG-P, CSF WBCs and CSF-VDRL reactivity normalized within 12 months after treatment, while protein normalized more slowly and less completely. There was no relationship between treatment regimen or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status and likelihood of normalization of any measure. Among those living with HIV, CSF WBC counts and CSF-VDRL reactivity were more likely to normalize in those treated with antiretrovirals. Unexpectedly, CSF WBCs were more likely to normalize in those with low CD4+ T cell counts. When neurosyphilis was more stringently defined as a reactive CSF-VDRL, the relationship with the CD4+ T cell count remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS In the current antiretroviral treatment era, neurosyphilis treatment outcomes are not different for PenG and APPG-P, regardless of HIV status. The relationship between the normalization of CSF WBC counts and CD4+ T cell counts may indicate continued imprecision in neurosyphilis diagnostic criteria, due to HIV-related CSF pleocytosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shelia B Dunaway
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Clare L Maxwell
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lauren C Tantalo
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sharon K Sahi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Christina M Marra
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Marra CM, Maxwell CL, Ramchandani M, Tantalo LC, Sahi SK, Dunaway SB, Litvack JR. Hearing loss in individuals at risk for neurosyphilis. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:1178-1185. [PMID: 32928054 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420947584] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Otosyphilis is a serious complication of syphilis.329 participants enrolled in a study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities in syphilis underwent portable audiometry (250 Hz to 8000 Hz at 5-75 dB); it was repeated in 33 after otosyphilis treatment. Treponema pallidum spp pallidum (T. pallidum) DNA in blood was quantitated by polymerase chain reaction. Odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined by logistic, ordinal or Cox regression.166 (50.5%) had normal hearing; 15 (4.6%) had low frequency (LF) loss alone, 93 (28.3%) had high frequency (HF) loss alone, and 55 (16.7%) had both. Adjusted odds of any hearing loss were higher with detectable blood T. pallidum DNA (3.00 [1.58-5.69], p = 0.001), CSF pleocytosis (2.02 [1.12-3.66], p = 0.02), and older age (2.22 per 10-year increase, [1.70-2.91], p < 0.001). HRs of normalization of LF and HF loss were lower for older individuals (0.20 [0.07-0.63, p = 0.005] and 0.22 [0.05-0.94, p = 0.04]), and HRs for normalization of HF loss were lower for those with more severe loss (0.09 [0.02-0.43], p = 0.002), and in those with CSF pleocytosis (0.32 [0.11-0.96], p = 0.04).Older age and CSF pleocytosis increase the likelihood of otosyphilis and impair hearing recovery after otosyphilis treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Marra
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Clare L Maxwell
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Meena Ramchandani
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.,Public Health - Seattle & King County HIV/STD Program, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren C Tantalo
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sharon K Sahi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shelia B Dunaway
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jamie R Litvack
- Department of Medical Education and Clinical Sciences, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Marra CM, Maxwell CL, Sahi SK, Tantalo LC, Dunaway SB, Lukehart SA. Previous Syphilis Alters the Course of Subsequent Episodes of Syphilis. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 71:1243-1247. [PMID: 31560366 PMCID: PMC7442847 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with previous syphilis may be more likely to be asymptomatic when they are reinfected with Treponema pallidum. METHODS Individuals enrolled in a study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities in syphilis were allowed to enroll in the study again with subsequent syphilis. For each participant, the index episode was defined as the most recent syphilis episode for which the study entry visit was performed within 30 days of the syphilis diagnosis date. Venipuncture and lumbar puncture were performed. The total number of syphilis episodes was determined by review of medical and public health records. Treponema pallidum DNA in blood and rRNA in CSF were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase PCR. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using logistic regression. RESULTS 701 individuals had 1 (n = 478), 2 (n = 155), or ≥3 (n = 68) episodes of syphilis. The proportion of individuals whose index episode was asymptomatic significantly increased with increased number of syphilis episodes (P < .001). This difference was not explained by frequency of serological tests. Adjusted ORs (aORs) of detection of T. pallidum DNA in blood or rRNA in CSF at the index episode were significantly lower in those with previous syphilis (0.13; 95% CI, .08-.23, and 0.06, 95% CI, .02-.17). The aOR of neurosyphilis at the index episode was also significantly lower in individuals with previous syphilis (0.43; 95% CI, .27-.68). CONCLUSIONS Previous syphilis attenuates clinical and laboratory manifestations of infection with T. pallidum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Marra
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine–Infectious Diseases, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Clare L Maxwell
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sharon K Sahi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lauren C Tantalo
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shelia B Dunaway
- Department of Medicine–Infectious Diseases, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sheila A Lukehart
- Department of Medicine–Infectious Diseases, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Beale MA, Marks M, Sahi SK, Tantalo LC, Nori AV, French P, Lukehart SA, Marra CM, Thomson NR. Genomic epidemiology of syphilis reveals independent emergence of macrolide resistance across multiple circulating lineages. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3255. [PMID: 31332179 PMCID: PMC6646400 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11216-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum and may lead to severe complications. Recent years have seen striking increases in syphilis in many countries. Previous analyses have suggested one lineage of syphilis, SS14, may have expanded recently, indicating emergence of a single pandemic azithromycin-resistant cluster. Here we use direct sequencing of T. pallidum combined with phylogenomic analyses to show that both SS14- and Nichols-lineages are simultaneously circulating in clinically relevant populations in multiple countries. We correlate the appearance of genotypic macrolide resistance with multiple independently evolved SS14 sub-lineages and show that genotypically resistant and sensitive sub-lineages are spreading contemporaneously. These findings inform our understanding of the current syphilis epidemic by demonstrating how macrolide resistance evolves in Treponema subspecies and provide a warning on broader issues of antimicrobial resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathew A Beale
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK.
| | - Michael Marks
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, UK
| | - Sharon K Sahi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Lauren C Tantalo
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | | | - Patrick French
- The Mortimer Market Centre CNWL, Camden Provider Services, London, UK
| | - Sheila A Lukehart
- Departments of Medicine and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Christina M Marra
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Nicholas R Thomson
- Parasites and Microbes, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, UK.
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ho EL, Maxwell CL, Dunaway SB, Sahi SK, Tantalo LC, Lukehart SA, Marra CM. Neurosyphilis Increases Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-associated Central Nervous System Inflammation but Does Not Explain Cognitive Impairment in HIV-infected Individuals With Syphilis. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 65:943-948. [PMID: 28525592 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who have previously had syphilis may have cognitive impairment. We tested the hypothesis that neurosyphilis causes cognitive impairment in HIV by amplifying HIV-related central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. Methods HIV-infected participants enrolled in a study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities in syphilis underwent the mental alternation test (MAT), venipuncture, and lumbar puncture. CSF concentrations of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and neurofilament light (NFL) were determined by commercial assays. The proportion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and of CSF white blood cells (WBCs) that were activated monocytes (CD14+CD16+) was determined by flow cytometry. Neurosyphilis was defined as detection of Treponema pallidum 16S RNA in CSF or CSF white blood cells (WBCs) >20/uL or a reactive CSF-Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test; uncomplicated syphilis was defined as undetectable CSF T. pallidum, CSF WBCs ≤5/uL and nonreactive CSF-VDRL. MAT <18 was considered low. Results Median proportion of PBMCs that were activated monocytes (16.6 vs. 5.3), and median CSF CXCL10 (10658 vs. 2530 units), CCL2 (519 vs. 337 units) and HIV RNA (727 vs. 50 c/mL) were higher in neurosyphilis than in uncomplicated syphilis (P ≤ .001 for all comparisons). Neurosyphilis was not related to low MAT scores. Participants with low MAT scores had higher median CSF CXCL10 (10299 vs. 3650 units, P = .008) and CCL2 (519 vs. 365 units, P = .04) concentrations than those with high MAT scores. Conclusions Neurosyphilis may augment HIV-associated CNS inflammation, but it does not explain cognitive impairment in HIV-infected individuals with syphilis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Ho
- Department of Neurology, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Marra CM, Maxwell CL, Dunaway SB, Sahi SK, Tantalo LC. Cerebrospinal Fluid Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination Assay for Neurosyphilis Diagnosis. J Clin Microbiol 2017; 55:1865-1870. [PMID: 28381602 PMCID: PMC5442543 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00310-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Limited data suggest that the cerebrospinal fluid Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (CSF-TPPA) is sensitive and a CSF Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (CSF-TPHA) titer of ≥1:640 is specific for neurosyphilis diagnosis. CSF-TPPA reactivity and titer were determined for a convenience sample of 191 CSF samples from individuals enrolled in a study of CSF abnormalities in syphilis (training data set). The sensitivity of a reactive test and the specificity for reactivity at serial higher CSF dilutions were determined. Subsequently, CSF-TPPA reactivity at a 1:640 dilution was determined for all available samples from study participants enrolled after the last training sample was collected (validation data set, n = 380). Neurosyphilis was defined as (i) a reactive CSF Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (CSF-VDRL), (ii) detection of T. pallidum in CSF by reverse transcriptase PCR, or (iii) new vision loss or hearing loss. In the training data set, the diagnostic sensitivities of a reactive CSF fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (CSF-FTA-ABS) and a reactive CSF-TPPA did not differ significantly (67 to 98% versus 76 to 95%). The specificity of a CSF-TPPA titer of ≥1:640 was significantly higher than that of lower dilutions and was not significantly different from that of CSF-VDRL. In the validation data set, the diagnostic specificity of a CSF-TPPA titer of ≥1:640 was high and did not differ significantly from that of CSF-VDRL (93 to 94% versus 90 to 91%). Ten CSF samples with a nonreactive CSF-VDRL had a CSF-TPPA titer of ≥1:640. If a CSF-TPPA titer of ≥1:640 was used in addition to a reactive CSF-VDRL, the number of neurosyphilis diagnoses would have increased from 47 to 57 (21.3%). A CSF-TPPA titer cutoff of ≥1:640 may be useful in identifying patients with neurosyphilis when CSF-VDRL is nonreactive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Marra
- Department of Neurology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Clare L Maxwell
- Department of Neurology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shelia B Dunaway
- Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sharon K Sahi
- Department of Neurology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lauren C Tantalo
- Department of Neurology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Molini BJ, Tantalo LC, Sahi SK, Rodriguez VI, Brandt SL, Fernandez MC, Godornes CB, Marra CM, Lukehart SA. Macrolide Resistance in Treponema pallidum Correlates With 23S rDNA Mutations in Recently Isolated Clinical Strains. Sex Transm Dis 2016; 43:579-83. [PMID: 27513385 PMCID: PMC4982755 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High rates of 23S rDNA mutations implicated in macrolide resistance have been identified in Treponema pallidum samples from syphilis patients in many countries. Nonetheless, some clinicians have been reluctant to abandon azithromycin as a treatment for syphilis, citing the lack of a causal association between these mutations and clinical evidence of drug resistance. Although azithromycin resistance has been demonstrated in vivo for the historical Street 14 strain, no recent T. pallidum isolates have been tested. We used the well-established rabbit model of syphilis to determine the in vivo efficacy of azithromycin against 23S rDNA mutant strains collected in 2004 to 2005 from patients with syphilis in Seattle, Wash. METHODS Groups of 9 rabbits were each infected with a strain containing 23S rDNA mutation A2058G (strains UW074B, UW189B, UW391B) or A2059G (strains UW228B, UW254B, and UW330B), or with 1 wild type strain (Chicago, Bal 3, and Mexico A). After documentation of infection, 3 animals per strain were treated with azithromycin, 3 were treated with benzathine penicillin G, and 3 served as untreated control groups. Treatment efficacy was documented by darkfield microscopic evidence of T. pallidum, serological response, and rabbit infectivity test. RESULTS Azithromycin uniformly failed to cure rabbits infected with strains harboring either 23S rDNA mutation, although benzathine penicillin G was effective. Infections caused by wild type strains were successfully treated by either azithromycin or benzathine penicillin G. CONCLUSIONS A macrolide resistant phenotype was demonstrated for all strains harboring a 23S rDNA mutation, demonstrating that either A2058G or A2059G mutation confers in vivo drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J. Molini
- From the *Department of Medicine, †Department of Neurology, and ‡Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Lauren C. Tantalo
- From the *Department of Medicine, †Department of Neurology, and ‡Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Sharon K. Sahi
- From the *Department of Medicine, †Department of Neurology, and ‡Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Veronica I. Rodriguez
- From the *Department of Medicine, †Department of Neurology, and ‡Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Stephanie L. Brandt
- From the *Department of Medicine, †Department of Neurology, and ‡Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Mark C. Fernandez
- From the *Department of Medicine, †Department of Neurology, and ‡Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Charmie B. Godornes
- From the *Department of Medicine, †Department of Neurology, and ‡Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Christina M. Marra
- From the *Department of Medicine, †Department of Neurology, and ‡Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Sheila A. Lukehart
- From the *Department of Medicine, †Department of Neurology, and ‡Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Marra CM, Tantalo LC, Sahi SK, Dunaway SB, Lukehart SA. Reduced Treponema pallidum-Specific Opsonic Antibody Activity in HIV-Infected Patients With Syphilis. J Infect Dis 2015; 213:1348-54. [PMID: 26655298 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals may have poorer serological responses to syphilis treatment and may be more likely to experience neurosyphilis. Treponema pallidum is cleared from sites of infection by opsonization, ingestion, and killing by macrophages. METHODS Serum samples from 235 individuals with syphilis were tested for T. pallidum-specific opsonic activity. Blood T. pallidum concentrations were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification of the tp0574 gene, and T. pallidum was detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of 16S ribosomal RNA. RESULTS Opsonic activity was higher with higher serum rapid plasma reagin titers (P < .001), and in those treated for uncomplicated syphilis before serum collection (P < .001). Opsonic activity was lower in HIV-infected than in HIV-uninfected individuals even after the above factors were taken into account (P = .006). In participants in whom blood T. pallidum was detectable, those with the highest opsonic activity had lower blood T. pallidum concentrations. In multivariable analyses, there was not a significant relationship between opsonic activity and detection of T. pallidum in CSF or CSF-VDRL reactivity. CONCLUSIONS Serum T. pallidum-specific opsonic activity is significantly lower in HIV-infected individuals. Impaired T. pallidum-specific immune responses could contribute to differences in the course of disease or treatment response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sheila A Lukehart
- Department Medicine (Infectious Diseases) Department Global Health, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in toll-like receptors (TLR) 1, 2, and 6 impair cell signaling in response to spirochetal lipoproteins. We investigated whether common SNPs in TLR1, TLR2, or TLR6 were associated with laboratory- or clinically-defined neurosyphilis. METHODS Polymorphisms in the genes for TLR1 (a T→G mutation at position 1805), TLR2 (a G→A mutation at position 2258), and TLR6 (a C→T mutation at position 745) were sought in 456 white patients with syphilis. Laboratory-defined neurosyphilis included a reactive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test. Clinically-defined neurosyphilis included new vision or hearing loss. Controls had CSF white blood cells of 5/μL or less, nonreactive CSF-Venereal Disease Research Laboratory, and no vision or hearing loss. RESULTS Overall, 26.2% of patients had laboratory-defined and 36.2% had clinically-defined neurosyphilis. Compared with controls, patients with any of the 3 SNPs were more likely to have laboratory-defined neurosyphilis. Those with TLR2 or TLR6 SNPs were more likely to have clinically-defined neurosyphilis. These associations were independent of serum rapid plasma reagin titer. CONCLUSIONS A common TLR1 polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of laboratory-defined neurosyphilis, and common TLR2 and TLR6 polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of both laboratory- and clinically-defined neurosyphilis. These data suggest that host factors impact the natural history of syphilis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sharon K. Sahi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Emily L. Ho
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Trudy Jones
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Thomas R. Hawn
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Grimes M, Sahi SK, Godornes BC, Tantalo LC, Roberts N, Bostick D, Marra CM, Lukehart SA. Two mutations associated with macrolide resistance in Treponema pallidum: increasing prevalence and correlation with molecular strain type in Seattle, Washington. Sex Transm Dis 2012; 39:954-8. [PMID: 23191949 PMCID: PMC3668457 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e31826ae7a8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although azithromycin promised to be a safe and effective single-dose oral treatment of early syphilis, azithromycin treatment failure has been documented and is associated with mutations in the 23S rDNA of corresponding Treponema pallidum strains. The prevalence of strains harboring these mutations varies throughout the United States and the world. We examined T. pallidum strains circulating in Seattle, Washington, from 2001 to 2010 to determine the prevalence of 2 mutations associated with macrolide resistance and to determine whether these mutations were associated with certain T. pallidum strain types. METHODS Subjects were enrolled in a separate ongoing study of cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities in patients with syphilis. T. pallidum DNA purified from blood and T. pallidum strains isolated from blood or cerebrospinal fluid were analyzed for two 23S rDNA mutations and for the molecular targets used in an enhanced molecular stain typing system. RESULTS Nine molecular strain types of T. pallidum were identified in Seattle from 2001 to 2010. Both macrolide resistance mutations were identified in Seattle strains, and the prevalence of resistant T. pallidum exceeded 80% in 2005 and increased through 2010. Resistance mutations were associated with discrete molecular strain types of T. pallidum. CONCLUSIONS Macrolide-resistant T. pallidum strains are highly prevalent in Seattle, and each mutation is associated with discrete strain types. Macrolides should not be considered for treatment of syphilis in regions where prevalence of the mutations is high. Combining the resistance mutations with molecular strain typing permits a finer analysis of the epidemiology of syphilis in a community.
Collapse
|
18
|
Marra CM, Sahi SK, Tantalo LC, Godornes C, Reid T, Behets F, Rompalo A, Klausner JD, Yin YP, Mulcahy F, Golden MR, Centurion-Lara A, Lukehart SA. Enhanced molecular typing of treponema pallidum: geographical distribution of strain types and association with neurosyphilis. J Infect Dis 2010; 202:1380-8. [PMID: 20868271 PMCID: PMC3114648 DOI: 10.1086/656533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strain typing is a tool for determining the diversity and epidemiology of infections. METHODS Treponema pallidum DNA was isolated from 158 patients with syphilis from the United States, China, Ireland, and Madagascar and from 15 T. pallidum isolates. Six typing targets were assessed: (1) the number of 60‐bp repeats in the acidic repeat protein gene, (2) restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of T. pallidum repeat (tpr) subfamily II genes, (3) RFLP analysis of the tprC gene, (4) determination of tprD allele in the tprD gene locus, (5) the presence of a 51‐bp insertion between tp0126 and tp0127, and (6) sequence analysis of an 84‐bp region of tp0548. The combination of targets 1 and 2 comprises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) T. pallidum subtyping method. RESULTS Adding sequence analysis of tp0548 to the CDC method yielded the most discriminating typing system. Twenty‐five strain types were identified and designated as "CDC subtype/tp0548 sequence type." Type 14d/f was found in samples from 5 of 6 locations. In Seattle, Washington, strain types changed from 1999 through 2008 (P < .001). Twenty‐one (50%) of 42 patients infected with type 14d/f had neurosyphilis compared with 10 (24%) of 41 patients infected with any of the other types combined (P = .02). CONCLUSION We describe an enhanced T. pallidum strain typing system that shows biological and clinical relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Marra
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sharon K. Sahi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren C. Tantalo
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Charmie Godornes
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tara Reid
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frieda Behets
- University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Departments of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health and Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anne Rompalo
- Departments of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Yue-Ping Yin
- Department of Reference STD Laboratory, National Center for STD Control, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China
| | - Fiona Mulcahy
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine and Infectious Diseases, St James Hospital and Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Matthew R. Golden
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Public Health - Seattle & King County, WA, USA
| | - Arturo Centurion-Lara
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sheila A. Lukehart
- Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Marra CM, Maxwell CL, Tantalo LC, Sahi SK, Lukehart SA. Normalization of serum rapid plasma reagin titer predicts normalization of cerebrospinal fluid and clinical abnormalities after treatment of neurosyphilis. Clin Infect Dis 2009; 47:893-9. [PMID: 18715154 DOI: 10.1086/591534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Success of neurosyphilis treatment is defined by normalization of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and clinical abnormalities. The goal of this study was to determine whether normalization of serum rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titer could accurately predict treatment success. METHODS One hundred ten patients who were enrolled in a longitudinal study of CSF abnormalities in syphilis had asymptomatic syphilitic meningitis, symptomatic syphilitic meningitis, or syphilitic eye disease and were treated for neurosyphilis. At 4, 7, and 13 months after treatment, serum RPR titer and CSF and clinical abnormalities were analyzed for normalization. Odds ratios for normalization of each CSF and clinical abnormality when serum RPR titer had normalized and the positive predictive value of normalization of serum RPR titer for normalization of CSF and clinical abnormalities were determined. RESULTS Serum RPR titer had normalized in 63 patients (57%) by 4 months after treatment, in 94 (85%) by 7 months, and in 97 (88%) by 13 months. Except for CSF protein concentration, normalization of serum RPR titer predicted normalization of other CSF and clinical abnormalities in >80% of patients at 4 months, >85% at 7 months, and >90% at 13 months. The odds of normalization of CSF and clinical abnormalities were 28-57-fold higher when serum RPR titer had normalized, compared with when it had not. Normalization of serum RPR titer was consistently less accurate in predicting treatment success in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients who were not receiving antiretroviral therapy, compared with those who were receiving such therapy. CONCLUSIONS In most instances, normalization of serum RPR titer correctly predicts success of treatment of neurosyphilis, and follow-up lumbar puncture can be avoided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Marra
- Department of Neurology, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Prakash J, Sahi SK, Rai US, Gedela SR, Tripathi K, Agrawal DK. Infectious complications in renal allograft recipients. Transplant Proc 1992; 24:1943. [PMID: 1412919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J Prakash
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|