Association between antibodies to Coxiella burnetii in bulk tank milk and perinatal mortality of Danish dairy calves

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Coxiella burnetii </it>is a well-known cause of placentitis and subsequent abortion in ruminants, but there are no reports on the relationship with perinatal mortality. The study was performed to determine the influence of level and change of bulk tank milk (BTM) antibodies to <it>C. burnetii </it>on two outcomes associated with parturition in cattle: a) stillbirth; and b) stillbirth and neonatal mortality combined (perinatal death).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Twenty-four Danish dairy herds were tested repeatedly for antibodies to <it>C. burnetii </it>in BTM using a commercial ELISA. Samples were collected monthly from July 2008 to July 2009. Information on the 2,362 calvings occurring in the study period was obtained from the Danish Cattle Database. Two multilevel logistic regression models were created for the two outcomes stillbirth and perinatal mortality. One model included the level of BTM antibodies in a specified period before or after the outcome had occurred. The other model included the change in antibodies over time. These predictors were included both at herd and animal level. Furthermore, all models included parity and breed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The individual monthly BTM antibody levels were highly correlated within herds. Consequently, changes in BTM antibody levels were not found to be associated with neither risk of stillbirth nor the risk of perinatal mortality. However, the risk of stillborn calves and perinatal death was higher with high level of BTM antibodies 8 to 9 months after the incident, but not outside this period.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We conclude that the level of antibodies to <it>C. burnetii </it>in BTM may be associated with perinatal mortality, but the association was not persistent and should be investigated further.</p

Presence of Antibodies Against Coxiella burnetii and Risk of Spontaneous Abortion: A Nested Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Q fever is a bacterial zoonosis caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii. It is well established that Q fever causes fetal loss in small ruminants. The suspicion has been raised that pregnant women may also experience adverse pregnancy outcome when the infection is acquired or reactivated during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential association between serologic markers of infection with C. burnetii and spontaneous abortion. METHODS: A nested case-control study within the Danish National Birth Cohort, a cohort of 100,418 pregnancies recruited from 1996-2002. Women were recruited in first trimester of pregnancy and followed prospectively. Median gestational age at enrolment was 8 weeks (25 and 75 percentiles: 7 weeks; 10 weeks). During pregnancy, a blood sample was collected at gestational week 6-12 and stored in a bio bank. For this study, a case sample of 218 pregnancies was drawn randomly among the pregnancies in the cohort which ended with a miscarriage before 22 gestational weeks, and a reference group of 482 pregnancies was selected in a random fashion among all pregnancies in the cohort. From these pregnancies, serum samples were screened for antibodies against C. burnetii in a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Samples that proved IgG or IgM antibody positive were subsequently confirmatory tested by an immunofluorescence (IFA) test. RESULTS: Among cases, 11 (5%) were C. burnetii positive in ELISA of which one was confirmed in the IFA assay compared to 29 (6%) ELISA positive and 3 IFA confirmed in the random sample. CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence of a higher prevalence of C. burnetii antibodies in serum samples from women who later miscarried and the present study does not indicate a major association between Q fever infection and spontaneous abortion in humans. Very early first trimester abortions were, however, not included in the study

European consensus statement on essential colposcopy

Peer reviewedPostprin

Antibodies against Coxiella burnetii and pregnancy outcome during the 2007-2008 Q fever outbreaks in the Netherlands

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Q fever has become a major public health problem in the Netherlands. Infection with <it>Coxiella burnetii </it>(Q fever) during pregnancy has resulted in adverse pregnancy outcome in the majority of reported cases. Therefore, we aimed to quantify this risk by examining the earliest periods corresponding to the epidemic in the Netherlands.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Serum samples that had been collected from the area of highest incidence by an existing national prenatal screening programme and data from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry (PRN) on diagnosis and outcome were used. We performed indirect immunofluorescence assay to detect the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against <it>C. burnetii </it>in the samples. The serological results were analyzed to determine statistical association with recorded pregnancy outcome.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Evaluation of serological results for 1174 women in the PRN indicated that the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against phase II of <it>C. burnetii </it>was not significantly associated with preterm delivery, low birth weight, or several other outcome measures.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The present population-based study showed no evidence of adverse pregnancy outcome among women who had antibodies to <it>C. burnetii </it>during early pregnancy.</p

Tracking the Impact of Excisional Cervical Treatment on the Cervix using Biospectroscopy

Local excisional treatment for cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN) is linked to significant adverse sequelae including preterm birth, with cone depth and radicality of treatment correlating to the frequency and severity of adverse events. Attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy can detect underlying cervical disease more accurately than conventional cytology. The chemical profile of cells pre- and post-treatment may differ as a result of altered biochemical processes due to excision, or treatment of the disease. Since pre-treatment cervical length varies amongst women, the percentage of cervix excised may correlate more accurately to risk than absolute dimensions. We show that treatment for CIN significantly alters the biochemistry of the cervix, compared with women who have not had treatment; this is due to the removal of cervical tissue rather than the removal of the disease. However, the spectra do not seem to correlate to the cone depth or proportion of cervical length excised. Future research should aim to explore the impact of treatment in a larger cohort

Coxiella burnetii, the Agent of Q Fever, Replicates within Trophoblasts and Induces a Unique Transcriptional Response

Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular bacterium typically found in myeloid cells. The infection is a source of severe obstetrical complications in humans and cattle and can undergo chronic evolution in a minority of pregnant women. Because C. burnetii is found in the placentas of aborted fetuses, we investigated the possibility that it could infect trophoblasts. Here, we show that C. burnetii infected and replicated in BeWo trophoblasts within phagolysosomes. Using pangenomic microarrays, we found that C. burnetii induced a specific transcriptomic program. This program was associated with the modulation of inflammatory responses that were shared with inflammatory agonists, such as TNF, and more specific responses involving genes related to pregnancy development, including EGR-1 and NDGR1. In addition, C. burnetii stimulated gene networks organized around the IL-6 and IL-13 pathways, which both modulate STAT3. Taken together, these results revealed that trophoblasts represent a protective niche for C. burnetii. The activation program induced by C. burnetii in trophoblasts may allow bacterial replication but seems unable to interfere with the development of normal pregnancy. Such pathophysiologocal processes should require the activation of immune placental cells associated with trophoblasts

Cultural drivers and health-seeking behaviours that impact on the transmission of pig-associated zoonoses in Lao People's Democratic Republic

Pig rearing is an important income source in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), with many smallholder farmers using traditional free-range pig production systems. Despite the potentially significant health risks posed by pig production regarding pig-associated zoonoses, information on the sociocultural drivers of these zoonoses is significantly lacking. This review summarises the existing sociocultural knowledge on eight pig-associated zoonoses suspected to be endemic in Southeast Asia: brucellosis, Q fever (Coxiella burnetii), trichinellosis, hepatitis E virus, leptospirosis, Japanese encephalitis, Streptococcus suis and Taenia solium taeniasis-cysticercosis. It summarises current knowledge on these diseases grouped according to their clinical manifestations in humans to highlight the propensity for underreporting. A literature search was conducted across multiple databases for publications from 1990 to the present day related to the eight pig-associated zoonoses and the risk and impact connected with them, with Lao PDR as a case study. Many of these pig-associated zoonoses have similar presentations and are often diagnosed as clinical syndromes. Misdiagnosis and underreporting are, therefore, substantial and emphasise the need for more robust diagnostics and appropriate surveillance systems. While some reports exist in other countries in the region, information is significantly lacking in Lao PDR with existing information coming mainly from the capital, Vientiane. The disease burden imposed by these zoonoses is not only characterised by morbidity and mortality, but directly impacts on livelihoods through income reduction and production losses, and indirectly through treatment costs and lost work opportunities. Other factors crucial to understanding and controlling these diseases are the influence of ethnicity and culture on food-consumption practices, pig rearing and slaughter practices, hygiene and sanitation, health-seeking behaviours and, therefore, risk factors for disease transmission. Published information on the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of people regarding pig zoonoses and their risk factors is also extremely limited in Lao PDR and the broader Southeast Asian region. The need for more transdisciplinary research, using a One Health approach, in order to understand the underlining social determinants of health and their impacts on health-seeking behaviours, disease transmission and, ultimately, disease reporting, cannot be more emphasized

Nouvelle classification française des images colposcopiques

International audienceObjectives. - To revise the 1983 colposcopic terminology form the French Society of Colposcopy and cervicovaginal pathology (SFCPCV).Methods. - All the three following steps of colposcopic examination were considered for the description of various colposcopic features: inspection without coloration, followed by the application of acetic acid and iodine staining. This revised terminology now includes the different possible colposcopic aspects of the normal cervix, including the ectropion and the normal transformation zone. It also includes colposcopic appearance of abnormal glandular cervical epithelium and of vaginal epithelium. The revised nomenclature was reviewed by all the board of the SFCPCV and was finally approved during the 45th annual conference of the SFCPCV.Results. - Abnormal transformation zone grade (TAG) 1a and 1b have been brought together under the sole TAG1 designation. TAG2a and TAG2b now correspond to TAG2, whereas TAG2c corresponds to TAG3. Colposcopic report should mention the interpretability of the colposcopic examination, with the precise type of the squamocolumnar junction (1, 2 or 3), the colposcopic impression, the size of any TAG and finally mention whether one or multiple biopsies were taken and their precise location. Colposcopic impression must give priority to the most pejorative colposcopic aspect which takes precedence over others.Conclusion. - When performing colposcopy, one should keep in mind that this examination only relies on the interpretation of various colposcopic signs and images with this not guaranteeing for diagnosis. Only histological analysis of a possible guided cervical biopsy provides for a precise diagnosis.ObjectifsMettre à jour la classification de la SFCPCV des images colposcopiques initialement proposée en 1983.MéthodesChaque tableau colposcopique a été décrit à partir des éléments des trois temps de l’examen colposcopique. Les situations colposcopiques suivantes ont été décrites : les aspects du col normal, les anomalies de l’épithélium malpighien du col utérin et du vagin, les anomalies de l’épithélium glandulaire, et les signes non spécifiques. Après relecture par les membres du conseil de direction de la SFCPCV, la nouvelle classification a été validée à l’occasion des 45es journées de la SFCPCV.RésultatsLes Transformations Atypiques (TA) TAG1a et 1b ont été regroupées en un seul et unique tableau colposcopique (TAG1). Les TAG2a et 2b ont été regroupées en TAG2. Les TAG2c correspondent désormais à la TAG3. Le compte rendu colposcopique doit préciser : le caractère interprétable ou non de la colposcopie, la situation de la ligne de jonction squamo-cylindrique ou pavimento-cylindrique (JPC), le résultat de la classification des images colposcopiques, la taille d’une éventuelle TA et enfin la réalisation ou non d’une ou de plusieurs éventuelles biopsies ainsi que leur(s) localisation(s). La conclusion de l’examen colposcopique doit faire figurer en priorité l’aspect colposcopique le plus péjoratif qui prime sur tous les autres.ConclusionLa colposcopie n’offre qu’une interprétation d’images permettant de classer les patientes en fonction des tableaux colposcopiques décrits. L’impression colposcopique ne permet pas de diagnostic histologique, seul fourni par l’analyse de la (ou des) biopsie(s) dirigée(s) éventuellement réalisées

Devenir des femmes de moins de 30 ans prises en charge pour une lésion intra-épithéliale de haut grade du col utérin non traitée

International audienceObjectivesTo assess the probability of spontaneous regression of high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (HGCIN) in women under 30 and the predictive factors for such evolution.MethodsWe conducted a bicentric retrospective study. A total of 98 patients under 30 and with untreated HGCIN were included from 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2019. For each patient, the initial clinical and colposcopic characteristics were systematically documented. In compliance with French guidelines, these patients were offered repeated 6-months colposcopic follow-up for 2 years. The endpoint was the occurrence of spontaneous regression of the HGCIN defined by normalization of colposcopy, and/or a negative biopsy and/or a negative HPV test or histological regression to low grade CIN, or a colposcopy showing simple minor abnormalities requiring no biopsy.ResultsSpontaneous HGCIN regression was observed in 37/98 patients. The median follow-up was of 16 (10.5–24.3) months. Predictive factors for spontaneous regression were: minor initial cytological abnormalities (HR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.02–11.05) and grade 1 atypical transformation at initial colposcopy (TAG1) (HR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1–4.7).ConclusionBefore 30, the probability of spontaneous regression of HGCIN exists but remains low. Predictive factors for such evolution are minor initial cytological abnormalities and TAG1 colposcopic impression.ObjectifsÉtudier la probabilité de régression et de guérison spontanée d’une lésion intra-épithéliale de haut grade (LIEHG) du col utérin, chez les femmes de moins de 30 ans.Matériels et méthodesNous avons mené une étude bicentrique, rétrospective, du 01/01/2010 au 31/12/2019. Au total, 98 patientes de moins de 30 ans, ayant été surveillées pour une LIEHG ont été incluses. Pour chacune d’elles les caractéristiques cliniques et colposcopiques initiales étaient systématiquement précisées. Selon les recommandations, ces patientes ont bénéficié d’un suivi colposcopique tous les 6 mois pendant une durée maximale de 2 ans. Le critère de jugement principal était l’obtention d’une guérison, définie par la normalisation de la colposcopie, et/ou l’obtention d’une biopsie négative et/ou d’un test HPV négatif ou d’une régression, définie par la mise en évidence histologique d’une lésion intra-épithéliale de bas grade, ou par une colposcopie mettant en évidence de simples anomalies mineures ne motivant pas la réalisation d’une biopsie.RésultatsUne guérison ou régression a été mise en évidence chez 37/98 patientes. La médiane de suivi était de 16 (10,5–24,3) mois. Les facteurs prédictifs de guérison/régression étaient : des anomalies cytologiques initiales mineures (HR = 3,4 ; IC95 % : 1,02–11,05) et une transformation atypique de grade 1 à la colposcopie initiale (HR = 2,3 ; IC95 % : 1,1–4,7).ConclusionAvant 30 ans, la probabilité de régression ou de guérison d’une LIEHG existe mais reste limité et dépend de la sévérité des anomalies cytologiques et de l’impression colposcopique initiales