Increased toll-like receptor-2 expression on nonclassic CD16⁺monocytes from patients with inflammatory stage of eales' disease

Purpose.: To identify the distribution, differential Toll-like receptor (TLR) expression, and functional contribution of monocyte subpopulations in the inflammatory stage of Eales' disease (ED). Methods.: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from nine patients during the inflammatory stage of ED and nine age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The expression of CD14, CD16, TLR-2, and TLR-4 on monocytes was measured by flow cytometry. The CD14+, CD16−, and CD16+ monocyte populations were sorted on the basis of magnetic-activated cell-sorting methodology, and levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA. Results.: In ED patients, the number of circulating monocytes was significantly expanded compared with that in controls (P = 0.01), with a marked increase in the nonclassic CD16+ subset, which showed an activated phenotype in patients that correlated with levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines and clinical progression. A higher expression of cell surface TLR-2 (P = 0.02), but not TLR-4, was found in monocytes of patients with ED. Furthermore, TLR-2 was expressed at higher levels on CD16+ monocytes than on CD16− monocytes in patients, whereas no significant variation was found in TLR-4 expression on different monocyte subsets. Peptidoglycan-induced TNF-α expression correlated with TLR-2 expression in monocytes isolated from controls (r = 0.85, P = 0.0061), but not in monocytes isolated from ED patients (r = 0.553, P = 0.1328). Conclusions.: These results indicate that in the pathogenesis of ED, TLR activation and increased numbers of nonclassic CD16+ monocytes are crucial regulators, along with the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines that perpetuate the inflammatory process in the retina

Multiplex PCR technique could be an alternative approach for early detection of leprosy among close contacts - a pilot study from India

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Implementation of Multi drug Therapy (MDT) regimen has resulted in the decline of the total number of leprosy cases in the world. Though the prevalence rate has been declining, the incidence rate remains more or less constant and high in South East Asian countries particularly in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Srilanka. Leprosy, particularly that of multibacillary type spreads silently before it is clinically detected. An early detection and treatment would help to prevent transmission in the community. Multiplex PCR (M-PCR) technique appears to be promising towards early detection among contacts of leprosy cases.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 234 paucibacillary (PB) and 205 multibacillary (MB) leprosy cases were studied in a community of an endemic area of Bankura district of West Bengal (Eastern India). They were assessed by smear examination for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and M-PCR technique. These patients were treated with Multidrug Therapy (MDT) as prescribed by WHO following detection. A total of 110 MB and 72 PB contacts were studied by performing M-PCR in their nasal swab samples.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>83.4% of MB patients were observed to be positive by smear examination for AFB and 89.2% by M-PCR. While 22.2% of PB patients were found to be positive by smear examination for AFB, 80.3% of these patients were positive by M-PCR. Among leprosy contacts (using M-PCR), 10.9% were found to be positive among MB contacts and 1.3% among PB contacts. Interestingly, two contacts of M-PCR positive MB cases developed leprosy during the period of two years follow up.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The M-PCR technique appears to be an efficient tool for early detection of leprosy cases in community based contact tracing amongst close associates of PB and MB cases. Early contact tracing using a molecular biology tool can be of great help in curbing the incidence of leprosy further.</p

Infestation Of Endometrium By Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Bacilli-Cause Of Reproductive Failure

Abstract: Tuberculosis is known to be one of the major diseases, causing infertility in India. The prevalence of tuberculosis causing infertility is different in different countries. Established tubercle infection may cause irreversible infertility, on many occasions as it may affect all the reproductive organs. It also produces lower pregnancy rate in Assisted Reproductive Technology program as well. Tubercular bacillary infestation of the endometrium that is mere presence of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) bacilli on the endometrial surface has been found to affect fertility as well. In this study, we have detected Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) infestation of endometrium, causing implantation failure or early embryonic rejection. In many cases of unexplained infertility, tubercular bacilli infestation of endometrium, has come out to be the root cause of infertility. Association of tubercular bacillary infestation and endometriosis is another cause of concern. Recurrent abortions and ectopic pregnancy may be precipitated by the same genital pathology as well. The presence of very small number of bacilli, which escapes detection by AFB smear, culture or histology, may be detected by polymerase chain reaction techniques. These bacillary infections bring an inflammatory change in the endometrium and produces harmful cytokines which are responsible for implantation failure of micro abortion