1. |
- Birse, Kenzie D., et al.
(author)
-
Genital Injury Signatures and Microbiome Alterations Associated With Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Usage and Intravaginal Drying Practices
- 2017
-
In: Journal of Infectious Diseases. - : Oxford University Press. - 0022-1899 .- 1537-6613. ; 215:4, s. 590-598
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. Increasing evidence suggests depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and intravaginal practices may be associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection risk; however, the mechanisms are not fully understood. This study evaluated the effect of DMPA and intravaginal practices on the genital proteome and microbiome to gain mechanistic insights. Methods. Cervicovaginal secretions from 86 Kenyan women, including self-reported DMPA users (n = 23), nonhormonal contraceptive users (n = 63), and women who practice vaginal drying (n = 46), were analyzed using tandem-mass spectrometry. Results. We identified 473 human and 486 bacterial proteins from 18 different genera. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate use associated with increased hemoglobin and immune activation (HBD, HBB, IL36G), and decreased epithelial repair proteins (TFF3, F11R). Vaginal drying associated with increased hemoglobin and decreased phagocytosis factors (AZU1, MYH9, PLAUR). Injury signatures were exacerbated in DMPA users who also practiced vaginal drying. More diverse (H index: 0.71 vs 0.45; P =.009) bacterial communities containing Gardnerella vaginalis associated with vaginal drying, whereas DMPA showed no significant association with community composition or diversity. Conclusions. These findings provide new insights into the impact of DMPA and vaginal drying on mucosal barriers. Future investigations are needed to confirm their relationship with HIV risk in women.
|
|
2. |
- Bradley, Frideborg, et al.
(author)
-
Multi-omics analysis of the cervical epithelial integrity of women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate
- 2022
-
In: PLoS Pathogens. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1553-7366 .- 1553-7374. ; 18:5
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is an injectable hormonal contraceptive used by millions of women worldwide. However, experimental studies have associated DMPA use with genital epithelial barrier disruption and mucosal influx of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) target cells. We explored the underlying molecular mechanisms of these findings. Ectocervical biopsies and cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) specimens were collected from HIV-seronegative Kenyan sex workers using DMPA (n = 32) or regularly cycling controls (n = 64). Tissue samples were assessed by RNA-sequencing and quantitative imaging analysis, whereas protein levels were measured in CVL samples. The results suggested a DMPA-associated upregulation of genes involved in immune regulation, including genes associated with cytokine-mediated signaling and neutrophil-mediated immunity. A transcription factor analysis further revealed DMPA-associated upregulation of RELA and NFKB1 which are involved in several immune activation pathways. Several genes significantly downregulated in the DMPA versus the control group were involved in epithelial structure and function, including genes encoding keratins, small proline-rich proteins, and cell-cell adhesion proteins. Pathway analyses indicated DMPA use was associated with immune activation and suppression of epithelium development, including keratinization and cornification processes. The cervicovaginal microbiome composition (Lactobacillus dominant and non-Lactobacillus dominant) had no overall interactional impact on the DMPA associated tissue gene expression. Imaging analysis verified that DMPA use was associated with an impaired epithelial layer as illustrated by staining for the selected epithelial junction proteins E-cadherin, desmoglein-1 and claudin-1. Additional staining for CD4(+) cells revealed a more superficial location of these cells in the ectocervical epithelium of DMPA users versus controls. Altered protein levels of SERPINB1 and ITIH2 were further observed in the DMPA group. Identification of specific impaired epithelial barrier structures at the gene expression level, which were verified at the functional level by tissue imaging analysis, illustrates mechanisms by which DMPA adversely may affect the integrity of the genital mucosa. Author summarySexual transmission accounts for the majority of all new HIV infections in women, and alterations to the mucosal environment of the female genital tract have been associated with an increase in the risk of acquiring HIV. Observational epidemiological studies have implied that the use of the injectable hormonal contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) may be associated with increased HIV-acquisition. However, a prospective clinical study has not confirmed this association and the controversial findings are currently evaluated in the context of international reproductive health policies. Several studies using various model systems indicate that DMPA affects the integrity of the genital epithelial barrier as well as the mucosal immune system, but the exact mechanisms remain largely unknown. To characterize the effect of DMPA on the genital mucosal environment, we used a multi-omics approach to assess paired genital secretions and cervical tissue samples from long-term regular DMPA users living in Kenya. This unique cohort represents a population at risk of HIV infection in which DMPA is one of the most commonly used hormonal contraceptives. We identified impaired cervical epithelial barrier structures, including DMPA-associated reduction in the expression of cell-cell adhesion molecules, keratins, small proline-rich proteins and a thinner upper epithelial layer with more superficially located CD4(+) cells. Gene set enrichment pathway analyses indicated DMPA use was associated with immune activation and suppression of epithelium development including keratinization and cornification pathways. Protein analysis identified altered levels of selected anti-proteases. Our findings illustrate mechanisms by which DMPA adversely may affect the integrity of the genital mucosa.
|
|
3. |
- Devito, Claudia, et al.
(author)
-
Human IgM monoclonal antibodies block HIV-transmission to immune cells in cervico-vaginal tissues and across polarized epithelial cells in vitro
- 2018
-
In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 8:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The importance of natural IgM antibodies in protection against infections is still emerging and these antibodies have a potential role in the maintenance of homeostasis through clearance of apoptotic bodies, complement-dependent mechanisms, inflammation and exclusion of misfolded proteins. Natural IgM act as a first line of defence against unknown hazardous factors and are present in most vertebrates. We investigated the functional capacity of anti-HIV-1 IgM monoclonal antibodies, from a combinatorial Fab library derived from healthy individuals, and evaluated their protective role in inhibiting HIV-1 in vitro when passing across the human mucosal epithelial barrier. Primary HIV-1 isolates were efficiently transmitted over the tight polarized epithelial cells when added to their apical surface. Efficient inhibition of HIV-1 transmission was achieved when anti-HIV-1 IgM monoclonal antibodies were added to the basolateral side of the cells. Two of these human IgM MoAbs had the ability to neutralize HIV and reduced infection of dendritic cells in primary cervico-vaginal tissue biopsies in vitro. This indicates a potential role of natural IgM antibodies in the reduction of HIV-1 transmission in mucosal tissues and improve our understanding of how natural IgM antibodies against a neutralizing epitope could interfere with viral transmission.
|
|
4. |
- Edfeldt, Gabriella, et al.
(author)
-
Distinct cervical tissue-adherent and luminal microbiome communities correlate with mucosal host gene expression and protein levels in Kenyan sex workers
- 2023
-
In: Microbiome. - : Springer Nature. - 2049-2618. ; 11:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background The majority of studies characterizing female genital tract microbiota have focused on luminal organisms, while the presence and impact of tissue-adherent ectocervical microbiota remain incompletely understood. Studies of luminal and tissue-associated bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract suggest that these communities may have distinct roles in health and disease. Here, we performed a multi-omics characterization of paired luminal and tissue samples collected from a cohort of Kenyan female sex workers.Results We identified a tissue-adherent bacterial microbiome, with a higher alpha diversity than the luminal microbiome, in which dominant genera overall included Gardnerella and Lactobacillus, followed by Prevotella, Atopobium, and Sneathia. About half of the L. iners-dominated luminal samples had a corresponding Gardnerella-dominated tissue microbiome. Broadly, the tissue-adherent microbiome was associated with fewer differentially expressed host genes than the luminal microbiome. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that L. crispatus-dominated tissue-adherent communities were associated with protein translation and antimicrobial activity, whereas a highly diverse microbial community was associated with epithelial remodeling and pro-inflammatory pathways. Tissue-adherent communities dominated by L. iners and Gardnerella were associated with lower host transcriptional activity. Tissue-adherent microbiomes dominated by Lactobacillus and Gardnerella correlated with host protein profiles associated with epithelial barrier stability, although with a more pro-inflammatory profile for the Gardnerella-dominated microbiome group. Tissue samples with a highly diverse composition had a protein profile representing cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory activity.Conclusion We identified ectocervical tissue-adherent bacterial communities in all study participants of a female sex worker cohort. These communities were distinct from cervicovaginal luminal microbiota in a significant proportion of individuals. We further revealed that bacterial communities at both sites correlated with distinct host gene expression and protein levels. The tissue-adherent bacterial community could possibly act as a reservoir that seed the lumen with less optimal, non-Lactobacillus, bacteria.
|
|
5. |
|
|
6. |
- Edfeldt, Gabriella, et al.
(author)
-
Regular Use of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Causes Thinning of the Superficial Lining and Apical Distribution of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Target Cells in the Human Ectocervix
- 2022
-
In: Journal of Infectious Diseases. - : Oxford University Press. - 0022-1899 .- 1537-6613. ; 225:7, s. 1151-1161
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundThe hormonal contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) may be associated with an increased risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We hypothesize that DMPA use influences the ectocervical tissue architecture and HIV target cell localization.MethodsQuantitative image analysis workflows were developed to assess ectocervical tissue samples collected from DMPA users and control subjects not using hormonal contraception.ResultsCompared to controls, the DMPA group exhibited a significantly thinner apical ectocervical epithelial layer and a higher proportion of CD4+CCR5+ cells with a more superficial location. This localization corresponded to an area with a nonintact E-cadherin net structure. CD4+Langerin+ cells were also more superficially located in the DMPA group, although fewer in number compared to the controls. Natural plasma progesterone levels did not correlate with any of these parameters, whereas estradiol levels were positively correlated with E-cadherin expression and a more basal location for HIV target cells of the control group.ConclusionsDMPA users have a less robust epithelial layer and a more apical distribution of HIV target cells in the human ectocervix, which could confer a higher risk of HIV infection. Our results highlight the importance of assessing intact genital tissue samples to gain insights into HIV susceptibility factors.
|
|
7. |
|
|
8. |
|
|
9. |
|
|
10. |
|
|
11. |
- Günaydin, Gökce, et al.
(author)
-
Impact of Q-Griffithsin anti-HIV microbicide gel in non-human primates : In situ analyses of epithelial and immune cell markers in rectal mucosa
- 2019
-
In: Scientific Reports. - : NATURE PUBLISHING GROUP. - 2045-2322. ; 9
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Natural-product derived lectins can function as potent viral inhibitors with minimal toxicity as shown in vitro and in small animal models. We here assessed the effect of rectal application of an anti-HIV lectin-based microbicide Q-Griffithsin (Q-GRFT) in rectal tissue samples from rhesus macaques. E-cadherin(+) cells, CD4(+) cells and total mucosal cells were assessed using in situ staining combined with a novel customized digital image analysis platform. Variations in cell numbers between baseline, placebo and Q-GRFT treated samples were analyzed using random intercept linear mixed effect models. The frequencies of rectal E-cadherin(+) cells remained stable despite multiple tissue samplings and Q-GRFT gel (0.1%, 0.3% and 1%, respectively) treatment. Whereas single dose application of Q-GRFT did not affect the frequencies of rectal CD4(+) cells, multi-dose Q-GRFT caused a small, but significant increase of the frequencies of intra-epithelial CD4(+) cells (placebo: median 4%; 1% Q-GRFT: median 7%) and of the CD4(+) lamina propria cells (placebo: median 30%; 0.1-1% Q-GRFT: median 36-39%). The resting time between sampling points were further associated with minor changes in the total and CD4(+) rectal mucosal cell levels. The results add to general knowledge of in vivo evaluation of anti-HIV microbicide application concerning cellular effects in rectal mucosa.
|
|
12. |
- Hasselrot, Tyra, et al.
(author)
-
Vaginal candida infection is associated with host molecular signatures of neutrophil activation in the adjacent ectocervical mucosa in Kenyan sex workers
- 2024
-
In: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. - 1046-7408 .- 1600-0897. ; 91:2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Problem: Overgrowth of candida species in the human vaginal mucosa causes inflammation, which could render the mucosal barrier more susceptible to HIV infection. Here, we investigated whether this condition also affects the ectocervical mucosa, a potential site of HIV entry, in women at high risk of HIV infection.Method of study: Retrospective medical data and ectocervical tissue samples were obtained from a cohort of Kenyan sex workers. Among 108 women, seven had signs of vaginal candida infection by wet smear microscopy and/or the presence of characteristic discharge. Women lacking these two criteria served as controls. Host transcriptomic profiling and quantitative in situ image analysis of epithelial barrier markers and CD4+ cell distribution were performed.Results: The candida group had 162 differentially expressed genes out of 15 435 genes as compared with the control group. Among these 162 genes, 147 were upregulated and 15 were downregulated. Gene expression pathway analysis indicated associations with an upregulated inflammatory response, defined primarily by markers of neutrophil activation. Transcription factor analysis revealed upregulation of pathways related to RELA/REL/NFKB1, JUN and STAT1 in the candida group. In situ image analysis of ectocervical tissue samples showed no differences between groups in terms of epithelial height, expression of epithelial junction proteins (E-cadherin, claudin-1, zonula occludens 1, and desmoglein-1), or epithelial CD4+ cell distribution.Conclusions: Vaginal candida infection was associated with inflammation and neutrophil infiltration, but not with severe epithelial disruption or CD4+ cell infiltration, in the ectocervical mucosa.
|
|
13. |
- Häggmark, Anna, 1985-, et al.
(author)
-
A High-throughput Bead-based Affinity Assay Enables Analysis of Genital Protein Signatures in Women At Risk of HIV Infection
- 2019
-
In: Molecular & Cellular Proteomics. - : AMER SOC BIOCHEMISTRY MOLECULAR BIOLOGY INC. - 1535-9476 .- 1535-9484. ; 18:3, s. 461-476
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Women at high risk of HIV infection, including sex workers and those with active genital inflammation, have molecular signatures of immune activation and epithelial barrier remodeling in samples of their genital mucosa. These alterations in the local immunological milieu are likely to impact HIV susceptibility. We here analyze host genital protein signatures in HIV uninfected women, with high frequency of condom use, living in HIV-serodiscordant relationships. Cervicovaginal secretions from women living in HIV-serodiscordant relationships (n = 62) were collected at three time points over 12 months. Women living in HIV-negative seroconcordant relationships (controls, n = 25) were sampled at one time point. All study subjects were examined for demographic parameters associated with susceptibility to HIV infection. The cervicovaginal samples were analyzed using a high-throughput bead-based affinity assay. Proteins involved in epithelial barrier function and inflammation were increased in HIV-serodiscordant women. By combining several methods of analysis, a total of five proteins (CAPG, KLK10, SPRR3, elafin/PI3, CSTB) were consistently associated with this study group. Proteins analyzed using the affinity set-up were further validated by label-free tandem mass spectrometry in a partially overlapping cohort with concordant results. Women living in HIV-serodiscordant relationships thus had elevated levels of proteins involved in epithelial barrier function and inflammation despite low prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and a high frequency of safe sex practices. The identified proteins are important markers to follow during assessment of mucosal HIV susceptibility factors and a high-throughput bead-based affinity set-up could be a suitable method for such evaluation.
|
|
14. |
- Kaldensjo, Tove, et al.
(author)
-
Detection of Intraepithelial and Stromal Langerin and CCR5 Positive Cells in the Human Endometrium : Potential Targets for HIV Infection
- 2011
-
In: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 6:6, s. e21344-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Both the upper (endocervix and uterus) and lower (ectocervix and vagina) female genital tract mucosa are considered to be target sites for sexual transmission of HIV. There are a few reports on the T cell and antigen-presenting cell distribution in human endometrial tissue however, there is little known about the expression of the HIV co-receptor CCR5 and HIV-binding C-type lectin receptors on endometrial cell subsets. We therefore assessed endometrial tissue sections from HIV seronegative women undergoing hysterectomy of a benign and non-inflammatory cause for phenotypic characterization of potential HIV target cells and receptors by immunohistochemistry. Langerin was expressed on intraepithelial CD1a+CD4+ and CD11c+CD4+ Langerhans cells. Furthermore, CCR5+CD4+CD3+ T cells, DC-SIGN+MR+CD11c+ myeloid dendritic cells and MR+CD68+ macrophages were found within or adjacent to the epithelium of the uterine lumen. In addition, occasional CD123+BDCA-2+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells were detected deep in the endometrial stroma. Both T cells and several antigen-presenting cells were detected in lymphoid aggregate formations in close proximity to the epithelial lining. The finding of intraepithelial and stromal Langerin+ cells as well as CCR5+CD4+ T cells is novel for human endometrium.
|
|
15. |
|
|
16. |
- Lund, Jennifer M., et al.
(author)
-
HIV-1-neutralizing IgA detected in genital secretions of highly HIV-1-exposed seronegative women on oral preexposure prophylaxis
- 2016
-
In: Journal of Virology. - 0022-538X .- 1098-5514. ; 90:21, s. 9855-9861
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Although nonhuman primate studies have shown that simian immunodeficiency virus/simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SIV/SHIV) exposure during preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with oral tenofovir can induce SIV immunity without productive infection, this has not been documented in humans. We evaluated cervicovaginal IgA in Partners PrEP Study participants using a subtype C primary isolate and found that women on PrEP had IgA with higher average human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-neutralizing magnitude than women on placebo (33% versus 7%; P = 0.008). Using a cutoff of ≥90% HIV-1 neutralization, 19% of women on-PrEP had HIV-1-neutralizing IgA compared to 0% of women on placebo (P = 0.09). We also estimated HIV-1 exposure and found that the proportion of women with HIV-1-neutralizing IgA was associated with the level of HIV-1 exposure (P = 0.04). Taken together, our data suggest that PrEP and high levels of exposure to HIV may each enhance mucosal HIV-1-specific humoral immune responses in sexually exposed but HIV-1-uninfected individuals.
|
|
17. |
- Olofsson, Peder S., et al.
(author)
-
Blood pressure regulation by CD4+ lymphocytes expressing choline acetyltransferase
- 2016
-
In: Nature Biotechnology. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 1087-0156 .- 1546-1696. ; 34:10, s. 1066-1071
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Blood pressure regulation is known to be maintained by a neuro-endocrine circuit, but whether immune cells contribute to blood pressure homeostasis has not been determined. We previously showed that CD4(+) T lymphocytes that express choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), which catalyzes the synthesis of the vasorelaxant acetylcholine, relay neural signals(1). Here we show that these CD4(+)CD44(hi)CD62L(Io) T helper cells by gene expression are a distinct T-cell population defined by ChAT (CD4 T-ChAT). Mice lacking ChAT expression in CD4(+) cells have elevated arterial blood pressure, compared to littermate controls. Jurkat T cells overexpressing ChAT (JT(ChAT)) decreased blood pressure when infused into mice. Co-incubation of JT(ChAT) and endothelial cells increased endothelial cell levels of phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and of nitrates and nitrites in conditioned media, indicating increased release of the potent vasorelaxant nitric oxide. The isolation and characterization of CD4 T-ChAT cells will enable analysis of the role of these cells in hypotension and hypertension, and may suggest novel therapeutic strategies by targeting cell-mediated vasorelaxation.
|
|
18. |
- Rohl, Maria, et al.
(author)
-
HIV-Exposed Seronegative Sex Workers Express Low T-Cell Activation and an Intact Ectocervical Tissue Microenvironment
- 2021
-
In: Vaccines. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-393X. ; 9:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Immunological correlates of natural resistance to HIV have been identified in HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals and include a low-inflammatory genital mucosal status. The cervicovaginal epithelium has not been studied for such correlates despite constituting an important barrier against sexual HIV transmission. To fill this gap in knowledge, we collected samples of blood, cervical mononuclear cells, cervicovaginal lavage, and ectocervical tissue from Kenyan HESN sex workers (n = 29) and controls (n = 33). The samples were analyzed by flow cytometry, protein profiling, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, in situ image analysis, and tissue-based RNA sequencing. A significantly higher relative proportion of regulatory T cells in blood (B7(+)CD25(hi)FoxP3(+)CD127(lo)CD4(+) and B7(+)Helios(+)FoxP3(+)CD4(+)), and a significantly lower proportion of activated cervical T cells (CCR5(+)CD69(+)CD4(+) and CCR5(+)CD69(+)CD8(+)), were found in the HESN group compared with the controls. In contrast, there were no statistically significant differences between the study groups in cervicovaginal protein and microbiome compositions, ectocervical epithelial thickness, E-cadherin expression, HIV receptor expression, and tissue RNA transcriptional profiles. The identification of an intact ectocervical microenvironment in HESN individuals add new data to current knowledge about natural resistance to sexual transmission of HIV.
|
|
19. |
- Vanpouille, Christophe, et al.
(author)
-
The progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate affects HIV-1 production in human lymphoid tissue explants in a dose-dependent and glucocorticoid-like fashion
- 2021
-
In: Viruses. - : MDPI AG. - 1999-4915. ; 13:11
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The association between the use of the injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and HIV-1 susceptibility has been addressed mainly in respect to the changes occurring in the female genital mucosa and blood. However, one of the main sites of HIV-1 pathogenesis is lymphoid organs. To investigate the immunoregulatory effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) at this site, human tonsillar tissue explants were infected ex vivo with either a CCR5 (BaL) or CXCR4 (LAI) HIV-1 variant and the release of p24gag and cytokines was measured in culture supernatant. The response to MPA was compared with that elicited by treatment with progesterone (P4) and dexamethasone (DEX), which selectively binds the glucocorticoid receptor, in donor-matched explant cultures. MPA treatment reduced the replication of both tested HIV-1 strains as well as the production of the mediators of inflammation IL-1β, IL-17A and CCL5, but not CCL20, in a similar way to DEX, whereas P4 had no effect on HIV-1 replication. The magnitude of both MPA and DEX-mediated responses was proportional to the length of exposure and/or administered dose. Blockage of the progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors with mifepristone abolished all observed changes in HIV-1 and cytokine production, and was associated with increased IL-22 levels in HIV-infected explants. Our data indicate that elevated doses of MPA may affect the immune responses in lymphoid tissue in a glucocorticoid-like fashion with an immediate impact on local HIV-1 replication.
|
|
20. |
- Wahlund, Martina, et al.
(author)
-
The Role of TPMT, ITPA, and NUDT15 Variants during Mercaptopurine Treatment of Swedish Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
- 2020
-
In: The Journal of Pediatrics. - : MOSBY-ELSEVIER. - 0022-3476 .- 1097-6833. ; 216, s. 150-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective To evaluate the roles of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT), inosine triphosphatase (ITPA), and Nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15) in 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) sensitivity during treatment of pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Study design The study included 102 pediatric patients with ALL subject to the Nordic society Of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (NOPHO) ALL-2000 and ALL-2008 protocols. Episodes of neutropenia and febrile neutropenia, TPMT sequence variants, as well as 6-MP end doses, were collected retrospectively from medical records. TPMT, ITPA, and NUDT15 sequence variants were analyzed using pyrosequencing. Results TPMT variants were associated with a reduced risk of neutropenia and febrile neutropenia during the maintenance II period (P = .019 and P amp;lt; .0001, respectively). In addition, a NUDT15 variant was associated with a lower end dose of 6-MP (P = .0097), but not with neutropenia and febrile neutropenia. ITPA variants were not associated with an increased risk of neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, nor lower end dose of 6-MP. However, when analyzing the entire treatment period, ITPA variants were associated with a decreased risk of febrile neutropenia. Conclusions White blood cell count-based dose adjustments are regularly performed for known TPMT- deficient patients and results in a reduced risk of neutropenia and febrile neutropenia. Also in NUDT15-deficient patients dose adjustments are performed as indicated by low end dose of 6-MP. ITPA-deficient patients had a decreased risk of febrile neutropenia when analyzing the entire treatment period. Our data suggest that NUDT15 plays an important role in 6-MP treatment and the results should be confirmed in larger cohorts. Future studies should also follow up whether white blood cell count-based dose adjustments affect the risk of relapse.
|
|
21. |
- Wiklund, Susanne, et al.
(author)
-
Acquisition of extended spectrum β-lactamases during travel abroad : A qualitative study among Swedish travellers examining their knowledge, risk assessment, and behaviour
- 2016
-
In: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1748-2623 .- 1748-2631. ; 11, s. 32378-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Travel to foreign countries involves the risk of becoming a carrier of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, especially when the destination is a country with a high prevalence of this type of bacteria.AIM AND METHODS: The aim of this study was to learn about the knowledge of antibiotic resistance, and the behaviour and risk-taking among travellers, who had become carriers of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing bacteria during travel to a high-prevalence country. A modified version of grounded theory was used to analyse 15 open interviews.RESULTS: The analysis resulted in a core category: A need for knowledge to avoid risk-taking. Before the journey, the participants did not perceive there to be any risk of becoming a carrier of antibiotic- resistant bacteria. The low level of knowledge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and transmission routes influenced their behaviour and risk-taking during their journey, resulting in them exposing themselves to risk situations. After their trip, the majority did not believe that their personal risk behaviour could have caused them to become carriers of ESBL.CONCLUSION: The participants' lack of knowledge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria resulted in unconscious risk-taking during their journey, which may have resulted in becoming carriers of ESBL-producing bacteria.
|
|
22. |
- Wiklund, Susanne, et al.
(author)
-
Knowledge and understanding of antibiotic resistance and the risk of becoming a carrier when travelling abroad : A qualitative study of Swedish travelers
- 2015
-
In: Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. - : SAGE Publications. - 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; 43:3, s. 302-308
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Increasing globalisation, with the migration of people, animals and food across national borders increases the risk of the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To avoid becoming a carrier of antibiotic-resistant bacteria when travelling, knowledge about antibiotic resistance is important.MATERIALS AND METHODS: We aimed to describe the knowledge and understanding of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and of the risk for becoming a carrier of such bacteria, among Swedish travellers before their travel to high-risk areas. A questionnaire with three open-ended questions was distributed to 100 individuals before departure.RESULTS: The travellers' answers were analysed using content analysis, resulting in the theme 'To be an insecure traveller who takes control over one's own journey'. Our results showed that the travellers were aware of what the term 'antimicrobial resistance' meant, but did not understand its real significance, nor the consequences for the individual nor for society. They also distanced themselves from the problem. Few thought that their travel would entail a risk of becoming a carrier of resistant bacteria. The lack of knowledge caused an uncertainty among the travellers, whom tried to master the situation by using coping strategies. They proposed a number of measures to prevent carriership. The measures were general and primarily aimed at avoiding illness abroad, particularly acute gastro-intestinal infection.CONCLUSIONS: In health care and vaccination clinics, there is a need for improved information for persons intending to travel to high-risk areas, both about the risks of contracting antibiotic-resistant bacteria and about effective preventive measures.
|
|
23. |
- Wiklund, Susanne, et al.
(author)
-
Staff experiences of caring for patients with extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing bacteria : A qualitative study
- 2015
-
In: American Journal of Infection Control. - : Elsevier. - 0196-6553 .- 1527-3296. ; 43:12, s. 1302-1309
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Patients who become carriers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are sometimes stigmatized by health professionals. Staff members' fears of becoming infected could affect their willingness to care for these patients.METHODS:The purpose of this study was to increase the knowledge of what it means for staff in acute care settings and nursing homes to care for patients with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria. Assistant nurses, registered nurses, and physicians from acute care settings and nursing homes were interviewed. A modified version of Grounded Theory was used for the analysis.RESULTS:The analysis resulted in the core category "to operate as an expert in a chaotic environment" in acute care settings. Despite a lack of resources, hospital staff try to provide the best possible care for patients with ESBL. The analysis of the interviews in the nursing homes resulted in the core category "the employee who, despite uncertainty, provides good care." Despite some fear, and a lack of knowledge, the study participants tried to provide the residents with good care.CONCLUSION: Staff in acute care settings and nursing homes must have adequate knowledge and reasonable working conditions to be able to provide high-quality care for patients and residents who are ESBL carriers.
|
|