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| 4. |
- Smelov, V, et al.
(author)
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CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS SEROVAR DISTRIBUTIONS IN RUSSIAN MEN AND WOMEN : A COMPARISON WITH DUTCH SEROVAR DISTRIBUTIONS
- 2009
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In: Drugs of Today. - 1699-3993. ; 45, s. 33-38
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The data on serovar distributions of Chlamydia trachomatis - the most diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide - are important for epidemiologic purposes and transmission studies but ore completely locking in Russia. The aim of the current study is to determine the serogroup and serovar distributions in Russian men and women and compare these data with Dutch serogroup and serovar distributions. In Russian men and women, serogroup B was the most prevalent (46016), followed by the intermediate serogroup (I group; 33%) and serogroup C (27%). The distribution was comparable between men and women. The serogroup distribution was similar to the previously published distribution in Dutch cohorts. However, on a serovar level statistically very significant differences were observed, reaching up to P < 0.0001. The serovars B and G/Ga had higher prevalences compared with the reported Dutch prevalences, while serovars F, H, I/Ia, J and K hod lower prevalences compared with the Dutch studies. In conclusion, this is the first report of Russian C. trachomatis serovar/serogroup distributions. Serogroup 8 is the most prevalent, followed by serogroup I and serogroup C with no statistical differences on the serogroup level. However, significant differences between Russia and the Netherlands were observed in the distribution of C. trachomatis serovars.
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| 5. |
- Shipitsyna, E., et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of polymerase chain reaction assays for the diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis infection in Russia
- 2013
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In: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. - : Wiley. - 0926-9959 .- 1468-3083. ; 27:2, s. e217-e223
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background In Russia, the microscopy- and culture-based diagnostics of trichomoniasis is mainly suboptimal. Recent years, domestically produced diagnostic PCR assays have been implemented; however, any evaluation of these PCRs has never been internationally reported. Objective To assess the performance characteristics of PCR assays developed and currently used in Russia to detect Trichomonas vaginalis. Materials and methods Five PCR assays were assessed on 448 samples (317 vaginal and 131 male urethral) collected from symptomatic attendees of youth centres (n = 415) and patients of a dermatovenereological dispensary that were previously diagnosed with trichomoniasis (n = 33). As reference assay, a sensitive and specific real-time multiplex PCR was used. Results T. vaginalis DNA was detected in five (all females) of the 415 patients of youth centres (1.2%). All 33 patients previously diagnosed at the venereological dispensary proved to be true positive. For 445 (99.3%) of these 448 samples identical results were obtained by all PCRs, 35 positive and 410 negative. The three discordant samples were positive in all PCRs except one conventional PCR assay. The sensitivities of the PCRs were 94.3-100% and 66.7-100% for vaginal and urethral swabs, respectively. All evaluated assays were 100% specific. The detection limits of the different PCRs ranged from 0.1 to 5 genome equivalents per reaction. Conclusion The PCR assays currently used in Russia for the detection of T. vaginalis have in general high sensitivities and excellent specificities for both vaginal samples and urethral samples from males.
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| 6. |
- Shipitsyna, E, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of six nucleic acid amplification tests used for diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Russia compared with an international strictly validated real-time porA pseudogene polymerase chain reaction
- 2009
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In: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. - : Wiley. - 0926-9959 .- 1468-3083. ; 23:11, s. 1246-1253
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background In Russia, laboratory diagnosis of gonorrhoea has been mainly based on microscopy only and, in some settings, relatively rare suboptimal culturing. In recent years, Russian developed and manufactured nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) have been implemented for routine diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. However, these NAATs have never been validated to any international well-recognized diagnostic NAAT. Objective This study aims to evaluate the performance characteristics of six Russian NAATs for N. gonorrhoeae diagnostics. Materials and methods In total, 496 symptomatic patients were included. Five polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and one real-time nucleic acid sequence based amplification (NASBA) assay, developed by three Russian companies, were evaluated on urogenital samples, i.e. cervical and first voided urine (FVU) samples from females (n = 319), urethral and FVU samples from males (n = 127), and extragenital samples, i.e. rectal and pharyngeal samples, from 50 additional female patients with suspicion of gonorrhoea. As reference method, an international strictly validated real-time porA pseudogene PCR was applied. Results The prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae was 2.7% and 16% among the patients providing urogenital and extragenital samples, respectively. The Russian NAATs and the reference method displayed high level of concordance (99.4-100%). The sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values and negative predictive values of the Russian tests in different specimens were 66.7-100%, 100%, 100%, and 99.4-100%, respectively. Conclusions Russian N. gonorrhoeae diagnostic NAATs comprise relatively good performance characteristics. However, larger studies are crucial and, beneficially, the Russian assays should also be evaluated to other international highly sensitive and specific, and ideally Food and Drug Administration approved, NAATs such as Aptima Combo 2 (Gen-Probe).Conflicts of interest None declared.
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| 7. |
- Shipitsyna, E, et al.
(author)
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First evaluation of polymerase chain reaction assays used for diagnosis of Mycoplasma genitalium in Russia
- 2009
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In: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. - : Wiley. - 0926-9959 .- 1468-3083. ; 23:10, s. 1164-1172
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Diagnosis of Mycoplasma genitalium is entirely based on nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). In Russia, several M. genitalium polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have been developed; however, any evaluation of their performance has never been performed. Objective To assess the performance of five PCRs developed and currently used in Russia for diagnosis of M. genitalium. Materials and methods Vaginal swabs and first voided urine samples (FVUs) from 281 females and urethral swabs and FVUs from 125 males were analysed using three conventional PCRs and two real-time PCRs developed by three Russian companies. As reference tests, a real-time PCR targeting the MgPa adhesin gene was used; positive results were confirmed by two conventional PCRs targeting the 16S rRNA gene and MgPa gene, respectively. For evaluation of detection limits and analytical specificities, a blinded control panel consisting of dilutions of six strains of M. genitalium and 14 other Mycoplasma species was tested. Results The prevalence of M. genitalium was 2.5% among females and 9.6% among males. The highest sensitivity (71.4-100% in different specimens) was exhibited by one real-time PCRs. Conventional PCRs from two manufacturers failed to detect M. genitalium in any of the seven positive female FVUs. All tests had a 100% clinical specificity; however, one cross-reacted with Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Conclusions Only one of the five Russian PCRs displayed reasonable sensitivity for all specimen types, but the specificities of all assays were high. Accordingly, improvements regarding sensitivity of all the tests are needed. However, larger studies, including other populations, evaluating these assays are crucial.
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| 8. |
- Shipitsyna, Elena, et al.
(author)
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First evaluation of six nucleic acid amplification tests widely used in the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis in Russia
- 2009
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In: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. - : Wiley. - 0926-9959 .- 1468-3083. ; 23:3, s. 268-276
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract Background In Russia, nationally developed nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), which have never been validated to international commercially available NAATs, are mainly used in the diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Objective To evaluate the performance characteristics of six NAATs widely used to diagnose C. trachomatis infection in Russia. Materials and methods In total, 446 consecutive symptomatic patients (319 females and 127 males) were included. Five polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and one real-time nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) assay were evaluated on cervical and vaginal samples from females and on urethral and first voided urine samples from males. As reference methods, the Cobas Amplicor PCR, as the main 'gold standard' method, and LightMix 480HT PCR were used. Results The overall prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 12.6%. The Russian NAATs and the reference methods displayed a high level of concordance (97.9% to 99.2%). In comparison with the reference methods, the sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values and negative predictive values of the Russian tests in different specimens ranged from 86.1% to 100%, 99.1% to 100%, 92.3% to 100% and 98.2% to 100%, respectively. Conclusions According to the reference methods, C. trachomatis NAATs developed and used in Russia have relatively good performance characteristics for both invasive and non-invasive samples. However, larger studies that include symptomatic and asymptomatic patients as well as genital and extra-genital samples, and in comparison with other internationally well-recognized, validated, and ideally Food and Drug Administration-approved C. trachomatis NAATs performed strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions, need to be conducted. Conflicts of interest None declared.
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| 9. |
- Sokolovskiy, E, et al.
(author)
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Guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of syphilis in East European countries
- 2009
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In: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. - : Wiley. - 0926-9959 .- 1468-3083. ; 23:6, s. 623-632
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The present guidelines aim to provide comprehensive and precise information regarding the laboratory diagnosis of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) syphilis in East European countries. These recommendations contain important information for laboratory staff working with STIs and/or STI-related issues. Individual East European countries may be required to make minor national adjustments to these guidelines as a result of lack of accessibility to some reagents or equipment, or laws in a specific country. None declared.
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| 11. |
- Domeika, Marius, et al.
(author)
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Guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in East European countries
- 2009
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In: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. - : Wiley. - 0926-9959 .- 1468-3083. ; 23:12, s. 1353-1363
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The present guidelines aim to provide comprehensive information regarding the laboratory diagnosis of infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis in East European countries. These recommendations contain important information for laboratory staff working with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or STI-related issues. Individual East European countries may be required to make minor national adjustments to these guidelines as a result of lack of accessibility to some reagents or equipment, or laws in a specific country.
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| 12. |
- Domeika, Marius, et al.
(author)
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Guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of genital herpes in eastern European countries
- 2010
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In: Eurosurveillance. - 1560-7917. ; 15:44, s. 21-27
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- These guidelines aim to provide comprehensive information about sexually transmitted herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and its laboratory diagnosis in eastern European countries. They are primarily intended for professionals testing specimens from patients at a sexual healthcare clinic but may also be helpful for community-based screening programmes. In particular, the guidelines recommend: (i) either viral culture or validated and approved nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) as the tests of choice for symptomatic patients, which should be promoted for laboratory confirmation of HSV infection; (ii) if culture or NAATs are not available, antigen detection - a direct immunofluorescence test or enzyme immunoassay from samples from symptomatic patients - could be employed, but HSV type determination is of importance; (iii) only type-specific serology should be used for detecting asymptomatic individuals, testing pregnant women at risk of acquiring HSV infection close to delivery, men who have sex with men and people who are HIV positive; (iv) widespread screening for HSV antibodies should be discouraged; and (v) any non-validated diagnostic tests should be validated against a recommended, approved gold standard.
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| 13. |
- Domeika, Marius, et al.
(author)
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Guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of trichomoniasis in East European countries
- 2010
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In: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. - : Wiley. - 0926-9959 .- 1468-3083. ; 24:10, s. 1125-1134
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections in many Eastern European countries remains suboptimal. The main objective of the present evidence-based guidelines is to provide comprehensive information regarding the laboratory diagnosis of infections caused by Trichomonas vaginalis in East European countries. In particular, the present guidelines recommend: (i) to encourage examination of the wet mounts of vaginal exudates, instead of stained smears, at all clinical settings; (ii) nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) or culture could be employed if no trichomonads are detected on microscopic examination of the wet preparation and there is a strong indication of infection and (iii) the use of NAATs is encouraged in screening, using non-invasive specimens, or high volume testing situations. In the absence of internationally recognized commercial NAAT systems, tests developed in-house should be validated using obtainable international standards and quality assured strictly. Individual East European countries may be required to make minor national adjustments to these guidelines as a result of lack of accessibility to some reagents or equipment, or laws in a specific country.
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| 14. |
- Domeika, Marius, et al.
(author)
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Laboratory diagnostics for non-viral sexually transmitted infections in St. Petersburg, Russia : current situation and hallmarks for improvements
- 2008
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In: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. - : Wiley. - 0926-9959 .- 1468-3083. ; 22:9, s. 1094-100
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The numbers and performance characteristics of laboratories providing sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnostic services, as well as the rates of morbidity due to STIs in St. Petersburg, Russia, remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the range, quality and availability of diagnostic services for several non-viral STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum and Trichomonas vaginalis) in St. Petersburg during the period September 2005 to June 2006. METHODS: Survey data focusing on organization and performance characteristics of STI diagnostic services were assessed using questionnaires, telephone interviews and site visits. RESULTS: A total of 118 laboratories providing STI diagnostic services were identified. Of the surveyed laboratories, 54% (64 of 118) diagnosed syphilis, 81% (96 of 118) gonorrhoea, 80% (94 of 118) trichomoniasis and 49% (58 of 118) chlamydial infections. Although most of the laboratories could provide a presumptive diagnosis for syphilis, most of the N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis testing of women did not adhere to international recommendations. Of the laboratories with the capacity to diagnose C. trachomatis infection, 69% still used serological testing (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to detect antibodies to C. trachomatis. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the diagnostic methods used to establish a laboratory diagnosis, the system of case reporting, the training of laboratory personnel and the level of interlaboratory communication clearly require improvement. This study represents the first step in a process of evaluation of the laboratory support for STI services and the establishment of an interlaboratory network in St. Petersburg.
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| 17. |
- Hadfield, James, et al.
(author)
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Comprehensive global genome dynamics of Chlamydia trachomatis show ancient diversification followed by contemporary mixing and recent lineage expansion
- 2017
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In: Genome Research. - : Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. - 1088-9051 .- 1549-5469. ; 27:7, s. 1220-1229
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chlamydia trachomatis is the world's most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection and leading infectious cause of blindness, yet it is one of the least understood human pathogens, in part due to the difficulties of in vitro culturing and the lack of available tools for genetic manipulation. Genome sequencing has reinvigorated this field, shedding light on the contemporary history of this pathogen. Here, we analyze 563 full genomes, 455 of which are novel, to show that the history of the species comprises two phases, and conclude that the currently circulating lineages are the result of evolution in different genomic ecotypes. Temporal analysis indicates these lineages have recently expanded in the space of thousands of years, rather than the millions of years as previously thought, a finding that dramatically changes our understanding of this pathogen's history. Finally, at a time when almost every pathogen is becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobials, we show that there is no evidence of circulating genomic resistance in C. trachomatis.
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| 18. |
- Kansoul, H A, et al.
(author)
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Parameters obtained by hepatobiliary scintigraphy have significant correlation with biochemical factors early after liver transplantation
- 2007
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In: Acta Radiologica. - : SAGE Publications. - 0284-1851 .- 1600-0455. ; 48:6, s. 597-604
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Early postoperative hepatobiliary scintigraphy after liver transplantation is performed worldwide, but data on its significance for graft function are currently limited. Purpose: To examine the correlation between the result of early postoperative hepatobiliary scintigraphy and pre- and postoperative biochemical parameters in liver transplantation (LTx) patients. Material and Methods: Six parameters of hepatobiliary scintigraphy using 99mTc mebrofenin were statistically analyzed in 108 LTx patients: 1) half-life of the activity of elimination of mebrofenin from the blood; 2) total clearance of mebrofenin from the blood due to all possible routes; 3) half-life of the activity due to liver uptake; 4) clearance of mebrofenin from the blood due to liver uptake; 5) time to maximal uptake in the liver; and 6) the hepatic extraction fraction (HEF) and biochemical data. Analysis between patients with preoperative normal liver function, familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP), and end-stage liver disease (non-FAP) was also performed. Results: Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that total bilirubin postoperative day 3 correlated with all three scintigraphic parameters, and peak aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase correlated with HEF. The analysis between patients with FAP and non-FAP revealed no significant difference of scintigraphic data between the two groups. Conclusion: A significant correlation between early postoperative scintigraphic results and biochemical parameters was demonstrated.
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| 19. |
- Shipitsyna, E., et al.
(author)
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Sexual behaviours, knowledge and attitudes regarding safe sex, and prevalence of non-viral sexually transmitted infections among attendees of youth clinics in St. Petersburg, Russia
- 2013
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In: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. - : Wiley. - 0926-9959 .- 1468-3083. ; 27:1, s. e75-e84
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Adolescents and young adults are at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Knowledge of STI prevalence and risk factors are essential tools to elaborate preventive strategies. However, internationally reported studies on epidemiology of STIs among the youth in Russia are mainly lacking. Objectives To ascertain sexual behaviours, knowledge and attitudes about safe sex and prevalence and correlates with STIs in attendees of youth clinics in St. Petersburg, Russia. Methods A total of 301 women and 131 men, who self-referred for STI testing, completed a questionnaire and were screened for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomonas vaginalis using nucleic acid amplification tests. Results The overall STI prevalence was 16.9%, and similar in the female patients and male patients (15.6% and 19.8% respectively). C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, M. genitalium and T. vaginalis were detected in 13%, 2.5%, 4.6% and 1.2% of the attendees respectively. The men displayed riskier sexual behaviours and worse knowledge and attitudes regarding safe sex compared to the women, with the most distinguishing features being younger age at first intercourse (P < 0.0005), higher numbers of sex partners during lifetime (P = 0.001) and latest 6 months (P < 0.0005), more frequently consuming alcohol (P < 0.0005), poorer knowledge of STI/HIV prevention measures (P < 0.0005), and less positive attitudes towards safe sex (P = 0.001). However, no significant predictors of STI positivity were found in the men. In the women, the strongest predictors of STI positivity were young age (1519 years) and multiple sex partners (=2) during latest 6 months. Conclusions The overall prevalence of STIs among users of STI services at youth clinics in St. Petersburg was high. Comprehensive epidemiological data on STI prevalence and sexual behaviour correlates are necessary to initiate new and strengthen existing STI prevention programmes for the youth, in Russia as well as in many other settings.
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