Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets - Volume 25, Issue 7, 2025

The present study aimed to carry out the molecular identification of some bacteria in seminal fluid and investigation of their effects on semen quality.

The research cohort comprised 80 infertile individuals and 80 men with no fertility issues. Evaluation of sperm characteristics adhered to the protocols outlined by the World Health Organization. Detection and verification of pathogens were carried out by PCR.

The prevalence of bacteriospermia in the semen of the infertile group exhibited a noticeable increase compared to the control group (p<0.05). The most abundant species in the semen of infertile men was Ureaplasma urealyticum (7.5%, p<0.05), followed by Enterococcus faecalis (6.25%, p>0.05). However, Streptococcus agalactiae was not found in any of the abnormal samples. In addition, we showed that Ureaplasma urealyticum significantly affected the motility and morphology parameters. But, the presence of Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus agalactiae in semen samples of men does not lead to abnormal sperm production. Besides, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of volume, but there was a significant difference in morphology, count, and total motility (p<0.001).

Bacteriospermia is linked to modifications in the characteristics of seminal fluid, potentially resulting in a reduction in the fertilization capacity of spermatozoa. Furthermore, Ureaplasma urealyticum is correlated with changes in semen properties that could contribute to a decrease in sperm fertilization potential.

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) in patients with COVID-19-induced severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

The intervention group consisted of eligible patients with severe ARDS due to COVID-19 admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a university hospital. We selected the control group from admitted patients treated in the same ICU within the same period. The intervention group received intravenous tPA as 10 mg stat, 40 mg over the first 2 hours, and 25-50 mg over the next 10 hours, followed by a therapeutic dose of enoxaparin. The control group only received the therapeutic dose of enoxaparin. The main outcomes were the rise of SpO2 within 24 hours of tPA administration, critical bleeding during tPA administration, 28-day in-hospital mortality following admission to the ICU, and length of stay in the ICU.

We analyzed two sets of 15 patients in the intervention (mean age: 45 years, 73% male) and the control (mean age: 50 years, 53% male) groups. There was a rapid relief of dyspnea and SpO2 rising within 24 hours in seven cases (45%) only in the intervention group with no significant organ-threatening bleeding. Death was observed in 5 of the tPA-treated patients (33.3%) versus 10 (66.7%) of the controls (adjusted OR (95% CI): 0.17 (0.03, 0.98), p value =0.068).

The administration of intravenous tPA as 10 mg stat, 40 mg during 2 hours, and 50 mg during the next 10 hours is safe, can cause a rapid relief of dyspnea, and be lifesaving in COVID-19-induced ARDS.

IRCT20200415047080N1.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) causes heterophile-positive Infectious Mononucleosis (IM), which manifests fever, sore throat, lymphadenopathy, and atypical lymphocytosis. In the Central Nervous System (CNS), EBV can cause acute encephalitis, cerebellar ataxia, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), myelitis, meningitis, and radiculopathy. Reports of acute transverse myelitis linked to EBV infection are limited; therefore, Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis (LETM) due to EBV infection is extremely uncommon.

An 18-year-old male, otherwise healthy, was admitted to the medicine department with ten days of fever, headache, and vomiting and five days of altered sensorium. Subsequently, his neurological test showed bilateral upper motor neuron quadriparesis, sensory impairment, and bladder-bowel involvement. Spinal T2W MRI indicated extensive cervical, thoracic, and lumbar hyperintense lesions. Laboratory investigations supported the diagnosis, which revealed a positive IgM Antibody for EBV Viral Capsid Antigen (VCA) in serum and EBV DNA PCR in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF). The final diagnosis was EBV-induced acute meningoencephalitis with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis and incidental aortic coarctation. Following methylprednisolone pulse therapy, the patient recovered significantly.

The present case report aims to share our experience by highlighting awareness of the rarity and treatment outcome of EBV-induced LETM.

Various studies have found the Beijing lineage of M. tuberculosis strongly associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) development.

To identify and characterize the differentially expressed proteins during the in-vivo drug resistance conversion in M. tuberculosis Beijing lineage clinical isolates.

Drug-susceptible and drug-resistant M. tuberculosis isolates were confirmed as Beijing lineage. The isolates were grown in Middlebrook 7H9 medium for two weeks, and whole-cell lysate was prepared. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DGE) was used for proteomic analysis, and differentially expressed proteins were identified using MALDI-TOF-MS. Bioinformatics tools were used for molecular docking, phosphorylation, and pupylation site prediction.

Seventeen proteins were found overexpressed in drug-resistant isolates as compared to drug-susceptible isolates, including the six proteins with unknown functions. Molecular docking showed that Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF) interacted with their conserved domains/active sites of these proteins.

We characterized two paired clinical isolates from a patient, one being INH and RIF susceptible and other resistant. The comparative analysis of over expressed proteins showed that 5 of 17 proteins belonged to the cell wall and cell processes functional group, 3 to virulence, detoxification, adaptation functional group, and 3 to information pathways functional group, 2 proteins belonged to insertion sequences and phage functional group, and 1 each (Rv0242c, Rv2970c and Rv3208A) to lipid metabolism, intermediary metabolism & respiration and regulatory functional group. We found that the Rv1827, Rv2626c, Rv2714, Rv2970c, Rv3208A, and Rv3881c proteins showed significant interaction in-silico with INH and RIF.

These over-expressed proteins probably play an important role in drug resistance development, and further studies on drug resistance mechanisms could provide more details. We also believe that these over-expressed proteins could be used as biomarkers for early prediction of in-vivo drug-resistance development.

Over the past four years, SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 have become global health crises, spurring extensive research on virus behavior, complications, and treatments. The virus interacts with a component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), altering inflammatory, hypertrophic, and hemodynamic responses via binding to ACE2 found in organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

This review explores the RAS-COVID-19 interplay, focusing on key molecules like ACE2, Ang-(1-7), and Ang-(1-9), influencing susceptibility, severity, and treatments. It seeks to clarify ACE2's dual role in viral entry and protection and assess the therapeutic potential of balancing Ang-(1-7) and Ang-(1-9) to prevent disease progression and related complications.

Studies were chosen through a systematic search in databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were centered on peer-reviewed research that explored the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and important RAS molecules, including ACE2, Ang-(1–7), and Ang-(1-9), seeking information on therapies, severity, and susceptibility. Non-peer-reviewed articles and those lacking focus on RAS-COVID-19 interplay were excluded. Titles and abstracts were screened, followed by full-text assessment and data extraction for analysis.

Some studies indicate that the peptides Ang-(1-7) and Ang-(1-9) could provide protective effects against heart-related complications by counteracting the harmful impacts of the angiotensin II pathway, which is often exacerbated by SARS-CoV-2. Ang-(1-7) and Ang-(1-9) are recognized for promoting vasodilation, reducing inflammation, and preventing fibrosis, which can mitigate the heart damage typically associated with COVID-19.

ACE2, a component of the non-canonical RAS, is closely linked to SARS-CoV-2 and plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Ang-(1-9) and Ang-(1-7) are produced by ACE2 and have demonstrated positive cardiovascular effects. In the context of COVID-19, Ang-(1-7) has shown protective effects in preclinical studies and clinical trials; however, more evidence is needed to support this effect.

Further research, including clinical trials, is vital to understand and develop precise therapies for COVID-19 and similar infectious diseases.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a widespread infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It predominantly affects the lungs but can involve any organ in the body. Tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TEF) is one of the rare extrapulmonary manifestations of TB.

A 27-year-old male, otherwise healthy, reported to our outpatient department with complaints of fever, persistent cough, and significant weight loss. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with tuberculous tracheo-oesophageal fistula and pulmonary tuberculosis.

The patient had an elevated ESR (52 mm) and underwent multiple imaging studies, including two normal barium swallow tests. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) revealed two esophageal ulcers, one with a fistulous tract. Biopsy results suggested chronic esophagitis with granulomatous inflammation. Contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) of the thorax showed esophageal irregularities, air foci, and contrast extravasation into the bronchi, along with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and centrilobular nodules. Clinical and investigative findings suggested pulmonary tuberculosis with a tracheoesophageal fistula. The patient was discharged on a six-month antitubercular regimen with nutritional support via a nasogastric tube. Stent installation was planned if follow-up results were unfavorable.

Although tuberculosis is highly prevalent in India, TEF of tuberculous origin has been infrequently documented, particularly in young, healthy, immunocompetent individuals. The patient was successfully cured after initiating antitubercular therapy and subsequent follow-up.

Toxoplasma infection is highly prevalent among patients with different autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis patients. Pyrimethamine is an antiparasitic medication that has a variable treatment response in Toxoplasma-infected patients. This study investigates the demographic, biochemical, and genetic factors influencing the response to pyrimethamine treatment in Toxoplasma gondii-infected psoriasis patients.

We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 73 patients diagnosed with toxoplasmosis. Demographic characteristics, biochemical lab results, and the serum levels of TNF-α detected by ELISA, and MicroRNA-155 expression were analyzed using real-time PCR with the 2^ΔΔCtmethod.

Total cholesterol and bilirubin levels were higher in patients with good responses compared to those in the poor response group, while other biochemical parameters did not exhibit any statistically significant differences. Neither MicroRNA-155 expression nor serum TNF-α levels were found to be significantly associated with treatment response. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess predictors of treatment response to pyrimethamine.

Biochemical markers play a role in determining the response to pyrimethamine treatment; however, other factors may also contribute. Future research should focus on larger longitudinal studies to validate these findings and explore additional biomarkers.