Dataset Information

Effects of common Gram-negative pathogens causing male genitourinary-tract infections on human sperm functions.

ABSTRACT: Male genitourinary tract (MGT) bacterial infections are considered responsible for 15% of male infertility, but the mechanisms underlying decreased semen quality are poorly known. We evaluated in vitro the effect of strains of Gram-negative uropathogenic species (two E.coli strains, three K. pneumoniae strains, P. aeruginosa and E. cloacae) on motility, viability, mitochondrial oxidative status, DNA fragmentation and caspase activity of human spermatozoa. All strains, except P. aeruginosa, reduced significantly sperm motility, with variable effects. Sperm Immobilizing Factor (SIF) was largely responsible for deteriorating effects on sperm motility of E. coli strains since they were completely reverted by knockout of SIF coding recX gene. Sequence alignment for RecX showed the presence of high homologous sequences in K. pneumoniae and E. cloacae but not in P. aeruginosa. These results suggest that, in addition to E.coli, other common uropathogenic Gram-negative bacteria affect sperm motility through RecX products. In addition to sperm motility, the E. coli strain ATCC 35218 also affected sperm viability, and induced caspase activity, oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation suggesting an interspecies variability in the amount and/or type of the produced spermatotoxic factors. In general, our results highlight the need for a careful evaluation of semen infections in the diagnostic process of the infertile man.

SUBMITTER: Marchiani S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8478950 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:PurposeMetallo β-lactamases (MβL) production is a worldwide problem, particularly in gram-negative bacteria. As scanty data is available on the prevalence of MBL, the present study is being undertaken to determine the prevalence, antibacterial sensitivity patterns, and molecular characterization of MβL associated resistant genes in gram-negative bacteria isolated from ocular infections.Material and methodsAt a tertiary eye care center in south India, 359 gram-negative pathogens, 200 isolates from eye infections, and 159 isolates from normal flora of the eye were studied. A gold standard microbiology method was used to identify the isolates. An antibiotic double disc synergy test and a combination disc test were used to detect MβL production. Multiplex PCR was used to investigate the molecular characteristics of the MβL encoding genes bla VIM, bla IMP, and bla NDM.ResultsOf the 359 gram-negative bacterial pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 108 (30.1%) and Enterobacter agglomerans 46 (12.8%) were commonly isolated. High prevalence of P. aeruginosa 81% (17 strains) was detected as an MβL producer and it shows 100% resistance to 2nd and 3rd generation cephalosporins and meropenem. Multiplex PCR detected only the bla VIM gene in 56 (28%) of various eye infections and 27 (17%) of normal flora of the gram-negative bacteria (GNB). The bla VIM gene is detected predominantly in 51.8% of keratitis and 21.4% of postoperative endophthalmitis. High prevalence of the gene was detected in P. aeruginosa 42.9% (24 of 56) and Alcaligens denitrificans 10.7% (6 of 56) from eye infections. Whereas, in the control group, P. aeruginosa and E. coli each had 14.8% (4 of 27) that were shown positive.ConclusionThe emerging MβLs mediated resistance among P. aeruginosa is a challenging task for ophthalmologists, especially in patients with endophthalmitis and bacterial keratitis. This local knowledge will aid in advising appropriate antibiotic use and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, which are highly warranted.

Project description:IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health challenge requiring a global response to which Australia has issued a National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy. The necessity for continued-development of new effective antimicrobials is required to tackle this immediate health threat is clear, but current market conditions may undervalue antimicrobials. We aimed to estimate the health-economic benefits of reducing AMR levels for drug-resistant gram-negative pathogens in Australia, to inform health policy decision-making.MethodsA published and validated-dynamic health economic model was adapted to the Australian setting. Over a 10-year time horizon, the model estimates the clinical and economic outcomes associated with reducing current AMR levels, by up to 95%, of three gram-negative pathogens in three hospital-acquired infections, from the perspective of healthcare payers. A willingness-to-pay threshold of AUD$15,000-$45,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained and a 5% discount rate (for costs and benefits) were applied.ResultsOver ten years, reducing AMR for gram-negative pathogens in Australia is associated with up to 10,251 life-years and 8924 QALYs gained, 9041 bed-days saved and 6644 defined-daily doses of antibiotics avoided. The resulting savings are estimated to be $10.5 million in hospitalisation costs, and the monetary benefit at up to $412.1 million.DiscussionOur results demonstrate the clinical and economic value of reducing AMR impact in Australia. Of note, since our analysis only considered a limited number of pathogens in the hospital setting only and for a limited number of infection types, the benefits of counteracting AMR are likely to extend well beyond the ones demonstrated here.ConclusionThese estimates demonstrate the consequences of failure to combat AMR in the Australian context. The benefits in mortality and health system costs justify consideration of innovative reimbursement schemes to encourage the development and commercialisation of new effective antimicrobials.

Dataset Information

Effects of common Gram-negative pathogens causing male genitourinary-tract infections on human sperm functions.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets