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Infectious Disease Commons™

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LSU Health New Orleans

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Articles 1 - 30 of 46

Full-Text Articles in Infectious Disease

Evaluation Of Mycoplasma Genitalium Positivity And Co-Infection With Chlamydia Trachomatis And/Or Neisseria Gonorrhoeae At Various Care Sites Across The United States, Rebecca Lillis, Rodney Arcenas, Christy M. Boraas, Steven E. Chavoustie, Lashonda Crane, Nicole D'Empaire, Aaron C. Ermel, Glenn Harnett, Federico Hinestrosa, Stacey House, Joseph Miller, Anthony Mills, Ronald Poblete, Stephen Young, Barbara Van Der Pol Jan 2026

Evaluation Of Mycoplasma Genitalium Positivity And Co-Infection With Chlamydia Trachomatis And/Or Neisseria Gonorrhoeae At Various Care Sites Across The United States, Rebecca Lillis, Rodney Arcenas, Christy M. Boraas, Steven E. Chavoustie, Lashonda Crane, Nicole D'Empaire, Aaron C. Ermel, Glenn Harnett, Federico Hinestrosa, Stacey House, Joseph Miller, Anthony Mills, Ronald Poblete, Stephen Young, Barbara Van Der Pol

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) positivity and co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), based on results from a trial assessing clinical performance of the Cobas® Liat CT/NG/MG point-of-care test. METHODS: A prospective, US, multicenter, noninterventional study assessed MG positivity in prospective urine samples (male) and clinician-collected vaginal swabs (female) from symptomatic/asymptomatic patients aged ≥14 years attending various clinical settings. Participants were designated positive or negative for MG, CT, and NG based on combined results from three US Food and Drug Administration-approved assays and one laboratory-developed test. MG co-infection with CT and/or NG was assessed. RESULTS: Among …


Sensitivity And Specificity Of The Cobas Liat Ct/Ng/Mg Nucleic Acid Test In A Clinical Laboratory Setting And Point-Of-Care Location, B Van Der Pol, R Arcenas, C Boraas, S Chavoustie, L L. Crane, N D'Empaire, A C. Ermel, G Harnett, F Hinestrosa, S House, Rebecca A. Lillis, J Miller, A Mills, R Poblete, S A. Young Oct 2025

Sensitivity And Specificity Of The Cobas Liat Ct/Ng/Mg Nucleic Acid Test In A Clinical Laboratory Setting And Point-Of-Care Location, B Van Der Pol, R Arcenas, C Boraas, S Chavoustie, L L. Crane, N D'Empaire, A C. Ermel, G Harnett, F Hinestrosa, S House, Rebecca A. Lillis, J Miller, A Mills, R Poblete, S A. Young

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Sexually transmitted infections, e.g., Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), present with similar signs/symptoms and are often treated empirically due to delays in receiving diagnostic test results. This study evaluated the clinical performance of the Cobas Liat CT/NG/MG nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) in detecting these pathogens in a point-of-care (POC) setting. This non-interventional, multicenter study recruited symptomatic/asymptomatic participants from 13 geographically diverse POC sites across the USA. Prospective clinician- and self-collected specimens (urine/vaginal swabs) were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Cobas Liat CT/NG/MG test relative to the composite reference standard (CRS), …


“Not Today”: Overcoming Prep Hesitancy, Stigma, And Adherence Barriers With Lenacapavir, Margaret Conrad, Meredith Clement Sep 2025

“Not Today”: Overcoming Prep Hesitancy, Stigma, And Adherence Barriers With Lenacapavir, Margaret Conrad, Meredith Clement

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


Investigating Bacterial Vaginosis Pathogenesis Using Peptide Nucleic Acid-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization With A Focus On The Roles Of Gardnerella Species, Prevotella Bivia, And Fannyhessea Vaginae, Sheridan D. George, Megan H. Amerson-Brown, Lúcia G.V. Sousa, Tyler M. Carter, Alexa H. Rinehart, Ashleigh N. Riegler, Sixto M. Leal, Kristal J. Aaron, Jiaying Hao, Ashutosh Tamhane, Chaoling Dong, John W. Lammons, Jacob H. Elnaggar, Keonte J. Graves, Paweł Łaniewski, Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz, Christopher M. Taylor, Nuno Cerca, Christina A. Muzny Sep 2025

Investigating Bacterial Vaginosis Pathogenesis Using Peptide Nucleic Acid-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization With A Focus On The Roles Of Gardnerella Species, Prevotella Bivia, And Fannyhessea Vaginae, Sheridan D. George, Megan H. Amerson-Brown, Lúcia G.V. Sousa, Tyler M. Carter, Alexa H. Rinehart, Ashleigh N. Riegler, Sixto M. Leal, Kristal J. Aaron, Jiaying Hao, Ashutosh Tamhane, Chaoling Dong, John W. Lammons, Jacob H. Elnaggar, Keonte J. Graves, Paweł Łaniewski, Melissa M. Herbst-Kralovetz, Christopher M. Taylor, Nuno Cerca, Christina A. Muzny

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Background. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal dysbiosis characterized by polymicrobial communities of BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) adhered to the vaginal epithelium. Despite decades of research, its etiology remains unknown. We aimed to investigate BV biofilm formation over time among women who developed incident BV (iBV) using peptide nucleic acid-fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH), focusing on 3 key BVAB (Gardnerella species, Prevotella bivia, and Fannyhessea vaginae). Methods. Heterosexual, nonpregnant women ages 18–45 with optimal vaginal microbiota were enrolled to self-collect twice-daily vaginal specimens for 60 days. iBV was defined as a Nugent score of 7–10 on ≥ 4 consecutive specimens. For …


Evaluation Of The User Experience For A Point Of Care Molecular Test For Causes Of Vaginitis, Barbara Van Der Pol, Rebecca Lillis, Irving Nachamkin, Stephen Young, La Shonda Crane, Jacqueline Brown, R. Lamar Parker, Alice Weissfeld, Xiaohong Liu, Christina Huang, Aarthi Raman Aug 2025

Evaluation Of The User Experience For A Point Of Care Molecular Test For Causes Of Vaginitis, Barbara Van Der Pol, Rebecca Lillis, Irving Nachamkin, Stephen Young, La Shonda Crane, Jacqueline Brown, R. Lamar Parker, Alice Weissfeld, Xiaohong Liu, Christina Huang, Aarthi Raman

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Vaginitis is a major cause of healthcare visits in the US, costing over $1.2 billion annually. Point-of-care (POC) nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) could improve accuracy of diagnosis and treatment during initial visit for vaginitis compared to send-out NAATs. Methods: A secondary analysis of data was collected from test operators at POC testing sites where the Xpert Xpress Multiplex Vaginal Panel test (“MVP test”) was performed. Users completed a survey assessing their experience with the instrument system and the PCR-based MVP test. Results: The MVP test demonstrated consistent performance, measured by positive and negative percent agreement, across all user …


Building Models, Building Capacity: A Review Of Participatory Machine Learning For Hiv Prevention, Mark Sendak, Meg Young, Jee Young Kim, Alifia Hasan, Clare Kelsey, Catherine O’Neal, Tonya Jagneaux, Wayne Wilbright, John Couk, Stephen Lim, Tamachia Davenport, Shirley Lolis, Jennifer Thomas, Shannon Widman, Suresh Balu, Meredith Clement, Lance Okeke Jun 2025

Building Models, Building Capacity: A Review Of Participatory Machine Learning For Hiv Prevention, Mark Sendak, Meg Young, Jee Young Kim, Alifia Hasan, Clare Kelsey, Catherine O’Neal, Tonya Jagneaux, Wayne Wilbright, John Couk, Stephen Lim, Tamachia Davenport, Shirley Lolis, Jennifer Thomas, Shannon Widman, Suresh Balu, Meredith Clement, Lance Okeke

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

A growing number of researchers and practitioners are embracing a “participatory turn” in machine learning (ML) to improve model development, prevent harm, and provide communities more influence over systems that impact them. In this paper, we explore the intersection of participatory practices in healthcare and the emerging focus on responsible AI with a focus on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care. We review the historical context of participation in HIV treatment and prevention, emphasizing how patient activism has shaped practices in this field. We then review participatory ML in HIV prevention and present a brief case study of a project designed …


Expansion Of A Rapid Reentry Program To Improve Viral Suppression And Retention In Hiv Care, Danielle L. Gilbert Do, Mph, Shafay Shams Md, John G. Phillips Md, Paula S. Seal Md, Mph May 2025

Expansion Of A Rapid Reentry Program To Improve Viral Suppression And Retention In Hiv Care, Danielle L. Gilbert Do, Mph, Shafay Shams Md, John G. Phillips Md, Paula S. Seal Md, Mph

Quality Improvement & Patient Safety Forum

No abstract provided.


From Knowledge To Action: Assessing The Influence Of Provider Education On Vaccine Importance, Tat W. Yau Md, Mph, Lauren E. Richey Md, Mph May 2025

From Knowledge To Action: Assessing The Influence Of Provider Education On Vaccine Importance, Tat W. Yau Md, Mph, Lauren E. Richey Md, Mph

Quality Improvement & Patient Safety Forum

No abstract provided.


Real-World Clinical Burden Of Patients Presenting With Vaginitis Symptoms In The United States, Justin Chen, Jenny Tse, Liucheng Shi, Mindy M. Cheng, Rebecca Lillis, Aimee M. Near May 2025

Real-World Clinical Burden Of Patients Presenting With Vaginitis Symptoms In The United States, Justin Chen, Jenny Tse, Liucheng Shi, Mindy M. Cheng, Rebecca Lillis, Aimee M. Near

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: While vaginitis is a leading cause of primary care visits among women with a gynecologic-related diagnosis, there are limited contemporary data on the healthcare burden. This study describes the real-world healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) of patients presenting with vaginitis symptoms in the United States (US) at symptom presentation and over long-term follow-up. Methods: This retrospective study utilized IQVIA's Longitudinal Prescription (LRx) and Medical Claims (Dx) databases to capture patients presenting with vaginitis symptoms from January 1, 2018 to September 30, 2022. The date of the first diagnosis code for vaginitis or related symptoms was considered the first clinical presentation …


Multicenter Clinical Performance Evaluation Of The Neumodx™ Ct/Ng Assay 2.0, B. Van Der Pol, A. Avery, Stephanie N. Taylor, J. Miller, C. L. Emery, A. English, G. B. Lazenby, Rebecca Lillis, J. Ruth, D. Young, S. Young, S. Chavoustie, L. Crane, V. Reid, G. Wall, S. Johnson Dec 2024

Multicenter Clinical Performance Evaluation Of The Neumodx™ Ct/Ng Assay 2.0, B. Van Der Pol, A. Avery, Stephanie N. Taylor, J. Miller, C. L. Emery, A. English, G. B. Lazenby, Rebecca Lillis, J. Ruth, D. Young, S. Young, S. Chavoustie, L. Crane, V. Reid, G. Wall, S. Johnson

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Given the continued increases in rates of both Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection, additional diagnostic assays may be useful in increasing access to testing for these sexually transmitted infections. We evaluated the performance of the NeuMoDx™ CT/NG Assay 2.0 on the NeuMoDx-96 and NeuMoDx-288 Molecular Systems. Methods: The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the assay was assessed when used with: 1) endocervical swabs; 2) self-, and clinician-collected vaginal swabs; and 3) first-catch urine specimens (female and male). Results were compared to a patient infection status based on US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared assays. Results: The …


The Hcv-Melanoma Paradox: First Multi-Cohort And Molecular Net-Work Analysis Reveals Lower Incidence But Worse Outcomes—Integrating Clinical, Real-World, And In Silico Data, Essam Al Ageeli, Jawaher A. Abdulhakim, Mohammad H. Hussein, Maryam M. Alnoman, Samia S. Alkhalil, Peter P. Issa, Nader A. Nemr, Ahmed Abdelmaksoud, Dhaifallah A. Alenizi, Manal S. Fawzy, Eman A. Toraih Sep 2024

The Hcv-Melanoma Paradox: First Multi-Cohort And Molecular Net-Work Analysis Reveals Lower Incidence But Worse Outcomes—Integrating Clinical, Real-World, And In Silico Data, Essam Al Ageeli, Jawaher A. Abdulhakim, Mohammad H. Hussein, Maryam M. Alnoman, Samia S. Alkhalil, Peter P. Issa, Nader A. Nemr, Ahmed Abdelmaksoud, Dhaifallah A. Alenizi, Manal S. Fawzy, Eman A. Toraih

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background and Objectives: The relationship between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and melanoma remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between HCV and melanoma, assess outcomes in patients with both conditions, and explore potential molecular mechanisms connecting the two diseases. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 142 melanoma patients, including 29 with HCV-related cirrhosis, and analyzed their clinical outcomes. For external validation, we used the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network database, comprising 219,960 propensity-matched patients per group. An in silico analysis was performed to identify the molecular pathways linking HCV and melanoma. Results: In …


Fcrider: A Recombinant Fc Nanoparticle With Endogenous Adjuvant Activities For Hybrid Immunization, Changchuin Mao, Karen Eberle, Xiaojie Chen, Yiming Zhou, Jun Li, Hong Xin, Wenda Gao Sep 2024

Fcrider: A Recombinant Fc Nanoparticle With Endogenous Adjuvant Activities For Hybrid Immunization, Changchuin Mao, Karen Eberle, Xiaojie Chen, Yiming Zhou, Jun Li, Hong Xin, Wenda Gao

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Active immunization (vaccination) induces long-lasting immunity with memory, which takes weeks to months to develop. Passive immunization (transfer of neutralizing antibodies) provides immediate protection, yet with high cost and effects being comparatively short-lived. No currently approved adjuvants are compatible with formulations to combine active and passive immunizations, not to mention their huge disparities in administration routes and dosage. To solve this, we engineered the Fc fragment of human IgG1 into a hexamer nanoparticle and expressed its afucosylated form in Fut8−/− CHO cells, naming it “FcRider.” FcRider is highly soluble with long-term stability, easily produced at high levels equivalent to those …


The Il-6 Hypothesis In Covid-19: A Phase 2, Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study To Evaluate The Efficacy And Safety Of Free Il-6 Sequestration By The Monoclonal Antibody Sirukumab In Severe And Critical Covid-19, Robert L. Gottlieb, Meredith Clement, Paul Cook, Audra Deveikis, Kap Sum Foong, Philip Robinson, Jihad Slim, Cedric W. Spak, Annemie Buelens, Katleen Callewaert, Sandra De Meyer, Wai Ling Mo, Inge Verbrugge, Liesbeth Van Wesenbeeck, Yanli Zhuang, Jason W. Chien, Magda Opsomer, Erika Van Landuyt Sep 2024

The Il-6 Hypothesis In Covid-19: A Phase 2, Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study To Evaluate The Efficacy And Safety Of Free Il-6 Sequestration By The Monoclonal Antibody Sirukumab In Severe And Critical Covid-19, Robert L. Gottlieb, Meredith Clement, Paul Cook, Audra Deveikis, Kap Sum Foong, Philip Robinson, Jihad Slim, Cedric W. Spak, Annemie Buelens, Katleen Callewaert, Sandra De Meyer, Wai Ling Mo, Inge Verbrugge, Liesbeth Van Wesenbeeck, Yanli Zhuang, Jason W. Chien, Magda Opsomer, Erika Van Landuyt

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Upregulation of IL-6 has been associated with worse prognosis in COVID-19 patients. Impact on IL-6 signalling has mostly been limited to clinical outcomes in IL-6 receptor antagonist trials. Methods: We performed a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT04380961) of US-based hospitalised adults (< 85 years) with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe (low levels of supplemental oxygen) or critical disease (high levels of oxygen supplementation). Patients received sirukumab 5 mg/kg or placebo single dose IV on Day 1 plus standard of care. The primary endpoint was time to sustained clinical improvement up to Day 28 based on an ordinal scale. Secondary endpoints included clinical improvement, all-cause mortality, and safety. Following an interim analysis, the protocol was amended to only recruit patients with critical COVID-19. Findings: From May 2020 to March 2021, 209 patients were randomised; 112 had critical disease (72 sirukumab, 40 placebo) at baseline. Median time to sustained clinical improvement in critical patients was 17 and 23 days in the sirukumab and placebo groups (HR, 1∙1; 95% CI, 0∙66–1∙88; p > 0∙05). At Day 28, 59∙4% versus 55∙0% of patients achieved clinical improvement with sirukumab versus placebo and rates of all-cause mortality were 24∙6% versus 30∙0%, respectively. Rates of grade ≥ 3 adverse events were comparable between the sirukumab and placebo groups (25∙9% vs 32∙9%; all patients). Interpretation: In critical COVID-19 patients who received sirukumab, there …


Addendum: A Small Molecule Produced By Lactobacillus Species Blocks Candida Albicans Filamentation By Inhibiting A Dyrk1-Family Kinase, Jessie Macalpine, Martin Daniel-Ivad, Zhongle Liu, Junko Yano, Nicole M. Revie, Robert T. Todd, Peter J. Stogios, Hiram Sanchez, Teresa R. O'Meara, Thomas A. Tompkins, Alexei Savchenko, Anna Selmecki, Amanda O. Veri, David R. Andes, Paul L. Fidel, Nicole Robbins, Justin Nodwell, Luke Whitesell, Leah E. Cowen Aug 2024

Addendum: A Small Molecule Produced By Lactobacillus Species Blocks Candida Albicans Filamentation By Inhibiting A Dyrk1-Family Kinase, Jessie Macalpine, Martin Daniel-Ivad, Zhongle Liu, Junko Yano, Nicole M. Revie, Robert T. Todd, Peter J. Stogios, Hiram Sanchez, Teresa R. O'Meara, Thomas A. Tompkins, Alexei Savchenko, Anna Selmecki, Amanda O. Veri, David R. Andes, Paul L. Fidel, Nicole Robbins, Justin Nodwell, Luke Whitesell, Leah E. Cowen

School of Dentistry Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.


Ruptured Infectious Pseudoaneurysm Of The Common Carotid Artery In A 14-Year-Old Girl. Management In The Dr Congo, Alphonse Nzomvuama, Jean Jacques Kalongo, Blondel Bayenekene, Stéphane Yanda, M. Jacques Nsuami Jul 2024

Ruptured Infectious Pseudoaneurysm Of The Common Carotid Artery In A 14-Year-Old Girl. Management In The Dr Congo, Alphonse Nzomvuama, Jean Jacques Kalongo, Blondel Bayenekene, Stéphane Yanda, M. Jacques Nsuami

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The infectious pseudoaneurysm of the common carotid artery is a rare observation in children. We present a case of ruptured infectious common carotid aneurysm in a 14-year-old girl managed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We performed an arterial reconstruction with a saphenous vein patch. Post-operative course was simple. The patient was discharged from the hospital at post-operative day 15. She was doing well and had returned to school. Rupture of an infectious pseudoaneurysm of the common carotid artery constitutes a serious, life-threatening accident. As we have shown in this case report, its management with successful results is indeed possible, …


Client Perspectives On The Development Of A Rapid Prep Initiative At A Sexual Health Center In New Orleans, Louisiana, Aish Lovett, Rose Luder, Rebecca Lillis, Isolde Butler, Julia Siren, Samuel Gomez, Kevin Kamis, Oluyomi Obafemi, Sarah E. Rowan, Stefan Baral, Meredith E. Clement Jun 2024

Client Perspectives On The Development Of A Rapid Prep Initiative At A Sexual Health Center In New Orleans, Louisiana, Aish Lovett, Rose Luder, Rebecca Lillis, Isolde Butler, Julia Siren, Samuel Gomez, Kevin Kamis, Oluyomi Obafemi, Sarah E. Rowan, Stefan Baral, Meredith E. Clement

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Uptake of PrEP remains suboptimal, especially in the Southern United States. Same-day or “Rapid PrEP Initiatives” (RPIs) in sexual health centers (SHCs) could facilitate access and overcome barriers to PrEP. We studied the adaptation of an RPI from Denver, Colorado to an SHC in New Orleans, Louisiana. Through focus group discussions (FGDs) with local SHC staff and PrEP providers, we developed a preliminary RPI model. In 5 FGDs with SHC clients referred for or taking PrEP, we gathered adaptation recommendations and feedback on model acceptability, feasibility, and utility. Providers and clients voiced unanimous support for the RPI. Clients favored the …


Targeting Cancers With Ohsv-Based Oncolytic Viral Immunotherapy, Rakin Tammam Nasar, Ifeanyi Kingsley Uche, Konstantin G. Kousoulas Jun 2024

Targeting Cancers With Ohsv-Based Oncolytic Viral Immunotherapy, Rakin Tammam Nasar, Ifeanyi Kingsley Uche, Konstantin G. Kousoulas

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The recent success of cancer immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICIs), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), cancer vaccines, and adoptive cellular therapies (ACTs), has revolutionized traditional cancer treatment. However, these immunotherapeutic modalities have variable efficacies, and many of them exhibit adverse effects. Oncolytic viral Immunotherapy (OViT), whereby viruses are used to directly or indirectly induce anti-cancer immune responses, is emerging as a novel immunotherapy for treating patients with different types of cancer. The herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) possesses many characteristics that inform its use as an effective OViT agents and remains a leading candidate. Its recent clinical success resulted in …


Cellular Host Response Sepsis Test For Risk Stratification Of Patients In The Emergency Department: A Pooled Analysis, Hollis R. O'Neal, Roya Sheybani, Chadd K. Kraus, Wesley H. Self, Ajay M. Shah, Christopher B. Thomas, Henry T.K. Tse, Robert Scoggins Apr 2024

Cellular Host Response Sepsis Test For Risk Stratification Of Patients In The Emergency Department: A Pooled Analysis, Hollis R. O'Neal, Roya Sheybani, Chadd K. Kraus, Wesley H. Self, Ajay M. Shah, Christopher B. Thomas, Henry T.K. Tse, Robert Scoggins

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Objectives: Sepsis is one of the most common, costly, and misdiagnosed conditions in U.S. emergency departments (EDs). ED providers often treat on nonspecific signs, subjective suspicion, or presumption of infection, resulting in over- and undertreatment. An increased understanding of host response has opened a new direction for sepsis diagnostics. The IntelliSep test is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration–cleared cellular host response diagnostic that could help distinguish sepsis in ED settings. Our objective was to evaluate the potential of the cellular host response test to expedite appropriate care for patients who present with signs of infection. Methods: We performed a …


Latent Tb Treatment Regimens In 2023: Wetmore Tb Clinic In New Orleans, Amy Wolfe, Priyanka Jadhav, Amber May, Shandrica Seymour, Angela Blanchard, Juzar Ali Apr 2024

Latent Tb Treatment Regimens In 2023: Wetmore Tb Clinic In New Orleans, Amy Wolfe, Priyanka Jadhav, Amber May, Shandrica Seymour, Angela Blanchard, Juzar Ali

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

The USPSTF has updated Latent TB Infection (LTBI) screening and treatment recommendations in 2023; describing treatment courses, side effects and benefits associated with each regimen. Overall, rifampin-containing shortened regimens are the preferred modality for LTBI treatment. A recent study in 2023 evaluated adherence and tolerance of the isoniazid(INH) + rifapentine(RPT), or “3HP” regimen and identified patient groups that may be at higher risk for non-completion of this regimen. It emphasized the need for targeted education at the beginning of treatment, to avoid early discontinuation. Our experience in New Orleans demonstrated that the 3HP is well-tolerated, with higher completion rates than …


Validation Of A Novel, Rapid Sepsis Diagnostic For Emergency Department Use, Hollis R. O'Neal, Roya Sheybani, David R. Janz, Robert Scoggins, Tonya Jagneaux, James E. Walker, Daniel J. Henning, Elizabeth Rosenman, Simon A. Mahler, Hariharan Regunath, Christopher S. Sampson, D. Clark Files, Richard D. Fremont, Michael J. Noto, Erica E. Schneider, Wesley R. Shealey, Matthew S. Berlinger, Thomas C. Carver, Morgan K. Walker, Nathan A. Ledeboer, Ajay M. Shah, Henry T.K. Tse, Dino Dicarlo, Todd W. Rice, Christopher B. Thomas Feb 2024

Validation Of A Novel, Rapid Sepsis Diagnostic For Emergency Department Use, Hollis R. O'Neal, Roya Sheybani, David R. Janz, Robert Scoggins, Tonya Jagneaux, James E. Walker, Daniel J. Henning, Elizabeth Rosenman, Simon A. Mahler, Hariharan Regunath, Christopher S. Sampson, D. Clark Files, Richard D. Fremont, Michael J. Noto, Erica E. Schneider, Wesley R. Shealey, Matthew S. Berlinger, Thomas C. Carver, Morgan K. Walker, Nathan A. Ledeboer, Ajay M. Shah, Henry T.K. Tse, Dino Dicarlo, Todd W. Rice, Christopher B. Thomas

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVES: To assess the in vitro IntelliSep test, a microfluidic assay that quantifies the state of immune activation by evaluating the biophysical properties of leukocytes, as a rapid diagnostic for sepsis. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Five emergency departments (EDs) in Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, and Washington. PATIENTS: Adult patients presenting to the ED with signs (two of four Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome criteria, where one must be temperature or WBC count) or suspicion (provider-ordered culture) of infection. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent testing with the IntelliSep using ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid-anticoagulated whole blood followed by retrospective adjudication for sepsis by …


Microbial Interactions Among Gardnerella, Prevotella And Fannyhessea Prior To Incident Bacterial Vaginosis: Protocol For A Prospective, Observational Study, Christina A. Muzny, Jacob H. Elnaggar, Lúcia G.V. Sousa, Ângela Lima, Kristal J. Aaron, Isaac C. Eastlund, Keonte J. Graves, Chaoling Dong, Olivia T. Van Gerwen, Meng Luo, Ashutosh Tamhane, Dustin Long, Nuno Cerca, Christopher M. Taylor Feb 2024

Microbial Interactions Among Gardnerella, Prevotella And Fannyhessea Prior To Incident Bacterial Vaginosis: Protocol For A Prospective, Observational Study, Christina A. Muzny, Jacob H. Elnaggar, Lúcia G.V. Sousa, Ângela Lima, Kristal J. Aaron, Isaac C. Eastlund, Keonte J. Graves, Chaoling Dong, Olivia T. Van Gerwen, Meng Luo, Ashutosh Tamhane, Dustin Long, Nuno Cerca, Christopher M. Taylor

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Introduction The aetiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV), a biofilm-associated vaginal infection, remains unknown. Epidemiologic data suggest that it is sexually transmitted. BV is characterised by loss of lactic acid-producing lactobacilli and an increase in facultative and strict anaerobic bacteria. Gardnerella spp are present in 95%–100% of cases; Gardnerella vaginalis has been found to be more virulent than other BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) in vitro. However, G. vaginalis is found in women with normal vaginal microbiota and colonisation is not sufficient for BV development. We hypothesise that Gardnerella spp initiate BV biofilm formation, but incident BV (iBV) requires incorporation of other key …


Targeted Repression Of Topa By Crispri Reveals A Critical Function For Balanced Dna Topoisomerase I Activity In The Chlamydia Trachomatis Developmental Cycle, Li Shen, Leiqiong Gao, Abigail R. Swoboda, Scot P. Ouellette Jan 2024

Targeted Repression Of Topa By Crispri Reveals A Critical Function For Balanced Dna Topoisomerase I Activity In The Chlamydia Trachomatis Developmental Cycle, Li Shen, Leiqiong Gao, Abigail R. Swoboda, Scot P. Ouellette

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that is responsible for the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection. Changes in DNA topology in this pathogen have been linked to its pathogenicity-associated developmental cycle. Here, evidence is provided that the balanced activity of DNA topoisomerases contributes to controlling Chlamydia developmental processes. Utilizing catalytically inactivated Cas12 (dCas12)-based clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference (CRISPRi) technology, we demonstrate targeted knockdown of chromosomal topA transcription in C. trachomatis without detected toxicity of dCas12. Repression of topA impaired the developmental cycle of C. trachomatis mostly through disruption of its differentiation from a replicative form …


Interplay Between Acetylation And Ubiquitination Of Imitation Switch Chromatin Remodeler Isw1 Confers Multidrug Resistance In Cryptococcus Neoformans, Yang Meng, Yue Ni, Zhuoran Li, Tianhang Jiang, Tianshu Sun, Yanjian Li, Xindi Gao, Hailong Li, Chenhao Suo, Chao Li, Sheng Yang, Tian Lan, Guojian Liao, Tongbao Liu, Ping Wang, Chen Ding Jan 2024

Interplay Between Acetylation And Ubiquitination Of Imitation Switch Chromatin Remodeler Isw1 Confers Multidrug Resistance In Cryptococcus Neoformans, Yang Meng, Yue Ni, Zhuoran Li, Tianhang Jiang, Tianshu Sun, Yanjian Li, Xindi Gao, Hailong Li, Chenhao Suo, Chao Li, Sheng Yang, Tian Lan, Guojian Liao, Tongbao Liu, Ping Wang, Chen Ding

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Cryptococcus neoformans poses a threat to human health, but anticryptococcal therapy is hampered by the emergence of drug resistance, whose underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Herein, we discovered that Isw1, an imitation switch chromatin remodeling ATPase, functions as a master modulator of genes responsible for in vivo and in vitro multidrug resistance in C. neoformans. Cells with the disrupted ISW1 gene exhibited profound resistance to multiple antifungal drugs. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that Isw1 is both acetylated and ubiquitinated, suggesting that an interplay between these two modification events exists to govern Isw1 function. Mutagenesis studies of acetylation and ubiquitination sites …


Using Phosphatidylethanol As An Adjunct To Self-Reported Alcohol Use Improves Identification Of Liver Fibrosis Risk, Pamela M. Murnane, Majid Afshar, Gabriel Chamie, Robert L. Cook, Tekeda Ferguson, Lamia Y. Haque, Karen R. Jacobson, Amy C. Justice, Theresa W. Kim, Mandana Khalili, Evgeny Krupitsky, Kathleen A. Mcginnis, Patricia Molina, Winnie R. Muyindike, Bronwyn Myers, Veronica L. Richards, Kaku So-Armah, Scott Stewart, Mark S. Sulkowski, Phyllis C. Tien, Judith A. Hahn Jan 2024

Using Phosphatidylethanol As An Adjunct To Self-Reported Alcohol Use Improves Identification Of Liver Fibrosis Risk, Pamela M. Murnane, Majid Afshar, Gabriel Chamie, Robert L. Cook, Tekeda Ferguson, Lamia Y. Haque, Karen R. Jacobson, Amy C. Justice, Theresa W. Kim, Mandana Khalili, Evgeny Krupitsky, Kathleen A. Mcginnis, Patricia Molina, Winnie R. Muyindike, Bronwyn Myers, Veronica L. Richards, Kaku So-Armah, Scott Stewart, Mark S. Sulkowski, Phyllis C. Tien, Judith A. Hahn

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Introduction: Accurate assessment of alcohol use informs prevention and management of liver disease. We examined whether phosphatidylethanol (PEth, an alcohol metabolite) blood concentrations are associated with liver fibrosis risk independently of self-reported alcohol use, among persons with and without HIV. Methods: We pooled individual-level data from 12 studies from the United States, Russia, Uganda, and South Africa with PEth, AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption), and FIB-4 measurements. We conducted mixed-effects logistic regression of the relationship between PEth and AUDIT-C as continuous variables (after checking linearity), with high FIB-4 ( ≥ 2.67). We divided PEth (range 0-1000) by 83.3 to …


Association Of Chlamydia Trachomatis Burden With The Vaginal Microbiota, Bacterial Vaginosis, And Metronidazole Treatment, Caleb M. Ardizzone, Christopher M. Taylor, Evelyn Toh, Rebecca A. Lillis, Jacob H. Elnaggar, John W. Lammons, Patricia Dehon Mott, Emily L. Duffy, Li Shen, Alison J. Quayle Dec 2023

Association Of Chlamydia Trachomatis Burden With The Vaginal Microbiota, Bacterial Vaginosis, And Metronidazole Treatment, Caleb M. Ardizzone, Christopher M. Taylor, Evelyn Toh, Rebecca A. Lillis, Jacob H. Elnaggar, John W. Lammons, Patricia Dehon Mott, Emily L. Duffy, Li Shen, Alison J. Quayle

School of Graduate Studies Faculty Publications

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota, is a common coinfection with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), and BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) and their products have been implicated in aiding Ct evade natural immunity. Here, we determined if a non-optimal vaginal microbiota was associated with a higher genital Ct burden and if metronidazole, a standard treatment for BV, would reduce Ct burden or aid in natural clearance of Ct infection. Cervicovaginal samples were collected from women at enrollment and, if testing positive for Ct infection, at a follow-up visit approximately one week later. Cervical Ct burden was assessed by inclusion forming …


Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Perspectives In Black Men Who Have Sex With Men Taking Preexposure Prophylaxis In New Orleans, Meredith E. Clement, Jeremy Beckford, Aish Lovett, Julia Siren, Marie Adorno, Sara Legrand, Marsha Bennett, Jamilah Taylor, Emily Hanlen-Rosado, Brian Perry, Amy Corneli Dec 2023

Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Perspectives In Black Men Who Have Sex With Men Taking Preexposure Prophylaxis In New Orleans, Meredith E. Clement, Jeremy Beckford, Aish Lovett, Julia Siren, Marie Adorno, Sara Legrand, Marsha Bennett, Jamilah Taylor, Emily Hanlen-Rosado, Brian Perry, Amy Corneli

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

INTRODUCTION: Profound sexual health disparities exist for Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in the US South, including a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sexually transmitted infection prevention strategies beyond condoms are needed for Black MSM taking preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with Black MSM taking PrEP in New Orleans, Louisiana. Informed by the Health Belief Model, we asked about participants' perceived susceptibility, severity, and concerns regarding STIs, and perceived benefits of STI prevention. We also asked about willingness to use various STI prevention strategies, including antibiotic prophylaxis. Interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed …


A Quality Improvement Initiative For Hiv Prevention In Underserved Communities, Meredith E. Clement, Angie D. Settle, Claudia T. Martorell, Jeffrey D. Carter, Melissa Rodriguez, Chelsie Anderson Chadha, Bonnie Douglas, Laura Simone, Leah Molloy Nov 2023

A Quality Improvement Initiative For Hiv Prevention In Underserved Communities, Meredith E. Clement, Angie D. Settle, Claudia T. Martorell, Jeffrey D. Carter, Melissa Rodriguez, Chelsie Anderson Chadha, Bonnie Douglas, Laura Simone, Leah Molloy

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Infectious Diseases Week, IDWeek 2023, October 11 - 15, 2023, Boston, MA


Evaluation Of Comparative Hiv Care Continuum Outcomes Following Three Years Of Program Implementation Of The Positivelinks Smartphone Intervention Among People With Hiv With And Without Substance Use, Jacqueline Hodges, Sylvia Caldwell, Kori Otero, Brooke Williams, Ben Elliott, Lauren Richey, Ava Lena Waldman, Rebecca Dillingham, Karen Ingersoll Nov 2023

Evaluation Of Comparative Hiv Care Continuum Outcomes Following Three Years Of Program Implementation Of The Positivelinks Smartphone Intervention Among People With Hiv With And Without Substance Use, Jacqueline Hodges, Sylvia Caldwell, Kori Otero, Brooke Williams, Ben Elliott, Lauren Richey, Ava Lena Waldman, Rebecca Dillingham, Karen Ingersoll

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Infectious Diseases Week, IDWeek 2023, October 11 - 15, 2023, Boston, MA


Id Fellow Quality Improvement Project Shows Gains In Oral Health Exams For People With Hiv, Terrence Park, Lauren Richey, Paula Seal Nov 2023

Id Fellow Quality Improvement Project Shows Gains In Oral Health Exams For People With Hiv, Terrence Park, Lauren Richey, Paula Seal

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Infectious Diseases Week, IDWeek 2023, October 11 - 15, 2023, Boston, MA


Promising Changes In Antibiotic Utilization Associated With Implementation Of Rapid Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing For Bloodstream Infection, Tat Yau, Michelle Blyth, Julio E. Figueroa Ii Nov 2023

Promising Changes In Antibiotic Utilization Associated With Implementation Of Rapid Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing For Bloodstream Infection, Tat Yau, Michelle Blyth, Julio E. Figueroa Ii

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Infectious Diseases Week, IDWeek 2023, October 11-15, 2023, Boston, MA