Current trends in translational research in leptospirosis
Jessica N Ricaldi1, Mark A Swancutt, Michael A Matthias
1Instituto de Medicina Tropical Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru. jessica.ricaldi@upch.pe
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|August 29, 2013
Summary
Understanding leptospirosis requires considering host, pathogen, and environment. Recent advances include improved diagnostics like PCR, insights into immune responses, and the growing role of environmental assessment for public health.
Area of Science:
- Translational research in infectious diseases
- Microbiology and immunology
- Public health and epidemiology
Background:
- Leptospirosis is a significant zoonotic disease with global public health implications.
- Understanding the interplay between host, pathogen, and environment is crucial for effective management.
- Recent years have highlighted the need for a translational approach to leptospirosis research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings in leptospirosis research with a translational focus.
- To highlight advancements applicable to public health, diagnosis, and case management.
- To discuss newer diagnostic methods, immunological insights, and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent translational research on leptospirosis.
- Analysis of studies focusing on diagnostics, immunology, treatment, and environmental factors.
- Synthesis of findings relevant to clinical practice and public health.
Main Results:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or combined serology and PCR show higher sensitivity than the traditional microagglutination test.
- Dendritic cells and gamma-delta T cells play a significant role in the immune response to leptospirosis.
- Environmental assessment is emerging as a valuable tool in understanding and managing leptospirosis.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of leptospirosis necessitates considering host, pathogen, and environmental factors.
- Advancements in diagnostics, immunology, and treatment are improving the approach to leptospirosis.
- Environmental assessment offers a promising avenue for future leptospirosis research and control strategies.
Related Concept Videos
02:28Leaky Scanning
During most eukaryotic translation processes, the small 40S ribosome subunit scans an mRNA from its 5' end until it encounters the first start AUG codon. The large 60S ribosomal subunit then joins the smaller one to initiate protein synthesis. The location of the translation initiation is largely determined by the nucleotides near the start codon as there may be multiple translation initiation sites present on the mRNA. Marilyn Kozak discovered that the sequence RCCAUGG (where R stands for...
01:30Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased by a...