Latest news with #Chlamydiatrachomatis
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
‘Mann ki Baat': WHO declares India free of Trachoma, says PM Modi
In his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (June 29, 2025) said that India has been declared free of Trachoma — an eye disease. In the 123rd episode, Mr. Modi said, 'I am delighted to share with you that World Health Organisation [WHO] had declared India free of Trachoma, an eye disease.' Trachoma is a bacterial infection of the eyes caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It's a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, particularly in impoverished areas with poor access to clean water and sanitation. 'International Labour Organisation has said over 64% of Indian population is getting some form of social protection benefit,' PM Modi noted. 'Over 95 crore Indians now benefitting from some social security scheme, govt schemes reached less than 25 crore people in 2015,' he added.
Los Angeles Times
12-06-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is a sneaky infection that affects the upper female reproductive tract – uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries – and is classified as an upper genital tract infection. Often linked to untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), most cases of PID are caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. PID can have serious reproductive consequences such as chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. If left untreated PID can cause permanent damage to reproductive organs which can impact fertility and overall reproductive health. The challenge for clinicians is not only the subtle or non specific symptoms but also the expanding list of causative pathogens and shifting resistance patterns. Risk factors for PID are unprotected sex and having multiple partners which increases the risk of PID especially in young women. Fortunately recent research is changing how we approach diagnosis, treatment and prevention – offering hope for better outcomes with early comprehensive care. Diagnosing a PID isn't as simple as ordering one test. Most clinicians rely on a combination of clinical signs: lower abdominal pain, cervical motion tenderness and uterine or adnexal tenderness. Clinical diagnosis is key with pelvic examination playing a big role in evaluating cervical discharge, uterine tenderness and lower genital tract inflammation. The classic 2008 study on PID management advises to have a 'low threshold' for diagnosis especially since delayed treatment can cause permanent reproductive damage [1]. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent complications and long term sequelae. But the microbial picture is more complicated than that. While Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are still the well known culprits, they're not the only ones. A 2021 review in The Journal of Infectious Diseases points to pathogens like Mycoplasma genitalium as emerging players in PID [7]. These atypical bacteria often evade traditional STI tests making diagnosis harder and highlighting the need for broader microbial screening. Subclinical PID often resulting from less symptomatic infections like chlamydia can still cause long term consequences even in the absence of symptoms. Another 2021 study 'Etiology and Diagnosis of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease' goes even further by suggesting diagnostic strategies that go beyond gonorrhea and chlamydia [8]. This broader approach reduces misdiagnosis and ensures treatment addresses the full range of potential infections – a key to better long term outcomes. When evaluating severe pain in the pelvic region or lower abdomen, clinicians must consider alternative diagnoses like ovarian torsion and tubo ovarian abscess. Diagnostic tools may include pelvic ultrasound and in uncertain cases endometrial biopsy to clarify the diagnosis. Comprehensive evaluation is key and clinicians must diagnose PID accurately to avoid missing cases with atypical presentations. When PID is suspected the standard advice is to treat immediately before test results confirm a specific pathogen. That's because empiric therapy which uses broad spectrum antibiotics covers the wide range of bacteria associated with PID. Empiric treatment and prompt treatment is crucial to prevent complications like chronic pelvic pain, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. The 2019 American Family Physician review outlines best practices for outpatient and inpatient settings and emphasizes early treatment especially in high risk women [2]. Outpatient treatment is an option for most patients with mild to moderate symptoms and allows them to manage the infection without hospitalization. Emergency medicine literature reinforces this point. Studies in Emergency Medicine Practice (2016 and 2022) stress the importance of prompt intervention especially in emergency departments where many PID cases present first [5] [6]. These papers also emphasize clear discharge instructions and the need for close follow up especially for women whose symptoms don't resolve fully within the first few days. It's essential to treat PID promptly and make sure patients receive treatment to avoid long term complications from pelvic infection. Choosing the right antibiotic combination matters too. A 2013 BMJ review using GRADE scoring to assess evidence strength suggests regimens with doxycycline, cefoxitin or ceftriaxone and metronidazole are most effective [9]. The same review also highlights the benefit of prophylactic antibiotics before IUD insertion especially in high risk patients. Birth control methods like IUDs can increase the risk of pelvic infection especially in the presence of bacterial vaginosis which disrupts the vaginal flora and may contribute to ascending infections. While most PID can be managed with outpatient antibiotics some scenarios require more intensive management. Hospitalization is recommended for patients who are pregnant, have severe symptoms, have an abscess or aren't responding to oral medications. Infections of the upper female genital tract and pelvic organs can cause long term complications including damage to the reproductive organs like the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. A 2023 article in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management advises clinicians to stratify care based on illness severity and risk factors [3]. This includes considering polymicrobial infections and resistance trends when choosing treatment regimens. Presence of anaerobes or treatment resistant bacteria may require intravenous antibiotics or surgical intervention. There is also potential for scar tissue formation in the fallopian tube and other reproductive organs which can cause chronic pain and infertility. A 2010 review in Obstetrics and Gynecology echoes this message. It states most women recover well with outpatient care but clinicians must be aware of microbial diversity especially in populations where STI prevalence is high or access to care is limited [4]. As our understanding of PID evolves so do the tools to diagnose and treat it. Traditional STI panels may miss important pathogens which is why there's growing interest in non-invasive tests and molecular diagnostics. These technologies including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) can detect low abundance microbes like Mycoplasma genitalium that traditional methods miss [3] [7]. Looking ahead experts recommend a multipronged approach: Some public health campaigns are already incorporating these principles. For example the CDC's updated STI guidelines now include emerging pathogens and detailed follow up protocols. Planned Parenthood's PID awareness campaign stresses education, partner treatment and timely care – all key to stopping the cycle of reinfection. Comprehensive testing for other STIs like HIV and syphilis is also recommended for sexually active individuals. When discussing partner notification and public health education all sexual partners should be treated and advised to abstain from sexual intercourse or sexual contact until treatment is complete to prevent reinfection and further spread among sexually active individuals. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is one of the most common and most misunderstood gynecological emergencies. The infection's polymicrobial nature, subtle presentation and potential for long term harm make it a unique challenge in women's health. But the tide is turning. With growing awareness, better diagnostic tools and research based treatment strategies there is a clear path forward. Clinicians must stay up to date with evolving recommendations especially as we discover new pathogens and confront antibiotic resistance. The goal is no longer just treatment – it's prevention, precision and protecting reproductive futures. [1] Haggerty, C. L., & Ness, R. B. (2008). Diagnosis and treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease. Women's health (London, England), 4(4), 383–397. [2] Curry, A., Williams, T., & Penny, M. L. (2019). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention. American family physician, 100(6), 357–364. [3] Yusuf, H., & Trent, M. (2023). Management of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease in Clinical Practice. Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 19, 183–192. [4] Soper D. E. (2010). Pelvic inflammatory disease. Obstetrics and gynecology, 116(2 Pt 1), 419–428. [5] Bugg, C. W., & Taira, T. (2016). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Diagnosis And Treatment In The Emergency Department. Emergency medicine practice, 18(12), 1–24. [6] Taira, T., Broussard, N., & Bugg, C. (2022). Pelvic inflammatory disease: diagnosis and treatment in the emergency department. Emergency medicine practice, 24(12), 1–24. [7] Hillier, S. L., Bernstein, K. T., & Aral, S. (2021). A Review of the Challenges and Complexities in the Diagnosis, Etiology, Epidemiology, and Pathogenesis of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. The Journal of infectious diseases, 224(12 Suppl 2), S23–S28. [8] Mitchell, C. M., Anyalechi, G. E., Cohen, C. R., Haggerty, C. L., Manhart, L. E., & Hillier, S. L. (2021). Etiology and Diagnosis of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Looking Beyond Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. The Journal of infectious diseases, 224(12 Suppl 2), S29–S35. [9] Ross J. D. (2013). Pelvic inflammatory disease. BMJ clinical evidence, 2013, 1606.
Daily News Egypt
27-04-2025
- Health
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Ministry of Health launches trachoma elimination campaign in 7 governorates
Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population has launched a campaign during April to prevent and treat the infectious eye disease trachoma (Chlamydia trachomatis) in seven governorates, according to a ministry statement. The initiative follows directives from Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, and is part of a national plan aiming to declare Egypt free of the disease by 2027. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, stated that the campaign reflects Egypt's commitment to improving citizens' health. He noted the campaign is part of a comprehensive national strategy implemented by the ministry in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), aligning with global efforts to eliminate a major cause of preventable blindness. Trachoma is recognised as an infectious disease. Amr Kandil, Deputy Minister of Health and Population, explained that the first phase of a rapid national assessment of trachoma prevalence began in the governorates of Gharbia, Menoufia, Beni Suef, and New Valley. These four were selected based on scientific criteria to ensure the assessment comprehensively represents various living conditions and health circumstances across Egypt, covering 15 diverse health districts. Kandil added that a second phase, encompassing the governorates of Sharqia, Minya, and Qena, is underway and scheduled to conclude by the end of April. Rady Hammad, Head of the Preventive Medicine Sector, said the assessment targets the screening of more than 2,550 children aged between one and nine years, the group most vulnerable to active trachoma. He stated that specialised teams are conducting the screenings. Hammad added that examinations also include adults to identify cases of trichiasis (eyelid inversion), a serious complication of chronic trachoma infection that can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly. Regarding transmission, Hammad explained that flies play a key role by carrying contaminated secretions from eye to eye. He also cited the use of contaminated personal items, such as towels and cosmetics, belonging to infected individuals as a mode of transmission. He stressed the importance of personal and environmental hygiene – including handwashing with soap and water, avoiding touching the face, proper waste disposal, and personal care – to effectively prevent the disease and limit its spread. Amani El Habashi, Head of the Central Administration for Tropical Diseases and Disease Vectors, stated that the field assessment of prevalence is an integral part of a multi-faceted health plan. She said the plan fundamentally seeks to enhance trachoma prevention, with a particular focus on building sustained community awareness, especially in villages and remote areas potentially more susceptible to the disease's spread.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA approves at-home chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis test for women
(NewsNation) — The Food and Drug Administration last week gave approval for an at-home chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis test for women. Visby Medical Women's Sexual Health Test can be taken by those with or without symptoms,and delivers results in about 30 minutes, the FDA said in a news release. This is the first diagnostic test for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis that can be bought without a prescription and done entirely at home. Last year, the FDA also authorized an at-home syphilis test. 'Home tests can give people information about their health from the privacy of their home. This can be particularly important for sexual health tests for which patients may experience fear or anxiety, possibly resulting in delayed diagnosis or treatment,'Courtney Lias, Ph.D., director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in a statement. 'Expanding access to tests for sexually transmitted infections is an important step toward earlier and increased diagnosis, which can result in increased treatment and reduced spread of infection.' Tariffs will drive up prices of everyday goods from coffee to toys The Visby Medical Women's Sexual Health Test, according to the FDA, correctly identified 98.8% of negative and 97.2% of positive Chlamydia trachomatis samples; 99.1% of negative and 100% of positive Neisseria gonorrhoeae samples; and 98.5% of negative and 97.8% of positive Trichomonas vaginalis samples, according to the FDA. Adam de la Zerda, the founder and CEO of Visby Medical, said the test was in development for 12 years. 'This approval is not just a milestone for Visby Medical but marks a transformative moment in medical diagnostics,' de la Zerda said in a statement. 'We've achieved something incredible; our palm-sized, single-use PCR test is simple to use and replaces a bulky, large, expensive laboratory instrument.' The test is single-use and includes a collection kit and powered testing device. Once the test is complete, results are shown on the Visby Medical App. The Visby Medical Women's Sexual Health Test is a single use, at home test, that includes a collection kit (self-collected vaginal swab) and a powered testing device, which communicates securely to the Visby Medical App, which displays results when the test is complete. More than 600,000 cases of gonorrhea and over 1.6 million cases of chlamydia were reported in the U.S. in 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Surveillance Report states. Trichomoniasis affected about 2.6 million people in 2021, per the CDC. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA fast tracks Sanofi's mRNA vaccine for chlamydia
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted fast track designation to Sanofi's mRNA vaccine candidate for the prevention of chlamydia infection. The fast track pathway is designed to expedite the development and review of drugs for certain medical conditions where there is currently an unmet need. Pharmaceutical companies are eligible for benefits, including more frequent meetings with the FDA and faster review times. Sanofi's vaccine is designed to protect against primary genital tract infection and reinfection by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which is responsible for the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the world. Treatment for the infection currently includes a regimen of antibiotics, although there are no pharmacological options to prevent the disease. Sanofi stated that health programmes initiated to prevent infection rates from rising have proven insufficient, highlighting the public health need for a vaccine. The consequences of infection in women are more serious than in men, given that pelvic inflammatory diseases can arise, a complication that can lead to infertility. Sanofi is developing the vaccine in partnership with the Queensland government, Griffith University, and the University of Queensland, all based in Australia. The vaccine has produced a 'promising pre-clinical programme', according to the drugmaker. A Phase I/II randomised clinical study, which is slated to start in the coming days, will evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the candidate in adults aged 18 to 29 years. Sanofi has remained tight-lipped on further details of the vaccine, saying only that it is mRNA-based. Sanofi has various mRNA vaccines in development for infectious diseases, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and meningitis, among others. Sanofi's global head of vaccine research and development Jean-François Toussaint said: 'Millions of people currently live with undiagnosed chlamydia, including asymptomatic infection that can also cause severe long-term health effects if left untreated. 'Antibiotics to treat chlamydia have not been successful in controlling rising infection rates. With our programme, we aim to make chlamydia a preventable disease through vaccination.' A separate vaccine candidate has already demonstrated positive results in a randomised Phase I trial (NCT03926728). Funded by the EU Horizon programme, researchers from the UK and Denmark reported in The Lancet Infectious Diseases that their candidate was safe and induced an immune response in adults. The research team have earmarked a larger Phase II trial. There are already a handful of vaccines approved to prevent certain sexually transmitted infections, including HPV and hepatitis B. mRNA vaccine coverage on Pharmaceutical Technology (or Clinical Trials Arena) is supported by Trilink. Editorial content is independently produced and follows the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Topic sponsors are not involved in the creation of editorial content. "FDA fast tracks Sanofi's mRNA vaccine for chlamydia" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
