Journal articles
Sewage workers with low antibody responses may be colonized successively by several Tropheryma whipplei strains
Abstract : Objectives: Asymptomatic faecal carriage of Tropheryma whipplei, the agent of Whipple's disease, is reported among sewage workers. However, the potential development of such carriage is unknown. A 7-year follow-up of T. whipplei-carrying sewage workers is reported.
Methods: Nineteen sewage workers previously detected as faecal carriers of T. whipplei were followed to ascertain the chronicity of their carriage. Faeces were tested by molecular assays using quantitative real-time PCR specifically targeting T. whipplei. Serological anti-T. whipplei Western blotting was also performed.
Results: Seventy-nine percent (15/19) of workers exhibited a strong immune response against T. whipplei. Among these, five were followed for more than 1 year. Four maintained a strong response, with three carrying the same strain and one becoming negative. The fifth exhibited a decreased immune response, a negative faeces result, and subsequent carriage of another strain. Three individuals with low immune responses were also followed. Two never developed a response, with one carrying the same strain and one becoming negative and then positive with another strain; the third developed a strong response and became negative.
Conclusions: Chronic T. whipplei carriers appear to be protected against reinfection, but those with low or decreasing antibody levels may be re-colonized by another strain.
Cited literature [32 references]
https://hal-amu.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01785415
Contributor : Administrateur Hal Amu <>
Submitted on : Friday, May 4, 2018 - 1:23:50 PM
Last modification on : Thursday, April 11, 2019 - 10:00:07 AM
Long-term archiving on: : Monday, September 24, 2018 - 1:37:23 PM
Contributor : Administrateur Hal Amu <>
Submitted on : Friday, May 4, 2018 - 1:23:50 PM
Last modification on : Thursday, April 11, 2019 - 10:00:07 AM
Long-term archiving on: : Monday, September 24, 2018 - 1:37:23 PM
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