Publications des scientifiques de l'IRD

Fenollar F., Marth T., Lagier J. C., Angelakis E., Raoult Didier. (2015). Sewage workers with low antibody responses may be colonized successively by several Tropheryma whipplei strains. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 35, p. 51-55. ISSN 1201-9712.

Titre du document
Sewage workers with low antibody responses may be colonized successively by several Tropheryma whipplei strains
Année de publication
2015
Type de document
Article référencé dans le Web of Science WOS:000358004000013
Auteurs
Fenollar F., Marth T., Lagier J. C., Angelakis E., Raoult Didier
Source
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2015, 35, p. 51-55 ISSN 1201-9712
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.
Plan de classement
Santé : généralités [050]
Description Géographique
FRANCE
Localisation
Fonds IRD
Identifiant IRD
PAR00013496
Contact