Sulforaphane (SFN), a phytochemical found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent with reported effects in cancer chemoprevention and suppression of infection with intracellular pathogens. Here we report on the impact of SFN on infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), a common sexually transmitted pathogen responsible for 131 million new cases annually worldwide. Astoundingly, we find that SFN as well as broccoli sprouts extract (BSE) promote Ct infection of human host cells. Both the number and size of Ct inclusions were increased when host cells were pretreated with SFN or BSE. The initial investigations presented here point to both the antioxidant and thiol alkylating properties of SFN as regulators of Ct infection. SFN decreased mitochondrial protein sulfenylation and promoted Ct development, which were both reversed by treatment with mitochondria-targeted paraquat (MitoPQ). Inhibition of the complement component 3 (complement C3) by SFN was also identified as a mechanism by which SFN promotes Ct infections. Mass spectrometry analysis found alkylation of cysteine 1010 (Cys1010) in complement C3 by SFN. The studies reported here raise awareness of the Ct infection promoting activity of SFN, and also identify potential mechanisms underlying this activity.

We evaluated the Standard Q HIV/Syphilis Combo Test (SD Biosensor, South Korea), a dual rapid test using stored sera (N=400) in a laboratory setting in Lima, Peru. The sensitivity and specificity for HIV antibody detection was 100.0%(95% CI: 98.2%−100.0%) and 99.5%(95% CI: 97.2% −100.0%), respectively. For treponemal antibody detection the sensitivity and specificity was 97.5%(95%CI:94.3%−99.2%) and 100.0%(95%CI:98.2%−100.0%), respectively.

Background Few studies have examined the burden of post-acute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (PASC) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We sought to characterize PASC with self-reported questionnaires and clinical examinations of end-organ function in Lima, Peru. Methods From January to July 2021, we recruited participants at least eight weeks after COVID-19 diagnosis from a case registry in Lima, Peru. We evaluated participants for PASC with questionnaires, neuropsychiatric evaluations, chest X-ray, spirometry, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram. We used multivariable models to identify risk factors for PASC. Results We assessed 989 participants for PASC at a median 4.7 months after diagnosis. Clinically significant respiratory symptoms were reported by 68.3% of participants, particularly those who had been severely ill during acute COVID-19, and were associated with cardiac findings of ventricular hypertrophy or dilation on echocardiogram. Neuropsychiatric questionnaires were consistent with depression in 20.7% and cognitive impairment in 8.0%. Female sex and older age were associated with increased risk of respiratory (aOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.31; aOR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.03, respectively) and neuropsychiatric sequelae (aOR 2.99, 95% CI 2.16 to 4.18; aOR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03, respectively). Conclusions COVID-19 survivors in Lima, Peru experienced frequent post-acute respiratory symptoms and depression, particularly among older and female participants. Clinical examinations highlighted the need for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation among persons with severe COVID-19; psychosocial support may be required among all COVID-19 survivors.