bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibody response to the rubella virus structural proteins in infants with the congenital rubella syndrome
Authors: de Matancourt Anne , Waxham M. N. , Nicolas J. C. , Wolinsky Jerrr Y. S.
Published: March 2007

Forty‐five serum samples from 31 newborns and infants with the congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) were tested by immunoprecipitation to determine their antibody spectra to each of the structural proteins of rubella virus. Most sera (37/45) contained little or no E2 protein‐specific antibody, but some (6/45) precipitated a greater amount of the E2 glycoprotein than the El glycoprotein. The relative E1/E2 ratio was found to decrease with time when serial serum samples from the same patient were tested. No correlation between the IgG class hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers and the E1/E2 ratio could be demonstrated. However, in some serum specimens relatively high neutralizing antibody titers were correlated with immunoprecipitation of the E2 glycopolypeptide. None of the CRS sera reacted well with the C protein. The immunoprecipitation patterns found in CRS sera were qualitatively different from those observed in a series of 25 sera from young adults with conventional serologic evidence of rubella immunity following natural infection. All of the natural immune sera recognized each of the three structural polypeptides of rubella virus.
Detection of respiratory syncytial virus in nasopharyngeal secretions by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, indirect immunofluorescence, and virus isolation: A comparative study
Authors: Popow‐Kraupp Therese , Kern Gabriele , Binder Christa , Tuma Wolfgang , Kundi Michael , Kunz Christian
Published: March 2007

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigens in nasopharyngeal secretions (NPS) from children with acute respiratory disease. Antisera against RSV nucleocapsids were used as immunoreagents for this test system. The results obtained by RSV antigen ELISA were compared to those of indirect immunofluorescence (IF) and tissue culture virus isolation (TC). Of the 404 NPS obtained, 278 were tested in parallel by ELISA and IF and 205 by ELISA and TC, and 89 were screened in parallel by all three methods. The sensitivity of ELISA in relation to IF was 86.7%, the specificity 95.7%. Sensitivity and specificity obtained by ELISA were 89.9% and 94.4%, respectively, compared to TC. False‐negative results were obtained with all three test systems used.
Superiority of tissue‐culture‐grown antigens over egg‐grown antigens for serologic diagnosis of influenza B virus infections
Authors: Lathey Janet L. , van Voris Lee P. , Belshe Robert B.
Published: March 2007

Acute and convalescent sera obtained from 10 adults and 21 children who were infected with influenza B virus were tested by hemagglutination inhibition. Of four antigens used, two tissue‐culture‐grown antigens were superior to either egg‐grown or egg‐grown, ether‐treated antigens in detecting fourfold antibody rise during influenza B virus infection.
μ‐Antibody capture elisa for the rapid diagnosis of enterovirus infections in patients with aseptic meningitis
Authors: Bell Eleanor J. , McCartney R.A. , Basquill Diane , Chaudhuri A.K.R.
Published: March 2007

Between August and November 1985, 45 patients with suspected aseptic meningitis were investigated using conventional virus isolation procedures and the m̈‐antibody capture Coxsackie B IgM enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) test, which is well known to cross‐react with other members of the enterovirus group. An enterovirus was isolated from 22% of patients compared with 67% who were positive in the ELISA test. Not only was the rate of enterovirus detection increased by using this ELISA method, the clinician received a result within 2 days of submission of serum to the laboratory. A positive result was reassuring to the patient and helpful in clinical management. The main disadvantage of this test was its cost since Coxsackie B1‐5 virus antigens were essential. Development of a single inexpensive enterovirus‐specific antigen is thus desirable.
Lymphocyte‐Associated viremia in varicella
Authors: Ozaki Takao , Ichikawa Takayuki , Matsui Yoshiharu , Kondo Hisashi , Nagai Takao , Asano Yoshizo , Yarnanishi Koichi , Takahashi Michiaki
Published: March 2007

Varicella‐zoster virus was isolated from mononuclear cells from seven immunocompetent children with varicella during the late incubation period and during the acute phase of the disease. The cells from which the virus was isolated were nonphagocytic and did not adhere to the surface of plates. The results indicate lymphocyte‐associated viremia at the time of onset of varicella.
Genital herpes and hepatitis in healthy young adults
Authors: Minuk G.Y. , Nicolle L.E.
Published: March 2007

Although case reports of herpes simplex virus (HSV) causing acute hepatitis in otherwise healthy adults have appeared recently in the literature, a prospective study of the incidence of HSV‐hepatitis in the general population hitherto has not been reported. In the present study, serum samples from 124 young adults attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic with either genital herpes infections (n = 86) or non‐herpes sexually transmitted diseases (n = 38) (controls) were analyzed for liver enzyme abnormalities (including aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]). Twelve of eighty‐six (14%) herpes‐infected patients had mildly abnormal liver enzyme tests (≤ twice the upper limit of normal) as opposed to only 1 of 38 controls (2.6%), (P < .05). All individuals in the herpes‐hepatitis group were anicteric, and only two complained of constitutional symptoms (malaise and fatigue). Liver enzyme tests were repeated in nine herpes‐hepatitis patients 1 week after their genital lesions had resolved, and in six of nine patients the results had returned to within normal limits. Four patients subsequently returned at the onset of a recurrence of their genital herpes. In all four, serum ALT levels were elevated from the previous occasion, and in three of the four levels just exceeded the upper limit of normal. One patient was followed through three recurrences of his genital herpes. In that individual, the extent of liver enzyme abnormalities appeared to correlate with the presence or absence of his genital lesions. The results of this study indicate that individuals with genital herpes infections more commonly have elevated liver enzyme levels than individuals with non‐herpes sexually transmitted disease. The limited extent of the enzyme elevations, however, suggests that genital herpes is rarely associated with significant liver disease in healthy young adults.
Neutralization Epitope Diversity of Coxsackievirus B4 Isolates Detected by Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Webb Stanley R. , Kearse Kelly P. , Foulke Cynthia L. , Hartig Phillip C. , Prabhakar Bellur S.
Published: March 2007

Only recently have we begun to fully realize the diversity of virions within a single human isolate of the group B Coxsackieviruses. These intratypic (strain) differences may be one of the important factors influencing pathogenesis, e.g., myocarditis vs. pancreatitis. Yet, until the virion strains within a type can be well differentiated, a thorough analysis of the pathogenic potential of each is not possible. We compared two human isolates, JVB and Edwards, and 15 isolates derived from these two in search of determinants of strain specificity and to evaluate the diversity/stability of neutralization epitopes on the virions comprising each isolate. Polyclonal antisera failed to show strain specific determinants. However, monoclonal antibodies directed to individual neutralization epitopes defined strain specific differences. Plaque reduction neutralization tests with these monoclonal antibodies allowed the quantitation of the expression of epitopes on the virions in each isolate. These data helped to establish the limits of diversity and stability of the neutralization epitopes of Coxsackievirus B4 virions and describe the changes in epitopes among laboratory isolates.
Detection of an Antigen (AN6520), Possibly Related to Non‐A, Non‐B Hepatitis, by Monoclonal Antibodies. I
Authors: Akatsuka Toshitaka , Tohmatsu Jun‐Ichi , Yoshihara Namiko , Odaka Takeshi , Katsuhara Norimichi , Okamoto Takeshi , Shikata Toshio
Published: March 2007

The antibody to AN6520 antigen, which was isolated from the liver of a patient with non‐A, non‐B hepatitis (NANBH), has been detected frequently in convalescent sera from patients with NANBH by the passive hemagglutination (PHA) test. In a further study, we established hybridoma cells secreting antibodies against AN6520 antigen and obtained ascitic fluids with PHA titers ranging from 1: 105 to 1: 107. In immunodiffusion with AN6520 antigen, all monoclonal antibodies were found to form an identical precipitin line. These lines were also identical to those formed by rabbit antiserum against AN6520 antigen and by convalescent sera from patients with NANBH. With one of the monoclonal antibodies, 1‐F12, solidphase radioimmunoassay (SP‐RIA) for detecting AN6520 antigen was developed as well as blocking RIA for anti‐AN6520 antibody detection. The antigen assay was 50 times more sensitive than the reverse passive hemagglutination (R‐PHA) test, with a sensitivity threshold of the 1 ng/ml of antigen solution; the antibody assay was 10 times more sensitive than PHA. The results with this blocking RIA were mostly in agreement with the data obtained by PHA. Furthermore, the antigen in human sera, which had never been detected by R‐PHA test, could be detected by SP‐RIA.
Herpes Simplex Virus Detection by ELISA: Effect of Enzyme Amplification, Nature of Lesion Sampled and Specimen Treatment
Authors: Clayton Anne‐Louise , Roberts Carol , Chantler Shireen M. , Godley Margaret , Best Jennifer M.
Published: March 2007

The relative sensitivity of two enzyme detection procedures was investigated in a simultaneous “monoclonal” ELISA for herpes simplex virus (HSV). A cyclical enzyme amplified detection system with alkaline phosphatase. rather than horseradish peroxidase and a conventional chromogenic substrate, gave an increase in absolute sensitivity and a 20 to 30% increase in the detection of HSV in routine isolation‐positive genital specimens collected in transport medium. The HSV detection rate, with both procedures, was shown to vary with the site and clinical stage of lesion sampled; it was highest with penile vesicular lesions. Direct extraction of the swab specimen in a small volume of diluent further increased the sensitivity of antigen detection giving positive and negative predictive values of 100 and 96% respectively. The overall sensitivity of HSV detection was equivalent to that obtained by isolation in cell culture. The amplified ELISA offers an alternative, rapid, simple, non‐culture technique for routine HSV diagnosis that does not rely upon retention of virus viability.
Thermostabilization of Inoue‐Melnick Virus by Salt
Authors: Nishibe Yoko , Inoue Yukishige K. , Melnick Joseph L.
Published: March 2007

Inoue‐Melnick virus (IMV) was stabilized to thermal inactivation at 50°C by 1 M Na2S04 but not by 1 M MgC12, 1 M MgS04, 2 M NaC1, and 2 M KCl. The latter salts enhanced the inactivation over that in distilled water. Na2S04 stabilized IMV at 1 M concentration but enhanced inactivation at 0.1 M. Three types of IMV were stabilized by 1 M Na2S04 at 50°C to almost the same degree. The pattern of the thermostabilization of IMV by salts was similar to that of herpes simplex virus; however, the degree of its stabilization was lower with prolonged heating.
Monoclonal Antibody Recognizing Pre‐S(2) Epitope of Hepatitis B Virus: Characterization of Pre‐S(2) Epitope and Anti‐Pre‐S(2) Antibody
Authors: Budkowska Agata , Riottot Marie‐Madeleine , Dubreuil Pascal , Lazizi Yamina , Petit Marie‐Anne , Pillot Jacques , Brechot Christian , Sobczak Eliane
Published: March 2007

A hybrid cell line producing monoclonal antibodies recognizing an epitope encoded by the pre‐(S)2 region of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome was obtained by fusion of mouse myeloma cells with lymphocytes from mice immunized with HBV. The monoclonal antibody Mo‐F124 secreted from the hybrid line reacted with the pre‐S(2) epitope expressed on the surface of both viral and recombinant HBsAg particles–pre‐S(2) and S gene product–localised on 34 kD glycoprotein of the viral envelope. The pre‐S(2) epitope was sensitive to digestion with V8 protease from Staphylucoccus aureus. The enzyme abolished reactivity with Mo‐F124 and polymerized human serum albumin (pHSA) binding activity of recombinant particles. Mo‐F124 antibody was used to develop highly sensitive radioimmunoassays for determination of pre‐S(2) epitope and anti‐pre‐S(2) antibody in sera of hepatitis B patients.

Detection of a pre‐S(2) epitope by the monoclonal antibody‐based assay in the early phase of acute HBV infection correlated well with the presence of markers of active viral replication (HBeAg, HBV DNA). The appearance of anti‐pre‐S(2) antibody, usually in the third month after onset of symptoms, was followed by elimination of circulating HBsAg and seroconversion to anti‐HBs in all tested cases of uncomplicated acute hepatitis followed by recovery. Anti‐pre‐S(2) response was not observed in patients with chronic hepatitis B or acute HBV infection progressing to chronic disease. The observed correlation of anti‐pre‐S(2) response with recovery suggests that the pre‐S(2) epitope may represent one of the epitopes inducing antibodies that neutralize the hepatitis B virus.
Binding and Internalization of Herpes Simplex Virus‐Antibody Complexes by Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Authors: Smith Jerry W. , Bingham Eve L. , Jachimowicz James R.
Published: March 2007

We studied the interactions between rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and the RE strain of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) to determine better the role of inflammatory cells in herpetic stromal keratitis. PMN were found to be nonpermissive for HSV replication and were unable to bind virus in the absence of antibody. However, PMN did bind and internalize HSV‐antibody complexes in vitro as was demonstrated visually by electron microscopic studies and quantitatively by measurement of activity associated with radiolabeled HSV‐antibody complexes. Virus used for immune complex formation was labeled with either 125Iodine or 35S‐methionine. In some experiments, anti‐HSV IgG used for immune complex formation was labeled with 125Iodine before incubation with virus. Use of all three radiolabeling approaches resulted in the same general pattern of binding, indicating a requirement for both antibody and virus for interaction with PMN. The activity associated with PMN was increased by preincubation with complement. The results suggest an active role for PMN in controlling HSV infection through their ability to bind and ingest virus‐antibody complexes.
Comparison of the Neutralizing and ELISA Antibody Titres to Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in Human Sera and in Gamma Globulin Preparations
Authors: And Herbert Schmitz , Essuman Suliman
Published: March 2007

Administration of anti‐cytomegalovirus gamma globulin has been reported to prevent acute human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in immunocompromised patients. Most likely the gamma globulin acts by its neutralizing activity. However, the antibody titer to HCMV in hyperimmune gamma globulin is usually detected by an enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). We, therefore, compared the ELISA titres with the neutralizing antibody titres in the sera of blood donors and in hyperimmune gamma globulins. A poor correlation between both titres was found. Gamma globulin preparations with identical ELISA titres clearly differed in the neutralizing titre. If neutralization is the important mechanism by which the hyperimmune gamma globulins work, our results would favour a routine testing of the neutralizing antibody titre in HCMV hyperimmune gamma globulins.
Immunochemical Characterization of Hepatitis B e Antigen Subtypes, HBeAg/l and HBeAg/2, in Sera of Hepatitis B Virus Carriers
Authors: Matsuda Keizaburoh , Ohori Hitoshi , Kanno Atsushi
Published: March 2007

The interrelation between HBeAg subtypes, HBeAg/l and HBeAg/2, in sera was examined immunochemically. The detection of HBeAg subtypes in immunodiffusion (ID) depended upon the amount of HBeAg determined by reversed passive haemagglutination (RPHA), ie, the titres of HBeAg in sera positive for both HBeAg/l and HBeAg/2, positive for only HBeAg/l and negative for both HBeAg/ 1 and HBeAg/2 were 29.8 ± 1.5 27.0 ± 1.6 and 25.6 ± 1.3, respectively. When the sera belonging to the latter two groups were concentrated up to 2″ RPHA titre, the precipitin line corresponding to that of HBeAg/2‐anti‐HBeAg/2 was visualized in ID.

Monoclonal anti‐HBeAg antibody that absorbed only the precipitin line of HBeAg/1‐anti‐HBeAg/1 in ID was prepared for the characterization of HBeAg subtypes. A linear correlation (r = 0.91) between titres of HBeAg determined by the RPHA cells prepared with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies was found in almost all HBeAg‐positive sera. The reactivities of this monoclonal anti‐HBeAg antibody to both HBeAg/l and HBeAg/2 were demonstrated in affinity chromatography experiments using a Sepharose 4B column conjugated with this antibody.

These results suggest that both HBeAg/l and HBeAg/2 are constantly present in HBeAg‐positive sera and that they are closely associated. Based upon these results, a hypothetical model for the elucidation of the immunological relationship between HBeAg/l and HBeAg/2 is proposed.
Hepatitis B and D Virus Infection Among Drug Abusers in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Shou‐Dong , Wang Jiin‐Yu , Wu Jaw‐Ching , Tsai Yang‐Te , Lo Kwang‐Juei , Chiang Ying‐Te
Published: March 2007

Approximately 15 to 20% of the general population in Taiwan are chronic hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers. However, the incidence of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection is low (5–8%) in patients with HBsAg‐positive chronic liver diseases in this area. To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HDV infection among drug abusers in Taiwan, serum samples were collected from 152 drug abusers at the Taipei Municipal Anti‐Narcotic Institute and test for HBV and HDV markers. Of these, 24 (15.8%) were HBsAg positive, and only 15 (9.9%) were seronegative for all HBV markers. Of the 115 intravenous drug abusers, serum antibody to hepatitis D antigen (anti‐HD) was positive in 78.9% of 19 persons who were HBsAg positive, and in 7.5% of 80 persons who were positive for antibody to HBsAg (anti‐HBs). Anti‐HD was not detected in the sera from all 37 nonintravenous drug abusers regardless of the status of their HBV markers. Also, none of 63 asymptomatic HBsAg carrier pregnant women or 23 patients with acute type B viral hepatitis had measurable anti‐HD in their sera. Thus, the high frequency of HDV detected among Chinese HBsAg carrier intravenous drug abusers in Taiwan is similar to that reported in Western countries.
Diagnostic Significance of Anti‐HBcIgM Prevalence Related to Symptoms in Canadian Patients Acutely or Chronically Infected With Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Chernesky Max , Mahony James , Castriciano Santina , Sekla Laila , Bishai Fouad , Vas Stephan
Published: March 2007

A total of 362 sera from 295 Canadian patients were examined for HBsAg, anti‐HBs, anti‐HBc, anti‐HBcIgM, HBeAg, and anti‐HBe using commercial immunoassays. Serial samples from 70 acutely infected patients demonstrated that anti‐HBcIgM may detect 10% more positives than HBsAg within 4 months after the onset of clinical symptoms, and all except two were negative for anti‐HBcIgM after the fourth month. None of 66 asymptomatic (HBeAg rate 18.2%) and two of 14 (14.3%) symptomatic (HBeAg rate 64.3%) carriers of HBsAg were positive for anti‐HBcIgM (P = 0.029). Elevated marker responses were measured in two symptomatic carriers for a 20‐month period. Anti‐HBcIgM was not detected in either 100 asymptomatic patients positive for total anti‐HBc, negative for HBsAg and negative for or possessing low levels of anti‐HBs, 25 patients with liver disorders not caused by HBV, or 20 healthy milk donors. In diagnostic laboratory practice this anti‐HBcIgM test may be useful in the following situations: to supplement HBsAg testing, providing a theoretical 10% increase in positives within 4 months following onset of acute viral hepatitis; to replace testing for anti‐HBc and anti‐HBs in symptomatic HBsAg‐negative patients; to confirm whether a patient is experiencing acute or chronic HBV infection or symptoms superimposed upon asymptomatic HBsAg carriage by another cause, such as nonA‐nonB viral hepatitis.
Fulminant Hepatitis in Asymptomatic Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Carriers in Greece
Authors: Tassopoulos Nicolaos C. , Papaevangelou George J. , Roumeliotou‐Karayannis Anastasia , Ticehurst John R. , Feinstone Stephen M. , Purcell Robert H. , Smedile Antonina , Engle Ronald
Published: March 2007

Eleven male fulminant hepatitis (FH) patients (mean age: 47.7 ± 16 years) positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) but negative for IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti‐HBc) were admitted consecutively to the Athens Hospital for Infectious Diseases between May 1981 and November 1983. Because of the absence of IgM anti‐HBc, determined by an enzyme immunoassay, these patients were considered to be HBsAg carriers with a superimposed acute hepatitis. Three of the 11 patients received immunosuppressive chemotherapy during the six months before the onset of the acute hepatitis. None of the patients was homosexual or a drug addict. Infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or hepatitis delta virus (HDV) was detected with serologic markers and/or molecular hybridization techniques.

Fulminant hepatitis was attributed to spontaneous reactivation of chronic hepatitis B in four patients, chemotherapy‐induced reactivation of chronic hepatitis B in three patients, HDV superinfection in one patient and possible superinfection by non‐A, non‐B agent(s), HDV, or HDV‐like agents in three patients. Reactivation of chronic hepatitis B was an important cause of apparent acute hepatitis in heterosexual male HBsAg carriers from an area with a high prevalence of HBV infection.
Intrauterine transmission of hepatitis B virus is closely related to placental leakage
Authors: Ohto Hitoshi , Tohyama Hiroshi , Lin Ho‐Hsiung , Kawana Takashi , Etoh Takashi
Published: March 2007

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), transmitted by hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive mothers by intrauterine infection, infecting newborns, is closely related to signs and symptoms associated with miscarriage. However, no correlation was observed between intrauterine infection of infants and the presence of antibodies of immunoglobulin M (IgM) class antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) in maternal blood, nor was HBeAg found in maternal or cord sera. These results indicate that contamination by the mother's blood, through placental leakage, plays an important role in HBV infection in utero. Without placental leakage, maternal blood could not pass through the placenta and enter fetal circulation, and so intrauterine infection would not occur, even if very high titers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBeAg were present in maternal blood.
Effect of breast feeding on responses of systemic interferon and virus‐specific lymphocyte transformation in infants with respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Chiba Yasuo , Honjo Takashi , Mito Kazuaki , Suga Kazuhiro , Nakao Tooru , Minagawa Tomonori , Nakane Akio
Published: March 2007

In order to elucidate the mechanisms of breast‐feeding‐induced resistance to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, groups of breast‐fed and bottle‐fed infants with this infection were tested at the onset of illness and then again 1 and 2 weeks later for the presence of interferon (IFN) as well as of virus‐specific lymphocyte transformation (LTF) activity. Alpha‐IFN was detected in nine out of ten breast‐fed infants, while it was found in only 11 out of 21 bottle‐fed subjects. The rate of the detection of IFN was significantly higher in the former group (P ≤.05). Mean levels of IFN activity were also higher in breast‐fed infants than in bottle‐fed subjects during the course of the illness. It was noted, however, that previous breast feeding elicited little enhancing effect on the IFN response of infants with RSV infection. Combining the two feeding groups, suppressed LTF activity to RSV seemed to be related to a positive IFN response, although the association was not statistically significant. These observations suggest that breast feeding has unique mechanisms for modulating the immune response of infants with RSV infection.
Detection of HBV infectivity by spot hybridization in HBeAg‐Negative chronic carriers: HBV DNA in sera from asymptomatic and symptomatic subjects
Authors: Carloni G. , Colloca S. , Delfini C. , Manzin A. , Clementi M. , Galibert F.
Published: March 2007

DNA of hepatitis B virus (HBV DNA) in sera from HBeAg‐positive carriers is now the most important and reliable marker of infectivity, but its significance in the progression of chronic hepatitis in anti‐HBe carrier status is still under discussion. In this study, viral DNA was tested by a simplified spot hybridization method in sera of 206 HBeAg‐negative Italian subjects. In a group of 153 HBsAg carriers, we found that 15.6% of anti‐HBe‐positive and 10.5% of anti‐HBe‐negative samples contained viral DNA. No HBV DNA was revealed in 38 HBsAg‐negative nor in 15 anti‐HBs‐positive subjects with different serological markers of HBV. Viral DNA in sera of HBeAg‐negative patients with severe chronic liver disease was correlated with increased alaninetransferase activity and IgM anti‐HBc. Thus the presence of HBV DNA in these sera not only predicts which subjects are potentially infectious but also indicates chronic progression of hepatitis. Finally, viral DNA extracted from Dane particles of nine anti‐HBe‐positive sera was characterized by the Southern blot technique. The hybridization pattern shows bands indicating the presence of replicative intermediates.
Protective effect of preexisting rotavirus‐specific immunoglobulin A against naturally acquired rotavirus infection in children
Authors: Hjelt Karsten , Paerregaard Anders , Nielsen Ole H. , Krasilnikoff Peter A. , Grauballe Per C.
Published: March 2007

The preexisting levels of rotavirus IgA and IgG were measured in 225 children aged 6 months to 7 years in November, ie, before the „rotavirus season”︁ from January to April. During the following 6 months, all episodes of acute gastroenteritis (GE) were evaluated clinically according to a score system and feces was examined for rotavirus, pathogenic bacteria, and parasites. Furthermore, rotavirus GE (n = 45) as well as asymptomatic rotavirus infections (n = 29) were diagnosed serologically. The preexisting concentrations of rotavirus IgA and IgG measured by ELISA were similar in these two groups. However, preexisting rotavirus IgA in the group of children who developed rotavirus GE correlated with less severe symptoms. Thus vomiting was found in 24% and 63% of the children with detectable and undetectable rotavirus IgA, respectively (P ≤ 0.025). Moreover, according to the total symptom score of rotavirus GE, 52% of the children with detectable preexisting rotavirus IgA had mild symptoms compared with only 13 % of those with undetectable concentrations (P ≤ 0.025). Rotavirus IgG did not have any protective effect. Age per se had a protective effect; older age (≥ 1.5 years) was related to mild symptoms. According to previous studies of local and intestinal antibody response to a rotavirus GE, it is suggested that rotavirus IgA in serum reflects the immunological status of the intestine concerning rotavirus. It is recommended that studies of rotavirus vaccines include rotavirus IgA response and its protective effect.
How sensitive are the commercial assays for anti‐ HTLV III/LAV?
Authors: Oldham L. J. , Moulsdale H. J. , Mortimer P. P. , Tedder R. S. , Morgan‐Capner P.
Published: March 2007

The sensitivity of nine commercial assays, Western blot, and a newly developed monoclonal antibody‐based assay for antibody to human T lymphotropic virus type III/lymphoadenopathy associated virus (anti‐HTLV III/LAV) were evaluated using a panel of mainly weak‐positive sera. In tests on 20 sera three commercial assays and a monoclonal‐based assay, representing two different solid‐phase methodologies, were found to be more sensitive than Western blot. Our findings suggest that Western blot cannot be depended upon as the sole confirmatory test for anti‐HTLV III/LAV. The continued use of the more sensitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), particularly those of dissimilar methodology, would be a more valid approach to confirmatory testing.
Antiviral antibodies in the sera of homosexual men: Correlation with their lifestyle and drug usage
Authors: Nerurkar Lata S. , Wallen William , Becker Paul , West Frank , Tzan Nancy , Traub Renee , Madden David L. , Sever John L. , Lee Young Jack , Botelar William , Fuccillo David , Goedert James J. , Biggar Robert J.
Published: March 2007

Healthy homosexual men between the ages of 21 and 65 years, from the Washington, DC (n = 162), and New York City (n = 89) areas, were studied for antibodies in the serum against cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2, and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen (VCA). CMV‐specific antibodies were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), anti‐HSV‐1 and ‐2 antibodies were measured by indirect hemagglutination (IHA), and antibodies to EBV VCA were measured by the immunofluorescence assay. Antibodies to human T lymphotrophic virus III (HTLV‐III) were detected by ELISA and Western blot procedures. T lymphocytes were enumerated using OKT4 monoclonal antibody. Healthy male volunteer blood donors (n = 90) matched for age range and race proportions were used as controls. The percentage of seropositive individuals in the homosexual group was higher (90–98 %) for all the viruses tested than in the control group (47–87%). Comparisons of the geometric mean titers, expressed as reciprocal serum dilutions, of seropositive individuals in homosexual (H) vs control (C) group were as follows: CMV‐IgG (ELISA) H = 1:794, C = 1:68; HSV‐1 (IHA) H = 1: 248, C = 1:14; HSV‐2 (IHA) H = 1:56, C = 1:17; EBV‐VCA (IFA) H = 1:385, C = 1:131. The homosexual group also showed a higher frequency of individuals with elevated titers than the control group. The CMV IgM antibody was prevalent in 17.7% of the homosexual group and 5% of the control group; arithmetic means for ELISA values for CMV IgM were 0.207 for the homosexual group and 0.05 for the control group. In the homosexual group, the anti‐CMV antibody titers increased with age (P = 0.01) and with numbers of sex partners (P = 0.06). Both anti‐HSV‐1 and anti‐HSV‐2 antibodies correlated with the number of sex partners (P = 0.04 and P = 0.05, respectively). Neither age nor partner number correlated with response to EBV, and no particular sex act was related to the EBV VCA titer level. HTLV‐III seropositivity was associated with higher herpes virus group antibody titers, probably because of life style cofactors. Among the HTLV‐111‐seropositive subjects, those with ≤ 400 T‐helper lymphocytes/mm3 had lower antibody titers than those with ≥ 400 T‐helper lymphocytes/mm3 counts, suggesting an impaired immune response secondary to immunosuppression.
Detection of serum antibody responses to RIT 4237 rotavirus vaccine by ELISA and neutralization assays
Authors: Delem A. , Vesikari T.
Published: March 2007

Immunoglobulin class‐specific determination by ELISA and a virus neutralization test (NT) were compared for the detection of the serum antibody responses after vaccination of infants with the RIT 4237 rotavirus vaccine (of bovine origin). A capture method was applied for specific IgM determination by ELISA because of its greater sensitivity and reproducibility over the conventional ELISA‐IgM test. NT was improved through the use of an enzyme‐labelled antibody for the detection of non‐neutralized virus. In 6–12‐month‐old children, the most sensitive single test to detect an antibody response was the ELISA‐IgM capture method, but the combination of ELISA‐IgM and IgG tests or ELISA‐IgM and NT detected the highest seroconversion rate of 79%.

In newborn infants high levels of maternal antibody made the ELISA‐IgG test unsuitable. ELISA‐IgM gave a response rate of 31%, but NT with homologous virus was the most sensitive indicator of a serological response to the vaccine in this age group, yielding a 45% response rate.
A comparison of acetaminophen and rimantadine in the treatment of influenza A infection in children
Authors: Thompson Juliette , Fleet William , Lawrence Eileen , Pierce Elizabeth , Morris Laurie , Wright Peter
Published: March 2007

Rimantadine was compared with acetaminophen in a double‐blind randomly assigned therapeutic trial in 63 children presenting with influenzal symptoms. Fortynine of the children were proven to have influenza A by culture on presentation. Forty‐three of the cultures, 88%, were influenza A/H1N1 strains. Both drugs were well tolerated. Rimantadine lowered the amount of virus shed in the first 2 days after initiation of therapy. Clinical resolution of illness was not different between the two therapeutic modalities. In individuals who shed virus for 4 days, strains recovered on the last day were relatively resistant to rimantadine.
Intracerebral infection of cebus apella with the XJ‐clone 3 strain of Junín virus
Authors: Carballal Guadalupe , Oubiña José R. , Videla Cristina , Molinas Felisa C. , Nagle Carlos , De La Vega María T. , Elsner Boris
Published: March 2007

To assess the usefulness of the South American primate Cebus apella as a model for neurovirulence of Junín virus, eight monkeys were inoculated with 105 LD50 of the attenuated XJ‐Clone 3 Junín virus strain by the intrathalamic route. After the second week, weight loss and polyadenopathies were observed in most animals, one‐half of which had a transient leukothrombocytopenia.

Moderate clinical central nervous system (CNS) involvement was present in four of eight monkeys, while the rest had only mild neurologic signs. All recovered except one, which developed a deep coma and was killed in a pre‐mortem stage at 18 days post‐infection (pi).

Junín virus was isolated from the throat from five, from the blood from three, and from the brain from two monkeys. In the most severely ill animal, virus titers higher than viremia were detected in both inoculated and contralateral brain hemispheres, as well as in lung, lymph node, and small intestine.

Junín antigens and “in vivo” bound immunoglobulins were detected by immunofluorescence (IF) in the brain of four animals at 18, 21, 40, and 155 days pi. Moderate lymphocytic parenchymal and meningeal infiltration were observed in the brain of four animals, and gliosis was also present in the most affected monkey. Although the clinical response to infection was not uniform, all infected monkeys developed high IF antibodies.

Cebus apella cannot be used as a highly sensitive model for Argentine hemorrhagic fever (AHF). However, the results obtained show that the XJ‐Clone 3 strain can replicate in the primate CNS and to induce lesions and immunoglobulin deposition. In addition, viral persistence is suggested by the late detection of viral antigens in brain at 40 and 155 days pi.
Etiological types and clinical and epidemiological features of acute viral hepatitis in Xi'an in China
Authors: Xu De‐Zhong , Zhou Wen‐Yan , Zou Hong‐Kai , Chen You‐Ji
Published: March 2007

The etiological types and some features of 163 in‐patients with acute viral hepatitis in Xi'an in China are reported. Hepatitis A (HA) accounted for 89.2% in the age group 0–15 years, whereas hepatitis B (HB) mainly occurred at the age of 16 to 30 and non‐A, non‐B hepatitis 31 to 50. This is different from the age distribution in western countries. The cause of the difference is discussed. The transmission factors of NANB hepatitis might be different from those of HA and HB. Fever was more often seen in HA than in HB and NANB, while the maximal bilirubin was higher in HB than in NANB. Hepatic dysfunction of all three types of hepatitis seemed to be closely associated with the age of the patients. Of ten cases with fulminant hepatitis, none was due to hepatitis A; nine were adults.
Diagnosis of enterovirus 70 infection by demonstration of IgM antibodies
Authors: Wulff Herta , Anderson Larry J. , Pallansch Mark A. , De Souza Carvalho Renato Piza
Published: March 2007

Since outbreaks of severe acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis occur worldwide [Hierholzer and Hatch], 19851 and the majority of the epidemics are caused by enterovirus 70 (EV‐70), we developed an EV‐70 IgM ELISA to simplify the diagnosis of these outbreaks. The test is based on the capture antibody technique and the use of monoclonal antibodies to EV‐70. We detected EV‐70 IgM antibodies in 55% of 76 convalescent‐phase sera from an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis in a Brazilian community. Among the 71 acute‐ and convalescentphase serum pairs from this outbreak, 49 (69%) demonstrated a 4‐fold or greater rise in neutralizing antibody titer. The titer of IgM antibody began to drop by the fifth week after onset of illness. EV‐70 IgM antibodies were not detected in 53 serum pairs with a 4‐fold or greater rise in antibodies to other picornaviruses. The EV‐70 ELISA proved to simple and relatively rapid to perform, appeared to be specific, and should be sensitive enough to diagnose outbreaks of EV‐70 when multiple serum specimens can be tested.
Seroepidemiological survey of the prevalence of antibodies to a strain of human calicivirus
Authors: Cubitt W. D. , McSwiggan D. A.
Published: March 2007

Batches of pooled immune globulins and sera were tested by immune electron microscopy (IEM) for the presence of antibodies to a strain of human calicivirus (HCV, UK1). The results show that this strain of HCV is prevalent throughout many parts of the world anti that the majority of the population experience infection by the age of 12 years. The survey carried out in the United Kingdom indicates that the presence of maternal antibody correlates with some degree of protection during the first few weeks of life; the peak incidence of cases and acquisition of antibody occur between 3 months and 6 years. Tests on sera from Japan show a similar pattern of acquisition of antibodies and demonstrate that infection with more than one strain of HCV commonly occurs during childhood.
Serological study of rubella‐like illnesses
Authors: Shirley J. A. , Revill S. , Cohen B. J. , Buckley M. M.
Published: March 2007

We investigated 627 patients who within a period of 21/2 years had had a rubella form rash and/or symptoms of arthritis and arthralgia. Sera from these patients were investigated for evidence of rubella, human parvovirus B19 (HPV), and measles infection with methods to detect specific IgM and IgG antibodies. Complement fixation tests were used to screen for a wide range of other infectious agents.

We detected 229 cases of rubella, 43 cases of HPV infection, 7 cases of measles, and 9 cases of infection by various other aetiological agents. This left a large proportion of rubelliform rashes, 54% (339 cases), whose aetiology was unknown. This study confirmed that the diagnosis of rubella on clinical grounds alone is unreliable.

Many (6.8%) of the rashes in the study were due to HPV infection, and the seasonal incidence was the same as for rubella. There was considerable overlap between the features of rubella and HPV infections, although in adults arthralgia occurred more frequently in HPV infections than in rubella. In all cases HPV infection was self‐limiting, although, as in rubella, symptoms can be prolonged and one adult's disease lasted almost 9 months. Purpura was noted in only one patient with HPV infection.

In this study three patients had HPV infection during pregnancy. Two patients spontaneously aborted one month later. The third patient progressed to full term and delivered a healthy baby.
Serum and urine concentrations of oral bromovinyldeoxyuridine in humans as monitored by a bioassay system based on varicella‐zoster virus focus inhibition
Authors: Baba Masanori , Shigeta Shiro , Clercq Erik De
Published: March 2007

A simple and sensitive bioassay method for measuring (E)‐5‐(2‐bromovinyl)‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BVDU) concentrations in human serum and urine has been established. This method is based on the inhibitory effect of BVDU on varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) focus formation in vitro. The minimal concentration of BVDU that could be detected in serum by this method was 0.2 μg/ml. Following a single oral administration of 250 mg BVDU, serum BVDU concentrations of 1.2‐2.2 μg/ml were attained 1 hr later; at 5 and 7 hr, serum BVDU levels were below 0.2 μg/ml. Upon repeated administration of 125 mg BVDU at 8 hr intervals, the serum BVDU concentrations reached 0.7‐1.1 μg/ml at 2 hr after the fourth administration. These concentrations are approximately 300‐‐450‐fold higher than the 50% inhibitory dose of BVDU for VZV in vitro. Urinary BVDU concentrations were on average 10 to 20 times higher than the serum BVDU concentrations.
Cytopathology, plaque assay, and heat inactivation of hepatitis A virus strain HM175
Authors: Anderson David A.
Published: March 2007

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) strain HM175 derived after repeated subculture of persistently infected B‐SC‐I cells caused a specific cytopathic effect upon acute infection of B‐SC‐1 cells. The virus formed visible plaques on B‐SC‐I cell monolayers after 9 to 14 days of incubation at 34°C. and virus can therefore be titrated by plaque assay. Virus could be re‐isolated from plaques of infected cells. which allows the clonal isolation of HAV variants. The stability of a plaquepurified variant of HAV at elevated temperatures exceeded that of poliovirus type 1. but this variant is less stable than previously reported strains of HAV.
An enzyme labelled nuclear antigen immunoassay for detection of cytomegalovirus IgM antibodies in human serum: Specific and non‐specific reactions
Authors: Nielsen C. M. , Hansen K. , Andersen H. M. K. , Gerstoft J. , Vestergaard B. F.
Published: March 2007

A μ‐capture enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was developed for detection of IgM antibody t o cytomegalovirus (CMV). Virus‐specific IgM was detected using horseradish peroxidase labelled nuclear CMV antigen (CMV‐ELA). False‐positive reactions caused by Paul‐Bunnell‐Davidsohn (PBD) positive sera and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive sera were identified in a combination assay employing enzyme labelled nuclear control antigen (CO‐ELA) in parallel to the CMV‐ELA. Four of five PBD positive and 30 of 31 ANA positive sera reactive with the CMV‐ELA were identified as false positive reactions in the combined ELA‐assay. The reactivity in PBD‐positive sera could not be explained by antigenic cross reactivity between CMV and Epstein‐Barr virus. and the results further suggested that different cell specified components of the CMV‐ELA were responsible for the reactivity of PBD‐positive as compared to ANA‐positive sera. One of 314 healthy blood donors. 12 of 12 patients with primary CMV infection. and 11 of 15 patients with secondary CMV infection had detectable CMV IgM antibodies. Comparison of different CMV‐ELAs revealed that pronounced differences in specificity as well as sensitivity may exist.
Standardization of a plaque assay for lassa virus
Authors: Tomori Oyewale , Johnson Karl M. , Kiley Mike P. , Elliott Luanne H.
Published: March 2007

The plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) has been used routinely in serological studies with such arenaviruses as Junin, Machupo, and Parana. However, difficulties have been encountered in using the PRNT for LCM virus, while conflicting views have been expressed about the reliability and efficacy of the test with Lassa virus. We have therefore investigated and evaluated the plaque assay for Lassa virus. In addition, the suitability of the PRNT for determining the potency of a serum and its efficacy in passive immunization for the treatment of Lassa fever was also investigated. The Lassa virus plaque assay satisfied the criteria proposed by Cooper [1961] for determining satisfactory plaque technique. Lassa virus plaques appear within 3 days of inoculating Vero cell cultures. By day 5. the plaques are clearly defined, discrete, and measure 1.5 to 2.0 mm. In the plaque reduction neutralization test, the use of native non‐inactivated serum was required for a reliable and reproducible determination of serum antibody titer. The potency and suitability of a serum for Lassa fever serotherapy was determined by the use of a constant serum‐varying virus (CS‐VV) and/or a constant virus‐varying serum (CV‐VS) PRN technique.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the regular sexual partners of homosexual men with AIDS and persistent generalised lymphadenopathy
Authors: Weller I. V. D. , Carne C. A. , Sattentau Q. , Smith A. , Tedder R. S. , Clapham P. , Dalgleish A. , Weber J. , Adler M. W.
Published: March 2007

Thirty‐five homosexual men who had been the regular sexual partners (for at least 6 months) of anti‐HIV‐positive patients with AIDS (N=18) or PGL (N=17) were studied. Twenty‐one (60%) were seropositive, but 14 (40%) were consistently anti‐HIV‐negative. The duration of relationship with the index case was not statistically different in seropositive compared to seronegative partners; median 26 months (range 7‐60) vs 30 months (range 7‐60). However, seropositive partners had a significantly higher monthly number of other sexual partners and sexually transmitted diseases and a higher frequency of insertive and receptive anal intercourse in the preceding five years. The risk of acquiring HIV infection was significantly increased by frequent receptive anal intercourse when the frequency of insertive was controlled for but not the converse. Seronegative partners had undetectable antibodies by live and fixed cell immunofluorescence and by radioimmunoprecipitation and were repeatedly negative by competitive enzyme immunoassay. Furthermore, the sera of seronegative partners lacked HIV neutralizing activity. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from seronegative partners, stained with monoclonal antibodies to seven different CD4 epitopes, revealed no differences when compared to those from heterosexual controls and no qualitative differences from cells from seropositive individuals. In addition, PBMCs from seronegative partners could be productively infected by HIV in vitro. If resistance to infection in seronegative partners exists, then it is likely that mechanisms other than a specific humoral immunity or CD4 polymorphisms are involved.
Experimental argentine hemorrhagic fever in rhesus macaques: Virus‐specific variations in pathology
Authors: Green D. E. , Mahlandt B. G. , McKee K. T.
Published: March 2007

Two isolates of Junin virus (Espindola and Ledesma) inoculated into rhesus macaques produced distinct lesions which were strain‐constant and similar 10 reported human cases of Argentine hemorrhagic fever. The Espindola isolate was associated with hemorrhagia. necrosis of bone marrow, and mild hepatocellular necrosis. Ledesma isolate was associated with pronounced polioencephalomyelitis and autonomic ganglioneuritis. but very mild or absent hepatocellular necrosis. bone marrow necrosis, and hemorrhagia. Deaths of Espindola‐infected macaques were usually attributed to hemorrhagia with severe secondary bacterial infections, while in Ledesma‐infected macaques, death was associated either with early severe secondary bacterial infections or slowly progressive polioencephalomyelitis. These two Junin virus isolates demonstrated hemorrhagic viscerotropism or neurotropism in macaques suggesting that the variety of Argentine hemorrhagic fever syndromes in man may be virus‐isolate determined.