bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunoglobulins to tick‐borne encephalitis in the cerebrospinal fluid of man
Authors: Hofmann H. , Frisch‐Niggemeyer W. , Heinz F. , Kunz Ch.
Published: March 2007

Antibodies of IgM and IgG type were detected in the CSF of patients with recent tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE) by means of ELISA. No false‐positive results were obtained with CSF specimens from patients suffering from meningitis or other illnesses. The ratio of the antibodies in serum to CSF clearly indicated that both IgM and IgG antibodies were produced in the brain itself. In patients who had previously suffered from TBE now with a different in‐aseptic meningitis, TBE antibodies could also be detected in CSF but only of the IgG class. Again the serum‐to‐CSF antibody ratio indicated that the antibodies were produced within the central nervous system. For routine diagnosis the micro‐ELISA method was found to be useful; antigen‐coated plates can be stored as long as three months at +4°C.
The occurrence of calicivirus in infants with acute gastroenteritis
Authors: Suzuki Hiroshi , Konno Tasuke , Kutsuzawa Toyoko , Imai Aki , Tazawa Fumiyo , Ishida Nakao , Katsushima Noriko , Sakamoto Michiyo
Published: March 2007

Calicivirus was detected in 8 (1.2%) of 647 hospitalized patients during a survey of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children, conducted between December 1974 and September 1977. Morphologically calicivirus was approximately 30 nm in diameter with an easily recognizable staining “star of David” configuration. Its buoyant density in cesium chloride was 1.38–1.40 gm/ml. The serologic response to calicivirus by immune electron microscopy (IEM) was demonstrated only in paired sera from patients who shed the virus in their stools. The results suggest that calicivirus might be a cAUse of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children.
Comparative neurovirulence and latency of hsv1 and hsv2 following footpad inoculation in mice
Authors: McKendall Robert R.
Published: March 2007

The effect of virus dose and animal age on the appearance of acute and latent neurologic infection by HSV1 and HSV2 was studied in Balb/c and ICR mice inoculated in the footpad. At low viral doses HSV2 was found to be 1,500 times more neurovirulent than HSV1. At high doses there was no difference in neurovirulence. Age‐acquired resistance to disease was shown to be less complete with HSV2 than with HSV1. Neurovirulence was shown to be associated with spread of infection to the spinal ganglia. The data indicate that the factor(s) responsible for the differential neurovirulence of these two viruses is related to events at the level of the footpad and/or sciatic nerve.
Transmission of human non‐a, non‐b hepatitis to chimpanzees following failure to transmit gb agent hepatitis
Authors: Tabor Edward , April Milton , Gerety Robert J. , Peterson David A. , Seeff Leonard B.
Published: March 2007

Two colony‐born infant chimpanzees were inoculated with documented infectious serum containing the GB agent. Serum aminotransferase levels remained within normal limits in weekly serum samples, and no abnormalities were detected in weekly liver biopsy specimens. Each of these chimpanzees was subsequently inoculated with serum containing an agent of human non‐A, non‐B hepatitis. Each developed non‐A, non‐B hepatitis characterized by elevation of serum aminotransferase levels and histopathologic changes in liver biopsy specimens. Thus, the chimpanzee appears not to be susceptible to the GB agent, and prior inoculation with this agent does not appear to confer immunity to subsequent infection with human non‐A, non‐B hepatitis.
Rotavirus and other viruses in the stool of premature babies
Authors: Van Renterghem L. , Borre P. , Tilleman J.
Published: March 2007

In a 12‐month study, 363 stools of 199 premature babies nursed in a separate ward of a paediatric clinic were examined by electron microscopy and on cell culture to detect virus. Twenty‐four (6.6%) were positive for rotavirus, in one winter epidemy. From four stools Echo 22 was isolated, and in six cases virus‐like particles were detected by electron microscopy. These virus infections are not a major problem in newborns, requiring special care, as they are mostly symptomless or mild.
Small round virus‐like particles associated with acute gastroenteritis in japanese children
Authors: Kogasaka Ryoichi , Sakuma Yasuhiko , Chiba Shunzo , Akihara Minoru , Horino Kyotaka , Nakao Tooru
Published: March 2007

Nine patients with acute gastroenteritis shed small round virus‐like particles in the faeces, and seven of them developed serum antibody against those particles as judged by immune electron microscopy. The small round virus‐like particle was measured at 29–32 nm in diameter and showed a fine spiky structure on the surface. The buoyant density of the small round virus‐like particles was determined to be 1.37–1.40 gm/cm3 in cesium chloride density gradient. The small round virus‐like particle differed morphologically from astrovirus and calicivirus, and was antigenically dissimilar to Norwalk agent and W agent. These observations suggest that the small round vims‐like particle is one of the new gastroenteritis viruses or may be a new serotype of them. Attempts to cultivate the small round virus‐like particles were unsuccessful.
Rotavirus serotypes by serum neutralisation
Authors: Beards Graham M. , Pilfold J. N. , Thouless M. E. , Flewett T.H
Published: March 2007

A neutralisation test using cell culture and indirect immunofluorescence was applied to isolates of rotavirus from 55 patients with gastroenteritis, in order to determine serotypes. Frequent cross‐reactions were observed, but subsequent statistical analysis confirmed the existence of at least three distinct serotypes. Some results, not sufficient for analysis, suggest that at least five serotypes probably exist. It is suggested that two or more viral polypeptides might be involved in neutralisation, one of which might be common to another serotype(s). This would explain the frequent cross‐reactions detected by this neutralisation test. Evidence suggesting that some strains may be hybrids is also presented.
Rubella immunity by four different techniques: results of challenge studies
Authors: Best Jennifer M. , Harcourt Gillian C. , Druce A. , Palmer Sara J. , O'Shea Siobhan , Banatvala J. E.
Published: March 2007

When 42 sera with low or inconsistent levels of haemagglutination‐inhibiting (HAI) antibodies were tested by single radial haemolysis (SRH), radioimmunoassay (RIA), and enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA), RIA was shown to be the most reliable test for detecting low levels of antibody. SRH, however, was found to be an acceptable alternative screening test for rubella antibodies and was more reliable than HAI. Although SRH plates prepared in our own laboratory failed to detect antibodies in six sera, in five of the six, antibodies were only at a low level (RIA titre 1:20‐ 1:80). OriVir plates (Orion Diagnostica, Finland) failed to detect low levels of antibody in only three sera. There were six (14.3%) sera which were false positives in the HAI test. These women were shown to be seronegative by radioimmunoassay and, when three of these six volunteers were vaccinated, they developed a typical primary immune response which resembled that developed by 43 seronegative women following vaccination. Fifteen of the young women with consistently low HAI litres and one woman who was seronegative by HAI but seropositive by RIA and ELISA were subsequently vaccinated. Six (37.5%) of these women showed no significant rise in titre by any of the tests employed, while ten had a significant rise in titre, detected by at least one test, with a low level of rubella‐specific IgM detectable in one.
A simple method for typing clinical isolates of herpesvirus simplex: replication in the presence of 2h‐1,3‐oxazine‐2,6 (3h)‐dione (oxauracil)
Authors: Seal Lawton A. , Jamison Richard M.
Published: March 2007

A rapid simple method for the typing of wild HSV isolates based on selective inhibition of HSV‐2 replication by the pyrimidine analogue oxauracil (2H‐1,3‐oxazine‐2,6(3H)‐dione) has been developed. Chi‐square analysis of the results of typing of 30 wild strains by serum neutralization tests, immunofluorescence, and oxauracil‐inhibition indicates no significant difference in assignment of types to the isolates. The oxauracil‐inhibition test obviates confusion of typing resulting from use of immune sera containing cross‐reactive antibodies. We conclude oxauracil typing is a simple, rapid, and precise test which can be performed in any laboratory capable of isolating HSV.
New bacterial absorption method for determination of hepatitis a igm and iga antibodies
Authors: Löfgren Bengt , Nordenfelt Erik , Jonsson Svante , Kronvall Göran
Published: March 2007

Antibodies against hepatitis A virus (anti‐HAV) can be determined by a commercially available radioimmunoassay (RIA) (Havab(tm), Abbott). To discriminate between recent and past hepatitis A infection this RIA was used in combination with absorption with protein A‐containing staphylococci. However, nonabsorbable anti‐HAV was repeatedly detected in late‐convalescent sera using this method. The nature of these antibodies was studied in serum samples from 12 such patients. In all patients, the late‐convalescent sera contained no IgM class anti‐HAV as judged by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The restricted specificity of staphylococcal protein A explains the lack of absorption. Some recently described streptococcal strains capable of binding all IgG subclasses (including IgG3) as well as both IgA subclasses were, therefore, added to the staphylococci. Absorption studies using these strains indicated that the previously nonabsorbable anti‐HAV in these 12 patients was mainly of the IgA class. A bacterial mixture including IgA‐binding streptococci seems preferable for routine determination of IgM anti‐HAV in acute hepatitis A diagnosis. The results also indicate that IgA anti‐HAV in serum can persist for more than two years after a hepatitis A infection.
Enzyme‐Linked immunosorbent assay for the detection and identification of coxsackie b antigen in tissue cultures and clinical specimens
Authors: Yolken Robert H. , Torsch Virginia
Published: March 2007

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed for the identification of Coxsackie B antigens. This assay was capable of identifying and distinguishing all six Coxsackie B serotypes at concentrations one hundredfold to ten thousandfold less than could be detected by complement fixation (CF) systems. In addition, the Coxsackie B ELISA correctly identified the presence of Coxsackie B antigen in 19 of 21 tissue culture fluids and five of nine rectal swab specimens. Two additional rectal swab specimens reacted with Coxsackie B antisera but could not be conclusively serotyped. Tissue culture fluids and rectal swab specimens containing other viruses such as ECHO virus, Coxsackie virus A, rhinovirus, rotavirus and Norwalk virus were consistently negative in the assay. The Coxsackie B ELISA offers potential for the rapid identification of Coxsackie B antigens in clinical specimens and tissue culture systems.
Prevalence of williams e1 antigen in comparison with e2 antigen in hepatitis b antigen carriers and patients in hemodialysis unit
Authors: Ohori Hitoshi , Yamada Ei , Tateda Akira , Ishida Nakao
Published: March 2007

The prevalence of both e1 and e2 antigens in 1,158 sera of asymptomatic HBsAg carriers, carriers in hemodialysis units, and HBsAg‐negative blood donors was examined. The detection rate of e1 antigen was as high as 80% in asymptomatic carriers, 95% in hemodialysis patients, and even 13,1% in HBsAg‐negative donors. All of the e1 antigen‐positive specimens in such HBsAg‐negative sera were found to have both or either anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc, suggesting the past history of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection of the donors. In the HBsAg‐positive serum, the detection rate of e2 antigen (17%) was lower than that of e1 (80%), and all sera having e2 antigen were positive for e1 antigen. The titers of HBsAg, HBcAg, and anti‐HBc in e2 antigen‐positive sera were higher than that of sera detecting only e1 antigen.

The appearance of e1 antigen and e2 antigen in the course of post‐transfusion hepatitis B was studied with five cases. Retrospective study showed that three of them each received one unit of HBsAg‐positive blood, and the other two received HBsAg‐negative blood but with high‐titered anti‐HBc. In four cases out of five, in which e2 antigen was detected during the course of infection, the initial detection of e2 antigen occurred at or just before the elevation of liver enzyme levels. On the other hand, e1 antigen was detected relatively early after transfusion, and the time of its initial appearance could not be correlated to the time of onset. Moreover, the detection period of e1 antigen persisted longer, even after the disappearance of HBsAg antigenemia.

These two separate studies suggest that not only e2 antigen but also e1 antigen are associated with the infection of HBV, but they are distinct from each other; the e2 antigen may have the properties of a signal of the viral activity in the patient as suggested by many others, but e1 antigen does not seem to bear such diagnostic values.
Non‐A, non‐b hepatitis in patients receiving blood products
Authors: Skidmore Susan J. , Jones Thomas E. G. , Boxall Elizabeth H.
Published: March 2007

A group of patients all regularly receiving blood products for a congenital bleeding disorder were investigated for evidence of past infection with hepatitis A and B, and compared with a control group. There was a significantly higher percentage of the test group who had markers of infection with these viruses, and 15 patients had symptoms of hepatitis during the study. Hepatitis B is known to sometimes be a contaminant of blood products and, in fact, three patients had hepatitis B during the period of study. The greater number of the test group showing evidence of past hepatitis A infection can only really be explained by acquiring antibody from blood products, especially since none of our patients with hepatitis had hepatitis A and there is evidence that this is not an infection associated with blood products. We conclude that the majority of patients in our study showing symptoms of hepatitis had non‐A, non‐B hepatitis.
Dna cloned from the ayw subtype of hepatitis b virus
Authors: Price Peter , Hirschman Shalom Z. , Garfinket Esther
Published: March 2007

DNA from the ayw subtype of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was ligated into the EcoRI site of DNA from plasmid pBR322 and propagated in E coli χ1776. A plasmid with a 3200 base pair insert (pHBV‐1) was isolated and the cloned HBV DNA was mapped with restriction endonucleases. Differences were found in restriction endonuclease cleavage sites for DNAs from HBV of subtype ayw and adr.
The role of rheumatoid factor in an electron microscope study of hepatitis b antigens
Authors: Stannard Linda M. , Almeida June D. , Tedder R.S.
Published: March 2007

An immune electron microscopic (IEM) study of the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) system has shown that rheumatoid factor (RF) can be an important complicating factor when examining preparations containing multiple antigenie specificities. For example, in the presence of RF, mixed immune complexes were produced that suggested HBeAg might be antigenically related to either Dane particles or cores. When RF was removed, however, the putative HBeAg—anti‐HBe complexes showed no relationship with any other hepatitis B component. It has been shown that RF can have a positive practical application in IEM by using it to link preformed marker complexes to immune complexes which do not contain morphologically recognizable antigen.
Properties of soluble dna polymerase from sera of hepatitis b virus carriers
Authors: Mao James C. H. , Otis Ellen R. , Mushahwar Isa K. , Overby Lacy R.
Published: March 2007

A soluble DNA polymerase was purified 8,000‐fold from hepatitis B surface antigen positive serum. The molecular weight of the enzyme by gel filtration was about 1.60 × 105, the sedimentation coefficient was 5.5S, the apparent Km for dTTP was 4 MM, the optimum pH in the presence of Mg2+ was 9.2, and the pI was 4.7. The enzyme was found in HBsAg‐positive sera and required an external primer for activity. The properties of the DNA polymerase were different from hepatitis B virus particle enzyme and from vertebrate and bacterial DNA polymerases. The prevalence of this enzyme did not correlate with HBeAg or particle DNA polymerase in HBsAg‐positive sera.
B‐Lymphotropic papovavirus and possibility of infections in humans
Authors: Brade Lore , Müller‐Lantzsch Nikolaus , Hausen Harald Zur
Published: March 2007

A novel member of the papovavirus group has been isolated from EBV‐transformed African green monkey (AGM) B‐lymphoblasts. The virus is characterized by its B‐lymphotropic host range and has tentatively been named “lymphotropic papovavirus” (LPV). Seroepidemiological studies revealed that besides sera from African green monkeys a substantial proportion of human sera reacted with antigens of this virus. The specificity of this reaction observed in indirect immunofluorescence tests was underlined by immunoprecipitation (IP) and neutralization studies. By IP we demonstrated that AGM as well as human sera reacting in immunofluorescence with LPV antigens precipitated polypeptides of about 40 K. Those polypeptides were detected only in LPV‐infected cultures. Sera of high reactivity in immunofluorescence tests also neutralized viral infectivity. These data suggest that an agent antigenetically closely related to AGM‐LPV also infects part of the human population. The age distribution of the human antibody response revealed that a low percentage of sera reacted in age groups below 30 years. Thereafter, however, about 30% of all sera exhibited antibodies to LPV antigens. There was a slight increase in seroreactivity in sera from patients tested for infectious hepatitis when compared to non‐selected human sera.
Borna disease in rhesus monkeys as a model for uveo‐cerebral symptoms
Authors: Stitz Lothar , Krey Hauke , Ludwig Hanns
Published: March 2007

Borna disease, a naturally occurring encephalomyelitis of horses and sheep, was induced in rhesus monkeys after intracerebral infection with virus containing rabbit brain suspension. The animals developed neurological disorders followed by a severe encephalomyelitis which was accompanied by a retinopathy. In all the analyzed brain and retina tissue pieces, virus‐specific antigen could be demonstrated by immunoelectrophoretic techniques. Antibodies could be demonstrated by the intermediate gel technique as well as by the immunofluorescence test in the serum and the cerebrospinal fluid of all the monkeys. The histopathological findings in the brain and the eye might be comparable to certain types of encephalitis in man and to pathological changes in the eye of human patients, the etiologies of which are still obscure. An attempt was also made to study cell‐mediated immunity by a chromium release assay in infected animals, the results of which might provide, together with the histopathological observations, strong evidence for the role of lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of BD infection in rhesus monkeys.
Antibodies to Hepatitis A Virus in Immune Serum Globulin
Authors: Smallwood L. A. , Tabor E. , Finlayson J. S. , Gerety R. J.
Published: March 2007

Two hundred one immune serum globulin (ISG) lots manufactured in the US between 1967 and 1977 were tested for antibodies to the hepatitis A virus (anti‐HAV) by a competitive‐inhibition radioimmunoassay (RIA); a lesser number were also tested by immune adherence hemagglutination (IAHA). The percentage of ISG lots that contained anti‐HAV with a titer of 1:100 or greater by RIA was 50% for those manufactured in 1967, 69% for those manufactured in 1972, and 100% for those manufactured in 1977. The percentage of lots with anti‐HAV titers equal to or greater than 1:500 by RIA was 7% in 1967, 18% in 1972, and 70% in 1977. Only ten lots of ISG (5%) had anti‐HAV titers of 1:1,000 or greater by RIA; seven of these were manufactured in 1977.

Both the mean titer of anti‐HAV in ISG lots and the percentage of lots containing significant titers of this antibody appear to have increased in the US over the past ten years. This may reflect the increased use of source plasma from paid plasmapheresis donors in the US during this period. The lower titers of anti‐HAV in the older lots of ISG studied were shown not to be due to fragmentation of antibody molecules during storage.
Serological diagnosis of acute tick‐borne encephalitis by demonstration of antibodies of the IgM class
Authors: Roggendorf M. , Deinhardt F. , Heinz F. , Kunz CH
Published: March 2007

A sensitive enzyme immunoassay is described for demonstrating specific antibodies of the IgM class to tick‐borne encephalitis virus (anti‐TBEV IgM). Anti‐m̈‐coated, flat‐bottomed microtiter plates are incubated with diluted patients'serum (2 hr at 37°C), then with purified TBEV, and later with pero‐xidase‐coupled anti‐TBEV immunoglobulin for a further 2 hr. After washing the plates, orthophenylenediamine is added and the optical density is measured at 510 nm. At an early stage after onset of illness anti‐TBEV IgM could be demonstrated up to serum dilutions of 10−4. The specificity of the test system was shown by total inhibition of the positive reaction by preincubation of patients'sera with anti‐m̈. Tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE) could be diagnosed serologically in 54 patients by the described method, and anti‐TBEV IgM could be demonstrated in sera drawn up to 9 months after onset of illness. A peak in the number of infections occurs in the age group of 31–40 years, and most infections occur from June to October with a small peak in July.
Human and animal togavirus antibodies in congenitally deformed infants
Authors: Cole Anthony P. , Banatvala J. E. , Perry David , Harkness James W.
Published: March 2007

The cord bloods of 30 congenitally malformed infants, born consecutively at the Worcester Royal Infirmary, were screened for serological evidence of infection with Border disease and bovine virus diarrhoea viruses as well as for the presence of rubella‐, cytomegalovirus‐, and measles‐specific IgM. Despite Border disease and bovine virus diarrhoea being endemic among sheep and cattle in counties bordering Wales, none of the cord blood samples contained antibodies to Border disease or bovine virus diarrhoea viruses. No rubella‐, measles‐, or cytomegalovirus‐specific IgM was detected. When the total immunoglobulins were estimated, 15 of the malformed infants had elevated levels, but in a control group of 35 infants born in the same unit, none showed significantly elevated immunoglobulin levels.
Antibody response to cytomegalovirus: A comparison between adult patients with neurological disease and uncomplicated infection
Authors: Granstrom Marta , Linde Annika , Wahren Britta
Published: March 2007

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in adults can cause neurological diseases such as the Guillain—Barré syndrome (GBS) and myelitis. The mechanism leading to the development of neurological damage is, however, still unknown. We have investigated the possibility that an abnormal humoral immune response, either weak or hyperactive, could be the cause. The antibody response of four patients with a primary CMV followed by neurological symptoms was compared to that of four age‐matched controls with an uncomplicated infection. IgG and IgM antibodies to CMV early antigens (EA), late antigens (LA), and IgG antibodies to CMV immediate early antigens (IEA) were measured in consecutive serum samples. Comparison of titers indicated a longer time lapse between the onset of CMV infection and the development of symptoms in the group with neurological disease. We found no conclusive evidence of an abnormal humoral immune response to CMV in the patients with neurological disease compared to the patients with an uncomplicated infection.
Viral hepatitis in southeast asian refugees
Authors: Skinhøj P. , Black F. , Kjersem H. , Aldershvile J. , Kryger P. , Mathiesen L.
Published: March 2007

Five hundred sixty‐four Vietnam refugees were studied for past or present infection with hepatitis A and B virus (HAV and HBV) by sensitive serological assays for hepatitis B surface and e‐antigen and antibodies to HBsAg, HBeAg, HBcAg, and HAV. Fifteen percent of the men and 6% of the women were HBsAg‐positive. Of these 66% were also positive for HBeAg. Serum transamin‐ase values did not effectively differentiate between the infectious HBeAg carriers and the less infectious anti‐HBe carriers.

The HBsAg carrier rate did not increase by age after infancy, and among children, carriers clustered around HBsAg carrier mothers only. In contrast, the distribution of antibodies to the three HBV‐associated antigens suggested continuous exposure throughout childhood, and a 90% prevalence rate was found at the age of 20 years.

Screening for HBeAg in this new population group is necessary if appropriate precautions are to be taken, and if medical management of these patients is to be optimal.

The prevalence of antibody to hepatitis A increases with age to 90% at 15 years. Among anti‐HAV‐positive children and adults IgM‐ anti‐HAV was found in 8% of the children and none of the adults, indicating that only a few children may be in an infectious stage at the time of study, and therefore no specific prophylactic precautions are necessary.
Interactions between polymerized human albumin, hepatitis B surface antigen, and complement: I. binding of polyalbumin to Clq
Authors: Milich D.R. , Papas Ellece D. , Bhatnagar P.K. , Vyas G.N.
Published: March 2007

There is considerable evidence that substances other than immunoglobulins can bind human Clq. Utilizing purified human Clq immobilized on polystyrene beads, we have demonstrated that polymerized human albumin (PHALB‐125I) binds to human Clq in a direct binding assay. This interaction required a high degree of albumin polymerization as the precentage of binding was proportional to the polymer size and monomeric albumin was unreactive. Binding was species specific in that human Clq bound only human, and not xenogeneic, polyalbumins. Similarly, polymers of various other human plasma proteins were unreactive. To demonstrate that this interaction was not unique to immobilized Clq, soluble Clq was shown to inhibit PHALB‐125I binding to solid phase Clq. Because aggregated IgG, poly(I):poly(C), dextran sulfate, polyglutamic acid, and polylysine have been previously shown to bind Clq, we used them in further blocking experiments and found them also to inhibit the interaction between Clq and PHALB. Anti‐human Clq and, to a lesser extent, anti‐PHALB antibodies inhibited the interaction. The Clq‐PHALB binding was pH, ionic strength, and temperature dependent. In addition, human Clq was not observed to bind hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) directly; however, in the presence of sufficiently polymerized human albumin a Clq‐PHALB‐HBsAg complex was formed. These interactions may be implicated in hepatocyte‐HBsAg receptor function as well as in the host defense mechanisms involved in hepatitis B virus infection.
Prevalence of antibody to human calicivirus in general population of northern japan
Authors: Sakuma Y. , Chiba S. , Kogasaka R. , Terashima H. , Nakamura S. , Horino K. , Nakao T.
Published: March 2007

Serum specimens from children and adults living in Sapporo, Japan, were tested for antibody against human calicivirus by immune electron microscopy (IBM), using virus‐rich faecal extracts as the source of antigen. Of 83 serum specimens tested, 49 (59%) were positive for calicivirus antibody. Age‐related prevalence of antibody to calicivirus was as follows: 23% (3/13) in the 0–5‐month‐old group, 30% (6/20) in the 6–23‐month‐old group, 65% (13/20) in the 2–5‐year‐old group, and 90% in school children (18/20) and adults (9/10). As for IBM antibody ratings scored from 0 to 4, almost all positive sera from older infants and preschool children scored 3 to 4. Antibody scores were rather more scattered in school children. The results indicated that caliciviral infection is prevalent in younger children in this part of Japan.
Host Factors and susceptibility to rubella virus infection: The association of HLA antigens
Authors: Ishii Keizo , Nakazono Naoki , Sawada Harumi , Fukuda Katsuhiro , Wakisaka Akemi , Moriuchi Junko , Nakai Yuko , Kano Toyoko , Aizawa Miki
Published: March 2007

To examine the role of host‐dependent factors to natural rubella infection, the positive rates of HAI antibody according to HLA‐A and ‐B antigens were studied in 93 children, aged 9 to 10, who were exposed only to a recent epidemic (single‐exposure group), and in 199 adult females, aged 18 to 23, who were exposed also to a former epidemic (dual‐exposure group). Furthermore, the phenotype frequencies of HLA antigens were investigated in seronegative subjects in both groups, as well as in 58 adult female vac‐cinees, in comparison with those of the Japanese population. The seropositive rates by the HLA antigens, 38.7% and 73.4%, respectively, in each exposure group were found in subjects having some HLA antigens. Several of these candidate HLA antigens varied in phenotype frequencies in seronegative subjects of all three groups from those of the average Japanese. Although a few types were statistically significant, no contradictory findings in susceptibility were obtained among the groups during the study, which suggested strongly that subjects with HLA‐Bw51 and ‐Bw16 are susceptible to rubella infection, and subjects with HLA‐Aw33 are less susceptible. In addition, when the seropositive rates were compared in all combinations of HLA‐A and ‐B antigens classified according to expected susceptibility, the positive rates were arranged in order of susceptibility with significant statistical differences in several groups.
Non‐A, non‐b hepatitis virus: identification of a core antigen‐antibody system that cross reacts with hepatitis b core antigen and antibody
Authors: Trepo C. , Vitvitski L. , Hantz O.
Published: March 2007

Using immunodiffusion, a major cross‐reactivity had been previously demonstrated between hepatitis B(HBe/3 Ag) and the antigen reported in the serum of non‐A, non‐B hepatitis patients, therefore redesignated NANBe Ag.

By direct immunofluorescence a new antigen associated with, but distinct from, NANBe Ag has now been identified in the liver of 14/26 patients with NANB chronic active hepatitis. The homologous antibody was detected in the serum of these 14 patients. Behaving like HBc Ag and cross reacting with it by immunofluorescence, the new antigen was termed NANBc Ag. Anti NANBc also became detectable in serial acute phase and convalescence sera from 5/5 NANB Ag‐positive posttransfusion hepatitis cases.

Further characterization of NANBe and NANBc antigens achieved by fractionation of a NANB virus‐infected liver showed NANBc Ag to be expressed on 22–25 nm HB core‐like particles containing DNA polymerase activity. Cross‐reactivity between NANBc and HBc antigens was confirmed by immunodiffusion.

Liver‐derived NANBe Ag identical to serum NANBe Ag exhibited the same physical properties as HBe/3 Ag and could be similarly released by disruption of the non‐A, non‐B virus cores.

These results indicate that hepatitis B and NANB virions not only share the same structure and DNA polymerase activity but are also antigenically related and belong to the same new class of DNA viruses.
Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for mumps virus antibodies
Authors: Popow‐Kraupp Therese
Published: March 2007

An ELISA for the detection of mumps virus‐specific IgG and IgM antibodies was developed. Three different antigen preparations were compared. Equally good results were obtained with virus concentrated by ultracentrifugation and with virus that was further purified by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Crude infected allantoic fluid was unsuitable for use as antigen. The variability and reproducibility of the tests were satisfactory. When the ELISA was compared to conventional serological methods, a good correlation of IgG absorbance values with complement fixation (CF) antibody titers was found (r = 0.574), the ELISA being more sensitive in detecting antibodies in acute‐phase sera. For the determination of immunity, ELISA IgG values were compared with results obtained in hemagglutination‐inhibition (HI) and hemolysis‐in‐gel (HIG) tests. Again there was a good correlation with both tests (rHI = 0.528, rHIG = 0.667). The ELISA was more sensitive than the HI and HIG test for the detection of low levels of antibodies.
Immunogenic effect of inactivated hepatitis B vaccine: Comparison of 20 μg and 40 μg doses
Authors: Krugman Saul , Holley H. Preston , Davidson J. R. Morton , Simberkoff Michael S. , Matsaniotis Nicolas
Published: March 2007

The immunogenic effect of inactivated hepatitis B vaccine (Merck Heptavax B) was evaluated in 202 seronegative healthy medical personnel. Three inoculations of vaccine were given at 1‐month intervals. Of 116 vaccinees who received a 40‐μg dose, 39% had an anti‐HBs response 1 month after the first dose, 88% 1 month after the second dose, and 99% 1 month after the third dose. Of 86 vaccinees who received a 20‐μg dose, 40% had an anti‐HBs response 1 month after the first dose, 79% after the second dose, and 95% after the third dose. These results confirm the high immunogenic effect of a 20‐μg dose of vaccine.
The persistence of papovavirus BK DNA sequences in normal human renal tissue
Authors: Heritage John , Chesters Peter M. , McCance Dennis J.
Published: March 2007

Evidence has accumulated indicating that BK virus, following an inapparent primary infection, persists in the renal organs of normal healthy individuals and reactivates upon immunosuppression. Data to support this hypothesis are presented and suggest that BK virus DNA sequences are present at very low levels in the kidneys of more than 50% of the population and that this persistence is localized in several foci within these organs.
The HBe antigen‐antibody system and its relationship to clinical and laboratory findings in 100 chronic HBsAg carriers in great britain
Authors: Viola Luis A. , Barrison Ian G. , Coleman J. C. , Paradinas F. J. , Murray‐Lyon Iain M.
Published: March 2007

HBeAg or anti HBe were detected using radioimmunoassay in 93 out of 100 British patients who were chronic HBsAg carriers. HBeAg was found more commonly than anti HBe in younger patients and those with higher titres of HBsAg and abnormal liver function tests. HBeAg was present particularly in patients with chronic active hepatitis (26 out of 29) and chronic persistent hepatitis (16 out of 21). Anti HBe was found particularly in healthy carriers (19 out of 27), and patients with cirrhosis (4 out of 8) and hepatocellular carcinoma (7 out of 8). However, the system was of little help in predicting the liver biopsy appearances in the individual patient. During a mean follow‐up period of 44 months, 6 of the 62 (9.7%) HBeAg positive carriers converted to anti HBe, a spontaneous seroconversion rate of 2.68% per year.
Occurrence of antibodies against herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase in human sera
Authors: Gronowitz J. Simon , Källander Clas F.R.
Published: March 2007

The occurrence of antibodies in human serum that block herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2 deoxythymidine kinase (dTK) has been investigated. The antibodies were detected by means of a sensitive assay technique using [125I]iododeoxyuridine as a substrate [Gronowitz and Källander, 1980]. A total of 213 sera was studied. They included pairs of serum from patients with an acute HSV infection, individual sera from persons not suspected of a HSV infection, as well as sera from patients from whom HSV had been isolated. The HSV complement fixing (cf) titer was determined for each serum and subsequently used as a reference. None of the HSV cf negative sera contained HSV dTK blocking antibodies, whereas all cf positive sera did, however, all excepting those that were collected in connection with primary infections. By following the serum titer after a primary infection, we have found that 12 out of 19 persons studied had detectable dTK antibodies after an average time of 179 days. The results indicate a low degree of cross‐reactivity between HSV type 1 and 2 dTK blocking antibodies.
Significance of persisting IgM anti‐HBc antibodies in hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Cappel R. , Van Beers D. , Maes F. , Toppet M. , Cadranel S.
Published: March 2007

IgG and IgM antibodies to the core antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBV) were measured in 136 patients who developed acute HBV hepatitis and who were followed prospectively. After acute hepatitis all the patients developed transiently IgM anti‐HBc lasting for two to five months. In contrast, IgM anti‐HBc persisted 8 and 9 months in two patients who developed persistent hepatitis and were continuously detected for two years in nine patients who developed aggressive hepatitis. The results presented suggest that the determination of IgM anti‐HBc might be useful to predict the outcome of chronic hepatitis B infection.
Changes in hepatitis B virus DNA‐polymerase activity in patients with chronic infection
Authors: Alberti A. , Pontisso P. , Realdi G.
Published: March 2007

Levels of serum hepatitis B virus DNA‐polymerase (HBV‐DNAP) were studied longitudinally over variable periods of time in 16 HBV chronic carriers using a modified assay procedure developed to increase reproducibility. Ten patients were tested on a short‐term basis at 3‐ to 6‐hr intervals for 48 hr or at 24‐ to 48‐hr intervals for 15 consecutive days, and all showed marked vacillations in enzyme levels although hospitalized and untreated. Patients with chronic active hepatitis on liver biopsy had larger fluctuations compared to cases of chronic persistent hepatitis. Six patients were longitudinally tested over a period of 12–32 months and those three receiving immunosuppressive drugs showed a progressive increase in DNAP levels during therapy, but two returned to pretreatment levels after therapy was withdrawn and one even cleared permanently the complete virus with seroconversion to anti‐HBe. Such outcome was also observed in one patient with chronic active hepatitis who remained untreated.
The conversion of hepatitis B core antigen synthesized in e coli into e antigen
Authors: Mackay Patricia , Lees Janice , Murray Kenneth
Published: March 2007

The e antigen (HBeAg) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a polypeptide of 17–20,000 daltons closely associated with the core antigen (HBcAg) of Dane particles, from which it is released by a variety of disruptive procedures. HBeAg could be a unique component of HBV core particles or a derivative of HBcAg. To resolve this question immunodiffusion experiments were carried out with preparations of HBcAg synthesized in E coli carrying a recombinant plasmid from which the HBcAg, but no other HBV gene, was expressed. HBcAg was converted into HBeAg by proteolytic degradation under dissociating conditions, thus confirming at the molecular level that HBeAg is a component of HBcAg. This offers a new route to the detection of HBeAg and antibodies to the antigen.
Comparison of human cytomegalovirus growth in MRC‐5 human fibroblasts, brain, and choroid plexus cells in vitro
Authors: Wroblewska Zofia , Wellish Mary C. , Wolinsky Jerry S. , Gilden Donald
Published: March 2007

Cell cultures derived from human brain, choroid plexus, and human lung fibroblasts (MRC‐5) were infected with the Towne strain of human cytomegalovirus (CMV). The cytopathic effect, beginning 24–48 hours after infection, was characterized by foci of enlarged rounded cells that spread slowly and eventually coalesced to destroy the entire monolayer within one week. Cowdry type A inclusion bodies and herpes virus nucleocapsids were seen in infected cells. CMV‐specific antigen was demonstrated by immunofluorescence in fibroblasts and astrocytic cells of brain cultures and in cells of choroid plexus cultures as well as in MRC‐5 fibroblasts. Despite these morphologic and immunochemical similarities the growth of CMV differed in cells of brain and choroid plexus origin as compared with MRC‐5 cells. In brain and choroid plexus cell cultures most of the virus remained cell‐associated throughout the observation period of one week, whereas in MRC‐5 cells the CMV was found in both cell‐associated and cell‐free fractions of harvested material.
Local production of mumps IgG and IgM antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid of meningitis patients
Authors: Ukkonen Pentti , Granström Marja‐Lisa , Räsänen Jorma , Salonen Eeva‐Marjatta , Penttinen Kari
Published: March 2007

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and M (IgM) antibodies against mumps virus were measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens of patients with mumps meningitis. The CSF IgG antibodies correlated well with the respective antibody titers in serum. On the contrary, in only about half of the patients a moderate correlation was found between the CSF and serum IgM antibody titers, while the other patients did not have detectable mumps IgM antibodies in CSF irrespective of intermediate to high titers in serum. Two different immunologic mechanisms may be involved in these two groups which, however, did not show any clinical differences. The lack of IgM antibodies in the CSF of many patients diminished the value of CSF in the laboratory diagnosis of mumps meningitis compared to use of serum specimens. Intrathecal synthesis of mumps IgG antibodies was demonstrated in 83% of the patients, and of IgM antibodies in at least 67% of those patients with detectable IgM antibodies in CSF. The ratio between mumps IgG and IgM antibodies was higher in CSF than in serum, suggesting that the synthesis of IgG antibodies in central nervous system was more efficient than that of IgM antibodies.
Astrovirus‐Associated epidemic gastroenteritis in japan
Authors: Konno Tasuke , Suzuki Hiroshi , Ishida Nakao , Chiba Ryo , Mochizuki Keiko , Tsunoda Akira
Published: March 2007

An outbreak of epidemic gastroenteritis associated with astrovirus, the first case reported in Japan, is described. Not only children (5–6 years of age), but also staff members of a kindergarten were affected. The virus particles detected in stools were 28–30 nm in diameter with a circular outline and had the characteristic starlike configuration which allowed identification as astrovirus. Significant immune responses to the virus were confirmed by immune electron microscopy. Out of 84 children, 43 (54.2%) were affected; the common symptoms were vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. All the patients recovered completely within 48 hours. Occurrence of gastroenteritis due to contact with these patients was observed in 14 of 43 families.
Structural polypeptides of molluscum contagiosum virus: their variability in various isolates and location within the virion
Authors: Oda Hiroshi , Ohyama Yoshino , Sameshima Toshihisa , Hirakawa Kohsuke
Published: March 2007

The structural polypeptides of molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) obtained from the skin lesions of patients were examined by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. At least 40 polypeptides from purified virions were detected on SDS‐polyacrylamide gel by a highly sensitive silver stain. Two of thc structural polypeptides of the nine isolates were different in their migration rate in SDS‐polyacrylamide gel. Following controlled degradation of virions the two variable polypeptides were shown to be located in the surface or subsurface layers.
Enzyme‐Linked lmmunosorbent assay: A rapid reproducible test for the measurement of rabies antibody
Authors: Nicholson Karl G. , Prestage Howard
Published: March 2007

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for detecting IgG antibodies to the Pitman Moore strain of rabies virus in sera from subjects immunised with HDCS vaccine. End‐point titres of antibody were determined using a pocket calculator preprogrammed to analyse absorbence values of test sera and negative controls. The assay was highly reproducible, and very close agreement was achieved when the results were compared with those of the mouse neutralization test. Rabies enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay is easy to perform, the results are obtained within 48 hours, and because it employs inactivated virus, the test can be used safely without special containment facilities.
Epidemiology of an outbreak in a maternity unit of infections with an antigenic variant of echovirus 11
Authors: Mertens Th. , Hager H. , Eggers H.J.
Published: March 2007

After an 8‐day‐old child had died with clinical signs of septicemia, 6 other newborns fell ill. Virus was isolated from various sites from all the 6 children (28 isolations). The agent was identified by cross neutralization tests as an antigenic variant of Echovirus 11. The agent could not be isolated from mothers or nursery staff (49 people). We therefore tried to trace the path of infection by isolating specific IgM and IgG antibodies. A laboratory infection by the agent isolated enabled the time pattern of the serologic immune response to be roughly determined. The data collected indicate that the infection spread through close contact between the affected newborns and nurses working in the newborn room. Rigorous hygienic and isolation measures, initiated immediately, appeared to interrupt the spread of infection.
Specificity of hepatitis b virus affinity for human hepatic tissue
Authors: Lutwick Larry I. , Brenda Hebert M. , Sklamberg Todd
Published: March 2007

Using radiolabeled purified hepatitis B surface anligen and human liver slices, the affinity of hepatitis B virus to its host organ was evaluated. Saturable adsorption of the l25I‐HBS Ag complex to liver was demonstrated over both time and complex concentration which could be blocked by excess unlabeled antigen. The specific binding was not found using hurnan pancreas, lung, or kidney tissue. Correspondingly, no specific binding could be found for murine liver but it could be deinonslrated with woodchuck liver. The woodchuck is a natural host for one of the newly described hepatitis B‐like viruses which is antigenically cross‐reactive with the B virus.
Appearance of complement components and immunoglobulins on nasopharyngeal epithelial cells following naturally acquired infection with respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Kaul Tej. N. , Welliver Robert C. , Ogra Pearay L.
Published: March 2007

Nasopharyngeal epithelial cells (NPEC) were collected from 144 infants and children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, and were analyzed by fluorescent antibody techniques for the presence of cell‐bound complement (C/3), IgA, IgC, and IgM class of immunoglobulins (Ig), and respiratory syncytial virus antigen. Viral antigen was present on the surface of NPEC in 100% of samples obtained in the first 3 days of illness. The percentage of patients positive for RSV antigen declined steadily, so that no patient still expressed viral antigen on NPEC by 57 days after the onset of illness. Cell‐bound IgA, IgC, and IgM could be detected in most of the samples tested in the first 13 days after the onset of illness. Subsequently, the frequency of detection of cell‐bound Ig gradually declined. Only 8–3 3 % of patients tested 57 days after the onset of illness expressed IgA, IgG, or IgM on NPEC. About 45% of samples tested in the first 8 weeks after the onset of illness exhibited complement binding to NPEC. The percentage of subjects showing cell‐bound C/3 reached a maximum at 8–13 says after the onset of illness, while cell–bound C/3 could not be detected in any of the samples collected 57–90 days after the onset of illness. Although cell‐bound C/3 was generally present in association with cell‐bound Ig on NPEC, in a small percentage (4.6%) of patients cell‐bound C/3 could be detected in the absence of any cell–bound Ig. Cell‐bound C/3 and IgA, IgG, and IgM were present with equal frequency in patients with all forms of clinical disease caused by RSV, and in patients less than or greater than 6 months of age at the onset of illness.