bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human rotavirus in an adult population with travelers' diarrhea and its relationship to the location of food consumption
Authors: Vollet John J. , Ericsson Charles D. , Gibson Georgiana , Pickering Larry K. , Dupont Herbert L. , Kohl Steve , Conklin Richard H.
Published: March 2007

The role of human rotavirus in adult diarrhea was evaluated in 164 newly arrived US students attending summer school at an urban Mexican university. Rotavirus was identified in stool samples by electron microscopy. Rotavirus was found in 26 of 109 students with diarrhea (24%) and in 8 of 55 asymptomatic control students (15%). Although bacterial pathogens were recovered from virus positive students with diarrhea, viral shedding also occurred independently of other agents. Clinical disease in students excreting only rotavirus tended to be mild and was accompanied by a low density of viral shedding. Food consumption in the home and at public eating establishments was examined the week before illness. While the location of food consumption was found to be important in the acquisition of diarrhea, there was no apparent relationship of the site where meals were eaten and the acquisition of rotavirus by students newly arrived in Mexico. These data support our previous study in a US student population residing in a rural setting in Mexico and implicate rotavirus as a cause of diarrhea among students traveling to Mexico from the United States. The present study offers additional evidence that rotavirus infection in this population might be spread by a nonfood vehicle of transmission which differs from spread of enterotoxigenic E coli, Shigella, or Salmonella strains in the same population.
Serologic diagnosis of human infections with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus: Comparative evaluation of seven methods
Authors: Lehmann‐Grube Fritz , Kallay Magdalina , Ibscher Beatrix , Schwartz Reinhard
Published: March 2007

The aim of this work was to compare different procedures for the serodiagnosis of human infections with the lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus and to single out those which are both reliable and practicable. By the use of 46 sera from as many persons who had undergone infection with this virus either some time in the past or very recently and of 26 control sera, seven methods were evaluated. For making a rapid diagnosis soon after infection, determination of antibody by the immunofluorescence procedure appears to be the method of choice. Of equal reliability, though less easy to perform, is demonstration of sensitizing antibody by a plaque reduction assay, this procedure having the additional advantage of detecting antibody many years after infection, probably for life. For the demonstration of neutralizing antibody, three of four methods which were analyzed in this study gave the expected information, two employing mice, one employing cell cultures for the determination of residual infectivity. Neutralizing antibody was found to appear relatively late after infection and cannot, therefore, be recommended for the demonstration of seroconversion early in convalescence. This antibody, however, persists for many years, presumably lifelong, and is well suited to detect infections with this virus if they have occurred in the more distant past. Based on previous observations by ourselves and others, as well as on the work reported here, the complement fixation test appears to be of little value for the serological diagnosis of infection with LCM virus.
Detection of an antigen‐antibody system in serum associated with human non‐A, non‐B hepatitis
Authors: Tabor Edward , Mitchell Freddie D. , Goudeau Alain M. , Gerety Robert J.
Published: March 2007

An antigen was detected by counterelectrophoresis in serum samples from six of seven chimpanzees during the acute phase of experimentally induced non‐A, non‐B hepatitis using antiserum from a chimpanzee convalescent from human non‐A, non‐B hepatitis. This antigen could not be detected in 35 preinoculation serum samples from these chimpanzees, or in 94 weekly bleedings from three chimpanzees with hepatitis A and three chimpanzees with hepatitis B.

The antigen was detected in serum samples obtained from three humans with chronic non‐A, non‐B hepatitis whose blood had transmitted non‐A, non‐B hepatitis to other humans (including a nurse by accidental needlestick) and to chimpanzees by experimental inoculation. In addition, the antigen was detected in serum obtained retrospectively from 11 of 31 former blood donors whose blood had transmitted posttransfusion non‐A, non‐B hepatitis several years previously to recipients of a single unit of their blood.

Antibody to this antigen was detected in convalescent serum samples from all seven chimpanzees studied, in convalescent serum from the nurse infected by accidental needlestick, and in serum from a hemodialysis patient convalescent from non‐A, non‐B hepatitis.
Interaction of hepatitis B surface antigen with polymerized human serum albumin
Authors: O'Neill Sean P.
Published: March 2007

HBsAg binds to a solid‐phase adsorbent consisting of polymerized human serum albumin (HSA) on glass particles. Both AD and AY antigenic subtypes of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) display this interaction. In either case, the binding to polymerized HSA is reduced in the presence of human serum, suggesting significant attachment of serum components at the locations on HBsAg particles where polymerized HSA binds. The temperature dependence of the interaction goes through a maximum above room temperature, in contrast to the increasing reaction with temperature of the HBsAg‐anti‐HBs antibody system. The interaction between HBsAg and polymerized HSA is discussed in relation to previous findings of HSA polymers and anti‐poly‐merized albumin antibodies in hepatic patients. A mechanism for production of an autoimmune, antialbumin antibody condition, in association with hepatitis B virus infection is proposed.
An outbreak of gastroenteritis associated with calicivirus in an infant home
Authors: Chiba Shunzo , Sakuma Yasuhiko , Kogasaka Ryoichi , Akihara Minoru , Horino Kiyotaka , Nakao Tooru , Fukui Seki
Published: March 2007

In October 1977 an outbreak of acute infectious diarrhea occurred in an infant home in the city of Sapporo, Japan. Of 34 residents aged two to 20 months, 26 (77%) suffered from diarrhea. In ten of these patients the diarrhea was accompanied by vomiting. Electron microscopic examinations revealed typical calicivirus particles in eight faecal specimens, seven of which were from the group of 26 affected patients (28%)

Faecal specimens were obtained from only 25 of the 26 affected infants.

and one of which was from the group of eight infants without symptoms (13%). Immune electron microscopy tests for antibody responses against one of the isolated strains of calicivirus were carried out on 27 paired pre‐ and post‐outbreak sera. Sero‐conversions were demonstrated in 18 of 19 (95%) affected infants and in six of eight (75%) unaffected infants. One patient with lack of antibody response was the youngest child‐two months old. Periodic surveys on enteric viruses circulating in the home revealed that calicivirus was specifically associated with the outbreak of gastroenteritis. These observations provide further evidence for the causative role of calicivirus in acute gastroenteritis in children.
Non‐A, non‐b hepatitis: identification of hepatitis‐b‐like virus particles in serum and liver
Authors: Hantz O. , Vitvitski L. , Trépo C.
Published: March 2007

Hepatitis B virus‐like particles including: small spheres and filaments 15–25 nm in diameter together with a 35–40 nm Dane particle‐like virion have been identified in sera of patients with non‐A, non‐B hepatitis. In a coded serological study, such particles were detected transiently in 3/4 acute, and persistently in 7/8 chronic cases of non‐A, non‐B hepatitis with non‐A, non‐B antigenemia. Only 2/12 similar cases without non‐A, non‐B antigens (Ag) in serum had detectable particles but neither patients with drugs, or type A hepatitis, nor cases of obstructive jaundice. The particles did not express hepatitis B surface (HBs) or non‐A, non‐B Ag at their surface but were associated, in three patients, with significant endogenous DNA polymerase activity. Furthermore, particles similar to hepatitis B cores (HBc) and also associated with DNA polymerase activity were demonstrated by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation of a liver homogenate obtained from a patient who had died of non‐A, non‐B hepatitis. The non‐A, non‐B hepatitis virion described here appears, therefore, as a hepatitis B‐like virus. The exact kinship between these two agents is currently being investigated.
Cytomegalovlrus complement‐fixing igm antibody
Authors: Booth J. C. , Hannington Gillian , Tryhorn Yvonne , Stern H.
Published: March 2007

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐specific IgM that fixes complement in the presence of CMV antigen was demonstrated in sera from five patients with primary CMV infection. The CF reaction, demonstrable in the IgM fractions of the sera, was not affected significantly by absorption with aggregated IgG but was abolished by treatment with 2‐mercaptoethanol. The IgM antibody was readily detected in CF tests with crude cell‐extract antigens, prepared from CMV‐infected tissue culture cells, or with purified enveloped‐virion antigen but not with CMV‐soluble antigens.
Detection of human cytomegalovirus‐specific igg antibodies by a sensitive solid‐phase radioimmunoassay and by a rapid‐screening test
Authors: Kimmel Nina , Friedman Maureen G. , Sarov Israel
Published: March 2007

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the detection of human IgG antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV) which utilizes extracts of CMV‐infected cells as antigen is described. Sera of 66 healthy adults were titered by the RIA and by the complement fixation (CF) test. These same subjects were also used in the evaluation of a rapid screening radioimmunoassay (RSRIA) developed to detect IgG antibodies to CMV in small serum samples. The specificity of the RIA was evaluated by testing sera of seven CMV patients and ten patients with heterotypic titer rises to herpes simplex virus or varicella zoster virus (HSV or VZV). The RIA proved to be sensitive and specific. Possible applications of the RSRIA modification are discussed.
Isolation of rhinoviruses and coronaviruses from 38 colds in adults
Authors: Larson H.E. , Reed Sylvia E. , Tyrrell D.A.J.
Published: March 2007

Nasal washings were collected from 27 normal adults during 38 naturally acquired colds. The washings were exhaustively tested using tissue cultures, organ cultures and electron microscopy. Washings yielding no identifiable agent were inoculated into human volunteers, and further specimens obtained from the latter were examined by the same techniques in vitro. Viruses were identified in association with 25 of the original 38 colds (65.7%). Fifteen were rhinoviruses (39.5%), seven coronaviruses (18.4%), two were parainfluenza viruses, and one was influenza virus. Use of organ cultures and of volunteers significantly increased the isolation rate. No agent was cultivated from the remaining 13 specimens, although tests in volunteers showed that cold‐producing agents were present in five of them (13%). Three specimens gave doubtful results in volunteers, and five others, all collected within a period of six weeks in December and January, apparently contained no infectious agent.
Hepatitis a diagnosis in man: radioimmunoassay for hepatitis a antigen detection in faeces
Authors: Coursaget Pierre , Maupas Philippe , Hibon Patrick , Lesage Gérard , Hubert Michel
Published: March 2007

A new radioimmunoassay (RIA) procedure using a double‐sandwich technique was developed for the detection of hepatitis A antigen (HAV) in crude faecal extracts from patients involved in three outbreaks of type A hepatitis. Stools were obtained from 24 residents suffering from acute hepatitis A and from six children who remained asymptomatic throughout the epidemic. In addition, the HAV detection was performed in sera from 13 patients with hepatitis. HAV was detected in stools as early as five days before and as late as five days after the onset of jaundice. In this procedure, positive activity was only found in stools from patients with type A hepatitis, but not in negative controls. HAV was not detected in acute‐phase sera. The double‐sandwich RIA test used appears to be a reliable test for the large‐scale screening of HAV in stool samples from patients suffering from type A hepatitis.
Studies in man with cold‐recombinant influenza virus (h1n1) live vaccines
Authors: Reeve P. , Gerendas Batia , E. Liehl A. Moritz , H. Hofmann C.Kunz , Maassab H. F.
Published: March 2007

Two cold‐recombinant influenza A (H1N1) viruses were tested in several groups of human volunteers. Only minor clinical symptoms were seen and no febrile reactions occurred. With serologically primed individuals virus shedding was low, but a high proportion showed rises in serum antibody levels after vaccination and mean titres were high. With serologically unprimed volunteers shedding was high, about 75% yielding viruses but only at low titres and for a short duration. No revertant viruses were found and there was no evidence of transmission to potentially susceptible individuals housed in close contact to the vaccinees.

Serum antibody responses with unprimed volunteers were, however, low. Only about one half showed increases in serum antibody titres after vaccination and mean titres were low. Nevertheless, challenge with live attenuated virus indicated a high degree of protection based on virological evidence of infection.
Hepatitis b virus, hepatitis a virus and persistently elevated aminotransferases in hemophiliacs
Authors: Gerety R. J. , Eyster M. E. , Tabor E. , Drucker J. A. , Lusch C. J. , Prager D. , Rice And S. A. , , Bowman H. S.
Published: March 2007

To determine the exposure to hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses (HAV, HBV) following intravenous replacement therapy in patients with classic hemophilia and to assess the role of these viruses in persistently elevated aminotransferases, sera were studied from 136 patients from 9 months to 67 years of age who were transfused with either single‐donor cryoprecipitate (CRYO) or Antihemophilic Factor Concentrate (AHF) for periods ranging from a few months to 15 years.

Serologic evidence of past or present infection with HBV was detected in 90% of all 136 patients and in 85% of those 34 patients 10 years of age or younger. Sixty‐four percent of those with serologic markers of hepatitis B had high liters of antibody to the hepatitis B surface antigen and low titers of antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen. These findings are consistent with the known high frequency of early exposure to HBV in hemophiliacs receiving replacement therapy and with recovery from these hepatitis B infections. Sixteen percent of these patients had persistently elevated aminotransferase levels; HBV could not be implicated as the cause of the enzyme elevations in most of these cases.
Serological survey to detect subclinicai junían virus infection in laboratory personnel
Authors: Weissenbacher M. C. , Edelmuth E. , Frigerio M. J. , Coto C. E. , De Guerrero L. B.
Published: March 2007

Serological survey for detecting subclinical infections with Junín virus, the etiological agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever, was carried out in a group of 107 individuals working in laboratories where this virus was handled, The group was divided into high risk and low risk personnel according to the degree of exposure to the virus. Neutralizing tests were performed in Vero cell cultures to detect circulating antibodies. Results were evaluated comparatively with those obtained in a previous survey. This study shows that among high risk personnel three out of 52 developed neutralizing antibodies (NA) against Junín virus; one of them had a mild clinical illness, and the other two showed no overt disease during this period. No one among the low risk group developed NA against Junín virus.
Studies of glucose metabolism in rhesus monkeys after venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection
Authors: Stephen Bowen G. , Ray field Elliot J. , Monath Thomas P. , Kemp Graham E.
Published: March 2007

Previous studies have demonstrated a diabetogenic effect of Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus in hamsters. A preliminary study was conducted in which five 2‐ to 3‐year‐old rhesus monkeys were infected with the virulent Trinidad donkey strain of VEE virus and their carbohydrate metabolism was studied over 10 months. All animals developed mild clinical illness (rhinorrhea, cough, fever), were viremic, and developed antibodies. As compared with the results of preinoculation intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT), the monkeys had abnormally high glucose values by 2 months postinoculation (PI), progressively diminished insulin responses between 8 days and 5 months PI, and significantly lower glucagon curves 2, 5, and 10 months PI. Pancreatic histology and insulin content were normal.

A second, controlled study was conducted of glucose and insulin metabolism in somewhat older (3‐ to 8‐year‐old) rhesus monkeys after they were infected with both the Trinidad donkey strain of VEE virus and the attenuated VEE vaccine (TC‐83). Groups of six monkeys received the virulent virus and the TC‐83 vaccine, and five animals were sham‐inoculated with saline. Monkeys inoculated with virulent virus became viremic, and 50% became febrile without overt signs of illness, whereas those given TC‐83 virus remained afebrile and did not become viremic, but five of six developed antibodies. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests were performed and serum immunoreactive insulin responses to glucose administration measured before infection and 2 and 5 months later. No significant and consistent alterations of glucose or insulin responses were detected in the infected or control groups. Although several animals had preinoculation anti‐islet cell antibodies, none developed new antibodies during the study.
Detection by radioimmunoassay of igm class antibody to hepatitis b core antigen: a comparison of two methods
Authors: Tedder Richard S. , Wilson‐Croome Ruth
Published: March 2007

A solid‐phase radioimmunoassay (RIA) for IgM anti‐HBc is described. The assay (anti‐m̈ RIA) is based on the adsorption of IgM to a tube coated with sheep antibody to the human IgM m̈‐chain. The adsorbed immunoglobulin is assayed for anti‐HBc activity. Positive reactions in the test are shown to be due to IgM antibody, and a confirmation blocking test is described. Reactivity of test sera can be quantitated by comparison with standard sera containing known levels of IgM anti‐HBc.

Sera assayed for IgM anti‐HBc by both the anti‐m̈ RIA and a method employing serum fractionation and competitive RIA gave similar results. Rheumatoid factor (RF) alone did not react in the anti‐m̈ RIA, but reactivity could be generated in the presence of RF and preformed aggregates of IgG anti‐HBc.
Determination of iga antibodies to human cytomegalovirus by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (elisa)
Authors: Levy Esther , Sarov Israel
Published: March 2007

A sensitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is described for detection of IgA antibodies to human cytomegalovirus (CMV). The antigen consisted of a sonicated extract of CMV infected human embryo cells. The tested sera were absorbed with staphylococcus aureus (strain Cowan 1) before analysis. Rabbit antihuman IgA peroxidase conjugate was used to detect human IgA bound to viral antigen. In parallel, IgM and IgG antibodies to CMV were studied by ELISA and by the immunoperoxidase antibody to membrane antigen (IPAMA) technique, respectively. CMV IgA was detected in high titers by ELISA in eight out of nine CMV patients. The maximal IgA titers were generally lower than the IgM titers detected by ELISA. No CMV IgA antibodies (titer < 20) were detected by ELISA in 57 control sera (healthy adults, hospitalized patients with various other diseases), paired sera of five patients with acute herpes simplex infection, two patients with Epstein‐Barr infections, one patient with varicella, and one with zoster infections. The potential application of the ELISA CMV IgA technique in serodiagnosis of CMV infections is discussed.
Hepatitis B virus markers, alpha‐fetoprotein and survival in fulminant viral hepatitis
Authors: Pastore G. , Dentico P. , Angarano G. , Frappam‐Pina V. , Schiraldi O. , Zanetti A. R. , Ferroni P. , Roggendorf M. , Frösner G.
Published: March 2007

The serological markers of hepatitis B virus and serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels have been studied in 28 consecutive cases of fulminant hepatitis, correlating the data with survival.

On admission, 20 patients were found to be positive for HBsAg and eight for anti‐HBs. All anti‐HBs‐positive cases showed high titers of anti‐HBc, and six patients were positive for specific anti‐HBc‐IgM. DNA polymerase activity was detected in serum of 11 HBsAg‐positive (55%) and four anti‐HBs‐positive (50%) patients. HBeAg was detected in six (21.4%) subjects (five HBsAg‐positive and one anti‐HBs‐positive), whereas anti‐HBe was present in nine (32.1%) subjects (six HBsAg‐positive and three anti‐HBs‐positive). AFP levels greater than 60 ng/ml were found in sera of 14 patients (50%).

No significant difference was evidenced in the survival rate between HBsAg‐positive and anti‐HBs‐positive and between HBeAg‐positive and HBe Ag‐negative patients.

However, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the survival rate was found in patients positive and negative for DNA polymerase activity and in those with AFP levels higher and lower than 60 ng/ml (P < 0.005).

Pathogenetic and prognostic significance of these findings are discussed.
Experimental studies of acute and recurrent herpes simplex virus infections in the murine heart and dorsal root ganglia
Authors: Irene Grodums E. , Kuling Peter J. , Zbitnew Audrey
Published: March 2007

The multiplication of HSV‐1 and HSV‐2 strains in the heart and the corresponding dorsal root ganglia (DRG) was examined in experimentally infected mice. Infectious HSV‐1 was recovered from the heart between the second and fourth day after inoculation and 3 days later from the DRG. Both the heart and DRG yielded infectious HSV‐2 from the fourth to the twenty‐first day after inoculation. The HSV‐2, but not the HSV‐1, induced recrudescent disease in chronically infected mice up to 18 months after inoculation. These affected mice showed signs of disease similar to those observed during the acute phase of the primary infection. During the recrudescent disease, infectious HSV‐2 was recovered both from the heart and DRG. The possibility of using this experimental model for investigating long‐term human cardiopathies is discussed.
Detection of influenza A virus by radioimmunoassay and enzyme‐immunoassay from nasopharyngeal specimens
Authors: Sarkkinen H. K. , Halonen P. E. , Salmi A. A.
Published: March 2007

Four‐layer (indirect) radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme‐immunoassay (EIA) techniques were developed for the detection of influenza A and B virus in the sonicated nasopharyngeal specimens from patients hospitalized for acute respiratory infection. Polystyrene beads (RIA) or polystyrene microtiter plates (EIA) were used as the solid‐phase, guinea pig antivirus immunoglobulins as the catching antibodies, rabbit antivirus immunoglobulins as the secondary antibodies, and 125I‐labeled sheep antirabbit (RIA) or horseradish peroxidase conjugated swine antirabbit (EIA) immunoglobulins as the detector antibodies. A comparison of the developed RIAs and EIAs with the immunofluorescence (IF) method was made with 41 influenza A IF‐positive and 150 influenza A IF‐nega‐tive specimens. Each of the 41 influenza A IF‐positive specimens was positive by the influenza A RIA and negative by the influenza B RIA. Out of the 150 influenza A IF‐negative specimens 3 specimens were found with weakly positive results in influenza A and B RIAs, but in each of these 3 specimens the binding proved nonspecific by the corresponding confirmatory tests. Using the EIA technique and the same immunoreagents as in RIA, identical results were obtained in each selected specimen tested. The developed RIAs and EIAs proved to be as specific and sensitive as the IF technique, and they should be practical in the diagnosis of respiratory infections directly from nasopharyngeal specimens.
Immunogenitity of A/USSR (H1N1) subunit vaccine in unprimed young adults
Authors: Ruggiero Héctor A. , Magnoni Clemente , De Guerrero Lucía B. , Milani Héctor A. , Izquierdo Fernando Perez , Milani Héctor L. , Weber Elba Laura
Published: March 2007

A clinical and serological study was performed on 267 of 636 volunteers vaccinated against Argentine hemorrhagic fever with the XJCl3 attenuated strain of Junin virus seven to nine years earlier, in order to determine their long‐term evolution.

This study included a clinical examination, a chest roentgenogram, an electrocardiogram, and the following laboratory determinations: white and red cell count, number of platelets, hematocrit, hemoglobin, sedimentation rate (Katz index), urea, nitrogen, glucose concentration, cholesterol, GOT, GPT, gamma GT, alkaline phosphatase, cholinesterase, and total bilirubin. Neutralization reactions were performed to determine persistence of antibody levels.

All clinical and laboratory findings were within normal limits, excluding a long‐term pathology attributable to the virus. Of 165 tested sera, 153 (90.3%) had detectable levels of neutralizing antibodies, and the rest had no antibodies after this time.

Although these people live in the endemic area, it is considered that only the 9% that had increased antibody levels had suffered a reinfection during the seven‐ to nine‐year period, which acted as a booster. This figure approximately corresponds to the subclinical infection value found in the region. In the rest, the persistence of antibodies is attributed to the immunization achieved with the vaccine employed.
Maternal antibody and respiratory syncytial virus infection in infancy
Authors: Ogilvie Marie M. , Santhire Vathenen A. , Radford Martin , Codd Janet , Key Sheila
Published: March 2007

One hundred newborn infants were studied prospectively for 1 year for evidence of infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The indirect membrane fluorescence technique was used to determine specific antibody in sera. Infection was shown in 29 cases. In 31 infants exposed to an RSV epidemic season, there was no evidence of infection. Maternal antenatal sera were also tested, and a wide range of IgG antibody to RSV was found. Mean titre of maternal IgG antibody to RSV was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in those mothers whose babies remained uninfected than in those whose babies had proved RSV infection before 6 months of age. Babies born to mothers with high levels of IgG antibody to respiratory syncytial virus were protected against infection with this virus during the first months of life when the risk of severe disease was greatest.
Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis a antigen in sera from patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: McFarlane E. Sandra , Embil Juan A.
Published: March 2007

The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A (anti‐HA) was investigated in patients attending a clinic for hematological malignancies. Patients were divided into three age groups; the number with antibodies in each group was recorded. Of the 130 patients studied, 44% of those aged 4–26, 70% of those aged 27–50, and 83% of those aged 51–76, were positive. This study identifies patients attending a clinic for hematological malignancies (ie, patients with immunologic deficiencies) as a group of people having a high prevalence of anti‐HA. In the oldest group (51–76), urban patients had a higher prevalence than rural patients — a pattern similar to that observed in elderly Red Cross blood donors in a previous study. Seroconversion was noted in six patients, three of whom seroconverted from anti‐HA‐negative to anti‐HA‐positive within 12 months of the initial visit to the clinic.
Detection of hepatitis b virus dna sequences in infected hepatocytes by in situ cytohybridisation
Authors: Gowans E. J. , Burrell C. J. , Jilbert A. R. , Marmion B. P.
Published: March 2007

Plasmid pHBV114 DNA, which contains 73% of the genome of hepatitis B virus (HBV), was radiolabelled with tritium to 1–2 × 108 dpm/m̈g by nick translation and used as a radioactive probe to detect HBV DNA present in sections of infected liver tissue by in situ hybridisation followed by au‐toradiography. Factors affecting the sensitivity of the reaction were examined, including different methods of fixation, hybridisation time, ternperature, and buffers. The specificity of the reaction for detecting viral DNA was carefully established by the use of unrelated DNA probes, pretreatment of sections with DNAase, and comparing the stability of the binding of DNA probe at different temperatures, with the melting curve of double‐stranded DNA in solution. In the one liver studied in detail, cells containing large amounts of viral DNA were distributed in foci corresponding to areas containing morphologically damaged hepatocytes. This observation suggested a relationship between active viral replication and cell damage. Viral DNA was found mainly in the cytoplasm, although a minority of nuclei in these foci were also positive.
Mumps‐specific immunoglobulin M and G antibodies in natural mumps infection as measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Ukkonen Pentti , Penttinen Kari , Granström Marja‐Liisa
Published: March 2007

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the demonstration of mumps immunoglobulin G (IgG ELISA) and immunoglobulin M antibodies (IgM ELISA) in serum was compared with complement fixation (CF), hemagglutination inhibition (HI), and hemolysis‐in‐gel (HIG) tests. The antibody levels measured by IgG ELISA had a high positive correlation with the CF and HIG tests, whereas only a moderate correlation was found between IgG ELISA and HI. Similar patterns of antibody response were observed with IgG ELISA, CF, and HIG: the antibody titres increased rapidly after the onset of symptoms and reached the maximal values in about three weeks. The HI antibodies developed more slowly during the first week of disease, after which the titres increased rapidly up to the fourth week. IgM antibodies measured by ELISA developed soon after onset of symptoms; most patients had IgM antibodies from the second day, and the highest titres were reached within the first week. The antibody response in mumps parotitis did not differ from that in mumps meningitis/encephalitis, while relatively higher antibody titres were found in patients with orchitis/epididymitis. The diagnostic efficiencies of the methods were compared with serum specimens from 33 patients who had a serologically verified mumps infection by at least one of the five methods used (rising antibody titres in paired sera or detectable IgM): IgM ELISA detected all 33 cases, IgG ELISA 29, HIG 28, HI 23, and CF 13. In 27 cases, IgM antibodies were already present in the acute phase serum specimens. It was concluded that mumps IgM ELISA is a more rapid and sensitive means for the serological diagnosis of mumps infection than the conventional tests.
C‐reactive protein in acute viral infections
Authors: Salonen Eeva‐Marjatta , Vaheri Antti
Published: March 2007

A sensitive solid‐phase enzyme immunoassay procedure was used to determine the concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP) in the acute and convalescent phase sera of patients with verified rubella, herpes simplex, cytomegalo, influenza A or B, enterovirus, or mycoplasma infection. In all infection groups about 90% (80% for influenza) elevated CRP values were observed in the acute phase sera (mean values in the different groups 16–57 μg/ml), the highest values exceeding or approaching 100 μg/ml. The serum CRP values were highest in all groups before the specific serum antibodies were detectable and decreased approaching the upper limit of normal controls (2 μg/ml) within 2 weeks. Notable individual variation in the CRP production was seen. We conclude that serum CRP determination should not be used as a reliable criterion to distinguish bacterial and viral infections.
The 33‐ to 39‐nm virus‐like particles, tentatively designated as sapporo agent, associated with an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis
Authors: Kogasaka Ryoichi , Nakamura Shin‐ichi , Chiba Shunzo , Sakuma Yasuhiko , Terashima Hideyuki , Yokoyama Takashi , Nakao Tooru
Published: March 2007

An outbreak of nonbacterial gastroenteritis occurred in an orphanage in December 1979. Of 54 residents, 43 were affected with acute gastroenteritis. Diarrhea was the commonest symptom. The 33‐ to 39‐nm virus‐like particles, tentatively designated as Sapporo agent, were detected in 17 (48.6%) of the patients' 35 fecal specimens. Morphologically, it was difficult to distinguish the Sapporo agent from other agents without geometrical pattern on the surface. Antigenically, the Sapporo agent related to the Otofuke agent detected in an outbreak of the institution for mentally retarded adults and also to the SRV '76 detected in familial cases of infectious gastroenteritis. The Sapporo agent might belong to a new group of those gastroenteritis viruses which were larger in size than the Norwalk virus group.
Interplay of Cell and Serum Immunologic Markers in Chronic Persistent or Active Hepatitis B
Authors: Picciotto A. , Crovari P. , Crovari P. Cuneo , De Flora S. , Dodero M. , Celle G.
Published: March 2007

Immunologic markers associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (HBsAg, anti‐HBs, HBeAg, anti‐HBe, anti‐HBc, anti‐δ) were tested by radioimmunoassay of serum from chronic hepatitis patients. The corresponding liver biopsy samples were examined for the presence of HBsAg, HBcAg, and δ antigen in the cells by direct immunofluorescence and by electron microscopy. Seventy patients were selected for the presence of both circulating HBsAg and anti‐HBc. Comparison of chronic persistent (CPH) and chronic active (CAH) hepatitis showed a significantly greater frequency of intracytoplasmic HBsAg in CPH, especially in the absence of intranuclear HBsAg, and a greater frequency of intranuclear δ antigen and/or circulating anti‐5 in CAH. The δ/anti‐δ system was almost systematically associated with serum anti‐HBe. At variance with HBeAg/anti‐HBe, δ/anti‐δ was found significantly more frequently in patients originating from Southern rather than from Northern or Central Italy. The prevalence of both these immunologic systems was related to the age of the patients.
Disappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen during an unusual case of fulminant hepatitis B
Authors: Tabor Edward , Krugman Saul , Weiss Edwin C. , Gerety Robert J.
Published: March 2007

A 30‐year‐old surgical resident was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of acute hepatitis; two days later he became comatose. Hepatitis B surface antigen had been detected in his serum two days prior to admission, but it was not detected at any time thereafter. Hepatitis B e antigen, antibody to hepatitis B core antigen, and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen were detected using sensitive radioimmunoassays at admission. Titers of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen increased over the next five weeks. Clearance of hepatitis B e antigen and subsequent appearance of antibody to hepatitis B e antigen accompanied clinical improvement and recovery. This unusual case documents that hepatitis B surface antigen can become undetectable during the course of fulminant hepatitis B and indicates the importance of tests for other serologic markers of hepatitis B virus in the evaluation of hepatitis B surface antigen‐negative fulminant hepatitis.
Recovery of cytomegalovirus and chlamydia trachomatis from vaginal tampons
Authors: Larew Mary S. , Myers Martin G.
Published: March 2007

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Chlamydia trachomatis are important agents in venereal and neonatal disease. Vaginal tampon culture for HSV has previously been demonstrated to be a simple and effective technique for quantitative culture of cervical secretions. We have evaluated the tampon culture as a means of performing quantitative cultures for CMV and C trachomatis.

Cell‐free and cell‐associated CMV were quantitatively recovered from vaginal tampons when extraction was performed within one hour of tampon inoculation. However, when tampons were stored, there was a rapid loss of infectivity over time at all storage temperatures except –70°C. C trachomatis was quantitatively recovered from tampons stored at ≤4°C for four days. When stored at –7O°C, C trachomatis was stable on tampons for more than one week.

Because HSV, CMV, and C trachomatis are stable in a single transport medium, a tampon stored at 4°C briefly or at –70°C for one week could be utilized for the detection of all three agents.
Restriction endonuclease analysis of varicella‐zoster vaccine virus and wild‐type dnas
Authors: Martin Joel H. , Dohner Dennis E. , Wellinghoff Wanda J. , Gelb Lawrence D.
Published: March 2007

The DNA from several clinical isolates of varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) were compared with the DNA from the vaccine strain VZV using three restriction endonucleases: BamHI, BglI, and HpaI. When electrophoresed through an agarose gel, the vaccine DNA digestion pattern was significantly different from the digestion patterns of the wild‐type DNAs. Variations in the digestion pattern of the separate clinical isolates were also observed.
Influenza virus replication in human alveolar macrophages
Authors: Rodgers B. C. , Mims C. A.
Published: March 2007

Studies with animal models suggest that alveolar macrophages may be important cells in some respiratory virus infections, but little is known about the role of these cells in virus infections in man. In this study human alveolar macrophages were obtained by fibreoptic bronchoscopy and infected in vitro with a variety of influenza viruses. After infection with the NWS strain of influenza virus the haemagglutinin and nucleoprotein viral antigens were demonstrated in >90% of cells at 24 h by immunofluorescence with specific antisera. There was no cytopathic effect at this time, and no virus release was detected by plaque assay of culture fluids on MDCK cells.

Alveolar macrophages were also infected with a human vaccine strain (H1N1) of influenza virus and with two recent isolates (H1N1 and H3N2). In each case viral nucleoprotein antigen was produced in 10–20% of the cells by 24 h postinfection, but there was no release of infectious virus. There was no cytopathic effect and the phagocytosis of IgG‐coated latex beads was unimpaired 24 h after in vitro infection.
Hepatitis b virus infection in homes for the aged
Authors: Chiaramonte Maria , Floreani Annarosa , Naccarato Remo
Published: March 2007

A seroepidemiological study was carried out in three different institutions for the aged. Serological evidence of HBV infection and the HBsAg carrier rate were found to be significantly increased in all three institutions with respect to the control group (noninstitutionalized aged). Of the 24 HBsAg asymptomatic chronic carriers 62% were positive for HBeAg. Among 15 patients with acute viral hepatitis, none had a severe course and in three HBsAg was not cleared 4–18 months after transaminase levels became normal. During 12–18 months of follow‐up, two asymptomatic seroconversions to HBsAg were observed. Although no single HBV transmission route was identified, the close cohabitation with this high number of HBsAg/HBeAg‐positive asymptomatic subjects could lead to an increased risk of spread of HBV within such institutions. Failure to clear HBsAg and the mild, often subclinical, HBV infection observed in these subjects, may be due to immunological abnormalities present in the elderly.
Dissociation of hepatitis a virus antigen‐anti‐hav antibody complexes by 2‐mercaptoethanol and dithiothreitol
Authors: Bradley Daniel W. , McCaustland Karen A. , Cook E.H. , Fields Howard A. , Frosner Gert G. , Maynard James E.
Published: March 2007

Intravenous inoculation of two marmosets and one chimpanzee with hepatitis A virus (HAV) resulted in the replication of virus in liver, excretion of HAV particles in stool, and the appearance of circulating antibodies specific for hepatitis A. The development of an early antibody response in the chimpanzee and in one of the two infected marmosets was shown to interfere with the serologic detection of HAV antigen (HAV Ag) in homogenates of acute phase liver tissue obtained from these animals. Treatment of HAV Ag‐positive and IgM anti‐HAV‐positive liver homogenates with thiol reducing compounds was shown to release HAV Ag from in vitro formed immune complexes. The increased RIA response for HAV Ag in homogenates treated with 2‐mercaptoethanol (2‐ME) or dithiothreitol (DTT) was further shown not to be due to activation of HAV Ag itself or to a nonspecific effect on the RIA coating antibody, radiolabeled probe, or homogenized liver tissue. IgG and IgM double‐antibody sandwich RIAs for HAV Ag were also compared for their ability to detect HAV Ag under reducing and nonreducing conditions. Application of the 2‐ME or DTT treatment procedure to the serologic detection of other viral antigens or viruses whose presence in blood, stool, tissue macerate, or other milieu may be masked by specific antibody appears to be feasible.
Transmission of hepatitis A virus among recently captured panamanian owl monkeys
Authors: Lemon Stanley M. , Leduc James W. , Binn Leonard N. , Escajadillo Alphonso , Ishak Kamal G.
Published: March 2007

The presence of antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti‐HAV) in 60% of procured owl monkeys (Aotus trivirgatus) held within the United States prompted a study of recently captured A trivigatus in Panama. Only 2 of 145 newly captured monkeys, but all of 35 A trivirgatus held within a colony for over 100 days, were found to have anti‐HAV. Of 41 sero‐negative, newly captured monkeys followed prospectively, 25 became infected with hepatitis A virus (HAV) as evidenced by seroconversion or demonstration of virus in the liver at death. Only one monkey that survived over 60 days within the colony was not infected. HAV was identified in the feces of most infected monkeys prior to the development of antibody and was antigenically indistinguishable from human HAV in cross‐blocking radioimmunoassays. This colony‐centered epizootic provides strong evidence that A trivirgatus is susceptible to HAV and should be investigated further as a potential model of human hepatitis A.
Inbred rat strains mimic the disparate human response to rift valley fever virus infection
Authors: Peters C. J. , Slone T. W.
Published: March 2007

Rift Valley fever virus (RFFV) has long been a major pathogen of domestic animals and humans in sub‐Saharan Africa. In the last 5 yr it has been recognized that this agent not only causes a self‐limited febrile illness in humans but may also lead to fatal hemorrhagic fever and encephalitis. In 1977 the disease invaded Egypt for the first time in recorded history, resulting in an extensive epizootic/epidemic and threatening additional spread into the Middle East. Because of this unprecedented geographical extension and the florid human disease associated with it, we have studied the pathogenicity of an Egyptian isolate (Zagazig Hospital 501) for laboratory animals. During the course of these studies, inbred rat strains were found to have three distinct patterns of response. Wistar‐Furth and Brown Norway rats were exquisitely susceptible to the virus and died with extensive hepatic necrosis 3 to 5 days after inoculation of only 5 plaque‐forming units (pfu). Lewis, Buffalo, DA, and Fischer 344 rats resisted subcutaneous infection with 5 × 105 pfu. ACI and Maxx rats were moderately susceptible to the lethal effects of 5 × 103 to 5 × 105 pfu of the virus and died within 2 to 3 wk with encephalitis. These findings suggest that the genetic susceptibility of the host is responsible for the markedly different evolution of RVF in the rats. The clinical and virologic events following rat inoculation resembled the course of benign, encephalitic, or fulminant human disease. The inbred rat model may be useful in defining the critical determinants of severe human RVF and suggests that more attention should be directed to host genetic factors.
Hepatitis virus infection in an isolated canadian inuit (Eskimo) population
Authors: Minuk Gerald Y. , Nicolle Lindsay E. , Postl Brian , Waggoner Jeanne G. , Hoofnagle Jay H.
Published: March 2007

The epidemiology of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was studied in a northern Canadian Inuit (Eskimo) settlement. Sera from 720 of the 850 inhabitants of Baker Lake, Canada, were tested for markers of HAV and HBV infection. Anti‐HAV was present in 71% of the residents and its prevalence increased with age. Serologic evidence of HBV infections was found in 27% of residents. The prevalence increased with age, being uncommon under the age of 20 (6%)and almost universal over the age of 60 (93%). Among the 29 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers identified, all were adults, all had low levels of HBsAg, and all were negative for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and DNA polymerase but positive for antibody to HBeAg. These data demonstrate a high prevalence of HAV and HBV infection in this population. Further, they suggest that a dramatic decrease in the transmission of HRV infection has occurred over the past 20–30 years.
Preparation and evaluation of a zonal purified influenza vaccine gripax
Authors: Levy Reuven , Zakay‐Rones Zichria
Published: March 2007

A highly purified influenza vaccine was prepared on a large scale. The inactivated whole virus vaccine fulfills the requirements of the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, for influenza A and B vaccines. The three strains of influenza virus, A/England/321/77, B/Hong Kong/8/73, and A/USSR/99/77, used for the vaccine, were chosen in accordance with the demands of the WHO and the Israel Ministry of Health for 1978 to 1979 and 1979 to 1980. Virus strains were grown in the allantoic sac of embryonated eggs, inactivated by formalin, and purified by zonal centrifugation in sucrose. Each dose of 0.5 ml contained 1200 international units (IU) of influenza antigen (400 IU of each strain). The vaccine is higly immunogenic as demonstrated by potency tests in mice. Its immunogenicity was higher than that of commercial vaccines of a similar nature purchased at random in local pharmacies. A high dilution of 1:3125 still elicited HI antibodies in mice. No residual egg‐protein contamination was detectable by sensitive immunological methods. Total protein concentration was 80 μg protein per dose of 1200 IU, ie 15 IU per μg of protein as compared to 5–8 IU per μg of protein in the commercial vaccines tested by us. Purity of a vaccine is of major importance for the prevention of adverse side effects.