bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interruption of an outbreak of hepatitis A in two villages by vaccination
Authors: Príkazský V. , Oleár V. , Cernoch A. , Safary A. , André F. E.
Published: March 2007

During a large community‐wide outbreak of hepatitis A in two adjoining villages in Slovakia with a total of 5,000 inhabitants we administered to schoolchildren the first commercially available vaccine against hepatitis A (HAVRIX(tm), Smith‐Kline Beecham Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium) in an attempt to control the progress of the epidemic. Soon after the start of the vaccination programme, an abrupt decrease in the occurrence of cases in the school was observed. In the village school with 624 schoolchildren, 404 had received a first dose of 360 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) units (EL. U) and 373 a second dose 1 month later. Subsequent to the start of vaccination there were eight clinical cases of hepatitis A among the 157 children without a history of hepatitis A who remained unvaccinated and only 1 case in the vaccinated school children, giving attack rates of 5.1% and 0.25% in the two groups, respectively. Among the remaining 63 children, one was found seropositive when screened and 62 had a history of hepatitis A at the start of the vaccination programme. These 63 children were not offered vaccine. No cases occurred in that group. During the epidemic, three cases occurred an average of 20 days following its administration among 19 children who received immune globulin (IG). Cases in the whole population of the villages also ceased soon after the vaccination of the children had started. The vaccine was found more effective than postexposure IG in interrupting the epidemic in the whole community. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advances in hepatitis A prevention in travellers
Authors: Steffen R. , Gyurech D.
Published: March 2007

The introduction of an active vaccine against hepatitis A, the most frequent of the vaccinepreventable infections in travellers, is an important contribution to travellers' health. Although theoretically the risk of exposure may be minimised by taking hygienic precautions, most travellers in practice remain at considerable risk. As compared to immunoglobulin, vaccine has the advantages of better and long‐lasting protection. A double‐strength vaccine has been introduced (HAVRIX(tm), 1440 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent [ELISA] units [EL. U]) and a single injection will protect from day 14 for 1 year. No significant adverse events have been reported. Questions that remain unanswered are whether travellers leaving before day 14 should receive immune globulin plus vaccine and whether very young travellers should all be immunised. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepadna virus integration generates virus‐cell cotranscripts carrying 3′ truncated X genes in human and woodchuck liver tumors
Authors: Wei Yu , Etiemble Jeanne , Fourel Geneviève , Buendia Marie‐Annick , Vitvitski‐Trepo Ludmila
Published: March 2007

Integration of the human and woodchuck hepatitis B viruses (HBV and WHV) in host chromosomes has been implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by different cis‐ and trans‐acting mechanisms. The structure and coding capacity of abundant HBV and WHV transcripts of abnormal sizes produced from integrated viral sequences in one human and two woodchuck liver tumors were examined. Analysis of cDNA clones revealed in all cases hybrid virus‐cell transcripts containing sequences of the viral surface gene, the viral enhancer, and different truncated versions of the viral X transactivator. Cotranscribed cellular sequences showing no significant coding function provided the signals for transcription termination. In two transcripts, the HBX and WHX genes truncated at carboxy terminal positions conserved transcriptional trans‐acting capacity in transient transfection assays. These results lend support to the hypothesis that the integrated hepadnavirus X transactivator might participate in the development of woodchuck as well as human liver tumors by a common trans‐acting mechanism. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased number of single‐LTR HIV‐1 DNA junctions correlates with HIV‐1 antigen expression and CD4+ cell decline in vivo
Authors: Jurriaans Suzanne , Dekker John , Cornelissen Marion , Goudsmit Jaap , de Ronde Anthony
Published: March 2007

Human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV‐1) DNA in peripheral blood cells of HIV‐1 infected individuals may be present as integrated and/or unintegrated DNA. Several reports have indicated that a major proportion of HIV‐1 DNA in the asymptomatic phase is linear, full‐length, and unintegrated and in the symptomatic phase either circular unintegrated or integrated in the host genome. We developed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to detect single‐LTR HIV‐1 DNA junctions, reflecting the presence of unintegrated single‐LTR circles. In vitro infection of a CD4+ T‐cell line resulted first in the increase of single‐LTR junctions followed by syncytium formation and a rise of p24 antigen production. The number of single‐LTR HIV‐1 DNA junctions was further studied in two acutely infected individuals and in 21 long‐term infected individuals. The number of single‐LTR junctions was significantly correlated with CD4+ cell decline, p24 antigen expression, and total HIV‐1 DNA content of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Single‐LTR HIV‐1 DNA junctions were absent from PBMC containing other forms of HIV‐1 DNA in four of nine non/slow progressors relative to 2 of 12 rapid progressors/AIDS patients.

We conclude from our data that quantitative detection of single‐LTR HIV‐1 DNA junctions can be used as an early DNA marker of the transition from clinical latency to active replication in the peripheral blood. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Detection of seminal antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus in vaginal secretions after sexual intercourse: Possible means of preventing the risk of human immunodeficiency virus transmission in a rape victim
Authors: Bélec Laurent , Payan Christopher , Pillot Jacques , Bélec Laurent , Matta Mathieu , Payan Christopher , Tévi‐Bénissan Carol , Meillet Dominique
Published: March 2007

Detection of semen anti‐human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies within the cervico‐vaginal secretions from a non‐HIV‐infected woman who has had a recent sexual intercourse with an HIV‐infected man is theoretically possible since the seminal fluid from all HIV‐infected men contains a high titer of IgG antibodies to HIV. We report the case of an HIV‐seronegative African woman whose cervico‐vaginal secretions contained IgG antibodies to HIV, including antibodies to HIV‐env‐encoded glycoproteins. This woman had also detectable prostatic specific antigens and acid phosphatase in her cervico‐vaginal secretions, establishing the persistence of semen. In order to confirm whether anti‐HIV antibodies in seminal fluid could be detected in vitro when mixed with cervico‐vaginal secretions, 10−1 to 10−6 10‐fold dilutions of seminal fluid from HIV‐1‐seropositive donors were realized with a pool of HIV‐negative cervico‐vaginal secretions as diluent. Six commercial enzyme immunoassays or rapid tests were compared for semen anti‐HIV detection in the secretions. At a 10−1 dilution of the mixture, all assays were markedly positive for all tested semens and the greatest dilutions of seminal fluid showing positivity ranged from 10−3 to 10−5. The IgG immunocapture assay appeared to be the most sensitive test. The rapid tests permitted the detection of semen IgG antibodies to HIV at dilutions ranging from 10−1 to 10−3 suggesting their potential value in emergency situations. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Typing of human group A rotavirus with alkaline phosphatase‐labeled oligonucleotide probes or a monoclonal enzyme immunoassay in unfrozen stools of children with diarrhea in Bangkok
Authors: Nirdnoy Warawadee , Sethabutr Orntipa , Sakulkaipeara Thamma , Hoge Charles W. , Echeverria Peter , Harikul Supha
Published: March 2007

In developed countries, serotypes (or G types) have been identified in >70% of group A rotavirus using monoclonal enzyme immunoassays (MEIAs); however, these assays have identified <50% of rotavirus G types from developing countries presumably because the VP7 antigens were damaged by freezing and thawing during transportation of specimens. The VP7 (G) serotypes of rotavirus in unfrozen stool collected from children with acute diarrhea in Bangkok were determined using MEIA and compared to hybridization with alkaline phosphatase‐labeled oligonucleotide probes. Reverse transcription of dsRNA coding for VP7 followed by polymerase chain reaction amplification of cDNA was used as an additional step prior to hybridization for 98 specimens that did not hybridize with the oligonucleotide probes. Of 251 rotavirus specimens, 208 (83%; 99% CI = 76–89%) hybridized with G type specific oligonucleotides compared to 146 (58%; 99% CI = 50–66%) that were trypeable by MEIA. Forty‐five (82%) of 55 stools containing G type 1, 80 of 84 (95%) containing G type 2, 0 of 3 containing G type 3, and 2 of 4 (50%) containing G type 4 as identified by MEIA hybridized with G type specific oligonucleotides. Differences in nucleotide sequences coding for VP7, in addition to destruction of the VP7 antigen by freezing and thawing of the specimen, may explain why not all rotavirus hybridized with G type specific probes. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection and characterisation of bisegmented double‐stranded RNA viruses (picobirnaviruses) in human fecal specimens
Authors: Gallimore C. I. , Appleton H. , Green J. , Brown D. W. G. , Lewis D.
Published: March 2007

The prevalence of picobirnaviruses (PBVs) in human stools was investigated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis of 832 fecal specimens collected between 1982 and 1993 from patients in various clinical groups. Similar prevalences (9–13%) were detected in patients with or without gastroenteritis and throughout the age range of 3 to >65 years. Two methods for the extraction of nucleic acid, a phenol/ chloroform method and a guanidinium thiocynate (GTC)/silica method, were compared. Detection of PBVs by PAGE was three times more sensitive following RNA extraction by the GTC/ silica method.

Characterisation of three strains was carried out. Segment sizes ranged from 1.625 to 1.95 kilo base pairs (Kbp) and 2.2 to 2.5 Kbp for the fast and slow migrating bands, respectively. The nuclic acid was shown to be double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) by nuclease digestion. PBV‐like particles were detected by electron microscopy in two PAGE‐positive stools. Virion diameters ranged from 35 to 41 nm and a buoyant density of 1.38–1.4 g/ml in cesium chloride (CsCl) was demonstrated. These findings suggest that PBVs are widespread in humans in the United Kingdom. However, no disease association could be demonstrated. © 1995 Wiley Liss, inc.
Detection of enterovirus‐specific RNA in serum: The relationship to chronic fatigue
Authors: Clements Geoffrey B. , McGarry Francis , Nairn Carron , Galbraith Daniel N.
Published: March 2007

The serum of 88 chronic fatigue patients was screened for enteroviral specific sequences by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The PCR method used was “nested” PCR targetting the 5′ nontranslated region of the enteroviral genome which yielded a final fragment length of 264 base pairs. Samples were obtained from patients during 1990–1991. In addition, buffy coat specimens and stool specimens were examined in some patients. Samples from two cohorts of comparison individuals were also obtained. The comparison groups were firstly, acutely ill individuals with symptoms consistent with a presumed enteroviral infection (matched by age, sex, and date of receipt of specimen) and secondly, healthy individuals (matched by age and date of receipt of specimen). Enteroviral specific sequences were detected in 36 of 88 serum samples from chronic fatigue patients, 22 of 82 acutely ill individuals, and 3 of 126 healthy individuals. The enteroviral PCR positivity did not correlate with any one particular feature of chronic fatigue nor did it reflect any history of illness at onset of fatigue, duration of fatigue, or age of patient. These results provide new evidence for the presence of enteroviral specific sequences in serum, buffy coat, and stool samples in many patients with chronic fatigue. This may reflect a persistent enterovirus infection in a proportion of chronic fatigue patients. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis B and D genomes in hepatitis B surface antigen negative patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: González Sara , Navas Sonia , Madejón Antonio , Bartolomé Javier , Castillo Inmaculada , Moraleda Gloria , Martín Julio , Marriott Eduardo , Herrero Montserrat , Carreño Vicente
Published: March 2007

Hepatitis B and hepatitis D viral genomes were tested by nested polymerase chain reaction in the serum and liver of 69 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative, anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive patients (47 with HCV RNA and 22 without HCV RNA). Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA‐was detected in 49% of the patients with HCV‐RNA and in 64% of those without HCV‐RNA. Furthermore, intrahepatic HBV‐DNA was found in four of five (80%) of the biopsies analysed. Delta genome was found in 72% and 73%, respectively, of the anti‐HCV positive patients with or without HCV‐RNA. In addition, intrahepatic delta virus genome was detected in another four liver biopsies studied. In the group of patients with HCV‐RNA, the simultaneous presence of hepatitis B and D genomes was statistically higher in transfused patients than in drug addicts, or in those with an unknown infection route (P < 0.001). These results show a high percentage of B and D genomes in HBsAg negative patients with anti‐HCV, irrespective of the presence or absence of the HCV genome. However, the clinical implications of this finding should be examined in future studies. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and its genotype in Lanzhou, Western China
Authors: Wu Rong‐Rong , Hata Akira , Sasaki Makoto , Mizokami Masashi , Ohno Tomoyoshi , Ohba Ken‐ichi , Wu Xiao‐Shan , Iino Shiro , Lau Johnson Y. N. , Fang Zhi‐Xun
Published: March 2007

The seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Lanzhou, Western China was studied. HCV genotypes in 20 patients with HCV infection was determined by genotype‐specific primer for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on HCV core region and compared with the genotype assigned by sequence comparison and molecular evolutionary analysis based on the same region. Antibody to HCV (anti‐HCV) was present in 2.5% of volunteer blood donors and in 35.0% of paid blood donors (P < 0.01). HCV infection is uncommon in patients with liver disease who attended liver clinics in this locality; 4.0% with acute hepatitis and 4.0% with chronic hepatitis, 10.0% with liver cirrhosis, and none with hepatocellular carcinoma were seropositive for anti‐HCV. Genotype 1b and 2a were both found to be prevalent. Together, they accounted for 19 of 20 (95%) patients with HCV infection. Sequencing of the HCV core region from two patients showed that the assignment of HCV genotype by genotype‐specific primers for PCR matched well with the genotyping results based on sequence comparison and molecular evolutionary analysis. These data showed that HCV is present in Western China, HCV infection is more common in paid blood donors, and HCV genotypes 1b and 2a are both prevalent in Western China. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytomegalovirus infection and viral shedding in the genital tract of infertile couples
Authors: Yang Yu‐Shih , Ho Hong‐Nerng , Chen Hsin‐Fu , Chen Shee‐Uan , Shen Chen‐Yang , Chang Shu‐Fen , Wu Cheng‐Wen , Huang Eng‐Shang
Published: March 2007

The prevalence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and viral shedding in infertile couples in Taiwan and its role in infertility were studied. Two hundred fifty couples were enrolled in this study. Anti‐CMV IgG was measured in serum samples from these infertile couples. Viral shedding examined by DNA hybridization was detected in semen from the husband and cervical mucus from the wife.

Anti‐CMV IgG was detected in 249 (99.6%) of the 250 male serum samples and in 247 (98.9%) of the 250 female serum samples. Viral shedding was detectable in 83 (33.5%) of 248 semen samples and 83 (33.7%) of 246 cervical mucus samples by dot‐blot DNA hybridization assay. Semen quality was not apparently affected by the existence of viral shedding. The co‐shedding rate in semen and acervical mucus was high (15.9%).

It is concluded that the seroprevalence and genital tract viral shedding were relatively high in infertile couples in Taiwan. Viral shedding did not affect the semen quality. Nevertheless, screening of donor semen is recommended. © 1995Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful treatment of a squamous papilloma of the hypopharynx‐esophagus by local injections of (S)‐1‐(3‐hydroxy‐2‐phosphonylmethoxypropyl)cytosine
Authors: Van Cutsem E. , Janssens J. , Rutgeerts P. , Vantrappen G. , Snoeck R. , Van Ranst M. , Fiten P. , Opdenakker G. , De Clercq E. , Geboes K.
Published: March 2007

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are associated with benign lesions and show specificity towards the location or tissues that they infect. HPVs are responsible for warts. Among more than 60 different HPV types known to occur in humans, a strong association has been found between types 16 and 18 and cervical cancer, and such an association is also suspected for types 31, 33, 35, 45, 51, 52, and 56. We describe the effects of (S)‐1‐(3‐hydroxy‐2‐phosphonyl‐methoxypropy Dcytosine (HPMPC), following local intratumoral injection, in a 69‐year‐old woman with hypopharyngeal and esophageal papillomatous lesions, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive for HPV types 16 and 18, that relapsed after surgery and that also failed to respond to Nd‐Yag laser photocoagulation and al‐pha‐interferon treatment (6 × 106 U five times a week for 4 weeks followed by three times a week for 2 months). HPMPC was given at 1.25 mg/kg, with a sclerosing needle, through the biopsy channel of a video‐endoscope, directly into the tumor, from March until July 1993 at seven different occasions. The first four injections were given at an interval of 1 week at the level of the hypopharynx. The next three injections were given at an interval of 3 to 5 weeks. During the fourth to the seventh session, half of the dose was injected into the hypopharyngeal and the other half into the esophageal tumor. Three further injections of HPMPC were administered at the level of the esophageal tumor in September 1993 with 2‐week intervals. After HPMPC treatment, the lesions became smaller and flat until they completely disappeared. Endoscopic examination in February 1994 did not show any sign of papilloma in the esophagus or hypopharynx. These results suggest an in vivo efficacy of HPMPC for the treatment of papillomatous lesions due to HPV. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dominant replication of either virus in dual infection with hepatitis viruses B and C
Authors: Koike Kazuhiko , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Moriya Kyoji , Kurokawa Kiyoshi , Yasuda Kiyomi , Lino Shiro , Hino Kunihiko
Published: March 2007

To characterize the state of dual infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), HBV‐DNA and HCV‐RNA levels were determined by spot hybridization or polymerase chain reaction in the sera of patients who were positive for both hepatitis B surface antigen and HCV antibody. Among 27 patients who showed evidence of double infection, 21 (77.8%) had detectable levels of only either HBV or HCV genome in their sera, 2 (7.4%) showed none of the viral genomes, and 4 (14.8%) had both HBV‐DNA and HCV‐RNA. In the 4 patients with both HBV‐DNA and HCV‐RNA, the titers of HCV‐RNA or HBV‐DNA were lower than those in the patients with HCV‐RNA or HBV‐DNA alone. In some patients with chronic hepatitis, the viruses appeared to replicate in turn in the course of the disease. These results indicate that the viruses show alternating dominance in replication in most of the patients who have dual infection with HBV and HCV, probably due to interference of the viruses. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis C infection and viremia in Dutch Hemophilia patients
Authors: Mauser‐Bunschoten E. P. , Roosendaal G. , van den Berg H. M. , Bresters D. , van Drimmelen A. A. J. , Cuypers H. T. M. , Lelie P. N. , Reesink H. W. , Van Poel C. L. Der
Published: March 2007

Serum samples from 316 patients visiting the Dutch National Hemophilia Center were collected from 1979 to 1993 and stored at −30°C. Patients were placed into three different groups: (1) patients ever treated with large pool non‐hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐safe concentrate (n=179); (2) patients treated with cryoprecipitate (n = 125); and (3) patients treated exclusively with HCV‐save concentrate (n=12). In order to examine the prevalence of HCV infection in the different treatment groups serum samples were tested retrospectively for anti‐HCV antibody using second generation enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA‐2). Significant differences in the prevalence of HCV infection were found between these 3 groups (group 1: 99%, group 2: 66%, group 3: 0%). The safety of currently administered clotting products is demonstrated in 57 patients who remained without HCV markers between 1989 and 1993. To examine the natural course of HCV infection fresh‐frozen plasma samples were obtained recently from a subgroup of 277 hemophilia patients for HCV‐RNA detection by a well‐validated cDNA‐PCR assay. In contrast to other reports, no evidence was found for seronegative HCV carriers. None of 52 patients without anti‐HCV had detectable HCV‐RNA. Of 225 patients with anti‐HCV, 182 (81%) were HCV‐RNA positive. None of 39 anti‐HCV positive patients with a negative HCV‐RNA reaction had serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels above 50 U/l, whereas 44% of HCV‐RNA positive patients had persistently elevated ALT levels above 50 U/l. These results indicate that 20% of hemophilia patients who have been infected with HCV in the past eliminated the virus or have viral replication below the detection limit of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) without biochemical evidence of liver damage. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Isolation of human herpesvirus 7 from an infant with febrile syndrome
Authors: Portolani Marinella , Cermelli Claudio , Mirandola Prisco , Luca Dario Di
Published: March 2007

A viral isolate obtained from peripheral blood lymphocytes of an infant with a nonspecific febrile syndrome was identified as human herpes‐virus 7 (HHV‐7) on the basis of PCR analysis of its DMA with one set of primers specific for HHV‐7. The correlation of HHV‐7 with the febrile episode affecting the infant is suggested. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection and typing of human papillomaviruses by in situ hybridization with biotinylated oligonucleotide mixtures
Authors: Jourdan Marie‐Lise , Goudeau Alain , Joannes Martine , Barranger Cǒme , Sommé Gérard
Published: March 2007

The value of biotinylated Oligonucleotide probes for screening and typing by in situ hybridization of the most frequent genital human papillomavirus infections (HPVs 6,11,16,18, 31, and 33) was assessed. Optimal hybridization conditions were defined on a panel of paraffin‐embedded tissue sections previously characterized with HPV full genome probes. Mixtures of oligonucleotides rather than single oligonucleotides were used to improve sensitivity and specificity. All HPV‐positive specimens were detected by the screening mixture with a sensitivity and specificity similar to that of full genome probes. Typing mixtures were highly specific for each HPV type. This study confirms the potential of Oligonucleotide probes for detecting and typing HPV infections. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Local succession of adenovirus strains in pediatric gastroenteritis
Authors: Scott‐Taylor Tim H. , Hammond Gregory W.
Published: March 2007

Assessment of the current incidence of different adenovirus types in local gastroenteritis involved the examination of over 1,000 stool specimens annually from 1988–1992. Adenoviruses were detected by electron microscopy and/or cell culture in 32% of the specimens in which a viral pathogen was detected. The identification of every adenovirus isolate to type by neutralization with specific antisera against the first 6 types and by restriction analysis of nonneutralized isolates was started in 1990. Samples from 1988 and 1989 were examined retrospectively. Adenovirus strains were compared to those isolated in a study between 1980‐1983. Enumeration of individual adenovirus types revealed a number of trends, demonstrating that rapid changes in the local incidence of several strains were occurring in Manitoba. The incidence of adenovirus type 40 (Ad40) as a cause of gastroenteritis was found to have fallen dramatically in recent years. The predominant cause of gastroenteritis in Manitoba is a variant strain of Ad41, increasing in predominance each year and now responsible for over a third of the symptomatic cases examined since 1990. The majority of restriction site differences of the Ad41 variant strain from the prototype strain Tak were mapped to the hexon and fiber genes, both of which code for the neutralizable external viral epitopes. The probability of the observed pattern of mutations occuring by chance was calculated as P <0.0005, indicating a strong pressure for selection of these immunologically significant alterations to the viral proteins responsible for cell attachment. Novel strains of adenovirus types causing gastroenteritis can arise rapidly in populations, presumably by immunological selection. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, inc.
Analysis of clinical and virological factors associated with response to alpha interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Garson J. A. , Whitby K. , Deaville R. , Brillanti S. , Foli M. , Masci C. , Miglioli M. , Barbara L.
Published: March 2007

Interferon alpha (IFN‐α) therapy is currently the treatment of choice for chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection, but it fails to achieve a sustained response in approximately 75% of those treated. The factors which determine whether or not an individual will respond to IFN‐α are uncertain, although a number of potentially predictive factors have been proposed. In this study a wide range of clinical, demographic, and virological parameters were evaluated in relation to therapeutic outcome in a group of 30 Italian patients with chronic hepatitis C. All patients received 3 MU leukocyte‐derived IFN‐α three times a week for 6 months and were then followed prospectively for at least 12 months. 53% of patients responded initially, but a sustained response was observed in only 17%. Responders were found to be significantly younger than nonresponders (45.6 ± 3.1 vs. 55.4 ± 2.7), and less frequently cirrhotic (2/16 vs. 7/14). Sustained responders had a mean pretreatment HCV‐RNA titer approximately tenfold lower than that of those who did not have a sustained response, but the difference was not statistically significant. HCV genotype was found to be significantly associated with both initial and sustained response. Patients infected with HCV‐2a were more likely to respond (89%) than those who were infected with HCV‐1 b (37%), and they were also more likely to sustain that response (33% vs. 6%). Geometric mean titers did not vary significantly between the different genotypes. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of antibodies to L1, L2, and E4 proteins of human papillomavirus types 6, 11, and 16 by ELISA using synthetic peptides
Authors: Le Cann P. , Chabaud M. , Coursaget P. , Mayelo V. , Calvet C. , Mougin C. , Legrand M. C. , Leboulleux D. , Afoutou J. M. , Coil‐Seek A. M.
Published: March 2007

Antibodies against eight synthetic peptides spanning different epitopes located on L1, L2, and E4 proteins of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16, 6, and 11 were examined in sera from 73 women infected by HPV and from 139 healthy controls. Only three of these peptides were reactive. Two located on proteins L2 and E4 of HPV 16 seem type specific since antibodies to these peptides were detected, respectively, in 21% and 15% of the HPV 16 infected patients and in 2.5% and none of women infected by other HPVs. The third peptide located on the L1 protein of HPV 6 bears a common epitope since antibodies to this peptide were detected not only in 85% of women infected by HPV 6 or 11, but also in 82% of women infected by other HPVs, and in 74% and 71% of the control groups (10–12‐year‐old children and adults, respectively). In conclusion, none of the peptides investigated seems useful to develop ELISAs for serological diagnosis of HPV infection. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antibody to hepatitis C virus second envelope (HCV‐E2) glycoprotein: A new marker of HCV infection closely associated with viremia
Authors: Lesniewski R. , Johnson R. , Scheffel J. , Moore B. , Okasinski G. , Carrick R. , Van Sant C. , Desai S. , Mushahwar I.
Published: March 2007

The second envelope protein (E2) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) was cloned and expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. This E2 glycoprotein was purified using ion exchange and lectin chromatography and used to construct an enzyme immunoassay for HCV E2 antibodies. The assay was shown to have good specificity, and detection of E2 antibodies was positively correlated (97.3%) to the presence of HCV RNA in serum and plasma. A high concordance between HCV 2.0 and E2 EIA reactivities was also observed. E2 antibody was the first serological marker to appear in 3/5 HCV seroconversion panels. This work demonstrated that 42.4% of core and 15.4% of NS3 indeterminate specimens also contained antibodies to E2, suggesting that HCV infection had occurred in these individuals. The E2 antibody assay was used to evaluate HCV 2.0 EIA‐positive, HCV 3.0 EIA‐negative plasma donors with indeterminate reactivity on RIBA HCV 2.0 or MATRIX HCV 1.0. Several HCV 3.0‐negative specimens were shown to contain E2 antibodies in addition to an original indeterminate serological marker, primarily core. It is concluded that anti‐E2 is a useful marker for determining HCV infection, and that the presence of antibodies to two nonoverlapping viral gene products suggests true HCV exposure. New HCV 3.0 blood screening tests should detect HCV 2.0‐positive donors who present with an indeterminate pattern by RIBA or MATRIX and who also carry E2 antibodies. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human herpesviruses 6 and 7 in salivary glands and shedding in saliva of healthy and human immunodeficiency virus positive individuals
Authors: Di Luca D. , Mirandola P. , Ravaioli T. , Frigatti A. , Bovenzi P. , Monini P. , Cassai E. , Sighinolfi L. , Dolcetti R.
Published: March 2007

The presence of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) and human herpesvirus 7 (HHV‐7) was investigated by the polymerase chain reaction in saliva specimens from healthy persons, donors affected by common cold or recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients, and in salivary gland biopsies. The sensitivity of the technique made it possible to detect as few as 5–10 target molecules in 15 μl of saliva. HHV‐6 was present in 63% of salivary gland biopsies and in 3% of salivas from healthy persons. No significant difference in the presence of HHV‐6 was detected in specimens from donors with common cold, RAU, or HIV‐infected patients. HHV‐7 was present in 75% of salivary glands and in 55% of salivas from healthy persons. HHV‐7 was detected with similar frequency in salivas from donors with common cold or RAU. Salivas from HIV‐infected patients harbored HHV‐7 with higher frequency (81%) and increased viral load. These results show that salivary glands are a site of persistent infection for both HHV‐6 and HHV‐7. However, the two viruses seem to differ in their biological properties: (1) HHV‐6 is rarely present in saliva in detectable amounts, while HHV‐7 is frequently detected; and (2) immunosuppression by acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) increases the frequency of detection and the viral load of HHV‐7, but does not have a significant effect on HHV‐6 shedding in saliva. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of the hypervariable region of hepatitis C virus genomes in plasma and liver
Authors: Sakamoto Naoya , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Kurosaki Masayuki , Asahina Yasuhiro , Maekawa Shinya , Koizumi Kazuhiko , Sakuma Ikuo , Murakami Takeshi , Marumo Fumiaki , Sato Chifumi
Published: March 2007

Nucleotide sequences of the hypervariable region of hepatitis C virus genomes obtained from plasma change rapidly during the course of in fection and are believed to play a part in immunological escape and consequently in the development of persistent infection. It is not known, however, whether these changes also occur in the liver. To clarify this aspect, RNA was extracted from the plasma and liver tissue of eight patients with chronic hepatitis C. After cDNA synthesis, DNA fragments that included the hypervariable region were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction. Consensus nucleotide sequences were determined directly from the polymerase chain reaction products by the dideoxy chain termination method. The diversity of the hypervariable region was analyzed further by the polymerase chain reaction‐single strand conformation polymorphism analysis. Consensus nucleotide sequences of the hypervariable region were identical between the plasma and the liver in each patient. The polymerase chain reaction‐single strand conformation polymorphism analysis showed multiple DNA bands that represented different hypervariable region sequences. Comparison of the single strand conformation polymorphism patterns revealed that the number, the mobility, and the density of bands were the same between the plasma and the liver. It is concluded that the population and the diversity of hepatitis C virus quasispecies as detected by the hypervariable region sequence are the same between the plasma and the liver despite rapid mutations, indicating that rapid changes in the population of hepatitis C virus quasispecies also occur in the liver. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HIV‐1 infection in Juba, Southern Sudan
Authors: McCarthy Michael C. , Khalid Ismail O. , Tigani Ahmed El
Published: March 2007

Thirty years of civil war in the Sudan have resulted in the isolation of the southern provinces which border Central and East Africa. Consequently, little is known about the epidemiology of HIV‐1 infection in this region. To estimate the prevalence of HIV‐1 infection in southern Sudan and the risk factors associated with disease transmission, a seroepidemiologic survey was conducted in the township of Juba. Study subjects invited to participate in this study included medical outpatients, inpatients hospitalized for active tuberculosis, and female prostitutes. A total of 401 subjects participated in the study. HIV‐1 infection was confirmed in 25 subjects. The prevalence of HIV‐1 infection was 19% (8/42) among tuberculosis patients, 16% (8/50) among prostitutes, and 3% (9/309) among outpatients. A significantly higher prevalence of HIV‐1 infection was found among female prostitutes when compared to female outpatients: 16% (8/50) vs. 2% (4/178), P< 0.001. Correspondingly, the prevalence of seropositives was significantly higher among male outpatients reporting a history of sexual relations with prostitutes during the prior 10 years compared to male outpatients denying relations with prostitutes: 14% (5/37) vs. 0% (0/94), P = 0.001. A history of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) was also associated with HIV‐1 infection among male outpatients. The findings of this study indicate that HIV‐1 infection is highly prevalent in southern Sudan and that prostitutes and their sexual partners represent a major reservoir of HIV infection in this population. This epidemiologic pattern resembles that seen in the African nations neighboring southern Sudan. Further spread of HIV‐1 to northern Sudan could occur because of the movement of military personnel and refugees between the North and South of Sudan. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis A virus among new immigrants in Israel
Authors: Karetnyi Yuory V. , Mendelson Ella , Shlyakhov Eli , Rubinstein Eithan , Golubev Nina , Levin Ruth , Sandler Michael , Schreiber Mordechai , Rubinstein Uri , Shif Ilan , Handsher Rachel , Varsano Noemi , Modan Baruch
Published: March 2007

Israel, located in a region endemic for hepatitis A virus (HAW, recently absorbed a large popula tion of immigrants who came from the former USSR. To assess the risk of high morbidity in this population a serosurvey of HAV antibodies was undertaken. Serum samples were collected from 965 new immigrants, of whom 664 came from the European, non‐endemic region, and 301 from the Asian and Caucasian endemic regions of the former Soviet Union. They were compared to 240 Israelis. Each population was divided into six age groups: 1‐9, 10‐′l9, 20‐29, 30‐39, 40‐49, and 50 years of age and older. The Asian/Caucasian immigrants and the Israeli population were found to share similar characteristics. In both groups, antibodies to HAV (anti‐HAV) were present in the 1‐9‐year‐old age group and reached maximum prevalence (90% and 86.7%, respectively) in the 20‐29‐year‐old age group. In contrast, among the European immigrants anti‐HAV was first found in the 10‐19‐year‐olds and peaked (93%) in the age group of 50 years and older. It is concluded that immigrants originating from the European part of the former USSR may require vaccination against hepatitis A. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Herpes simplex Virus dna in normal corneas: Persistence without viral shedding from ganglia
Authors: Openshaw Harry , McNeill James I. , Lin Xiang H. , Niland Joyce , Cantin Edouard M.
Published: March 2007

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) DNA has been shown to persist in the cornea not only after inoculation of experimental animals but also in surgical samples from patients with herpes keratitis. The further observation of corneal HSV‐1 DNA in subjects without known HSV eye disease prompted the present study of the presence and distribution of HSV‐1 in eye bank corneas. Prior to DNA extraction, the corneas were trephined, separating the central and peripheral cornea. With polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HSV‐1 thymidine kinase (TK) and glycoprotein D (gD) gene sequences, we found HSV‐1 in 10 of 24 eye bank corneas, from the 4 mm wide corneal rim in 8 eyes and from the 8 mm diameter central cornea in 2 eyes. In 9 subjects, both eyes were assayed, and HSV‐1 was detected in 6 subjects. In only one subject was HSV‐1 detected in both eyes and in only one subject was HSV‐1 detected in the central and peripheral cornea of the same eye. The biological role of HSV‐1 DNA corneal sequences is unknown. To investigate this, a rabbit animal model was established by transplantation of corneas containing viral DNA sequences in HSV‐1 naive recipients. Followed for 5 months, there was no evidence of shedding of HSV‐1 in the tear film or seroconversion of the recipient rabbits. At the end of this time, HSV‐1 DNA was detected in the corneal graft at a similar intensity to the PCR signal from the donor rims. These results support the view that viral shedding from latently infected ganglia is not necessary for the persistence of corneal HSV‐1 Sequences. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HPV Prevalence in cytomorphologically normal cervical scrapes of pregnant women as determined by PCR: The age‐related pattern
Authors: de Roda Husman A. M. , Walboomers J. M. M. , Hopman E. , Bleker O. P. , Helmerhorst Th. M. J. , Rozendaal L. , Voorhorst F. J. , Meijer C. J. L. M.
Published: March 2007

Diverging data exist on human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in cytomorphologically normal scrapes during pregnancy. The prevalence of HPV was therefore investigated by polymerase chain reaction method (PCR) in cytomorphologically normal scrapes of 709 pregnant women and 3, 948 non‐pregnant women visiting the same hospital during the same time period. The prevalence of all types of HPV among pregnant women was 9.6% (68/709) and the high risk HPV types 16 and 18 were found in 3.1% (22/709). In the non‐pregnant women the prevalence of all types of HPV was 10.9% (432/3, 948) with 2.9% (116/3, 948) HPV types 16 and 18. The highest prevalence of HPV was present in women at younger ages in both groups. With increasing age the prevalence declines from about 19% (15–25 yrs) to 5% (40–49 yrs). The age‐adjusted odds ratio of prevalence of all types of HPV in pregnant versus non‐pregnant women was 0.73 (95% CI 0.56–;0.96,P= 0.025) and statistically significant. When HPV types 16 and 18 were considered, significant differences were not found. HPV of all types and types 16/18 prevalence was higher in the second half of pregnancy than in the first part but did not reach statistical significance. High HPV copy numbers in the scrapes were found during the first half of the pregnancy and not during the second half using a semi‐quantitative HPV 16/18 PCR detection method. Since the difference in HPV prevalence between non‐pregnant and pregnant women is very small, it is concluded that HPV prevalence in cytomorphologically normal smears is hardly influenced by pregnancy. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loss of serum HCV RNA at week 4 of interferon‐α therapy is associated with more favorable long‐term response in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Orito Etsuro , Mizokami Masashi , Suzuki Kaoru , Ohba Ken‐Ichi , Ohno Tomoyoshi , Mori Masamiki , Hayashi Katsuo , Kato Koji , Iino Shiro , Lau Johnson Y. N.
Published: March 2007

To determine the virological factors associated with a favorable long‐term response to interferon‐α (IFN) therapy in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, 61 Japanese patients with chronic HCV infection were treated with IFN for 24 weeks (780 million units in total) and followed for 8 to 16 months after cessation of therapy. Ten patients dropped out because of severe side effects. Of the 51 patients who completed IFN therapy, 23 showed complete and sustained response (CR→SR), 13 complete response with early relapse (CR→Rel), and 15 no response to IFN (NR). For the pretreatment serum HCV RNA level, 20/23 who had CR→SR had <l06 eq/ml compared to 3/13 CR→Rel and 1/15 NR (P< 0.01). Serologically defined HCV type 2 infection was also associated with a better opportunity to develop CR→SR compared to CR→Rel of NR (P<0.01). Loss of serum HCV RNA at week 4 of IFN therapy was also associated with a more favorable long‐term response [17/19 CR→SR were HCV RNA negative compared to 3/11 CR→Rel (P<0.01)and2/13NR(P<0.01)]. n contrast, normalization of serum alanine ami‐notransferase (ALT) levels at week 4 was found in 9/19 CR→SR compared to 8/11 CR→Re1 (P= NS), and 0/13 in NR (P<0.01). Six months after cessation of IFN therapy, 3/25 CR→SR patients were HCV RNA positive despite normalization of serum ALT levels. These data indicated that in addition to pretreatment serum HCV RNA levels and HCV type, the kinetics of response to IFN (at week 4) were also predictive of subsequent long‐term response to IFN in patients with chronic HCV infection. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
UV‐inactivated measles virus stimulates human mice naive lymphocytes to proliferate in vitro
Authors: Tu Renjing
Published: March 2007

Ultra violet (UV) light‐inactivated measles virus was used for the lymphocyte proliferation assay, where it caused consistently adult human peripheral blood monolymphocytes (PBML) proliferation which was not dependent on the measles virus complement fixation titre in the donor's sera. When the cord blood lymphocytes from newborn baby and spleen lymphocytes from unprimed Balb/c, C57bl and CBA mice were used in the proliferation assay, all the lymphocytes were stimulated by the UV‐inactivated measles virus in a dose‐dependent manner. These results suggest that: (1) lymphotropic measles virus can also activate lymphocytes in vitro, and (2) this activation appeared to be neither species‐ nor major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐restricted. These results may have important implications for measles vaccination and the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of measles virus infection. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Targeted integration of human herpesvirus 6 in the p arm of chromosome 17 of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vivo
Authors: Torelli Giuseppe , Barozzi Patrizia , Marasca Roberto , Cocconcelli Paola , Merelli Elisa , Ceccherini‐Nelli Luca , Ferrari Sergio , Luppi Mario
Published: March 2007

Out of 64 cases of non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), 55 cases of Hodgkin's disease (HD) and 31 cases of multiple sclerosis (MS), 2 NHL, 7 HD and 1 MS cases were found positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of HHV‐6 sequences in pathologic lymph nodes of the lymphomas and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of MS. A further analysis of the PBMCs of the PCR positive cases by standard Southern blot technique revealed only 2 NHL, 3 HD and 1 MS cases as positive, indicating that these six patients have an unusually high viral copy number in the PBMCs. Restriction analysis, carried out using probes representative of differ ent regions of the virus, showed that three cases retain only a deleted portion of the viral genome. In the remaining three cases a complete viral genome was present, containing the right end sequences in which the rep‐like gene, possibly crucial to the viral and cellular life cycle, is lo cated. The analysis by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of the total DNA of the PBMCs obtained directly, without culture from PBMCs of these last three cases (1 NHL, 1 HD, and 1 MS), using the same probes, showed the absence of free viral molecules and the association of viral sequences with high molecular weight DNA. These results are consistent with in vivo integration of the entire virus in the cellular genome. A further study of the same patients with chromo some fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed in ail the three cases the presence of a specific hybridization site, located at the telomeric extremity of the short arm of chromosome 17 (17p13), suggesting that this location is at least a preferred site of an infrequent, but possi bly biologically important, integration phenomenon. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of several types of human papilloma viruses in AIDS‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma
Authors: Adams Volker , Kempf Werner , Hassam Shabbir , Briner Jakob , Schmid Mirka , Moos Rita , Pfaltz Madeleine
Published: March 2007

Epidemiological studies indicate that acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐associated Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) may be caused by an infectious, preferentially sexually transmitted agent. Infections with human papilloma viruses are common, sexually transmitted diseases occurring frequently in homosexual men, who are also the main risk group of developing KS. In order to evaluate the possible role of HPV in the development of KS, 24 cutaneous AIDS‐associated Kaposi's sarcomas were investigated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by in situ hybridization for the presence of human papilloma viruses (HPV). HPV DNA sequences were detected in 5 of 24 KS specimens, in 4 of 13 normal skin specimens from AIDS patients withoutKS and in 5 of 14 skin specimens of HIV‐seronegative patients. For the first time, HPV types 6 and 33 were detected by PCR in KS. A higher proportion of HPV types 16/18 was found in AIDS‐associated KS specimens, whereas HPV type 33 was seen more often in normal skin specimens of the control group. Apart from the known HPV types 16/18 described in KS, this study demonstrates also the presence of HPV 6 and 33 in this condition. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.