bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient isolation of HIV from plasma during different stages of HIV infection
Authors: Ehrnst Anneka , Sönnerborg A. , Bergdahl S. , Strannegård Ö.
Published: March 2007

Attempts to isolate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from blood plasma using inoculation of pellets from ultracentrifuged samples into cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) resulted in a high overall recovery rate (75%) of the virus from 76 patients in various stages of HIV infection. The recovery rate was dependent on the stage of infection; in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) it was 100%, in AIDS‐related complex (ARC) 86%, in persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL) 64%, and in asymptomatic patients 54%. The HIV isolation rates compared favorably with those obtained after cocultivation of patient and target PBMC (overall recovery rate 67%). HIV was isolated from plasma but not from PBMC in 8 cases, whereas the reverse was true in 3 of 71 simultaneously tested cases. Isolation from plasma was found to be superior to detection of serum p24 antigen for the demonstration of HIV (positivity rates 75% and 30%, respectively). The time to appearance of p24 antigen in cultures inoculated with HIV‐containing plasma samples was inversely related to the presence of detectable p24 antigen in serum. There was a significantly shorter time to culture positivity of plasma samples from AIDS and ARC patients than from PGL and asymptomatic patients. These results suggested that there is a progressive increase in the concentrations of infectious HIV in plasma from the asymptomatic to the AIDS stage.

HIV isolation from plasma samples is a reliable means of demonstrating HIV viremia and has obvious advantages over the more commonly used cocultivation procedures. The frequent occurrence of cell‐free, infectious HIV in plasma suggests that the majority of HIV‐infected patients have a relative lack of functional neutralizing antibodies against the virus, at least during the late stages of disease.
Elevation of serum sex hormone‐binding globulin in females with fulminant hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Forbes Alastair , Alexander Graeme J. M. , Smith Heather M. , Williams Roger
Published: March 2007

Amongst adults exposed to the hepatitis B virus (HBV), the infection pursues a fulminant course more frequently in females, while conversely a chronic carrier state is more frequent in males. Because of these differences in sex ratio, we investigated the relationship between the outcome of HBV infection and serum concentrations of sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), a circulating glycoprotein that exerts an important influence on the balance of free sex hormones. SHBG levels were significantly elevated in females with fulminant HBV infection compared to females with either uncomplicated acute or chronic HBV infection (P < .05 and P < .001, respectively). That this was not a nonspecific effect of fulminant hepatitis was confirmed by the significantly higher levels in this group than in age‐matched females with fulminant hepatitis unrelated to HBV (P < .05). In contrast, four of 15 female HBsAg carriers had SHBG values in the male range, and these included three of four patients who had acquired HBV as adults. SHBG levels were normal in all male groups. These results suggested that for adults the hormonal environment may be important in determining the course of HBV infection.
Cytomegalovirus infection in day care centers in Rome, Italy: Viral excretion in children and occupational risk among workers
Authors: Volpi A. , Pica Francesca , Cauletti M. , Panà A. , Rocchi G.
Published: March 2007

From nine day care centers in Rome, Italy, 253 children of middle to low socioeconomic classes were examined for cytomegalovirus (CMV) excretion in saliva. The overall excretion rate was 13%, with no marked differences between centers. Socioeconomic level, age of enrollment, chronological age, length of attendance, and number of siblings did not have any discernible influence on viral shedding. The most notable result is that during the second year of age, 100% of the excretors had been breast fed, but only 60% in the third year, indicating that maternal transmission is the most likely source of children's infection early in life. Serologic survey of 82 female workers in day care centers, 82 matched housewives, and 229 female students aged 14 to 18 years who were in training to care for children showed that at 14 years of age the CMV seropositivity rate is 85, which suggests that primary infection during childbearing age is an uncommon event in Rome.
Is the measurement of virus‐specific antibody in the lungs of transplant recipients with cytomegalovirus pneumonitis of diagnostic or prognostic value?
Authors: Milburn Heather J. , Grundy Jane E. , Bois R. M. Du , Prentice H. G. , Griffiths P. D.
Published: March 2007

We have investigated 12 transplant recipients (nine bone marrow transplants, three renal) with 15 episodes of pneumonitis caused by cytomegalovirus (CMV) and ten patients (eight bone marrow transplant recipients, two renal transplant recipients) with 12 episodes of interstitial pneumonitis in whom no CMV was detected, to determine whether levels of CMV‐specific IgG in the lung are diagnostic of infection. We have also assessed whether a vigorous specific local antibody response is important for survival. CMV‐specific IgG and herpes simplex (HSV)‐specific IgG were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and serum using albumin to correct for simple diffusion from serum into the lung. We have found evidence for local production or facilitated transport of CMV‐specific IgG in ten patients with CMV pneumonitis but also in six patients with pneumonitis where no CMV was detected. Similar results were found for HSV‐specific IgG although only one patient had a demonstrable HSV infection. There was a tendency for those patients producing large amounts of immunoglobulin in the lung to survive compared with those who died, but there were wide variations between patients in each group. The local humoral immune response in transplant patients with pneumonitis was not specific to the infecting agent and is most probably the result of polyclonal B cell activation or facilitated transport of IgG from serum to lung secretions. Measurement of CMV‐specific IgG response in the lung should not, therefore, be used for diagnostic or prognostic purposes.
Antigenic variation in alkaline deoxyribonuclease induced by three different strains of Epstein‐Barr virus
Authors: Williams Marshall V. , Boak Andra , Glaser Ronald
Published: March 2007

To determine whether biological and/or biochemical variants exist between strains of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), we superinfected Raji cells with the nontransforming lytic strain of EBV (HR‐1), and two isolates that both transform B‐lymphocytes and superinfect Raji cells, B95–8, and NPC‐EBV. The superinfected cells were assayed for EBV specific DNase. A new electrophoretic form of DNase was observed in cells superinfected with B95‐8 EBV as compared to the enzymes induced by the HR‐1 and NPC‐EBV isolates. There were antigenic differences in the DNase induced by the EBV strains. Since antibody to EBV DNase is a marker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), these data may have implications for EBV‐associated disease.
Occurrence of pre‐S1 antigen in viremic and nonviremic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen
Authors: Budkowska Agata , Dubreuil P. , Gerlich W. H. , Lazizi Y. , Pillot J.
Published: March 2007

The proteins of viral envelope, encoded by the pre‐S1 region of HBV‐DNA, were measured quantitatively with enzyme immunoassay using monoclonal antibodies directed to pre‐S1 epitope and correlated with the expression of pre‐S2 region encoded epitope and other HBV markers. In acute HBV infection, both pre‐S encoded proteins were detected in sera along with markers of viral replication and disappeared shortly before complete virus clearance while high HBsAg titers were still present.

Pre‐S1 antigen was present in most (95.5%) symptomatic and asymptomatic chronic HBsAg carriers. There was no correlation between the presence of pre‐S1 and HBeAg or HBV‐DNA in serum: 73% of sera with pre‐S1 determinants were anti‐HBe positive, and only 25.4% were positive for HBV‐DNA.

Most pre‐S1 activity in sera of viremic carriers was detected in fractions of sucrose gradient containing subviral 22‐nm particles, and much less in those containing infectious virions. In asymptomatic, nonviremic HBsAg carriers, pre‐S1 was located only on subviral 22‐nm forms. Pre‐S1 positive particles had no accessible pre‐S2 epitope, which is recognized specifically by monoclonal antipre‐S2 (F124) antibody.

These results show that the synthesis of the large protein of HBV envelope may occur also in the absence of active viral replication, and in these cases pre‐S1 encoded sequences are on subviral particles of HBsAg. Therefore, pre‐S1 is not a serologic marker of infectious virus. Disappearance of pre‐S1 epitopes on HBsAg occurs only before complete clearance of the virus, and this may have potential prognostic relevance.
Protection against acute lethal viral infections with the native steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Authors: Loria Roger M. , Inge Thomas H. , Cook Sallie S. , Szakal Andras K. , Regelson William
Published: March 2007

A significant protective effect of a native adrenal steroid, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), was demonstrated in studies of two lethal viral infection models in mice: systemic coxsackievirus B4 and herpes simplex type 2 encephalitis. The steroid was active either by long‐term feeding or by a single subcutaneous injection. A closely related steroid, etiocholanolone, was not protective in these models. Histopathological analysis, leukocyte counts, and numbers of spleen antibody forming cells in the coxsackievirus B4 model suggests that DHEA functions by maintaining or potentiating the immune competence of mice otherwise depressed by viral infection. DHEA was not effective in genetically immunodeficient HRS/J hr/hr mice and did not demonstrate antiviral activity in vitro. While the molecular basis for DHEA's effect on the immune system is not known, studies by others suggest that it may counteract the stress related immunosuppressive effects of glucocorticoids stimulated by viral infection. Because DHEA is a native steroid that has been used clinically with minimal side effects, the utility of DHEA in the therapeutic modulation of acute and chronic viral infections including the acquired immune deficiency syndrome deserves intensive study.
Epidemiology of delta infection in Spain
Authors: Buti M. , Esteban R. , Jardi R. , Allende H. , Baselga J. M. , Guardia J.
Published: March 2007

The prevalence of hepatitis D virus infection was studied in 954 sera samples collected in Spain between 1974 and 1986 from 838 patients in a variety of epidemiological categories with HBsAg‐positive liver disease, and from 116 haemophiliacs and drug addicts with hepatitis B antibodies. Hepatitis D markers were detected in 64% of drug addicts and 33% of HBsAg‐positive haemophiliacs but were absent in asymptomatic chronic carriers, homosexual males, mentally retarded patients and haemodialysis patients. Hepatitis D markers were found in 6% of patients with acute hepatitis, in 5.6% of those with chronic hepatitis B from general population, and in 65% of those with acute hepatitis B and 67% of those with chronic hepatitis B among drug addicts.

During the 12‐year study, no changes were observed in the frequency of Delta infection. The prevalence was less than 10% in chronic HBsAg‐positive hepatitis.

These findings indicate that in Spain Delta infection is restricted mainly to HBsAg‐positive drug addicts and multitransfused haemophiliacs, while in the general population only 6.7% of those with chronic hepatitis B show D superinfection. Anti‐HD sera detection is correlated with more severe forms of chronic hepatitis such as chronic active hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Antibodies to HTLV‐I in populations of the southwestern Pacific
Authors: Asher David M. , Goudsmit Jaap , Pomeroy Kitty L. , Garruto Ralph M. , Bakker Margreet , Ono Steven G. , Elliott Nicole , Harris Keith , Askins Howard , Eldadah Zayd , Goldstein Adam D. , Gajduek D. Carleton
Published: March 2007

Sera collected from 1,102 individuals in 14 populations of the southwestern Pacific between 1956 and 1979 were tested by ELISA for antibodies to human T‐cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV‐I). Selected sera were also tested by particle agglutination and immunoblotting. Six of the populations had prevalences of antibodies greater than 4%, two populations had prevalences greater than 15%. Six populations had antibody prevalences of 2% or less. Three populations from the coast and northern islands of New Guinea had high prevalences of antibodies, while three New Guinea highland groups had virtually none. One population from the Solomon Islands had a high prevalence, while two others had very low prevalences. Two populations from small remote islands in Vanuatu both had high prevalences. Pacific sera did not neutralize a standard strain of virus readily neutralized by Japanese, European, and American sera. We conclude that infections with HTLV‐I, some acquired more than 20 years ago, are widespread throughout the southwestern Pacific, even in several very isolated populations, although others have been spared. Some strains of HTLV‐I in populations of the Pacific may have substantially different envelope proteins from prototype strains of America, Europe, and Japan.
Seroepidemiological studies on hepatitis B and D viruses infection among five ethnic groups in southern Taiwan
Authors: Chung Dye‐Chii , Ko Ying‐Chin , Chen Chien‐Jen , Wu Chung‐Chieng , Chen Eng‐Rin , Liaw Yun‐Fan , Hwang Shih‐Jen
Published: March 2007

In order to compare the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection among five ethnic groups in Pingtung County of southern Taiwan, a total of 240 serum samples were collected from September to October, 1985, from the following five ethnic groups: Taiwanese, Hakka, Mainland Chinese, aboriginal Paiwanese, and aboriginal Rukaiese. Ages of subjects ranged from 5 to 69 years. All sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), surface antibody (anti‐HBs), and core antibody (anti‐HBc) by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and antibody to hepatitis D antigen (anti‐HDV) were also tested for those with HBsAg‐positive sera. Results showed that 44.1% of all sera examined were negative for HBsAg but positive for both anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc; additionally, 24.6% were negative for both HBsAg and anti‐HBs but positive for anti‐HBc. Only 134 serum samples showed negative results for HBV markers, indicating an HBV infection rate of 88.8%. The anti‐HDV positive rate was estimated to be 2.7% among HBsAg‐positive subjects. The HBsAg‐positive rates among Rukaiese, Paiwanese, Hakka, Taiwanese, and Mainland Chinese were 25.8, 22.5, 16.7, 12.9, and 10.0%, respectively; while the prevalence rates of HBV infection among the above five groups were 94.2, 94.6, 85.4, 87.5, and 82.5%, respectively. Differences in the HBsAg‐positive rate and HBV infection rate among these ethnic groups were statistically significant. We conclude that people living in Pingtung County are more frequently infected with HBV when compared with inhabitants in northern Taiwan.
One‐year prospective cross‐sectional study to assess the importance of group F adenovirus infections in children under 2 years admitted to hospital
Authors: Wood D. J. , Longhurst D. , Killough R. I. , David T. J.
Published: March 2007

A 1‐year prospective cross‐sectional study of 363 children under 2 years of age admitted to hospital was undertaken to assess the importance of group F adenovirus infections. Faeces obtained within 48 hours of admission from 97 patients with and 266 patients without diarrhoea were screened by electron microscopy. Viruses were identified by morphological criteria, and all adenoviruses seen were retested by immune electron microscopy to identify group F serotypes. Group F adenoviruses (4 infections) were second in frequency to rotaviruses (16 infections), and both viruses were significantly associated with diarrhoea (P = 0.005 and 0.000001 respectively, chi‐squared test). All four group F infections occurred in children with diarrhoeal disease aged between 1 and 6 months and were numerically as important as rotavirus (three infections) in this group. Rotavirus infections occurred significantly more frequently in the 7‐24‐month age group with diarrhoea (11v.0 infections, P = 0.001, chi‐squared test). Nosocomial infection occurred with group F adenovirus as well as rotavirus. The finding that group F adenoviruses occur as frequently as rotaviruses in diarrhoeal disease that results in hospital admission in children between 1 and 6 months of age could have important implications for preventative strategies.
Neutralizing antibody and clinical status of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected individuals
Authors: Alesi Domenico Russo , Ajello Francesca , Lupo Giuseppina , Vitale Francesco , Portera Mario , Spadaro Filippo , Romano Nino
Published: March 2007

An assay based on inhibition of cytopathic effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) strains in Molt 4 cells was developed to quantitate neutralizing antibodies (NA) in sera of HIV‐infected individuals. The assay was specific and gave results comparable to those obtained by the inhibition of immunofluorescence (IFI) and reverse transcriptase (RT) activity. Attempts were made to correlate the presence and the antibody titres with the clinical status of HIV‐infected individuals classified according to Walter Reed staging classification scheme. NA titres correlated inversely with the stage of HIV infection: Compared with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, HIV‐infected subjects at stage WR1 had significantly higher NA titres. Moreover, a decrease in NA titre in relation to clinical deterioration was noted in sequential sera of eight of 11 AIDS patients, retrospectively examined, for NA. The symptomless subjects showed either the same level of NA or a trend towards an increasing antibody titre with time. Different isolates of HIV strains showed a variability in the extent of sensitivity to neutralization by sera obtained from different HIV‐infected individuals.
Maternal cell‐mediated cytolysis of CMV‐infected fetal cells and the outcome of pregnancy in the guinea pig
Authors: Harrison C. J. , Myers M. G.
Published: March 2007

Cytolytic recognition of CMV‐infected syngeneic fetal guinea pig cells by maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was suppressed late in pregnancies of uninfected guinea pig breeders with < 25% conceptus loss. A small subset of less successful uninfected pregnancies with > 50% fetal wastage exhibited only partial suppression of cytolytic activity against CMV‐infected fetal cells. Primary CMV infection of dams extending into early pregnancy induced augmented cytolysis of CMV‐infected fetal cells, but not MA104 NK cell targets, throughout gestation and resulted in 70% loss of conceptus. Decreased suppression of cytolytic activity against CMV‐infected fetal cells in uninfected pregnancy was also associated with runting of newborn pups, which was not as severe as that observed in congenitally CMV‐exposed or CMV‐infected pups. Congenitally infected pups were affected more than their exposed but uninfected litter mates. Lack of suppression of cytolysis of CMV‐infected syngeneic fetal cells, whether spontaneous or CMV‐infection‐induced, appears to be associated with poor pregnancy outcome.
Polymerase chain reaction for fast, nonradioactive detection of high‐ and low‐risk papillomavirus types in routine cervical specimens and in biopsies
Authors: Dallas Peter B. , Flanagan Judith L. , Nightingale Brain N. , Morris Brain J.
Published: March 2007

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure capable of amplifying specific DNA sequences by up to a millionfold was developed for detection of infection by human papillomaviruses (HPVs) of low (HPV6, HPV11) or high (HPV16, HPV18, HPV33) oncogenic potential. For highrisk HPVs the region chosen was within the E6 open reading frame, which can become integrated into genomic DNA. A region corresponding to this was chosen for low‐risk HPVs. After repeated cycles of specific oligonucleotide primed extension of viral DNA with Klenow or thermophilic DNA polymerase, the type of HPV present was then determined on the basis of the size of the ethidium‐bromide‐stained band visible after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: for HPV 6 or 11 the band was ∼120 bp, for HPV 16 or 33 it was ∼200 bp, and for HPV18 it was ∼100 bp. Specific hybridization to the relevant band was seen using radioactive or nonradioactive (alkaline‐phosphatase‐linked) target oligonucleotide probes. Using the PCR method, we have determined, within as little as a few hours, the infection status of a variety of clinical specimens, including cervical scrapes and lavages, anal scrapes, and anogenital biopsies. The PCR steps can be automated, adding to the potential of PCR for widespread use in the detection of HPV, which is becoming increasingly popular in cervical screening.
Female to male transmission of hepatitis b virus between chinese spouses
Authors: Ko Ying‐Chin , Yen Yea‐Yin , Yeh Shu‐Mei , Lan Shou‐Jan
Published: March 2007

Three hundred thirty‐seven community‐based spouses were tested for the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers to assess the direction of HBV transmission between couples. The prevalence rate of HBV infection among husbands whose wives were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐positive was higher compared with those whose wives were HBsAg‐negative. Moreover, the frequency of HBV seropositivity among husbands was 100% if their wives carried HBeAg and showed a trend correlation (P = 0.009). The prevalence difference was 13.8%. and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 7.9–19.7% after adjusting for spouses' age. In contrast, HBV infection rate of wives did not show an association with the husbands' HBsAg or HBeAg carrier status. The prevalence difference was 7.1%, but 95% CI was −2.5–16.8% after adjusting for spouses' age. Female to male transmission of HBV between spouses appears to be more efficient.
Low‐dose (2 μg) hepatitis B vaccination in medical students: Comparable immunogenicity for intramuscular and intradermal routes
Authors: Heijtink R. A. , Knol R. M. , Schalm S. W.
Published: March 2007

In a randomized controlled trial, 165 healthy medical students were immunized either by the intramuscular route (IM group) or by the intradermal route (ID group) with low‐dose (2 μg) plasma hepatitis B vaccine (HB‐VAX) at months 0, 1, 2, and 6. At month 7, protective immunity (anti‐HBs > 10 IU/I) was observed in 90% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84–97) of group IM and in 94% (95% CI: 89–99) of group ID; also geometric mean titres (IM: 533 IU/I ID:541 IU/I) were very similar at month 7. Sixty‐six (IM: 29; ID: 37) of 107 vaccinees with anti‐HBs < 1,000 IU/I at month 7 received a 2 μg booster injection at month 12. Long‐term immunity (anti‐HBs > 1,000 IU/I) was finally observed in 58% for group IM and 66% for group ID. For low‐dose hepatitis B immunization, which reduces costs to about 16%, the IM route is to be preferred in young healthy individuals in view of an ease of administration, avoidance of long‐term local side effects, and the known protective immunity of intramuscularly induced anti‐HBs antibodies.
Recovery of antigenically reactive HIV‐2 cores
Authors: Chrystie Ian L. , Almeida June D.
Published: March 2007

Negative staining studies of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been hampered by the fragile nature of the particles. Although detergent treatment is capable of releasing cores from HIV‐2 particles, these are unstable and do not retain morphological integrity. Addition of glutaraldehyde will stabilise these structures but, if used at too high a concentration, will destroy their antigenicity. This study shows that if both detergent and glutaraldehyde are used in correct proportions, antigenically reactive cores can be recovered from HIV‐2 cell cultures. More specifically we show that a mixture of 0.1% Nonidet P40 and 0.1% glutaraldehyde produces preparations of HIV‐2 cores that are suitable for immune electron microscopy. These cores reacted positively, that is, formed immune complexes, with both human HIV‐2 antisera and a mouse monoclonal antibody that, although directed against p24 (HIV‐1), reacts also with p25 (HIV‐2).
Enhancement of Inoue‐Melnick virus synthesis by 5‐bromodeoxyuridine in human meningioma (MG‐1) cells
Authors: Nishibe Y. , Inoue Y. K. , Kimura T. , Hase A.
Published: March 2007

The authors found remarkable enhancement of Inoue‐Melnick virus (IMV) synthesis by 5‐bromodeoxyuridine (BUDR) in human meningioma (MG‐1) cells, a virus‐producer line of type 1 IMV. Treatment with BUDR resulted in rapid and abundant synthesis of infectious IMV in MG‐1 cells. The titer of the cell‐associated virus in treated cells increased approximately 6.0 log 10 compared with that in untreated cells. Immunofluorescent antibody tests revealed that IMV‐associated late antigen was induced by BUDR in the cytoplasm of approximately 50% of treated cells. A clonal difference was also found in the enhancement of BUDR on the IMV synthesis in MG‐1 cells. The most remarkable enhancing effect of BUDR was observed in the clone C line, and a herpes‐type virus was detected by negative‐staining electron microscopy in the culture fluid of the clone C treated with BUDR.
Immunoglobulin‐class‐specific immune response to respiratory syncytial virus structural proteins in infants, children, and adults
Authors: Popow‐Kraupp Therese , Lakits Evelyne , Kellner Gabriele , Kunz Christian
Published: March 2007

The protein specificities of IgG, IgM, and IgA antibodies induced during respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in 74 patients (4 weeks to 81 years of age) were investigated using the technique of immunoblotting. Although the pattern of antibody reactivity varied among patients, most of the humoral immune response in all age groups was directed against the 48, 42, 35, and 27 K proteins. An infant's own antibody response was discernible in 55 of the 57 children below 1 year of age, despite the presence of maternally derived antibodies. Antibody against the 90 K surface glycoprotein was not detectable in those less than 1 year of age. Primary RSV infection induced antibodies only against a subset of RSV proteins. Although a broadening of the antibody response occurred with increasing age and in the course of reinfection, an immune response to all the viral structural proteins was observed rarely.
Detection of group C rotaviruses in Tokyo
Authors: Ushijima Hiroshi , Honma Hitoshi , Mukoyama Atsushi , Shinozaki Tatsuhiko , Fujita Yasuko , Kobayashi Masaaki , Ohseto Mituaki , Morikawa Shigeru , Kitamura Takashi
Published: March 2007

Four human group C rotaviruses were detected in Tokyo in 1987 and 1988 during a survey over 7 years. Among the four rotaviruses, two electrophoretic patterns were indicated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic (PAGE) analyses. Clinical symptoms, signs, family history, and patients' ages varied. Group C rotaviruses were found also in other parts of Japan in 1988. It was suspected that group C rotaviruses would continue to spread throughout Japan within the near future.
Detection of hepatitis B virus in serum using amplification of viral DNA by means of the polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Sumazaki Ryo , Motz Manfred , Wolf Hans , Heinig Jutta , Jilg Wolfgang , Deinhardt Friedrich
Published: March 2007

A new assay was developed for the detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in human serum using amplification of a short viral DNA sequence by means of the polymerase chain reaction. As little as 0.4 fg viral DNA, corresponding to about 130 genome equivalents, per ml serum could be detected after the amplification procedure. This assay detected viral DNA in a number of patients with proven or suspected chronic HBV infection who were all negative for HBV DNA in the conventional hybridisation assay, We found HBV DNA in all of six HBeAg‐positive and in three of eight HBeAg‐negative HBsAg carriers, as well as in all of 11 patients with chronic liver disease with antibodies against the HBV core antigen (anti‐HBc) as the sole marker for HBV infection, and in three of five apparently healthy individuals showing only anti HBc. Thus, this method is an important improvement for the diagnosis of persistent HBV infections, especially in patients where a definitive serological diagnosis is not possible.
Increased detection rate of human papillomavirus in cervical scrapes by the polymerase chain reaction as compared to modified FISH and southern‐blot analysi
Authors: Melchers W. , van den Brule A. , Walboomers J. , de Bruin M. , Burger M. , Herbrink P. , Meijer C. , Lindeman J. , Quint W.
Published: March 2007

Cervical scrapes from 80 women with a positive cytology result were tested for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and compared to the results obtained with the modified filter in situ hybridisation (FISH) and the Southern‐blot techniques.

The sensitivity of the modified FISH and the Southern‐blot was similar, and HPV was detected in 46% of the patients. The sensitivity of the PCR appeared to be higher, and HPV was detected in 70% of the patients. HPV‐DNA could be detected in 46 of the 68 patients with mild dysplasia, in 6 of the 8 patients with severe dysplasia, and in all 4 patients with carcinoma in situ. In 18 patients (21%) more than one HPV type could be detected by the PCR.

The control group consisted of 100 women involved in a triennial checkup programme, who had normal smear results and no history of cervical lesions. HPV was detected in 5% of the women by the PCR.

The PCR technique detected HPV in a high proportion of the cervical scrapes from women with a positive cytology result. These results give further evidence for an important role of HPV in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer.
Effect of l‐lysine monohydrochloride on cutaneous herpes simplex virus in the guinea pig
Authors: Ayala E. , Krikorian D.
Published: March 2007

The effect of topical applications of crystalline lysine therapy on cutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV) inoculations and subsequent dorsal root ganglia (DRG) infection was studied in male Hartley guinea pigs. Although HSV‐I was recovered from the inoculated sites from all animals, the L‐lysine‐treated skin remained clinically normal, whereas untreated controls manifested clinical symptoms up to 3 days postinoculation (p.i.). However, cocultivation of DRG (C1‐S1) indicated a selective tropism of infective particles to specific DRG in the groups treated with amino acids. In lysine‐treated animals, HSV was recovered from a few DRG (T‐12, T‐13, and L‐1) at 3 days p.i. and from DRG T‐10 in leucine‐treated controls; yet no HSV was recovered from DRG of untreated controls. These results suggest an immunomodulatory effect of L‐lysine on inoculation site infections and the possible potentiation of subsequent DRG manifestation in amino‐acidtreated animals.
Serological survey of human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) in ethiopia
Authors: Hailù Kefene , Bekura Desta , Buttò Stefano , Verani Paola , Titti Fausto , Sernicola Leonardo , Rapicetta Maria , Rossi Giovanni B. , Pasquini Paolo
Published: March 2007

The presence of anti‐human immunodeficiency virus 1 antibodies was tested in 5,565 serum samples from Ethiopia of which 5,265 were collected from military recruits in the framework of a hepatitis B (HBV) seroepidemiological study performed on a national scale in 1985–1986; the remaining were 300 sera from a population of outpatients belonging to the Arsi region.

Of the 5,565 sera, 121 (2.1%) were found to be repeatedly reactive by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for HIV‐1 antibodies, but these reactivities were confirmed by Western Blot (WB) assay in only four cases (0.07%) and by ENVACOR (confirmatory competitive ELISA) in three samples. Twenty‐three sera were positive by WB to one or two bands related to core proteins but were all negative by ENVACOR. However, according to accepted criteria for positivity, these sera must be regarded as indeterminant reactors.

A sample of 409 sera, both reactive and nonreactive by HIV‐1 ELISA, were further tested for antibodies to HIV‐2 by ELISA. Reactive sera were analysed by WB and by radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) using 35S‐cysteine metabolically labelled SIVmac (HTLV‐IV) infected cell lysates. Only 11 sera were found to be slightly reactive in ELISA, but this was not confirmed by WB or RIPA.

Data indicate that HIV infection was not widespread in the general population of Ethiopia up to 1986.
Pre‐S proteins in hepatitis b
Authors: Kuijpers Leo , Koens Marjolijn , Murray‐Lyon Iain , Coleman Jon C. , Karayiannis Peter , Thomas Howard C. , Zanetti Alessandro , Cargnel A. , Harrison Tim J. , Zuckerman Arie J.
Published: March 2007

Two reactive sequences of the pre‐S regions of hepatitis B surface antigen were synthesized chemically and used in micro‐ELISAs for the assay of pre‐S1 and pre‐S2 antigens in serum from patients with acute and chronic hepatitis B. Pre‐S1 antigen correlated well with the presence of HBV‐DNA and was no longer detectable on cessation of viral replication, after natural recovery and after successful treatment with alpha‐interferon. Pre‐S2 proteins were also lost after treatment with alpha‐interferon. The results show that the assay of pre‐S1 and pre‐S2 proteins in serum provides additional useful markers for assessing patients with acute and chronic hepatitis B infection and for monitoring the response to treatment with interferon.
Outbreak of poliomyelitis in south africa investigated by oligonucleotide mapping
Authors: Tsilimigras C. W. A. , Rossouw E. , Schoub B. D.
Published: March 2007

An outbreak of paralytic poliomyelitis, due to polio type 1 virus, occurred in the Gazankulu region of the Transvaal in the Republic of South Africa in 1982. Thirty‐four different isolates from this epidemic were characterized by oligonucleotide mapping. None of the isolates were shown to be vaccine related. Results suggest the existence of a number of apparently different wild‐type viruses present in the area. The introduction of a single wild‐type strain could not be clearly demonstrated. These findings have important implications for the management and control of future outbreaks.
Development of cell‐mediated cytotoxic immunity to respiratory syncytial virus in human infants following naturally acquired infection
Authors: Chiba Yasuo , Higashidate Yoshito , Suga Kazuhiro , Honjo Koji , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki , Ogra Pearay L.
Published: March 2007

With virus‐infected autologous and allogenic mononuclear cells as specific targets, the development of cell‐mediated cytotoxic reactivity to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was studied in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in groups of infants with acute RSV infection and in other control groups of subjects during a community outbreak of RSV infection. No RSV‐specific cellular cytotoxicity was observed in cord blood lymphocytes and in other uninfected controls. The PBL of infants with acute RSV infection exhibited significant cellular cytotoxic response. The activity peaked early, usually within 1 week after'infection. The response appeared to be age‐dependent. Over 65% of infants 6–24 months of age and about 35–38% of infants under 5 months of age exhibited cellular cytotoxicity to RSV. Cellular cytotoxic reactivity was observed against autologous and less frequently against allogenic RSV‐infected target cells. These findings suggest the appearance of virusspecific cell‐mediated cytotoxic immune response after acute RSV infection. The development of cellular cytotoxic responses may play a role in the mechanisms of protection against or the pathogenesis of RSV infection in man.
A dynamic study of the intrafamilial spread of hepatitis b virus infection: Relation with the viral replication
Authors: Porres Juan Carlos , Carreño Vicente , Bartolomé Javier , Gutiez Julia , Castillo Inmaculada
Published: March 2007

A total of 848 household contacts of 285 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) chronic carriers were included in a prospective study. Of the total number of contacts negative for hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers at baseline, 330 relatives of 145 HBsAg carriers were observed over a mean period of 20.1 months. Among all household contacts, 284 (33.5%) were found positive for at least one HBV marker. The prevalence of HBV markers was significantly higher among the contacts of more than one HBsAg carrier (75.9%) than among those with only one (26.0%) (P <.001). The presence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), specific HBV‐DNA polymerase (HBV‐DNAp), HBV‐DNA, and polymerized human serum albumin (pHSA‐R) in the index case was associated with a significantly higher incidence of HBV markers among household contacts. During the follow‐up, the number of household contacts initially negative for HBV markers who became infected was found to be in direct relation to the presence of HBeAg, HBV‐DNAp, HBV‐DNA and pHSA‐R in the index case.
Increased density of HLA‐DR antigen on monocytes of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Koethe Susan M. , Carrigan Donald R. , Turner Paul A.
Published: March 2007

Monocytes and macrophages play an important role in the pathogenesis of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Dysfunction of these cells contributes to the immunocompromised state that characterizes AIDS, and they probably serve as a reservoir for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV‐infected macrophages may also be responsible for the infection of many CD4‐positive lymphocytes by means of cell to cell contact during the initiation of immunological responses. The efficiency of this process would be enhanced by activation of the macrophages, since that is accompanied by increased expression of class II major histocompatibility (HLA‐DR) antigen. Using a direct blood antibody marking procedure in conjunction with flow cytometry, we have analyzed the expression of HLA‐DR antigen on the surfaces of monocytes present in the peripheral blood of HIV‐infected patients. In contrast to the results reported by other investigators who purified the monocytes using Ficoll‐Hypaque centrifugation prior to antibody marking, we found that the percentage of monocytes expressing HLA‐DR antigen was identical in the patients and normal controls. However, a subpopulation of monocytes was detected in the blood of the majority of the patients that was expressing increased levels of HLA‐DR antigen. It was also found that the proportion of monocytes with a high density of HLA‐DR antigen on their surfaces negatively correlated with the absolute numbers of CD4‐positive lymphocytes present in the peripheral blood of the patient. These findings support the postulated role of monocytes and macrophages in the HIV infection and ultimate destruction of CD4‐positive lymphocytes.
Detection of anti rotavirus coproantibodies by immunoblotting technique
Authors: Ushijima Hiroshi , Shinozaki Tatsuhiko , Kitamura Takashi
Published: March 2007

IgA and IgG coproantibodies to individual simian rotavirus (SA 11) structural polypeptides were detected in healthy infants in nursery homes. The number of immunoblottable peptides differed from individual to individual. Coproantibodies were also detected at the convalescent stage of rotavirus infection in two patients but not during the acute stage. This method is useful for confirming the diagnosis of rotavirus infection serologically without the need for paired sera.
Protective effect of a low‐dose of cyclophosphamide in experimental infection of guinea pigs with junin virus
Authors: Ponzinibbio Carlos , González Pedro , Laguens Ruben P.
Published: March 2007

Administration of cyclophosphamide (CY) to guinea pigs infected with a lethal strain of Junin virus (JV) delayed the time of death, with survival of a small number of animals. Virological studies showed a temporary decrease of virus concentration in blood and viscera shortly after the CY injection. In the pathological study no differences were found in the organic lesions present in CY‐treated and nontreated animals, with the exception of the pulmonary alterations. In CY‐treated guinea pigs the lungs appeared almost normal, but in the control. nontreated animals severe alterations with the pattern of the “respiratory distress syndrome of the adult” were consistently present. In in vitro experiments, incorporation of serum collected from guinea pigs injected 30 minutes before exsanguination with CY to cell cultures, infected with JV, prevented virus replication. On the basis of these results it is suggested that the delay of time of death and eventual survival of CY‐treated guinea pigs after JV infection depends on a direct antiviral effect of the drug rather than on its known immunosuppressive action. In addition, the absence of pulmonary alterations in CY‐treated animals was tentatively considered to be dependent on the marked polymorphonu‐clear leukocyte depletion induced by the drug.
Foscarnet therapy in chronic hepatitis B virus e antigen carriers
Authors: Bain V. G. , Daniels H. M. , Chanas A. , Alexander G. J. M. , Williams Roger
Published: March 2007

Foscarnet (trisodium phosphonoformate) is a novel antiviral agent that inhibits viral‐specific DNA polymerase. In the present study, eight males with chronic HBV carriage (HBeAg and HBV‐DNA seropositivity > 12 months) showing chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH) or chronic active hepatitis (CAH) on liver biopsy received either a continuous infusion of foscarnet at 0.15 mg/kg/min for 7 days or 180 mg/kg/day divided into three daily boluses for 2 weeks. In all eight, HBV‐DNA levels fell during therapy (median, 401 pg/40 μl serum; range, 4–3, 100) vs. pretreatment levels (median, 533 pg/40 μl; range, 30–4, 175), but in none was HBV‐DNA undetectable at any stage. Within 1 month, the HBV‐DNA had risen to pretreatment levels in all but one patient (with the lowest pretreatment level), who cleared HBeAg and developed anti‐HBe within 3 months. Two further patients were anti‐HBe positive at 6 months, but their pretreatment serum HBV‐DNA levels were already low, suggesting a high probability of spontaneous seroconversion. Toxicity was not evident with the continuous infusion, but for those receiving IV bolus therapy, serum creatinine and phosphate levels rose in three of four patients, necessitating a 25% dose reduction. There was no difference in the effect on serum HBV‐DNA between the two regimes. We conclude that foscarnet has only modest antiviral activity in chronic HBV carriers.
Dna polymorphism among isolates from multiple sites of a patient with chronic herpes simplex virus, type 1 infection
Authors: Alam Tarik M. , Joncas Jean H. , Ozanne Gérard
Published: March 2007

DNA polymorphisms among independent isolates of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 were studied from a 7‐year‐old male patient with recurrent infections of the skin and internal organs. In the patient's serum, HSV antibodies could not be detected by complement fixation, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), or neutralization tests. ELISA tests for the presence of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus were also negative. One HSV isolate was obtained from mesenteric nodes biopsied in 1983; one from skin in 1984; and three (postmortem) from brain, lungs, and liver in 1985. Restriction enzymes Eco RI, BgI II, Hind III, Kpn I, and Bam H1 digestion patterns of the five isolates were similar. However, Sal I digests of isolates from skin, mesenteric nodes, lungs, and liver showed variations that were distinct from that of the brain isolate. Although Sal I digests of skin, mesenteric nodes, lungs, and liver isolates share a common variation in lacking F and G, the liver isolate can be further differentiated because of the gain of a restriction site on the H fragment. Thus, the three distinct variants observed were the isolates from brain (variant 1); from skin, mesenteric nodes, and lungs (variant 2); and from liver (variant 3). The fragments involved in variations among these isolates (presence or absence of SaI, G and H) are from the unique short and long regions (invariable regions) of the genome and therefore do not show heterogeneity in size. The extent of variation among these isolates is less than that seen among epidemiologically unrelated strains, suggesting that they originated from a single infecting strain, probably the brain isolate.
Electron microscopy of stool‐shed viruses: Retention of characteristic morphologies after long‐term storage at ultralow temperatures
Authors: Williams Fred P.
Published: March 2007

Storage of stool specimens at —70°C has been reported to destroy the characteristic morphology of calicivirus. To determine if other stool‐shed viruses are similarly affected, stool specimens previously examined by electron microscopy and observed to contain virus particles were reexamined after 6–10 years of storage at —70°C to —85°C. The stools contained virus particles of different morphological types, including astrovirus, small round structured virus, adenovirus, and rotavirus as well as calicivirus. Also reexamined were stools containing coronavirus‐like particles and T = 19 virus‐like particles. Characteristic virus particles, including calicivirus particles, were recognized in all the stools reexamined. The results indicate that long‐term storage of stools at ultralow temperatures does not present a significant problem for the morphological identification of stool‐shed viruses.
Laboratory diagnosis of japanese encephalitis using monoclonal antibodies and correlation of findings with the outcome
Authors: Ravi V. , Vanajakshi S. , Gowda Anke , Chandramuki A.
Published: March 2007

Detection of virus, viral antigen, and class‐specific antibody was carried out in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and sera of 27 children with Japanese encephalitis. The diagnosis could be confirmed in 78.57% of cases (22/27) by demonstration of virus‐specific IgM in CSF (15/22), viral antigen in CSF (5/22), or by virus isolation (2/22). Absence of virus specific IgM in CSF was associated with a fatal outcome (P= 0.05).
Herpes viruses and duodenal ulcer disease
Authors: Kottaridis Stavros D. , Mihas T. A. , Goula Irene , Mihas Anastasios A.
Published: March 2007

Antibodies to herpes simplex virus and Epstein‐Barr virus were sought in the sera of 33 patients with endoscopically proved duodenal ulcer and 33 healthy controls. Neither the prevalence nor the antibody levels to both viruses were significantly different between the two groups. These results suggest that herpes viruses may not play a role in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer disease.
Prevalence of antibody to current influenza virus strains in adolescents
Authors: Zakay‐Rones Z. , Meijer A. , Morag A.
Published: March 2007

During the Spring of 1986, 118 pupils aged 15–18 years were surveyed for the presence of humoral antibodies to five influenza strains. Prevalence of humoral immunity (HI) antibodies and immunity was found to be related to the year of the strain's emergence and to length of circulation time in the community. A high percentage of the adolescents were not immune to one or more of the tested strains. More than 40% of the studied group were not immune to the old A strains A/Philipines 2/82 (H3N2) and A/Chile 1/83 (H1N1), nearly 70% were not immune to the two B strains (B/USSR 100/83 and B/Ann Arbor 1/86), and almost the entire group (96%) was unprotected against the recent strain A/Singapore 6/86. Only one pupil was immune to all five strains; 35.6%, 22.2%, 17.8%, and 9.2% were immune to one, two, three, or four of the strains, respectively; and 14.4% were not immune to even one strain.