bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of a non‐A, non‐B‐associated antigen/antibody system detected by radioimmunoassay in acute and chronic liver disease
Authors: Luo Kang‐Xian , Karayiannis Peter , Burns David Macdonald , Bamber May , Kernoff Peter , Thomas Howard
Published: March 2007

An antigen/antibody system associated with one form of parenterally transmitted non‐A, non‐B (NANB) hepatitis has been identified by solid‐phase radioimmunoassay (RIA). The antigen is found in 3% of normal subjects and in increased frequency in patients with haemophilia, renal homograft recipients, homosexual men, prostitutes, drug addicts, and patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The antigen was found in normal frequency in patients with acute hepatitis A and B, sporadic NANB hepatitis (nondrug addicts), autoimmune and alcohol‐induced chronic liver disease, and primary biliary chirrhosis.
The mechanism of replication of hepatitis B virus: Evidence of asymmetric replication of the two DNA strands
Authors: Fowler M. J. F. , Monjardino J. , Tsiquaye K. N. , Zuckerman A. J. , Thomas H. C.
Published: March 2007

In this study we have characterised the DNA replicative intermediates of hepatitis B virus and have shown that HBV‐DNA replication is asymmetric. This pattern of HBV replication is similar to that reported for the related duck hepatitis virus (DHBV) and suggests the involvement of a similar reverse transcription process in HBV‐DNA replication.
Hepatitis B in the cambridge dialysis and transplant unit 1966–1983
Authors: Nagington J. , Sutehall G. M. , Cohen B. J.
Published: March 2007

The results of hepatitis B surveillance of the Cambridge dialysis and transplant units from June 1969 to July 1983 are reported. On admission 34/528 (6.44%) haemodialysis patients had anti‐HBc. Preadmission screening excluded 19 HBs Ag carrier patients and two carrier staff. Eight patients became antigenaemic after admission and two others were found to be antigenaemic post‐transplantation but pretransplant sera were not available from them. These two had active hepatitis and of the others, seven had asymptomatic carriage and one had acute hepatitis during haemodialysis. Two infected patients were admitted temporarily and one antigenaemic organ donor identified retrospectively. No cross infection occurred on the unit and the only instance of accidental infection of a member of staff was from an outpatient.
Factors associated with primary cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy
Authors: Stagno Sergio , Cloud Gretchen , Pass Robert F. , Britt William J. , Alford Charles A.
Published: March 2007

We compared a group of 40 susceptible pregnant women who acquired CMV during gestation with a group of 86 women of similar race and socioeconomic background who remained seronegative to define factors associated with the risk of CMV infection during pregnancy.

A logistic regression model using a stepwise procedure showed that a positive statistically significant correlation occurred with the age of the mother, the father's high‐intensity contact with young children, and children living at home. A negative correlation occurred with mother's high‐risk intensity contact with children outside the home. This study underlines the possibility that pregnant women may acquire CMV infection introduced into the household by their young children and husbands, a phenomenon that is reminiscent of rubella infection.
Incidence of coxsackievirus B type 4 (CB4) infections concomitant with onset of insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mirkovic Radmila R. , Varma Surendra K. , Yoon Ji‐Won
Published: March 2007

From September 1979 to August 1981, a total of 25 children with newly diagnosed insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) were admitted for management to the Pediatric Ward, Lubbock General Hospital, Lubbock, Texas. Parents of the 24 admitted patients gave informed consent for their child to participate in the study. While hospitalized, all study patients donated early‐phase (acute) blood samples and specimens for virus isolation attempts. Eighteen of the 24 patients originally enrolled in the study continued to come for follow‐up visits to the Endocrinology Clinic of the Department of Pediatrics, and hence, provided the late‐phase (convalescent) blood samples for the completion of serologic evaluation. The result of this two‐year survey is the following: 1) one of the 24 hospitalized cases yielded a non‐CB4 enterovirus; 2) serologically, only 2 of 18 IDDM patients showed some CB4 neutralizing antibody (NtAb) activity, ie, rising titers in their late phase sera. In view of the time of onset of patients' symptoms compatible with IDDM, the diabetogenic input of a past CB4 infection could have been considered in one of these two patients. In conclusion, results of our two‐year study indicate that occasionally the onset of IDDM might be associated with an acute CM4 infection.
Etiopathogenetic aspects of hepatitis A. II. Specific and nonspecific humoral immune response during the course of infection
Authors: Ślusarczyk J. , Hansson B. G. , Nordenfelt E. , Krawczyriski K. , Karwowska S. , Knap J.
Published: March 2007

The anti‐HAV humoral immune response in the IgM, IgA, and IgG classes was analyzed weekly in 35 patients with clinically overt hepatitis A during the time of their hospitalization and 2–3 years afterward. In parallel, the dynamics of total immunoglobulins and complement C3 component (C3) levels were determined. The results suggest that the appearance of class‐specific anti‐HAV is compatible with the course of primary humoral immune response, with IgM and IgA anti‐HAV, providing immunity in the early and intermediate phases of the infection, and IgG anti‐HAV, providing immunity in the later phase. The overall appearance of anti‐HAV, total immunoglobulins, and C3, do not support the view that liver injury is mediated by the humoral immune mechanisms. Instead, the hepatocyte damage is probably caused by direct viral cytotoxicity. This hypothesis is supported by a case of hepatitis A in a patient under immunosuppressive treatment.
Restriction enzyme analysis of human cytomegalovirus using DNA extracted from infected cells
Authors: Grillner Lena , Blomberg Ingrid
Published: March 2007

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) isolates were investigated by restriction enzyme analysis. A method for extraction of cellular CMV DNA is described which uses CMV DNA released into the Hirt supernatant after precipitation of cellular DNA. CMV DNA is further purified by ultracentrifugation in neutral sucrose gradient.

Fifteen strains from unrelated patients all had unique cleavage patterns with three restriction enzymes, although many of the fragments comigrated. Strains from related patients mostly showed identical patterns. The CMV genome seems to be stable since the pattern did not change in five isolates obtained from the same patient during a 5‐year period.
The seroepidemiology of infection due to Epstein‐Barr virus in southern India
Authors: Venkitaraman Ashok R. , Lenoir Gilbert M. , John T. Jacob
Published: March 2007

We investigated the seroepidemiology of infection due to Epstein Barr virus (EBV) in 181 south Indian subjects aged 0–25 years using the indirect immunofluorescence method to titrate antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA), nuclear antigen (EBNA), and early antigen (EA). The age‐specific prevalence of IgG antibodies to VCA rose rapidly to 90% by the age of 5 years. The prevalence of VCA‐specific IgM and the geometric mean titre of VCA‐specific IgG antibodies were highest between the ages of 6 months and 2 years, the median age of primary infection being 1.4 years. Thus primary EBV infection occurs early in life. EA antibody prevalence was highest (55%) in the third year of life and remained between 30% and 40% thereafter. This pattern of EA antibody prevalence suggests that the latent EBV infection that persists lifelong after primary infection may be reactivated in many individuals. EBNA antibody prevalence was low until the age of 2 years but rose to 80% in the fourth year. Geometric mean titres of antibodies to EA and EBNA were low and stable at all ages. These results are similar to data from areas where EBV‐associated Burkitt's lymphoma is endemic and indicate a high EBV infection load early in life.
Treatment of chronic type B hepatitis with multiple ten‐day courses of adenine arabinoside monophosphate
Authors: Hoofnagle Jay H. , Davis Gary L. , Hanson Reginald G. , Pappas S. Chris , Peters Marion G. , Avigan Mark I. , Waggoner Jeanne G. , Howard Ruby , Jones E. Anthony , Straus Stephen E.
Published: March 2007

Ten patients with chronic type B hepatitis were treated with three courses of adenine arabinoside monosphosphate (Ara‐AMP). The drug was given intramuscularly at a dosage of 10 mg/kg/day in ten‐day courses during each of three sequential months. The patients were all men, aged 31–61 years, who were known to have had chronic hepatitis for one to four years. Each of the ten‐day courses of Ara‐AMP was accompanied by a marked inhibition in the serum levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and DNA polymerase activity. However, HBV‐DNA remained detectable in every patient during treatment and invariably rebounded to pretreatment levels soon after each course was stopped. One patient developed severe, and two patients developed mild neuromuscular side effects. During a 12–18‐month follow‐up period, only one of the ten patients has had a sustained clinical, serum biochemical, and serological remission. In this patient, serum HBeAg, HBV‐DNA, and DNA polymerase became undetectable three months after the final course of treatment; serum aminotransferase levels subsequently fell into the normal range; and a follow‐up liver biopsy showed a diminution in the chronic inflammatory cell activity and a disappearance of intrahepatic hepatitis B core antigen reactivity. Thus, multiple ten‐day courses of Ara‐AMP do not induce a high rate of remissions in this disease and are associated with appreciable neuromuscular toxicity. Ara‐AMP is a potent inhibitor of serum levels of hepatitis B virus, but Ara‐AMP therapy has not been shown to have long‐term beneficial effects in chronic type B hepatitis.
Hepatitis B virus infection in upper and lower Egypt
Authors: Sherif Mohamed M. , Abou‐Aita Badawy A. S. , Abou‐Elew Mohamed H. , El‐Kafrawi Ahmed O. M. M.
Published: March 2007

The relative prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti‐HBs, and anti‐hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBc), as markers of hepatitis B virus infection, among 1,866 apparently healthy residents of two Egyptian provinces representing Upper and Lower Egypt populations was determined using solid–phase radioimmunoassay (SPRIA).

The prevalence rate of HBsAg in the Egyptian population was moderately high (10.1%); it was higher in the Upper Egypt (11.7%) than the Lower Egypt (8.0%) population and more frequent in young adults—especially those of Upper Egypt—and males than females in both populations. The prevalence of anti‐HBs gradually increased with age; it was higher in the Lower Egypt (51.1%) than the Upper Egypt (41.7%) population, and it was higher in females than males. A remarkably high infection rate, as shown by the prevalence of anti‐HBc, was found in both populations (88.0%), with minor variations depending on age, sex, and geographic area.
Early and late antigens of human cytomegalovirus:Electroimmunodiffusion assay of numbers, relationships, and reactivities with donor sera
Authors: Sweet George H. , Bryant Steven A. , Tegtmeier Gary E. , Beneke Janet S. , Bayer William L.
Published: March 2007

Early antigens (EA) of human cytomegalovirus extracted from cytosine arabinoside‐blocked cells infected with 0.01–20 infectious units (IU)/cell were assayed with human serum by electroimmunodiffusion (EID). The number of detectable EA types increased from one to eight as the IU/cell was raised from 0.01 to 10. There was no increase in the number of EA with further increases in IU/cell, with prolonged culture, or when detergent was included in the extraction buffer. At least five of the eight EA gave reactions of identity with late‐time antigens (LTA) extracted from unblocked cells at late times postinfection. In studies on a panel of sera from donors who were excreting virus and donors who were not, EID was as sensitive as conventional techniques (complement fixation and indirect hernagglutination for LTA, indirect immunofluorescence for EA) in detection of both types of antibodies from excretors but less sensitive in not detecting low levels of the antibodies in some of the sera from nonexcretors. No consistent relationships were observed between donor virological status and the numbers or types of antibodies to EA and LTA.
Comparison of western blot analysis to microneutralization for the detection of type‐specific herpes simplex virus antibodies
Authors: Bernstein David I. , Garratty Eileen , Lovett Michael A. , Bryson Yvonne J.
Published: March 2007

A newly developed system (as described in the previous paper) employing separated herpes simplex virus (HSV) polypeptides electrophoretically transferred to nitrocellulose paper, Western Blot Analysis (WBA), was compared to microneutralization (MN) for the detection of type‐specific antibody to HSV types 1 and 2 in 98 human sera. Sera containing HSV1‐specific antibodies reacted at least twofold more densely (as quantitated by densitornetric scanning) to HSV1 than HSV2 polypeptides, while sera with HSVZspecific antibodies reacted twofold more densely to HSV2 polypeptides. The reliability of this system was determined (1) by analysis of sera from patients with true primary herpes simplex infections, (2) by adsorption studies that removed cross‐reacting antibodies, and (3) by comparison with neutralization. Of 36 sera found to have HSVl‐type‐specific antibody by WBA, 83% had MN ratios of <85 (indicating HSVl antibody), while of 28 sera found to have HSV2‐type‐specific antibody by WBA, 89% had MN ratios of >85 (indicating HSV2 antibodies). The MN ratio obtained on sera felt to have both HSV1‐type‐specific and HSV2‐type‐specific antibody by WBA ranged from 67 to 160. WBA agreed more closely with clinical isolates and adsorption studies than MN. This system not only accurately determines the HSV‐type‐specific antibody status of patients but provides important information on the specific immunogenic proteins.
Studies by electron microscopy on the assembly of duck hepatitis B virus in the liver
Authors: McCaul Thomas F. , Tsiquaye Kwesi N. , Zuckerman Arie J.
Published: March 2007

Liver specimens from 1‐day‐old ducklings infected in ovo with maternally transmitted duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) were examined by electron microscopy. Complete and incomplete DHBV particles were located within hypertrophied cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum of the hepatocytes. The complete viral particles found intracellularly have inner cores with a diameter ranging from 35 to 37.5 nm and an outer coat or envelope. The whole particle measures approximately 45–65 nm in diameter. Naked core particles were located in the nuclei, free in the cytoplasm, and also near or on the cisternal membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum on the cytoplasmic face. Duck hepatitis B virions appear to share morphological characteristics with the viral coat and core of human hepatitis B virus (HBV). Electron microscopy suggested that the core particles of DHBV migrate from the nucleus into the cytoplasm through the nuclear pores. The complete viral particles are probably formed by protrusion of the core particles through the endoplasmic reticulum and by simultaneous encapsulation with a coat derived from the endoplasmic reticulum.
Immunespecific interferon production by peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes from patients with primary and recurrent orolabial herpes simplex virus infections
Authors: Green Jon A. , Weiss Paul N. , Yeh Tze‐Jou , Spruance Spotswood L.
Published: March 2007

Immunespecific IFN (IFN) is produced by the peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBML) of greater than 95% of HSV‐seropositive humans with infrequent recurrences of herpes labialis [Green, Yeh, and Overall, 1981]. However, herpes virus‐induced immunespecific IFN was produced by PBML from only 33 of 48 (68.8%) persons with frequent recurrences (2–12 episodes a year). Two of eight subjects with primary herpes gingivostomatitis also failed to produce immunespecific IFN during either the acute or convalescent phases of their initial HSV infection. These data suggest that some persons have a defective immunespecific IFN response that exists from the time of their primary orolabial HSV type 1 infection. This defect may predispose to a higher frequency of disease in some individuals.
Inadequacy of lmmunoglobulin M hepatitis B core antibody in detecting acute hepatitis B virus infection in infants of HBsAg carrier mothers
Authors: Chen Ding‐Shinn , Sung Juei‐Low , Lai Ming‐Yang , Sheu Jin‐Chuan , Yang Pei‐Ming , Lee Sheng‐Chung , Chen Shen‐Hui , Chang Mei‐Hwei , Ko Tsang‐Ming , Lee Tzu‐Yao
Published: March 2007

To study the usefulness of IgM hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc IgM) for detecting hepatitis B virus infections in infants of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carrier mothers, serial serum samples from 86 infants of carrier mothers were tested for anti‐HBc IgM with a highly specific enzyme immunoassay. Asymptomatic hepatitis B infection occurred frequently in infants under 12 mo of age. Anti‐HBc IgM never became positive in 25 infants infected under 9 mo old. It was positive in only 1 of 6 infected at 9 mo and 4 of 13 infected at 12 mo of age. The IgM antibody lasted for less than 6 mo. Although the infection was delayed in 28 infants receiving hepatitis B immune globulin, the poor anti‐HBc IgM response did not seem to be due to the immune prophylaxis. Our study clearly indicates the limitation of anti‐HBc IgM for detecting acute hepatitis B infection in infants born to HBsAg carrier mothers.
Recent changes in prevalence pattern of Japanese encephalitis virus in hyogo prefecture, Japan, using a two‐dimensional distribution of IgG and IgM class antibody levels in swine sera
Authors: Yamaoka Masaoki , Konishi Eiji
Published: March 2007

Surveillance of antibody to Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus in swine sera was performed during the epidemic season from July to September, 1978 to 1983, in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Two‐dimensional distribution analyses of ELISA values for IgG and IgM class antibodies indicated recent changes in the prevalence pattern. Time courses of antibody levels observed from 1978 to 1980 were similar to those in the 1960s of major epidemics, indicating a synchronous infection during the second wave of infection. In 1982 and 1983, however, the JE prevalence pattern implies an incessant infection cycle between vector mosquitoes and pigs during the latter half of the epidemic season. The delay of the occurrence of JE in patients confirms the longer period of exposure to infectious vectors.
Altered natural history of hepatitis B in homosexual males–‐a reflection of altered immune responsiveness?
Authors: Anderson M. G. , Eddleston A. L. W. F. , Murray‐Lyon Iain M.
Published: March 2007

We suggest that subtle alterations in T‐cell functions in male homosexuals makes them more likely to have silent anicteric hepatitis B infection, and perhaps more likely to become chronic carriers with significant chronic liver disease. This immunodeficiency might also explain why they respond less favourably to antiviral therapy. In future trials of antiviral therapy homosexual males should be randomised separately. Further studies of the immunomodulatory effects of new and existing agents will be of value in designing drug regimes particularly suited to the treatment of homosexual HBV carriers.
Hepatitis B virus‐DNA in the serum of patients followed‐up longitudinally with acute and chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Moestrup T. , Hansson B. G. , Widell A. , Blomberg J. , Nordenfelt E.
Published: March 2007

Sera from 79 patients with acute self‐limiting hepatitis, 17 patients with acute hepatitis B evolving into chronic HBsAg carriership, and 43 chronic HBsAg carriers without a history of acute hepatitis were analyzed for presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA by a molecular hybridization technique. In acute self‐limiting hepatitis, HBV‐DNA was cleared within a few weeks after the onset of clinical symptoms. The longest period of DNA positivity observed in this group was 42 days. In 29 of 52 patients HBV‐DNA was cleared before HBeAg disappeared. Among 17 patients who became chronic HBsAg carriers, HBV‐DNA was present for more than 6 months in all but one. Most of the HBsAg carriers eventually cleared HBV‐DNA. The DNA clearance frequently preceeded the conversion of HBeAg to anti‐HBe. Thus, in many patients there was a transitional period with HBeAg but without HBV‐DNA. HBV‐DNA was found to be a better index of impending chronicity than HBeAg since persistence of HBeAg for more than 42 days was noted in 10% of the patients who nevertheless cleared HBsAg within 6 months. By that time all those patients had turned negative for HBV‐DNA. On the other hand, in 16 of the 17 patients who became chronic carriers of HBsAg, HBV‐DNA as well as HBeAg persisted for more than 6 months. The present results also suggest that infectivity in acute hepatitis B is a feature mainly of the presymptomatic and early symptomatic period.
Seroepidemiological studies on a non‐A, non‐B hepatitis specific antigen/antibody system (SO‐antigen/anti‐SO)
Authors: Kanno Atsushi , Ohori Hitoshi , Nagatsuka Yasuko , Sekino Hiroshi , Tateda Akira , Goto Yoshio , Ishida Nakao
Published: March 2007

The patients and staff members of a haemodialysis unit were examined for their serological responses to SO‐antigen, which was isolated from the urine of epidemic type non‐A, non‐B hepatitis patients at Tohoku University Hospital. To understand how SO‐antigen or SO‐antigen‐related aetiology can be incriminated for the hepatitis found in the haemodialysis unit, the prevalence of SO‐antigen/anti‐SO system and hepatitis A and B virus‐related antibodies was compared in the sera of patients and staff members. Although the SO‐antigen was rarely detected in the serum, anti‐SO antibody was frequently detected in the sera of patients and staff. A significantly higher prevalence was found in the serum of patients (15%, 54 out of 361) than staff members (7.1%, 13 out of 184) and volunteer blood donors (1%, 3 out of 305). The same prevalence percentages of HBV‐related antibodies (either positive for anti‐HBs or anti‐HBc) and anti‐HAV were observed among the patients, staff, and volunteer blood donors, irrespective of whether the sera were anti‐SO positive or negative.

Among the staff, anti‐SO antibody was more frequently found in those with a history of acute hepatitis (16.7%, 3 out of 18) than in those without (6%, 10 out of 166). These prevalence ratios conformed with those of HBV‐related antibodies, but the same prevalence ratios of antibody to HAV were observed between the staff with and without a history of acute hepatitis.

These results indicate that the SO‐antigen/anti‐SO system or entity related to this immune system is distinct from HBV or HAV, and this immune system was found widely in the haemodialysis unit where type B and non‐A, non‐B hepatitis were also found frequently.
Use of a molecular probe for detecting JCV DNA directly in human brain material
Authors: Gibson P. E. , Gardner S. D. , Field A. M.
Published: March 2007

A hybridot assay using a radiolabelled JC virus probe has been used to detect the presence of JCV DNA in brain biopsy and postmortem brain samples from patients with neurological disease and possible progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy. Sixty‐nine brain samples from 45 patients were examined. Eleven samples from eight patients had detectable JCV DNA sequences. In seven of the eight patients this result was confirmed by electron microscopy and/or virus isolation or immunofluorescence.
The detection of respiratory syncytial virus in nasopharyngeal aspirates: Assessment, formulation, and evaluation of monoclonal antibodies as a diagnostic reagent
Authors: Freke A. , Stott E. J. , Roome A. P. C. H. , Caul E. O.
Published: March 2007

Comparisons were made between standard methods of cell culture, indirect immunofluorescence (IF) using hyperimmune respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antiserum, and indirect IF using mouse monoclonal antibodies directed against various epitopes of RSV for the detection of RSV in nasopharyngeal aspirates. The monoclonal antibodies were used singly and in pools of different specificities which in turn were tested in both direct and indirect IF.

In a preliminary study, aspirates from 227 infants were examined for RSV by standard methods. The results were compared with the detection of RSV in these aspirates using nine separate monoclonal antibodies and a pool consisting of five monoclonal antibodies. Respiratory syncytial virus was detected in 64 (28%) by cell culture, in 68 (30%) by indirect IF using bovine polyclonal antibody (BPA), and in 75 (33%) by indirect IF using the monoclonal antibody pool. The nine individual monoclonal antibodies when tested separately were less sensitive, detecting between 8 and 77% of all aspirates found to be positive by culture.

After statistical analysis of the results obtained in the preliminary study, a refined monoclonal antibody pool was prepared and in a further study was tested by both direct and indirect IF in parallel with our two standard methods.

Slides prepared from 303 nasopharyngeal aspirates collected between 1981 and 1984 and either tested the same day or stored at −20°C were used to evaluate these reagents. Overall agreement between the four tests was found in 274 (90%) specimens. Cell culture detected RSV in 68 (22%) specimens, indirect IF with BPA in 67 (22%), indirect IF with monoclonal antibody in 72 (24%), and direct IF with monoclonal antibody in 79 (26%). The pool of monoclonal antibodies used in direct or indirect IF was thus more sensitive than our standard methods for the detection of RSV in nasopharyngeal aspirates, and direct IF tests could be completed in 40 minutes.
An in vitro reactivation system for investigation of herpes simplex virus latency
Authors: Gunn C. S. , Goldwater P. N.
Published: March 2007

An in vitro reactivation system for investigation of herpes simplex virus latency which is inexpensive, simple, and convenient to establish and operate is presented. The system is useful for investigation of compounds that may be involved in suppression or augmentation of herpes simplex virus reactivation. The uses of this model in exploring the mechanism of HSV reactivation, in screening for drugs which affect this process, and in testing their mode of action are discussed.
Hepatitis B vaccine in the prevention of perinatally transmitted hepatitis B virus infections: Initial report of a study in the West Midlands of England
Authors: Boxall Elizabeth H. , Tarlow M. J.
Published: March 2007

A study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine in interrupting perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus from carrier mothers to their babies. A four‐dose schedule was used. Eight of nine babies of e antigen carrier mothers became actively immune when immunisations were started within 48 hr of birth. Effectiveness was reduced if immunisation was delayed. This report includes results from a total of 32 babies, the longest period of follow‐up being 2 years. The success of this scheme is comparable to that of more intensive prophylaxis of immunoglobulin either alone or combined with vaccine and should be seriously considered for the babies of all hepatitis B carrier mothers.
Detection of cytomegalovirus by ELISA in urine samples is inhibited by β2 microglobulin
Authors: McKeating Jane A. , Grundy Jane E. , Varghese Zachariah , Griffiths Paul D.
Published: March 2007

During development of an enzyme immunoassay for the detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) we previously discovered that virus found naturally in urine specimens could not be captured onto the solid phase by CMV‐specific monoclonal antibodies, whereas these same antibodies could capture CMV from cell culture supernatants. We now report that urine from normal CMV‐seronegative individuals contains a substance of molecular weight 11–12,000 daltons that inhibits the ELISA detection of cell culture‐grown CMV. The addition of a known urinary protein of this molecular weight, β2 microglobulin (βm; 11,700 daltons), inhibited the detection of cell culture‐grown CMV in the ELISA over the concentration range found in clinical urine samples. In contrast, another low molecular weight urinary protein, lysozyme, had no inhibitory effect. β2m caused inhibition only when added to the virus preparation and not to the antibody‐capture stage. We conclude that β2m in urine prevents the detection of CMV by ELISA by binding to the virus and masking its antigenic determinants and we culculate that of the order of 105 molecules of β2m bind to each particle of cell culture‐grown CMV. We postulate that CMV in fresh urine specimens is similarly coated with β2m, accounting for the failure to detect it by ELISA.
Evaluation of clinical specimens for the presence of respiratory syncytial virus antigens using an enzyme immunoassay
Authors: Flanders Richard T. , Lindsay Peter D. , Chairez Ruben , Brawner Thomas A. , Kumar Mary L. , Swenson Paul D. , Bromberg Kenneth
Published: March 2007

An enzyme‐linked immunoassay (EIA) was developed for the detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigen in nasopharyngeal secretions. This assay, which employs goat and rabbit anti‐RSV as the capture and detector antibodies respectively, was used in a retrospective evaluation of frozen clinical specimens from children. The EIA results were compared with those of virus isolation in cell culture and direct fluorescent antibody staining performed at the time of specimen collection. The sensitivity of the RSV EIA compared to cell culture was 91.3% (63/69) with a specificity of 96.8% (93/96). The predictive value of a positive EIA result was 95.4% and for a negative EIA result, 93.9%. The sensitivity of the RSV‐EIA compared to direct FA was 91.5% (43/47) with a specificity of 96.5% (83/86). These data represent the preclinical evaluation of the Abbott RSV‐EIA. This assay could prove to be a useful alternative to virus isolation or direct FA for the diagnosis of RSV infection.
Hepatitis a antibody in an isolated amerindian tribe fifty years after exposure
Authors: Black Francis L. , Jacobson Denise L.
Published: March 2007

Antibody to hepatitis A in an Amerindian tribe was found in everyone over 50 years old but in no one younger. We suggest that the tribe had become infected with hepatitis A virus during the period, about 50 years earlier, when they engaged in raids on Luso‐Brasilian settlers, that the virus failed to persist in the tribe when they withdrew into isolation, and that those who had been infected maintained antibody titers without boosting since that time.
Viral hepatitis markers in patients on haemodialysis in a hyperendemic area
Authors: Ashraf Syed Jamaluddin , Arya Subhash Chandra , Parande Chandrakant Mukund
Published: March 2007

Antibody profiles for cytomegalovirus (CMV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the δ‐agent were determined on 55 serum samples drawn from 55 Saudi patients on maintenance haemodialysis for periods ranging form 1.5 months to 2 years. The exposure rates for CMV, HAV, and HBV were 100%, 100%, and 72.7%, respectively. There was no intersex difference in positivity for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to HBsAg (anti‐HBs), antibody to HBV core antigen (anti‐HBc); 15.4%, 65.4%, 3.8% in males and 6.9%, 55.2%, and 0% in females, respectively. Among six HBsAg carriers, one and three were positive for e antigen (HBeAg) and antibody to HBeAg (anti‐HBe), respectively, with two negative for HBeAg and anti‐HBe. The six carriers were also negative for anti‐δ antibody. A comparison of the above antibody profile to the profile of voluntary blood donors and those seeking treatment for minor ailments in the local general hospital, obtained earlier using identical test procedures, revealed no difference for CMV and HAV exposure rate. The HBV exposure rate was higher in the haemodialysed patients (P < 0.001).

The epidemiological measures for preventing nosocomial viral hepatitis including immunisation of susceptibles, can be supplemented, among carriers, by interferon and acyclovir therapy for active viral replication. In HBV hyperendemic areas, haemodialysis patients exposed to HBV should be screened periodically for early signs of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Experimental infection of akodon molinae (Rodentia, Cricetidae) with Junín virus
Authors: Carballal Guadalupe , Videla Cristina , Cossio P. M. , Dulout F. , Acuña Ana M. , Bianchi N. O.
Published: March 2007

Experimental infection with the XJ‐Clone 3 strain of Junín virus in laboratory bred Akodon molinae, a cricetid rodent inhabiting the borders of endemic Argentine hemorrhagic fever areas, was studied.

Suckling animals inoculated intracerebrally proved sensitive and became chronically infected. Sixty percent of the rodents showed neurologic involvement, with mortality reaching 60%.

Virus was recovered from the brain at 7, 15, 21, 37, and 57 days postinfection (pi). By immunofluorescence (IF), viral antigens were observed up to 182 days pi in cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Concurrently, immunoglobulin deposits were detected in infected CNS cells from 21 up to 182 days pi. These deposits increased with the progression of the immune response as measured by IF antibodies. The detection of immune complexes in brain cells of apparently healthy animals suggests that neither viral replication nor the development of a humoral immune response are necessary requisites for neurovirulence in this host.

Infection of adult rodents by different routes failed to induce disease or mortality and virus could not be recovered from oral swabs, blood, or organs.

Our data suggest that Akodon molinae could play a role in nature as an alternative reservoir of Junín virus in addition to the main reservoir, Calomys musculinus.
Prevalence of HTLV‐IIVLAV antibodies in Italian asymptomatic hemophiliacs given commercial concentrates of factors VIII and IX
Authors: Verani Paola , Mariani Guglielmo , Mannucci Pier M. , de Rossi Giulio , Nicoletti Loredana , Titti Fausto , Falcione Emanuela , Pasqualetti Daniela , Ammassari Michele , Gringeri Alessandro , Mandelli Franco , Rossi Giovanni B.
Published: March 2007

The prevalence of HTLV‐IIULAV antibodies was evaluated in 222 Italian asymptomatic hemophiliacs treated exclusively with commercial factor concentrates made with American plasma. An increase of HTLV‐III/LAV seropositivity from 1983 to 1985 was evident. This was independent of the type of hemophilia (A or B) but directly correlated to the amount of concentrate administered in the previous year. Immunological data (T4 and T8 lymphocyte subsets) were evaluated in relation to seropositivity to HTLV‐III/LAV. The presence of antibodies was found to be significantly associated with a low T4/T8 ratio and to a reduced T4 subpopulation, whereas increased levels of T8 lymphocytes correlated weakly with seropositivity. Data from 47 hemophiliacs tested both in 1984 and 1985 showed that 100% of those negative in 1984 and highly transfused in the previous year seroconverted up to 1985, whereas 33% of those not highly transfused did so.
Immunoglobulins that bind to uncoated ELISA plate surfaces: Appearance in mice during infection with lactate‐dehydrogenase‐elevating virus and in human anti‐nuclear antibody‐positive sera
Authors: Cafruny William A. , Heruth Daniel P. , Jaqua Mary Jo , Plagemann Peter G. W.
Published: March 2007

Immunoglobulins present in the blood plasma of mice infected with lactate‐dehydrogenase‐elevating virus (LDV) were found to bind strongly in the presence of 0.05 % Tween 20 to the uncoated surfaces of wells of certain ELISA plates with previously recognized high protein‐binding capacity. The binding was readily distinguishable from non‐specific background binding of immunoglobulins present in normal mouse plasma. The binding components absorbed to protein A and had molecular weights in the 150–300 kDa range. Binding of the purified IgG fraction was progressively inhibited by increasing the concentration of Tween 20 in the diluent and by preincubation of the fraction at pH 3–4 for 10 min. The appearance of plate‐binding IgM and IgG during LDV infection corresponded approximately with previously reported time courses of appearance of IgM‐ and IgG‐containing circulating immune complexes and of specific IgM and IgG anti‐LDV antibodies in LDV‐infected mice. We conclude that complexes of IgG and IgM with LDV antigens have a much higher affinity for ELISA plates with high protein‐binding capacity than uncomplexed immunoglobulins. Immune complexes did not significantly bind to ELISA plates with low protein‐binding capacity, which, therefore, are suitable for measuring specific antiviral antibodies. Preliminary experiments with human anti‐nuclear antibody‐positive serum samples demonstrated markedly elevated non‐specific binding of immunoglobulins to high‐binding‐capacity ELISA plates.
Indirect immunofluorescence, serum neutralization, and viremia responses of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) to Machupo virus
Authors: Gonder Eric. , Eddy G.
Published: March 2007

Although indirect immunofluorescent antibody tests (IFAT) have been developed for several arenaviruses, none has been applied to the rhesus monkey model for Bolivian hemorrhagic fever (caused by the arenavirus Machupo). We infected eight rhesus monkeys with Machupo virus and bled them weekly for determination of viremia and for serum antibody detection by IFAT and serum neutralization (SN) testing. Viremia peaked day 14 post‐inoculation (PI), when two of eight animals had low IFAT titers. At day 21 PI, the six surviving monkeys had elevated IFAT titers and diminished viremias. SN titers were not observed until 28 days PI, when three of four survivors had low titers. Results of the IFAT were available more rapidly than the SN, and detected increased serum antibody titers earlier than the SN. Acetone fixation did not completely inactivate BHF antigen spot slides.
Testing for antibodies to AIDS‐associated retrovirus (HTLV‐III/LAV) by indirect fixed cell immunofluorescence: Specificity, sensitivity, and applications
Authors: Hedenskog Mona , Dewhurst Stephen , Ludvigsen Carl , Sinangil Faruk , Rodriguez Luis , Wu YinTang , Volsky David J.
Published: March 2007

Seropositivity to the AIDS‐associated retrovirus, HTLV‐IIULAV, has profound implications. Simple and reliable tests are needed to detect such antibodies. A rapid, sensitive indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) on acetone‐fixed virusproducing CEM/LAV‐N1 cells was adapted for detection of human antibodies to HTLV‐III/LAV. Specific and nonspecific patterns of immunofluorescent reactivity were easily distinguished, and results paralleled those obtained by Western blotting and radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP), indicating that there is no need to confirm IFA positivity. In contrast, the commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was less reliable. False positives occurred with sera from seven hemophiliacs that were negative on Western blots, and false‐negative reactions were observed on two occasions. These involved low‐titer AIDS‐patients' sera that were positive on Western blots, and from one of which virus was successfully isolated. Our results emphasize the requirement for confirmatory assays when the ELISA test is used for primary screening of sera for antibodies to HTLV‐LII/LAV.

The IFA method is especially well‐suited to quantitative analysis of serum antibody levels. Our data suggest that serum antibody titers rise as disease progression occurs, ultimately falling as severe complications ensue.

It is suggested that in laboratories where the demand for HTLV‐III/LAV antibody testing is not excessive (1,000–2,000 serahonth), IFA could serve as the only serological assay for both screening and epidemiological purposes.
Chronic Neurologic Disease in Junín Virus‐Infected Rats
Authors: Weissenbacher Mercedes C. , Lascano Eduardo F. , Avila María M. , Berría María I.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Junín virus persistence in CNS of rats was capable of inducing late neurologic disease. Following intracerebral inoculation of newborn animals with XJ strain, three distinct stages could be discerned: an early phase of acute disease, up to 30 days pi, with 5% mortality; an intermediate one, extending to 280 days pi, without clinical signs but with evident viral persistence; and a final period of chronic illness, featuring clinical neurologic syndrome, severe perivascular inflammatory reaction, PAP‐labeled viral antigen in a few cerebral and cerebellar neurons, and virus recovery only by coculture. Late neurologic disease seems associated to the lack of effective clearance of brain virus, leading to viral persistence and long lasting immunologic stimulation. The importance of animal models for pathogenic studies on CNS persistent viral infections leading to late neurologic disease is stressed.
Persistence of Free HBV DNA in Body Secretions and Liver Despite Loss of Serum HBV DNA After Interferon‐Induced Seroconversion
Authors: Fagan Elizabeth Ann , Alexander Graeme J. M. , Davison Fergus , Williams Roger
Published: March 2007

Following interferon therapy, a chronic hepatitis B (HBV) carrier lost all serum markers of active viral replication and became anti‐HBe positive but remained positive for free and replicative HBV‐DNA in semen, saliva, urine, and liver four months later. At 12 months, when he also developed anti‐HBs, urine and saliva analysed for free HBV‐DNA were positive. Despite histological remission and loss of HBV‐DNA from serum, the potential for transmission of HBV and reactivation of disease remain.
Prevalence of Antibodies to Enteroviruses and Varicella‐Zoster Virus Among Residents and Overseas Volunteers at Agricultural Settlements in Israel
Authors: Margalith M. , Fattal B. , Shuval H. I. , Morag A.
Published: March 2007

Within the framework of a comprehensive study of the correlation between enteric diseases and wastewater utilization in agricultural settlements (kibbutzim) the prevalence of several viral antibodies was examined among kibbutz residents and overseas volunteers. The latter were assumed to be a group highly susceptible to local pathogens. For the purpose of this study the presence of antibodies against eight enteroviruses [Coxsackieviruses (COX) types A9, B1, B3, and B4, echoviruses (ECHO) types 4, 7, and 9, and hepatitis A virus (HAV)] and a nonenterovirus, varicella‐zoster virus (VZV), was tested in their sera. The prevalence of these viral antibodies among 342 volunteers (aged 18 to 34 years) upon their arrival at the kibbutzim was compared with that of 176 kibbutz residents of the same age. Seroconversion (ie, acquisition of viral antibodies) was tested in 115 of the volunteers two months after their arrival at the kibbutz.

The prevalence of antibodies against each of the eight enteroviruses studied was found to be significantly higher among the kibbutz residents, but the prevalence of antibodies to VZV was similarly high in both groups (52% for volunteers and 59% for kibbutz residents). The mean antibody prevalence for the seven COX and ECHO viruses was 2.1 antibodies/person in the volunteer group v 4.7 antibodies/person among the kibbutz residents. Fifty‐eight percent (58 %) of the residents had antibodies to HAV as compared with 14% of the volunteers.

No correlation was found between seropositivity (ie, previous exposure) to various enteroviruses and the immune status to HAV or VZV in both kibbutz residents and volunteers. About 80% of the volunteer population had antibodies to ≤ 2 viruses/person v ≤4 viruses/person among the entire (almost 100%) population of kibbutz residents of the same age group. Volunteers tested after a two‐month stay showed a mean seroconversion rate of 9.4% per virus (ie, 4.7% per one month, as compared with 1.1 % of the calculated mean for kibbutz residents). Thus, it appears that the highly susceptible volunteer group from abroad became infected during their stay at kibbutzim at a rate of 4.3 times faster than the local residents.
Expression of the X Gene of Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Pugh John C. , Weber Christian , Houston Heather , Murray Kenneth
Published: March 2007

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome carries an open reading frame of 462 bases, the X region, but the corresponding protein has yet to be identified as a natural product. In rodent cells cotransformed with the thymidine kinase gene of herpes simplex virus and HBV DNA, however, Gough [1983] identified a mRNA that hybridises uniquely with the X region of the HBV genome. A large fragment of the X region was inserted into plasmid pCL19LDY‐T in order to produce, in Escherichia coli, the X gene product, HBxAg, as a polypeptide fused to the N‐terminal part of the phage þcro gene product. Antisera raised against this fused polypeptide gave positive immunofluorescence reactions with the transformed rodent cells. This provides direct evidence for the expression of the HBxAg gene in eukaryotic cells transformed with HBV DNA. The approach used here should be generally applicable.
Radioimmunoassay for the detection of IgG antibodies to herpes simplex virus and its use as a prognostic indicator of HSV excretion in transplant recipients
Authors: Berry Neil J. , Grundy Jane E. , Griffiths Paul D.
Published: March 2007

We report the development of a solid‐phase radioimmunoassay for the detection of IgG antibodies to herpes simplex virus (HSV), using a mouse monoclonal antibody specific for the Fc portion of human IgG as the radiolabelled detecting antibody. The binding ratio to test antigen at a single serum dilution, 1:100, correlated significantly with the endpoint titre by radioimmunoassay and with neutralising antibody titre. When compared to neutralisation the radioimmunoassay had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93%. We believe that the anomalous results are not false positives but represent an increased sensitivity of the radioimmunoassay. We found, by either radioimmunoassay or neutralisation, that high levels of antibody prior to transplantation were associated with a significantly increased risk of HSV excretion post‐transplantation in both renal and bone marrow transplant recipients. Thus the radioimmunoassay is a sensitive, specific, and rapid test that can be used as a prognostic indicator of HSV excretion in transplant recipients.
High protection of animals lethally infected with influenza virus by aprotinin‐rimantadine combination
Authors: Zhirnov Oleg P.
Published: March 2007

The successful therapeutic synergism of aprotinin and rimantadine, which are known to attack different viral targets, was demonstrated in influenza‐virus infected animals. Combined treatment with these drugs of mice infected with a highly lethal does of mouse‐adapted influenza virus prevented the development of separate administration of aprotinin and rimantadine induced 35% and 15% protection, respectively.