bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and preliminary characterization of antigenic variant of echovirus type 11
Authors: Matsumoto Kazuo , Kobayashi Takashi , Kimura Yoshinobu
Published: March 2007

Nosocomial infection with echovirus type 11 resulting in aseptic meningitis occurred among newborn babies in a hospital neonatal room at Fukui city. The virus was identified as a variant of echovirus type 11 by cross‐neutralization tests with antisera against the prototype Gregory strain and the current Fukui isolate. Fukui isolates expressed strain specific antigen(s) in addition to type specific common antigen(s), but lacked a certain antigen(s) which was present in the prototype strain. Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of virus polypeptides revealed that the capsid proteins VP2 and VP3 of Fukui strain migrated more rapidly than the Gregory strain, while both strains had the same migration pattern of VP1 protein on which the antigenic determinants responsible for virus neutralization were present. The current strain produced large plaques and was more thermoresistant, suggesting some alterations in the structural proteins of the virus.
Direct modulation of HBV surface antigen in a human, HBsAg‐producing hepatocellular carcinoma cell line by alpha, beta, or gamma interferons
Authors: Korba Brent E. , Boumpas Demetris , Mann Dean , Yoakum George H.
Published: March 2007

A transient depression of HBV serologic markers has been reported for some chronically infected patients treated with human interferons. To determine a molecular basis for these observations, a human, HBV‐carrying, hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (PLC/PRF/5) was treated with human alpha, beta, or gamma interferons. Administration of these interferons resulted in a marked depression of HBV surface antigen (HG‐sAg) levels in the culture medium. This inhibition was transient, with media levels of HBsAg rising substantially within 48 hours following the termination of interferon treatment. Cell growth rates were not affected by alpha interferon treatment, indicating that overall cell protein synthesis was not substantially altered. Although all three classes of interferons were effective in lowering HBsAg levels in the culture medium, intracellular levels of HBsAg‐specific RNA were unaffected. These results suggest that the transient depression of HBV serologic markers in interferon‐treated patients may be a consequence of the failure to disrupt the intracellular pools of HBV RNA in the liver.
Antibody responses against polypeptide components of Epstein‐Barr virus‐induced early diffuse antigen in patients with connective tissue diseases
Authors: Ngou Jean , Segondy Michel , Seigneurin Jean‐Marie , Graafland Hubert
Published: March 2007

The specific humoral response against polypeptide components of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), the induced early diffuse antigen (EA‐D), in patients with connective tissue diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), was investigated by using the immunoblotting technique. The EA(D)‐positive sera from patients with infectious mononucleosis (IM), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), immunocompromised patients (renal transplant recipients and patients with AIDS) as well as the EA(D)‐negative sera from patients with Burkitt's lymphoma and from clinically healthy subjects served as controls. Seven major antigenic polypeptides with molecular weights of 33 kDa, 35 kDa, 52 kDa, 54 kDa, 56 kDa, 58 kDa, and 134 kDa were detected reproducibly by the EA(D)‐positive reference sera and, in particular, by each of the NPC sera tested. The EA(D)‐positive sera from the other groups showed various combinations of detection patterns and few samples reacted with all the major EA(D) polypeptides. Seventy‐three percent of sera from SLE and 47% of sera from MCTD were found to react with EA(D). Sixty‐one percent of sera from SLE vs. 5% from MCTD detected all the EA(D) polypeptides. These results could either reflect perturbations of the immune response linked to the autoimmune disease or suggest a possible pathogenic role of EBV.
Experimental hepatitis E infection in domestic pigs
Authors: Balayan M. S. , Usmanov R. K. , Zamyatina N. A. , Djumalieva D. I. , Karas F. R.
Published: March 2007

Infection with hepatitis E virus was transmitted experimentally to domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica).
Establishment of PCR for the early diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis
Authors: Puchhammer‐Stöckl Elisabeth , Popow‐Kraupp Therese , Heinz Franz X. , Mandl Christian W. , Kunz Christian
Published: March 2007

The early detection of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) represents a major problem in viral diagnostics. We have now established a test system based on PCR for the specific amplification of HSV‐DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples followed by oligonucleotide hybridization.

The test proved to be very sensitive. Five molecules of HSV 1 DNA still yielded positive signals after hybridization. The assay was applied to CSF samples from 6 patients with confirmed HSE. All except one CSF sample obtained from the 2nd to the 8th day after onset of neurological symptoms yielded positive results. The primers used also exhibit a certain degree of crossreactivity with HSV 2, as revealed by testing of a CSF sample from an HSV 2‐infected child.

No positive signals were obtained with human DNA and with DNA from CMV‐ and VZV‐infected fibroblasts. Also 42 CSF samples of patients suffering from other diseases of the CNS yielded negative results.

The present results indicate that the detection of HSV DNA in CSF by PCR represents a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of HSE.
Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for detection of IgG antibody to human herpesvirus 6
Authors: Asano Yoshizo , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Suga Sadao , Yazaki Takehiko , Ozaki Takao , Saito Yumiko , Hatano Yasuko , Takahashi Masayoshi
Published: March 2007

A lysate of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6)‐infected cord blood mononuclear cells was used as antigen for enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of lgG antibody to HHV‐6. Antibody responses after exanthem subitum were well correlated with clinical recovery from the disease and the level of antibody activities was well correlated with indirect immunofluorescence assay and the neutralization test. Seroconversion to other human herpesvirus, including cytomegalovirus, was not observed in infants with exanthem subitum. All of the infants had by the age of 1 month antibodies to HHV‐6, which decreased with age to the lowest level at the age of 3 to 6 months and then increased and reached the maximum level by 1 to 2 years of age. After 3 years of age, the prevalence was almost stable.
Neurovirulence of wild and laboratory Junin virus strains in animal hosts
Authors: Medeot Silvia I. , Contigiani Marta S. , Brandan Eduardo R. , Sabattini Marta S.
Published: March 2007

The neurovirulence of Candid #1 and XJCL3 laboratory strains and CbalV4454 and Cba‐FHA5069 wild strains of Junin virus was studied in albino mice, guinea pigs, and a South American wild rodent, Calomys musculinus, of different ages inoculated by the intracerebral route. Infectivity in brain and organs, lethality, and neuropathological lesions were determined. The laboratory and wild strains showed similar neurovirulence only in 2‐day‐old mice. The neurovirulence of laboratory strains decreased with the age of the animal, and the Candid #1 strain affected only 2‐day‐old mice.

In guinea pigs, the 2 wild strains and XJCL3 laboratory strain were neurovirulent for 11‐day‐old and adult animals giving moderate lymphocytic infiltration in the brain and mild lesions in the spinal cord. Virus titres from the brain and the spinal cord were lower with the XJCL3 and CbalV4454 strains than with the CbalFHA5069 strain; with the latter, virus was recovered only from the lymph nodes, the lung, kidney, liver, and spleen. The Candid #1 strain was not neurovirulent even for 11‐day‐old animals.

In contrast, the laboratory strains were neurovirulent for Calomys musculinus, depending on the brains showing lymphocyte infiltration but not from other organs. The CbaFHA5059 strain was not neurovirulent, although virus was recovered from the brain, spleen, liver, lymph nodes, and salivary glands.

These results with the 3 hosts indicate that Junin virus neurovirulence is virus strain‐dependent, and host species and age‐dependent, with the Candid #1 strain proving the least neurovirulent of the strains studied.
Effect of Phyllanthus amarus on duck hepatitis B virus replication in vivo
Authors: Niu Jianzhang , Wang Yanyan , Qiao Ming , Gowans Eric , Edwards Patrick , Thyagarajan S. P. , Gust Ian , Locarnini Stephen
Published: March 2007

Nine ducks congenitally infected with the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) were treated either orally (four ducks for 10 weeks) or intraperitoneally (five ducks for 12 weeks) with the Indian traditional herbal remedy Phyllanthus amarus. Compared to placebo‐treated control ducks, these treatments did not result in a reduction of circulating viral DNA in the serum or in the level of viral DNA replication in the liver. In two of the five intraperitoneal‐treated ducks, a reduction in the levels of duck hepatitis B surface antigenaemia (DHBsAg) was observed. The data strongly suggest that Phyllanthus amarus has no significant inhibitory effect on DHBV DNA replication and only a minor effect on DHBsAg production.
Kinetics of antibody response to hepatitis B virus determinants and to recombinant vaccines in Italy
Authors: Zanetti A. R. , Tanzi E. , Romano L. , Vigano P. , Cargnel A. , Hojvat S. , Zuckerman A. J.
Published: March 2007

The kinetics of antibody response to the group determinant a and subdeterminants d and y of hepatitis B virus were studied after infection and following immunisation with two recombinant DNA yeast‐derived hepatitis B vaccines. The initial antibody response was to the subdeterminant epitopes, whereas anti‐a antibody, which provides protection against different subtypes of the virus, was not detected for some weeks or months. The delay in the development of anti‐a antibody after active immunisation raises important issues of early protection against infection.
Discordance of hepatitis B e antigen and hepatitis B viral deoxyribonucleic acid
Authors: Scott Janet S. , Pace Raymond A. , Sheridan John W. , Cooksley W. Graham
Published: March 2007

Sera from 899 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers from four separate ethnic groups (Caucasian, Australian Aboriginal, Melanesian, and Asian) were studied for their correlation for hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV DNA) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). Discordance, as signified by the absence of HBV DNA despite the presence of HBeAg, was unusual in Caucasians but frequently occurred in the other three ethnic groups (11–25%). Analysis by age showed that it occurred occasionally during childhood and, in this age group, may simply be part of the process of seroconversion with impending loss of HBeAg, whereas its greater prevalence in patients with liver disease may have a different mechanism. In sera obtained from Melanesians with hepatocellular carcinoma and Asians with chronic hepatitis, discordance was a common feature with HBV DNA being undetectable in those with HBeAg in 87% and 72%, respectively. A number of important implications flow from these observations pertinent to the use of HBeAg to detect replicating virus and the prognostic significance of HBeAg in HBsAg carriers when HBV DNA is undetectable.
Human parvovirus B19 infected fetal liver as a source of antigen for a radioimmunoassay for B19 specific IgM in clinical samples
Authors: Westmoreland Diana , Cohen Bernard J.
Published: March 2007

A radioimmunoassay for human parvovirus B19 IgM was developed using virus antigen derived from infected fetal liver obtained post mortem. The specificity and sensitivity of this assay, compared with an established radioimmunoassay using serum antigen, was determined by testing 126 sera by both techniques. The results obtained demonstrated close concordance.

False negative results were not obtained using fetal liver antigen in 58 tests on known B19 IgM negative sera. Sixty‐four IgM positive sera gave positive results using fetal liver derived antigen and the results obtained were quantitatively similar. Four sera gave false positive results using liver antigen but at a very low level. In view of these results we were able to establish a routine diagnostic service for B19 IgM using fetal liver derived antigen, and the results obtained on the first 459 clinical specimens are presented.
Role of hepatocytes and Kupffer cells in age‐dependent murine hepatitis caused by a phlebovirus, Punta Toro
Authors: Latham Patricia S. , Sepelak Susan B. , Pifat Dominique Y. , Smith Jonathan F.
Published: March 2007

Punta Toro virus (PTV) infection of C57BL/6 mice results in fulminant hepatic necrosis and death in 3‐week‐old susceptible mice, but survival with minimal hepatocellular necrosis in 8‐week‐old resistant mice. Susceptibility in 3‐week‐old mice is associated with an earlier rise of viral titers in liver and serum than that occurring in 8‐week‐old resistant mice. There is also an earlier and more rapid accumulation of infectious progeny in serum vs. liver after PTV infection in both age groups, suggesting that the virus may replicate in extrahepatic sites as well as the liver. PTV infection of isolated hepatocytes and Kupffer cells from 3‐ and 8‐week‐old mice demonstrates a significant age‐related difference in the ability of these cells to support replication of PTV in vitro (P < 0.05). The age‐related difference in liver cell‐PTV interaction appears to be an inherent difference in the liver cells themselves, since there are no age‐related differences in viral adsorption, morphogenesis, cytopathic effect, or interferon action within these cells. Thus, age‐related differences in PTV replication or dissemination at extrahepatic sites, and the ability of the virus to replicate in intrahepatic sites, may be additive factors in the expression of age‐related susceptibility to PTV in C57BL/6 mice.
Clinical performance of a polymerase chain reaction testing algorithm for diagnosis of HIV‐1 infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Wages John M. , Hamdallah Miriam , Calabro Michael A. , Fowler Arnold K. , Oster Charles N. , Redfield Robert R. , Burke Donald S.
Published: March 2007

The clinical performance of a modified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing algorithm was evaluated for confirming the presence of HIV‐1 proviral DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A whole cell lysate, rather than phenol‐purified DNA, was used for PCR amplification, under systematically optimized conditions designed and verified within each PCR run to detect as few as 10 copies of proviral DNA. A sequential testing algorithm was designed requiring reactivity in duplicate (with corresponding non‐reactivity in negative controls) with at least two sets of primers, before reporting a specimen as HIV‐l‐positive. In 196 specimens from patients staged according to the Walter Reed staging system, the PCR test sensitivity and the coculture isolation rate (in parentheses) were found to be: 97% (71%), 100% (85%), and 100% (76%) in stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3 specimens, respectively; and 100% (100%) in stage 4, 5, and 6 specimens. Results were uniformly negative for PCR and coculture isolation from 21 blind negative specimens and 105 (negative) donor leukopacks. These data indicate that this PCR testing algorithm is more accurate than tissue culture isolation methods, especially with early stage patients, and results in detection of HIV‐1 in virtually 100% of seropositive individuals, with no false positives.
Antibody avidity following varicella‐zoster virus infections
Authors: Kangro Hillar O. , Manzoor Shazad , Harper David R.
Published: March 2007

The avidity of IgG antibodies following varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) infections was investigated using urea treatment of antigen‐bound serum antibody by indirect radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunoblotting techniques. Sequential sera from 16 patients with varicella and 17 patients with zoster were tested, as well as sera from 80 seropositive individuals without a recent history of VZV disease.

Both types of assay showed that low‐avidity antibodies predominate early after primary infection, but that antibody avidity increases markedly during convalescence. Using RIA, all sera taken up to 12 weeks after the onset of varicella showed > 50% reduction in antibody titre after treatment with 8 M urea but thereafter the proportion of urea resistant antibody increased with time. In contrast, after recurrent infection, high avidity antibodies were found to predominate at all times. Only 6 of 47 sera tested from zoster cases showed > 30% reduction after urea treatment and all these were taken within 2 weeks after onset of rash. lmmunoblotting also showed that the highly immunogenic p32/p36 nucleoproteins appear to induce predominantly low avidity antibodies, even after recurrent VZV infection.

The results of this study indicate that treatment with 8 M urea in RIA for IgG antibodies may be a simple and reliable method for distinguishing primary and anamnestic antibody responses against VZV.
Intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C virus in Japan
Authors: Kiyosawa Kendo , Sodeyama Takeshi , Tanaka Eiji , Shimizu Satoshi , Furuta Seiichi , Miyazaki Yoshiki , Akahane Yoshihiro , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: March 2007

To clarify the intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV), the prevalence of antibody to HCV (anti‐HCV) in 107 index patients with type C chronic liver disease was studied and compared with the prevalence of anti‐HCV antibody in their 296 family members. Of the 85 index patients who were positive for anti‐HCV, 15 (8%) of 196 of their family members were also HCV antibody positive, whereas of the 22 index patients who were anti‐HCV antibody negative, none of the family members of the 100 evaluated was positive for anti‐HCV antibody, a statistically significant difference between groups (P < 0.02). No specific relative (spouse, child, parent, and sibling) was linked to HCV positivity in the index cases making it difficult to identify the route of infection that is believed to occur via the parenteral route in the home or community.
Differentiation of Oka varicella vaccine strain from wild varicella‐zoster virus strains isolated from vaccinees and household contact
Authors: Shiraki Kimiyasu , Horiuchi Kiyoshi , Asano Yoshizo , Yamanishi Koichi , Takahashi Michiaki
Published: March 2007

The Oka varicella vaccine strain can be differentiated from wild‐type strains by its unique restriction endonuclease fingerprinting (REFP: Hpal‐K and EcoRI‐P) pattern of the gpV‐coding region of the varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) genome. VZV‐DNAs from patients with complicated clinical courses related to vaccination were examined to determine whether they were vaccine‐derived or wild‐type. A virus was isolated from a one year‐old boy with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) who developed typical varicella 28 days after vaccination (case A). Another virus was isolated from a four‐year‐old boy without clinical symptoms following household contact with varicella patients at the age of two months, and he developed zoster 14 months after vaccination (case B). Also, two strains (OK1 and OK2) were isolated from household contacts (mother and sister) with a vaccinee with ALL in Oklahoma who developed varicella 18 days after vaccination (case C). In case C, Bgll‐REFP did not determine conclusively whether the two strains (OK1 and OK2) were vaccine‐derived or wild‐type because the patterns obtained were different from both the Oka varicella vaccine strain and American wild‐type strains [Gelb et al., Journal of Infectious Diseases, 155:633–640, 1987]. All VZV strains examined in the present study were identified as wild‐type by our method using Hpal‐K and EcoRI‐P fragments as marker fragments. Thus it is becoming evident that REFP using Hpal and EcoRl endonucleases is a convenient and reliable means of distinguishing between the Oka vaccine virus strain and wild‐type viruses isolated from individuals developing vesicular rashes shortly and long after varicella vaccination.
Serological responses in volunteers to inactivated trivalent subunit influenza vaccine: Antibody reactivity with epidemic influenza A and B strains and evidence of a rapid immune response
Authors: Zuckerman M. A. , Wood J. , Chakraverty P. , Taylor J. , Heath A. B. , Oxford J. S.
Published: March 2007

A study of the immunogenicity of the inactivated trivalent subunit influenza vaccine for the 1989/90 season was performed in what proved to be an influenza epidemic year. One hundred student volunteers at The London Hospital Medical College participated in the study and the findings indicated that there was an excellent serological match between the epidemic strain of influenza A (H3N2) and the vaccine strain. Before vaccination, the geometric mean titre (GMT) to A/England/308/89, a representative H3N2 epidemic strain in the United Kingdom from the 1989/90 season, was 46. Post‐vaccination the antibody levels rose and 99% of vaccinees had HI titres of 340, the GMT being 131. The serological responses were also investigated against other circulating influenza A (H3N2 and HlN1) and B strains.

Preliminary results of an evaluation of the rapidity of the immune response showed that in three of six subjects rises in HI antibody appeared within two days of vaccination.
Chronic fatigue syndrome: I. Epstein‐Barr virus immune response and molecular epidemiology
Authors: Jones James F. , Streib Joanne , Baker Susan , Herberger Mark
Published: March 2007

Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome were compared to healthy seropositive control subjects in an open study and a case‐control study analyzing spontaneous transformation rates of peripheral blood lymphocytes, EBV viral genome characteristics as determined by DNA restriction fragment polymorphisms, and antibody production by Western blot analysis. Thirty percent of patients versus 8% of control subjects underwent spontaneous transformation in the two studies. Viral genome patterns were overall similar to one another, with polymorphisms frequently present in BamHI B′, K, H, and Y fragments. Only one line was found with the EBNA‐2B genotype. Nineteen lines were found to contain viral DNA in the linear form suggesting active lytic replication. Western blot studies suggested that ill subjects made antibodies to lytic proteins more frequently than did healthy control subjects. Lack of control of EBV outgrowth in vitro is correlated with antibody evidence of active infection in vivo in some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Detection of genital human papillomaviruses by polymerase chain reaction amplification with degenerate nested primers
Authors: Williamson Anna‐Lise , Rybicki Edward P.
Published: March 2007

Degenerate oligonucleotide primers were designed for in vitro amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of a relatively well‐conserved portion of the L1 capsid protein gene of genital human papillomaviruses, A specific 441 bp fragment was amplified by PCR from genomic clones and clinical biopsy specimens containing DNAfrom HPV types6,11,16,18,31, and 33, as well as from a number of other clinical specimens known to contain unclassified HPV isolates. As some HPV non‐specific DNA was also often amplified, another set of degenerate primers was designed which amplified a 335 bp sequence contained within the 441 bp sequence. These nested primers could be used in a two‐stage PCR reaction to obtain distinct HPV‐spe‐cific DNA fragments suitable for direct sequencing. Two‐stage PCR was used to demonstrate the presence of HPV DNA in 13 out of 16 biopsies, which had been classified histologically as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), but which were negative for HPV on Southern blot hybridization. Seven of these amplification products were sequenced, and one proved to be a previously unsequenced HPV type. The results have important implications for the routine detection and typing of genital and other HPV types in clinical samples.
A serological investigation of human herpesvirus 6 infections in liver transplant recipients and the detection of cross‐reacting antibodies to cytomegalovirus
Authors: Sutherland Sheena , Christofinis George , O'Grady John , Williams Roger
Published: March 2007

Sera from 50 orthotopic liver transplant recipients were examined for antibodies to human herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and the findings correlated with the clinical condition of the patients. Both primary and secondary HHV‐6 infections were detected sero‐logically following liver transplantation. Interpretation of serological assays is complicated by CMV and HHV‐6 antibody cross reactions which were common. Sera from 5 patients became HHV‐6 antibody negative following absorption with CMV infected cells. Thirty patients were initially seronegative for HHV‐6 antibodies, 12 remained so following transplantation, 5 developed cross reacting antibodies, and 13 serocon‐verted. The seroconversions occurred at 4 to 8 weeks post‐transplant in the same time period as CMV antibody rises. HHV‐6 IgM was detected in only 4 of the 13. Of the 7 patients who had serological evidence of active HHV‐6 infections but no evidence of CMV infection, 4 (56%) had fever, 1 (14%) hepatitis, 1 (14%) lung dysfunction, and 3 (42%) neurological disorders. In the 12 patients who remained HHV‐6 antibody negative, there were fewer fevers and neurological disorders.
Electron microscopic reporting of gastrointestianal viruses in the United Kingdom, 1985–1987
Authors: Monroe Stephan S. , Glass Roger I. , Noah Norman , Flewett Thomas H. , Caul E. Owen , Ashton C. Ian , Curry Alan , Field Anne M. , Madeley Richard , Pead Patrick J.
Published: March 2007

We examined some epidemiological features of the viruses associated with gastrointestinal illness, using national data reported by electron microscopists in the United Kingdom. During the 3 years analyzed (1985–1987), a total of 1,993 positive detections of astroviruses, caliciviruses, coronaviruses, and small round structured viruses (SRSVs) were reported. In 1 year of this period, 8,210 rotaviruses were reported. More than 90% of the astroviruses and caliciviruses were detected in children under 5 years of age, while coronaviruses and SRSVs were detected in adults as well as children. Detections of astroviruses increased in the winter and were infrequent during the summer, a seasonal pattern similar to that observed for rotaviruses. There was some variability between reporting regions in rates of detection of fecal viruses. We have attempted to identify the reasons for this. We make suggestions for improving the detection of human fecal viruses, and we recognize the need for continued surveillance of these agents.
Latent herpes simplex virus type 1 in normal and Alzheimer's disease brains
Authors: Jamieson Gordon A. , Maitland Norman J. , Wilcock Gordon K. , Craske John , Itzhaki Ruth F.
Published: March 2007

A viral aetiology has long been suspected for Alzheimer's disease (AD) but until now, techniques have not been sufficiently sensitive to provide clear evidence for or against the presence of any viral genome in AD brain. We have used the very highly sensitive method of polymerase chain reaction to look for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) DNA, specifically the viral thymidine kinase (TK) gene, in autopsy brain specimens. DNA samples from HSV‐infected and uninfected Vero cells have been examined concurrently to provide standard “HSV‐positive” and “HSV‐negative” samples, the latter guarding also against false positives caused by cross‐contamination. To preclude false negatives, we have checked the presence of the human gene, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase. In all specimens from 8 AD patients and 6 normal individuals (temporal, frontal and hippocampal), we have found viral TK sequences. In contrast, in preliminary studies on lymphocytes from normals and AD patients, we did not find TK sequences. It is postulated that factors such as number or expression of viral genes and host susceptibility might be related to incidence of AD.
Infection without antibody response in mother‐to‐child transmission of HTLV‐I in rabbits
Authors: Yamade Ichiro , Ishiguro Tatsuya , Seto Akira
Published: March 2007

The presence or absence of the anti‐human T‐cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV‐I) antibody and the HTLV‐I proviral genome was examined in the offspring of inbred rabbits, which were born to HTLV‐I carrier does. The results showed that not all offspring born to the carriers were infected and that not all the infected offspring seroconverted at the age of 10 weeks, which is similar to observations made in human carriers. The anti‐HTLV‐I antibody was assayed by indirect immunofluorescence in 55 offspring at the age of 10 weeks, which were born to B/J or (B/J × Chbb:HM)F1 seropositive HTLV‐I carrier does. Twelve out of 31 offspring born from F1 × F1 mating were seropositive, whereas none of 24 offspring born from B/J × B/J mating, F1 × B/J mating, or F1 × Chbb:HM mating were seropositive. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method revealed the presence of the HTLV‐I proviral genome in 18 out of 23 offspring born from F1 × F1 mating (F2 hybrids). In these 18 HTLV‐l‐infected F2 hybrids, 8 were seropositive and 10 were seronegative. The major histocom‐patibility complex (MHC) of these 23 F2 hybrids was analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in southern hybridization. The results showed no close correlation of MHC with HTLV‐I susceptibility or with seroconversion. Natural infection via mother‐to‐child transmission of virus seems to produce seronegative as well as seropositive carriers. This rabbit model may be useful for the study of seronegative virus carriers via mother‐to‐child transmission of HTLV‐I.
Inhibition of human hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatoblastoma cell lines by deferoxamine
Authors: Tabor Edward , Kin C. M.
Published: March 2007

Inhibition of human hepatocellular carcinoma (PLC/PRF/5 and Hep3B) or hepatoblastoma (Hep G2) cell lines by inclusion of deferoxamine mesylate (desferrioxamine) (DFX) in the culture medium was evaluated. When PLC/PRF/5 cells were maintained for 7 days in 30 or 60 μM DFX, the cell number was decreased by 30–60%, little or no α‐fetoprotein (AFP) was produced, and supernatant endpoint dilution titers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were reduced 1–2 logs. PLC/PRF/5 cells maintained for 7 days without DFX (simultaneous controls) grew to confluence, produced AFP that reached 10–60 ng/ml in the supernate, and the HBsAg titer remained constant or increased 1 log. Similar effects were observed in Hep3B and Hep G2 cells maintained in DFX (except that Hep G2 cells do not produce HBsAg), compared to simultaneous control cells grown in the absence of DFX. The growth of a human embryonic lung fibroblast cell line (WI‐38) was not significantly inhibited by DFX, although it grew at a slower rate than simultaneous control cells grown without DFX. Subsequent growth in FeSO4, of PLC/PRF/5, Hep3B, and Hep G2 cells that previously had been maintained in DFX did not reverse the effects of DFX. PLC/PRF/5 cells were also inhibited when maintained in medium containing equimolar concentrations of DFX and FeCl3, and in medium containing equimolar concentrations of DFX and FeSO4,. PLC/PRF/5 cells were not inhibited by maintenance in up to 60 μM of another chelating agent that has a similar affinity for iron, calcium disodium versenate (EDTA). These studies show that DFX inhibits the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatoblastoma cell lines regardless of the presence (PLC/PRF/5, Hep3B) or absence (Hep G2) of integrated hepatitis B virus DNA. The findings also suggest that the inhibition may have been due to mechanisms other than iron chelation.
Effect of rimantadine on the immune response to influenza A infections
Authors: Clover Richard D. , Waner Joseph L. , Becker Lorne , Davis Alan
Published: March 2007

The effects of rimantadine on lymphocyte responses to mitogens CON‐A and PHA, natural killer cell activity, and the development of serum and local antibodies were studied during an epidemic outbreak of influenza A (H3N2). Twenty‐three families consisting of 38 adults and 46 children had a member who developed a flu‐like illness and were randomly assigned to receive placebo or rimantadine either as treatment or post exposure prophylaxis. Nasal washings for virus isolation and IgG and IgA determination were collected on days 1, 5, and 10 of illness. Blood samples for immunologic studies were obtained on days 1 and 5 of clinical illness and on day 21. No differences in lymphocyte responses to CON‐A and PHA or in natural‐killer cell activity were noted between placebo and rimantadine groups. The development of neutralizing antibodies to influenza H3N2 was also not affected by rimantadine. However, the presence of IgA in nasal secretions was significantly diminished in the rimantadine group compared to the placebo group (0/9 vs. 619, P < 0.005).

The findings indicate that rimantadine had no adverse affect on the systemic immune system. However, local immune response was diminished in individuals taking rimantadine possibly due to the presence of less immunogen resulting from reduction of virus in secretions of individuals taking antivirals.
Temporal distribution of human rotavirus serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4 in venezuelan children with gastroenteritis during 1979–1989
Authors: White Laura , García Dorys , Boher Yordi , Blanco Mario , Pérez Mireya , Romer Hans , Flores Jorge , Pérez‐Schael Irene
Published: March 2007

The temporal distribution and clinical severity of rotavirus VP7 serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4 recovered from 427 Venezuelan children with acute gastroenteritis over a period of 11 years were studied. Rotavirus VP7 serotype was established by ELSA serotyping in 298 (69.78%) of the specimens while the serotype of the remaining 129 (30.21%) samples could not be determined. Of the specimens typed, 85 (19.90% of the total) were serotype 1, 43 (10.07%) were serotype 2, 105 (24.59%) were serotype 3, and 65 (15.22%) were serotype 4. Yearly changes in the frequency of individual serotypes were observed. The predominance of a single serotype with minor contribution from others was noted every year. In this study, serotype 1 appears to induce a less severe illness in comparison with serotypes 2, 3, and 4. No apparent association between the proportion of each serotype and the children's age were found.
Detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 genomic RNA in plasma samples by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Bagnarelli Patrizia , Menzo Stefano , Manzin Aldo , Giacca Mauro , Varaldo Pietro Emanuele , Clementi Massimo
Published: March 2007

An application of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to the direct detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) viremia is described. The amplification of specific HIV‐1 sequences of gag and env viral genes was carried out after the reverse‐transcription of plasma samples (plasma RT‐PCR) from seropositive subjects. The assay is faster and cheaper than detection of specific HIV‐1 transcripts from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by RT‐PCR. The data suggest that HIV‐1 viremia is detectable by plasma RT‐PCR in a large proportion of seropositive individuals.
Recombinant immunoblot assay for hepatitis C antibody in patients with posttransfusion non‐A, non‐B hepatitis
Authors: Wang Jin‐Town , Wang Teh‐Hong , Lin Jaw‐Town , Sheu Jin‐Chuan , Lin Sy‐Ming , Sung Juei‐Low , Chen Ding‐Shinn
Published: March 2007

In a prospective study of 287 patients who received blood transfusion, 26 who were found positive for hepatitis C antibody (anti‐HCV) by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) were studied by a recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA). Nineteen of the 26 patients had posttransfusion non‐A, non‐B (NANB) hepatitis. Sixteen (84.2%) of the 19 patients with hepatitis had positive results by RIBA, 2 had indeterminate results, and 1 was negative. By contrast, five of the 7 recipients without hepatitis were negative, 1 indeterminate, and 1 positive by RIBA. Those with negative RIBA results had significantly lower optical density (OD) readings by ELISA than those with positive RIBA tests. Therefore, patients without hepatitis or lower OD value have a higher false‐positive rate in anti‐HCV ELISA than did those with a high OD value or with evidence of hepatitis.
Unlinked surveillance of the prevalence of HIV infection in antenatal patients in the west Midlands, England
Authors: Ala F. , Smillie Jane , Nicholson G. , Gough D. , Duddin R. , Knox G.
Published: March 2007

In the course of an unlinked, anonymous survey of anti‐HIV seroprevalence among antenatal patients in the West Midlands, carried out between November 1986 and March 1990, seven out of 202,012 patient samples were anti‐HIV seropositive.

Although the numbers of women infected by heterosexual contact are still low in this region, it is likely that HIV infection is no longer limited to well‐defined, male risk groups. It is therefore increasingly important to monitor the course of the epidemic through large‐scale unbiased surveys of the heterosexual population in order to plan future preventive and health‐care strategies.
Lack of HBV and HDV replicative activity in HBsAg‐positive intravenous drug addicts with immune deficiency due to HIV
Authors: Monno L. , Angarano G. , Santantonio T. , Milella M. , Carbonara S. , Fiore J. R. , Fico C. , Pastore G.
Published: March 2007

The effects of HIV infection on HBV and HDV replication and liver damage were evaluated by comparing the findings from 48 anti‐HIV‐positive HBsAg chronic carriers with those from 22 matched anti‐HIV‐negative subjects. The state of HBV/HDV infection was also related to the degree of immunodeficiency of the anti‐HIV‐positive patients. Most patients were intravenous drug addicts (IVDA) (84.2%); male homosexuals represented only a small proportion (7.1%). Serum HBV‐DNA was detected more frequently in anti‐HIV‐negative than in anti‐HIV‐positive patients (50% vs. 35%) despite evidence of HDV replication in the anti‐HIV‐negative group (P=0.02). Seroconversion from ongoing to inactive HBV infection occurred in 45% of anti‐HIV‐negative patients as well as in 23% of anti‐HIV‐positive patients (P=ns). The difference in severity of liver damage between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.84). Furthermore, in the anti‐HIV‐positive subjects, HBV and/or HDV activity was detected in 63% of patients with mild immunodeficiency (CDC groups II and Ill with a total CD4 count >400/mm3) and also in 75% of ARC‐AIDS patients (CDC groups IV A‐IV C) (P = ns). Severe hepatic disease occurred in subjects with CD4 counts above or below 400/mm3 (13 vs. 6, respectively).

In conclusion, the data do not demonstrate that HBV or HDV infections are modified by HIV. The epidemiological background of the patients investigated and the extensive spread of hepatitis viruses in Italy before the appearance of HIV may account for the lack of relationship between HIV and HBV/HDV infections.
Polyamine biosynthesis in cells infected with different clinical isolates of human cytomegalovirus
Authors: Clarke John R. , Tyms A. Stanley
Published: March 2007

Previous work in this laboratory showed that polyamine biosynthesis was stimulated in fibroblasts following infection with the AD169 strain of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) or with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) (Tyms et al: Biophysics Research Communications 86:312–318, 1979; Advances in Polyamine Research 4:507–517,1983). Here we compare the affect of AD169 on polyamine production in infected fibroblasts with that of the unusual Colburn strain of HCMV. The Colburn virus is unusual in that it was isolated from a 7 year old boy with encephalitis and molecular studies indicated the virus was simian like (Huang et al: Journal of Virology 26:718–723, 1978).

As a consequence of CMV infection a two to ten fold increase in the spermine content of fibroblast cells is observed. Radiolabel transfer experiments show that spermine is synthesized throughout virus infection. Indeed, spermidine and spermine are specifically incorporated into the purified virions of the AD169 and Colburn strains of HCMV. Furthermore, polyamine biosynthesis is stimulated in fibroblast cells infected with a number of low passage clinical isolates of HCMV. Inhibition of polyamine biosynthesis in HCMV infection may provide a specific and novel target for antiviral chemotherapy.
Outbreak of acute hepatitis E virus infection among military personnel in northern Ethiopia
Authors: Tsega Edemariam , Krawczynski K. , Hansson B.‐G. , Nordenfelt E. , Negusse Y. , Alemu W. , Bahru Y.
Published: March 2007

An outbreak of acute hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection occurred from October 1988 to March 1989 in military camps in northern Ethiopia. The epidemic was waterborne and entirely confined to military men, of whom 423 hospitalized, icteric patients were studied. The clinical course was mild and short, without any fulminant hepatitis or death. All sera tested for anti‐HAV‐lgM were negative and among 54(13%) patients who were positive for HBsAg, 7(2%) were positive for anti‐HBc IgM. On the other hand, 28 of 30 (93%) patients had antibodies against hepatitis E virus (anti‐HEV) in contrast to 1 of 29 (3%) asymptomatic controls (P< 0.01). The need for an easily available, inexpensive serologic test for HEV infection, protection of water supplies from fecal contamination, adequate chlorination and/or boiling of drinking water, and health education about personal and environmental hygiene, especially in communities at high risk, is emphasized.
Detection of two antigenic subpopulations of A(H1N1) influenza viruses from pigs: Antigenic drift or interspecies transmission?
Authors: Donatelli I. , Campitelli L. , Castrucci M. R. , Ruggieri A. , Sidoli L. , Oxford J. S.
Published: March 2007

Serological analysis of a group of 63 influenza H1N1 viruses isolated from pigs in Italy in the period 1976–1988 revealed the presence of two distinct antigenic subpopulations: some viruses possessed a haemagglutinin indistinguishable from that of viruses typically associated with pigs, i.e., A/New Jersey/8/76 (H1N1), whereas others showed a close antigenic relatedness with the haemagglutinin of avian‐like HI viruses. These findings represent further evidence that influenza A viruses from avian species may be transmitted to mammals. The surface and internal proteins of some of these viruses were also analyzed biochemically to evaluate the molecular relatedness among viruses circulating in nonhuman hosts.
Antibody response to the immediate early protein of cytomegalovirus in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Shiraki Kimiyasu , Ishibashi Michio , Okuno Toshiomi , Yamanishi Koichi , Takahashi Michiaki , Tanaka Kazuko , Baba Koichi , Yabuuchi Hyakuji , Kokado Yukito , Takahara Siro , Sonoda Takao
Published: March 2007

The antibody response to the immediate early protein (IEP) of cytomegalovirus (CMV) was examined in seven renal transplant recipients during CMV reactivation and associated clinical abnormalities. Three cases with antibody increase to the IEP in the week after CMV isolation had no CMV‐induced disease. The four patients without antibody increase exhibited laboratory abnormalities and three of them had renal dysfunction. In this small number of patients, the antibody response to the IEP in the week after isolation of CMV was associated with absence of abnormal clinical laboratory findings including renal function, and the prognosis was good for graft function in renal transplant recipients with CMV reactivation.
Brief report: Parainfluenza virus type 3 infections: Findings in sydney and some observations on variations in seasonality world‐wide
Authors: De Silva L. M. , Cloonan M. J.
Published: March 2007

Parainfluenza virus type 3 (Para 3) is an important childhood pathogen causing a significant amount of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants. Virus data were analysed over a twelve‐year period (197–1989), and a peak incidence of infection was observed in spring as in Houston, USA, unlike in the United Kingdom where summer epidemics appear to be the norm. The temperature ranges were analysed in the different study areas during Para 3 epidemics and similar ranges in temperature were noted which might provide an explanation for the apparently discordant findings in seasonality reported from different parts of the world.
Removal of parvovirus B19 from contaminated factor VIII during fractionation
Authors: Schwarz Tino F. , Roggendorf Michael , Hottenträger Barbara , Stolz Wilhelm , Schwinn Horst
Published: March 2007

A solution of pooled cryo‐precipitate for preparing factor Vlll (F VIII) by the solventi/detergent method was contaminated experimentally with parvovirus B19‐positive plasma to evaluate virus reduction achieved by the final steps of the F Vlll production process. Virus reduction was at least 2 logs of the total amount of B19 virus added to the pooled cryo‐precipitate. The major amount of B19 virus was detected in the solution used to regenerate the F VIII‐selective anion exchange chromatography column. A few viral particles were detected in the final F Vlll concentrate before filtration but these were aggregates and were removed by filtration, and in the solution used to regenerate the anion exchange resin. It is not known whether the residual viral DNA present in the final product represents infectious or inactivated particles.
Treatment with human gamma interferon of chronic hepatitis B: Comparative study with alpha interferon
Authors: Kakumu Shinichi , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Mizokanii Masashi , Orido Etsuro , Yoshioka Kentaro , Wakita Takaji , Yamamoto Masahiko
Published: March 2007

A pilot study was designed to determine the tolerance and effectiveness of natural or recombinant gamma interferon in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Sixteen patients received 0.5 to 3.0 million units (MU) per day of gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) for 7 days. Nineteen chronic hepatitis B patients who were treated with 5–6 MU leukocyte‐derived alpha interferon (IFN‐α) daily served as controls. All completed the treatment schedule. IFN‐γ exerted mild, but significant inhibitory effects ( P < 05) on serum DNA polymerase levels. However, the changes were significantly less (P < 001) than those seen with IFN‐α therapy when compared with percent change from basal values. In contrast, serum 2', 5'‐oligoadenylate synthetase (2–5 AS) activities were markedly enhanced t o a similar extent during therapy with both IFNs. Serum β2‐micro‐globulin values were significantly increased by administration with both IFNs, although higher values were seen with IFN‐γ. Five patients received 1 MU IFN‐γ for 28 consecutive days and their HBeAg levels similarly decreased as those seen in patients treated with IFN‐α. Side effects seemed to be greater during IFN‐γ therapy than IFN‐α despite the lower doses used. The antiviral effect on serum HBV levels appeared less with IFN‐γ than with IFN‐α. Alternatively immunomodulatory functions may have been enhanced with IFN‐γ in patients with chronic HBV infection.
Direct measurement of viraemia in patients infected with HIV‐1 and its relationship to disease progression and zidovudine therapy
Authors: Semple Malcolm , Loveday Clive , Weller Ian , Tedder Richard
Published: March 2007

Cell‐free human immunodeficiency virus type‐I (HIV‐1) was precipitated from archival serum with polyethylene glycol (PEG), and HIV‐1 RNA was detected and quantified by reverse transcription and amplification in a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The assay of endpoint dilutions cDNA in nested PCRs allowed an estimation of the minimum RNA copies per unit volume of serum. RNA titres correlated with the classification of HIV‐1 infection by CDC disease groups (30 patients). The geometric mean titres of HIV‐1 serum RNA from patients grouped by disease stage gave minimum estimates of 340 and 400 virions per millilitre of serum in CDC groups II and Ill (n = 6 and 10, respectively) and 4,240 virions per millilitre in CDC group IV (n = 14). An overall fall in viral titre measured in this way was observed in 3 patients during zidovudine treatment. HIV‐1 titres increased in a further 4 patients when therapy was interrupted, stopped, or complicated by secondary infection.