bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological Study of Prevalence of Genogroup II Human Calicivirus (Mexico Virus) Infections in Japan and Southeast Asia as Determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays
Authors: Honma Shinjiro , Nakata Shuji , Numata Kazuko , Kogawa Keiko , Yamashita Teruo , Oseto Mitsuaki , Jiang Xi , Chiba Shunzo 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Mexico virus (MXV) is a genogroup II human calicivirus (HuCV). We conducted an epidemiological study to determine the prevalence of MXV infection in infants and adults in Japan and Southeast Asia by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) developed by using baculovirus-expressed recombinant MXV (rMXV) capsids. Of 155 stool specimens obtained from children younger than 10 years old with acute clinical gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting) associated with small, round-structured viruses in Japan from 1987 to 1989, only 2 were positive for MXV antigen. In 42 outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in Japan from 1986 to 1994, 1 in an infant home and 1 among adults were positive for MXV antigen. The pattern of acquisition of antibody to rMXV was different from that of acquisition of antibody to group A rotavirus, the prototype HuCV Sapporo virus, and Norwalk virus. The prevalence of antibody to rMXV remained low for the first 3 years of life, showed a steep rise during nursery school age, reaching a prevalence of 50%, and another steep rise during adolescence, reaching 80%; and steadily increased thereafter. A high prevalence of antibody (82 to 88%) was observed in adult populations in Japan and Southeast Asia, suggesting that MXV infection is common in these areas. The discrepancy between the high prevalence of antibody to MXV and a low rate of detection of MXV antigen may be explained by a high specificity of the antigen ELISA for the prototype and closely related MXV strains while serological responses can detect responses to a broader group of viruses.
The Gamma Interferon Gene Knockout Mouse: a Highly Sensitive Model for Evaluation of Therapeutic Agents against
Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Griffiths Jeffrey K. , Theodos Cynthia , Paris Melissa , Tzipori Saul 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Cryptosporidiosis is a serious disease in malnourished children and in people with malignancies or AIDS. Current rodent models for evaluating drug therapy against cryptosporidiosis have many limitations, including the need for a high inoculum, the absence of symptoms resembling those seen in humans, and the need to maintain exogenous immunosuppression. We have developed a gamma interferon knockout (GKO) mouse model with which to evaluate therapies against
C. parvum
and have used paromomycin for evaluation of this model. The GKO model offers considerable improvements over other systems, since it requires no additional immunosuppression and adult mice can be infected with as few as 10 oocysts (compared with 10
7
for SCID mice). Infected mice develop profound gastrointestinal dysfunction due to extensive infection and severe mucosal damage involving the entire small intestine. Clinical symptoms, which include depression, anorexia, weight loss, and wasting, result in death within 2 to 4 weeks. The time of death depends on the oocyst challenge dose. Paromomycin modulated parasitological and clinical parameters in highly predictable and significant ways, including prevention of death. In addition, examination of the extensively infected gut provided an important insight into the dynamics between a specific drug treatment, its impact on the extent and the site of parasite distribution, and clinical outcome. These uniform symptoms of weight loss, wasting, and death are powerful new parameters which bring this model closer to the actual disease seen in humans and other susceptible mammalian species.
Naturally Occurring Orthopoxviruses: Potential for Recombination with Vaccine Vectors
Authors: Sandvik Tore , Tryland Morten , Hansen Hilde , Mehl Reidar , Moens Ugo , Olsvik Ørjan , Traavik Terje 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Orthopoxviruses are being increasingly used as live recombinant vectors for vaccination against numerous infectious diseases in humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. For risk assessments and surveillance, information about the occurrence, distribution and ecology of orthopoxviruses in western Europe is important but has mainly been based on serological investigations. We have examined kidneys, lungs, spleens, and livers of Norwegian small rodents and common shrews (
Sorex araneus
) for the presence of orthopoxvirus DNA sequences by PCR with primers complementary to the viral thymidine kinase (TK) gene. PCR amplicons were verified as orthopoxvirus specific by hybridization with a vaccinia virus TK-specific probe. A total of 347 animals (1,388 organs) from eight locations in different parts of Norway, collected at different times of the year during 1993 to 1995, were examined. Fifty-two animals (15%) from five locations, up to 1,600 km apart, carried orthopoxvirus DNA in one or more of their organs, most frequently in the lungs. These included 9 of 68 (13%) bank voles (
Clethrionomys glareolus
), 4 of 13 (31%) gray-sided voles (
Clethrionomys rufocanus
), 3 of 11 (27%) northern red-backed voles (
Clethrionomys rutilus
), 16 of 76 (21%) wood mice (
Apodemus sylvaticus
), and 20 of 157 (13%) common shrews. The previous isolation of cowpox virus from two clinical cases of infection (human and feline) at two of the locations investigated suggests that the viruses detected are cowpox and that some of the virus-carrying small mammalian species should be included among the cowpox virus natural reservoir hosts in Scandinavia and western Europe.
Evaluation of the Murex Hybrid Capture Cytomegalovirus DNA Assay versus Plasma PCR and Shell Vial Assay for Diagnosis of Human Cytomegalovirus Viremia in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Barrett-Muir Winsome Y. , Aitken Celia , Templeton Kate , Raftery Martin , Kelsey Steve M. , Breuer Judy 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

We evaluated a cytomegalovirus (CMV) 24-hour shell vial assay (SVA), the Murex Hybrid Capture CMV DNA assay (HCA), and a CMV plasma PCR for the detection of CMV viremia in renal and bone marrow transplant recipients and human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. CMV viremia was detected by at least one method in 125 of 317 evaluable samples (39.4%) from 78 patients and was detected in 19.8% of samples by SVA, 26.8% by HCA, and 32.2% by plasma PCR. There was moderate to substantial agreement between the results of the different tests (kappa coefficient = 0.415 to 0.631). However, HCA and plasma PCR were significantly more sensitive than SVA (
P
= 0.001 and
P
< 0.0001, respectively; McNemar’s test), and plasma PCR was more sensitive than HCA (
P
= 0.031; McNemar’s test). HCA and plasma PCR were more consistently positive than SVA during viremic episodes (
P
= 0.0002 and
P
< 0.0001, respectively; McNemar’s test). The use of HCA or plasma PCR may therefore improve the diagnosis and management of CMV disease in susceptible patient groups.
Prevalence of Astroviruses in a Children’s Hospital
Authors: Shastri Sunita , Doane Anne Martin , Gonzales Jaime , Upadhyayula Usha , Bass Dorsey M. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

An enzyme immunoassay for astrovirus was used to screen 357 stool samples from 267 symptomatic inpatients at a tertiary-care children’s hospital. Thirty stool samples from 26 patients contained astrovirus antigen, while rotavirus was found in 34 samples and
Clostridium difficile
toxin was found in 40. Half of the astrovirus infections were nosocomial. Additional pathogens were identified in six of the astrovirus antigen-positive stool samples. Most (80%) of the astroviruses recovered were of serotype 1. Astrovirus infections were significantly more common than rotavirus or
C. difficile
infections in very young infants and in those with surgical short-bowel syndrome.
Evaluation of the Etest Method for Determining Fluconazole Susceptibilities of 402 Clinical Yeast Isolates by Using Three Different Agar Media
Authors: Pfaller M. A. , Messer S. A. , Karlsson Å. , Bolmström A. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

The performance of the Etest for fluconazole susceptibility testing of 402 yeast isolates was assessed against the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) microdilution broth method. The NCCLS method employed RPMI 1640 broth medium, and MICs were read after incubation for 48 h at 35°C. Etest MICs were determined with RPMI agar containing 2% glucose (RPG), Casitone agar (CAS), and Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA) and were read after incubation for 48 h at 35°C. The yeast isolates included
Candida albicans
(
n
= 161),
Candida glabrata
(
n
= 41),
Candida tropicalis
(
n
= 35),
Candida parapsilosis
(
n
= 29),
Candida krusei
(
n
= 32),
Candida lusitaniae
(
n
= 31),
Candida
species (
n
= 19),
Cryptococcus neoformans
(
n
= 40), and miscellaneous yeast species (
n
= 14). The Etest results correlated well with reference MICs. Overall agreement was 94% with RPG, 97% with CAS, and 53% with MHA. When RPG was used, agreement ranged from 89% for
Candida
spp. to 100% for
C. krusei
. When CAS was utilized, agreement ranged from 93% for
Cryptococcus neoformans
to 100% for
C. tropicalis
,
C. parapsilosis
,
C. lusitaniae
,
Candida
spp., and miscellaneous yeast species. With MHA, agreement ranged from 17% for
C. parapsilosis
to 90% for
C. krusei
. Both RPG and CAS supported growth of all yeast species, whereas growth on MHA was comparatively weaker. Etest results were somewhat easier to read on CAS. The Etest method using either RPG or CAS, but not MHA, appears to be a viable alternative to the NCCLS reference method for determining fluconazole susceptibilities of yeasts.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Clinical Strains of CDC Group IVc-2
Authors: Osterhout Gerard J. , Valentine Joan L. , Dick James D. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

CDC group IVc-2 is a gram-negative, oxidase-positive, nonfermentative bacillus that has been implicated in human infections, including septicemia and peritonitis. Biochemically it most closely resembles
Bordetella bronchiseptica
and
Alcaligenes
sp. Results of cellular fatty acid (CFA) and 16S rRNA gene analysis were combined with biochemical data to assist in identification and classification. The predominant CFAs were hexadecanoic acid (16:0),
cis
-9-hexadecanoic acid (16:1ω7c),
cis
-11-octadecanoic acid (18:1ω7c), and Δ-
cis
-9,10-methylenehexadecanoic acid (17:0cyc). Small amounts (2 to 5%) of 3-hydroxytetradecanoic acid (3-OH-14:0), tetradecanoic acid (14:0), 2-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid (2-OH-16:0), and Δ-
cis
-11,12-methyleneoctadecanoic acid (19:0cyc) were also consistently present. The highest 16S rRNA gene similarity was with
Ralstonia eutropha
and
Ralstonia solanacearum
. The CFA and 16S rRNA gene sequence data support the inclusion of CDC group IVc-2 in the recently created genus
Ralstonia
, which includes
R. eutropha
,
R. pickettii
, and
R. solanacearum
.
Phylogenetic Classification of
Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Complex Strains Based on DNA Sequences of Nuclear Ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 Regions
Authors: Makimura Koichi , Mochizuki Takashi , Hasegawa Atsuhiko , Uchida Katsuhisa , Saito Hiuga , Yamaguchi Hideyo 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Using internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region ribosomal DNA sequences from 37 stock strains and clinical isolates provisionally termed
Trichophyton mentagrophytes
complex in Japan, we demonstrated the mutual phylogenetic relationships of these strains. Members of this complex were classified into 3 ITS1-homologous groups and 13 ITS1-identical groups by their sequences. ITS1-homologous group I consists of
Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii
,
T. mentagrophytes
human isolates, and several strains of
T. mentagrophytes
animal isolates. Five strains of
Arthroderma simii
form a cluster comprising ITS1-homologous group II. The Americano-European and African races of
Arthroderma benhamiae
,
T. mentagrophytes
var.
erinacei
, and one strain of a
T. mentagrophytes
animal isolate constitute ITS1-homologous group III. According to the phylogenetic tree constructed with
Trichophyton rubrum
as an outgroup, ITS1-homologous groups I and II comprised a monophyletic cluster and ITS1-homologous group III constituted another cluster which was rather distant from the others in the complex. This system was applicable to the phylogenetic analysis of closely related strains. Using this technique, human and animal isolates of
T. mentagrophytes
were also clearly distinguishable from each other.
Branched-DNA Assay for Detection of the
mecA
Gene in Oxacillin-Resistant and Oxacillin-Sensitive Staphylococci
Authors: Kolbert C. P. , Arruda J. , Varga-Delmore P. , Zheng X. , Lewis M. , Kolberg J. , Persing D. H. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

The identification of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus isolates in the clinical laboratory has typically been performed by using methods that detect phenotypic expression of resistance determinants. However, these methods may be difficult to interpret and some isolates do not express resistance until selective pressure is administered. Assays that detect genetic determinants are not subject to these limitations and have been effective in distinguishing isolates that are capable of expressing the resistance phenotype. In this study, a novel branched-DNA (bDNA) hybridization assay was used to test for the
mecA
gene in 416 clinical staphylococcal isolates. The results were compared with those obtained by a PCR-based assay and oxacillin disk diffusion. For 155
Staphylococcus aureus
and 261 coagulase-negative
Staphylococcus
isolates, the bDNA assay and PCR results were 100% concordant. Among the
S. aureus
isolates, 20 were MecA
+
and 135 were MecA
−
. For the coagulase-negative staphylococci, 150 were MecA
+
and 111 were MecA
−
. The results from the genotypic detection methods were compared with those obtained by oxacillin disk diffusion. No discrepancies were detected among the
S. aureus
isolates; however, 10 coagulase-negative isolates were MecA
+
but oxacillin sensitive and 1 isolate was MecA
−
but oxacillin resistant. Oxacillin resistance was induced in 6 of the 10 MecA
+
isolates previously classified as oxacillin sensitive. These results suggest that the bDNA method described here is a sensitive and efficient method for detection of methicillin resistance in staphylococci and that genetic detection methods may be useful for detection of potential methicillin resistance in the clinical laboratory.
Cloning and Characterization of Multigenes Encoding the Immunodominant 30-Kilodalton Major Outer Membrane Proteins of
Ehrlichia canis
and Application of the Recombinant Protein for Serodiagnosis
Authors: Ohashi Norio , Unver Ahmet , Zhi Ning , Rikihisa Yasuko 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

A 30-kDa major outer membrane protein of
Ehrlichia canis
, the agent of canine ehrlichiosis, is the major antigen recognized by both naturally and experimentally infected dog sera. The protein cross-reacts with a serum against a recombinant 28-kDa protein (rP28), one of the outer membrane proteins of a gene (
omp-1
) family of
Ehrlichia chaffeensis
. Two DNA fragments of
E. canis
were amplified by PCR with two primer pairs based on the sequences of
E. chaffeensis omp-1
genes, cloned, and sequenced. Each fragment contained a partial 30-kDa protein gene of
E. canis
. Genomic Southern blot analysis with the partial gene probes revealed the presence of multiple copies of these genes in the
E. canis
genome. Three copies of the entire gene (
p30
,
p30-1
, and
p30a
) were cloned and sequenced from the
E. canis
genomic DNA. The open reading frames of the two copies (
p30
and
p30-1
) were tandemly arranged with an intergenic space. The three copies were similar but not identical and contained a semivariable region and three hypervariable regions in the protein molecules. The following genes homologous to three
E. canis
30-kDa protein genes and the
E. chaffeensis omp-1
family were identified in the closely related rickettsiae:
wsp
from
Wolbachia
sp.,
p44
from the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis,
msp-2
and
msp-4
from
Anaplasma marginale
, and
map-1
from
Cowdria ruminantium
. Phylogenetic analysis among the three
E. canis
30-kDa proteins and the major surface proteins of the rickettsiae revealed that these proteins are divided into four clusters and the two
E. canis
30-kDa proteins are closely related but that the third 30-kDa protein is not. The
p30
gene was expressed as a fusion protein, and the antibody to the recombinant protein (rP30) was raised in a mouse. The antibody reacted with rP30 and a 30-kDa protein of purified
E. canis
. Twenty-nine indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA)-positive dog plasma specimens strongly recognized the rP30 of
E. canis
. To evaluate whether the rP30 is a suitable antigen for serodiagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis, the immunoreactions between rP30 and the whole purified
E. canis
antigen were compared in the dot immunoblot assay. Dot reactions of both antigens with IFA-positive dog plasma specimens were clearly distinguishable by the naked eye from those with IFA-negative plasma specimens. By densitometry with a total of 42 IFA-positive and -negative plasma specimens, both antigens produced results similar in sensitivity and specificity. These findings suggest that the rP30 antigen provides a simple, consistent, and rapid serodiagnosis for canine ehrlichiosis. Cloning of multigenes encoding the 30-kDa major outer membrane proteins of
E. canis
will greatly facilitate understanding pathogenesis and immunologic study of canine ehrlichosis and provide a useful tool for phylogenetic analysis.
Identification of
Trichosporon asahii
by PCR Based on Sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer Regions
Authors: Sugita Takashi , Nishikawa Akemi , Shinoda Takako 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Trichosporon asahii
is a major causative agent of deep-seated trichosporonosis, which has a high mortality rate. To detect
T. asahii
, we have developed specific oligonucleotide primers based on the internal transcribed spacer regions of this organism’s genome. Amplification products were selectively obtained from only
T. asahii
DNA; the DNAs of other
Trichosporon
species, as well as those of medically relevant yeasts such as
Candida albicans
,
Cryptococcus neoformans
, and
Malassezia furfur
, were not amplified. This detection system will be useful as a microbiological tool for the diagnosis of trichosporonosis.
Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by
Phaeoacremonium inflatipes
Authors: Padhye Arvind A. , Davis Miriam S. , Baer Dale , Reddick Anne , Sinha Kaushal K. , Ott Juliana 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Phaeoacremonium inflatipes
, one of three species previously classified as strains of
Phialophora parasitica
, was identified as the causal agent of a subcutaneous infection of the left foot of an 83-year-old woman from South Carolina. The patient had a granulomatous growth over the anteromedial aspect of her left foot. It was surgically excised, which led to complete healing without complications. Tissue sections of the excised mass stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Gomori’s methenamine silver strains showed many septate hyphal elements of various lengths, some exhibiting brownish pigment in the cell walls of the hyphae. Portions of the tissue, when cultured, yielded many colonies which were initially glabrous, off white becoming velvety, greyish brown on aging. Microscopically, their hyphae were septate, branched, and phaeoid and bore lateral and terminal, erect, septate conidiophores. The conidiogenous cells (phialides) were terminal or lateral, mostly monophialidic, subcylindrical to spinelike in shape, and constricted at their bases and bore funnel-shaped, inconspicuous collarettes at their tips. The conidia were subhyaline, oblong, and ellipsoid to allantoid.
Houseflies Are an Unlikely Reservoir or Vector for
Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Osato Michael S. , Ayub Kamran , Le Hong-Hahn , Reddy Rita , Graham David Y. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

The route of transmission of
Helicobacter pylori
from individual to individual remains undefined. It has recently been reported that the domestic housefly,
Musca domestica
, when fed pure cultures of
H. pylori
, was able to harbor the organism in its midgut for up to 30 h (P. Grubel, S. Hoffman, F. K. Chong, N. A. Barstein, C. Mepani, and D. R. Cave, J. Clin. Microbiol. 35:1300–1303, 1997). Our investigation examined whether houseflies could acquire
H. pylori
from fresh human feces. Domestic houseflies (40 flies/group) were exposed for 24 h to feces from an
H. pylori
-positive volunteer, feces from an
H. pylori
-negative volunteer, or feces from an
H. pylori
-negative volunteer to which a known amount of viable
H. pylori
had been added. At various intervals, flies were sacrificed and the midguts were excised, homogenized, and plated in duplicate onto selective horse blood agar plates. All plates were incubated under microaerobic conditions at 37°C for 14 days. Emergent colonies presumptive of
H. pylori
were picked and tested biochemically to confirm the identity as
H. pylori. H. pylori
was not recovered from houseflies fed human feces either naturally infected or artificially infected with
H. pylori
. These results suggest that the domestic housefly is not a vector for transmission or a reservoir for
H. pylori
infection.
Actinobacillus equuliSepticemia: an Unusual Zoonotic Infection
Authors: Ashhurst-Smith Christopher , Norton Robert , Thoreau Wendy , Peel Margaret M. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTWe describe the isolation ofActinobacillus equulifrom the blood of a 53-year-old butcher with septicemia. This species of the genusActinobacillusis primarily associated with animals and animal diseases, especially septicemia in foals. This is the first report of the isolation ofA. equulifrom a human with septicemia.
Typing of
Listeria monocytogenes
Strains by Repetitive Element Sequence-Based PCR
Authors: Jeršek B. , Gilot P. , Gubina M. , Klun N. , Mehle J. , Tcherneva E. , Rijpens N. , Herman L. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Listeria monocytogenes
strains possess short repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) elements and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) sequences. We used repetitive element sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) to evaluate the potential of REP and ERIC elements for typing
L. monocytogenes
strains isolated from humans, animals, and foods. On the basis of rep-PCR fingerprints,
L. monocytogenes
strains were divided into four major clusters matching origin of isolation. rep-PCR fingerprints of human and animal isolates were different from those of food isolates. Computer evaluation of rep-PCR fingerprints allowed discrimination among the tested serotypes 1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c, 3b, and 4b within each major cluster. The index of discrimination calculated for 52 epidemiologically unrelated isolates of
L. monocytogenes
was 0.98 for REP- and ERIC-PCR. Our results suggest that rep-PCR can provide an alternative method for
L. monocytogenes
typing.