bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Evaluation of a Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assay for Quantification of Gamma Interferon mRNA To Diagnose Tuberculosis in Multiple Animal Species
Authors: Harrington Noel P. , Surujballi Om P. , Waters W. Ray , Prescott John F. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTTuberculosis of free-ranging and captive wildlife, including species implicated in the maintenance and transmission ofMycobacterium bovis, is a difficult disease to diagnose and control. Historically, diagnosis of tuberculosis has relied largely upon assays of cell-mediated immunity (CMI), such as tuberculin skin testing. This approach, however, is problematic or impractical for use with many wildlife species. Increasingly, in vitro diagnostic tests, including gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-based assays, are replacing or complementing skin testing of cattle and humans. Analogous assays are unavailable for most wildlife because of a lack of species-specific immunological reagents. This report describes the development and validation of a whole-blood assay to quantify antigen-specific IFN-γ mRNA expression by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR. Oligonucleotide primers and probes were designed and tested for reactivity towards several susceptible species of interest with respect to tuberculosis infection. The assay was subsequently optimized to quantify the IFN-γ mRNA expression in elk and red deer (Cervus elaphus) and was evaluated for its ability to detect mycobacterial antigen-specific responses of experimentally tuberculosis-infected animals. The assay was a simple, rapid, and sensitive measure of antigen-specific CMI. The IFN-γ mRNA responses correlated well with IFN-γ protein production and showed performance in determining an animal's infection status superior to that of either lymphocyte proliferation or IFN-γ protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. An additional advantage is the ease with which the assay can be modified to reliably quantify IFN-γ expression by using consensus sequences of closely related species or of other species for which IFN-γ sequence information is available.
Enhancement of Serological Immune Responses to Foot-and-Mouth Disease Vaccine by a Supplement Made of Extract of Cochinchina Momordica Seeds
Authors: Xiao Chenwen , Rajput Zahid Iqbal , Liu Diwen , Hu Songhua 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTFoot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals. Vaccination against FMD is a routine practice in many countries where the disease is endemic. This study was designed first to investigate the extract of the seeds ofMomordica cochinchinensis(Lour.) Spreng. (ECMS) for its adjuvant effect on vaccination of inactivated FMDV antigens in a guinea pig model and then to evaluate the supplement of ECMS in oil-emulsified FMD vaccines for its immunopotentiation in pigs. The results indicated that ECMS and oil emulsion act synergistically as adjuvants to promote the production of FMDV- and VP1-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and subclasses in guinea pigs. A supplement of ECMS in a commercial FMD vaccine significantly enhanced FMDV-specific indirect hemagglutination assay titers as well as VP1-specific IgG and subclasses in pigs. Therefore, ECMS could be an alternative approach to improving swine FMD vaccination when the vaccine is poor to induce an effective immune response.
Use of Recombinant Antigens To Detect Antibodies againstMycoplasma suis, with Correlation of Serological Results to Hematological Findings
Authors: Hoelzle Katharina , Grimm Julia , Ritzmann Mathias , Heinritzi Karl , Torgerson Paul , Hamburger Anja , Wittenbrink Max M. , Hoelzle Ludwig E. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTPorcine eperythrozoonosis is a disease with worldwide distribution caused by the unculturable hemotrophic bacteriumMycoplasma suis. Current serological testing utilizes crudeM. suisantigens purified from the blood of experimentally infected pigs. These antigens show high variability and are restricted to specialized laboratories. We evaluated a novel serological assay based on two recombinantM. suisantigens (rMSG1 and rHspA1). Antigen specificity was proven by means of sera raised against nonhemotrophic mycoplasma and other relevant bacteria. Using experimental and convalescent-phase sera, rMSG1 and rHspA1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) demonstrated sensitivities, specificities, and predictive values (94.0 to 100.0%) equal to or higher than those of theM. suiswhole-cell ELISA. Field samples from 120 weaning piglets grouped by quantitative PCR results were used to evaluate the diagnostic capability of the new ELISA systems in comparison to that of the whole-cell ELISA. Assuming a 100.0% specificity of the PCR, the whole-cell ELISA, rHspA1 ELISA, and rMSG1 ELISA showed specificities of 84.8%, 83.8%, and 90.6% and sensitivities of 61.5%, 74.0% and 58.1%, respectively. Cohen's kappa coefficients comparing the recombinant ELISAs to the whole-cell ELISA indicate moderate to substantial agreement. The detection of anti-MSG1 and/or anti-HspA1 antibodies in pigs was significantly correlated with decreased hematocrit, erythrocyte numbers, and hemoglobin concentrations, indicating that a single seropositive result is connected with clinical and etiological significance. In conclusion, rMSG1 and rHspA1 are sensitive and specific serological and infection markers which are for the first time used independently of animal experiments. They are especially fit to be used in routine diagnosis, pathogenesis studies, and large-scale epidemiological investigations.
Clonal Spread of Imipenem-Resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
among Different Cities of China
Authors: Zhou Hua , Yang Qing , Yu Yun-Song , Wei Ze-Qing , Li Lan-Juan 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

A total of 342 imipenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates (IRABs) were collected from 16 Chinese cities. Six predominant clones had spread widely, and four clones were detected in distant hospitals. The majority of the IRABs contain
bla
OXA-23
, with IS
Aba1
upstream of the gene. These results suggested that clonal spread played an important role in the outbreak of IRABs in China.
Hepatitis B Virus Core-Related Antigens as Markers for Monitoring Chronic Hepatitis B Infection
Authors: Wong Danny Ka-Ho , Tanaka Yasuhito , Lai Ching-Lung , Mizokami Masashi , Fung James , Yuen Man-Fung 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

A sensitive chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay has been developed for hepatitis B virus (HBV) core-related antigen (HBcrAg) detection. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of HBcrAg measurement for monitoring chronic hepatitis B disease. HBcrAg levels were measured by a chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay in 54 untreated patients and 39 patients treated with either entecavir or lamivudine. The HBcrAg concentration correlated positively with the levels of serum HBV DNA (
r
= 0.820), intrahepatic total HBV DNA (
r
= 0.700), and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) (
r
= 0.664; for all,
P
values were <0.001). A higher HBcrAg concentration was associated with a greater proportion of hepatitis B core antigen immunostaining. Although the differences were not statistically significant, patients with higher Knodell necroinflammation and fibrosis scores tended to have higher serum HBcrAg concentration levels. In the treated patients, the logarithmic reduction in HBcrAg at week 48 correlated positively with the logarithmic reduction of serum HBV DNA, intrahepatic total HBV DNA, and cccDNA. Of the 31 patients with undetectable serum HBV DNA (<300 copies/ml) at the end of treatment, 20 (65%) still had detectable HBcrAg. A greater reduction in posttreatment HBcrAg concentration was associated with histological improvement and a decrease in hepatitis B core antigen immunostaining. HBcrAg concentrations of <40,000 kU/ml at baseline and <200 kU/ml at week 24 were associated with a higher chance of having undetectable HBV DNA at week 48. In conclusion, serum HBcrAg levels correlated with HBV virological markers and reflected the chronic hepatitis B disease activity in the liver.
Clinical Impact of a PCR Assay for Rapid Identification of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
in Blood Cultures
Authors: Neuberger A. , Oren I. , Sprecher H. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

The clinical impact of a rapid PCR identification assay for
Klebsiella pneumoniae
in positive blood cultures was prospectively evaluated. Multivariate analysis identified the rapid PCR assay as the only significant factor in decreasing the time lapse preceding the initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy (hazards ratio, 3.03; confidence interval, 1.62 to 5.68;
P
, 0.001).
Changing Antimicrobial Susceptibility Epidemiology of
Helicobacter pylori
Strains in Japan between 2002 and 2005
Authors: Kobayashi Intetsu , Murakami Kazunari , Kato Mototsugu , Kato Seiichi , Azuma Takeshi , Takahashi Shin'ichi , Uemura Naomi , Katsuyama Tsutomu , Fukuda Yoshihiro , Haruma Ken , Nasu Masaru , Fujioka Toshio 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Surveillance of
Helicobacter pylori
antimicrobial susceptibility reflecting the general population in Japan is limited. The antimicrobial susceptibilities of 3,707
H. pylori
strains isolated from gastric mucosa samples of previously untreated patients diagnosed with gastroduodenal diseases at 36 medical facilities located throughout Japan between October 2002 and September 2005 were evaluated. Using an agar dilution method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of
H. pylori
, the MIC distributions and trends during the study period for clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and metronidazole were studied. While the MIC
50
and MIC
90
for clarithromycin did not change during the 3-year period, the MIC
80
showed a 128-fold increase. Furthermore, the rate of resistance increased yearly from 18.9% (2002 to 2003) to 21.1% (2003 to 2004) and 27.7% (2004 to 2005). With a resistance rate of 19.2% among males compared to 27.0% among females, a significant gender difference was observed (
P
< 0.0001). Our study shows that in Japan, there is an evolving trend towards increased resistance to clarithromycin with geographical and gender differences as well as between clinical disease conditions. No significant changes in resistance were observed for amoxicillin and metronidazole during the period. While the benefit of
H. pylori
antimicrobial susceptibility testing has been debated in Japan, current empirical regimens are not based on susceptibility data representative of the general population. The development of an effective
H. pylori
eradication regimen in Japan will require continued resistance surveillance as well as a better understanding of the epidemiology of resistance.
Up-Converting Phosphor Technology-Based Lateral Flow Assay for Detection of
Schistosoma
Circulating Anodic Antigen in Serum
Authors: Corstjens Paul L. A. M. , van Lieshout Lisette , Zuiderwijk Michel , Kornelis Dieuwke , Tanke Hans J. , Deelder Andre M. , van Dam Govert J. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Schistosoma
sp. circular anodic antigen (CAA) serum concentrations reflect actual worm burden in a patient and are a valuable tool for population screening and epidemiological research. However, for the diagnosis of individual imported schistosomiasis cases, the current enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) lacks sensitivity and robustness. Therefore, a lateral flow (LF) assay was developed to test CAA in serum for individual diagnosis of imported active schistosome infections. Application of fluorescent submicron-sized up-converting phosphor technology (UPT) reporter particles increased analytical sensitivity compared to that of the standard ELISA method. Evaluation of the UPT-LF test with a selection of 40 characterized epidemiologic samples indicated a good correlation between signal intensity and infection intensity. Subsequently, the UPT-LF assay was applied to 166 serum samples of Dutch residents (immigrants and travelers) suspected of schistosomiasis, a case in which group routine antibody detection frequently fails straightforward diagnosis. The UPT-LF assay identified 36 CAA-positive samples, compared to 15 detected by CAA-ELISA. In conclusion, the UPT-LF assay is a low-complexity test with higher sensitivity than the CAA-ELISA, well suited for laboratory diagnosis of individual active
Schistosoma
infections.
Comparison of Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis with Other PCR-Based Methods for Typing
Brucella suis
Isolates
Authors: García-Yoldi David , Le Fleche Philippe , De Miguel María J. , Muñoz Pilar M. , Blasco José M. , Cvetnic Zeljko , Marín Clara M. , Vergnaud Gilles , López-Goñi Ignacio 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA), multiplex PCR, and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis were compared for typing
Brucella suis
isolates. A perfect concordance was obtained among these molecular assays. However, MLVA was the only method to demonstrate brucellosis outbreaks and to confirm that wildlife is a reservoir for zoonotic brucellosis.
Predominance of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Strains Carrying Staphylococcal Chromosome Cassette
mec
Type IVA in South Korea
Authors: Park Chulmin , Lee Dong-Gun , Kim Sun Woo , Choi Su-Mi , Park Sun Hee , Chun Hye-Sun , Choi Jung-Hyun , Yoo Jin-Hong , Shin Wan Shik , Kang Jin Han , Kim Jong Hyun , Lee Soo Young , Kim Sun Mi , Pyun Bok Yang 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Studies on the molecular epidemiologic characteristics of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) strains have demonstrated their genetic and geographical diversity. In addition, it has been reported that there are genetic differences between community-associated (CA) and health care-associated (HA) MRSA strains. Therefore, we investigated the major epidemiologic characteristics of CA MRSA isolates in South Korea and compared them with those of HA MRSA strains. Distributions of staphylococcal chromosome cassette
mec
(SCC
mec
) types and other molecular features, including the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene, were studied in 138 invasive MRSA isolates. Multiplex type IVA SCC
mec
was identified as the major CA MRSA infection type (53.1%), with a significantly higher prevalence than in HA MRSA (
P
< 0.001). One major group of type IVA strains carried a larger atypical class B
mec
element and new subtypes of
ccrA2
(96% amino acid homology). The PVL gene was detected in one USA300-like isolate only. Seven major clone types determined by combinational grouping (genetic background SCC
mec
typing) showed representative patterns of antimicrobial susceptibilities. We concluded that less multi-drug-resistant strains of clone types B-I and D-1 (genetic background, B and D complexes; type IVA SCC
mec
) predominate in CA MRSA and that international PVL-positive strains have not spread in South Korea as yet.
Agar Dilution Method for Detection of Inducible Clindamycin Resistance in
Staphylococcus
spp
Authors: Fernandes Clarence J. , O'Sullivan Matthew V. N. , Cai Yongwei , Kong Fanrong , Zeng Xianyu , Gilbert Gwendolyn L. , Kotsiou George 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

We describe the development and validation of an agar dilution method for the detection of inducible clindamycin resistance by using 227 previously characterized erythromycin-resistant, clindamycin-susceptible
Staphylococcus
sp. isolates. Mueller-Hinton agar with defibrinated horse blood containing a range of erythromycin concentrations (1 to 8 mg/liter) combined with clindamycin at 0.5 mg/liter was used to determine the optimal concentration that produced growth of inducible isolates while inhibiting that of isolates without the inducible phenotype. A concentration of clindamycin of 0.5 mg/liter with erythromycin at 1 mg/liter was the optimal combination for detection of inducible resistance and resulted in a sensitivity of 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 97.9 to 100) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI, 93.0 to 100). Attention must be paid to ensuring that a sufficient inoculum has been used, since an inoculum below the standard 10
7
bacteria/ml may result in false-negative results. This method has been incorporated into routine use in our laboratory.
Characterization of a New Sensitive PCR Assay for Quantification of Viral DNA Isolated from Patients with Hepatitis B Virus Infections
Authors: Thibault Vincent , Pichoud Christian , Mullen Carolyn , Rhoads James , Smith Jane B. , Bitbol Alain , Thamm Sven , Zoulim Fabien 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Sensitive and accurate quantification of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA is necessary for monitoring patients with chronic hepatitis receiving antiviral therapy in order to determine treatment response and to adapt therapy in case of inadequate virologic control. The development of quantitative PCR assays has been crucial in meeting these needs. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of a new real-time PCR assay (Abbott RealTime) for HBV DNA with that of three other commercial assays for the detection of HBV DNA. These were the Versant 3.0 branched-chain DNA assay, the Cobas Amplicor HBV Monitor test, and the Cobas AmpliPrep-Cobas TaqMan hepatitis B virus assay (CAP-CTM). HBV DNA was measured in blood samples taken from two cohorts of patients with chronic hepatitis. HBV DNA levels measured with the Abbott RealTime assay were highly correlated with those measured with the other three tests over their respective dynamic ranges (
r
, 0.88 to 0.96). The sensitivity (detection limit, 10 IU/ml) and dynamic range of the Abbott RealTime assay (10
1
to 10
9
IU/ml) was superior to that of the Versant assay. The RealTime assay recognized both HBV strains belonging to genotypes A to G and those bearing polymerase gene mutations equivalently. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the utility of the Abbott RealTime assay for monitoring HBV DNA levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Its sensitivity and wide dynamic range should allow optimal monitoring of antiviral therapy and timely treatment adaptation.
Molecular Characteristics of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
LAM-RUS Family Prevalent in Central Russia
Authors: Dubiley Svetlana , Kirillov Eugene , Ignatova Anna , Stepanshina Valentina , Shemyakin Igor 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

We analyzed IS
6110
-associated polymorphisms in the phospholipase C genes of 107 isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
selected to be representative of isolates circulating in central Russia. We found that the majority of Latin American-Mediterranean family strains contained an insertion in a unique position in the
plcA
gene, suggesting a common ancestor. This insertion can serve as a specific genetic marker for this group, which we designate the LAM-RUS family.
Cystic Fibrosis Patient with
Burkholderia pseudomallei
Infection Acquired in Brazil
Authors: Barth Afonso Luís , de Abreu e Silva Fernando Antonio , Hoffmann Anneliese , Vieira Maria Izolete , Zavascki Alexandre Prehn , Ferreira Alex Guerra , da Cunha Luiz Gonzaga , Albano Rodolpho Mattos , de Andrade Marques Elizabeth 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Burkholderia pseudomallei
is rarely isolated from cystic fibrosis patients outside known areas of endemicity. We report the recovery of
B. pseudomallei
from the sputum of a cystic fibrosis patient who lives in Brazil. We highlight the importance of careful attention to unusual nonfermentative gram-negative rods in cystic fibrosis patients.
Detection of Inducible Clindamycin Resistance in Staphylococci by Broth Microdilution Using Erythromycin-Clindamycin Combination Wells
Authors: Swenson Jana M. , Brasso William B. , Ferraro Mary Jane , Hardy Dwight J. , Knapp Cynthia C. , McDougal Linda K. , Reller L. Barth , Sader Helio S. , Shortridge Dee , Skov Robert , Weinstein Melvin P. , Zimmer Barbara L. , Patel Jean B. 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

A study conducted by 11 laboratories investigated the ability of four combinations of erythromycin (ERY) and clindamycin (CC) (ERY and CC at 4 and 0.5, 6 and 1, 8 and 1.5, and 0.5 and 2 μg/ml) in a single well of a broth microdilution panel to predict the presence of inducible CC resistance. Each laboratory tested approximately 30
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates and 20 coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) isolates in a panel using cation-adjusted Mueller-Hinton broth from three different manufacturers. Only the strains resistant to ERY and those susceptible or intermediate to CC were included in the analysis (
S. aureus
,
n
= 333; CoNS,
n
= 97). Results of the D-zone test were used as the gold standard. After an 18-h incubation, the combination of 4 μg/ml ERY and 0.5 μg/ml CC performed the best, with 98 to 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity for both organism groups. After a 24-h incubation, the ERY-CC combinations of 4 and 0.5, 6 and 1, and 8 and 1.5 μg/ml correlated well with the D-zone test.
Trends in Prescribing β-Lactam Antibiotics for Treatment of Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Infections
Authors: Gupta Kalpana , MacIntyre Ann , Vanasse Gary , Dembry Louise-Marie 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT

Rates of prescribing of β-lactam antibiotics as initial empirical therapy for patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) caused by molecularly and epidemiologically characterized community-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(CA-MRSA) isolates were assessed over a 3-year period. A prospectively developed database was used to calculate the prevalence of CA-MRSA SSTIs from 2004 to 2006. Molecular characterization of the MRSA isolate and medical record review for assessment of initial antimicrobial therapy were performed on a subset of patients. Among 2,636 patients with
S. aureus
SSTIs, the prevalence of CA-MRSA was 9% in 2004, 16% in 2005, and 21% in 2006 (
P
< 0.0001, chi-square test for trend). Seventy-five percent of CA-MRSA isolates tested were of the USA 300 or 400 clone type. Ninety-two percent of CA-MRSA isolates tested were positive for Panton-Valentine leukocidin, of which 90% carried staphylococcal chromosomal cassette
mec
type IV. The rate of use of a β-lactam antibiotic as initial empirical therapy for patients with CA-MRSA SSTIs was 86%, 77%, and 60% in 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively (
P
= 0.04, chi-square test for trend). Thirty percent of β-lactam-treated patients had a documented risk factor for CA-MRSA infection. The use of a β-lactam antibiotic as initial empirical therapy for CA-MRSA SSTIs has decreased significantly over the past 3 years. However, even as the prevalence of CA-MRSA SSTIs approaches 25%, the majority of patients are still receiving inactive antimicrobial therapy. Further evaluation of the outcomes associated with discordant therapy for CA-MRSA SSTIs is needed.