bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of
Borrelia burgdorferi
Sensu Lato in Ticks Collected from Migratory Birds in Switzerland
Authors: Poupon Marie-Angèle , Lommano Elena , Humair Pierre-François , Douet Véronique , Rais Olivier , Schaad Michael , Jenni Lukas , Gern Lise 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of ticks infected by
Borrelia burgdorferi
sensu lato on birds during their migrations was studied in Switzerland. A total of 1,270 birds captured at two sites were examined for tick infestation.
Ixodes ricinus
was the dominant tick species. Prevalences of tick infestation were 6% and 18.2% for birds migrating northward and southward, respectively.
Borrelia valaisiana
was the species detected most frequently in ticks, followed by
Borrelia garinii
and
Borrelia lusitaniae
. Among birds infested by infected ticks, 23% (6/26) were infested by
B. lusitaniae
-infected larvae. Migratory birds appear to be reservoir hosts for
B. lusitaniae
.
Ultrasensitive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 p24 Antigen Assay Modified for Use on Dried Whole-Blood Spots as a Reliable, Affordable Test for Infant Diagnosis
Authors: Patton Janet C. , Sherman Gayle G. , Coovadia Ashraf H. , Stevens Wendy S. , Meyers Tammy M. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT
The ultrasensitive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24 antigen assay was modified for use on pediatric dried whole-blood spots on Whatman no. 1 filter paper. The modified assay was found to be reliable and accurate, making it an affordable tool for pediatric HIV diagnosis in developing countries.
Can the Level of Immunosuppression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients Affect the Reliability of Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 2 Serological Diagnosis?
Authors: Bassani Sylvina , Toro Carlos , Jiménez Victoria , Rodés Berta , Soriano Vincent 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTA total of 175 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive intravenous drug users (IDU) with CD4 cell counts of <200 cells/μl were matched with 175 HIV-positive IDU with CD4 cell counts of >500 cells/μl. Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) reactivity and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 2 (HTLV-2) Western blot (WB) positivity were more frequently observed in subjects with CD4 cell counts of >500 cells/μl. Most of the subjects with low CD4 cell counts and EIA reactivity carried HTLV-2 infection (WB positive and/or PCR positive). No subjects with low CD4 cell counts and a lack of reactive EIA were PCR positive for HTLV-2. Therefore, a negative EIA result can confidently discharge HTLV-2 infection in HIV-infected patients with severe immunosuppression, whereas PCR should be performed for subjects with a reactive HTLV EIA which is not further confirmed by WB.
Diagnostic Implications of Antigen-Induced Gamma Interferon Production by Blood Leukocytes from
Mycobacterium bovis
-Infected Reindeer (
Rangifer tarandus
)
Authors: Waters W. R. , Palmer M. V. , Slaughter R. E. , Jones S. L. , Pitzer J. E. , Minion F. C. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

The only approved method of tuberculosis (TB) surveillance of reindeer within the United States is tuberculin skin testing; however, skin testing has an apparent lack of specificity, since numerous reindeer are classified as reactors, yet
Mycobacterium bovis
is not isolated from tissues upon necropsy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of an in vitro assay (the Cervigam assay) to detect gamma interferon (IFN-γ) produced by blood leukocytes in response to mycobacterial antigens from
M. bovis
-infected reindeer. Thirteen male reindeer ∼9 months of age were inoculated with 10
5
CFU
M. bovis
in their tonsillar crypts. Stimulation of whole-blood cultures with a mitogen resulted in significant production of IFN-γ compared to that by nonstimulated samples. Responses by infected reindeer to
M. bovis
purified protein derivative (PPD) were as much as 3.5-fold higher than those by noninfected reindeer (
n
= 4). Despite differences in responses to PPD by the two groups, reindeer within the noninfected group had responses of >0.1 change in optical density (ΔOD) (a level generally considered positive) to PPD. Mean responses by infected reindeer to a rESAT-6-CFP-10 fusion protein (
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex specific) were as much as 20-fold higher than respective responses by noninfected reindeer at all time points. Additionally, responses by 3/4 noninfected reindeer were <0.1 ΔOD (considered negative) at each time point. To further evaluate the specificity of the assay, samples were collected from reindeer in a TB-free herd. All reindeer had responses to mitogen; however, only 1 of 38 had a response to PPD, and none of the reindeer responded to rESAT-6-CFP-10. Together, these findings indicate that IFN-γ-based tests may prove useful for TB surveillance of reindeer.
Development of a Clinical Assay To Evaluate Toll-Like Receptor Function
Authors: Deering Raquel P. , Orange Jordan S. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTToll-like receptors (TLRS) recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns to enable innate immune responses. A number of genetic defects influencing the function of these receptors have been identified and are associated with recurrent and/or severe infection. Our goal was to develop a reproducible assay of TLR function in order to evaluate patients with recurrent infection who would be suspected of having a genetic defect affecting TLR signaling. We chose to study peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCS) to avoid potential influences of soluble factors contained in whole blood, and we utilized ligands for TLRS 1/2, 2/6, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production in PBMC supernatants was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after TLR ligand stimulation and was dependent on gene transcription and NF-κB activation. Some variables affecting the assay were assessed, including the effects of: blood anticoagulant, serum-containing media, incubation time, ligand storage, blood storage time, and cell cryopreservation. By using optimized assay conditions, effective concentrations of individual ligands and mean responses to those ligands were established for healthy control donors. Finally, three patients with a mutation in theIKBKGgene, encoding the NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO) protein, were evaluated as disease controls and were almost uniformly below the standard deviation of healthy donors for all ligands tested. Although a number of variables influence TLR ligand-induced TNF responses, this assay can be optimized for potential clinical use to screen patients with primary immunodeficiencies affecting TLR function.
Generation of Antibodies against Bovine Recombinant Prion Protein in Various Strains of Mice
Authors: Andrievskaia Olga , McRae Heather , Elmgren Cathy , Huang Hongsheng , Balachandran Aru , Nielsen Klaus 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), also known as prion diseases, belong to a group of neurodegenerative disorders affecting humans and animals. To date, definite diagnosis of prion disease can only be made by analysis of tissue samples for the presence of protease-resistant misfolded prion protein (PrP
Sc
). Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to the prion protein provide valuable tools for TSE diagnosis, as well as for basic research on these diseases. In this communication, the development of antibodies against recombinant bovine prion protein (brecPrP) in four strains of mice (BALB/c, ND4, SJL, and NZB/NZW F
1
) is described. Immunization of autoimmunity-prone NZB/NZW F
1
and SJL mice with brecPrP was applied to overcome self-tolerance against the prion protein. ND4 and SJL mice did not develop an immune response to brecPrP. BALB/c mice produced antibody titers of 1:1,000 to 1:1,500 in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while NZB/NZW F
1
mice responded with titers of 1:7,000 to 1:11,000. A panel of 71 anti-brecPrP MAbs recognizing continuous and discontinuous epitopes was established from BALB/c and NZB/NZW F
1
mice. Seven anti-brecPrP MAbs reacted with both the cellular form of PrP and protease K-resistant PrP
Sc
from sheep brain in Western blot assays. The epitope specificity of these MAbs was determined, and applicability to immunohistochemical detection of prions was studied. The MAbs generated will be useful tools in the development of TSE immunochemical diagnosis and for research. This is the first report of the development of anti-PrP MAbs by use of autoimmune NZB/NZW F
1
mice as an alternative approach for the generation of PrP-specific MAbs.
Seroepidemiology ofKlebsiella pneumoniaein an Australian Tertiary Hospital and Its Implications for Vaccine Development
Authors: Jenney Adam W. , Clements Abigail , Farn Jacinta L. , Wijburg Odilia L. , McGlinchey Andrew , Spelman Denis W. , Pitt Tyrone L. , Kaufmann Mary E. , Liolios Lisa , Moloney Margaret B. , Wesselingh Steven L. , Strugnell Richard A. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to determine the diversity ofKlebsiella pneumoniaecapsular serotypes in an Australian setting. Consecutive (n= 293) nonrepetitive isolates ofK. pneumoniaefrom a large teaching hospital laboratory were analyzed. The majority of isolates were from urinary specimens (60.8%); the next most common source was sputum (14.3%), followed by blood (14%). Serotyping revealed a wide range of capsule types. K54 (17.1%), K28 (4.1%), and K17 (3.1%) were the most common, and K54 isolates displayed a high degree of clonality, suggesting a common, nosocomial source. In vitro, one K54 isolate was more adherent to urinary catheters and HEp-2 cells than four other tested isolates; it was slightly more resistant to chlorhexidine but was more susceptible to drying than heavily encapsulated strains. This is the first seroprevalence survey ofK. pneumoniaeto be performed on Australian isolates, and the high level of diversity of serotypes suggests that capsule-based immunoprophylaxis might not be useful for Australia. In addition there are significant differences in the predominance of specific serotypes compared to the results of surveys performed overseas, which has important implications for capsule-based immunoprophylaxis aimed at a global market.
Characterization of a Strain of Community-AssociatedMethicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
WidelyDisseminated in the UnitedStates
Authors: Tenover Fred C. , McDougal Linda K. , Goering Richard V. , Killgore George , Projan Steven J. , Patel Jean B. , Dunman Paul M. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

A
highly stable strain of
Staphylococcus aureus
with a
pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type of USA300 and multilocus sequence
type 8 has been isolated from patients residing in diverse geographic
regions of the United States. This strain, designated USA300-0114, is a
major cause of skin and soft tissue infections among persons in
community settings, including day care centers and correctional
facilities, and among sports teams, Native Americans, men who have sex
with men, and military recruits. The organism is typically resistant to
penicillin, oxacillin, and erythromycin (the latter mediated by
msrA
) and carries SCC
mec
type IVa. This strain is
variably resistant to tetracycline [mediated by
tet
(K)];
several recent isolates have decreased susceptibility to
fluoroquinolones.
S. aureus
USA300-0114 harbors the genes
encoding the Panton-Valentine leucocidin toxin. DNA sequence analysis
of the direct repeat units within the
mec
determinant of 30
USA300-0114 isolates revealed differences in only a single isolate.
Plasmid analysis identified a common 30-kb plasmid that hybridized with
blaZ
and
msrA
probes and a 3.1-kb cryptic plasmid. A
4.3-kb plasmid encoding
tet
(K) and a 2.6-kb plasmid encoding
ermC
were observed in a few isolates. DNA microarray analysis
was used to determine the genetic loci for a series of virulence
factors and genes associated with antimicrobial resistance. Comparative
genomics between USA300-0114 and three other
S. aureus
lineages (USA100, USA400, and USA500) defined a set of
USA300-0114-specific genes, which may facilitate the strain's
pathogenesis within diverse
environments.
Faster Identification of Pathogens in Positive Blood Cultures by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization in Routine Practice
Authors: Peters Remco P. H. , Savelkoul Paul H. M. , Simoons-Smit Alberdina M. , Danner Sven A. , Vandenbroucke-Grauls Christina M. J. E. , van Agtmael Michiel A. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Rapid identification of microorganisms in blood cultures is required to optimize empirical treatment at an early stage. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can reduce the time to identification of microorganisms in growth-positive blood cultures. In this study, we evaluated the performance, time to identification, and potential clinical benefits of FISH compared to those of conventional culture methods in routine practice. After Gram staining, blood culture fluids were simultaneously further identified with FISH and with conventional culture methods. Results and points in time of FISH and culture identification (provisional and final identifications) were collected and compared. For 91% of microorganisms, the genus or family name was identified, and for 79%, the species name could be attributed. The sensitivity and specificity of the individual probes exceeded 95%, except for the
Enterobacteriaceae
probe (sensitivity, 89%). Cross-hybridization was obtained with the
Klebsiella pneumoniae
probe for
Klebsiella oxytoca
. The time gains of FISH and final culture identification were more than 18 h for bacteria and 42 h for yeasts. With FISH,
Staphylococcus aureus
was differentiated from coagulase-negative staphylococci 1.4 h faster than by provisional identification (
P
< 0.001). In conclusion, FISH allows rapid and reliable identification of the majority of microorganisms in growth-positive blood cultures. The substantial time gain of identification with FISH may allow same-day adjustment of antimicrobial therapy, and FISH is especially useful if no provisional identification is obtained. With further extension of the number of probes and a reduction in turnaround time, FISH will become a very useful diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of bloodstream infections.
Development and Evaluation of a Rapid Latex Agglutination Test Using a Monoclonal Antibody To Identify
Candida dubliniensis
Colonies
Authors: Marot-Leblond Agnes , Beucher Bertrand , David Sandrine , Nail-Billaud Sandrine , Robert Raymond 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Cell components of the dimorphic pathogenic fungus
Candida dubliniensis
were used to prepare monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). One MAb, designated 12F7-F2, was shown by indirect immunofluorescence to be specific for a surface antigen of
Candida dubliniensis
yeast cells. No reactivity was observed with other fungal genera or with other
Candida
species, including
Candida albicans
, that share many phenotypic features with
C. dubliniensis
. The use of different chemical and physical treatments for cell component extraction suggested that the specific epitope probably resides on a protein moiety absent from
C. albicans
. However, we failed to identify the target protein by Western blotting, owing to its sensitivity to heat and sodium dodecyl sulfate. MAb 12F7-F2 was further used to develop a commercial latex agglutination test to identify
C. dubliniensis
colonies (Bichro-dubli Fumouze test; Fumouze Diagnostics). The test was validated on yeast strains previously identified by PCR and on fresh clinical isolates; these included 46
C. dubliniensis
isolates, 45
C. albicans
isolates, and other yeast species. The test had 100% sensitivity and specificity for
C. dubliniensis
isolated on Sabouraud dextrose, CHROMagar Candida, and CandiSelect media and 97.8% sensitivity for
C. dubliniensis
grown on Candida ID medium. The test is rapid (5 min) and easy to use and may be recommended for routine use in clinical microbiology laboratories and for epidemiological investigations.
Use of Quantitative Real-Time PCR To Study the Kinetics of Extracellular DNA Released from
Candida albicans
, with Implications for Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Kasai Miki , Francesconi Andrea , Petraitiene Ruta , Petraitis Vidmantas , Kelaher Amy M. , Kim Hee-sup , Meletiadis Joseph , Sein Tin , Bacher John , Walsh Thomas J. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is considered one of the most sensitive methods to detect low levels of DNA from pathogens in clinical samples. To improve the design of qPCR for the detection of deeply invasive candidiasis, we sought to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the kinetics of DNA released from
Candida albicans
in vitro and in vivo. We developed a
C. albicans
-specific assay targeting the rRNA gene complex and studied the kinetics of DNA released from
C. albicans
alone, in the presence of human blood monocytes (H-MNCs), and in the bloodstream of rabbits with experimental disseminated candidiasis. The analytical qPCR assay was highly specific and sensitive (10 fg). Cells of
C. albicans
incubated in Hanks balanced salt solution (±10% bovine serum albumin [BSA]) or RPMI (±10% BSA) showed a significant release of DNA at
T
equal to 24 h compared to
T
equal to 0 h (
P
≤ 0.01).
C. albicans
incubated with H-MNCs exhibited a greater release of DNA than
C. albicans
cells alone over 24 h (
P
= 0.0001). Rabbits with disseminated candidiasis showed a steady increase of detectable DNA levels in plasma as disease progressed. Plasma cultures showed minimal growth of
C. albicans
, demonstrating that DNA extracted from plasma reflected fungal cell-free DNA. In summary, these studies of the kinetics of DNA release by
C. albicans
collectively demonstrate that cell-free fungal DNA is released into the bloodstream of hosts with disseminated candidiasis, that phagocytic cells may play an active role in increasing this release over time, and that plasma is a suitable blood fraction for the detection of
C. albicans
DNA.
Identification of Invasive Serotype 1 Pneumococcal Isolates That Express Nonhemolytic Pneumolysin
Authors: Kirkham Lea-Ann S. , Jefferies Johanna M. C. , Kerr Alison R. , Jing Yu , Clarke Stuart C. , Smith Andrew , Mitchell Tim J. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Recently, there has been an increase in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by serotype 1
Streptococcus pneumoniae
throughout Europe. Serotype 1 IPD is associated with bacteremia and pneumonia in Europe and North America, especially in neonates, and is ranked among the top five most prevalent pneumococcal serotypes in at least 10 countries. The currently licensed pediatric pneumococcal vaccine does not afford protection to this serotype. Upon screening of 252 clinical isolates of
S. pneumoniae
, we discovered mutations in the pneumolysin gene of two out of the four serotype 1 strains present in the study group. Analysis of an additional 28 serotype 1 isolates from patients with IPD from various Scottish Health Boards, revealed that >50% had mutations in their pneumolysin genes. This resulted in the expression of nonhemolytic forms of pneumolysin. All of the strains producing nonhemolytic pneumolysin were sequence type 306 (ST306), whereas those producing “wild-type” pneumolysin were ST227. The mutations were in a region of pneumolysin involved in pore formation. These mutations can be made in vitro to give the nonhemolytic phenotype. Pneumolysin is generally conserved throughout all serotypes of
S. pneumoniae
and is essential for full invasive disease; however, it appears that serotype 1 ST306 does not require hemolytically active pneumolysin to cause IPD.
Viridans Streptococci Isolated by Culture from Blood of Cancer Patients: Clinical and Microbiologic Analysis of 50 Cases
Authors: Han Xiang Y. , Kamana Mallika , Rolston Kenneth V. I. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Clinical and microbiologic studies of 50 cases of viridans streptococcal bacteremia in cancer patients were performed. The bacteria were identified to species level by sequencing analysis of the 16S rRNA gene. At least nine
Streptococcus
spp. were found, including
S. mitis
(25 strains, 50.0% of 50); currently unnamed
Streptococcus
spp. (11 strains);
S. parasanguis
(five strains);
S. anginosus
(three strains);
S. salivarius
(two strains); and one strain each of
S. gordonii, S. sanguis, S. sobrinus
, and
S. vestibularis
. There were no
S. oralis
strains. Among 11 antibiotics of nine classes tested, no resistance to vancomycin, linezolid, or quinupristin-dalfopristin was seen. Resistance to penicillin (MIC, 4 to 12 μg/ml) was noted only among
S. mitis
strains (28.0%, 7/25) and not non-
S. mitis
strains (0/25) (
P
= 0.004). Significantly more
S. mitis
strains than non-
S. mitis
strains were resistant to fluoroquinolones and to ≥3 classes of antibiotics. Isolation of quinolone-resistant organisms was associated with the prior usage of quinolones (
P
= 0.002). Quantitative blood cultures showed that the strains resistant to levofloxacin or gatifloxacin were associated with higher colony counts than were their corresponding nonresistant strains. The young and elderly patients also had higher levels of bacteremia caused predominantly by
S. mitis
. Septic shock was present in 17 (34.0% of 50) patients, and 13 of those cases were caused by
S. mitis
(
P
= 0.007). These results suggest that
S. mitis
is the most common cause of viridans streptococcal bacteremia in cancer patients and is more resistant to antibiotics than other species.
Detection of Rhinoviruses by Tissue Culture and Two Independent Amplification Techniques, Nucleic Acid Sequence-Based Amplification and Reverse Transcription-PCR, in Children with Acute Respiratory Infections during a Winter Season
Authors: Loens K. , Goossens H. , de Laat C. , Foolen H. , Oudshoorn P. , Pattyn S. , Sillekens P. , Ieven M. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT
Five hundred seventeen consecutive nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected between October 1998 and May 1999 for episodes of acute respiratory tract infections in children presenting at the University Hospital of Antwerp. Culture and nucleic acid amplification techniques—nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA) and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR)—were applied to detect rhinoviruses (RVs). Other respiratory viruses were detected by immunofluorescence (IF) analysis of the specimens and IF analysis of shell vial cultures. Among the 517 specimens, 219 viral agents were identified. They were, in decreasing order, rhinoviruses (93 [18.0%]), respiratory syncytial virus (76 [14.7%]), adenoviruses (16 [3.1%]), influenza viruses (15 [2.9%]), enteroviruses (15 [2.9%]), and herpes simplex virus (4 [0.8%]). For the evaluation of rhinovirus detection, culture positivity and/or a positive reaction in the two independent amplification methods was used as an expanded “gold standard.” Based on this standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of culture were 44.7, 100, 100, and 99.8%, and those of NASBA and RT-PCR were 85.1, 98.3, 83.3, and 98.5% and 82.9, 93.4, 55.7, and 98.2%, respectively. NASBA and RT-PCR produced comparable results and were significantly more sensitive than virus culture. RVs showed the highest incidence in acute respiratory tract infections in children.