bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Entirely Automated Quantification of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) RNA in Plasma by Using the Ultrasensitive COBAS AMPLICOR HIV-1 Monitor Test and RNA Purification on the MagNA Pure LC Instrument
Authors: Hölzl Gabriele , Stöcher Markus , Leb Victoria , Stekel Herbert , Berg Jörg 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT
The ultrasensitive COBAS AMPLICOR HIV-1 Monitor test was complemented with automated RNA purification on the MagNA Pure LC instrument. This enabled entirely automated ultrasensitive assessment of viral loads in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals. The detection limit of the fully automated assay and the viral load measurements in 80 clinical samples were found to be in good agreement with those of the conventional ultrasensitive COBAS AMPLICOR HIV-1 Monitor test. The fully automated assay showed markedly reduced hands-on time and was found to be suitable for the routine assessment of HIV-1 viral loads in a clinical diagnostic laboratory.
Novel Sample Preparation Method for Safe and Rapid Detection of
Bacillus anthracis
Spores in Environmental Powders and Nasal Swabs
Authors: Luna Vicki A. , King Debra , Davis Carisa , Rycerz Tony , Ewert Matthew , Cannons Andrew , Amuso Philip , Cattani Jacqueline 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

Bacillus anthracis
spores have been used as a biological weapon in the United States. We wanted to develop a safe, rapid method of sample preparation that provided safe DNA for the detection of spores in environmental and clinical specimens. Our method reproducibly detects
B. anthracis
in samples containing <10 spores.
Detection and Species-Level Identification of Primate Herpesviruses with a Comprehensive PCR Test for Human Herpesviruses
Authors: Johnson Grant , Dick Daryl , Ayers Melissa , Petric Martin , Tellier Raymond 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

A comprehensive assay for the identification of all eight human herpesviruses has been previously reported. This assay was extended to the detection and species-level identification of herpes B virus (
Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1
) and African green monkey cytomegalovirus (
Cercopithecine herpesvirus 5
), two herpesviruses of relevance to the clinical virology laboratory.
Casein Agar: a Useful Medium for Differentiating
Candida dubliniensis
from
Candida albicans
Authors: Mosca Christian O. , Moragues María D. , Llovo José , Al Mosaid Asmaa , Coleman David C. , Pontón José 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

Production of chlamydospores on casein agar at 24°C for 48 h provides a simple means for differentiating
Candida dubliniensis
from
Candida albicans
based on chlamydospore production. Of 109
C. dubliniensis
isolates tested on this medium, 106 (97.2%) produced abundant chlamydospores and three produced few chlamydospores. In contrast, of the 120
C. albicans
isolates tested, 111 (92.5%) failed to produce any chlamydospores, whereas the remaining nine isolates produced few chlamydospores. These findings indicate that abundant chlamydospore production on casein agar is a useful test for discriminating between
C. dubliniensis
and
C. albicans.
Detection ofEhrlichiaspp. in the Blood of Wild White-Tailed Deer in Missouri by PCR Assay and Serologic Analysis
Authors: Arens Max Q. , Liddell Allison M. , Buening Gerald , Gaudreault-Keener Monique , Sumner John W. , Comer James A. , Buller Richard S. , Storch Gregory A. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTBlood samples collected from wild deer in Missouri in November of 2000 and 2001 were positive by PCR assays forEhrlichiachaffeensis(50 of 217; 23%),Ehrlichiaewingii(44 of 217; 20%), andAnaplasmaspecies (214 of 217; 99%). Nucleotide sequences of selected amplicons from the assay for anaplasma matched sequences of the white-tailed deer agent. Serologic analysis of 112 deer sampled in 2000 showed a very high prevalence of antibodies toE.chaffeensis(97 of 112; 87%) and a low prevalence of antibodies reactive withAnaplasmaphagocytophila(2 of 112; 2%).
Conventional and Molecular Methods for Verification of Results Obtained with BacT/Alert Nonvent Blood Culture Bottles
Authors: Marlowe Elizabeth M. , Gibson Linda , Hogan James , Kaplan Shannon , Bruckner David A. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT
A strategy comparing molecular and conventional methods for verification of the BacT/Alert nonvent blood culture bottles (Organon Teknika, Durham, N.C.) was performed with seeded isolates. The bottles were evaluated with 12 common organisms from bloodstream infections. Overall, the bottles were equivalent as determined by conventional and molecular methods.
Persistence of Colonization of Intestinal Mucosa by a Probiotic Strain,
Lactobacillus casei
subsp.
rhamnosus
Lcr35, after Oral Consumption
Authors: De Champs Christophe , Maroncle Nathalie , Balestrino Damien , Rich Chantal , Forestier Christiane 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

The colonization by the probiotic
Lactobacillus casei
subsp.
rhamnosus
Lcr35 of the gastrointestinal tracts of mice and humans was studied. The mice were orally given 10
9
CFU of Lcr35 either once or three times at 24-h intervals. A 16S ribosomal nucleic probe used in hybridization assays detected Lcr35 in the feces of mice for up to 3 days after the feeding, at a level of 10
8
to 10
9
CFU/g of feces. In the human assay, 12 healthy volunteers were enrolled in a randomized trial and ingested Lcr35 at a dosage of 10
8
or 10
10
or 10
12
CFU every day for 7 days. Then, after a 3-week posttreatment period, there was a second intake period similar to the first one. Analysis of fecal samples showed significant increases in the number of lactobacilli during the first intake period, whatever the dose given. The greatest increases were observed in subjects harboring the lowest indigenous population of Lcr35-like bacteria. During the 3-week posttreatment period, the number of CFU slightly decreased over time, and an increase, although not a statistically significant one, was observed during the second test period. These findings suggest that Lcr35 is able to survive within the gastrointestinal tract.
Construction and Evaluation of Internal Control DNA for PCR Amplification of
Chlamydia trachomatis
DNA from Urine Samples
Authors: Betsou Fotini , Beaumont Katy , Sueur Jean Marie , Orfila Jeanne 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

An internal control DNA (ICD) with the same primer binding sequences as the target
Chlamydia trachomatis
DNA was constructed and evaluated in a PCR assay with immunoenzymatic detection. One hundred urine specimens were tested, and 23 were found to contain inhibitors of the PCR, if not subjected to DNA extraction prior to amplification. Coamplification and detection of the ICD appeared to be a useful method for estimating the effects of inhibitors on
C. trachomatis
DNA amplification.
Hepatitis B Virus Genotype C Takes a More Aggressive Disease Course Than Hepatitis B Virus Genotype B in Hepatitis B e Antigen-Positive Patients
Authors: Chan Henry Lik-Yuen , Wong May Ling , Hui Alex Yui , Hung Lawrence Cheung-Tsui , Chan Francis Ka-Leung , Sung Joseph Jao-Yiu 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT
One hundred forty-six hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients were followed up for 32 ± 13 months. All six patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C. Disease activity was greater in patients infected by HBV genotype C than in those infected by HBV genotype B in the HBeAg-positive phase but not after HBeAg seroconversion.
Molecular Characterization of Avian Paramyxovirus 1 Isolates Collected from Cormorants in Canada from 1995 to 2000
Authors: Weingartl H. M. , Riva J. , Kumthekar P. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT
Sequences encompassing cleavage sites of fusion protein genes were obtained for avian paramyxovirus 1 isolates from cormorants in Canada. All isolates have the virulent cleavage site SRGRRQKR*FVG. They form a distinct cluster within isolates obtained around the world and may represent a novel genotype closely related to genotype V.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characteristics of
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Strains Isolated from Patients in Belarus during an Epidemic Period
Authors: Titov Leonid , Kolodkina Valentina , Dronina Alina , Grimont Francine , Grimont Patrick A. D. , Lejay-Collin Monique , de Zoysa Aruni , Andronescu Constantin , Diaconescu Angela , Marin Byanca , Efstratiou Androulla 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

One hundred two
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
strains (93 of the gravis biotype and nine of the mitis biotype) isolated from clinical cases during the Belarus diphtheria epidemic were characterized by biotyping, toxigenicity testing by the Elek test and an indirect hemagglutination assay, phage typing, and ribotyping. The gravis biotype strains were characterized as high and medium toxin producers, and strains of biotype mitis were characterized as low and medium toxin producers. Most strains (82 of 102) were distributed among five phage types. Seventy-two strains (64 of the gravis biotype and 8 of the mitis biotype) belonged to phage type VI ls5,34add. Hybridization of genomic DNA digested with
Bst
EII and
Pvu
II revealed five ribotype patterns, namely, D1, D4, D6, D7, and D13. The majority of gravis biotype strains belonged to ribotypes D1 (49 of 93) and D4 (33 of 93) and included one clonal group of
C
.
diphtheriae
. This clone predominated in all regions in Belarus. There was a statistical association between ribotypes and phage types but not between ribotypes and levels of toxin production.
Paracoccus yeeii
sp. nov. (Formerly CDC Group EO-2), a Novel Bacterial Species Associated with Human Infection
Authors: Daneshvar Maryam I. , Hollis Dannie G. , Weyant Robbin S. , Steigerwalt Arnold G. , Whitney Anne M. , Douglas Michael P. , Macgregor John P. , Jordan Jean G. , Mayer Leonard W. , Rassouli Shadi M. , Barchet Winfred , Munro Cindy , Shuttleworth L. , Bernard Kathryn 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

CDC eugonic oxidizer group 2 (EO-2) is a group of unclassified gram-negative bacterial strains isolated from various human sources. As determined by biochemical tests and analyses of fatty acid compositions, these organisms form a homogeneous group that appears to be distinct from but related to other
Paracoccus
species. Molecular studies were performed on a set of 13 EO-2 strains from various clinical sources and geographic locations in the United States and Canada to determine their relationship to the
Paracoccus
genus. Control strains were
Paracoccus denitrificans
ATCC 17741
T
,
P. versutus
ATCC 25364
T
,
P. aminophilus
ATCC 49673
T
,
P. solventivorans
ATCC 700252
T
, and
Psychrobacter immobilis
ATCC 43116
T
, which are phenotypically similar to EO-2. Nearly complete (1,500-base) 16S rRNA gene sequencing of eight EO-2 strains showed a high level of sequence similarity (>99.3%) within the group, and a BLAST search of GenBank placed the EO-2 cluster in close proximity to
Paracoccus
species (95 to 97% similarity). DNA-DNA hybridization studies of 13 of the EO-2 strains showed all to be related at the species level, with >70% relatedness under stringent conditions and a divergence within the group of less than 2%. None of the
Paracoccus
control strains hybridized at >54% with any of the EO-2 strains. These results indicate that EO-2 represents a new
Paracoccus
species, the first isolated from human clinical specimens. A new species,
Paracoccus yeeii
, is proposed for the EO-2 strains. The type strain of
P. yeeii
is CDCG1212 (ATCC BAA-599 and CCUG 46822), isolated in Pennsylvania from dialysate of a 77-year-old male with peritonitis.
Identification of
Histoplasma
capsulatum
from Culture Extracts by Real-Time PCR
Authors: Martagon-Villamil Jose , Shrestha Nabin , Sholtis Mary , Isada Carlos M. , Hall Gerri S. , Bryne Terry , Lodge Barbara A. , Reller L. Barth , Procop Gary W. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

We designed and tested a real-time LightCycler PCR assay for
Histoplasma
capsulatum
that correctly identified the 34
H
.
capsulatum
isolates in a battery of 107 fungal isolates tested and also detected
H
.
capsulatum
in clinical specimens from three patients that were culture positive for this organism.
Significant Improvement of the Recombinant
Borrelia
-Specific Immunoglobulin G Immunoblot Test by Addition of VlsE and a DbpA Homologue Derived from
Borrelia garinii
for Diagnosis of Early Neuroborreliosis
Authors: Schulte-Spechtel Ulrike , Lehnert Gisela , Liegl Gaby , Fingerle Volker , Heimerl Christiane , Johnson Barbara J. B. , Wilske Bettina 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

We investigated whether the recombinant
Borrelia
Western blot test previously described (B. Wilske, C. Habermann, V. Fingerle, B. Hillenbrand, S. Jauris-Heipke, G. Lehnert, I. Pradel, D. Rössler, and U. Schulte-Spechtel, Med. Microbiol. Immunol.
188:
139-144, 1999) can be improved by the addition of VlsE and additional DbpA and OspC homologues. By using a panel of sera from 36 neuroborreliosis patients and 67 control patients, the diagnostic sensitivity of the recombinant immunoblot test was significantly increased (86.1% versus 52.7%) without loss of specificity and was higher (86.1% versus 63.8%) than that of the conventional whole-cell lysate immunoblot test (U. Hauser, G. Lehnert, R. Lobentanzer, and B. Wilske, J. Clin. Microbiol.
35:
1433-1444, 1997). Improvement was mainly due to the presence of VlsE and DbpA.
Isolation of Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria from Human Thoracoabdominal Pus
Authors: Loubinoux Julien , Jaulhac Benoit , Piemont Yves , Monteil Henri , Le Faou Alain E. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the prevalence of sulfate-reducing bacteria in septic processes, we searched for these bacteria by culture in 100 consecutive abdominal and pleural pus specimens. Twelve isolates were obtained from abdominal samples and were identified by a multiplex PCR as
Desulfovibrio piger
(formerly
Desulfomonas pigra
) (seven strains),
Desulfovibrio fairfieldensis
(four strains), and
Desulfovibrio desulfuricans
(one strain).
emmGene Distribution among Erythromycin-Resistant and -Susceptible Italian Isolates ofStreptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Zampaloni Claudia , Cappelletti Paola , Prenna Manuela , Vitali Luca Agostino , Ripa Sandro 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThe phenotypes and genetic determinants for macrolide resistance were determined for 167 erythromycin-resistantStreptococcus pyogenesstrains. A cMLS phenotype was shown in 18% of the erythromycin-resistant strains, while inducible resistance was apparent in 31% and the M phenotype was apparent in 50%. Theemmgene type of this set of resistant isolates and that of 48 erythromycin-sensitive isolates were determined.emm2 andemm48 were recorded only in the resistant strains of the M phenotype, while approximately all of the strains harboring theemm22 gene had the cMLS phenotype. More than 80% of theemm89-positive strains had the iMLS phenotype, and the same portion ofemm4 strains presented the M phenotype.emm3 is recorded only among sensitive strains. The distribution of frequencies of the genetic determinant for the virulence factor M protein was significantly different both among organisms of different types of resistance and between resistant and sensitive populations ofS.pyogenesunder study.
Identification of Mycobacterial Species by PCR Sequencing of Quinolone Resistance-Determining Regions of DNA Gyrase Genes
Authors: Dauendorffer Jean-Noël , Guillemin Isabelle , Aubry Alexandra , Truffot-Pernot Chantal , Sougakoff Wladimir , Jarlier Vincent , Cambau Emmanuelle 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

The determination of the amino acid sequence of quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) in the A and B subunits of DNA gyrase is the molecular test for the detection of fluoroquinolone resistance in mycobacteria. We looked to see if the assignment of mycobacterial species could be obtained simultaneously by analysis of the corresponding nucleotide sequences. PCR sequencing of
gyrA
and
gyrB
QRDRs was performed for 133 reference and clinical strains of 21 mycobacterial species commonly isolated in clinical laboratories. Nucleotide sequences of
gyrA
and
gyrB
QRDRs were species specific, regardless of fluoroquinolone susceptibility.
Stability of Allelic Frequencies and Distributions of
Candida albicans
Microsatellite Loci from U.S. Population-Based Surveillance Isolates
Authors: Lott Timothy J. , Fundyga Ruth E. , Brandt Mary E. , Harrison Lee H. , Sofair Andre N. , Hajjeh Rana A. , Warnock David W. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

Allelic distributions and frequencies of five
Candida albicans
microsatellite loci have been determined for strains isolated from the bloodstream and obtained through active population-based surveillance in two U.S. metropolitan areas between 1998 and 2000. These data were compared to data for isolates obtained from two other U.S. regions in 1992 to 1993. In a majority of pairwise combinations between sites, no evidence was seen for shifts in microsatellite allelic frequencies. One to three alleles were highly predominant and correlated with major genotypes. These data both support the concepts of allelic stability and genetic equilibria and suggest that, in the United States, strains of
C
.
albicans
isolated from the bloodstream may form a defined, genetically homogeneous population across geographical distance and time.
Prospective Clinical Evaluation of the Serologic Tuberculous Glycolipid Test in Combination with the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test
Authors: Maekura Ryoji , Kohno Hiroaki , Hirotani Atsushi , Okuda Yoshinari , Ito Masami , Ogura Takeshi , Yano Ikuya 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT
We have conducted a prospective controlled multicenter study to evaluate differences in the levels of clinical utility of the tuberculous glycolipid (TBGL) serodiagnostic test and the nucleic acid amplification test in patients with smear-negative active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The TBGL test and the PCR test were individually not so useful for the rapid diagnosis of smear-negative active pulmonary TB. However, clinical utility was considerably improved by using the TBGL test and the PCR test in combination, especially in patients with smear-negative and culture-negative active pulmonary TB and in patients with minimally advanced lesions.
Age-Specific
Helicobacter pylori
Seropositivity Rates of Children in an Impoverished Urban Area of Northeast Brazil
Authors: Mitchell Anastasia , Silva Terezinha M. J. , Barrett Leah J. , Lima Aldo A. M. , Guerrant Richard L. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

We determined age-specific
Helicobacter pylori
seropositivity rates of 166 children and 39 mothers in an urban shantytown in northeast Brazil. Seropositivity rates increased from 23.1% at 0 to 11 months of age to only 39.3% by 96 to 131 months of age and were 82.1% at maturity. We observed no correlation between the seropositivity of the mothers and the seropositivity of their children.
Horizontal In Utero Acquisition of Cytomegalovirus Infection in a Twin Pregnancy
Authors: Gabrielli Liliana , Lazzarotto Tiziana , Foschini Maria Pia , Lanari Marcello , Guerra Brunella , Eusebi Vincenzo , Landini Maria Paola 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT
It is generally accepted that viral infections can be transmitted horizontally by direct or indirect contact with virus-excreting persons, and some viral infections can be transmitted vertically, either prenatally or perinatally, from mother to child. This report presents data strongly supporting a prenatal horizontal acquisition of human cytomegalovirus infection in a twin pregnancy.
Two Cases of Subcutaneous Infection Due to
Phaeoacremonium
spp
Authors: Guarro Josep , Alves Sydney Hartz , Gené Josepa , Grazziotin Neiva Aparecida , Mazzuco Rosemari , Dalmagro Cristiane , Capilla Javier , Zaror Luis , Mayayo Emilio 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

We describe two cases in Brazil of human subcutaneous infections due to
Phaeoacremonium
spp. The first case was caused by
Phaeoacremonium
aleophilum
. The patient presented with a unique fistulized nodule on the left ankle. The fungus was detected by direct microscopic examination and was isolated repeatedly from material collected from the lesion. This is the first reported case of human infection caused by this fungus. The second case was caused by
Phaeoacremonium
rubrigenum
. The patient presented with multiple nodules around the left ankle and foot. The fungus was detected by direct examination of pus and histological sections of the nodules. It was repeatedly isolated from the clinical specimens. This is the second reported case of human infection caused by this species.
Bacteremia Caused by
Acinetobacter ursingii
Authors: Loubinoux Julien , Mihaila-Amrouche Liliana , Le Fleche Anne , Pigne Etienne , Huchon Gerard , Grimont Patrick A. D. , Bouvet Anne 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

Acinetobacter ursingii
has not been reported in infectious processes apart from its recent description as a new species. A bacteremia caused by
A. ursingii
in a patient with a pulmonary adenocarcinoma confirms that this microorganism is an opportunistic human pathogen. The isolate was susceptible to imipenem, aminoglycosides, rifampin, and fluoroquinolones.
Septic Shock Caused by
Ochrobactrum anthropi
in an Otherwise Healthy Host
Authors: Kettaneh Adrien , Weill François-Xavier , Poilane Isabelle , Fain Olivier , Thomas Michel , Herrmann Jean-Louis , Hocqueloux Laurent 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

Reported is a case of life-threatening septic shock that occurred in an otherwise healthy host after administration of a peripheral venous infusion of a solution contaminated with
Ochrobactrum anthropi
, an unusual human pathogen. The rapid onset of shock may have been due to a large inoculum caused by nonsterile practices at the time of reconstitution.
Diagnosis of
Bartonella
Endocarditis by a Real-Time Nested PCR Assay Using Serum
Authors: Zeaiter Zaher , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Greub Gilbert , Raoult Didier 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

Bartonella
endocarditis is a severe disease for which blood cultures frequently remain negative. We tested three PCR assays by using specimens of serum sampled early during the disease from 43 patients diagnosed in our laboratory as having
Bartonella
endocarditis on the basis of serological, culture, and/or valvular molecular detection. We tested a two-step nested PCR (TSN-PCR), a one-step nested PCR (OSN-PCR) with a regular thermal cycler, and a one-step nested PCR with the LightCycler (LCN-PCR). These assays were performed with primers derived from the riboflavin synthase-encoding gene
ribC
, never before amplified in our laboratory. Due to contamination of negative controls, the results of the TSN-PCR were not interpretable, and this technique was no longer considered. The LCN-PCR had a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 58.1%, higher than those of the OSN-PCR (18.6%;
P
< 0.01) and prolonged blood culturing (7.1%;
P
< 0.01). The LCN-PCR results correlated strictly with those of other direct diagnostic tests, when available, and identified the causative species for six patients previously diagnosed on the basis of serological analysis only. The efficacy of the LCN-PCR was not influenced by antibiotics (
P
= 0.96) but was altered by prolonged storage of serum specimens at −20°C (
P
= 0.04). Overall, the LCN-PCR is specific and more sensitive than traditional methods (i.e., culturing and/or PCR with EDTA-treated blood). It can easily be applied to the diagnosis of patients with suspected
Bartonella
endocarditis, especially when only serum is available.