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Past Infection (past + infection)
Selected AbstractsHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection in Southern Africa: Prevalence, Immunity, and Vaccine ProspectsIUBMB LIFE, Issue 4-5 2002Anna-Lise Williamson Abstract Human papillomavirus (HPV) associated cancers are more prevalent in developing countries compared to developed countries. The major cancer caused by HPV is cervical cancer. The humoral immune response to HPV can be a marker of past infection but may also reflect persistent infection and cervical disease. IgA antibodies to HPV in oral fluid were also found to be markers of cervical disease. Cell mediated immunity is important in clearing HPV infection and for regression of the associated lesions: this means that women infected with HIV have a high prevalence of co-infection with HPV. Good cervical screening programmes can control HPV associated cervical neoplasia. However, in countries such as South Africa, where these programmes are inadequate, there is a need for an HPV vaccine. The development of HPV vaccines is reviewed. There is a call for an inexpensive vaccine that will be accessible to the women that do not have access to adequate screening programmes and are therefore at the greatest risk of cervical cancer. [source] GB virus C and TT virus infections in Japanese patients with autoimmune hepatitisJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 2 2002Shuhei Nishiguchi Abstract The association of the newly identified viruses, GB virus C (GBV-C) and TT virus (TTV), with autoimmune hepatitis remains to be elucidated. Sera from 20 Japanese patients with autoimmune hepatitis and 50 volunteer blood donors were assayed for GBV-C RNA, antibodies to the GBV-C second envelope protein (E2), and TTV DNA. GBV-C RNA was examined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Anti-GBV-C E2 (a marker of past infection) was tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TTV DNA was amplified by PCR using two different sets of primers: one derived from the original N22 sequence (Set A) and the other from the untranslated region (Set B). None of the patients or controls had GBV-C RNA. Anti-GBV-C E2 was found significantly more often in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (3/20) than in controls (1/50; P,=,0.034). The prevalence of TTV DNA detected by primers Set A and that detected with either Set A or B were similar among patients with autoimmune hepatitis (4/20 and 16/20, respectively) and controls (9/50 and 40/50, respectively). Clinical characteristics did not differ in association with any of these viral markers. Of the 13 TTV isolates amplified with Set A, seven were classified as genotype 1a, four as genotype 1b, and 2 as genotype 3; no particular strain was associated with autoimmune hepatitis. These findings provide no compelling evidence that GBV-C or TTV has a pathogenic role in autoimmune hepatitis. J. Med. Virol. 66:258,262, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Incidence of seropositivity to bordetella pertussis and mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in patients with chronic laryngotracheitis,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 9 2009FACS, Mary Es Beaver MD Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: Determine the incidence of bordetella pertussis and mycoplasma pneumonia infection in patients with chronic laryngotracheitis. Study Design: A prospective case study. Methods: Fifty-four consecutive adult patients presenting with symptoms (throat clearing, hoarseness, cough, globus) and signs (laryngeal and subglottic erythema and edema) of chronic laryngotracheitis (CLTR) for >6 weeks were included in the study. A single blood draw for anti-pertussis toxin IgG, IgA, IgM, and mycoplasma IgM was performed at presentation. Duration of symptoms, symptom score (Reflux Symptom Index [RSI]), and physical exam score were recorded. Results: Thirteen patients (24%) had elevated IgA and IgG to pertussis toxin. Nine patients (17%) had elevated IgM to pertussis toxin. Eight patients (15%) had elevated IgM to mycoplasma pneumoniae. There were no significant differences in symptom duration, RSI score, or Voice Handicap Index-10 score among patients with current infection, recent past infection, or no infection. Subglottic erythema scores were significantly higher for patients with current or recent past infection compared to the no infection group. Patients with current infection or recent past infection had significantly more tracheal erythema than supraglottic or vocal fold erythema. Conclusions: Bordetella pertussis and mycoplasma pneumoniae infection play a significant role in the etiology of CLTR. Pertussis can be a mild but chronic presentation and may not produce typical symptoms of severe cough. Symptom duration and severity cannot differentiate between CLTR of infectious or other etiology. Infection should be considered in patients with CLTR that have significant tracheal erythema. Laryngoscope, 2009 [source] Vaccination against hepatitis A and B in persons subject to homelessness in inner Sydney: vaccine acceptance, completion rates and immunogenicityAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 2 2010Roslyn G. Poulos Abstract Objectives: To determine acceptance, completion rates and immunogenicity of the standard vaccination schedule for hepatitis A (HAV) and B (HBV) in persons subject to homelessness. Methods: A convenience sample of clients (n=201) attending a medical clinic for homeless and disadvantaged persons in Sydney was enrolled. Serological screening for HAV and HBV was undertaken. An appropriate vaccination program was instituted. Post-vaccination serology determined serological response. Results: Although many clients had serological evidence of past infection, at least 138 (69%) clients had the potential to benefit from vaccination. For hepatitis A and B vaccinations, completion rates were 73% (73 of 100 clients) and 75% (69 of 92 clients), respectively; after vaccination, protective antibody was found in 98.2% (56 of 57) and 72% (36 of 50) of clients, respectively. Conclusion: A successful vaccination program can be mounted with a vulnerable population. We consider a clinic with a well-established history of acceptance and utilisation by the target group; a low staff turnover and regular clientele; inclusion of vaccination as part of routine client care; and counselling (part of pre- and post-serological testing) essential components in achieving good vaccination completion rates. [source] | |||||||||||||