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Seropositive
Terms modified by Seropositive Selected AbstractsLateral transmission of equine arteritis virus among Lipizzaner stallions in South AfricaEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2003A. J. GUTHRIE Summary Reasons for performing study:A serological study conducted in 1995 revealed that 7 stallions at the Lipizzaner Centre, Gauteng, South Africa, were seropositive for antibody to equine arteritis virus (EAV). A Lipizzaner stallion imported into South Africa from Yugoslavia in 1981 had previously (1988) been confirmed to be an EAV carrier. Despite being placed under life-long breeding quarantine, EAV had been transmitted between stallions at the Lipizzaner Centre. Objectives: To investigate the phylogenetic relationships between the strain of EAV shed in the semen of the original carrier stallion and strains recovered from the semen of 5 other stallions; and to investigate the means whereby lateral transmission of EAV occurred among 7 in-contact, nonbreeding stallions at the Centre. Methods: EAV was isolated from semen collected from the seropositive stallions using RK-13 cells. Viral RNA was reverse transcribed and amplified by polymerase chain reaction using ORF5-specific primers, subjected to sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Phylogenetic analysis of strains of EAV recovered from the semen of 6 persistently infected stal lions confirmed that all viruses were closely related and probably derived from a common ancestor, i.e. the stallion imported from Yugoslavia. Lateral transmission subsequently occurred among 7 in-contact, nonbreeding stallions at the Centre. It is speculated that these stallions may have been exposed to virus from be dding or fo mites contaminated with semen. Conclusions: These data confirm that lateral transmission of EAV can occur from shedding stallions to susceptible, in-contact horses, including other stallions, which may become persistently infected with the virus. Potential relevance: The findings are consistent with lateral spread of a single, unique strain of EAV among a group; and suggest that transmission of EAV may be initiated by infection of one or more stallions with virus on bedding or other fomites contaminated with EAV-infected semen. [source] Helicobacter pylori in familial clusters based on antibody profileFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2001Bee Ling Ng Abstract Studies have shown a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in close communities and that intrafamilial spread during early childhood may be a route of transmission. A total of 72 household members from 21 families were enrolled in this study. Sera from individuals showed 50/72 (69.4%) seropositive for IgG against H. pylori by ELISA. Western blots showed diversity in the protein profiles with molecular masses ranging from ,8 to 130 kDa. Cohen's , statistical analysis of the blot patterns showed that nine families demonstrated similar profiles (100%), while 4 other families showed varying similarities (17,50%). The results support the hypothesis of intrafamilial transmission of H. pylori. Furthermore, serological studies can be used as an effective approach to determine the familial status in relation to H. pylori infection. [source] Interleukin-2 Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Increased Risk of Gastric Atrophy from Helicobacter pylori InfectionHELICOBACTER, Issue 3 2005Shozo Togawa ABSTRACT Background., Gastric atrophy induced by Helicobacter pylori is thought to predispose patients to noncardiac gastric cancer development. However, the host genetic factors that influence the progression of gastric atrophy have not been elucidated. In this study, we examined the effects of cytokine polymorphisms on H. pylori -induced gastric atrophy. Methods., Blood samples were taken from 454 Japanese subjects. The interleukin-2 (IL-2; T-330G), IL-4 (C-33T), and IL-13 (C-1111T) polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction with confronting two-pair primers (PCR-CTPP). Anti- H. pylori IgG antibody and pepsinogen I and II were measured to diagnose H. pylori infection and atrophic gastritis. Results., The odds ratios (ORs) for the association between IL-2 polymorphism [OR = 2.78, 95% CI (confidence interval) = 1.26,6.17 (T/T to G/G)] or IL-4 polymorphism [OR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.01,4.89 (T/C to C/C)] were increased significantly with gastric atrophy, whereas the corresponding OR of IL-13 polymorphism was decreased with gastric atrophy [OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.39,0.96 (C/T and T/T to C/C)]. There were no significant H. pylori seropositivity-related differences between these polymorphisms. We examined the relationship between these polymorphisms and gastric atrophy separately in H. pylori -seropositive and -seronegative groups. In the H. pylori -seropositive group, the IL-2 T/T (OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.12,6.93) had a significant association with gastric atrophy. Conclusions., These results reveal that the IL-2 gene polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of gastric atrophy induced by H. pylori infection and might predispose to gastric cancer. [source] Tooth Loss and Helicobacter pylori Seropositivity: the Newcastle Thousand Families Cohort Study at Age 49,51 YearsHELICOBACTER, Issue 1 2005Mark S. Pearce ABSTRACT Background.,Helicobacter pylori, one of the commonest chronic bacterial infections of humankind, is an important risk factor for gastric carcinoma. It has also been suggested to be present in dental plaque. This study investigated the potential link between the number of teeth lost and H. pylori seropositivity at age 50 years. Methods.,H. pylori seropositivity at age 50 years was investigated among 334 individuals born in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, in May and June 1947 and related to the number of teeth lost, after adjusting for socioeconomic status. Results., The unadjusted risk of being seropositive for H. pylori increased with increasing number of teeth lost (odds ratio per tooth 1.03, 95% confidence interval 1.01,1.06, p = .019). However, after adjustment for socioeconomic status at birth and at age 50 years, the relationship was no longer significant (p = .36). Conclusions., Our results, obtained using prospectively collected data, suggest that any relationship between poor oral health and seropositivity to H. pylori may be due to both tooth loss and H. pylori colonization being associated with socioeconomic status and related factors. [source] Serologic Prevalence of Antibodies to Helicobacter pylori in Internationally Adopted ChildrenHELICOBACTER, Issue 3 2003Laurie C. Miller ABSTRACT Background.Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been linked to gastritis, diarrhea, peptic ulcers, failure-to-thrive, anemia, as well as predisposition to gastric malignancies. Because many internationally adopted children have diarrhea, failure-to-thrive, and anemia on arrival to the US, we determined the prevalence of HP antibodies among these children. Methods. Serum samples from 226 unselected children from 18 countries who were evaluated in the International Adoption Clinic at New England Medical Center were tested for antibodies to H. pylori. The results of serologic screening were analyzed in relation to age at adoption, site of residence prior to adoption, weight and height, and the presence or absence of anemia, diarrhea, or intestinal parasites. Results. 31% of internationally adopted children had antibodies to H. pylori. The presence of H. pylori -antibodies was associated with residence in an orphanage (vs. foster care) prior to adoption, older age at adoption, and coinfection with intestinal parasites. No direct effects on height or weight were identified; no associations with diarrhea or anemia were found. Conclusions. Internationally adopted children have a high incidence of exposure to H. pylori, as diagnosed serologically. Residence in an orphanage (compared with foster care), older age at adoption, and coinfection with intestinal parasites were more common among children seropositive for anti- H. pylori antibodies. [source] Age at Acquisition of Helicobacter pylori in a Pediatric Canadian First Nations PopulationHELICOBACTER, Issue 2 2002Samir K. Sinha Abstract Background. Few data exist regarding the epidem-iology of Helicobacter pylori infections in aboriginal, including the First Nations (Indian) or Inuit (Eskimo) populations of North America. We have previously found 95% of the adults in Wasagamack, a First Nations community in Northeastern Manitoba, Canada, are seropositive for H. pylori. We aimed to determine the age at acquisition of H. pylori among the children of this community, and if any association existed with stool occult blood or demographic factors. Materials and Methods. We prospectively enrolled children resident in the Wasagamack First Nation in August 1999. A demographic questionnaire was administered. Stool was collected, frozen and batch analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for H. pylori antigen and for the presence of occult blood. Questionnaire data were analyzed and correlated with the presence or absence of H. pylori. Results. 163 (47%) of the estimated 350 children aged 6 weeks to 12 years, resident in the community were enrolled. Stool was positive for H. pylori in 92 (56%). By the second year of life 67% were positive for H. pylori. The youngest to test positive was 6 weeks old. There was no correlation of a positive H. pylori status with gender, presence of pets, serum Hgb, or stool occult blood. Forty-three percent of H. pylori positive and 24% of H. pylori negative children were < 50th percentile for height (p = 0.024). Positive H. pylori status was associated with the use of indoor pail toileting (86/143) compared with outhouse toileting (6/20) (p = 0.01). Conclusions. In a community with widespread H. pylori infection, overcrowded housing and primitive toileting, H. pylori is acquired as early as 6 weeks of age, and by the second year of life 67% of children test positive for H. pylori. [source] Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Subjects with Helicobacter pylori InfectionHELICOBACTER, Issue 2 2002Toshiharu Takashima Abstract Background. It has been proposed that Helicobacter pylori infection is related to cardiovascular disease, although this has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether H. pylori in-fection is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Subjects and Methods. One thousand six hundred and fifty people undergoing annual medical checks at Shimane Institute of Health Science between September 1998 and August 1999 were enrolled. Gender, age, body mass index, habitual smoking and drinking, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum level of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), blood glucose, leukocyte count and hemoglobin were compared between H. pylori seropositive and seronegative cases. Results. In H. pylori seropositive individuals, HDLC was significantly lower than that in seronegative individuals. After adjustment for possible confounding factors (gender, age, BMI, smoking and drinking habits), mean HDLC in H. pylori -seropositive and seronegative individuals were 56.1 and 58.2 mg/dl, respectively (p < .005). The percentage of the elderly (over 50 years old) individuals with HDLC < 35 mg/dl in H. pylori seropositive and seronegative groups were 7.4% and 4.7%, respectively (p < .001). In addition, the lower HDLC level was accompanied by an increased leukocyte count. Conclusion. Long-term infection with H. pylori may have an important role in decreasing the serum HDLC concentration. [source] Serological markers of autoimmunity in patients infected with hepatitis C virus: impact of HIV co-infectionHIV MEDICINE, Issue 6 2005OM Adeyemi Objectives: We sought to evaluate the prevalence, predictors and significance of autoantibody expression in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with or without HIV co-infection. Methods: Retrospective review of laboratory and histologic data for all patients with CHC who had a liver biopsy available. HIV status was documented in all patients. Results analyzed in SPSS10, Chicago, IL, a p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: 170 patients with hepatitis C viremia, including 107 (63%) HIV co-infection, who had testing for anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) or anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA) and anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) were included in the study. Overall, 63% (74/117) of patients were ASMA seropositive and 6% (9/153) were positive for ANA. All 117 patients tested for AMA were negative. HIV co-infected patients were significantly more likely to be ASMA positive 71% (53/75) compared to those with hepatitis C alone (50%) [P=0.026]. There were no significant differences in age, gender, race, risk group, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels or grade of inflammation on histology between autoantibody positive and negative patients. ASMA positive patients had significantly higher globulin levels (P=0.036) and a trend towards more bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis. Patients with autoantibody expression rarely had histologic features of AIH. Conclusion: We found a high rate of ASMA seropositivity in our cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis C, and HIV co-infection was associated with significantly higher rates of ASMA expression. Autoantibody expression was not associated with demographic or clinical characteristics and does not necessarily preclude antiviral therapy. [source] Avian influenza A H5N1 infections in Bali province, Indonesia: a behavioral, virological and seroepidemiological studyINFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES, Issue 3 2009Ketut Santhia Background, Bali Province was affected by avian influenza H5N1 outbreaks in birds in October 2003. Despite ongoing circulation of the virus, no human infection had been identified by December 2005. Objectives, To assess behavioral patterns associated with poultry rearing in Bali, and to identify potential risk factors for H5N1 infection in humans and in household chickens, ducks and pigs. Methods, A behavioral, virological and seroepidemiologic survey in 38 villages and three live bird markets was completed in December 2005. A multi-stage cluster design was used to select 291 households with 841 participants from all nine districts in Bali. Specimens were collected from participants as well as a maximum of three pigs, chickens and ducks from each household. Eighty-seven market vendors participated, where specimens were collected from participants as well as chickens and ducks. Results, Twenty out of the 38 villages sampled had H5N1 outbreaks. Despite exposure to H5N1 outbreaks, none of the participants from villages or markets were seropositive for H5N1. None of the pigs tested were positive for H5N1. Virus isolation rate in ducks and chicken in markets was higher than in households. Transport of poultry in or out of villages was a risk factor for outbreaks in household chickens and ducks. Conclusions, The study highlighted that the market chain and associated behaviors may play a role in maintaining the virus in household flocks. The study adds evidence that transmission of H5N1 to humans remains a rare event despite high level handling of both healthy and sick birds. [source] Human papillomavirus seropositivity and risks of head and neck cancerINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER, Issue 4 2007Elaine M. Smith Abstract We examined antibody response to VLP HPV-16, HPV-16 E6 and E7 antibodies as potential seromarkers of HPV-related head and neck cancer (HNC). The study included 204 HNC cases and 326 controls evaluated for HPV presence in sera using ELISAs for anti-HPV VLP antibodies and HPV-16 E6 and/or E7 antibodies, and in tumor tissue using PCR and DNA sequencing. Anti-HPV-16 VLP was detected in 33.8% of cases and 22.4% of controls, anti-E6 in 20.6% of cases and 0.9% of controls and anti-E7 in 18.6% of cases and 0.6% of controls. HPV-16 DNA was detected in 26.1% of tumors. The adjusted risk of HNC was elevated among those seropositive for HPV-16 VLP (odds ratio (OR) = 1.7, 1.1,2.5), E6 (OR = 32.8, 9.7,110.8) or E7 (OR = 37.5, 8.7,161.2). Compared to HPV DNA-negative/seronegative cases, tumor HPV-16 cases had increased risk of detection with anti-VLP antibodies (OR = 6.8, 3.1,14.9). The odds were more pronounced among cases seropositive for E6 (OR = 69.0, 19.3,247) or E7 (OR = 50.1, 14.7,171). Antibodies against E6 or E7 were associated with risk of cancer in the oral cavity (OR = 5.1, 1.2,22.4) and oropharynx (OR = 72.8, 16.0,330), and with disease characteristics: stage, grade and nodal status. Anti-E6 and/or E7 antibodies were found in 74% of tumor HPV-16 positive cases but in only 5% of tumor HPV-negative cases (K =0.7, 0.6,0.8) suggesting good correlation between the serologic marker and HPV tumor status. Antibodies to HPV-16 E6 and/or E7 represent a more specific biomarker than anti-HPV-16 VLP of an HPV-related HNC. Because of the survival advantage of HPV-related HNC, HPV-16 E6/E7 detection may be useful in therapy targeted for HPV-related tumors. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cytomegalovirus and cyclosporin-induced gingival overgrowth in children with liver graftsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 4 2002M.-T. Hosey Summary., Objective. To determine whether cytomegalovirus (CMV) is associated with gingival overgrowth in paediatric liver graft recipients treated with cyclosporin. Study design. Thirty-four children, 25 of whom were under 5 years of age, who had undergone liver transplantation, were examined. An Index of Severity of Gingival Overgrowth was used to measure the prevalence and severity of the gingival overgrowth. The trough cyclosporin level was recorded and the CMV status of the patient matched to the dental findings. The association between the severity of gingival overgrowth and CMV infection was examined using the contingency coefficient. An anova was used to assess the association between the circulating trough cyclosporin concentration and the severity of gingival overgrowth. Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to examine the association between the duration of exposure to cyclosporin and the severity of gingival overgrowth. Results. There was a significant inverse association between the duration of exposure to cyclosporin and the severity of gingival overgrowth. There was no relationship between the trough cyclosporin concentration and the severity of gingival overgrowth. There was no association between CMV and gingival overgrowth. Conclusion. Gingival overgrowth was related to the duration of cyclosporin therapy but was neither more prevalent nor more severe in subjects who were CMV seropositive. [source] Chronic Cytomegalovirus Infection and Inflammation Are Associated with Prevalent Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older WomenJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 5 2005Heidi N. Schmaltz MDCM Objectives: To evaluate the association between asymptomatic chronic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and the frailty syndrome and to assess whether inflammation modifies this association. Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Setting: Women's Health and Aging Study I & II, Baltimore, Maryland. Participants: Seven hundred twenty-four community-dwelling women aged 70 to 79 with baseline measures of CMV, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and frailty status. Measurements: CMV serology and IL-6 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Frailty status was based on previously validated criteria: unintentional weight loss, weak grip strength, exhaustion, slow walking speed, and low level of activity. Frail women had three or more of the five components, prefrail women had one or two components, and women who were not frail had none of the components. Multinomial logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Eighty-seven percent of women were CMV seropositive, an indication of chronic infection. CMV was associated with prevalent frailty, adjusting for age, smoking history, elevated body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and congestive heart failure (CMV frail adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=3.2, P=.03; CMV prefrail AOR=1.5, P=.18). IL-6 interacted with CMV, significantly increasing the magnitude of this association (CMV positive and low IL-6 frail AOR=1.5, P=.53; CMV positive and high IL-6 frail AOR=20.3, P=.007; CMV positive and low IL-6 prefrail AOR=0.9, P=.73; CMV positive and high IL-6 prefrail AOR=5.5, P=.001). Conclusion: Chronic CMV infection is associated with prevalent frailty, a state with increased morbidity and mortality in older adults; inflammation enhances this effect. Further prospective studies are needed to establish a causal relationship between CMV, inflammation, and frailty. [source] Serum IgG to heat shock proteins and Porphyromonas gingivalis antigens in diabetic patients with periodontitisJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 6 2002Tom J. Sims Abstract Background: Past studies have reported a correlation between the presence and severity of periodontitis and serum antibody titers to species-specific antigens of Porphyromonas gingivalis or to cross-reactive antigens, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and heat shock proteins (HSP), shared between P. gingivalis and other bacteria. Our recent study of periodontal treatment outcome in insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes mellitus patients with severe periodontitis (IDDMI/periodontitis) resulted in two key findings: 1. serum glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody (GAD65 Ab) levels were significantly associated with periodontal pocket depth change (PDC) and 2. serum IgG titers to P. gingivalis cells were positively associated with GAD65 Ab level in seropositive (GAD65 Ab +) patients. We have therefore hypothesized that profiles of serum autoantibody levels and IgG titers, to P. gingivalis -specific antigens may be useful in assessing risk for refractory periodontitis in such patients. Aim: To determine whether PDC resulting from non-surgical periodontal treatment can be predicted using profiles of baseline IgG titers to P. gingivalisspecific antigens, human HSP, and GAD65. Methods: PDC was assessed two months after non-surgical periodontal treatment of 7 GAD65 Ab + and 11 GAD65 AbIDDM/periodontitis patients. Pretreatment titers to GAD65, recombinant human heat shock proteins (HSP90, HSP70, and HSP60), and various P. gingivalis antigens were measured using radioligand precipitation or enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assays and compared to the same measurements for 154 recent-onset IDDM patients and 46 non-diabetic controls. Results: Median titers (ELISA units) to HSP90 and HSP70 were significantly higher than non-diabetic controls for GAD65 Ab + (p°= 0.002) and GAD65 Ab- (p =,0.034) IDDM/periodontitis patients, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis indicated significant partial correlation of PDC with log-transformed titers to HSP90 (r =,, 0.62, p = 0.008), HSP70 (r =,+ 0.62, p = 0.009), GAD65 (r =,, 0.60, p = 0.01) and P. gingivalis LPS (r = , 0.5 1, p = 0.04). Furthermore, hierarchical clustering of baseline profiles of log-transformed HSP90, HSP70, and GAD65 Ab titers sorted patients into two distinct clusters with significantly different median PDC (1.45 min, n = 10 vs. 0.65 min, n = 8; p = 0.016, Mann,Whitney). Conclusion: Pretreatment profiles of serum antibody titers to HSP90, HSP70, GAD65, and P. gingivalis LPS may be useful for predicting which patients with IDDM/periodontitis will have a poor response to non-surgical periodontal therapy. [source] Network financial support and conflict as predictors of depressive symptoms among a highly disadvantaged populationJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 1 2007Amy R. Knowlton The study examined multiple dimensions of social support as predictors of depressive symptoms among a highly vulnerable population. Social network analysis was used to assess perceived and enacted dimensions of support (emotional, financial, instrumental), network conflict, closeness, and composition. Participants were 393 current and former injection drug users who were 72% , poverty level, 96% African American, 39% HIV seropositive. At baseline, 37% had high depression scores (CES-D , 16). Adjusted logistic regression indicated that for every additional network member providing financial support, the odds of probable depression 1 year later decreased by 23%, and for every additional conflictive network tie the odds of depression increased by 57%. Findings suggest the greater importance to this population's psychological well-being of received support specific to environmental demands, rather than support perceived potentially available. The findings suggest potential directions for intervention. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Patterns of antibodies against latent and lytic antigens of human herpesvirus 8 in an endemic population and patients with Kaposi's sarcoma in MozambiqueJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 9 2010Adele Caterino-de-Araujo Abstract The patterns of antibodies against latent and lytic antigens of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) were assessed using immunofluorescence assays of samples from 155 persons seropositive for HHV-8 seen at public health centers and 24 patients with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) from Mozambique. Of the 155 persons without KS, 48 (31%) had antibodies against latent antigens only, 29 (18.7%) had antibodies against lytic antigens only, and 78 (50.3%) had antibodies against both types of antigen. The HHV-8 antibody titer tended to increase with age until age 40, after which it began to decrease. High titers of antibodies against latent and lytic antigens of HHV-8 were detected mostly in persons co-infected with HIV, and these increased titers could have a predictive value. All patients with KS except four patients who were seronegative for HHV-8 had elevated titers of HHV-8 antibodies, predominantly against latent antigens. The data suggest the potential for an increase in the development of KS in this endemic area for HHV-8. J. Med. Virol. 82:1576,1581, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Association of IL-4 589 C/T promoter and IL-4R,I50V receptor polymorphism with susceptibility to HIV-1 infection in North IndiansJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 6 2009Animesh Chatterjee Abstract The clinical course and outcome of HIV-1 infection are highly variable among individuals. Interleukin 4 (IL-4) is a key T helper 2 cytokine with various immune-modulating functions including induction of immunoglobulin E (IgE) production in B cells, downregulation of CCR5 and upregulation of CXCR4, the main co-receptors for HIV. Our objective is to investigate whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-4 promoter 589 C/T and IL-4 R, I50V affect the susceptibility to HIV infection and its progression to AIDS in North Indian individuals. The study population consisted of 180 HIV-1 seropositive (HSP) stratified on the basis of disease severity (stage I, II, III), 50 HIV-1 exposed seronegative (HES), and 305 HIV-1 seronegative (HSN) individuals. The subjects were genotyped for IL-4 589 C/T promoter polymorphism and IL-4 R, I50V by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism. The results showed that IL-4 589 C/T was not associated with the risk of HIV infection and disease progression. However, the IL-4R, I50 allele and genotype was significantly increased in HSP compared to HSN and HSP and was associated with risk of HIV infection. The frequency of IL-4R, I50 allele in the HSP group was higher than in HSN (76.11 vs. 64.75%; P,=,0.000; OR,=,1.734) and HES (76.11% vs. 62.00%; P,=,0.007; OR,=,1.953). Homozygous IL-4R, I50I genotype was significantly increased in HSP group compared with HSN (58.88% vs. 44.26%; P,=,0.002; OR,=,1.804) and HES (58.88% vs. 42.00%; P,=,0.038; OR,=,1.978). The present study for the first time suggests an association of IL-4R, I50 allele with increased likelihood of HIV-1 infection in North Indian population. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and understand the effect of IL-4R, polymorphism on the outcome of HIV-1 infection. J. Med. Virol. 81:959,965, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cervical and oral human papillomavirus types in HIV-1 positive and negative women with cervical disease in South AfricaJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 6 2008Dianne J. Marais Abstract This study tested cervical and oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in HIV-1 seropositive (HIV+) and seronegative (HIV,) women to determine any association between infections at both sites and the difference in prevalence of the HPV types infecting these women. Participants were 115 women referred to a colposcopy clinic after diagnosis of abnormal cervical cytology. The women showed low grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1) or high grade disease (CIN2/3) or no CIN based on colposcopy and histology. Typing of HPV in cervical and oral cells was by Roche linear array and included direct sequencing on selected oral samples. Cervical HPV prevalence was 86.5% and 97.1% in HIV, and HIV+ women respectively. With the exception of HPV-45, prominent in HIV+ women, the hierarchy of predominant types were similar in HIV, and HIV+ women. HPV-16 was most prevalent in both HIV+ (41.7%) and HIV, women (38.5%) with CIN2/3. Significantly more HIV+ women had multiple cervical (>1) infections than HIV, women (36.1% vs. 88.2%, P,<,0.001) and more oral HPV infections (45.5% and 25% respectively; P,=,0.04). The most prevalent oral HPV types were HPV-33, -11, and -72. The majority of women did not have concordant oral and cervical HPV types, reflecting possible independence of infection at the two sites. HIV immune suppression did not impact significantly on the predominant types of cervical HPV infection (except for HPV-45). HIV+ women had more multiple HPV infections and those with severe cervical disease a similar prevalence of HIV-16 but a lower HPV-18 prevalence than HIV, women. J. Med. Virol. 80:953,959, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to human papillomavirus (HPV) types HPV-16, HPV-18, and HPV-11 capsid-antigens in mothers and their childrenJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 9 2007Dianne J. Marais Abstract Human papillomavirus (HPV) types causing anogenital lesions and cancer are accepted as being sexually transmitted. The methods whereby children acquire these anogenital type HPV infections are unclear. The present study determined the prevalence of anti-HPV-16, HPV-11 and HPV-18 IgG antibodies in mothers and their children in an attempt to identify evidence of HPV transmission from mother to child. HPV virus-like particles (VLP) VLP-16, VLP-11 and VLP-18 were used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to identify IgG antibodies in serum from 100 mothers and their 111 children. Antibodies to VLP-16, VLP-11 and VLP-18 were found in serum from 17%, 21% and 16% of mothers, respectively and seroprevalences were 9%, 11.7% and 9.9%, respectively amongst the children. Of the 111 children, 23 (20.7%) showed antibodies to one or more of the three HPV types tested. Seven of these (30.4%) HPV IgG positive children had the same antibodies to one or more HPV types as their mothers. The prevalence of HPV-11 was similar in children of seropositive compared with seronegative mothers (14% and 11%, respectively). The prevalence of HPV-16 and HPV-18 was higher in children of seropositive mothers compared with seronegative mothers (for HPV-16, 18% and 7%, respectively, P,=,0.1, for HPV-18, 19% and 8%, respectively, P,=,0.2). None of these differences were statistically significant indicating a lack of correlation between antibodies in mothers and children and no evidence to support vertical or horizontal mother to child transmission of HPV infection. Indications were of multiple sources of HPV infection in the children. J. Med. Virol. 79:1370,1374, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Serotyping and genotyping of HIV-1 infection in residents of Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South AfricaJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 12 2006G.B. Jacobs Abstract It is estimated that between 5.5 and 6.1 million people are infected with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in South Africa, with subtype C responsible for the majority of these infections. The Khayelitsha suburb of Cape Town has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in South Africa. Overcrowding combined with unemployment and crime in parts of the area perpetuates high-risk sexual behavior, which increases exposure to infection by HIV. Against this background, the objective of this study was to characterize HIV-1 in residents confirmed to be seropositive. Serotyping was performed through a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cPEIA). Genotyping methods included RNA isolation followed by RT-PCR and sequencing of the gag p24, env gp41 immunodominant region (IDR), and env gp120 V3 genome regions of HIV-1. With the exception of a possible C/D recombinant strain, all HIV-1 strains were characterized as HIV-1 group M subtype C. One individual was shown to harbor multiple strains of HIV-1 subtype C. In Southern Africa, the focus has been to develop a subtype C candidate vaccine, as this is the major subtype found in this geographical area. Therefore, the spread of HIV-1 and its recombinant strains needs to be monitored closely. J. Med. Virol. 78:1529,1536, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Acute retinal necrosis six years after herpes simplex encephalitis: An elusive immune deficit suggested by insufficient test sensitivityJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 2 2004W. Preiser Abstract A patient presented with acute retinal necrosis of the left eye. Demonstration of herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA in the aqueous humour confirmed the diagnosis. Negative results of HSV type-specific antibody tests based on gG antigens suggested a primary HSV infection. However, the patient had a past history of laboratory-confirmed herpes simplex encephalitis 6 years ago. Using antibody tests based on whole viral lysate antigens, he was seropositive from the onset, and immunoblot testing confirmed a lack of anti-gG reactivity. To be able to assess whether this might be related to the apparent inability of his immune system to suppress clinically symptomatic HSV infection, serial samples were tested by an HSV neutralisation test and a whole-blood flow cytometric assay to determine the frequency of HSV-specific CD4 lymphocytes. However, this did not yield evidence of obvious immunodeficiency; the patient reacted similarly to known positive controls by both assays. Although type-specific HSV serological tests based on gG are generally more specific than those based on whole viral lysate antigens, they have a somewhat lower sensitivity, as a certain percentage of HSV-infected individuals do not develop antibodies against gG, and others may suffer a secondary loss of anti-gG reactivity. Thus there is a risk of missing individual infected patients. Unless this potential problem is recognised, serious consequences might possibly result. We therefore urge virologists and clinicians to exercise great care if highly specific antibody assays based on recombinant proteins are employed. J. Med. Virol. 73:250,255, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] HHV-6 A- or B-specific P41 antigens do not reveal virus variant-specific IgG or IgM responses in human serumJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 3 2002Yunhe Xu Abstract The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unknown, but there are indications of a role of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), especially variant A, in the pathogenesis. Higher serum antibody reactivity against an HHV-6 early protein, p41, has been found in MS cases than in controls. The antigen, however, was purified from infected cells with a monoclonal antibody also reactive with a protein (p38) likely to be of cellular origin. To avoid serological crossreactivity with the cellular protein, recombinant p41 proteins from HHV-6A strain GS and HHV-6B strain Z29 were expressed as glutathione-S-transferase fusion proteins (p41-GST), and used as antigens in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). p41 variant specific monoclonal antibodies reacted strongly with the respective recombinant proteins. Serum IgM and IgG reactivities with the recombinant p41 antigens were analysed in patients with manifest MS, patients with optic neuritis, patients with other neurological diseases, and in one group of healthy controls. All sera were HHV-6 IgG seropositive by immunofluorescence. The serum IgM or IgG reactivities against the recombinant p41 antigens did not differ significantly between the groups, and the reactivities against the variant A and B antigens were identical. In many samples, the reactivity was very low. The results indicate that p41 is not an optimal target for HHV-6 serology studies, and that the data obtained with the p41 antigen prepared from infected cells (possibly including also p38) should be interpreted with caution. J. Med. Virol. 66:394-399, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Lack of effect of chemokine receptor CCR2b gene polymorphism (64I) on HIV-1 plasma RNA viral load and immune activation among HIV-1 seropositive female workers in Abidjan, Côte d'IvoireJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 4 2001Christiane A. Adjé Abstract The prevalence of the CCR2b,V64I mutation among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive and -seronegative female workers and the potential effect of heterozygosity of this mutation on HIV-1 plasma RNA viral load and markers of immune activation were assessed. CCR2b,V64I was detected by polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction enzymes analysis; plasma viral load was measured by the Amplicor HIV-1 monitor assay and CD4+ T-cell counts and markers of immune activation by standard three-color FACscan flow cytometry. Of the 260 female workers, 56 (21.5%) were heterozygous for CCR2b,V64I, and 8 (3%) were homozygous. Of the 99 HIV-seronegative female workers, 19 (19.2%) were heterozygous for the CCR2b,V64I mutation compared with 37 (23%) of the 161 HIV-seropositive FSW (P,=,0.47). In a univariate analysis of viral load among HIV-seropositive FSW, no difference was noted between those heterozygous for or without the mutation; both groups had plasma viral loads of 5.0 log10 copies/ml. After controlling for the effects of CD4+ T-cell counts in a multivariate analysis, no significant difference was observed between the groups in viral load or in markers of immune activation. The data suggest that the presence of the CCR2b mutation has no effect on HIV-1 plasma viral load and markers of immune activation in our study population. The finding that the frequency of this mutation is similar in HIV-seropositive and -seronegative female workers suggests that its presence is not associated with increased risk of HIV infection. J. Med. Virol. 64:398,401, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Infant Gender on the Interactions Between Mothers and Their Medically At-Risk InfantsJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 1 2008June Cho ABSTRACT Objective:, To examine the effects of maternal depressive symptoms and infant gender on interactions between mothers and medically at-risk infants. Design:, Longitudinal, descriptive secondary analysis. Setting:, Neonatal intensive care unit, intermediate care unit, and infectious disease clinic of the tertiary medical centers in the Southeast and East. Participants:, One hundred and eight preterm infants and their mothers, 67 medically fragile infants and their mothers, and 83 infants seropositive for HIV and their primary caregivers were studied in their homes between 6 and 24 months. Main Outcome Measures:, Observation and the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment Inventory were used to assess the interactions of mothers and their medically at-risk infants. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Results:, The level of depressive symptoms did not differ between the mothers of boys and mothers of girls in the three groups. Mothers of medically fragile infants had higher levels of depressive symptoms than mothers of preterm infants at 6 months corrected age and similar levels of depressive symptoms as HIV-positive mothers at 12 months. Mothers of medically fragile infants with elevated depressive symptoms were less attentive and more restrictive to their infants. HIV-positive mothers with elevated depressive symptoms were less attentive to their infants. The effects of gender on mother-infant interactions were not moderated by maternal depressive symptoms. Conclusion:, Maternal depressive symptoms had a somewhat negative effect on the interactions of mothers and medically at-risk infants. [source] Chronic Atrophic Gastritis and Metachronous Gastric Cancer in Japanese Alcoholic Men With Esophageal Squamous Cell CarcinomaALCOHOLISM, Issue 5 2009Akira Yokoyama Background:, The risk of metachronous gastric cancer is high in Japanese with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), especially in alcoholic men, suggesting a common background underlying the gastric and esophageal cancers. Methods:, Endoscopic follow-up ranging from 7 to 160 months (median, 47 months) after the initial diagnosis was performed in 99 Japanese gastric-cancer-free alcoholic men (56.8 ± 6.4 years) with esophageal SCC detected by an endoscopic screening examination. Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) assessed by the serum pepsinogen test and Helicobacter pylori status was compared between 90 of the 99 esophageal SCC cases and 180 age-matched Japanese gastric- and esophageal-cancer-free alcoholic men. Results:, The serum pepsinogen test showed a higher seroprevalence of severe CAG among the cases than among the age-matched controls (35.4% vs. 14.2% for H. pylori -seropositive, 71.4% vs. 7.7% for H. pylori -indeterminate, and 17.1% vs. 9.8% for H. pylori -negative, respectively; H. pylori status-adjusted p = 0.0008), whereas their H. pylori status was similar. The accelerated progression of severe CAG observed in the Japanese alcoholic men with esophageal SCC suggests the existence of common mechanisms by which both esophageal SCC and H. pylori -related severe CAG develop in this population. Metachronous gastric adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 11 of the 99 gastric-cancer-free patients, and the cumulative rate of metachronous gastric cancer within 5 years was estimated to be 15% according to the Kaplan,Meier method. The age-adjusted hazard ratios were 7.87 (95% confidence interval: 1.43 to 43.46) and 4.84 (1.16 to 20.21), respectively, in the patients with severe CAG in comparison with those without CAG and those without severe CAG. Inactive heterozygous aldehyde dehydrogenase-2, a very strong risk factor for esophageal SCC in the alcoholics, was not associated with an increased risk of metachronous gastric cancer. Conclusions:, Accelerated development of severe CAG at least partially explained the very high frequency of development of metachronous gastric cancer in this population. [source] Serological survey of leptospiral infection in kennelled dogs in ItalyJOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2002E. Scanziani Two hundred and forty-five dogs were examined serologically for the presence of antibodies against different serovars of Leptospira interrogans. The dogs belonged to five different groups: group 1 was composed of clinically healthy pet dogs referred for a regular veterinary check-up visit or for vaccination; group 2 was composed of stray dogs; and groups 3, 4 and 5 were composed of dogs maintained in three different kennels which had varying standards of hygiene. Seventy-two out of the 245 dogs examined were seropositive for leptospirosis. In group 1, there were 3·4 per cent seropositive dogs; in group 2, 30·3 per cent; in group 3, 13·8 per cent; in group 4, 38·6 per cent; and in group 5, 49·2 per cent. This study demonstrates that leptospiral infection is common in dogs housed in kennels, despite most of them being vaccinated, and that crowding of animals into unsanitary quarters is associated with a high prevalence of infection. The most common infecting serovars found were bratislava and grippotyphosa, confirming recent observations that demonstrate a significant change in the epidemiology of canine leptospirosis. [source] Hepatitis C virus infection: prevalence, predictor variables and prevention opportunities among drug users in ItalyJOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, Issue 5 2003G. L. Quaglio Summary. The study assessed rates and predictor variables of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among drug users receiving pharmacological treatment for opiates addiction. There was a large cohort study in 16 public centres for drug users in north-eastern Italy, with data collected by standardized face-to-face interviews between February 2001 and August 2001. Of 1095 participants, 74.2% were HCV seropositive. Anti-HCV status was independently associated with duration of drug use of over 10 years, injecting as a route of drug administration, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity. Further statistical analysis was conducted by dividing the subjects on the basis of the duration of heroin use: more or <10 years. In the multivariate analyses, route of drug administration and HBV status were associated with HCV seropositivity among both groups. Less education was associated with HCV among the shorter term drug users. HIV status and having a sexual partner with a history of drug use were associated with HCV seropositivity among the longer term drug users. Half of the short-term heroin users were still HCV seronegative when starting treatment, suggesting opportunities for reducing new HCV infections. Remarkable was the relationship between vaccination for hepatitis B and HCV serostatus. Being HBV seropositive was strongly associated with being HCV seropositive. But heroin users who had been vaccinated for HBV were not significantly more likely to be HCV seropositive than heroin users who were HBV seronegative. HBV vaccination does not provide biological protection against HCV; however, vaccinating heroin users against HBV may help to create a stronger pro-health attitude among heroin users, leading to a reduction in HCV risk behaviour. [source] Who among cytomegalovirus-seropositive liver transplant recipients is at risk for cytomegalovirus infection?LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2005Nina Singh A vast majority of the transplant recipients are cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seropositive (R+). We sought to assess variables predictive of CMV infection, specifically in R+ liver transplant recipients. Study patients comprised 182 consecutive liver transplant recipients who survived at least 14 days after transplantation. Surveillance testing was used to detect CMV infection. Pre-emptive therapy was employed for the prevention of CMV disease, however, no antiviral prophylaxis was used for CMV infection. CMV infection developed in 32.5% (38 of 117) of R+ patients, 84.6% (33 of 39) of R,/D+, and 3.8% (1 of 26) of R,/D, patients. In R+ patients, Hispanic race (21.6% vs. 7.8%, P = 0.06), donor CMV seropositivity (73.7% vs. 45.6%, P = 0.005), and hepatocellular carcinoma (23.7% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.05) correlated with a higher risk of CMV infection. In a multivariate model, Hispanic race (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.03-11.6, P = 0.045), donor CMV serostatus (OR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.6-10.2, P = 0.003) and hepatocellular carcinoma (OR: 5.8, 95% CI: 1.6-20.5, P = 0.006) were all significant independent predictors of CMV infection. The aforementioned variables did not portend a higher risk of CMV infection in R,/D+ patients; donor CMV seropositivity overwhelmed all other risk factors in R, patients (P < 0.00001). In conclusion, CMV-seropositive liver transplant recipients at risk for CMV infection can be identified based on readily assessable variables. Preventive strategies may be selectively targeted toward these patients. (Liver Transpl 2005;11:700,704.) [source] Clinical improvement in patients with decompensated liver disease caused by hepatitis B after treatment with lamivudineLIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 6 2000Craig A. Sponseller Lamivudine is effective in inhibiting hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, and its clinical use in patients with chronic hepatitis B is associated with improvements in serum aminotransferase levels and liver histopathologic characteristics. Few data are available on its use in patients with advanced liver disease. We report on the outcomes of 5 patients with hepatic decompensation caused by chronic hepatitis B treated long term with lamivudine. All patients were adult white men seropositive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) before therapy. All 5 patients had biopsy-proven cirrhosis with clinical and biochemical evidence of hepatic decompensation. Two patients had Child's class C cirrhosis; 2 patients, class B; and 1 patient, class A (although this patient had persistent portasystemic encephalopathy and developed variceal bleeding). HBV DNA became undetectable in all patients and remained so throughout the study. Both patients with Child's class C and 1 patient with class B cirrhosis had significant clinical improvement. Child-Pugh scores improved from 12 to 7 and 11 to 7 in the 2 patients with Child's class C cirrhosis, and the patient with class B cirrhosis had complete resolution of troublesome encephalopathy. Serum aminotransferase, albumin, and total bilirubin levels improved significantly in 3 of 5 patients. One patient with Child's class B cirrhosis underwent orthotopic liver transplantation at week 13 after dramatic increases in liver tests and clinical worsening. The patient subsequently cleared HBeAg and HBsAg from serum posttransplantation. In conclusion, prolonged therapy with lamivudine resulted in improved serum biochemical values and loss of HBV DNA in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Clinical improvements, reflected in Child-Pugh classification and functional status, may also occur, particularly among those with Child's class C disease initially. [source] Impaired bioavailability of vitamin A in adults and children with persistent diarrhoea in ZambiaALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 7 2001P. Kelly Background: We have previously demonstrated a strong relationship between low serum retinol concentration and mortality in Zambian AIDS patients with diarrhoea, but were unable to detect any benefit from oral micronutrient supplementation. Aim: To test the hypothesis that this is related to impaired availability of vitamin A, we analysed serum retinol concentration changes over 6 h following oral mega-dose therapy (60, 120 or 180 mg retinol). Methods: Twenty-four men without diarrhoea, 15 adults with persistent diarrhoea and 11 children (six girls, five boys) with persistent diarrhoea were studied. Results: Men with persistent diarrhoea had lower baseline serum retinol concentrations (median 0.39 ,mol/L, interquartile range 0.21,0.56) than controls (median 1.16 ,mol/L, interquartile range 0.84,1.47; P=0.0003). After 60 mg retinol, the rise in serum retinol in HIV seropositive controls (median 0.63 ,mol/L, interquartile range 0.35,0.77) did not differ significantly from that observed in HIV seronegative controls (median 0.35 ,mol/L, interquartile range , 0.04,0.56; P=0.20). Increasing the dose to 120 mg or 180 mg retinol did not enhance the increase in serum retinol concentration. The increase in serum retinol was less in adults with persistent diarrhoea (median 0.25 ,mol/L, interquartile range 0.04,0.35) and in children (median 0.11 ,mol/L, interquartile range 0.04,0.46) than in men without diarrhoea (median 0.44 ,mol/L, interquartile range 0.26,0.74; P=0.03). Adults and children with diarrhoea had greater losses of retinol in urine over a 24-h period than controls, but less than 1% of the ingested dose was excreted. Conclusions: These results suggest that persistent diarrhoea in this population is associated with reduced bioavailability of retinol. Further work is required to determine the metabolic fate of therapeutic doses of retinol and to determine appropriate replacement strategies for HIV infected individuals. [source] Lyme disease serology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosisMUSCLE AND NERVE, Issue 4 2009Muddasir Qureshi MD Abstract Lyme disease is sometimes part of the differential diagnosis for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Herein we report on 414 individuals with ALS at the Massachusetts General Hospital who underwent laboratory testing for Lyme disease. Twenty-four (5.8%) were seropositive, but only 4 (0.97%) had confirmed past immunoreactive infection. Two of these patients received ceftriaxone for 1 month without clinical improvement. Lyme disease was rare in 414 patients with ALS and is not likely to be causative. Muscle Nerve, 2009 [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||