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Viral Diseases (viral + disease)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences51%
Life Sciences37%
Earth and Environmental Science5%
2 Other Domains7%
Distribution within Medical Sciences
Immunology15%
Andrology9%

Kinds of Viral Diseases

  • chronic viral disease
    		•

    Selected Abstracts

    The Conservation Relevance of Epidemiological Research into Carnivore Viral Diseases in the Serengeti

    CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
    SARAH CLEAVELAND
    conservación de carnívoros; investigación epidemiológica; moquillo; rabia; Serengeti Abstract:,Recent outbreaks of rabies and canine distemper in wildlife populations of the Serengeti show that infectious disease constitutes a significant cause of mortality that can result in regional extirpation of endangered species even within large, well-protected areas. Nevertheless, effective management of an infectious disease depends critically on understanding the epidemiological dynamics of the causative pathogen. Pathogens with short infection cycles cannot persist in small populations in the absence of a more permanent reservoir of infection. Development of appropriate interventions requires detailed data on transmission pathways between reservoirs and wildlife populations of conservation concern. Relevant data can be derived from long-term population monitoring, epidemic and case-surveillance patterns, genetic analyses of rapidly evolving pathogens, serological surveys, and intervention studies. We examined studies of carnivore diseases in the Serengeti. Epidemiological research contributes to wildlife conservation policy in terms of management of endangered populations and the integration of wildlife conservation with public health interventions. Long-term, integrative, cross-species research is essential for formulation of effective policy for disease control and optimization of ecosystem health. Resumen:,Brotes recientes de rabia y moquillo en poblaciones silvestres del Serengeti muestran que las enfermedades infecciosas constituyen una causa significativa de mortandad que puede resultar en la extirpación regional de especies en peligro, aun en áreas extensas bien protegidas. Sin embargo, el manejo efectivo de una enfermedad infecciosa depende críticamente del entendimiento de la dinámica epidemiológica del patógeno. Los patógenos con ciclo infeccioso corto no pueden persistir en poblaciones pequeñas en ausencia de un reservorio de la infección más permanente. El desarrollo de intervenciones adecuadas requiere de datos detallados de las vías de transmisión entre reservorios y poblaciones de vida silvestre de preocupación para la conservación. Se pueden derivar datos importantes del monitoreo de poblaciones a largo plazo, de patrones de epidemias y de estudios de caso, del análisis genético de patógenos que evolucionan rápidamente, de muestreos sexológicos y de estudios de intervención. Examinamos estudios de enfermedades de carnívoros en el Serengeti. La investigación epidemiológica contribuye a las políticas de conservación de vida silvestre en términos de la gestión de poblaciones en peligro y de la integración de la conservación con intervenciones de salud pública. La investigación a largo plazo e integradora es esencial para la formulación de políticas efectivas para el control de enfermedades y la optimización de la salud del ecosistema. [source]

    A Review of Feral Cat Eradication on Islands

    CONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2004
    MANUEL NOGALES
    efecto de depredación; erradicación; Felis catus; gato asilvestrado; islas Abstract:,Feral cats are directly responsible for a large percentage of global extinctions, particularly on islands. We reviewed feral cat eradication programs with the intent of providing information for future island conservation actions. Most insular cat introductions date from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, whereas successful eradication programs have been carried out in the last 30 years, most in the last decade. Globally, feral cats have been removed from at least 48 islands: 16 in Baja California (Mexico), 10 in New Zealand, 5 in Australia, 4 in the Pacific Ocean, 4 in Seychelles, 3 in the sub-Antarctic, 3 in Macaronesia (Atlantic Ocean), 2 in Mauritius, and 1 in the Caribbean. The majority of these islands (75%; n= 36) are small (,5 km2). The largest successful eradication campaign took place on Marion Island (290 km2), but cats have been successfully removed from only 10 islands (21%) of ,10 km2. On Cousine Island (Seychelles) cat density reached 243 cats/km2, but on most islands densities did not exceed 79.2 cats/km2 (n= 22; 81%). The most common methods in successful eradication programs were trapping and hunting (often with dogs; 91% from a total of 43 islands). Frequently, these methods were used together. Other methods included poisoning (1080; monofluoracetate in fish baits; n= 13; 31%), secondary poisoning from poisoned rats (n= 4; 10%), and introduction of viral disease (feline panleucopaenia; n= 2; 5%). Impacts from cat predation and, more recently, the benefits of cat eradications have been increasingly documented. These impacts and benefits, combined with the continued success of eradication campaigns on larger islands, show the value and role of feral cat eradications in biodiversity conservation. However, new and more efficient techniques used in combination with current techniques will likely be needed for success on larger islands. Resumen:,Los gatos asilvestrados han sido responsables directos de un gran número de extinciones, particularmente en islas. En este estudio, se revisan los programas de erradicación de este felino con el fin de ofrecer información de utilidad en futuras acciones de conservación en islas. La mayor parte de las introducciones datan de los siglos diecinueve y veinte, mientras que las erradicaciones han sido realizadas básicamente durante los últimos 30 años, y sobre todo en la última década. Los gatos asilvestrados han sido erradicados de al menos 48 islas: 16 de ellas en Baja California (México), 10 en Nueva Zelanda, 5 en Australia, 4 en el Océano Pacífico, 4 en Seychelles, 3 en la Región Subantártica, 3 en Macaronesia (Océano Atlántico), 2 en Mauricio, y una en el Caribe. La mayoría de éstas (75%; n= 36) son de reducidas dimensiones (,5 km2), mientras que la más extensa es Marion Island (290 km2). En tan sólo 10 islas (21%) , 10 km2 se ha podido erradicar este depredador. En Cousine Island (Seychelles) la densidad de gatos alcanzó 243 individuos/km2; sin embargo, en la mayoría de las islas, las densidades no excedieron los 79,2 individuos/km2 (n= 22; 81%). Los métodos más comúnmente empleados fueron el trampeo y la caza, a menudo con perros (91% de un total de 43 islas). Con frecuencia dichas prácticas fueron empleadas conjuntamente. Otros métodos incluyeron venenos (1080, monofluoracetato de sodio en cebos de pescado: n= 13; 31%), envenenamiento secundario con ratas envenenadas (n= 4; 10%) y el virus de la leucemia felina (n= 2; 5%). La información sobre el efecto negativo de los gatos en islas y, más recientemente, el beneficio de su erradicación, se ha ido dando a conocer paulatinamente, poniendo de manifiesto su importancia en la conservación de la biodiversidad insular. No obstante, la combinación de técnicas nuevas y más eficientes junto con las habituales, será necesaria para el éxito de la erradicación de los gatos en islas de grandes dimensiones. [source]

    Cover Picture: Electrophoresis 14/2008

    ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 14 2008
    Article first published online: 23 JUL 200
    Issue 14 is a regular issue including an Emphasis Section offering a series of 9 papers on ,Microfluidics and Miniaturization". These 9 research papers report on various topics including studying single DNA molecules, selective release of intracellular molecules on the single cell level, isoelectric focusing of proteins in an ordered micropillar array, sample stream focusing in a microchip, integrated microfluidic system for sensing infectious viral disease, EOF in annulus and rectangular channels, confinement effects on monolith morphology, accumulation and filtering of nanoparticles in microchannels, and carbon nanotubes disposable detectors. [source]

    Case report: Rift Valley Fever with vertical transmission in a pregnant Sudanese woman

    JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 5 2008
    Ishag Adam
    Abstract Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a viral disease transmitted to humans by mosquito bite and contact with animals or their infected tissues. A 29-year old primigravidae presented in early labour with symptoms suggestive of RVF. She delivered baby of 3.2 kg with skin rash, palpable liver and spleen. The two samples from the mother and neonate were found to be positive for RVF-IgM. This report demonstrate that, RVF can be vertically transmitted. J. Med. Virol. 80:929,929, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

    Review article: chronic viral infection in the anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy era in inflammatory bowel disease

    ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 1 2010
    M. J. SHALE
    Summary Background, Anti-Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is now well established in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and the risk of opportunistic infection is recognized. However, specific considerations regarding screening, detection, prevention and treatment of chronic viral infections in the context of anti-TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel disease are not widely adopted in practice. Aim, To provide a detailed and comprehensive review of the relevance of chronic viral infections in the context of anti-TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel disease. Methods, Literature search was conducted using Medline, Pubmed and Embase using the terms viral infection, hepatitis, herpes, CMV, EBV, HPV, anti-TNF, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol and etanercept. Hepatitis B and C and HIV had the largest literature associated and these have been summarized in Tables. Results, Particular risks are associated with the use of anti-TNF drugs in patients with hepatitis B infection, in whom reactivation is common unless anti-viral prophylaxis is used. Reactivation of herpes zoster is the most common viral problem associated with anti-TNF treatment, and may be particularly severe. Primary varicella infection may present with atypical features in patients on anti-TNF. Conclusion, Appreciation of risks of chronic viral disease associated with anti-TNF therapy may permit early recognition, prophylaxis and treatment. [source]

    A Dengue Outbreak among Camp Participants in a Caribbean Island, 1995

    JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2000
    Rob Lyerla
    Background: Dengue, a mosquito-transmitted viral disease, is a risk for visitors in tropical and subtropical areas. Several participants in a community-assistance program in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, in August, 1995, reported dengue-like symptoms either before or soon after leaving the island. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to determine the extent of the outbreak, risk factors for illness, and the proportion of inapparent infections. Program participants were interviewed by telephone or mail, and asked to submit a serum sample for dengue diagnosis. A clinically-diagnosed case of dengue was defined as a person with fever and two or more of the following: headache, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, or hemorrhagic manifestations. Serum specimens were tested for virus isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), plaque-reduction neutralization (PRNT) or anti-dengue IgM and IgG antibody. Results: Thirty-two (97%) of the 33 program participants responded; 21 of the 32 (66%) provided at least one serum sample for study. The median age was 17 years; 20 (62%) were women. Of 32 respondents, 22 (69%) met the clinical case definition for dengue: 15 of them (68%) had a positive IgM antibody response and 7 did not submit a serum sample. Dengue 1 virus (DEN-1) was identified by PCR in one case and all 11 positive PRNT results. No asymptomatic infections were identified. No respondent used effective mosquito repellent, and only 2 (6%) used bednets. Conclusion: A DEN-1 outbreak with a high attack rate (69%) occurred in a group of young short-term community aid workers. There were no asymptomatic infections documented. Participants' rare use of bednets or effective mosquito repellent highlights the importance of providing travelers to tropical areas with information about dengue fever and the recommended precautions to protect against infection. [source]

    West Nile virus: lessons from the 21st century

    JOURNAL OF VETERINARY EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE, Issue 1 2004
    DACVECC, DACVIM, Pamela A. Wilkins DVM
    Abstract Introduction: West Nile virus (WNV) first appeared in the United States in 1999, causing illness and death in birds, horses, and humans. While the initial outbreak of this sometimes deadly viral disease was limited to the northeastern United States, the virus had an inexorable migration across the continental United States over the next 3 years, causing huge losses among the affected species. The purpose of this review is to present currently available information regarding the epi-demiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of WNV infection. Veterinarians, particularly those in an emergency practice, serve as an important source of reliable information regarding this disease for animal owners and the public in general. Data sources: Data sources used for the preparation of this review include computer-based searches of PubMed and Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux (CAB) abstracts. A search in PubMed using ,West Nile' retrieved 1468 ,hits' or references, while a similar search in CAB abstracts produced 815 references. Additional information was obtained from various meeting proceedings, particularly data presented in abstract form, and from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website dedicated to WNV. Human data synthesis: Prior to the mid-1990s, reported large-scale epidemics of WNV infection in humans predominantly presented as acute, mild, febrile disease, sometimes associated with lymphadenopathy and skin rash. The recent large epidemic in the United States, in contrast, has prominently featured encephalitis, particularly among the elderly. Additionally, polio-encephalomyelitis-like complications resulting in long-term neurologic sequelae have been reported. There are many WNV-permissive native avian and mosquito hosts in the Unites States and there appear to be few limitations to the spread of the disease in the United States. It is expected that the virus will be identified in all 48 continental states, Mexico, and Canada by the end of 2003. Veterinary data synthesis: The horse is the animal species most affected by the recent WNV epidemic in the United States, and losses to the equine industry have been large and unprecedented. A United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-approved vaccine against WNV has been in use in horses since 2001 and appears to be effective in limiting the incidence of disease in well-vaccinated populations. WNV infection has been documented in other species of mammals, including camelids (alpaca/llamas) and dogs, and veterinarians should include WNV as a differential diagnosis for animals presenting with clinical signs consistent with central nervous system infection. A large concern exists for endangered bird populations, particularly birds of prey, whether in zoos or in the wild. [source]

    The interaction of neutrophils with respiratory epithelial cells in viral infection

    RESPIROLOGY, Issue 1 2000
    Shan-Ze Wang
    Abstract: Viral respiratory infection is very common. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects almost all children during the first 2 years of life. Respiratory syncytial virus is the most frequent cause of bronchiolitis, which is strongly linked with asthma. However, the pathophysiology of RSV bronchiolitis is unclear. Neutrophils are the predominant airway leucocytes in RSV bronchiolitis and other viral infections. Neutrophils and their products are likely to play an important role in viral infection. Current evidence indicates that: (i) viral infection of epithelial cells increases the production of neutrophil chemoattractants or chemokines, which induce neutrophil migration into the inflammatory sites; (ii) the expression of adhesion molecules on neutrophils and epithelial cells is up-regulated in viral infection, and neutrophil-epithelial adhesion is increased; (iii) neutrophils augment epithelial damage and detachment induced by viral infection and contribute to the pathophysiology of viral disease; (iv) neutrophil apoptosis is up-regulated in RSV infection, which may be an in vivo mechanism to limit neutrophil-induced epithelial damage; (v) inhibitors of chemokines, adhesion molecules or neutrophil proteases may be useful in prevention of neutrophil-induced epithelial damage. In conclusion, neutrophils play an important role in viral infection, and intervention to prevent neutrophil-induced epithelial damage may be a potential clinical therapy. [source]

    Vectoring of Pepino mosaic virus by bumble-bees in tomato greenhouses

    ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008
    J.L. Shipp
    Abstract Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) has become an important viral disease of greenhouse tomatoes worldwide. The ability of bumble-bees (Bombus impatiens), used for pollination, to acquire and transmit PepMV was investigated, and the prevalence of PepMV in plants and bumble-bees in commercial tomato greenhouses was determined. PepMV infection in plants was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while in bumble-bees direct real-time PCR was used. In the first experiment, the bumble-bees were exposed for 14 days to PepMV-infected plants. After 14 days, almost all bumble-bees were PepMV positive both in the hive (78.5 ± 17.5%) and in the flowers (96.3 ± 3.6%). In the second experiment, bumble-bees were released into a greenhouse with both PepMV-infected source plants and healthy non-infected target plants for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, 61.0 ± 19.5% of the bees collected from the hive and 83.3 ± 16.7% of the bees sampled from the flowers were PepMV positive. Bumble-bees transmitted PepMV from the infected to the healthy non-infected tomato plants. Two weeks after bumble-bee release, the virus was detected in leaf, fruit and flower samples of formerly healthy plants. After 6 weeks, the percentage of PepMV positive samples from the target plants increased to 52.8 ± 2.8% of the leaves and 80.6 ± 8.4% of the fruits. In the control greenhouse without bumble-bees, the target plants did not become infected. Based on the infection levels in flowers, fruits and leaves, the PepMV infection occurred possibly first in the pollinated flowers, and then spread from the fruit that developed from the flowers to other parts of the plant. In commercial greenhouses where PepMV was present, 92,100% of the plants and 88,100% of the bumble-bees were PepMV positive. No infected plant samples were found in the control commercial greenhouse, but a small number of bumble-bees (10%) tested PepMV positive. [source]

    Risk factors for alcoholic liver disease

    ADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2000
    Stefano Bellentani
    Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is still a frequent disorder, even though its incidence appears to be decreasing. In spite of intense investigation, the precise mechanisms leading to ALD are still imprecisely known. This is due in part to the lack of a reliable animal model; in part to the difficulty of obtaining clinical data of adequate sample size and derived from unblased populations and finally from the lack of uniformity of the criteria used to define ALD. This paper will review what is known of the various pieces of this puzzle, with particular emphasis not only on the total amount of alcohol consumed, but also on drinking patterns and type of alcoholic beverage ingested. The other potential factors such as age, gender, genetic background, nutritional status, occupational hazards and viral diseases (especially HCV infection) will be touched upon. [source]

    Prevention and treatment of hepatitis C in injection drug users

    HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5B 2002
    Brian R. Edlin 3180 18th St.
    Injection drug users constitute the largest group of persons infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States, and most new infections occur in drug users. Controlling hepatitis C in the U.S. population, therefore, will require developing, testing, and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies for persons who inject drugs. Fortunately, a substantial body of research and clinical experience exists on the prevention and management of chronic viral diseases among injection drug users. The need to implement interventions to stop the spread of HCV among drug users is critical. The capacity of substance-use treatment programs need to be expanded to accommodate all who want and need treatment. Physicians and pharmacists should be educated in how to provide access to sterile syringes and to teach safe injection techniques, both of which are lifesaving interventions. The treatment of hepatitis C in drug users requires an interdisciplinary approach that brings together expertise in treating hepatitis and caring for drug users. Treatment decisions should be made individually by patients with their physicians, based on a balanced assessment of risks and benefits and the patient's personal values. Physicians should carefully assess, monitor, and support adherence and mental health in all patients, regardless of whether drug use is known or suspected. Research is needed to better understand how best to prevent and treat hepatitis C in substance users. In the meantime, substantial progress can be made if existing knowledge and resources are brought to bear. [source]

    Interleukin-10 in viral diseases and cancer: exiting the labyrinth?

    IMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 1 2004
    Alain P. Vicari
    Summary:, Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is unique among cytokines, as it is considered both as a potent immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive factor. This complex biology has been particularly challenging when trying to define the useful or harmful role of IL-10 in chronic viral diseases and cancer. In the present review, we emphasize how these multiple roles define IL-10 as an adaptive molecule, constantly tuning the host response against dangerous and resourceful pathogens. [source]

    Lymphocyte volume and conductivity indices of the haematology analyser Coulter® GEN.STM in lymphoproliferative disorders and viral diseases

    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
    M. SILVA
    Summary The haematology analyser Coulter® GEN.STM gives a set of data ,,positional parameters', defining white blood cell (WBC) populations by mean of index values (mean and standard deviation of volume, conductivity and scatter, used to identify the WBC populations). The volume and conductivity parameters related to the lymphocytes were analysed at diagnosis in patients suffering from chronic B-lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL), other non-CLL lymphoproliferative disorders (OLPD) and viral diseases. The standard deviation of volume index (SDVI) is significantly higher in the three groups, whereas the mean volume index (MVI) is significantly lower in B-CLL, and increased in OLPD and viral diseases. These two groups could be distinguished by their mean conductivity index (MCI), which is significantly lower in viral disease group. Cut-offs were calculated for each parameter by the mean of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. The study of the detection performances showed that the combination of lymphocyte count with SDVI, MVI and MCI could be used with a good sensitivity and specificity to discriminate between the most frequent lymphocyte pathologies, even in patients with normal lymphocyte count. [source]

    Climate change and vector-borne viral diseases potentially transmitted by transfusion

    ISBT SCIENCE SERIES: THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INTRACELLULAR TRANSPORT, Issue 1 2009
    M. Rios
    Vector-borne diseases occur when infectious agents (virus, protozoa, bacteria, or helminthes) are transmitted to their hosts by a carrier organism. Climate conditions and their changes play a role in the inter-relationship between these agents, the vectors and the host (or hosts). This review is focused on arthropod-borne viruses (Arboviruses). These viruses are transmitted between susceptible vertebrate hosts by blood-feeding arthropods, and may be transmitted by blood transfusion, tissue and organ transplantation and breast feeding. The lifecycle of arboviruses is influenced by changes in temperature, rainfall, humidity, length of day, average daily solar radiation and/or storm patterns, as well as changes in the frequency of rare events such as floods or droughts. A plethora of studies have suggested that climate changes, particularly temperature changes, are likely to be induced by increase in the amount of greenhouse gases, such as methane, carbon dioxide (CO2) and chlorofluorocarbons, which deplete ozone in the atmosphere leading to an increase in ultraviolet radiation. Current models predict that ambient temperature will increase by 3,5°C on average with a doubling in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Vectors, pathogens and hosts each survive and reproduce within a range of optimal climatic conditions: temperature and precipitation being most important, while sea level elevation, wind and daylight duration are also important. Climate changes may affect important determinants of vector-borne disease transmission including (i) vector survival and reproduction, (ii) the vector's biting rate, and (iii) the pathogen's incubation rate within the vector organism. Droughts can increase the dissemination of arboviral diseases in urban areas by allowing a boost in the population of mosquitoes in foul water concentrated in catch basins where they breed. Furthermore, eggs can be vertically infected with arboviruses and heat waves speed up the maturation of the mosquitoes and of the viruses within mosquitoes. Droughts also cause a decline in mosquito predators like frogs, darning needles and dragonflies. In addition, birds congregate around shrinking water sites, enhancing circulation of viruses among birds and mosquitoes. In conclusion, the seriousness of some of the recent epidemics like West Nile virus and Dengue appear to has been influenced by climate change. As most of the arboviral infections are asymptomatic in humans, there is an increased opportunity for blood, organ and tissue donations by infected individuals during the viraemic period, resulting in an increased risk of transmission of arboviruses. [source]

    Biology of the European large raspberry aphid (Amphorophora idaei): its role in virus transmission and resistance breakdown in red raspberry

    AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
    Lindsay S. McMenemy
    Abstract 1,The European large raspberry aphid Amphorophora idaei Börner is the most important vector of viral diseases afflicting commercially grown red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) in Northern Europe, with European raspberry production amounting to 416 000 tonnes per annum. This review synthesizes existing knowledge on its biology and interactions with other organisms, including its host plant and the viral pathogens it vectors. 2,Information about trophic interactions with other insect herbivores and natural enemies is reviewed. Vine weevils Otiorhynchus sulcatus compromise aphid resistance in some raspberry cultivars, increasing A. idaei abundance by 80%. Parasitoids show mixed success in parasitizing A. idaei, although Aphidius ervi attack rates more than doubled when A. idaei fed on a partially susceptible raspberry cultivar, compared with a resistant variety. These findings are discussed in the context of potential biological control as part of an integrated pest and disease management framework. 3,Amphorophora idaei transmits four known viruses: Black raspberry necrosis virus, Raspberry leaf mottle virus, Raspberry leaf spot virus and Rubus yellow net virus, with A. idaei taking as little as 2 min to transmit some viruses. 4,Existing control strategies, including resistant cultivars, insecticides and eradication of disease from parent plants, are described. In particular, strong selection pressures have resulted in A. idaei overcoming genetic resistance in many raspberry cultivars and most insecticides are now ineffective. 5,Future directions for the sustained control of A. idaei are suggested, taking into consideration the possible effects of climate change and also changes in agronomic practices in U.K. agriculture. [source]

    Zoonotic viral diseases and the frontier of early diagnosis, control and prevention

    JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2006
    J. L. HEENEY
    Abstract. Public awareness of the human health risks of zoonotic infections has grown in recent years. Currently, concern of H5N1 flu transmission from migratory bird populations has increased with foci of fatal human cases. This comes on the heels of other major zoonotic viral epidemics in the last decade. These include other acute emerging or re-emerging viral diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), West-Nile virus, Ebola virus, monkeypox, as well as the more inapparent insidious slow viral and prion diseases. Virus infections with zoonotic potential can become serious killers once they are able to establish the necessary adaptations for efficient human-to-human transmission under circumstances sufficient to reach epidemic proportions. The monitoring and early diagnosis of these potential risks are overlapping frontiers of human and veterinary medicine. Here, current viral zoonotics and evolving threats are reviewed. [source]

    Glycopeptide dendrimers, Part III,a review: Use of glycopeptide dendrimers in immunotherapy and diagnosis of cancer and viral diseases

    JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE, Issue 5 2008
    Petr Niederhafner
    Abstract Glycopeptide dendrimers containing different types of tumor associated-carbohydrate antigens (TN, TF, sialyl-TN, sialyl-TF, sialyl-Lex, sialyl-Lea etc.) were used in diagnosis and therapy of different sorts of cancer. These dendrimeric structures with incorporated T-cell epitopes and adjuvants can be used as antitumor vaccines. Best results were obtained with multiantigenic vaccines, containing, e.g. five or six different TAAs. The topic of TAAs and their dendrimeric forms at molecular level are reviewed, including structure, syntheses, and biological activities. Use of glycopeptide dendrimers as antiviral vaccines against HIV and influenza is also described. Their syntheses, physico-chemical properties, and biological activities are given with many examples. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    Surveys for Beet Necrotic Yellow Vein Virus (the Cause of Rhizomania), other Viruses, and Soil-borne Fungi Infecting Sugar Beet in Syria

    JOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 11-12 2002
    A. M. Mouhanna
    Abstract Production of sugar beet, the most important source of sugar in Syria, has suffered from many problems in the past, especially from diseases. No previous surveys have been made in Syria for viral diseases and soil-borne fungi of sugar beet. In 1998, samples were collected from plants showing symptoms of virus infection (yellowing, wilting, necrosis and mosaic). Root samples (341) were collected from crops of autumn-sown seed from 115 localities in seven provinces, 173 root samples from spring-sown crops and 39 leaf samples were collected during both seasons. The root samples were tested for the presence of viruses by double antibody sandwich-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and triple antibody sandwich-ELISA, and for soil-borne fungi by red plate (Rose Bengal) dishes. We have shown for the first time the presence of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus, Beet soil-borne virus, Beet yellows virus and Beet mild yellowing virus in Syrian sugar beet fields in which Rhizoctonia sp. and Fusarium sp. were also widely distributed. [source]

    Information discovery from complementary literatures: Categorizing viruses as potential weapons

    JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2001
    Don R. Swanson
    Using novel informatics techniques to process the output of Medline searches, we have generated a list of viruses that may have the potential for development as weapons. Our findings are intended as a guide to the virus literature to support further studies that might then lead to appropriate defense and public health measures. This article stresses methods that are more generally relevant to information science. Initial Medline searches identified two kinds of virus literatures,the first concerning the genetic aspects of virulence, and the second concerning the transmission of viral diseases. Both literatures taken together are of central importance in identifying research relevant to the development of biological weapons. Yet, the two literatures had very few articles in common. We downloaded the Medline records for each of the two literatures and used a computer to extract all virus terms common to both. The fact that the resulting virus list includes most of an earlier independently published list of viruses considered by military experts to have the highest threat as potential biological weapons served as a test of the method; the test outcome showed a high degree of statistical significance, thus supporting an inference that the new viruses on the list share certain important characteristics with viruses of known biological warfare interest. [source]

    Phylogenetic analysis of Culicoides species from France based on nuclear ITS1 -rDNA sequences

    MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 2 2006
    A. Perrin
    Abstract., Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) play important roles in the transmission of viral diseases affecting wild and domestic ruminants and horses, including Bluetongue (BT) and African horse sickness (AHS) respectively. In southern Europe, BT has been largely transmitted by the classical Afro-Asian vector Culicoides imicola Kieffer. However, other species such as C. obsoletus Meigen, C. scoticus Downs & Kettle and C. pulicaris Linné may also be involved in BTV transmission. As a consequence of the discovery of C. imicola followed by BTV-2 outbreaks on the island of Corsica in October 2000, further studies on these biting midges have been carried out. To better characterize the evolution and phylogenetic relations of Culicoides, molecular analysis in parallel with a morphology-based taxonomic approach were performed. Phylogenetic analyses of French Culicoides species were undertaken using the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) as a molecular target. This region was shown to be useful in understanding evolutionary and genetic relationships between species. Construction of several trees showed that molecular phylogeny within the genus Culicoides correlates not only with morphological-based taxonomy but also with ecological patterns. [source]

    Field trial of serially passaged isolates of BYDV-PAV overcoming resistance derived from Thinopyrum intermedium in wheat

    PLANT BREEDING, Issue 3 2006
    F. Chain
    Abstract Barley yellow dwarf disease (BYDD) is one of the main viral diseases of small grain cereals. This disease, reported on numerous plant species of the Poaceae family, is caused by a complex of viral species including the species Barley yellow dwarf virus -PAV (BYDV-PAV, family Luteoviridae, genus Luteovirus), frequently found in western Europe. Resistance sources towards BYDD are scarce. Indeed, breeding-resistant genotypes is a long and expensive process. Thus, estimating the durability of the resistance genes before the achievement of selection would be an asset for breeders. One isolate of BYDV-PAV has been serially passaged on two hosts, ,Zhong ZH' and ,TC14', carrying a gene for partial resistance. The resulting viral population showed an increase of the speed of development of the infection in controlled conditions. In this study, these viral populations were evaluated in a 3-year field trial, including a susceptible host, ,Rendezvous', and a host carrying the resistance gene of ,TC14' in a ,Rendezvous' background, to assess the effect of serial passages in field conditions. Results indicate that isolates issued from serial passages on hosts carrying a gene for partial resistance induced increased damage in field conditions when compared with the initial isolate. Yield losses are mainly due to a decrease of the number of kernels per square metre. The interest on using partial resistance gene to control BYDD is discussed. [source]

    Transmissible Virus Diseases in Porcine Reproduction

    REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 6 2000
    A Bouma
    Contents This paper describes the risk of transmission and possible consequences of viral diseases in pigs (as CSFV, PRRSV and SVD), transmitted via AI and embryo transfer. Transmission via A1 is, however, more unlikely for CSF and SVD than for PRRS. The likelihood of disease transmission is greater with the introduction of a boar into a herd than through the use of fresh or frozen semen. The probability that an infection with CSF or SVD virus starts within an AI centre is very small, because of the high hygienic measurements and quarantine period, although the viruses can be transmitted if these centra are located within a protection zone. Therefore, during an outbreak, it should be recommended to stop semen distribution within this zone. [source]

    HLA Type-Independent Method to Monitor Polyoma BK Virus-Specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-Cell Immunity

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 3 2006
    M.H. Hammer
    (Re)activation of quiescent viral diseases is a major problem in immunosuppressed transplant patients. Polyoma BK virus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) caused by active polyoma BK virus (BKV) infection became a main reason for graft loss in kidney transplantation. After diagnosis, most transplant centers react by reducing immunosuppression (IS) to allow the immune system to control the infection. However, the impact of reduced IS on BKV immunity is not well researched. Here we present an HLA type-independent method to monitor BKV-specific T-cell immunity. Applying our method, viral protein 1-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses were detected in patients with serum BKV-DNA levels >250 000 copies/mL. In addition, specific T-cell responses were also found in allograft-infiltrating cells. The method can be used to assess the impact of decreased immunosuppresson on BKV immunity and to clarify the role of specific T cells in the pathogenesis of PVAN. We strongly recommend its implementation in future clinical studies. [source]

    On the Structure of the Adrenal Gland of the Common Seal (Phoca vitulina vitulina)

    ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 5 2004
    H. Bragulla
    Summary The adrenal gland is a vitally important endocrine gland that occupies a central role in the regulatory mechanisms of the body metabolism. Environmental stress factors lead to permanent strain and overload of the body resulting in structural alterations of the adrenals that in turn are followed by hormonal imbalances. This leads to an increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral diseases. The recurrence of numerous fatalities in the different seal populations of the North Sea (during the years 1988, 1989 and 2002), of the Baikal Lake and Caspian Sea (during the years 2000 and 2001) were the motive for a morphological investigation of the species-specific structure of the adrenal gland of the common seal in order to differentiate environmental stress-induced pathological alterations from the physiological structure of this organ. The study was based on adrenals of 112 common seals (Phoca vitulina vitulina) using light microscopic and transmission and scanning electron microscopic methods. The phocine adrenal gland displays several structural characteristics. Originating from the connective tissue organ capsule, narrow and broad septa intersperse the adrenal cortex. These septa contain blastemata as a reserve for the regeneration of hormone-producing cortical cells. Such blastemata are also occurring in the form of an intermediate zone in between the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata in the phocine adrenal cortex. Another species-specific characteristic is an inverse part of the adrenal cortex encircling the central vein of the organ. These structural features have to be considered in assessment and definition of pathological alterations of the adrenals as observed in the form of exhausted blastema cell pools in the adrenocortex of seals perished in the mentioned phocine mass mortalities. [source]

    Impact of chronic viral diseases on semen parameters

    ANDROLOGIA, Issue 2 2010
    F. Lorusso
    Summary The aim of this study was to assess the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV) virus infection on semen parameters. Semen samples were obtained from 27 HCV, 34 HIV, 30 HBV and 41 HCV-HIV-seropositive patients and compared with those of a control population of healthy seronegative subjects. Tests for detection of HIV, HCV and HBV were performed on seminal samples. The sperm concentration was significantly decreased in HCV- and HBV-seropositive males compared to that of controls (P < 0.001). The mean sperm motility (a + b) was significantly decreased in HCV- and HBV-seropositive (P < 0.001) and in HCV-HIV-seropositive subjects (P < 0.05) compared to that of controls. The sperm viability was significantly lower in HCV- and HBV-seropositive men than in controls (P < 0.001). The normal morphology was significantly reduced in HCV-seropositive and HBV-seropositive men (P < 0.05) with respect to that of controls (P < 0.05). The sperm concentration after sperm wash was significantly higher in controls than in HCV-, HIV-, HBV- and HIV-HCV-seropositive men (P < 0.001). We can conclude that HBV- and HCV-infected men have a significantly impaired sperm quality compared with that of controls. The reason for the better sperm quality in our series of HIV- and HCV-HIV-infected men is still under debate. Further investigations in a larger case series are warranted. [source]

    A major SNP resource for dissection of phenotypic and genetic variation in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

    ANIMAL GENETICS, Issue 1 2010
    D. C. Ciobanu
    Summary Bioinformatics and re-sequencing approaches were used for the discovery of sequence polymorphisms in Litopenaeus vannamei. A total of 1221 putative single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in a pool of individuals from various commercial populations. A set of 211 SNPs were selected for further molecular validation and 88% showed variation in 637 samples representing three commercial breeding lines. An association analysis was performed between these markers and several traits of economic importance for shrimp producers including resistance to three major viral diseases. A small number of SNPs showed associations with test weekly gain, grow-out survival and resistance to Taura Syndrome Virus. Very low levels of linkage disequilibrium were revealed between most SNP pairs, with only 11% of SNPs showing an r2 -value above 0.10 with at least one other SNP. Comparison of allele frequencies showed small changes over three generations of the breeding programme in one of the commercial breeding populations. This unique SNP resource has the potential to catalyse future studies of genetic dissection of complex traits, tracing relationships in breeding programmes, and monitoring genetic diversity in commercial and wild populations of L. vannamei. [source]

    Breeding for resistance to whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses

    ANNALS OF APPLIED BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002
    MOSHE LAPIDOT
    Summary Geminiviruses comprise a large and diverse family of viruses that infect a wide range of important monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous crop species and cause significant yield losses. The family Geminiviridae is divided into three genera, one of which is Begomovirus. Species of this genus are transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in a persistent, circulative manner and infect dicotyledonous plants. Severe population outbreaks of B. tabaci are usually accompanied by a high incidence of begomoviruses. During the last two decades, there has been a worldwide spread of the B biotype of B. tabaci, accompanied by the emergence of whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses. Control measures in infected regions are based mainly on limitation of vector populations, using chemicals or physical barriers. However, under conditions of severe whitefly attack, none of these control measures has sufficed to prevent virus spread. Thus, the best way to reduce geminivirus damage is by breeding crops resistant or tolerant to the virus, either by classical breeding or by genetic engineering. A number of begomoviruses have been the subject of much investigation, due to their severe economic impact. This review considers the most severe viral diseases of four major crops (tomato, bean, cassava and cotton). The approaches taken to breed for resistance to these viral diseases should provide a perspective of the issues involved in breeding for begomovirus resistance in crop plants. [source]

    Molecular epidemiology of viral infections.

    APMIS, Issue 2 2000
    How sequence information helps us understand the evolution, dissemination of viruses
    Viruses evolve much faster than cellular organisms. Together with recent advances in nucleic acid sequencing and biocomputing, this allows us to distinguish between related strains of viruses, and to deduce the relationships between viruses from different outbreaks or individual patients. Databases of nucleotide sequences contain a large number of viral sequences with which novel sequences from local outbreaks can be compared. In this way the dissemination of viruses can be followed both locally and globally. We here review the biological and technological background to the use of virus nucleic acid sequences in epidemiological studies, and provide examples of how this information can be used to monitor human viruses. Molecular studies are particularly valuable for understanding the dissemination and evolution of viruses. The knowledge obtained is useful in epidemiological reconstructions, in real-time surveillance, and may even enable us to make predictions about the future developments of viral diseases. [source]

    Establishment of a novel fin cell line from Brown-marbled grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskål), and evaluation of its viral susceptibility

    AQUACULTURE RESEARCH, Issue 13 2009
    Yunbo Wei
    Abstract To lay a solid foundation of in vitro investigations of fish viral diseases, cytotechnology and cytotoxicology, a novel fin cell line from brown-marbled grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, was established and its viral susceptibility was evaluated. The fin tissues, digested with hyaluronidase and collagenase II, were used to initiate primary culture at 24 °C by using 20% foetal bovine serum-Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium/F12 medium, which was further supplemented with carboxymethyl,chitooligosaccharide, basic fibroblast growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-I. The fibroblastic fin cells grew at a steady rate during subsequent subculture and had a population doubling time of 50.6 h at passage 60. The modal diploid chromosome number was 48. A brown-marbled grouper fin cell line (bmGF-1) has been established and subcultured to passage 75 by now. Viral susceptibilities revealed that typical cytopathic effects of bmGF-1 cells emerged after being infected by turbot reddish-body iridovirus (TRBIV) or lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV). However, a large number of TRBIV and LCDV particles were also found in infected bmGF-1 cells. All these indicate that the bmGF-1 cell line has good susceptibility to TRBIV and LCDV, which may serve as a valuable tool for studies of cell,virus interactions and have potential applications in fish virus propagation and vaccine development. [source]

    Development and characterization of three new diploid cell lines from Labeo rohita (Ham.)

    BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 4 2010
    Wazir S. Lakra
    Abstract Development of cell lines from fish for identifying the pathogenesis of viral diseases and for vaccine production against viral and bacterial diseases is imperative where they are of commercial importance. Three new diploid fish cell lines (RF, RH, and RSB) were developed from fin, heart, and swim bladder of an Indian major carp, Labeo rohita, commonly called Rohu. All the cell lines were optimally maintained at 28°C in Leibovitz-15 medium supplemented with 10% FBS. The propagation of RH and RSB cells was serum dependent, with a low plating efficiency (<16%), whereas RF cells showed 20% efficiency. The cytogenetic analysis revealed a diploid count of 50 chromosomes. The cells of RF and RSB were found to be epithelial, where as the cells of RH were mostly fibroblastic. The viability of the RF, RH, and RSB cell lines was 75, 70 and 72%, respectively after 6 months of storage in liquid nitrogen. The origin of the cell lines was confirmed by the amplification of 496 and 655 bp fragments of 16S rRNA and Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI) of mtDNA. The new cell lines would facilitate viral disease diagnosis and genomic studies. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2010 [source]