RESUMEN
The congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is associated with increased risk for diabetes and thyroid disease. However, the mechanisms by which the rubella virus may cause these diseases are poorly characterized. Previous studies were carried out before modern immunological methods were available. The present study aimed at evaluating whether autoimmune mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis by analysing antibodies to biochemically characterized autoantigens. The incidence of clinical diabetes, thyroid disease, coeliac disease and related antibodies (islet cell antibodies, ICA; insulin autoantibodies, IAA; antibodies to the tyrosine phosphatase related IA-2 molecule, IA-2 A and glutamic acid decarboxylase, GADA; thyroid peroxidase, TPO; tissue transglutaminase, TTGA; and gliadin, AGA) and HLA risk genotypes were analysed in 37 subjects affected by or exposed to rubella during fetal life (mean age 22.5 years). One patient had diabetes and four patients had clinical hypothyroidism at the time of the examination. ICA, IAA, GADA or IA-2 A were not detected in any of the patients, while five patients tested positive for TPO antibodies. Coeliac disease or TTGA were not observed. Eight patients carried the HLA-DR3-associated HLA-DQB1*02-DQA1*05 haplotype. These results provide no evidence of an increased frequency of markers for humoral beta-cell autoimmunity in patients with CRS suggesting that diabetes in CRS may be caused by other than autoimmune mechanisms.
Asunto(s)
Autoinmunidad , Linfocitos B/inmunología , Síndrome de Rubéola Congénita/inmunología , Adulto , Autoanticuerpos/sangre , Autoanticuerpos/inmunología , Biomarcadores/sangre , Niño , Diabetes Mellitus/inmunología , Femenino , Técnica del Anticuerpo Fluorescente Indirecta , Genotipo , Gliadina/inmunología , Glutamato Descarboxilasa/inmunología , Antígenos HLA-DQ/análisis , Cadenas beta de HLA-DQ , Humanos , Hipotiroidismo/inmunología , Insulina/inmunología , Yoduro Peroxidasa/inmunología , Islotes Pancreáticos/inmunología , Masculino , Factores de Riesgo , Transglutaminasas/inmunologíaRESUMEN
In the paper the authors tried to identify factors influencing prevalence and clinical course of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in kidney transplant patients. The study was performed in the group of 100 patients after cadaveric kidney transplant followed up in the Chair and Department of Nephrology, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University in Krakow. CMV infection was demonstrated to occur more frequently and significantly earlier in the patients administered prednisone, cyclosporin A and mycophenolate mofetil, compared to the group treated with standard triple-drug-therapy (prednisone, cyclosporin A, azathioprine) or double-drug-therapy (prednisone, cyclosporin A). Higher serum levels of cyclosporin A did not increase prevalence of the infection but urged its onset. Risk for CMV infection was however higher in the group of patients treated for acute rejection episodes, especially with antilymphocyte preparations. No differences were shown in the immunological matching within HLA-A, -B and -DR antigens between the patients without features of CMV Infection and those treated for its active form. The infection occurred significantly more frequently in the recipients with HLA-A1 antigen than in those with HLA-A9 and -DR7. In patients with delayed transplanted kidney functioning, time of the infection onset and a number of its episodes were similar to the remaining population, however severity of the clinical course positively correlated with the duration of acute tubular necrosis (ATN). CMV infection occurred slightly more frequently in patients requiring transfusions compared to those not administered blood preparations. Among patients with AB blood type, active CMV infection occurred statistically less frequently, whereas in those with other blood types percentage of patients with/without CMV infection were comparable.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/inmunología , Rechazo de Injerto , Supervivencia de Injerto , Inmunosupresores/efectos adversos , Trasplante de Riñón/inmunología , Ácido Micofenólico/análogos & derivados , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Azatioprina/efectos adversos , Cadáver , Ciclosporina/efectos adversos , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/sangre , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Quimioterapia Combinada , Femenino , Rechazo de Injerto/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Inmunosupresores/administración & dosificación , Trasplante de Riñón/efectos adversos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Ácido Micofenólico/efectos adversos , Prednisona/efectos adversos , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Factores de Tiempo , Trasplante HomólogoRESUMEN
Some Prusiner's research leading to prion discovery as well as structure and properties of cellular protein (PrPc) and infectious prion protein (PrPsc) were presented. Unusual resistance of PrPsc to physical and chemical agents was shown. Prusiner's theory on PrPsc creation as an etiological agent of transmissible spongioform encephalopathies (TSE) in humans and animals was described. We also report the controversial to Prusiner's theory, that the nucleic acid or virion must be a component of infectious agent in TSE etiology. More important human prion protein gene mutations connected with development of prion diseases were shown.
Asunto(s)
Priones/genética , Priones/patogenicidad , Animales , Encefalopatía Espongiforme Bovina/etiología , Humanos , Mutación , Priones/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality after solid organ transplantation. CMV infection after kidney transplantation was confirmed in 19 (54.3%) out of 35 patients. 16 of these (84.2%) developed CMV disease. CMV infection was diagnosed based on a fourfold or greater increase of anti-CMV IgG antibody titre, detection of CMV-IgM antibodies and/or virus isolation. Primary infection was observed in 3 patients, reactivation in 9 and an undefined type of infection in 7. In most patients (63%), infection was diagnosed in the first 2 months, and in 3 patients, after 3, 5 and 9 years following kidney transplantation. The most frequent symptoms of CMV disease were fever (58%), pneumonitis (26.3%) and enterocolitis (15.8%). In 53% of the patients, CMV infection co-occurred with other pathogens such as Candida albicans. Cryptococcus neoformans, bacteria or viruses (HBV, HCV, HSV). Treatment with polyvalent globulin (Sandoglobin) or hyperimmune globulin (Cytotect), in combination with ganciclovir in 7 patients, resulted in a regression of CMV disease.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/fisiopatología , Trasplante de Riñón/efectos adversos , Adolescente , Adulto , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/complicaciones , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/diagnóstico , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/tratamiento farmacológico , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
The study covered 310 pregnant women from southern Poland who were exposed to rubella during the 1985-86 epidemic, none of whom had been vaccinated against rubella. Rubella specific antibodies were detected by hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) tests, and IgM antibodies by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) (Organon Teknika). Clinical symptoms according to anamnesis were recorded. The consequences of serologically confirmed maternal rubella on the course of pregnancy and on fetal outcome were evaluated. IgM antibodies could be examined in only 10 newborns at delivery or in the first days of life. After seven years, follow-up studies of children born to infected mothers were done. The mental development of 14 of these children was evaluated with Terman-Merrill test. Among 310 women examined during pregnancy, rubella infection was confirmed serologically in 46 cases (14.8%). All but 3 of those had clinical symptoms. The course of pregnancy was observed in 36 of the infected mothers. Only 5 women (22.7%) who had the infection in the first trimester of pregnancy delivered a healthy child. The rate of complications in pregnancy among women infected in the second trimester was lower, and 8 (66.7%) bore healthy children. All the children born to mothers infected in the third trimester were healthy. Eight of the 10 newborns examined at delivery were IgM positive. Of 29 children congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) was confirmed in 5 cases, CRS compatible or CRS possible in 7 and 3 had congenital infection only confirmed serologically (IgM-positive) without defects or symptoms. Seventeen (58.6%) children were found healthy including the 3 who had congenital infection only. The mental development of 14 children at age 7 was assessed; 10 cases (72%) fell within rank II 130-85, and 4 (28%) were of borderline intelligence. The study indicates that congenital rubella is still a serious problem in Poland. Immunization was introduced only in 1988-89, for 13-year-old girls. Women of child-bearing age should be screened for rubella antibodies and those susceptible to rubella infection should be vaccinated.
Asunto(s)
Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/epidemiología , Rubéola (Sarampión Alemán)/epidemiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Niño , Sordera/congénito , Sordera/etiología , Brotes de Enfermedades , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Recién Nacido , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/estadística & datos numéricos , Polonia/epidemiología , Embarazo , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/virología , Rubéola (Sarampión Alemán)/sangre , Rubéola (Sarampión Alemán)/transmisión , Síndrome de Rubéola Congénita/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Studies on CMV infection were carried out in a group of 110 patients, aged from 15 to 78 (average 38), treated in the Department of Haematology. During the course of observation most of the patients were examined repeatedly. Diagnosis was based on serology (CFT, ELISA) and virus isolation from the clinical material. Primary infection (seroconversion) was confirmed in 4 (21%) out of 19 seronegative patients. Seropositive patients comprised 83 per cent. Active CMV infection was determined in 20 (22%) of those patients.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/epidemiología , Citomegalovirus/aislamiento & purificación , Huésped Inmunocomprometido/fisiología , Leucemia/virología , Enfermedades Vasculares/virología , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/diagnóstico , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/etiología , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Leucemia/complicaciones , Leucemia/inmunología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Pruebas Serológicas , Enfermedades Vasculares/complicaciones , Enfermedades Vasculares/inmunologíaRESUMEN
During the last two rubella epidemics in 1985-1986 and 1992, 24 children (15 boys and 9 girls) were hospitalized with acute neurological complications manifested in the first week of clinical symptoms of rubella. Average age of patients was 9 years (3-15 years). Acute rubella encephalitis (ARE) was diagnosed in 22 cases. Most of these patients had sudden loss of consciousness lasting from several hours to 12 days and convulsions during the first stage of the illness. Two patients developed retrobulbar neuritis which led to a significant impairment of sight in one of them. One child suffers epilepsy as a result of ARE. The remaining children did not develop lasting complications. During hospitalization, active infection by the rubella virus was confirmed in 20 children by detecting specific IgM antibodies in serum using the ELISA method. Comparing the ARE cases in 1986 and 1992 rubella epidemics revealed a change in clinical course. Earlier manifestations of neurological symptoms and more marked changes in CSF were observed. The issue of immunoprophylaxis is discussed; these measures only started in 1989 by vaccinating 13 and 14 year old girls. This method of prophylaxis will neither stop the transmission of the virus among children nor prevent the occurrence of periodic epidemics and rubella-related complications.
Asunto(s)
Brotes de Enfermedades/estadística & datos numéricos , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso/etiología , Rubéola (Sarampión Alemán)/complicaciones , Rubéola (Sarampión Alemán)/epidemiología , Enfermedad Aguda , Adolescente , Niño , Preescolar , Brotes de Enfermedades/prevención & control , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso/epidemiología , Polonia/epidemiología , Rubéola (Sarampión Alemán)/prevención & control , Vacuna contra la RubéolaRESUMEN
Sixty infants in whom clinical symptoms suspected of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection were studied. CMV infection was found in 50% of the subjects. The diagnosis was based on studies of specific antibodies and isolation of the virus from urine and/or throat swabs. In most of the children the examinations were repeated several times, and clinical observations continued for 1 to 42 months (avg. 18 months). IgM-class antibodies were detected in 26 children and in 18 the virus was isolated. In 3 infants, isolation of CMV virus was the only evidence of active infection. Persisting viruria (avg. 11 months) and long-term presence of Ig G antibodies, even to 44th month of life were also observed. Congenital infection was diagnosed in 4 infants; the remaining ones acquired the infection during the perinatal period or later. In 7 cases transfused blood cannot be excluded as the source of infection. The clinical symptoms manifested in infected and non-infected children were similar. There was a statistically significant increase in the occurrence of hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, hyperbiliru-binemia and diarrhoea in infected children. Congenital abnormalities were found in 10 infected children, including 4 cases of congenital cytomegaly.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/diagnóstico , Citomegalovirus/aislamiento & purificación , Anticuerpos Antivirales/análisis , Citomegalovirus/inmunología , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/congénito , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/virología , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina M/análisis , Lactante , Masculino , Faringe/virología , Orina/virologíaRESUMEN
The incidence and the titer of rubella virus antibodies in sera of 936 girls (average age 21 year) from 5 medical school were examined. The antibodies were determined in HI test (Rubenosticon, Organon Teknika). Serum samples were collected in the period of I.1990-IX.1994, and the antibody titer > or = 1:16 was accepted as positive. In 80.3 percent of the examined girls antibodies were found. The mean titer was 1:34.5. Out of 184 seronegative girls, 95 were immunized with Rudivax vaccine. Seroconversion occurred in all, but one person, the mean titer of antibodies was 1:54.6. In 2 vaccinated girls only mild side-effect after immunization occurred.
Asunto(s)
Formación de Anticuerpos , Rubéola (Sarampión Alemán)/inmunología , Rubéola (Sarampión Alemán)/prevención & control , Vacunación , Mujeres , Adolescente , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , PoloniaRESUMEN
The results of the study on the combined antiviral activity of the SHS-174 preparation (a lyophylized infusion from three higher plants) and three amantadine derivatives (rimantadine, amantadine glucuronide and its derivative) are presented. The antiviral effect of the drugs on the reproduction of influenza virus strains A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 in vitro was studied. The combined antiviral effect was evaluated on the basis of viral yields and in many cases a synergism was found. The most synergistic effect was shown for the combination of SHS-174 with the derivative of amantadine glucuronide.
Asunto(s)
Amantadina/análogos & derivados , Orthomyxoviridae/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Replicación Viral/efectos de los fármacos , Amantadina/farmacología , Animales , Embrión de Pollo , Interacciones Farmacológicas , Orthomyxoviridae/fisiología , Rimantadina/farmacología , Replicación Viral/fisiologíaRESUMEN
The presence of Papilloma capsid antigen in patients hospitalized in the Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics was studied, using immunoperoxidase technique. Of 73 patients, 44 had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), in the following grades - CIN 1 (n = 21), CIN 2 (n = 5), CIN 3 (n = 18). Two cases of squamous cell carcinoma were confirmed. In 9 other patients cervical infections were found. Eighteen women with normal PAP smears were treated as the control group. For Human Papilloma Virus studies, smears were taken from 73 patients, and cervical from 8 women only. Of the 44 patients with CIN, in 7 cases (15.2%) capsid antigen was found. The frequency of Papilloma virus antigen detection was higher in the biopsy material than in the cervical smears. Chlamydia trachomatis infections and the presence of Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma in the genital tract were also studied. Chlamydia trachomatis was found in 14.3% of the CIN patients, and Ureaplasma urealyticum dominated both in women with CIN (40.5%) and in women with genital inflammatory diseases (55.6%).
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Papillomavirus/diagnóstico , Infecciones Tumorales por Virus/diagnóstico , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/microbiología , Adulto , Antígenos Virales/análisis , Chlamydia trachomatis/aislamiento & purificación , Femenino , Humanos , Técnicas para Inmunoenzimas , Persona de Mediana Edad , Papillomaviridae/inmunología , Ureaplasma urealyticum/aislamiento & purificación , Displasia del Cuello del Útero/microbiologíaRESUMEN
Active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections were found in 91 infants (11%) examined in the Department of Virology from 1988 to 1992. Serological methods (ELISA, CFT) and virus isolation from urine were used to diagnose CMV infection. Congenital or perinatal infections were recognized in 20 infants, while 10 infants were infected by blood transfusion. In most cases the route of CMV transmission was not recognized. The occurrence of clinical symptoms in CMV-infected children was also studied. In 80% of the infants the disease was characterized by hepatosplenomegaly or liver dysfunction. CMV pneumonia was found in 41% of the cases, and gastroenterocolitis in 36% of the subjects.
Asunto(s)
Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/epidemiología , Infecciones por Citomegalovirus/diagnóstico , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Departamentos de Hospitales , Humanos , Incidencia , Lactante , Polonia/epidemiología , VirologíaRESUMEN
The lyophilized infusion from flowers of Verbascum thapsiforme Schrad. (FVI) showed antiviral activity in in vitro studies against Fowl plague virus, several influenza A strains, influenza B strain as well as Herpes simplex virus. Influenza viruses titer decreased by 1-3 log units, while of H. simplex virus by 2.3 log. FVI has shown virucidal activity on H. simplex virus at 300 micrograms/ml, but did not inactivate influenza viruses. Phytochemical investigations of FVI have shown the presence of flavonoids, iridoids, phenolic acids, saponins, amino acids and free sugars.
Asunto(s)
Antivirales/aislamiento & purificación , Orthomyxoviridae/efectos de los fármacos , Plantas Medicinales , Simplexvirus/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Antivirales/química , Células Cultivadas , Virus de la Influenza A/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Replicación Viral/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
The antiviral activity of a polyphenolic complex, isolated from a Bulgarian medicinal plant Geranium sanguineum L., on the reproduction of herpes simplex virus type 1 was studied. The substance inhibited the intracellular stages of viral replication and exhibited a virucidal effect.
Asunto(s)
Antivirales/farmacología , Flavonoides , Fenoles/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Polímeros/farmacología , Simplexvirus/efectos de los fármacos , Replicación Viral/efectos de los fármacos , Bulgaria , Depresión Química , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Plantas Medicinales , Polifenoles , Simplexvirus/fisiología , Factores de Tiempo , Cultivo de Virus , Replicación Viral/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Heat-killed cell suspension of several Propionibacterium acnes strains were prepared and studied for their protective activity in viral infection of mice and immunomodulating properties. Majority of the strains caused marked spleen enlargement in the treated mice. These changes persisted for several weeks. Only some of the tested strains enhanced significantly primary humoral immune response against sheep red blood cells. There was no increase, however, in neutralizing or hemagglutination-inhibition antibody production against vaccinia virus in mice treated with Propionibacteria. No evidence in the increase of spleen lymphocytes migration inhibition of mice infected with vaccinia virus and treated with P. acnes or in hypersensitivity reaction to oxazolone have been found. Significant resistance enhancement of mice pretreated with P. acnes against vaccinia virus or herpes simplex virus type 1 infection was observed. Activity of Propionibacteria depended on the applied strain, dose and scheme of administration.
Asunto(s)
Herpes Simple/terapia , Inmunización , Propionibacterium acnes/inmunología , Bazo/fisiopatología , Vaccinia/terapia , Animales , Femenino , Herpes Simple/inmunología , Herpes Simple/prevención & control , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Ratones Endogámicos CBA , Bazo/inmunología , Vaccinia/inmunología , Vaccinia/prevención & controlAsunto(s)
Herpes Genital/etiología , Herpes Simple/etiología , Infecciones Urinarias/etiología , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/etiología , Cervicitis Uterina/etiología , Femenino , Herpes Genital/diagnóstico , Herpes Simple/diagnóstico , Humanos , Masculino , Infecciones Urinarias/diagnóstico , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/diagnóstico , Cervicitis Uterina/diagnósticoRESUMEN
The occurrence of Mycoplasma in bulls' semen obtained from different Artificial Insemination Centers in Poland was studied. Out of 380 semen samples 234 mycoplasma strains were isolated (61%). Nutritional requirements and biochemical properties of the isolated strains were studied. On the basis of the results of catabolism of glucose and arginine three different groups of isolates were found. The final identification was determined by growth inhibition test and indirect antibody fluorescent technique. 98% of the isolated strains were classified. In Acholeplasma genus two species were found: A. laidlawii and A. modicum. In the genus of Mycoplasma the majority of isolates were identified as M. bovigenitalium (76%). The remaining strains belonged to three other species: M. bovis, M. bovirhinis, M. arginini and to serological group number 7. The sensitivity of isolates to streptomycin and their viability at different temperature were examined. The occurrence of the pathogenic Mycoplasma strains in the examined bulls' semen, their long survival time at -196 degrees C (24 months) and the resistance of some strains to streptomycin indicate the necessity to examine the semen before it is used in artificial insemination.
Asunto(s)
Bovinos/microbiología , Mycoplasma/fisiología , Semen/microbiología , Animales , Medios de Cultivo , Farmacorresistencia Microbiana , Técnicas In Vitro , Masculino , Mycoplasma/efectos de los fármacos , Estreptomicina/farmacología , TemperaturaRESUMEN
The preliminary phytochemical investigations have revealed the presence of flavonoids, iridoids, phenolic acids, saponins, amino acids, free sugars, and mucilages in the lyophilized infusion obtained from flowers of Verbascum thapsiforme Schrad. (FVI). Antiviral activity of the FVI on Herpes simplex type 1 virus (HSV-1) was studied in vitro by the yield reduction test. Decrease in the virus titer amounted to about 2.5 log at the non-toxic concentrations of FVI. The inhibitory effect of FVI on HSV studied by plaque reduction test in Vero cells showed that 50% inhibition of virus plaques occurred at 190 micrograms/ml. The virucidal effect of FVI on HSV was also shown.
Asunto(s)
Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Simplexvirus/efectos de los fármacos , Replicación Viral/efectos de los fármacos , Efecto Citopatogénico Viral , Plantas Medicinales/análisis , Simplexvirus/fisiología , Ensayo de Placa ViralRESUMEN
Interferonogenic properties of Propionibacterium acnes (PA) was studied in vivo and in vitro using CBA, BALB/c and 129AoBoy strains of mice. IFN was induced only in CBA strain after i.v. PA injection. BALB/c and 129AoBoy mice did not produce IFN. In the sera of CBA mice, obtained after i.p. injection of PA, interferon was not found. However, spleen cells of these mice produced IFN beginning from the 3rd day after injection. This interferon response lasted until the 10th week. Furthermore, in vivo studies showed enhancement effect of PA i.p. injection on IFN synthesis when NDV was introduced i.v. as inducer. The increased interferon level was also observed in the peritoneal cells isolated from PA--pretreated mice, induced in vitro with NDV or PA.