Journal of medical virology
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Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) glycoproteins G1 and G2 and nucleocapsid protein (N) were expressed in BHK-21 cells by transfection of a plasmid producing a recombinant alphavirus replicon. Coexpression of G1 and G2 from separate constructs seemed to be important for the optimal folding of the glycoproteins, as evaluated by a panel of MAbs detecting conformational epitopes. To evaluate the human antibody response against recombinant G1, G2 and N, several panels of sera were tested by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). ⋯ The granular fluorescence pattern in PUUV IgG-IFA, associated with the acute phase of immunity, was linked to the presence of antibodies against N, whereas the diffuse fluorescence pattern associated with old-immunity, was linked to the development of antibodies against G1 + G2. The granular fluorescence pattern in PUUV IgG-IFA had a predictive value of 100% for acute PUUV infection. Weak cross-reaction with PUUV glycoproteins was observed in 36% of old-immunity DOBV-specific human sera.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of a triple antigen and a single antigen recombinant vaccine for adult hepatitis B vaccination.
Hepatitis B and its sequelae are a major public health problem. Vaccines have been available for almost 20 years; however the disease still remains a global problem. Many factors contribute to the failure to control hepatitis B, including the limited nature of the vaccination programs implemented initially. ⋯ It is concluded that in healthy normal adults, a triple antigen hepatitis B vaccine that contained S and pre-S antigens produced an enhanced immunological response. This was exemplified by the novel vaccine's ability to overcome factors such as advancing age (> or = 40 years), obesity, and smoking, each of which is known to reduce the potential for protection with present recombinant S only vaccines. A two-dose/1-month (0 and 1) regimen of this triple antigen vaccine was as effective as the standard three-dose/6 month (0, 1, and 6) regimen of present single antigen vaccines. (c) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Symptom pathogenesis during acute influenza: interleukin-6 and other cytokine responses.
In experimental human influenza infection initiated by nasal inoculation, the magnitude of viral replication, fever, and symptoms correlate with nasopharyngeal lavage fluid levels of various cytokines. Our aim was to assess these relationships in patients with naturally occurring acute influenza. Patients with culture-positive influenza illness of less than 36 hr of duration were studied. ⋯ The magnitude of early decrease in viral titers correlated with initial levels of INF-gamma in nasopharyngeal lavage fluid (P < 0.05). Significant production of IL-6, TNF-alpha, INF-alpha, INF-gamma and IL-10 occurs in response to community acquired influenza A illness. As in experimental influenza, symptoms and fever in natural acute influenza correlate with the release of IL-6.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Randomized controlled trial of seroresponses to double dose and booster influenza vaccination in frail elderly subjects.
Responses to influenza vaccination are poor in frail elderly subjects who suffer the greatest morbidity and mortality due to infection. Therefore, a randomized clinical trial was performed to determine the effect of a double dose and booster vaccination on antibody responses after influenza vaccination. A total of 815 patients (median age 83 years, median disability score 8, median disease categories 2 and median number of medications 4) residing in 14 nursing homes in the Netherlands were vaccinated during the influenza season 1997-98. ⋯ A booster dose, given 84 days after the first vaccination, yielded postvaccination titters that were 14% (95% CI, 9% to 19%, P = 0.001) higher as compared to placebo. Subgroup analysis did not reveal patient groups that had a proportionally greater benefit from adapted vaccination strategies. It is concluded that higher antibody responses can be achieved in frail elderly people by a double vaccine dose or a booster vaccination.
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Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are responsible for neurological disorders that require rapid diagnostic methods and specific antiviral therapy. During 1997, 1431 cerebrospinal fluid samples (CSF) collected from 1339 patients with neurological disorder presentations were processed for HSV detection. Eleven patients were positive for HSV, seven presenting with encephalitis (6/7 due to HSV1) and 4 with aseptic meningitis (4/4 due to HSV2). ⋯ Four HSV encephalitis cases were monitored by PCR detection in CSF. Despite acyclovir therapy, PCR remained positive in CSF up to 20 days in 2 cases. This result suggest that the antiviral treatment for HSV encephalitis should be monitored by PCR detection of HSV in CSF.