Viral immunology
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Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe respiratory disease with significant mortality. Two testing methods are currently used for MERS-CoV diagnostics: nucleic acid detection (the gold standard) and serological analysis. In this study, we evaluated the detection of MERS-CoV-IgG in suspected and proven cases of MERS-CoV infection. ⋯ No cross-reactivity to influenza A or B was detected. Based on the lack of correlation between nucleic acid and serological analysis, we conclude that MERS-CoV-IgG testing may not be suitable for diagnosing acute infection or estimating its prevalence during an outbreak. In addition, our findings show that MERS-CoV-IgG may not have significant value in determining disease severity or prognosis.
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To determine the association between BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) types 1 and 4 capsid antibody and natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), serum samples were obtained from 10 natalizumab-associated PML cases and 130 control MS patients treated with natalizumab, and 82 control MS patients never exposed to natalizumab. In a sex- and age-adjusted regression model, BKPyV serotype 1 antibody levels were significantly higher in natalizumab-treated controls (p = 0.009) compared with cases, and were higher in controls never treated with natalizumab compared with cases, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.158). There was no association between BKPyV serotype 4 antibody and PML. We hypothesize that a robust immune response to BKPyV may be protective against the development of PML.
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Globally, increased incidence of liver disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is responsible for high morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. This is because both viruses share common routes of transmission. We determined prevalence of HBV-HIV coinfection and the influence of some risk factors on concomitant infection among people living with HIV in a treatment center in Kakuri, Kaduna State. ⋯ High infection rate observed in this study underscores the need for public awareness, to educate people on modes of transmission. Routine screening is advocated for early HBV identification, as this will facilitate reduction of comorbidity and mortality resulting from opportunistic infection. Findings from this study support introduction of HBV vaccination as part of the Expanded Programme on Immunization in Nigeria.
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Review
Persistence in Temporary Lung Niches: A Survival Strategy of Lung-Resident Memory CD8+ T Cells.
Respiratory virus infections, such as those mediated by influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), rhinovirus, and adenovirus, are responsible for substantial morbidity and mortality, especially in children and older adults. Furthermore, the potential emergence of highly pathogenic strains of influenza virus poses a significant public health threat. Thus, the development of vaccines capable of eliciting long-lasting protective immunity to those pathogens is a major public health priority. ⋯ However, it remains controversial whether lung CD8+ TRM cells are continuously replenished by new cells from the circulation or permanently lodged in this site. A better understanding of how lung CD8+ TRM cells are generated and maintained and the tissue-specific factors that drive local TRM formation is required for optimal vaccine development. This review focuses on recent advance in our understanding of CD8+ TRM cell establishment and maintenance in the lung, and describes how those processes are uniquely regulated in this tissue.
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The study was aimed to estimate the role and prevalence rates of genotypes, haplotypes, and alleles, located within the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin (IL) 1A, IL1B, and IL6 genes, in the occurrence and development of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection among pregnant women. A research was conducted in 129 pregnant women, out of whom, 65 were HCMV infected and 64 were age-matched control uninfected individuals. HCMV DNA was quantitated for UL55 gene by the real-time Q PCR in the body fluids. ⋯ In multiple SNP analysis, TC haplotype within the IL1 polymorphisms significantly decreased the risk of the infection in pregnant women (OR 0.38 95% CI 0.15-0.96; p ≤ 0.050). In addition, TTG complex variants for all the studied polymorphisms and TG variants for IL1B and IL6 SNPs were significantly more prevalent among the infected offsprings with symptomatic congenital cytomegaly than among the asymptomatic cases (p ≤ 0.050). In conclusion, the analyzed IL1A -889 C>T, IL1B +3954 C>T, and IL6 -174 G>C polymorphisms may be associated with the occurrence and development of HCMV infection among studied patients.