The Journal of infectious diseases
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An experimental vaccine for sepsis, composed of detoxified Escherichia coli J5 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) complexed with the outer membrane protein (OMP) of Neisseria meningitidis group B, induces anti-core glycolipid antibody and has been tested in pilot studies in human volunteers. ⋯ These results indicate that the detoxified LPS-J5/OMP vaccine induces high levels of antibody against the core glycolipid of LPS and functions in vivo to promote clearance of gram-negative bacteria and improve the outcome of experimental polymicrobial intra-abdominal sepsis.
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Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) continue to be important health problems in many countries. In June 2004, the World Health Organization Steering Committee on Research Related to Measles and Rubella Vaccines and Vaccination met to evaluate data from research and operational activities and to identify critical scientific issues and gaps in knowledge that need to be addressed to improve the global control of rubella and CRS. Information about surveillance for rubella, natural and vaccine-induced immunity to rubella, laboratory diagnosis, the molecular epidemiological profile of rubella virus, and mathematical modeling to assess the burden of CRS and the impact of rubella vaccination was reviewed. This report summarizes the presentations and recommendations for future research.
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On the basis of a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis of the 16S-23S ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer, clinical isolates of Borrelia burgdorferi can be classified into 3 genotypes designated as RST1, RST2, and RST3. RST1 strains are the most pathogenic, and RST3 strains are the least pathogenic. ⋯ The DRB1*0101 allele and the DRB1*0101-DQB1*0501 haplotype may be relevant to the development of infection with strains from the least invasive genotypes of B. burgdorferi.
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Rotavirus disease causes a significant health and economic burden worldwide. Several rotavirus vaccines may soon be available for use. A country's decision to introduce these vaccines will depend on its rotavirus disease burden, on the cost of the vaccine, and on the results of an economic assessment of the cost and effectiveness of a rotavirus vaccination program. ⋯ Vaccination can effectively reduce the disease burden and health care costs of rotavirus-specific diarrhea in Vietnam.
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We evaluated the potential for avian-to-human transmission of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N1 and LPAI H7N3 viruses that were responsible for several outbreaks of influenza in poultry in Italy between 1999 and 2003. A serological survey of poultry workers was conducted by use of a combination of methods. Evidence of anti-H7 antibodies was observed in 3.8% of serum samples collected from poultry workers during the period in 2003 when LPAI H7N3 virus was circulating. These findings highlight the need for surveillance in people occupationally exposed to avian influenza viruses, so that they can be monitored for the risk of avian-to-human transmission during outbreaks of avian influenza caused by both LPAI and HPAI viruses.