Incidence of human cytomegalovirus in breast carcinoma tissues is associated with a higher expression of growth factor receptor-bound protein 2

Background: female mammary carcinoma is the second most common cancer incidence among women and the fifth most common leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Premenopausal young women are more frequently targeted by inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), which is the most lethal form of breast cancer. The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been identified as one of the viral infection with a higher frequency in carcinoma tissues of IBC than in non-IBC. The adaptor protein growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2), was found to be upregulated in HCMV-infected cells and play as crucial role in cancer progression. Objective: this study aimed to assess the expression level of Grb2 in carcinoma tissues of IBC and non-IBC with HCMV infection. Patients and Methods: overall, 135 female diagnosed with breast carcinoma were enrolled in this study. Using conventional and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we determined the incidence of HCMV and assessed the expression level of Grb2 mRNA in the breast cancer tissue samples. Results: Grb2 mRNA was significantly upregulated in HCMV+ IBC higher than in HCMV+ non-IBC. According to the molecular subtype, Grb2 mRNA was significantly higher upregulated in breast carcinoma tissues of HCMV+ hormonal positive (HP) than in triple negative (TN) counterparts. Conclusion: HCMV infection is associated with a high expression of Grb2 mRNA in IBC and that HP HCMV+ mammary carcinoma tissues confer upregulated Grb2 mRNA, suggesting a potential role of HCMV infection in enhancing of Grb2 mRNA expression in breast cancer with HP

The Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus Antibodies among Prospective Blood Donors in Jos

"Background:Human cytomegalovirus; otherwise called human herpes virus type 5; is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy; and among immunocompromised patients like recipients of organ transplants. Cytomegalovirus is transmissible via blood transfusion; among other parenteral routes. This study therefore aims at establishing the seroprevalence of CMV antibodies among prospective blood donors in Jos. This is with a view to making recommendations on donor screening and transfusion protocols among susceptible patients. Methods: A total of 200 prospective blood donors were recruited into the study. Screening for CMV antibodies was done using ELISA kit; manufactured by ""DIALAB""; Austria (www.dialb.at) Results: Of the 200 prospective blood donors analysed; 184 donors were found to be positive for cytomegalovirus antibodies; representing a prevalence rate of 92.The peak age prevalence was in the 25-29 years age range; representing 0.4.Cytomegalovirus prevalence was lowest in the 15-19 years age range and above 50 years(1.6each). Conclusion: A cytomegalovirus antibody prevalence rate of 92indicates that screening for CMV should be included in screening algorithm for potentially susceptible recipients of blood and its products. Non infected susceptible persons should be transfused CMV negative or leucocyte depleted blood and blood products."

Cervical cancer and cytomegalovirus

Paraffin embedded sections from 34 cases of cervical cancer in Uganda were examined for the presence of crymegalovirus (CMV) using immunohistochemistry. CMV was detected in five of the 34 cases. In all cases; the reactivity was confined to the cervical epithelial tissue. These results provide further evidence for an association between CMV and cervical cancer and show that CMV may be readily detected in archival materials. It also suggests that cervical cancer may be associated with immune deficiency

Cervical cancer and cytomegalovirus

Paraffin embedded sections from 34 cases of cervical cancer in Uganda were examined for the presence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) using immunohistochemistry. CMV was detected in five of the 34 cases. In all cases; the reactivity was confined to the cervical epithelial tissue. These results provide further evidence for an association between CMV and cervical cancer and show that CMV may be readily detected in archival materials. It also suggests that cervical cancer may be associated with immune deficiency

Cytomegalovirus Retinitis:Commonest Cause of Blindness in AIDS patients in Uganda

"Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis affects about 50of patients with AIDS. It is clearly associated with profound immunodeficinecy. CMV retinitis is often bilateral starting in the posterior pole and has a tendency to follow the major vascular arcades. The initial lesion consists of one or more small yeloow-white necrotic areas with irregular borders. Vascular sheating and haemorrhoages is the rule. Once established; CMV retinitis is relentlessly progressive and the whole retina is destroyed within 6 months. The opthalmoscopic picture of red haemorrhages and yellow areas of necrotic retinal tissue is comapred to ""ketch-up on cheese"". Treatment: In the treatment of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis; two drugs can be effective. 1. Ganciclovir induces resolution of CMV retinitis in the vast majority of patients with AIDS. It is administered intravenously in two to one hour infusion or intravenously in two to one hour infusion or intravitreally . Systemic side effects include bone marrow toxicity with severe neutropenia and for that matter cannot be used in conjuction with zidovudune (AZT); an antiretroviral drug with proven efficacy. Zidovudine induces neuropenia as well; and; confronted with CMV retinitis in a patient on zidovudine therapy already; the physician faces the tough dilemma whether to administer ganciclovir to preserve vision or continue zidovudine therapy to control HIV replication; ot change therapy all together. Intravitreal ganciclovir reduces the systemic toxicity; but it does not eradicate CMV in other locations. 2. Foscarnet (trisodium phosphonoformate hexahydrate) is another drug with proven efficacy against CMV retinitis. It is nephrotoxic which means life-long maintenance therapy will be needed to prevent relapses. Finnally it should be noted that these drugs are very expensive. A patient who may already be spending on the triple thrapy for HIV and other opportunitic diseases such as a tuberculosis may not be in position to pay more for CMV retinitis. However from experience; almost all the patients with AIDS no matter whether they have already been on any form of treatment or not; have deteriorated and died very fast immediately on becoming blind. Therefore CMV retinitis must always be treated urgently. Physicians handling AIDS patients should always bear in mind this commonest complication. Routine visual acuity measurement and regular fundoscopy is good management of patients with AIDS."

Renal transplantation in a developing country: the Egyptian 17 year experience

This article addresses some of the major epidemiological; clinical; financial and social issues related to the practice of renal transplantation in Egypt. It highlights the limited availability facing the tremendous need for this line of treatment. It provides an overview of the transplant activity in the country; with a brief description of the medical and surgical protocols generally adopted by most groups. As a representative sample; the results of treatment of the Cairo Kidney Centre are given; emphasising the importance of local ecological factors in modifying the outcome; expressed as short and long term patient and graft survival. The effects of the high prevalence of 6 infective agents are described; including cytomegalovirus (CMV); Hepatitis B and C viruses; salmonellosis; tuberculosis and schistosomiasis. [abstract terminated]

Transmission of cytomegalovirus in the Gambia

One hundred and seventy-eight Gambian women in their late 3rd trimestrer plus babies born to them; and later on some 11 randomly selected CMV positive and 11 CMV negative infants with their mothers and siblings; were examinated serologically; and virologically for the evidence of cytomegalovirus infection with a view to determining who is infecting who and how; in this community. There was significant correlation between CMV positive infants and CMV infection in their siblings; whereas there was no such correlation between these infants and their CMV positive mothers