Distinguishing between primary measles infection and vaccine failure reinfection by IgG avidity assay

In this study in the Islamic Republic of Iran 365 measles cases were evaluated to distinguish between primary infection with measles and reinfection due to secondary vaccine failure. All cases previously confirmed by detection of specific IgM were tested for IgG avidity. A secondary immune response was seen in 18.4% of patients. All unvaccinated patients [16.7%] showed a primary immune response. Of 244 patients with documented vaccination, 75.8% showed a primary immune response and 24.2% showed a secondary immune response, thereby indicating a secondary vaccine failure. Almost all measles reinfections [99%] were seen in patients >10 years old, indicating that vaccination for 10- year- old children is recommended

Hepatitis C virus antibodies and vitiligo disease

Vitiligo is a common skin disorder, characterized by depigmented patches due to selective destruction of melanocytes. The etiology of this disease is unknown. A number of hypotheses including viral theory have been proposed to explain the etiology. To determine the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus infection in vitiligo patients, the present study was performed. Third generation ELISA test was used for detection of antibodies to HCV in human sera. All normal controls were anti-HCV negative whereas only one patient was positive for anti-HCV and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of anti-HCV between patients and controls. These results indicate that hepatitis C virus has not a direct causal role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo, however, this does not rul out a "hit and run" virus induced disease

Effects of anti-mosquito salivary glands and deglycosylated midgut antibodies of anapheles stephensi on fecundity and longevity

With the aim of controlling malaria by reducing vector population, the effects of antibodies produced against salivary glands and deglycosylated midgut antigens of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes on fecundity and longevity of the same species were tested. Three deglycosylated preparations of midgut and two preparations of salivary glands were produced, conjugated with aluminum hydroxide gel, and subcutaneously injected to shoulders of TO [Turner Out-bred] mice. After 4 immunizations and assurance of enough antibody production against utilized antigenic suspensions, effects of blood feeding on immunized and control mice were assayed. Insoluble preparation of midgut showed the strongest effect with 23.5% reduction in egg laying, and increasing death rate of vectors in third day after feeding. No significant reduction in fecundity or survivorship was seen with other preparations. Anopheles midgut insoluble antigens are potential candidates for designing vaccines against malaria vectors and further investigations need to be done to find effective antigens and the best way of their use

Purification and characterization of protein antigens isolated from mycobacterium tuberculosis [H37 Rv strain] and their effects on cell-mediated immune responses in guinea pigs

Mycobacterium tuberculosis [H37Rv strain] was used in this study. The bacterial cells were disintegrated by sonication. The separation and characterization of the soluble molecules were attempted by various techniques including gel filtration, ion exchange chromatographies and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, using SDS and 2ME. Eight protein molecules with molecular weights ranging from 6.3 up to 204 kD were identified. Following reduction of the 204 kD molecule with 2ME, six smaller molecules with 12a, 12b, 21,29,45 and 81.5 kD molecular weights were obtained- All isolated protein molecules were able to induce delayed hypersensitivity skin reaction in sensitized guinea pigs and proliferation of T-cells in vitro.Regarding the fact that an effective protective immunity in tuberculosis is dependent mainly on T-cell response, it is suggested that the molecules isolated in this study may be useful in conceiving a vaccine and/or diagnostic tests for tuberculosis

Evaluation of serum IgG subclass levels in asthmatic and atopic children with recurrent infection

Serum IgG subclass levels were measured using an indirect immunoenzymatic assay [ELISA] with monoclonal antibodies in 16 children with asthma and 13 children with atopy who had mostly recurrent infections. Seven of the asthmatic children had marked low or low normal levels of IgG[4], six had marked low or low normal levels of IgG[3], two had marked low normal levels of both IgG[2] and IgG[3] and one had low levels of IgG[2], IgG[3] and IgG[4]. All these patients suffered from recurrent sinopulmonary infections- There were low percentages of IgG[3] and IgG[4] defects [about 15%] in the atopic patients, while a significant increase in the serum IgG[4] levels were observed [six patient out of 13 patients, 46.2%]