Effect of age, gender, and body mass index on peak expiratory flow rate and other pulmonary function tests in healthy individuals in the age group 18–60 years

Background: Normal ageing and increasing body mass index (BMI) are related to decline in lung functions in adults in both genders. Females are more likely than age and height-matched males to show smaller lung size and diffusion surface, lower maximal expiratory flow rate, and reduced airway diameter. Lung mechanics and respiratory muscle strength, thoracic compliance, airway resistance, and elastic recoil of the lungs determine the pulmonary function tests (PFTs), and these tests are known to differ with age, sex, socio-economic status, cultural factors, and geographical region of the subject and are related to weight, height and BMI of the individuals. Aim and Objectives: The present study is planned to assess the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and other PFTs and to evaluate the effect of age, gender and BMI on these lung functions. Materials and Methods: This study consists of 200 healthy individuals of age group 18–60 years. A sample was stratified into 5 age groups, and on the basis of BMI, the subjects were categorized as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese. Anthropometric measurements were recorded using standard procedures. PEFR was recorded using Wright’s peak-flow meter and forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, FEF25–75%, FEF2–1.2, slow vital capacity (SVC), and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) were analyzed using Expirograph (Helios 401, RMS, India). Chi-square test was used for analysis of categorical variables. For comparison of two groups, unpaired t-test was used and to assess the relation between the variables, Pearson’s co-relation was used. One way ANOVA was used to compare the difference between the means of more than two groups and Tukey post hoc analysis was done for multiple comparisons. Results: There was highly significant difference in the mean values of PEFR and other PFTs (P < 0.000) among the 5 age groups and a significant difference between younger and older age groups. PEFR, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25–75%, FEF0.2–1.2, SVC, and MVV were negatively correlated with age (r = ?0.514, ?0.535, ?0.568, ?0.255, ?0.566, ?0.516, ?0.304, ?0.523, respectively). Females showed reduced mean values of PEFR, FVC, FEV1, FEF25–75%, FEF0.2–1.2, SVC, MVV when compared to males (P < 0.000), and the differences in the mean values were significantly high. Highly significant difference was seen in the mean values of PEFR and other PFTs among the categories of BMI (P < 0.000). The mean values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25–75%, FEF0.2–1.2, MVV were lower among underweight compared to their mean values among individuals with normal BMI. There was negative correlation between PEFR, FVC, FEV1, FEF25–75%, FEF0.2–1.2, SVC, MVV, and BMI (r = ?0.327, ?0.254, ?0.238, ?0.269, ?0.254, ?0.236, ?0.195, respectively). Conclusions: PFTs aid in the prompt and accurate diagnosis of respiratory disorders, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease allowing for efficient management by encompassing a thorough understanding of the disease and exercise respiratory training regimens even in otherwise healthy individuals. The present study showed that PEFR and other PFTs decrease with advancing age and BMI and females showed reduced lung functions compared to males.

Terapia de oxigenación hiperbárica en individuos sanos: Efecto en algunos parámetros bioquímicos / Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in healthy individuals. Effect on some biochemical parameters

La terapia de oxigenación hiperbárica (TOHB) es usada en el tratamiento de diferentes patologías y es prioritario conocer su injerencia en la bioquímica del paciente y establecer el perfil de seguridad. Con el objetivo de establecer la seguridad y conocer la bioquímica de seguimiento de pacientes que realizan el tratamiento, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de individuos sanos evaluando el efecto de la TOHB (100% O2 a 1,4 atm) sobre algunos parámetros bioquímicos. Se estudió el estado basal, y a las 10 y 20 sesiones, de los valores de los indicadores de coagulación, hematológicos, función hepática y reactantes de fase aguda. En los 20 individuos sanos no hubo alteraciones en el examen clínico general debido a la exposición a la TOHB. La media (con DE) de los valores bioquímicos a las sesiones 0, 10 y 20 estuvieron siempre dentro del rango de valores de referencia. Estos resultados sugieren que el tratamiento en estas condiciones no produce cambios estadísticamente significativos en los parámetros estudiados.

Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy (HBOT) is used in the treatment of different pathologies and it is a priority to establish its safety profile. A retrospective study in healthy individuals was performed, evaluating the effect of HBOT at 1.4 ATA on biochemical indicators. The general and basal status and after 10 and 20 sessions of biochemical parameters in blood sample, on the biochemical markers of coagulation, hematologic values, hepatic function status, and acute reaction were analysed as well. For the 20 healthy subjects, there were no alterations in the general clinical examination due to exposure to HBOT. The mean values (with SD) of the biochemical parameters at 0, 10 and 20 sessions were mostly within reference values range. The results suggest that the treatment does not produce statistically significant changes in the biochemical parameters studied in these conditions.

A terapia de oxigenação hiperbárica (TOHB) é utilizada no tratamento de diferentes patologias e é prioritário conhecer sua ingerência na bioquímica do paciente e estabelecer o perfil de segurança. A fim de estabelecer segurança e conhecer a bioquímica de monitoramento de pacientes que realizam o tratamento, foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de indivíduos saudáveis avaliando o efeito da OHB (100% O2 a 1,4 atm) em alguns parâmetros bioquímicos. O estado basal foi estudado e em 10 e 20 sessões os valores de coagulação, hematológicos, função hepática e reagentes de fase aguda foram estudados. Nos 20 indivíduos saudáveis, não houve alterações no exame clínico geral devido à exposição à TOHB. A média (com o DS) dos valores bioquímicos nas sessões 0, 10 e 20 estavam sempre dentro da faixa de valores de referência. Estes resultados sugerem que o tratamento sob estas condições não produz mudanças estatisticamente significativas ao nível dos parâmetros estudados.

A Hospital Based Study on Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Healthy Population

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is pandemic, yet it is the most under-diagnosed and under-treated nutritional decency in the world. It is a serious public health problem, particularly in the Indian sub- continent. This study was done to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in apparently healthy individuals. Methods: The data of 25-hydroxy(OH) vitamin D assay of 540 healthy individuals, enrolled under executive health checkup at orthopedics ward of S.K. Hospital SIKAR over a period of two years, were extracted from the hospital information system and was reviewed. 25(OH) vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH) vitamin D< 20 ng/ml, insufficiency as 25(OH) vitamin D between 20 and 29 ng/ml and 25(OH) vitamin D sufficiency (VDS) as 30-100 ng/ml, Potential toxicity>100 ng/ml. Results: A total of 540 healthy individuals were included in this study. There were 300 females and 240 males.365 healthy adults were found to be Vitamin D deficient. Prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was found to be 67.5%. 225 females and 140 males were found to be Vitamin D deficiency, prevalence being 75% in female and 58.3% in male. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in apparently healthy individuals.

Age is the main factor related to expiratory flow limitation during constant load exercise

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction among the determinants of expiratory flow limitation (EFL), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), dysanapsis ratio (DR) and age during cycling at different intensities in young and middle-aged men. METHODS: Twenty-two (11 young and 11 middle-aged) men were assessed. Pulmonary function tests (DR), cardiopulmonary exercise tests (VO2peak) and two constant load tests (CLTs) at 75% (moderate intensity) and 125% (high intensity) of the gas exchange threshold were performed to assess EFL. EFL was classified using the percentage of EFL determined from both CLTs (mild: 5%-30%, moderate: 30%-50%, severe: >50%). RESULTS: Only the middle-aged group displayed EFL at both exercise intensities (p<0.05). However, the number of participants with EFL and the percentage of EFL were only associated with age during high-intensity exercise. CONCLUSIONS: There was no interaction between the determinants. However, age was the only factor that was related to the presence of EFL during exercise in the age groups studied.

Las grandes directrices de la investigación en homeopatía (parte 2 de 2) / he broad guidelines of research in homeopathy (part 2 of 2)

La primera parte de este artículo se dedicó a presentar las líneas de investigación biológica experimental que se realizan en la Homeopatía; ahora, esta segunda entrega se enfoca, de inicio, en la presentación y el análisis de 25 estudios de notable calidad metodológica que permiten evaluar científicamente la eficacia clínica de la medicina hahnemanniana. Cabe decir que a pesar de que la realización de estos trabajos es complicada y de que sus resultados varían, en conjunto nos ayudan a concluir que “no es tan fácil afirmar, como una simple visión general, que la Homeopatía es un placebo”. A continuación, el doctor Bernard Poitevin enlista las hipótesis que distintos grupos de científicos han tratado de corroborar o desmentir para dar respuesta a una de las interrogantes más frecuentes que se le plantean a la Homeopatía: cuál es el mecanismo de acción del medicamento homeopático (y, en consecuencia, qué tipo de información tiene y de qué manera interactúa con el organismo del paciente). Los resultados obtenidos hasta ahora no son concluyentes, ya que este tipo de investigaciones son todavía muy recientes. Finalmente, el autor nos recuerda que la Homeopatía es una disciplina evolutiva y, como tal, debe eludir los dogmatismos e incluso cuestionar sus principios fundamentales cuando sea necesario. Sólo a través de la investigación a fondo de aquellos problemas científicos que plantea la Homeopatía será posible acallar las críticas y, sobre todo, se tendrá un mejor conocimiento de esta disciplina médica, lo que en consecuencia mejorará su aplicación y efectividad...

The first part of this paper was dedicated to show the lines of experimental biological research being conducted in homeopathy; now, this second part focuses, at first, to the presentation and analysis of 25 studies of high methodological quality that allows to evaluate scientifically the clinical efficacy of Hahnemann’s medicine. We can say that although the realization of these studies is complicated and that their results may vary, together they help us to conclude that “it is not so easy to say, as a simple overview that homeopathy is a placebo”. Then Dr. Bernard Poitevin lists the hypothesis that different groups of scientists have tried to corroborate or deny to answer one of the most frequent questions posed to homeopathy: what is the mechanism of action of homeopathic medicine (and therefore what type of information does it has and how it interacts with the patient’s body). The results so far are inconclusive, since this type of research is still very recent. Finally, the author reminds us that homeopathy is an evolving discipline and, as such, must avoid dogmatism and even to question its fundamental principles when necessary. Only through a profound research of those scientific problems that Homeopathy propose It will be possible to silence criticism and, above all, we will have a better knowledge of this medical discipline, which consequently will improve its implementation and effectiveness...

Seasonal variation on the presence of adenoviruses in stools from non-diarrheic patients

Human adenoviruses (HAdV), members of the Adenoviridae family, are excreted through the fecal route and may be present in the feces of humans consuming contaminated food or water. The presence of HAdV from different serotypes in the feces of healthy individuals was already reported using conventional polymerase chain reaction; however, real-time PCR (qPCR) may reveal not only the rates of detection as well as demonstrate the viral loads excreted by healthy persons. Aiming to identify and characterize the presence of adenoviruses in stool samples, 147 fecal samples from patients with no records of diarrhea were analyzed (74 from winter season and 73 from summer) by Real-Time PCR (qPCR) assay and conventional PCR. HAdV genome was present in 43.8% (32/73) of stools samples collected during summer season and 21.6% (16/74) during winter. The rate of detection of genomic copies (gc) ranged from 4.04×10² to 6.72×10⁵gc/g of feces among the 147 samples analyzed, of which the ranged of genomic copies of DNA HAdV was major in summer. All samples were negative when tested for rotaviruses (RV) and noroviruses (NoV) by PCR conventional and qPCR respectively. HAdV is excreted constantly by infected individuals in the absence of clinical signs and the occurrence may vary seasonally.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of EDO State, Nigeria.

Aims: To determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Study Design: The study focused on socio-demographic characteristics of volunteers such as age, sex, marital status and location. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out among apparently healthy individuals of Akoko-Edo Local government area of Edo State, Nigeria between October 2012 and December 2012. Methodology: The HBsAg one step hepatitis B surface antigen test strip, a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of Hepatitis B surface antigen in serum/plasma, was used for screening the volunteers. Result: Out of the 455 volunteers screened, 125 people (27.5%) were positive which consist of 49 male (28.7%) and 76 females (26.8%). Age related prevalence for HBsAg was 18.2% and 9.2% among those aged 10-40 and 40-70 years respectively. Among single individuals of 101, prevalence of 25.3% was recorded while only 6% (24) was recorded as prevalence among married individuals. This study also reveals that the highest prevalence of HBsAg was observed in Ojirami-Dam community with 40.3% prevalence while the least was observed in Umeme-Osu community with 16.4% prevalence. Conclusion: This study shows high prevalence of hepatitis B among children and young adult in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The incidence of the infection among individuals between ages of 10-40 years with 83 people infected (66.4%) calls for concern among the people of the area. This provides evidence for urgent public awareness and mass immunization of the people in area.

Investigation on reference range of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin antibody among healthy individuals in Northeast area of Sichuan / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To establish the reference range of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin antibody (anti-MCV ) among healthy individuals in Northeast area of Sichuan .Methods The Alegria enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system and the matched anti-MCH reagent test kit were adopted to detect the serum anti-MCV concentration in 141 serum samples collected from healthy individuals .Results The intra-batch and inter-batch precisions and the functional sensitivity of the Alegria enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system all met the laboratory requirements .The concentration of serum anti-MCV was 12 .10(6 .70-41 .30) U/mL in the healthy female group and 11 .10(6 .00-18 .30)U/mL in the healthy male group ,there was no statistical difference be-tween these two groups(Z= -0 .991 ,P=0 .322);the detection results of serum anti-MCV in the age groups of <50 years old and ≥50 years old had no statistical differences (Z= -0 .588 ,P= 0 .558) .The reference range of anti-MCV in the investigated healthy individuals was 0 .00-18 .14 U/mL .Conclusion The reference range of anti-MCV has no correlation with gender and age . Establishing the reference range of anti-MCV suitable for the healthy population in the local area has very important clinical applica-tion value .

Medición del potencial evocado cognitivo, P300, en un grupo de individuos colombianos sanos / Cognitive Evoked Potential Measurement, P300, in a group of healthy Colombian individuals / Medição do potencial evocado cognitivo P300 em um grupo de indivíduos colombianos sadios

Los potenciales evocados cognitivos son mediciones electrofisiológicas relacionadas con procesos que tienen que ver con ciertas funciones cognitivas. El potencial cognitivo P300 está específicamente relacionado con procesos de atención. Objetivo: identificar valores para la latencia y amplitud de onda P300 en una muestra de individuos colombianos y describir su comportamiento con respecto a edad, género y escolaridad de los sujetos. Método: se estudiaron 122 sujetos sanos entre los 6 y 80 años, se practicó medición del potencial según la metodología odd-ball, en las derivaciones Cz y Pz. Resultados: se identificaron valores medianos, mínimos y máximos para diferentes grupos etarios y se estableció que la latencia de la onda P300 aumenta con la edad de los individuos y que, por el contrario, la amplitud de la misma tiende a disminuir. De igual forma, al correlacionar latencia y amplitud, se evidenció una relación inversa. Conclusiones: no se encontraron diferencias para latencia y amplitud de onda relacionadas con el género ni la escolaridad de los sujetos, así como tampoco se halló diferencia al realizar la medición en la derivación Pz comparada con la onda obtenida en la derivación Cz.

Cognitive evoked potentials are electrophysiological measurements of cognitive functions. Cognitive potential P300 is specifically related to attention processes. Objetive: the aim of this study was to establish reference values for latency and amplitude of P300 wave in the Colombian population and determine their variability with age, gender and education of the subjects. Methods: we studied 122 healthy subjects between 6 and 80 years, are practical potential measurement methodology as odd-ball, in leads Cz and Pz. Results: we were able to establish reference values for different age groups, and statistical significance was found with which the latency of P300 wave increases with the age of individuals, and instead thereof the amplitude tends to decrease. Similarly to correlate latency and amplitude was shown an inverse relationship between them. Conclusions: no differences were found for latency and wave amplitude, gender-related or school subjects as well as no difference was found when measuring the Pz derivation obtained compared with the wave in lead Cz.

Os potenciais evocados cognitivos são medições eletrofisiológicas das funções cognitivas. O Potencial Cognitivo P300 está relacionado com processos de atenção. Objetivo: estabelecer valores de referência para a latência e a amplitude de onda P300 na população colombiana e determinar sua variabilidade na presença de variáveis como a idade, o gênero e a escolaridade dos indivíduos. Método: em uma amostra de 122 indivíduos sãos, com idades entre os 6 e os 80 anos, mensurou-se o potencial segundo a metodologia odd-ball nas derivações Cz e Pz. Resultados: estabeleceram-se valores de referência para diferentes grupos de idade e verificou-se que a latência da onda P300 aumenta com a idade dos indivíduos, enquanto que a amplitude da onda tende a diminuir. Conclusões: um estudo de correlação entre a latência e a amplitude permitiu evidenciar que existe uma relação inversa entre as duas características. Quanto ao gênero e a escolaridade, não foram observadas diferenças para a latência e a amplitude da onda, tanto na derivação Pz quanto na derivação Cz.

An initial investigation of the serum thyroid hormone reference range in the apparently healthy individuals of Beijing and Shanghai area of China / 中华检验医学杂志

ObjectiveTo establish the reference intervals of serum triiodothyronine (TT3),the thyroxine ( TT4 ),free triiodothyronine ( FT3 ),free thyroxine ( FT4 ) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)in the apparently healthy individuals of Beijing and Shanghai.Methods According to the requirement for laboratory support for the diagnosis and monitoring of thyroid diseases in the National Academy ofClinicalBiochemistry(NACB)laboratorymedicinepracticeguidelines, therewere 390 apparently healthy individuals tested (221 male,169 female,18 -65 years old) from Beijing and Shanghai for serum TT3,TT4,FT3,FT4 and TSH on American Beckman UniCel DXI 800 Automatic Chemiluminescent Analyzer.All markers were analyzed between gender,region,age group using t test and ANOVA.The reference intervals of all markers were determined by P2.5 - P97.5.ResultsTT3,TT4,FT3,FT4,TSH levels in the male group were ( 1.90 ± 0.32) nmol/L,( 116.77 ± 18.02) nmol/L,( 5.28 ±0.67) pmol/L,( 11.54 ± 1.97) pmol/L,( 1.92 ± 1.12 ) mIU/L,respectively,while the above indicators in the female group were ( 1.82 ± 0.32) nmol/L,( 115.73 ± 14.39 ) nmol/L,(5.04 ± 0.59 ) pmol/L,( 10.94 ± 1.45) pmol/L,( 2.37 ± 1.86 ) mIU/L,respectively.When comparing the results in genders,statistical significance was shown in TF3,FT3,FT4 and TSH of two gender groups( t =2.377,3.642,3.471,2.520,all P ＜ 0.05 ).When comparing different regions,statistical significance was only shown in FT3 ( t =6.410,P ＜ 0.05 ),in which Beijing group was (5.01 ± 0.63) pmol/L,and Shanghai group was (5.41 ±0.61 ) pmol/L,and no significant difference were shown in other four markers.Correlation analysis showed that TT4 was positively correlated with age (r =0.22,P ＜ 0.001 ) while TSH was negatively correlated with age ( r =- 0.12,P ＜ 0.05 ).TT3,TT4,FT3,FT4,TSH reference intervals were ( 1.22 - 2.50 ) nmol/L,(83.37 - 149.37 ) nmol/L,( 3.88 - 6.48 ) pmol/L,( 7.70 - 14.86) pmol/L,( 0.38 - 5.58 ) mIU/L,respectively.ConclusionDifferences of serum thyroid hormones were observed in different areas of China,It is important to establish reference intervals of the serum thyroid hormones in Chinese population.

Padrão respiratório e movimento toracoabdominal em indivíduos saudáveis: influência da idade e do sexo / Breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal motion in healthy individuals: influence of age and sex

OBJETIVO: Descrever o padrão respiratório e o movimento toracoabdominal de indivíduos saudáveis considerando a idade e o sexo. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 104 indivíduos com idades entre 20-39, 40-59 e 60-80 anos, 41 homens e 63 mulheres, com índice de massa corporal e valores espirométricos normais. A pletismografia respiratória por indutância foi utilizada para mensurar, durante o repouso e em decúbito dorsal, as seguintes variáveis: volume corrente (Vc), frequência respiratória (f), ventilação minuto (VE), razão entre o tempo inspiratório e o tempo total do ciclo respiratório (Ti/Ttot) e fluxo inspiratório médio (Vc/Ti), deslocamento da caixa torácica ( por centoCT), relação de fase inspiratória (PhRIB), relação de fase expiratória (PhREB) e ângulo de fase (AngFase). As comparações entre as faixas etárias foram realizadas por meio da ANOVA one-way ou Kruskal-Wallis H, comparações entre os sexos foram realizadas por meio dos testes t de Student para amostras independentes ou Mann-Withney U, de acordo com a distribuição dos dados, considerando significativo p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Na comparação entre os sexos, mulheres apresentaram valores significativamente menores em relação aos homens nas variáveis Vc, VE e Ti/Ttot nas faixas etárias de 20 a 39 e de 60 a 80 anos, sem nenhuma diferença na faixa etária de 40 a 59 anos. Na comparação entre as faixas etárias, indivíduos com 60 a 80 anos apresentaram PhRIB e AngFase significativamente maiores em relação aos adultos entre 20 e 39 anos, sem diferenças significativas nas variáveis do padrão respiratório. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados encontrados sugerem influência do sexo sobre o padrão respiratório e da idade sobre o movimento toracoabdominal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the breathing pattern and thoracoabdominal motion of healthy individuals, taking age and sex into consideration. METHODS: The study included 104 individuals aged 20 to 39, 40 to 59, and 60 to 80 years (41 males and 63 females), with normal body mass index and spirometric values. Participants were evaluated at rest in the supine position, by means of respiratory inductive plethysmography. The following variables were measured: tidal volume (Vt), respiratory frequency (f), minute ventilation (VE), inspiratory duty cycle (Ti/Ttot), mean inspiratory flow (Vt/Ti), rib cage motion ( percentRC), inspiratory phase relation (PhRIB), expiratory phase relation (PhREB), and phase angle (PhaseAng). Comparisons between the age groups were performed using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis H, while comparisons between the sexes were performed using Student's t test or the Mann-Whitney U test, depending on the data distribution; p<0.05 was taken to be significant. RESULTS: Comparison between the sexes showed that, in the age groups 20 to 39 and 60 to 80 years, women presented significantly lower values for Vt, VE, and Ti/Ttot than men, and there was no significant difference in the age group 40 to 59 years. Comparisons between the age groups showed that participants aged 60 to 80 presented significantly greater PhRIB and PhaseAng than participants aged 20 to 39 years, without significant differences in the breathing pattern. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that breathing pattern is influenced by sex whereas thoracoabdominal motion is influenced by age.

Detection of human herpesvirus-7 by qualitative nested-PCR: comparison between healthy individuals and liver transplant recipients / Detecção de herpesvirus humano-7 por nested-PCR qualitativo: comparação entre indivíduos sadios e receptores de transplante hepático

Diagnosis of human herpesvirus-7 active infection in transplant patients has proved difficult, because this virus is ubiquitous and can cause persistent infections in the host. The significance of viral DNA detected in leukocytes by PCR is unclear and cross-reaction in serological tests may occur. This study aimed to evaluate nested-PCR to detect human herpesvirus-7 active infection in liver transplant recipients compared to healthy individuals. human herpesvirus-7 nested-PCR was performed on leukocytes and sera of 53 healthy volunteers and sera of 29 liver transplant recipients. In healthy volunteers, human herpesvirus-7 was detected in 28.3 percent of leukocytes and 0 percent of serum. human herpesvirus-7 was detected in sera of 48.2 percent of the liver transplant recipients. Nested-PCR on DNA extracted from leukocytes detected latent infection and the study suggests that nested-PCR performed on serum could be useful to detect human herpesvirus-7 active infection in liver transplant recipients.

Diagnóstico da infecção ativa pelo herpesvirus humano-7 é difícil devido ao fato deste vírus ser ubíquo e poder causar infecção persistente no hospedeiro. O significado da detecção do DNA viral por reação em cadeia da polimerase não é claro e, reações cruzadas podem ocorrer em testes sorológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a nested-PCR para detectar infecção ativa pelo herpesvirus-7 em receptores hepáticos comparando com indivíduos sadios. Nested-PCR para herpesvirus-7 foi realizado em leucócitos e soro de 53 voluntários sadios e em soro de 29 receptores hepáticos. Nos voluntários sadios, herpesvirus-7 foi detectado em 28,3 por cento de leucócitos e 0 por cento de soro. herpesvirus-7 foi detectado em soro de 48,2 por cento de receptores hepáticos. Nested-PCR em DNA extraído de leucócitos detectou infecção latente e o estudo sugere que nested-PCR realizada em soro poderia ser útil para detectar infecção ativa por herpesvirus-7 em receptores de fígado.

TT Virus Detection Using Different PCR Primer Sets in Healthy and Infected Individuals with Hepatitis B or C Viruses / 대한임상미생물학회지

BACKGROUND: TT virus (TTV) infection is highly prevalent in the general population and in the patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C vius (HCV). The aim of the present study was to assess the positive rates of TTV DNA using different PCR primer sets in healthy and HBV or HCV-infected individuals in Korea. METHODS: TTV DNA was investigated in serum samples of 69 healthy individuals and 59 HBV-infected and 34 HCV-infected individuals by nested PCR assays using primers from N22 region, 5'-untranslated region (UTR), and 3' UTR of viral genome. RESULTS: TTV DNA was detected in 43% of total study populations using N22 primers, in 69% using 5' UTR primers and, in 64% using 3' UTR primers. No significant difference was observed in the positive rates of TTV DNA between healthy and HBV or HCV- infected individuals. CONCLUSION: The PCR assays for TTV DNA using 5' UTR primers and 3' UTR primers exhibited higher positive rates than that of the assay using N22 primers without any significant difference between healthy and HBV or HCV-infected individuals.