Subgrupos A1, A2 y AINT en donantes efectivos del banco de sangre materno infantil CNS La Paz ­ Bolivia / Subgroups A1, A2 and AINT in effective donors of the maternal and child blood bank CNS La Paz - Bolivia

Además del sistema ABO, los subgrupos del mismo revisten gran importancia en inmunohematología, Los subgrupos A difieren tanto en el número de sitios antigénicos como en la configuración del antígeno eritrocitario. Los principales, A1 y A2 se diferencian en que los eritrocitos A1 son aglutinados por el anticuerpo Anti-A1 humano o por la Lectina Anti-A1 (Dolichos biflorus), y los eritrocitos A2 son aglutinados por la Lectina Anti-H (Ulex europaeus). MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de Corte Transversal, Se analizó los registros tanto físico y electrónico del Banco de Sangre, se incluyeron todos los donadores efectivos, mismos que fueron tipificados por el laboratorio de inmunohematología en el periodo de mayo a julio del 2018. Método empleado, aglutinación en tubo y en micro placa. RESULTADOS: en un total de 1599 donantes, se determinó que el grupo O tiene mayor frecuencia con un 84% y el menos frecuente fue el AB con un 0,66%. Según el grupo sanguíneo A y AB tenemos las siguientes frecuencias: A1 que representa el (73.3%), A2 el (15.9%), Aint el (5.65%), A1 B el (3.60%) y A2 B el (1.55%). La importancia clínica se basa en que algunas personas del grupo A2 transfundidas con A1 , pueden producir Anti-A1 que es un anticuerpo natural irregular activo a 22 ºC, pero en ocasiones está activo a 37ºC causando una reacción transfusional extravascular, por lo que, si no se cuenta con eritrocitos A2 , se recomienda transfundir eritrocitos grupo O.

In addition to the ABO system, its subgroups review great importance in Immunohematology. Subgroups A differ both in the number of antigenic sites and in the configuration of the erythrocyte antigen. The main ones, A1 and A2 differ in that A1 erythrocytes are agglutinated by human Anti-A1 antibody or by Anti-A1 Lectin (Dolichos biflorus), and A2 erythrocytes are agglutinated by Anti-H Lectin (Ulex europaeus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. The physical and electronic records of the Blood Bank were analyzed, all effective donors were included, which were typified by the Immunohematology Laboratory in the period of May. to July 2018. Method used, agglutination in tube and in microplate. RESULTS: in a total of 1599 protocols, it was determined that group O has the highest frequency with 84% and the least frequent was the AB with 0.66%. According to blood group A and AB we have the following frequencies: A1 representing (73.3%), A2 (15.9%), Aint (5.65%), A1B (3.60%) and A2B (1.55%). The clinical importance is based on the fact that some people in group A2 transfused with A1, can produce Anti-A1 which is an irregular natural antibody active at 22 ° C but sometimes it is active at 37 °C causing an extravascular transfusion reaction, so if A2 erythrocytes are not available, it is recommended to transfuse group O erythrocytes.

Neutropenia aloimune neonatal em gêmeas idênticas / Neonatal alloimmune neutropenia in identical twins

A neutropenia aloimune neonatal (NAN) é uma patologia causada pelo antagonismo imunológico, como a doença hemolítica do recém-nascido ou a trombocitopenia aloimune neonatal, mas relacionada aos neutrófilos, em vez de glóbulos vermelhos ou plaquetas. Descreveremos um caso clínico de duas gêmeas idênticas nascidas a termo, com Apgar de 8 e 9, sendo que após algumas horas do nascimento apresentaram febre. Um exame de sangue revelou neutropenia grave que resultou em sepse. O diagnóstico da NAN foi realizado clinicamente e por testes de histocompatibilidade. A prova cruzada por citometria de fluxo foi positiva, usando soro da mãe e suspensões celulares (granulócitos e linfócitos) das gêmeas e do pai. Este teste não fornece informações sobre para qual sistema genético os anticorpos foram positivos, se contra os antígenos específicos de neutrófilos humanos (HNA) ou contra os antígenos leucocitários humanos (HLA). Para o esclarecimento, realizamos o teste de aglutinação de granulócitos (GAT) com um painel de doadores fidelizados e com antígenos HNA1-5 conhecidos, utilizando o soro materno como reagente. Foi também realizada a pesquisa de anticorpos anti-HLA e anti-HNA no soro materno. Os genótipos HLA e HNA foram identificados, permitindo conhecer as especificidades dos anticorpos maternos contra os antígenos dos neutrófilos do marido e das filhas. O diagnóstico de NAN não é realizado na maioria dos hospitais de nosso país e do exterior, devido à dificuldade de execução dos testes de histocompatibilidade, no entanto a prova cruzada por citometria de fluxo pode facilmente ser implantada nos laboratórios clínicos, sendo que está descrita detalhadamente nesse caso clínico.

Neonatal alloimmune neutropenia (NAN) is a disease caused by immunological antagonism, such as hemolytic disease of the newborn or neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, but related to neutrophils rather than to red blood cells or platelets. We will describe a clinical case of two identical twins born with Apgar 8 and 9 that started with fever few hours after delivery. A blood test revealed severe neutropenia, which was followed by sepsis. The diagnosis of NAN was done clinically and by histocompatibility testing. Flow cytometry crossmatch was positive, using mother serum and cell suspensions (granulocytes and lymphocytes) from the twin girls and from the father. This test did not provide information about the genetic system for which the antibodies are positive, if against human neutrophil antigens (HNA) or human leucocyte antigens (HLA). To clear this, the granulocyte agglutination test (GAT) was performed with a panel of control donors with known HNA1-5 antigens, using the maternal serum as a reagent. We did also a Luminex screening assay for detection of anti-HLA and anti-HNA antibodies in the mother serum. The HLA and HNA genotypes were identified, which allowed to define specificities in mother's antibodies against the neutrophil surface antigens from her husband and from the twins. The diagnosis of NAN diagnose is not done in most hospitals worldwide, mainly by the difficulty in executing the histocompatibility test. However, the crossmatch by flow cytometry could be easily done in clinical laboratories following the method described in this article.

Avaliação das reações de Hemaglutinação Indireta (HI) e Aglutinação Modificada (MAT) na detecção de anticorpos IgG anti-T. gondii em exsudatos cárneos bovinos / Evaluation of indirect Hemagglutination (HI) and Modified Agglutination (MAT) reactions in the detection of anti-T. gondiiIgG antibodies in bovine meat exudates

Toxoplasmose é uma zoonose parasitária com ampla distribuição mundial provocada pelo Toxoplasma gondii, considerado um dos protozoários mais bem sucedidos do planeta, pois infecta cerca de um terço da população mundial. Dentre as formas de transmissão, o consumo de carne mal cozida, contendo cistos, tem sido considerado um fator de risco para aquisição desta zoonose. Uma abordagem alternativa para o controle da toxoplasmose pela ingestão de carne bovina seria a sorologia dos bovinos, já que animais soropositivos albergam cistos teciduais. Contudo, a obtenção de soro para esta avaliação, nem sempre é factível, dada a dificuldade de coleta de sangue durante a linha de abate e sua ausência em cortes comerciais. O exsudato cárneo é uma alternativa para detecção de anticorpos anti - T. gondii em cortes comerciais de carne, que foi a proposta deste estudo para avaliar o desempenho dos testes de Hemaglutinação Indireta (HI) e Aglutinação Modificada (MAT) quando comparados ao ELISA usando exsudato cárneo. Este estudo mostrou que a acurácia dos testes de aglutinação não foi viável devido aos baixos índices de sensibilidade e especificidade quando comparados ao ELISA. Estes dados demonstram a importância da escolha de testes eficientes como ELISA para aplicação no controle da qualidade e inocuidade de cortes comerciais de carne bovina. (AU)

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonosis with a wide worldwide distribution caused by Toxoplasmagondii, which is considered one of the most successful protozoa on the planet, since it can infect a third of the world population. Among the forms of transmission, consumption of undercooked meat has been considered as a risk factor for the acquisition of this zoonosis. An alternative approach to toxoplasmosis control by beef ingestion could be the serological diagnosis in cattle, since seropositives animals harbor tissue cysts. However, the use of serum for this evaluation is not always feasible due to the difficulty of blood collection during slaughter and its absence in commercial beef cuts. Meat exudate is an alternative for the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies in commercial beef cuts, which was the propose of this study to evaluate the performance of Indirect Hemagglutination (HI) and Agglutination Modified (MAT) tests compared to ELISA using meat exudates. This study showed that the agglutination tests accuracy was not viable due to low sensitivity and specificity indexes when compared to ELISA. These data demonstrate the importance of choosing accurate tests such as ELISA for application in quality control and safety of commercial beef cuts. (AU)

Frecuencia y procedencia del antígeno Kell en mujeres donantes de sangre durante los años 2016-2017 / Frequency and origin of the Kell antigen in female blood donors during 2016-2017

Resumen Introducción: El sistema Kell está formado por dos antígenos principales: el Kell (K) y el Cellano (k), estos son capaces de causar reacciones graves, tales como reacción hemolítica postransfusional y la enfermedad hemolítica del recién nacido. Los antígenos de este sistema son altamente inmunogénicos lo que les confiere el tercer lugar en importancia clínica. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia del antígeno Kell y procedencia de las mujeres donantes de sangre con antígeno Kell positivo en el Hemocentro del Centro Oriente Colombiano (HCOC). Metodología: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal que incluyó 186 donantes voluntarias de sangre del Hemocentro Centro Oriente Colombiano, se realizó la fenotipificación del antígeno Kell, utilizando la técnica Aglutinación en lámina, la cual se basa en enfrentar glóbulos rojos del donante con anticuerpo monoclonal anti K. Se calculó la frecuencia fenotípica del antígeno Kell, en porcentajes y para el procesamiento de la información se utilizó el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 21.0 en español donde se realizó todo el análisis de los datos de la población. Resultados: Se procesaron 177 muestras obtenidas en 9 campañas de donación de sangre realizadas en diferentes municipios del departamento de Boyacá, obteniéndose una frecuencia fenotípica del 7,5% para el antígeno Kell, en la población de mujeres donantes de sangre del HCOC, siendo esta similar con la frecuencia encontrada en Colombia y Latinoamérica. Conclusión: Se determinó que la frecuencia del antígeno Kell en las mujeres donantes de sangre del HCOC fue del 7,5%, y se logró identificar que no existe una relación estadísticamente entre la procedencia y la presencia del antígeno Kell en las donantes, lo anterior está relacionado con el mestizaje y los procesos de migración.

Abstract Introduction: The Kell system consists of two major antigens: Kell (K) and Cellano (K), which are capable of causing serious reactions, such as posttransfusion hemolytic reaction and hemolytic disease of the newborn. The antigens of this system are highly immunogenic which gives them the third place in clinical importance. Objective: To determine the frequency of Kell antigen and origin of blood donors in the Hemocenter of the Centro Oriente Colombiano (H.C.O.C). Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study involving 186 blood donors from the Centro Oriente Colombian Hemocenter, phenotyping of the Kell antigen was carried out, using the technique Aglutination in lamina, which is based on facing donor red blood cells with anti-K monoclonal antibody. Calculated the phenotypic frequency of the Kell antigen in percentages and for the processing of the information was used the statistical package SPSS version 21.0 in Spanish where all the analysis of the data of the population was carried out. Results: 177 samples obtained in 9 blood donation campaigns were carried out in different municipalities of the department of Boyacá, obtaining a phenotypic frequency of 7.5% for the Kell antigen in the population of female HCOC blood donors. Similar to the frequency found in Colombia and Latin America. Conclusion: It was determined that the frequency of Kell antigen in the female HCOC donors was 7.5%, and it was possible to identify that there is no statistically relation between the origin and the presence of Kell antigen in the donors, Is related to mestizaje and migration processes.

The novel latex agglutination turbidimetric immunoassay system for simultaneous measurements of calprotectin and hemoglobin in feces

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Fecal calprotectin (Fcal) as well as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) are useful biomarkers for detecting activity and mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel diseases. Here, we report the performance of simultaneous measurements of Fcal and FIT for ulcerative colitis (UC) patients using the newly-developed latex agglutination turbidimetric immunoassay (LATIA) system. METHODS: Fcal and hemoglobin were measured by the LATIA system in 152 UC patients who underwent colonoscopy. Fcal was also quantified with a conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fecal markers were evaluated in conjunction with the mucosal status of UC, which was assessed via the Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) classification. RESULTS: The LATIA system could quantify calprotectin and hemoglobin simultaneously with the same fecal samples within 10 minutes. The values of the Fcal-LATIA closely correlated with those of the Fcal-ELISA (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, r=0.84; P<0.0001). The values of Fcal for each assay and the FIT all significantly correlated with the MESs (Spearman rank correlation coefficient, Fcal-LATIA: r=0.58, Fcal-ELISA: r=0.55, and FIT: r=0.72). The mucosal healing predictability (determined by an MES of 0 alone) of the Fcal-LATIA, Fcal-ELISA, and FIT-LATIA with the cutoffs determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 0.79, 0.78, and 0.92 for sensitivity, respectively, and 0.78, 0.69, and 0.73 for specificity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the novel Fcal-LATIA was equivalent to that of the conventional Fcal assay. Simultaneous measurements with FITs would promote the clinical relevance of fecal biomarkers in UC.

Evaluation of the Automated Cross-Matching Instrument, ORTHO VISION, for Use in Blood Banks

BACKGROUND: Automated systems are used widely for pre-transfusion tests in blood banks, in an attempt to reduce effort and human error. We evaluated the clinical performance of an automated blood bank system, ORTHO VISION (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Switzerland), for blood cross-matching. METHODS: Saline cross-matching was performed for 93 tests using 56 samples. Coombs cross-matching was performed for 400 tests using 166 samples. Saline cross-matching was compared for the automated ORTHO VISION and manual tube methods. Coombs cross-matching was compared for the automated ORTHO VISION and manual column agglutination technique (CAT) methods. The evaluation of 32 antibody-positive samples using the automated ORTHO VISION and manual CAT methods was compared by performing 97 cross-matching tests. Additionally, the ORTHO VISION efficiency and carryover were evaluated. RESULTS: The concordance rate of the saline cross-matching results between the manual method and automated ORTHO VISION was 100%. The concordance rate of coombs cross-matching results between manual CAT and automated ORTHO VISION was 97.9%. The concordance rate of cross-matching for antibody positive samples between manual CAT and the automated ORTHO VISION was 97.9%. Coombs cross-matching was efficient using ORTHO VISION, whereas saline cross-matching was efficient using the tube manual method. CONCLUSIONS: ORTHO VISION showed reliable results for cross-matching and was more efficient than manual CAT for coombs cross-matching. Thus, ORTHO VISION can be used for pre-transfusion tests in blood banks.

Molecular Genetic and Serologic Analysis of the O allele in the Korean Population / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: The recent expansion of knowledge about various ABO alleles has led to the need for a comprehensive measure to cover the numerous polymorphisms dispersed in the ABO gene. A few studies have examined the diversity of the O allele compared to A or B subgroup alleles, resulting in antigenic changes. This study investigated the relationship between the serologic and molecular genetic characteristics of the O alleles in the Korean population. METHODS: One hundred and five samples from healthy blood group O subjects were selected randomly. The isoagglutinin titer was measured using a tube agglutination and gel microcolumn assay. The ABO alleles were analyzed by sequencing exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene. When the origin of a heterozygous nucleotide sequence was ambiguous, it was separated into a single allele using mono-allele amplification or cloning. RESULTS: The median IgM isoagglutinin titer was eight. In contrast, the median IgG anti-A and anti-B isoagglutinin titers were 64 and 32, respectively. The IgG isoagglutinin titer showed a significant increase with age (P<0.0001). Six O alleles were observed in 105 blood group O populations by sequencing. The O01 and O02 alleles were common (0.57, 0.36). Three rare O alleles (O04, O05, and O06) and one novel non-deletional O allele were found. CONCLUSION: The distribution of isoagglutinin titers of blood group O and the genetic frequency of O alleles in this study would form the basis of the development and interpretation of ABO genotyping and serologic workup in the Korean population.

Prevalence of O-serogroups, virulence genes, and F18 antigenic variants in Escherichia coli isolated from weaned piglets with diarrhea in Korea during 2008–2016

To diagnose colibacillosis, detection of O-serogroups and virulence genes has been recommended worldwide. The prevalence of virulence factors can fluctuate over time. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of O-serogroups, virulence genes, and F18 subtypes among pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from weaned piglets with diarrhea in Korea. Between 2008 and 2016, 362 E. coli were isolated from weaned piglets with diarrhea. Hemolysis was determined in blood agar, and O-serogroups were identified using the slide agglutination technique. The genes for the toxins and fimbriae were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Real-time PCR was conducted to discriminate between F18 subtypes. Although the most prevalent serogroup was O149 (11.3%) in the last 9 years, O139 (19.1%) became the most prevalent in recent years (2015–2016). The most predominant pathotype was enterotoxigenic E. coli (61.3%). The frequencies of Shiga-like toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) (23.4%), O139 (19.1%), Stx2e (35.1%), and F18ab (48.7%) increased over the most recent years. Although enterotoxigenic E. coli was the most predominant pathotype, the frequencies of O139, Stx2e, STEC, and F18ab have increased in recent years. These results demonstrate that there have been temporal changes in the predominant O-serogroups and virulence genes over the last decade in Korea. These findings can be practicable for use in epidemiology and control measures for enteric colibacillosis in Korean piggeries.

The First Case of Para-Bombay Blood Type Encountered in a Korean Tertiary Hospital

Para-Bombay phenotypes are rare blood groups that have inherent defects in producing H antigens associated with FUT1 and/or FUT2. We report the first case of para-Bombay blood type in a Southeast Asian patient admitted at a tertiary hospital in Korea. A 23-year-old Indonesian man presented to the hospital with fever and was diagnosed with a disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterium infection and anemia. During blood group typing for blood transfusion, cell typing showed no agglutination with both anti-A and anti-B reagents. Serum typing showed strong reactivity against B cells and trace agglutination pattern with A1 cells. His red blood cells failed to react with anti-H reagents. Direct sequencing of FUT1 and FUT2 revealed a missense variation, c.328G>A (p.Ala110Thr, rs56342683, FUT1*01W.02), and a synonymous variant, c.390C>T (p.Asn130=, rs281377, Se³⁵⁷), respectively. This highlights the need for both forward and reverse grouping.

Report on the External Quality Assessment Scheme of Serologic Tests for Syphilis in Korea (2016–2017)

The 2016–2017 surveys on the external quality assessment scheme for serologic tests for syphilis in Korea were conducted by the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service. Proficiency testing (PT) panels consisting of three pooled serum samples were shipped to 430 and 432 laboratories participating in the program in the 1st and 2nd trials of 2016 and 465 and 503 laboratories in the 1st and 2nd trials of 2017, respectively. The rates of returning results were 94.2% and 50.2% for non-treponemal and treponemal tests, respectively, in the 1st trial of 2016; 94.7% and 49.5% in the 2nd trial of 2016; 94.2% and 49.5% in the 1st trial of 2017; and 92.8% and 48.7% in the 2nd trial of 2017, respectively. The most commonly used methods for non-treponemal tests were rapid plasma reagin (RPR) card test, followed by RPR turbidoimmunoassay and venereal disease research laboratory tests. The most commonly used methods for treponemal tests were Treponema pallidum particle agglutination, followed by immunochromatographic assay, Treponema pallidum latex agglutination, chemiluminescence immunoassay, and fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption. The accuracy rates of the 2017 PT for non-treponemal and treponemal tests were 92.5%–99.8% and 93.3%–100.0%, respectively, which were significantly lower compared to the 98.4%–100.0% and 97.0%–100.0% in 2016. A possible explanation for the lower accuracy rates in the 2017 PT survey is the matrix effect caused by pooling multiple individual serum samples. These data suggest that pooling of serum samples obtained from a small number of donors may help avoid the matrix effect affecting standard materials used for syphilis serology PT.

Case of Acute Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction due to Anti-Fy(a) Alloantibody in a Patient with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia / 대한수혈학회지

A 72-year-old man with general weakness visited the outpatient clinic of the hematology department. The patient had been treated under the diagnosis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia for 2 years. His hemoglobin level at the time of the visit was 6.3 g/dL, and a blood transfusion was requested to treat his anemia. The patient's blood type was A, RhD positive. Antibody screening and identification test showed agglutination in all reagent cells with a positive reaction to autologous red blood cells (RBCs). He had a prior transfusion history with three least incompatible RBCs. The patient returned home after receiving one unit of leukoreduced filtered RBC, which was the least incompatible blood in the crossmatching test. After approximately five hours, however, fever, chills, dyspnea, abdominal pain, and hematuria appeared and the patient returned to the emergency room next day after the transfusion. The anti-Fy(a) antibody, which was masked by the autoantibody, was identified after autoadsorption using polyethylene glycol. He was diagnosed with an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti-Fy(a) that had not been detected before the transfusion. In this setting, it is necessary to consider the identification of coexisting alloantibodies in patients with autoantibodies and to become more familiar with the method of autoantibody adsorption.

Reduction Plan of ‘Undeterminable’ in the Unexpected Antibody Screening by the Microcolumn Agglutination Automated Instrument / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Among the results of an unexpected antibody screening test using IH-1000, ‘undeterminable’ results can be obtained. Repeated tests not only use reagents and consumables but also cause a turnaround time delay. Therefore, it is important to reduce the ‘undeterminable’ results and to determine the effects. METHODS: From January to early June, 2016, 2,872 cases/259,455 tests (1.11%) of ‘undeterminable’ were detected in the screening test. The factors considered to affect the ‘undeterminable’ were classified into four categories: ① reagent, ② consumables, ③ inspection environment & specimen, and ④ enhancing the equipment management. For data comparison, a chi-square test was conducted (95% confidence interval, 0.05 significant level). RESULTS: The incidence of ‘undeterminable’ cases decreased from 1.11% before management to 0.66% (P < 0.001) after Pool Cells management. The consumption of ‘LISS/Coombs Card’ decreased from 1.07% before management to 0.51% (P < 0.001) after management. By maintaining a clean inspection environment and strengthening sample management, the rate decreased from 1.11% before management to 0.66% (P < 0.001) after management. On the other hand, there was no difference in the incidence of ‘undeterminable’ between before and after IH-1000 management reinforcement. CONCLUSION: Among the factors predicted to affect the decrease in the incidence of ‘undeterminable’, the management of Pool Cells and keeping the inspection environment clean as well as improving sample management contributed the most to the reduced ‘undeterminable’. Improvements in the management of consumables, and removing dust from the inside of the equipment, had a positive impact. A continuous quality improvement theme has been adopted and it is helpful for managing and improving the predicted factors.

Identification of Anti-G in Pregnant Women with RhD Negative Blood: The First Case in Korea / 대한수혈학회지

Anti-G positivity can be misinterpreted as the presence of anti-D or -C antigen in an antibody identification test, as this antibody is known to show agglutination to D or C antigen-positive red cells. Correct identification of anti-G is important in pregnant women, as prenatal care or the need for RhIG administration can vary between anti-D and -C versus anti-G cases. We recently encountered a D-negative case with suspected anti-D and -C, which was ruled out by adsorption and elution tests, and ultimately confirmed the presence of anti-G. The pregnant woman was a 33-year-old patient with cde Rh phenotype with a previous history of spontaneous abortion, followed by administration of RhIG. The spouse's Rh phenotype was CDe. Initial antibody identification test showed 2+ positivity to C (homozygotes and heterozygotes) and trace to 1+ positivity to D. Upon additional adsorption and elution with R0r (cDe/cde) and r'r (Cde/ cde) red cells, we identified the antibody present in the patient's serum as anti-G. The patient is currently under close follow-up monitoring for anti-G titer using antibody titer testing with both CDe and CcDEe red cells. Periodic fetal cerebral Doppler examination is being carried out without evidence of fetal distress.

A Case with Changes in Autoantibodies with Mimicking Specificity in a Patient with Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 대한수혈학회지

Changes in autoantibodies with mimicking specificity for Rh antigens are quite rare. Here, we report a 73-year-old male patient with hepatocellular carcinoma that showed changes in the autoantibodies with mimicking specificity. He was admitted to our hospital with mental alterations and hypoglycemia. The antibody identification test for RBC transfusion showed a pattern of agglutination, suggesting anti-E alloantibody and anti-c autoantibody. The patient was then diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, and after 18 months, the antibody identification test showed a different pattern of agglutination, suggesting anti-E alloantibody and anti-C autoantibody. We recommend a careful evaluation to make sure an appropriate transfusion is performed when encountering fluctuating autoantibodies with mimicking specificity.

Genome Sequencing Analysis of Atypical Shigella flexneri Isolated in Korea

OBJECTIVES: An atypical Shigella flexneri strain with a plural agglutination pattern [i.e., reacting not only with serum samples containing type antigen II but also with serum samples containing group antigens (3)4 and 7(8)] was selected for genome sequencing, with the aim of obtaining additional comparative information about such strains. METHODS: The genomic DNA of atypical S. flexneri strain NCCP 15744 was sequenced using an Ion Torrent PGM sequencing machine (Life Technologies, USA). The raw sequence data were preprocessed and reference-assembled in the CLC Assembly Cell software (version 4.0.6; CLC bio, USA). RESULTS: Ion Torrent sequencing produced 1,450,025 single reads with an average length of 144 bp, totaling ~209 Mbp. The NCCP 15744 genome is composed of one chromosome and four plasmids and contains a gtrX gene. Among the published genome sequences of S. flexneri strains, including 2457T, Sf301, and 2002017, strain NCCP 15744 showed high similarity with strain 2002017. The differences between NCCP 15744 and 2002017 are as follows: i) NCCP 15744 carries four plasmids whereas 2002017 carries five; ii) 19 genes (including CI, CII, and cro) were lost in the SHI-O genomic island of NCCP 15744 and six genes were gained as compared with strain 2002017. CONCLUSION: Strain NCCP 15744 is genetically similar to 2002017, but these two strains have different multilocus sequence types and serotypes. The exact reason is unclear, but the 19 lost genes may be responsible for the atypical seroconversion of strain NCCP 15744.

Differentiation of Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis using Latex Agglutination Test / 대한의진균학회지

BACKGROUND: Candida dubliniensis is phenotypically similar to Candida albicans that may be underdiagnosed in clinical laboratory. In 2010, C. dubliniensis was first recovered from blood of a candidemia patient in Seoul, Korea. Also, a simple commercial latex agglutination (LA) test is available. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of C. dubliniensis among isolates in our stocks during 2-years period (2010-2011) and to evaluate the ability of LA test (Bichro-Dubli Fumouze®) for the differentiation of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis. METHODS: A total 509 isolates including 504 C. albicans and 5 C. dubliniensis were examined for LA test, the presence of “spiking” on blood agar plate, and the germ tube test. Also all isolates were tested using the VITEK 2 ID-YST system. RESULTS: No C. dubliniensis was found in 504 isolates of initially identified as C. albicans. The LA test was positive only in 5 clinical isolates and 2 type strains of C. dubliniensis. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that the prevalence of C. dubliniensis in Korea is still expected to be extremely low and LA test is very rapid, simple, and reliable tool for the differentiation of C. albicans and C. dubliniensis.

Comparison of ABO Blood Group Typing between Automated Blood Bank Analyzer IH-500 and Manual Method / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: According to increased availability and awareness of automated blood bank analyzer with its speed and efficiency, use of automated analyzer in hospital blood bank has been increasing rapidly. We compared the ABO blood group typing results between automated analyzer IH-500 and manual method in healthy adults and patients with ABO discrepancies to provide useful information on interpretation of blood grouping results by automated analyzer. METHODS: Among healthy adults who underwent medical examinations, 400 samples (each 100 samples of A, B, O and AB type) were selected and evaluated the results and grades of blood grouping by automated and manual methods. Also, 50 samples showing ABO discrepancies among patients requested for pretransfusion test were selected and compared between two methods. As for samples with ABO discrepancies, further tests such as microscopic examination, reactivity with anti-A1 or ABO genotyping along with medical record review were performed. RESULTS: Agglutination results and grades in healthy adults were consistent between two methods. Meanwhile, 30 (60%) of ABO discrepant samples were related to rouleaux formation and their frequencies and agglutination grades were higher in automated method (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P=0.001). Results of discrepant samples caused by unexpected antibody or ABO subgroup showed no differences between two methods. CONCLUSION: IH-500 automated analyzer was considered useful for mass examination of healthy individuals. Meanwhile, considering the fact that ABO discrepancies by rouleaux formation were more frequent and stronger in automated method, it is recommended to retest their results by manual methods along with medical record review.

Comparison of Traditional and Reverse Syphilis Screening Algorithms in Medical Health Checkups

BACKGROUND: The syphilis diagnostic algorithms applied in different countries vary significantly depending on the local syphilis epidemiology and other considerations, including the expected workload, the need for automation in the laboratory and budget factors. This study was performed to investigate the efficacy of traditional and reverse syphilis diagnostic algorithms during general health checkups. METHODS: In total, 1,000 blood specimens were obtained from 908 men and 92 women during their regular health checkups. Traditional screening and reverse screening were applied to the same specimens using automatic rapid plasma regain (RPR) and Treponema pallidum latex agglutination (TPLA) tests, respectively. Specimens that were reverse algorithm (TPLA) reactive, were subjected to a second treponemal test performed by using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). RESULTS: Of the 1,000 specimens tested, 68 (6.8%) were reactive by reverse screening (TPLA) compared with 11 (1.1%) by traditional screening (RPR). The traditional algorithm failed to detect 48 specimens [TPLA(+)/RPR(−)/CMIA(+)]. The median TPLA cutoff index (COI) was higher in CMIA-reactive cases than in CMIA-nonreactive cases (90.5 vs 12.5 U). CONCLUSIONS: The reverse screening algorithm could detect the subjects with possible latent syphilis who were not detected by the traditional algorithm. Those individuals could be provided with opportunities for evaluating syphilis during their health checkups. The COI values of the initial TPLA test may be helpful in excluding false-positive TPLA test results in the reverse algorithm.

Quince años de estudio sobre las adherencias de labios menores / Fifteen-Year Study on the Labial Adhesions

Introducción: las adherencias de labios menores es un problema ginecológico frecuente en niñas prepuberales. De las niñas que lo padecen en algún momento de su vida (1,8 por ciento), el pico de mayor incidencia está entre los 13 y 23 meses de edad. Objetivo: mostrar los resultados de esta experiencia en el diagnóstico y manejo de esta entidad. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo. Se revisó la totalidad de las historias clínicas de 804 niñas atendidas desde el 1º de enero de 1998 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2012. La muestra quedó integrada por 54 casos con diagnóstico de adherencias de labios menores. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad al diagnóstico, motivo de consulta, hallazgos clínicos, tipo de sinequia, tratamiento impuesto, entre otras. Resultados: hubo mayor incidencia de sinequias en niñas entre 3 meses y 3 años (74 por ciento), con predominio de la variedad incompleta y dentro de esta la del tercio inferior (66,6 por ciento). La distorsión anatómica de los genitales externos resultó el principal motivo de consulta (42,6 por ciento). Los mejores resultados del tratamiento se lograron con la combinación de medidas higiénicas y ejercicios de tracción lateral vulvar con el uso tópico de estrógenos. Las recidivas se presentaron en 12,9 por ciento de los casos a los seis meses de edad. Conclusiones: la adherencia de labios menores es una causa importante de consulta ginecológica en niñas. Se asocia a una gran ansiedad en padres y familiares. Se obtuvo buenos resultados con el tratamiento médico, sobre todo cuando se empleó estrógenos localmente(AU)

Introduction: Labial adhesions is a common gynecological problem in prepubertal adolescents. The highest peak incidence is between 13 and 23 months old of those girls sufferingfrom this problem at some point in their life (1.8 percent). Objective: Show the results of this experience in the diagnosis and management of this condition. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study was conducted at revising all the medical records of 804 girls assisted from 1st January 1998 to 31st December, 2012. The sample was composed of 54 cases diagnosed with labial adhesions. The variables studied were age at diagnosis, presenting complaint, clinical findings, type of synechia, treatment, among others. Results: There was higher incidence of synechiae in children between 3 months and 3 years (74 percent), predominantly incomplete, andin the lower third (66.6 percent). The anatomical distortion of the external genitalia was the main reason for consultation (42.6 percent). Best treatment results were achieved with the combination of hygienic measures and vulvar lateral traction exercises with topical estrogen use. Recurrences occurred in 12.9 percent of cases at six months of age. Conclusions: Labialadhesion is a major cause of gynecological consultation in girls. It is associated with great anxiety in parents and relatives. Good results were obtainedwith medical treatment, especially when the topical use of estrogen(AU)