RESUMEN
Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are the major cause of the common cold. HRVs were recently reclassified into the Enterovirus genus (HEV) in the Picornaviridae family. HRVs and other members of the HEV genus share many common features, including sense RNA genomes and partial nucleotide sequence identity. The aim of this study was to evaluate different HRV detection strategies. Samples from adults with acute respiratory infection (n = 291) who were treated in Sao Paulo Hospital (2001-2003) were tested using three assays. The first assay detected picornaviruses by RT-PCR and hybridization, the second detected rhinoviruses using RT-PCR/sequencing, and the third differentiated HRV from HEV using duplex semi-nested-RT-PCR. Analysis of the results obtained from the first two strategies revealed 83% concordance. Discordant samples were then evaluated by the third protocol, and 82% were negative. The picornavirus detection protocol was more sensitive but less specific than the rhinovirus detection protocols. The semi-nested protocol utilized in the present study was less sensitive and was not useful in differentiating HRV from HEV. Sequencing assays examining different genes would address the best strategy of confirming rhinovirus and enterovirus infections.
Asunto(s)
Humanos , Secuencia de Bases , Resfriado Común , Genoma Viral , Hibridación Genética , Técnicas In Vitro , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/genética , Infecciones por Picornaviridae/genética , Picornaviridae/genética , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa de Transcriptasa Inversa/métodos , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/métodos , Rhinovirus/genética , Diagnóstico , Métodos , PacientesRESUMEN
Influenza vaccination of elderly people is efficacious and cost effective for the prevention of influenza and its complications. Some studies have pointed out low immunogenicity in this group. Health status has been poorly investigated as a risk factor that may influence the immune response to influenza vaccine. We established an immunization response study of a highly-matched elderly population in a nursing home. One-hundred-twenty subjects of Ashkenazian origin had their vaccine-induced antibody response assessed. Good response was obtained in 30.8 percent (37/120), and 31.7 percent (38/120) did not react. A lack of good response was found to be associated with dementia (P=0.016) in a multivariate analysis. In addition to dementia, malnutrition was frequently observed among poor responders, suggesting that these factors should be considered in vaccination studies. Chemoprophylaxis in addition to vaccination for elderly presenting dementia should be considered, particularly for those people living nursing homes.
Asunto(s)
Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Virus de la Influenza A/inmunología , Virus de la Influenza B/inmunología , Vacunas contra la Influenza/inmunología , Gripe Humana/prevención & control , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Técnica de Inmunoensayo de Enzimas Multiplicadas , Pruebas de Inhibición de Hemaglutinación , Gripe Humana/inmunología , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
We developed and evaluated a specific test for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection based on the secretion of HSV-specific antibodies by lymphocytes stimulated in vitro with HSV-1 antigens. The in vitro induced antibody production (IVIAP) test was used for the diagnosis of HSV infection in 43 seropositive selected subjects: 9 healthy subjects (controls), 30 symptomatic patients (26 of them immunocompromised and 4 immunocompetent) and 4 patients with varicella zoster infection. Anti-HSV antibodies were detected by an immune assay using an anti-human IgG peroxidase conjugate. The test showed a sensitivity of 93 per cent (15/16) and specificity of 92 per cent (1/13) which were confirmed by positive culture or clinical and laboratory follow-up. One AIDS patient had a false-negative result and one false-positive result (1/9) was obtained among the healthy subjects. All patients infected with varicella zoster virus were negative to the IVIAP test. The test is rapid, inexpensive, easy to interpret and can be used for the diagnosis of HSV infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.