Evaluation of a New Immunochromatographic Assay Kit for the Rapid Detection of Norovirus in Fecal Specimens

Rapid and accurate detection of norovirus is essential for the prevention and control of norovirus outbreaks. This study compared the effectiveness of a new immunochromatographic assay kit (SD BIOLINE Norovirus; Standard Diagnostics, Korea) and real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) for detecting norovirus in fecal specimens. Compared with real-time RT-PCR, the new assay had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 76.5% (52/68), 99.7% (342/343), 98.1% (52/53), and 95.5% (342/358), respectively. The sensitivity of the assay was 81.8% (18/22) for GII.3 and 75.7% (28/37) for GII.4. None of the 38 enteric virus-positive specimens (3 for astrovirus, 5 for enteric adenovirus, and 30 for rotavirus) tested positive in the cross-reactivity test performed by using this assay. The new immunochromatographic assay may be a useful screening tool for the rapid detection of norovirus in sporadic and outbreak cases; however, negative results may require confirmatory assays of greater sensitivity.

A Clinical Study of 30 Cases of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare disease characterized by widespread follicular acuminate papules. Traditionally, two forms have been described : hereditary (juvenile) and acquired (generally aduIrt). A.substantial contribution, however, suggests that further subdivision is appropriate. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate clinicopathologic features of PRP and to compare the results of clinical classification with Griffiths' classification. METHODS: The retrospective clinicopathologic study carried out in 30 cases of PRP over the last 30 years. RESULTS: 1. The incidence of type lV was 38.5%. For both type I and III it was 30.8%. The onset ages of the type I, III, and lV were 36.1, 6.0, and 96 years respectively. 2. The most common site of initial involvement was the palms, and the most common involvement site during the diease course was the dorsa of palms and feet. The incidence involved in the whole body was 46.6%. 3. The incidences of insidious and acute onset were 60% and 40% respectively. No case had the family history of PRP. 4. In the histopathologic study, diffuse hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and mild dermal infiltrations were found in all cases. Follicular pluggings were observed in 93.3% of cases CONCLUSION: We investigated the clinical classifications and clinicopathologic features of PRP. We think that more studies such as prognosis and treatment of PRP should be achieved in the near future.