Application progress of high performance liquid chromatography in detection of hemagglutinin content in influenza vaccine / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#At present,the most commonly used method for detecting hemagglutinin(HA)content in influenza vaccines is still single-radial immunodiffusion(SRID). However,the preparation of standards required by this method takes a long time,usually 2 ～ 3 months. Therefore,how to quantitatively analyze HA accurately has always been a difficult problem in the detection of HA content in the situation that reference products can not be obtained at the early stage of the pandemic influenza. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)has its own characteristics of rapidity,high sensitivity,good repeatability and high accuracy,which can rapidly determine HA content by using different separation principles and has been widely used in the detection of HA content in influenza vaccine. This paper reviewed the research progress of the application of HPLC in the determination of HA content in influenza vaccine.

First record of antibodies to the bluetongue virus in ewe (Ovis aries) in the state of Amazonas, Brazil / Primeiro registro de anticorpos para o vírus da língua azul em ovino (Ovis aries) no estado do Amazonas, Brasil

The objective of this work was to describe the first record of antibodies to the Bluetongue Virus (BTV) in ewe, in the state of Amazonas. The ewe, which was in twin pregnancy, gave birth on May 9, 2015, but a lamb died hours after delivery. Veterinary service was then requested by the owner, where emaciation, loss of wool, pyrexia, apathy, dyspnea, mucoid nasal secretion, facial, lingual and submandibular edema were observed. There was a visit by the Agricultural Defense Agency of the State of Amazonas to the property and blood samples were collected from the animal. The whole blood and serum were sent to the National Agricultural Laboratory, where it was possible to detect the presence of specific antibodies to BTV, through the Agar Gel Double Immunodiffusion. The ewe was submitted to a new blood collection, following the same protocols and the samples were sent to the Biological Institute of São Paulo, confirmed diagnosis. The animal in a serious clinical condition, could not resist and died in July 2015. The occurrence of an allochthonous case, in an area where vector insects occur, can trigger an endemic process in the Amazon region. With this, the epidemiological control of these occurrences is necessary, in order to avoid the spread of the disease in the country.

O objetivo do trabalho foi descrever o primeiro registro de anticorpos para o Vírus da Língua Azul (VLA) em ovino, no estado do Amazonas. A ovelha, que se encontrava em gestação gemelar, pariu no dia 9 de maio de 2015, porém um cordeiro faleceu horas após o parto. Foi então solicitado serviço veterinário por parte do proprietário, onde foi observado emaciação, perda de lã, pirexia, apatia, dispneia, secreção nasal mucoide, edema facial, lingual e submandibular. Houve visita da Agência de Defesa Agropecuária do Estado do Amazonas na propriedade e coletadas amostras de sangue do animal. O sangue total e soro foram enviados ao Laboratório Nacional Agropecuário, no qual foi possível detectar a presença de anticorpos específicos para VLA, através do teste de Imunodifusão Dupla em Gel de Ágar. A ovelha foi submetida a uma nova coleta de sangue, seguindo os mesmos protocolos e as amostras foram enviadas ao Instituto Biológico de São Paulo, confirmando diagnóstico. O animal em estado clínico grave, não resistiu e veio a óbito em julho de 2015. A ocorrência de um caso alóctone, em uma área de ocorrência de insetos vetores, pode desencadear um processo de endemia na região amazônica. Com isso, o controle epidemiológico destas ocorrências, se fazem necessários, afim de se evitar a disseminação da doença no país.

Optimización del uso de las Placas de Inmunodifusión Radial Simple de la firma Siemens / Optimization of the usage of single radial immunodiffusion plates from Siemens

Introducción: La Inmunodifusión radial simple es una técnica con fundamento inmunológico confiable por su especificidad para la cuantificación de inmunoglobulinas principales y se emplea también para otras proteínas. Las placas de Inmunodifusión comerciales se ofertan con un número determinado de pocillos donde se coloca la muestra biológica que contiene la proteína a cuantificar. Objetivo: Evaluar la sensibilidad y la especificidad de la modificación introducida para optimizar el uso de las placas de inmunodifusión radial simple de la marca SIEMENS por aumento del número de muestras por placas. Material y Métodos: Se presenta una innovación que permite optimizar el área biológicamente activa de la placa no utilizada para emplearla para la cuantificación de otras muestras. Se realizan montajes paralelos de muestras de controles en los pocillos tradicionales y en los realizados en los espacios disponibles para cuantificar IgG y albúmina para suero y líquido cefalorraquídeo. Resultados: La sensibilidad del empleo por el método tradicional y por el nuevo no presenta diferencias significativas. En cuanto a la especificidad tampoco existen diferencias significativas menos en las placas para cuantificar albúmina en suero por lo que se recomienda diluir la muestra de suero antes de ser utilizada en el área disponible. En el caso de las placas NOR y LC Partigen® el número de muestras a ser beneficiadas con la cuantificación se duplica, pero de igual manera puede ser aplicada en otras placas de otras firmas comerciales. Conclusiones: Esta innovación permite hacer un uso óptimo de las placas de inmunodifusión con el consiguiente ahorro de material de importación y se puede aplicar fácilmente en todos los laboratorios del país(AU)

Introduction: Single radial immunodiffusion assay is a technique with immunological base, which is reliable because of its specificity in the quantification of main immunoglobulins, although it is also used for other proteins. Commercial immunodiffusion plates are offered with a determined number of holes where the biological samples containing protein to be quantified are placed. Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the modification implemented to optimize the usage of single radial immunodiffusion plates from Siemens by increasing the number of samples in the plates. Materials and Methods: An innovating procedure that allows to optimize the non-used biologically active area and use it in the quantification of other samples is presented. A parallel quantification of control samples from traditional holes and the other ones opened in available spaces was performed in order to quantify IgG and albumin in serum and in cerebrospinal fluid. Results: Sensitivity was not affected significantly between the normal plates and the usage of the new procedure. Regarding specificity, there are also no significant differences except in the plates used to quantify serum albumin; so, it is recommended to dilute serum samples before the application. In case of NOR and LC Partigens®, this proposed modification duplicates the number of samples to be quantified in each plate, but otherwise, it could be applied in other commercial immunoplates. Conclusions: This innovation allows to make an optimal usage of immunodiffusion plates with the consequent saving of import materials, which can be easily applied in all the laboratories of the country(AU)

Ocorrência e fatores de risco associados à infecção por lentivírus de pequenos ruminantes no Estado de Sergipe / Occorrence and risk factors associated with small ruminant lentivirus infection in the State of Sergipe, Brazil

Os lentiviros de pequenos ruminantes (LVPR) são responsáveis por enfermidades infecciosas e multissistêmicas causadas pelo Vírus da Artrite Encefalite Caprina (CAEV) e o Vírus da Maedi-Visna (MVV), e se apresentam sob as formas clínicas: articular, mamária, respiratória e nervosa. Desta forma esse trabalho objetivou determinar a ocorrência e avaliar os fatores de risco associados à infecção por LVPR no Estado de Sergipe, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas de 1200 ovinos e 675 caprinos oriundos respectivamente de 60 e 41 propriedades localizadas em 25 municípios sergipanos no período de 2011 a 2014. Os diagnósticos dos LVPR foram determinados pela técnica sorológica de Imunodifusão em Gel Ágar (IDGA) usando o kit comercial da marca Biovetech®. Os dados das variáveis associadas aos fatores de risco foram obtidos a partir de questionários aplicados aos proprietários dos rebanhos e analisados estatisticamente. As frequências absolutas e relativas foram determinadas por análise estatística descritiva e os fatores de risco por análise univariada das variáveis de interesse pelo Teste de Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher, quando necessário, e em seguida submetidos à análise de regressão logística. Foi evidenciada uma soropositividade de 5,03% (34/675) em caprinos e 1,50% em ovinos com 26,82% (11/41) e 28,33% (17/60) das propriedades apresentando ao menos um animal positivo respectivamente. Na análise dos fatores de risco, não foram observadas diferenças significantes para os ovinos, enquanto que, para os caprinos, rebanhos acima de 100 animais, que pastejam em áreas comuns com outros rebanhos, em uma distância ≤500 metros entre as propriedades, que adotam medidas biotecnológicas da reprodução e não utilizam agulhas estéreis, são mais susceptíveis à infecção por LVPR. Sendo assim, conclui-se que, há a presença dos LVPR em rebanhos sergipanos, e mesmo que em baixas frequências faz-se necessário a implementação de medidas profiláticas devido a possibilidade de expansão e desenvolvimento da caprinocultura do estado, e o alto padrão genético da raça Santa Inês.(AU)

The lentiviruses of small ruminants are infectious and multisystemic diseases caused by the Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) and the Maedi-Visna Virus (MVV), and present the clinical forms: articular, mammary, respiratory and nervous. This work aimed to determine the occurrence and to evaluate the risk factors associated with lentivirus infection of small ruminants in the State of Sergipe, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 1200 sheep and 675 goats from 60 and 41 farms respectively, located in 25 Sergipe municipalities from 2011 to 2014. The diagnosis of small ruminant lentiviruses (LVPR) was determined by the serological technique of Immunodiffusion in Gel Agar (IDGA) using the commercial kit of the brand Biovetech®. Data from the variables associated with risk factors were obtained from questionnaires applied to the owners of the herds and analyzed statistically. Absolute and relative frequencies were determined by descriptive statistical analysis and risk factors by univariate analysis of the variables of interest by Pearson's Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, when necessary. A logistic regression analysis was used, considering as a dependent variable for LVPR infection the reactive or non-reactive result observed in the IDGA. A seropositivity of 5.03% (34/675) was observed in goats and 1.50% in sheep with 26.82% (11/41) and 28.33% (17/60) of the properties had at least one animal positive respectively. The analysis of the risk factors, no significant differences were observed for sheep, while for goats, herds above 100 animals grazing in common areas with other herds, at a distance ≤ 500 meters between the properties, that adopt Biotechnological measures of reproduction and do not use sterile needles, are more susceptible to LVPR infection. Therefore, it´s concluded there is presence of lentiviruses of small ruminants in sergipan herds, and even if at low frequencies it is necessary to implement prophylactic measures due to the possibility of expansion and development of goat breeding of the state and the high genetic standard of the Santa Inês breed.(AU)

Determination of the contents of two types of hemagglutinin B in quadrivalent influenza vaccines (split virion) by single radial immunodiffusion assay / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

Objective@#Quadrivalent influenza vaccines contain two lineages of type B virus, this study aimed to assess whether the result of single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) are accurate. The cross-interference of two type B hemagglutinins remains unknown.@*Methods@#We detected the vaccine samples developed by Jiangsu GDK Biological Technology Co., ltd by SRID.@*Results@#There was no significant difference between the HA content of antigen reagent, bulk sample and mixed sample of two B bulk within 10 to 40 μg/ml (P>0.05). Then each hemagglutinin B was diluted respectively by other three HA, 30 μg/ml, the other hemagglutinin B or phosphate buffer solution were measured within 10-160 μg/ml. Within 10-40 μg/ml, the HA content was proportional to the diameters of immunodiffusion (R2=0.998), while within the higher content range, a ternary linear regression equation fitted best (R2=0.999).@*Conclusions@#No cross-interference between B/Brisbane and B/Phuket was found in SRID within both detection ranges.

Evaluation of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus transmission in newborn goat kids / Estudo da transmissão do vírus da artrite-encefalite caprina em cabritos neonatos

Caprine arthritis encephalitis causes considerable losses in goat production. The main form of the caprine arthritis encephalitis virus transmission is through the ingestion of colostrum or milk from infected females. However, some transmissions cannot be explained in this manner. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate transplacental transmission of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus. Blood samples were collected from 283 newborn kids of Anglo-Nubian and Saanen breeds born from seropositive and seronegative goats. Samples were collected immediately after birth and analyzed with agarose gel immunodiffusion and western blot. All samples were negative in the agarose gel immunodiffusion. However, the western blot test demonstrated that four kids were born positive for caprine arthritis encephalitis virus. This result indicates that although in a low frequency (1.4%), there is a possibility of transplacental transmission of small ruminant lentivirus.(AU)

A artrite encefalite caprina causa perdas consideráveis para a produção caprina. A principal forma de transmissão do vírus da artrite encefalite caprina é a ingestão de colostro ou leite de fêmeas infectadas. No entanto, algumas transmissões não podem ser explicadas por esta via. Dessa forma, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a transmissão do vírus da artrite encefalite caprina por via transplacentária (vertical). Foram realizadas coletas de sangue em 283 crias recém-nascidas das raças Anglo-Nubiana e Saanen, provenientes de progenitores soropositivos e soronegativos. As amostras foram coletadas logo após o nascimento e analisadas pelas técnicas de imunodifusão em gel de agarose e western blot. No teste de imunodifusão em gel de agarose, nenhum cabrito foi detectado reagente. Porém, no teste de western blot, quatro cabritos nasceram soropositivos. Esse resultado indica que, apesar de baixa frequência (1,4%), existe a possibilidade de transmissão via transplacentária do lentivírus de pequenos ruminantes.(AU)

Investigação sorológica das lentiviroses de pequenos ruminantes nas microrregiões homogêneas do Alto Médio Canindé, Picos e Floriano, Piauí, Brasil / Serological investigation of lentiviruses of small ruminants in the microregions of Alto Médio Canindé, Picos and Floriano, Piauí state, Brazil

Lentivírus de pequenos ruminantes (LV) é o termo genérico utilizado para designar os vírus da artrite encefalite caprina e Maedi-Visna, os quais pertencem à família Retroviridae, subfamília Orthoretrovirinae, gênero Lentivirus. Tais vírus infectam caprinos e ovinos, causando enfermidades de curso lento com lesões inflamatórias, crônicas e degenerativas que podem atingir vários órgãos, provocando caquexia e morte. Os animais infectados eliminam o vírus sobretudo por meio de secreções e excreções e transmitem-no especialmente em situações de estreito contato. Não há tratamento até o momento. O controle é baseado na criação segregada, no manejo e no sacrifício dos positivos. Esse agente infeccioso já foi relatado em várias partes do mundo, sendo responsável por perdas econômicas significativas. Por o agente ter sido verificado em vários estados do Brasil e por não existirem dados soroepidemiológicos nas mesorregiões sudeste e sudoeste piauiense, esta pesquisa teve por objetivo realizar inquérito sorológico para investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos para o LV em ovinos e caprinos nas microrregiões do Alto Médio Canindé, Picos e Floriano, no Piauí. Para tanto, foram coletadas 1.280 e 1.360 amostras de soro caprino e ovino, respectivamente, oriundos de 20 municípios, distribuídos nas três microrregiões, sendo o número de amostras proporcional ao rebanho efetivo de cada município. As amostras de soro foram analisadas utilizando o teste de imunodifusão em gel de agarose (IDGA). Nenhum dos soros pesquisados reagiu positivamente, constatando-se soroprevalência nula. Ressalta-se a importância da implantação de um rigoroso programa de controle para que se possa evitar a introdução e/ou a disseminação desse agente infeccioso nessas microrregiões.(AU)

Small ruminant lentiviruses (LV) is the generic term for the caprine arthritis-encephalitis and ­­Maedi-Visna viruses, which belong to the Retroviridae family, Orthoretrovirinae subfamily, Lentivirus genus. The virus infects goats and sheep, causing slow course of disease with inflammatory, chronic and degenerative lesions, which can reach several organs, provoking cachexia and death. Infected animals eliminate the virus mainly through secretions and excretions and transmit it especially in close contact situations. There is no treatment to date. The control is based on segregated creation, management and sacrifice of the positive. This infectious agent has been reported in various parts of the world and is responsible for significant economic losses. It was verified in several states of Brazil and there are seroepidemiological data in southeast and southwest mesoregions of Piauí, Brazil. This research aimed to perform serological survey to investigate the occurrence of antibodies to LV in sheep and goats, in the regions of Alto Médio Canindé, Picos and Floriano. So, 1,280 and 1,360 serum goats and sheep samples, respectively, were collected, coming from 20 municipalities, distributed in the 3 microregions. The number of samples was proportional to the actual herd of each municipality. The samples were analyzed using the agar gel immunodiffusion test. None of the surveyed sera reacted positively, though there is a null seroprevalence. It was emphasized the importance of implementing a rigorous control program in order to prevent the introduction and spread of this infectious agent in these microregions.(AU)

Investigação sorológica das lentiviroses de pequenos ruminantes nas microrregiões homogêneas do Alto Médio Canindé, Picos e Floriano, Piauí, Brasil / Serological investigation of lentiviruses of small ruminants in the microregions of Alto Médio Canindé, Picos and Floriano, Piauí state, Brazil

Small ruminant lentiviruses (LV) is the generic term for the caprine arthritis-encephalitis and ­­Maedi-Visna viruses, which belong to the Retroviridae family, Orthoretrovirinae subfamily, Lentivirus genus. The virus infects goats and sheep, causing slow course of disease with inflammatory, chronic and degenerative lesions, which can reach several organs, provoking cachexia and death. Infected animals eliminate the virus mainly through secretions and excretions and transmit it especially in close contact situations. There is no treatment to date. The control is based on segregated creation, management and sacrifice of the positive. This infectious agent has been reported in various parts of the world and is responsible for significant economic losses. It was verified in several states of Brazil and there are seroepidemiological data in southeast and southwest mesoregions of Piauí, Brazil. This research aimed to perform serological survey to investigate the occurrence of antibodies to LV in sheep and goats, in the regions of Alto Médio Canindé, Picos and Floriano. So, 1,280 and 1,360 serum goats and sheep samples, respectively, were collected, coming from 20 municipalities, distributed in the 3 microregions. The number of samples was proportional to the actual herd of each municipality. The samples were analyzed using the agar gel immunodiffusion test. None of the surveyed sera reacted positively, though there is a null seroprevalence. It was emphasized the importance of implementing a rigorous control program in order to prevent the introduction and spread of this infectious agent in these microregions.

Lentivírus de pequenos ruminantes (LV) é o termo genérico utilizado para designar os vírus da artrite encefalite caprina e Maedi-Visna, os quais pertencem à família Retroviridae, subfamília Orthoretrovirinae, gênero Lentivirus. Tais vírus infectam caprinos e ovinos, causando enfermidades de curso lento com lesões inflamatórias, crônicas e degenerativas que podem atingir vários órgãos, provocando caquexia e morte. Os animais infectados eliminam o vírus sobretudo por meio de secreções e excreções e transmitem-no especialmente em situações de estreito contato. Não há tratamento até o momento. O controle é baseado na criação segregada, no manejo e no sacrifício dos positivos. Esse agente infeccioso já foi relatado em várias partes do mundo, sendo responsável por perdas econômicas significativas. Por o agente ter sido verificado em vários estados do Brasil e por não existirem dados soroepidemiológicos nas mesorregiões sudeste e sudoeste piauiense, esta pesquisa teve por objetivo realizar inquérito sorológico para investigar a ocorrência de anticorpos para o LV em ovinos e caprinos nas microrregiões do Alto Médio Canindé, Picos e Floriano, no Piauí. Para tanto, foram coletadas 1.280 e 1.360 amostras de soro caprino e ovino, respectivamente, oriundos de 20 municípios, distribuídos nas três microrregiões, sendo o número de amostras proporcional ao rebanho efetivo de cada município. As amostras de soro foram analisadas utilizando o teste de imunodifusão em gel de agarose (IDGA). Nenhum dos soros pesquisados reagiu positivamente, constatando-se soroprevalência nula. Ressalta-se a importância da implantação de um rigoroso programa de controle para que se possa evitar a introdução e/ou a disseminação desse agente infeccioso nessas microrregiões.

Soroprevalência de Maedi-visna em rebanhos ovinos do estado do Maranhão, Brasil / Seroprevalence of Maedi-Visna in sheep flocks State of Maranhão, Brazil

Apesar de ter sido relatada em vários estados, não há informação sobre o Vírus da Maedi Visna (MVV) no Maranhão, e com o crescimento de sua ovinocultura, aumenta o fluxo de animais de outras regiões. Com isso objetivou-se determinar a soroprevalência do MVV em rebanhos ovinos das três principais mesorregiões produtoras do estado do Maranhão, através da pesquisa das 1.495 amostras sanguíneas de ovinos, com idade superior a seis meses, pertencentes a 83 rebanhos de 23 municípios das mesorregiões Cento, Leste e Norte. O diagnóstico sorológico da infecção pelo vírus MVV foi realizado por meio do teste de imunodifusão em gel de ágar (micro-IDGA). Constatou-se uma prevalência geral de 0,7% (IC95%:0,4-1,3%) de ovinos soropositivos e prevalências nas mesorregiões Centro, Leste e Norte de 0,5% (IC95%:0,1-1,4%), 0,7% (IC95%:0,2-1,8%) e 1% (IC95%:0,3-2,4%) respectivamente. Em relação à variável sexo, não foi observada diferença significativa (P>0,05) entre machos (0,5%, IC95%:0-2,7%) e fêmeas (0,8%, IC95%:0,4-1,4%), assim como quanto a genética comparando-se ovinos de raças puras (1,5%, IC95%: 0,4-8,1%), mestiços (1%, IC95%:0,4-2,0%) e SRD (0,3%, IC95%:0,04-1,1%). A análise quanto à idade não demonstrou diferença significante (P>0,05). Conclui-se que a infecção pelo MVV está presente em ovinos das mesorregiões estudadas, sendo este o primeiro registro desta enfermidade no estado do Maranhão. Considerando a baixa prevalência, é necessário evitar a introdução e a propagação do vírus entre os rebanhos, através da exigência de testes negativos para MVV e descarte dos ovinos positivos.

Although it has been reported in several states, no information about Maedi-Visna (MV) in the state of Maranhão is available. The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of Maedi Visna Virus (MVV) in sheep flocks of the three most important sheep rearing areas from Maranhão State, Brazil. We surveyed 1.495 blood samples from sheep older than six months, of both sexes and various breeds. The samples were collected from 83 herds of 23 municipalities present in the Central, East and North regions of Maranhão. The immunodifusion agar gel (micro-AGID) performed serological diagnosis of infection MVV. The statistical analysis was performed by Fisher's test, using Epi Info. It was found an overall prevalence of MVV infection of 0,7% (CI95%:0,4-1,3%) the ovines and prevalence of 0,5% (CI95%:0,1-1,4%), 0,7% (CI95%:0,2-1,8%) e 1% (CI95%:0,3-2,4%) in the Central, East and North regions, respectively. In relation to sex, there wasn't a significant difference (P>0.05) between males (0,5,%, CI95%:0-2,7%) and females (0,8%, CI95%:0,4-1,4%), as well as in relation to genetic comparing sheep purebreds (1,5%, CI95%:0,4-8,1%), crossbred (1%, CI95%:0,4-2,0%) and SRD (0,3%, IC95%:0,04-1,1%). In relation to age wasn't observed significant difference. It has concluded that infection with MVV is present in the studied population in low prevalence. This is the first record of MVV in sheep in the State of Maranhão. Considering the low prevalence is necessary to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus between flocks by requiring negative tests for MVV and disposal of positive sheep.

Serological monitoring of antibodies for an early diagnosis ofaspergillosis in captive penguins / Monitoramento sorológico com detecção de anticorpos para diagnóstico precoce da aspergilose em pinguins em cativeiro

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of detection of anti-Aspergillus fumigatus antibodies in captive penguins by double radial agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) for the aspergillosis diagnosis. We included 134 Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) in rehabilitation at the Center for Recovery of Marine Animals (CRAM / FURG). All of them were monitored by AGID weekly until its final destination (death or release), totalizing 660 serum samples studied. All animals were clinically accompanied and post-mortem examinations was performed in penguins that died during the studied period. A total of 28% (37/134) of the penguins died, 89.2% (33/37) due to aspergillosis, 11% (4/37) by other causes and 97 were released. From the 33 animals with proven aspergillosis, 21 presented anti- A. fumigatus antibodies by AGID, being the average interval between death and positive AGID 16.4 days. Twelve animals with negative serology died of aspergillosis. The sensitivity and specificity rates were 63.6% and 95% respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values were 80.7% and 88.9% respectively. These data demonstrate that the serological monitoring for detection of antibodies by AGID can be an important tool for the diagnosis of aspergillosis in penguins.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia da detecção de anticorpos anti- Aspergillus fumigatus em pinguins em cativeiro por imunodifusão radial dupla em gel de ágar (IDGA) para diagnóstico da aspergilose. Foram incluídos 134 pingüins de Magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus) em reabilitação no Centro de Recuperação de Animais Marinhos (CRAM/FURG), que foram monitoradas por IDGA, semanalmente, até o seu destino final (morte ou de liberação), totalizando 660 amostras de soro estudadas. Todos os animais foram acompanhados clinicamente e exames post mortem foram realizados em pingüins que vieram a óbito durante o período de estudo. Um total de 28% (37/134) dos pinguins foram a óbito, 89,2% (33/37) de aspergilose, 11% (4/37) de outras causas, e 97 foram liberados. A partir dos 33 animais com aspergilose comprovada, 21 apresentaram anticorpos anti- A. fumigatus por IDGA, sendo o intervalo médio entre a morte e IDGA positivas 16,4 dias. Doze animais com sorologia negativa vieram a óbito por aspergilose. As taxas de sensibilidade e especificidade foram de 63,6% e 95%, respectivamente, e os valores preditivos positivos e negativos foram de 80,7% e 88,9 %, respectivamente. Estes dados demonstram que o monitoramento sorológico para detecção de anticorpos por IDGA pode ser uma ferramenta importante no diagnóstico de aspergilose em pinguins.

Histoplasmosis del sistema nervioso central en un paciente inmunocompetente / Histoplasmosis of the central nervous system in an immunocompetent patient

La histoplasmosis es una afección polifacética producida por el hongo dimorfo Histoplasma capsulatum , cuyas esporas son inhaladas y llegan al pulmón, órgano primario de infección. La forma meníngea, considerada como una de las manifestaciones más graves de esta micosis, suele presentarse en individuos con alteraciones en la inmunidad celular: pacientes con síndrome de inmunodeficiencia humana adquirida, con lupus eritematoso sistémico o con trasplante de órgano sólido, así como en lactantes, debido a su inmadurez inmunológica. La forma de presentación más usual es de resolución espontánea y se observa en individuos inmunocompetentes que se han expuesto a altas concentraciones de conidias y fragmentos miceliares del hongo. En estas personas, la afección se manifiesta por trastornos pulmonares y por la posterior diseminación a otros órganos y sistemas. Se presenta un caso de histoplasmosis del sistema nervioso central en un niño inmunocompetente.

Histoplasmosis is a multifaceted condition caused by the dimorphic fungi Histoplasma capsulatum whose infective spores are inhaled and reach the lungs, the primary organ of infection. The meningeal form, considered one of the most serious manifestations of this mycosis, is usually seen in individuals with impaired cellular immunity such as patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, systemic lupus erythematous or solid organ transplantation, and infants given their immunological immaturity. The most common presentation is self-limited and occurs in immunocompetent individuals who have been exposed to high concentrations of conidia and mycelia fragments of the fungi. In those people, the condition is manifested by pulmonary disorders and late dissemination to other organs and systems. We report a case of central nervous system histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent child.

Immunological assays employed for the elucidation of an histoplasmosis outbreak in São Paulo, SP

Several reports showed outbreaks of histoplasmosis acquired while bat-inhabited caves were visited by tourists, miners or researchers. We evaluated the performance of double immunodifusion (DI) and immunoblotting (IB) assays, employed for the histoplasmosis outbreak elucidation occurred in Vale do Paraíba, São Paulo. The existence of epidemiologic link, four patients with clinical signs suggestive of histoplasmosis and mycological confirmation has made that all 35 individuals involved to the cave visit were subjected to serological evaluation. By DI, we observed reactivity against H. capsulatum antigen in a single serum examined nearly 20 days after exposure to fungal propagules. On the other hand, IB showed reactivity against H and M fractions in 50% of samples evaluated. The analysis of the second sample batch, collected two months after the exposure showed that 96.7% were reactive by DI with antibodies titers ranging from 1 to 16 and 100% of reactivity against H and M fractions, by IB, suggesting an acute infection. The analysis of the overall agreement between the methods showed to be reasonable (κ = 0.37). This study confirms the importance and efficacy of more sensitive methodologies, such as IB assay, to early elucidation of disease, especially in cases of patients without mycological information.

Study of complement activation, C3 and interleukin-6 levels in burn patients and their role as prognostic markers.

Purpose: The management of burn patients is always challenging for the clinician due to high risk of bacterial sepsis, multi‑organ failure and death. Our objective was to study complement activation, C3 and interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) levels in burn patients and evaluate their role as prognostic markers. Materials and Methods: A total of 63 burn patients and 60 healthy controls were included in this study. Blood was collected from patients within 24 h and at 7th day of injury. Complement activation was determined by crossed electrophoresis and counter‑current immunoelectrophoresis. C3 levels were measured using a single radial immunodiffusion. IL‑6 was detected by ELISA. Results: All patients showed initial complement activation. Mean C3 levels showed an inverse correlation with the severity of burn. Patients with ≥20% burns had lower C3 than the controls (P < 0.001) and those with <20% burns (P < 0.001). Patients with ≥40% burns had activated complement and low C3 in 2nd week; they subsequently developed infection. Complement was inactive and C3 levels recovered in patients with <40% burns. The non‑survivors showed significantly lower C3 than the survivors (P < 0.05) in 2nd samples. Patients who developed infection had C3 significantly lower than those who remained free of infection (P < 0.05). All patients showed initial elevation in IL‑6 levels. Patients with ≥60% burns had significantly higher IL‑6 than controls (P < 0.001) and those with <60% burns (P < 0.001). Non‑survivors had higher IL‑6 than survivors in both samples (P < 0.001). Patients who developed infection showed significantly higher IL‑6 in 2nd samples than those without infection (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Complement activation, C3 and IL‑6 levels correlated well with the severity of injury and development of infection in burn patients. These parameters can be used to predict the onset of infection, septicaemia and mortality in burn patients.

Transmisión de Brucella abortus en becerras menores de tres meses diagnosticadas por medio de las pruebas de tarjeta e inmunodifusión radial en dos hatos lecheros del estado de Querétaro / Transmission of Brucella abortus to female calves younger than three months of age, diagnosed by the card and radial immunodiffusion tests in two dairy herds in the state of Queretaro, Mexico

La transmisión de Brucella abortus a becerras de vacas positivas y negativas se determinó a la primera semana de vida y al tercer mes de edad. Se trabajó con dos hatos: el hato 1, con 670 vacas en producción, presentaba una seroprevalencia a brucelosis de 21.6% (145/670). En este hato se formaron dos grupos: vacas positivas y vacas negativas, como resultado de las pruebas de tarjeta y de inmunodifusión radial (IDR) realizadas con hapteno nativo. Se tomaron pruebas de sangre de las vacas en dos ocasiones, a la semana de edad y antes de que los animales fueran vacunados contra B. abortus. De las 22 vacas del grupo positivo, 2 (9.1%) becerras resultaron positivas a la primera semana de vida, pero no se encontraron vacas positivas a los tres meses de edad. En el grupo de becerras nacidas de vacas negativas no se encontraron animales positivos a la semana de vida, pero a los tres meses de edad, 4 de las 22 becerras resultaron positivas con la prueba de IDR. La tasa de prevalencia de vacas positivas a B. abortus fue de 13.6% a los tres meses de edad. De las 20 muestras de leche obtenidas de este hato se aisló B. abortus (100%). Mediante PCR se confirmó que estas cepas correspondían a cepas de campo y no a cepas vacunales. El hato 2, con 1800 vacas en producción, estaba inscrito en la campaña nacional contra la brucelosis animal y presentaba una seroprevalencia de 1.94% (35/1800) detectada de enero a diciembre de 2009. Se analizaron 1 170 registros usando los resultados de las pruebas de tarjeta y rivanol aplicada en becerras menores de tres meses de edad, de las que 24 (2.1%) resultaron positivas a B. abortus de enero de 2009 a junio de 2010. Se concluye que es necesario realizar el diagnóstico de brucelosis en becerras nacidas en establos donde se ha presentado la enfermedad, para prevenir que permanezcan animales positivos en el hato, ya que los anticuerpos posvacunales impedirán detectar la enfermedad, pero posteriormente se manifestará mediante abortos durante la primera gestación, perpetuando así la brucelosis en el establo.

Transmission of Brucella abortus to female calves from positive and negative cows was determined in the first week and third month of age. Two herds were used. Herd 1 consisted of 670 milking cows with a brucellosis seroprevalence of 21.6% (145/670). In this herd, groups of positive and negative cows were formed using the card and radial immunodifussion (RID) tests with native hapten. Blood samples were taken from female calves on two occasions: at one week of age and before animals were vaccinated against B. abortus. Of the 22 calves from the positive group, two (9.1%) were positive in the first week of life, but no more positive calves were found at three months of age. In the group of female calves born to negative cows, there were no positive animals at one week of age, but four out of 22 were found positive with the RID test at three months of age. A prevalence rate of 13.6% of positive calves for B. abortus in the third month of age was calculated. Twenty milk samples were obtained from this herd and B. abortus was isolated from all of them (100%). Using PCR, the strains found were confirmed to be field strains and not vaccine strains. Herd 2 consisted of 1800 milking cows, participating in the National Campaign against Animal Brucellosis, that had a seroprevalence of 1.94% (35/1800) detected from January to December 2009. In this herd, 1 170 records were analyzed using the results of the card and rivanol tests obtained from female calves younger than three months of age, of which 24 (2.1%) were found positive for B. abortus from January 2009 to June 2010. It is concluded that the diagnosis of brucellosis is necessary in female calves born in dairies to cows that have the disease, in order to prevent positive animals from remaining in the herd. Vaccine-induced antibodies will avert disease detection, but brucellosis will later manifest itself through abortions during first pregnancies, thus perpetuating the disease in dairies.

Study on the antigenicity of Streptococcus pneumonia polysaccharide, its derivatives and conjugates by three immunological assays / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To monitor and analyze the antigenicity of Streptococcus pneumonia polysac-charide, its derivatives and conjugates by three immunological assays .Methods Inhibition ELISA and rate nephelometry(RN) were established for this study.Antigenicity of serotype 23F pneumococcal conjugates and their intermediates were analyzed by double immunodiffusion assay , inhibition ELISA and RN .The re-sults derived from three assays were comparatively analyzed to evaluate the changes of antigenicity during the preparing process of serotype 23F conjugate.Results Double immunodiffusion assay, inhibition ELISA and RN were all applicable to antigenicity analysis during the process of conjugate preparation .Inhibition ELISA could quantitatively detect a slight difference of polysaccharide antigenicity during the preparing process . Conclusion The antigenicity of polysaccharide during the preparing process of pneumococcal conjugates could be analytically monitored by using three immunological assays .This study provided evidence for suc-cessfully using immunological assays as the quality control means during the preparing process of pneumococ -cal conjugates .

Rapid preparation of antiserum against influenza virus (H7N9) hemagglutinin for single radial immunodiffusion assay / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To establish a method for rapid preparation of antiserum against influenza virus (H7N9) hemagglutinin,and to study the possibility of using it in single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assay for quantitative detection of antigen in H7N9 influenza vaccine.Methods Hemagglutinin proteins expressed in eukaryotic cells were used to immunize sheep.Serum samples were collected to detect antibody titers by ELISA and double immunodiffusion assay.Different concentrations of antiserum were used in SRID assay to get the optimized concentration.Results After 4 times of immunization,the antiserum titers achieved 1 ∶ 1 000 000 and 1 ∶ 32 as indicated by ELISA and double immunodiffusion assay,respectively.The antiserum could form a clear precipitation line in SRID assay.The detection of antigen in the range of 10 to 40 μg/ml showed good linearity in the standard curve.The antigen titers in six batches of H7N9 vaccine detected by this SRID assay were identical with those by SDS-PAGE assay.Conclusion The antiserum against H7N9 hemagglutinin for SRID assay was developed successfully,and could be used as a reagent for the quantitative detection of antigen in H7N9 influenza vaccine.

Whole-cell antigenicity data support sequence-based kinetoplastid taxonomy

Early immunological data, obtained by immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis, on the whole-cell antigenicity of kinetoplastid protozoa were retrieved and used to construct a dendrogram of antigenic distances. Remarkably, they supported the same taxonomic conclusions as analyses based on DNA and protein sequence data.

Quantification of HA in H7N9 influenza vaccine using heterogeneous antiserum of the same HA sub-type virus / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective To study the possibility of using heterogeneous antiserum in single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) for quantitative detection of HA in H7N9 influenza vaccine product when H7N9-specific antiserum is not available in order to establish a testing method for the detection of H 7N9 antigen in any urgent situation.Methods Antisera specific for H7N1, H7N2, H7N3 and H7N7 were obtained from NIBSC and used for SRID assay .Amino acid sequences of hemagglutinins were comparatively analyzed be-tween H7N9 virus and other viruses used to prepare heterogeneous antiserum .The titers of antisera against H7N9 and their homogenous antigens were detected by double immunodiffusion method .Based on the results of homology analysis and cross-reaction, a suitable antiserum was selected and its applicability was further validated by the SRID assay using H7N9 antigen.Results Influenza A virus subtype H7N3 that used for preparation of 07/278 antiserum showed the highest HA homology with H7N9 (97.14%).The titer of 07/278 antiserum against H7N9 antigen was 1 ∶8 as detected by double immunodiffusion assay .The H7N9 anti-gen and the 07/278 antiserum could form a clear precipitation line in SRID assay .The detection of H7N9 antigen in the range of 10 to 40μg/ml showed a good linearity in the standard curve .Conclusion The 07/278 antiserum from NIBSC can be used as an alternative reagent for the quantitative detection of hemaggluti -nin in H7N9 influenza virus vaccine .

Efecto antiinflamatorio de apitoxina de Apis mellifera sobre prostaglandina E2 del fluido crevicular gingival de pacientes con y sin enfermedad periodontal, sometidos a apiterapia: ensayo preliminar / Anti-inflammatory effect of apitoxin and Apis mellifera on prostaglandin E2 in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with and without periodontal disease, submitted to apitherapy: preliminary test

Introducción: La apitoxina que es producida por la Apis mellifera posee efecto antiinflamatorio sobre una serie de marcadores biológicos. La prostaglandina E2 forma parte de ellos, estando presente en el fluido gingival crevicular (FGC). La prostaglandina E2 es evidenciada en la enfermedad periodontal. Objetivo: En este estudio se evaluó el efecto antiinflamatorio de la apitoxina sobre la concentración de prostaglandina E2 del FGC de un paciente sin enfermedad periodontal (SEP) y otro con enfermedad periodontal (CEP). Materiales y Método: Se seleccionó un paciente SEP y otro CEP, que sometidos a apiterapia durante 28 días, se registraron 5 muestras por paciente de FGC, siendo almacenadas, centrifugadas y refrigeradas para su conservación. Posteriormente se midió la concentración de prostaglandina E2 crevicular mediante inmunodifusión radial simple en placas petri con concentración de anticuerpo anti prostaglandina E2 de 1:1000. Selladas a 4°C, se esperó 72 horas para permitir su difusión, tiñéndose con Azul brillante de Coomasie, determinándose la concentración de cada placa. Resultados: Paciente SEP inmediatamente antes de apiterapia presentó una concentración de 0.9636 ± 0.0055 (ug/uL), finalizando con una concentración de 0.9196+/-0.0733 (ug/uL) al completar 28 días de tratamiento. El paciente CEP antes de recibir apiterapia presento una concentración de 1.1866 +/- 0.0867 (ug/uL), finalizando con una concentración de 0.9858 +/- 0.0074 (ug/uL) al completar 28 días de tratamiento. Discusión: Los hallazgos de este estudio demuestran una disminución de la concentración de PGE2 del FGC tanto para el paciente CEP y SEP sometidos a apiterapia durante 28 días, siendo esta disminución 3.7 veces mayor en el paciente CEP.

Introduction: Apitoxin, which is produced by Apis mellifera, has anti-inflammatory effect on a number of biomarkers. Prostaglandin E2 is one of them, being present in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). Prostaglandin E2 is evidenced in periodontal disease. Objective: This study evaluated the antiinflammatory effect of apitoxin on concentration of prostaglandin E2 FGC in a patient with no periodontal disease (SEP) and other with periodontal disease (CEP). Materials and Methods: We selected both a SEP and CEP patient who were subjected to apitherapy for 28 days. There were 5 samples per patient of FGC, being stored, centrifuged and refrigerated for their preservation. Subsequently, the concentrations of crevicular prostaglandin E2 were measured by simple radial immunodiffusion in petri dishes with antibody concentration of prostaglandin E2 of 1:1000. Sealed at 4 °C, after 72 hours to allow diffusion, they were stained with Coomassie Brilliant Blue, determining the concentration of each plate. Results: SEP patient immediately before apitherapy presented a concentration of 0.9636 +/- 0.0055 (g / mL), ending with a concentration of 0.9196 +/- 0.0733 (g / mL) upon completion of 28 days of treatment. CEP patient before receiving apitherapy showed a concentration of 1.1866 +/- 0.0867 (g/mL), ending with a concentration of 0.9858 +/- 0.0074 (g/mL) upon completion of 28 days of treatment. Discussion: The findings of this study show a decrease in the concentration of PGE2 of FGC both for the CEP and SEP patient subjected to apitherapy for 28 days, being this decrease 3.7 times higher in the CEP patient.

A comparison of two agar gel immunodiffusion methods and a complement fixation test for serologic diagnosis of Brucella ovis infection in experimentally infected rams / Comparação entre dois métodos de imunodifusão em gel de Agar e um método de fixação de complemento para o diagnóstico sorológico da infecção por Brucella ovis em carneiros experimentalmente infectados

A infecção por Brucella ovis é considerada uma das principais causas de epididimite e infertilidade em carneiros, resultando em falhas reprodutivas e perdas econômicas significativas em rebanhos ovinos ao redor do mundo. O estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar três testes sorológicos disponíveis para o diagnóstico da brucelose ovina por B. ovis, utilizando 181 soros ovinos. Amostras de soro provenientes de carneiros experimentalmente infectados foram coletadas ao longo de 192 dias pós-infecção (n=117) e durante o período pré-infecção (n=9). Adicionalmente, amostras de soro foram obtidas de ovinos provenientes de um rebanho livre para B. ovis (n=55). As técnicas de imunodifusão em gel de agar (IDGA), utilizando dois antígenos disponíveis comercialmente, e de fixação de complemento foram comparadas (FC). Foram obtidos resultados de sensibilidade especificidade semelhantes para ambos os métodos de IDGA e ainda, a técnica de IDGA foi mais eficiente do que a da FC para o diagnóstico sorológico da infecção por B. ovis.