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2.
Mult Scler Relat Disord ; 21: 11-18, 2018 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29454151

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy induces an immunosuppressive state in the mother to ensure immunological acceptance of the foetus. Impairment of cell-mediated immune responses may render the mother susceptible to intracellular pathogens. It is not presently known whether pregnancy alters the immunosurveillance for John Cunningham virus (JCV), an opportunistic pathogen associated with natalizumab treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the humoral immune response to JCV is altered during pregnancy among MS patients and healthy controls to get insight to potential pregnancy-induced alterations related to immune response to JCV during pregnancy. METHODS: Serum anti-JCV-antibody-indices (JCV-Ab-index) were determined by a two-step second-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 49 MS patients during and after pregnancy and in 49 healthy controls during pregnancy. For comparison, total IgG levels and antibodies against Epstein-Barr, cytomegalo and measles viruses were similarly measured. RESULTS: The JCV-Ab-indices of MS patients were not altered during the pregnancy (1st vs. 3rd trimester, 0.62 vs. 0.77, p = 0.99). Contrary to this, in the healthy controls JCV-Ab-indices (p = 0.005), antibody levels to the other viruses, and total IgG levels (p < 0.0001) decreased significantly during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: JCV-Ab levels remain unaltered during MS pregnancy, while the total IgG concentration is reduced/diluted due to increasing plasma volumes during the course of pregnancy. This may imply a biologically significant alteration in the immune response to JCV during MS pregnancy.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/blood , JC Virus/immunology , Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/immunology , Polyomavirus Infections/immunology , Pregnancy Complications/immunology , Tumor Virus Infections/immunology , Adult , Cytomegalovirus/immunology , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Herpesvirus 4, Human/immunology , Humans , Immune Tolerance , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Measles virus/immunology , Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/blood , Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/therapy , Polyomavirus Infections/blood , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications/blood , Prospective Studies , Tumor Virus Infections/blood , Young Adult
3.
Acta Physiol (Oxf) ; 223(2): e13041, 2018 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29359513

ABSTRACT

AIM: To explore whether high-level endurance training in early age has an influence on the arterial wall properties in young women. METHODS: Forty-seven athletes (ATH) and 52 controls (CTR), all 17-25 years of age, were further divided into runners (RUN), whole-body endurance athletes (WBA), sedentary controls (SC) and normally active controls (AC). Two-dimensional ultrasound scanning of the carotid arteries was conducted to determine local common carotid artery (CCA) geometry and wall distensibility. Pulse waves were recorded with a tonometer to determine regional pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse pressure waveform. RESULTS: Carotid-radial PWV was lower in WBA than in RUN (P < .05), indicating higher arterial distensibility along the arm. Mean arterial pressure was lower in ATH than in CTR and in RUN than in WBA (P < .05). Synthesized aortic augmentation index (AI@75) was lower among ATH than among CTR (-12.8 ± 1.6 vs -2.6 ± 1.2%, P < .001) and in WBA than in RUN (-16.4 ± 2.5 vs -10.7 ± 2.0%, P < .05), suggesting a diminished return of reflection waves to the aorta during systole. Carotid-femoral PWV and intima-media thickness (IMT), lumen diameter and radial distensibility of the CCA were similar in ATH and CTR. CONCLUSION: Elastic artery distensibility and carotid artery IMT are not different in young women with extensive endurance training over several years and in those with sedentary lifestyle. On the other hand, our data suggest that long-term endurance training is associated with potentially favourable peripheral artery adaptation, especially in sports where upper body work is added. This adaptation, if persisting later in life, could contribute to lower cardiovascular risk.


Subject(s)
Blood Flow Velocity/physiology , Blood Pressure/physiology , Carotid Artery, Common/pathology , Carotid Intima-Media Thickness , Life Style , Adolescent , Adult , Endurance Training/methods , Female , Humans , Pulse Wave Analysis , Sedentary Behavior , Young Adult
4.
New Microbes New Infect ; 11: 17-9, 2016 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27014463

ABSTRACT

Clinically relevant diagnosis of human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) is challenging, as the virus is frequently detected in asymptomatic patients, and cofindings with other respiratory viruses are common. The clinical value of current diagnostic methods, such as PCR, is therefore low, and alternative diagnostic strategies are needed. We describe for the first time the use of an antigen detection assay for the rapid identification of HBoV1 in a paediatric patient with respiratory tract infection symptoms. We estimate the duration of active HBoV1 infection to be 6 days.

5.
Sci Rep ; 5: 17226, 2015 Nov 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26611279

ABSTRACT

DNA in human skeletal remains represents an important historical source of host genomic information and potentially of infecting viruses. However, little is known about viral persistence in bone. We searched ca. 70-year-old long bones of putative Finnish casualties from World War II for parvovirus B19 (B19V) DNA, and found a remarkable prevalence of 45%. The viral sequences were exclusively of genotypes 2 (n = 41), which disappeared from circulation in 1970´s, or genotype 3 (n = 2), which has never been reported in Northern Europe. Based on mitochondrial and Y-chromosome profiling, the two individuals carrying B19V genotype 3 were likely from the Soviet Red Army. The most recent common ancestor for all genotypes was estimated at early 1800s. This work demonstrates the forms of B19V that circulated in the first half of the 20(th) century and provides the first evidence of the suitability of bone for exploration of DNA viruses.


Subject(s)
Bone and Bones/virology , DNA, Viral/genetics , Genotype , Parvoviridae Infections/epidemiology , Parvovirus B19, Human/genetics , Phylogeny , Cadaver , Europe/epidemiology , Exhumation , History, 20th Century , Humans , Military Personnel/history , Parvoviridae Infections/virology , Parvovirus B19, Human/classification , Parvovirus B19, Human/isolation & purification , Prevalence , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , USSR/epidemiology , World War II
6.
J Virol Methods ; 218: 40-5, 2015 Jun 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25794796

ABSTRACT

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a minute ssDNA virus associated with a wide range of diseases from childhood erythema to fetal death. After primary infection, the viral genomes persist lifelong in solid tissues of most types. Quantification of the viral DNA is important in the timing of primary infection, assessment of tissue persistence and screening of blood donor plasma. In this study, we present a new PCR assay for detection and quantification as well as for differentiation of all three B19V genotypes. A new B19V qPCR was designed to target a 154-bp region of the NS1 area. Serum, plasma and solid tissue samples were suitable for testing in the assay. The WHO International Reference Panel for Parvovirus B19 Genotypes was utilized to validate the assay for detection of different genotypes of B19V in clinical material. Each panel member yielded, by the new qPCR, a quantity similar to the one reported by National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC). The qPCR was specific for B19V and amplified and quantified all three genotypes with detection sensitivities of ≤10 copies/reaction. The differentiation of B19V genotypes was performed by Sanger sequencing of the amplified products.


Subject(s)
DNA, Viral/genetics , Erythema Infectiosum/diagnosis , Parvovirus B19, Human/classification , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Viral Nonstructural Proteins/genetics , DNA, Viral/analysis , Erythema Infectiosum/virology , Humans , Palatine Tonsil/virology , Parvovirus B19, Human/genetics , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity , Tonsillitis/virology
7.
Scand J Med Sci Sports ; 25(3): 372-81, 2015 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24840312

ABSTRACT

There are relatively few studies on female athletes examining cardiac size and function and how these measures relate to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). When determining sports eligibility, it is important to know what physiological adaptations and characteristics may be expected in female athletes, taking body and cardiac size into account. The purposes of this study were (a) to compare right and left heart dimensions and function in female endurance athletes (ATH) and in non-athletic female controls of similar age (CON); and (b) to explore how these measures related to VO2max. Forty-six ATH and 48 CON underwent a maximal bicycle exercise test and an echocardiographic examination at rest, including standard and color tissue Doppler investigation. All heart dimensions indexed for body size were larger in ATH (all P < 0.01). The diastolic mitral E/A ratio was 27% higher in ATH (P < 0.001) while systolic left and right atrio-ventricular longitudinal displacement was 7% (P = 0.002) and 15% (P < 0.001) larger in ATH, respectively. Half (50.3%) of the variability in VO2max could be explained by left ventricular end-diastolic volume. Our results could be useful in evaluating female endurance athletes with suspected cardiac disease and contribute to understanding differences between female athletes and non-athletes.


Subject(s)
Adaptation, Physiological/physiology , Athletes , Diastole/physiology , Heart/physiology , Oxygen Consumption/physiology , Systole/physiology , Adolescent , Adult , Atrial Function/physiology , Case-Control Studies , Echocardiography , Echocardiography, Doppler, Color , Exercise Test , Female , Humans , Ventricular Function/physiology , Young Adult
8.
J Virol Methods ; 195: 106-11, 2014 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24134943

ABSTRACT

Human parvovirus 4 (PARV4) of the family Parvoviridae was discovered in a plasma sample of a patient with an undiagnosed acute infection in 2005. Currently, three PARV4 genotypes have been identified, however, with an unknown clinical significance. Interestingly, these genotypes seem to differ in epidemiology. In Northern Europe, USA and Asia, genotypes 1 and 2 have been found to occur mainly in persons with a history of injecting drug use or other parenteral exposure. In contrast, genotype 3 appears to be endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, where it infects children and adults without such risk behaviour. In this study, a novel straightforward and cost-efficient molecular assay for both quantitation and genotyping of PARV4 DNA was developed. The two-step method first applies a single-probe pan-PARV4 qPCR for screening and quantitation of this relatively rare virus, and subsequently, only the positive samples undergo a real-time PCR-based multi-probe genotyping. The new qPCR-GT method is highly sensitive and specific regardless of the genotype, and thus being suitable for studying the clinical impact and occurrence of the different PARV4 genotypes.


Subject(s)
Genotyping Techniques/methods , Parvoviridae Infections/diagnosis , Parvoviridae Infections/virology , Parvovirus/classification , Parvovirus/isolation & purification , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Viral Load/methods , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Parvovirus/genetics , Sensitivity and Specificity
9.
Bone Marrow Transplant ; 48(10): 1308-12, 2013 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23686097

ABSTRACT

Among the immunocompetent, infections with parvovirus B19 (B19V) and human bocavirus (HBoV) 1 range clinically from asymptomatic to severe, while following allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) B19V can cause a persistent severe illness. The epidemiology and clinical impact of HBoV1 and the other emerging parvovirus 4 (PARV4) among immunocompromised patients have not been established. To determine the occurrence and clinical spectrum of B19V, PARV4 and HBoV1 infections, we performed a longitudinal molecular surveillance among 53 allogeneic HSCT recipients for pre- and post-HSCT DNAemias of these parvoviruses. Quantitative real-time PCR showed B19V DNA in sera of 16 (30%) patients, at mean levels of 4.6 × 10(3), 9.9 × 10(7), 1.1 × 10(10) and 1.6 × 10(2) B19V DNA copies/mL pre-HSCT (9/53), and at 1 (6/53), 2 (4/53) and 3 months (1/25) post HSCT, respectively. However, no clinical manifestation correlated with the presence of B19V viremia. All B19V sequences were of genotype 1. None of the sera investigated contained PARV4 or HBoV1 DNAs. Our data demonstrate B19V viremia to be frequent among pediatric allogeneic HSCT recipients, yet without apparent clinical correlates. PARV4 or HBoV1 viremias were not seen in these immunocompromised patients.


Subject(s)
Bocavirus/isolation & purification , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/methods , Parvoviridae Infections/blood , Parvovirus B19, Human/isolation & purification , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Parvoviridae Infections/genetics , Retrospective Studies , Transplantation Conditioning/methods , Transplantation, Homologous
10.
Scand J Immunol ; 73(2): 135-40, 2011 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21198754

ABSTRACT

Human parvovirus B19 (B19) has been, for decades, the only parvovirus known to be pathogenic in humans. Another pathogenic human parvovirus, human bocavirus (HBoV), was recently identified in respiratory samples from children with acute lower respiratory tract symptoms. Both B19 and HBoV are transmitted by the respiratory route. The vast majority of adults are IgG seropositive for HBoV, whereas the HBoV-specific Th-cell immunity has not much been studied. The aim of this study was to increase our knowledge on HBoV-specific Th-cell immunity by examining HBoV-specific T-cell proliferation, Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-10 and IL-13 responses in 36 asymptomatic adults. Recombinant HBoV VP2 virus-like particles (VLP) were used as antigen. HBoV-specific responses were compared with those elicited by B19 VP2 VLP. Proliferation, IFN-γ and IL-10 responses with HBoV and B19 antigens among B19-seropositive subjects were statistically similar in magnitude, but the cytokine and proliferation responses were much more closely correlated in HBoV than in B19. Therefore, at the collective level, B19-specific Th-cell immunity appears to be more divergent than the HBoV-specific one.


Subject(s)
Bocavirus/immunology , Cell Proliferation , Cytokines/immunology , Parvovirus B19, Human/immunology , T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/cytology , T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology , Adult , Cells, Cultured , Cytokines/biosynthesis , Humans , Middle Aged , T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/virology , Young Adult
11.
Clin Microbiol Infect ; 16(6): 657-62, 2010 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19694766

ABSTRACT

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is important in the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease in allogeneic stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients. We have studied the clinical significance of EBV DNAaemia among nontransplant patients in a tertiary referral hospital. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records for main diagnosis, outcome, immunosuppressive/cytotoxic chemotherapy and other opportunistic infections of the patients who were found positive in quantitative real-time PCR assay for EBV (EBV-qPCR) between the years 2000 and 2007. Allogeneic stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients were excluded, and all patients in nonsurgical adult wards were included. Altogether, 62 patients had at least one plasma sample positive with an EBV-qPCR. Fifteen were immunocompetent, most had primary EBV infection, and the outcome was good. On the other hand, 36 had malignant disease, seven had HIV infection and seven had immunosuppressive conditions of an other aetiology. All but one of the malignancies were of lymphoid origin, and most of these patients had a history of multiple cytotoxic treatments. Immunosuppressed patients had higher viral loads. EBV viraemia is associated with severe immunosuppression and lymphoid malignancies.


Subject(s)
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/pathology , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/virology , Herpesvirus 4, Human/isolation & purification , Viral Load , Viremia , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Burkitt Lymphoma/virology , DNA, Viral/blood , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/complications , Female , HIV Infections/complications , Humans , Immunocompromised Host , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Male , Middle Aged , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Virology/methods
12.
Curr Top Microbiol Immunol ; 331: 53-64, 2009.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19230557

ABSTRACT

The host cells and the events in the cells during Torque teno (TT) virus infection are at present unknown. Replicating TT virus DNA has been detected in liver, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and in bone marrow. By alternative splicing this small virus generates three mRNA species, from which by alternative translation initiation at least six proteins are produced. The functions of the proteins are not yet fully understood. However, functions associated with, e.g., DNA replication, immunomodulation, and apoptosis have been suggested to reside in the multifunctional proteins of anelloviruses.


Subject(s)
DNA Virus Infections/virology , Torque teno virus/physiology , Viral Proteins/biosynthesis , Virus Replication/physiology , Humans , RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis , RNA, Messenger/genetics , Torque teno virus/genetics , Torque teno virus/metabolism , Viral Proteins/genetics
13.
Ann Oncol ; 20(4): 689-95, 2009 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19150934

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are effective in a subset of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We previously showed that E-cadherin expression associates with gefitinib activity. Here, we correlated the expressions of ErbB-3 and E-cadherin in NSCLC tumors and cell lines, their effect on response to gefitinib, and induction of both by the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors vorinostat and SNDX-275. METHODS: Real-time RT-PCR was carried out on RNA isolated from 91 fresh-frozen NSCLC samples and from 21 NSCLC lines. Protein expression was evaluated with western blot and flow cytometry. Apoptosis was assessed using vibrant apoptosis assay. RESULTS: Expressions of E-cadherin and ErbB-3 correlated significantly in primary tumors (r = 0.38, P < 0.001) and in cell lines (r = 0.88, P < 0.001). Cotransfection of ErbB-3 and E-cadherin in a gefitinib-resistant cell line showed enhanced apoptotic response to gefitinib. vorinostat and SNDX-275 induced ErbB-3 and E-cadherin in gefitinib-resistant cell lines. When gefitinib-resistant lines were treated with vorinostat and gefitinib, synergistic effects were detected in four of the five lines tested. CONCLUSION: ErbB-3 and E-cadherin are coexpressed and induced by HDAC inhibitors. For tumors with low ErbB-3 and E-cadherin expressions, the combination of HDAC and EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors increased expression of both genes and produced more than additive apoptotic effect.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Cadherins/metabolism , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Quinazolines/therapeutic use , Receptor, ErbB-3/metabolism , Base Sequence , Blotting, Western , Cadherins/genetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism , Cohort Studies , DNA Primers , Enzyme Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology , Female , Gefitinib , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects , Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors , Humans , Immunoprecipitation , Lung Neoplasms/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , Receptor, ErbB-3/genetics
14.
Clin Infect Dis ; 45(10): 1305-9, 2007 Nov 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17968825

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We wanted to determine the clinical significance and predictability of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections among a large cohort of recipients of allogeneic, unselected stem cell transplants. METHODS: During 1988-1999, a total of 5479 consecutive serum samples obtained during 406 transplantations performed in Helsinki, Finland, were retrospectively analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the presence of EBV DNA. RESULTS: Overall, EBV DNA was noted in at least 1 serum sample for 57 patients (14.0%), of whom 22 (5.4%) were found to have progressively increasing and ultimately high (>50,000 copies/mL) EBV DNA levels (median level, 179,000 copies/mL). In addition, 16 patients (4.0%) had low EBV DNA levels (median level, 3260 copies/mL) in isolated sera before death. Among the transplant recipients who survived, transient EBV DNAemia (median level, 3110 copies/mL), which apparently corresponded to asymptomatic EBV infection, was noted in 19 patients (4.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Low-level EBV DNA positivity in serum occurs relatively frequently after stem cell transplantation and may subside without specific treatment. However, high EBV DNA levels (i.e., >50,000 copies/mL) are strong predictors for the development of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disease, are not spontaneously reversible, and should be treated immediately. If the EBV DNA level is >or=50,000 copies/mL, the patient can be classified as having life-threatening EBV infection.


Subject(s)
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/diagnosis , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/epidemiology , Herpesvirus 4, Human/isolation & purification , Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects , Transplantation, Homologous/adverse effects , Viral Load , Cohort Studies , DNA, Viral/blood , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/virology , Finland/epidemiology , Humans , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Retrospective Studies , Transplantation
15.
Clin Exp Rheumatol ; 25(2): 297-300, 2007.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17543157

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine the causative role of human parvovirus B19 as a preceding infection in patients examined for acute reactive arthritis (ReA). METHODS: Sixty adult patients with acute arthritis were screened for evidence of triggering infections. In all patients, cultures of stool specimens and of Chlamydia trachomatis in urethra/cervix, and/or bacterial serology were studied. The timing of primary infection of human parvovirus B19 was determined by measurement in serum of VP2-IgM, VP2-IgG, epitope-type specifity of VP2-IgG, and avidity of VP1-IgG. RESULTS: Median time from onset of joint symptoms to the rheumatological consultation was five weeks (range 1-62). Of the 60 patients, 35 fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for ReA; in the remaining, the diagnosis was unspecified arthritis (UA). Thirty-six patients had antibodies for the B19 virus. Occurrence of these antibodies did not differ significantly between ReA and UA groups (P = 0.61). Of these 36 patients, 34 had a pre-existing immunity to the B19 virus. Of the two other patients, one had rash and self-limiting polyarthritis with serological evidence of B19 primary infection, and the other had arthritis of the lower extremities with serological evidence of a convalescence period after the B19 primary infection. The latter patient also had antibodies to Yersinia, with a clinical picture typical for ReA. CONCLUSION: In patients examined for acute ReA, the frequency of recent B19 virus infection was 3.3% (2 out of 60). The diagnostic utility of the presented methodology, by using a single serum sample, was evident.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/blood , Arthritis, Reactive/immunology , Arthritis, Reactive/virology , Parvoviridae Infections/complications , Parvoviridae Infections/diagnosis , Parvovirus B19, Human/immunology , Acute Disease , Adult , Arthritis, Reactive/blood , Combinatorial Chemistry Techniques , Female , Humans , Immunoglobulin A/blood , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Incidence , Male , Middle Aged , Parvoviridae Infections/immunology , Prohibitins , Serologic Tests/methods
16.
Clin Exp Immunol ; 142(1): 53-61, 2005 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16178856

ABSTRACT

Human parvovirus B19 is a small non-enveloped DNA virus with an icosahedral capsid consisting of proteins of only two species, the major protein VP2 and the minor protein VP1. VP2 is contained within VP1, which has an additional unique portion (VP1u) of 227 amino acids. We determined the ability of eukaryotically expressed parvovirus B19 virus-like particles consisting of VP1 and VP2 in the ratio recommended for vaccine use, or of VP2 alone, to stimulate, in an HLA class II restricted manner, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to proliferate and to secrete interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin (IL)-10 cytokines among recently and remotely B19 infected subjects. PBMC reactivity with VP1u was determined specifically with a prokaryotically expressed VP1u antigen. In general, B19-specific IFN-gamma responses were stronger than IL-10 responses in both recent and remote infection; however, IL-10 responses were readily detectable among both groups, with the exception of patients with relapsed or persisting symptoms who showed strikingly low IL-10 responses. Whereas VP1u-specific IFN-gamma responses were very strong among the recently infected subjects, the VP1u-specific IFN-gamma and IL-10 responses were virtually absent among the remotely infected subjects. The disappearance of VP1u-specific IFN-gamma expression is surprising, as B-cell immunity against VP1u is well maintained.


Subject(s)
Capsid Proteins/immunology , Interferon-gamma/immunology , Parvoviridae Infections/immunology , Parvovirus B19, Human/immunology , T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology , Adult , Cell Division/immunology , Cells, Cultured , Endotoxins/immunology , Epitopes/immunology , Female , Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/immunology , Humans , Immunity, Cellular/immunology , Interleukin-10/immunology , Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology , Male , Middle Aged , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/immunology
17.
Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis ; 23(11): 825-30, 2004 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15558340

ABSTRACT

The aim of this comparative study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of the measurement of Toxoplasma gondii IgG avidity in the postnatal diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. IgG avidity values in serum samples from infants with congenital infection were compared with those in samples from uninfected infants, all born to mothers with toxoplasmosis acquired during gestation. This analysis revealed that IgG avidity values soon after birth reflected maternal values in the large majority of the samples. Low or borderline IgG avidity values were systematically found in the cohort of congenitally infected subjects. After birth, IgG avidity values slowly increased over time for up to 2 years in congenitally infected subjects. On the contrary, IgG avidity values in the uninfected infants remained stable over time. The presence of low IgG avidity in a newborn can be considered a marker of maternal seroconversion in the second or third trimester of gestation and, as a consequence, an indicator of risk for congenital toxoplasmosis. An IgG avidity assay can be easily carried out with antibodies eluted from dried blood spots (Guthrie cards), providing an opportunity to retrospectively evaluate the risk of congenital infection in special clinical circumstances, for example when suspicion of congenital infection arises during late infancy.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Protozoan/immunology , Immunoglobulin G/immunology , Toxoplasmosis, Congenital/immunology , Aging/immunology , Antibodies, Protozoan/blood , Antibody Affinity , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimesters , Retrospective Studies
18.
Arch Virol ; 149(6): 1095-106, 2004 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15168197

ABSTRACT

TT virus (TTV) is a newly discovered human virus of high genotypic diversity. TTV is widely distributed among humans, but the possible genotype-related differences in TTV biology are not well known. The prevalence and amount of TTV-DNA, especially of genotype 6, was determined by nested-PCR in various human tissues, and human parvovirus B19, another ssDNA virus, was used as a reference. TTV DNA was detected simultaneously in bile, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma of 77% subjects, in 38% skin samples, in 38% synovial samples and in all (100%) adenoids, tonsils and liver samples. The relative concentrations of TTV-DNA did not vary significantly among the different samples. Genotype 6 TTV-DNA was detected in bile and plasma of one subject (3%), in skin and serum of one subject (8%) and in one liver (5%). The overall prevalence of TTV genotype 6 was 4% in subjects and 4% in sera. TTV genotype 6 was shown to occur in human tissues with no obvious tissue-type or symptom specificity. Parvovirus B19 DNA was detected overall in 38% subjects, and bile was the only sample type tested that did not persistently harbour B19 DNA.


Subject(s)
DNA, Viral/analysis , Torque teno virus/isolation & purification , Adult , Aged , Bile/virology , Blood/virology , DNA Virus Infections/blood , DNA Virus Infections/epidemiology , DNA Virus Infections/virology , DNA, Viral/blood , Female , Finland/epidemiology , Genotype , Humans , Liver/virology , Lymphoid Tissue/virology , Male , Middle Aged , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Prevalence , Skin/virology , Synovial Fluid/virology , Torque teno virus/genetics
19.
Bone Marrow Transplant ; 32(1): 97-102, 2003 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-12815484

ABSTRACT

The occurrence of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in relation to immunosuppressive treatment was determined in 257 patients treated with non-T-cell-depleted allogeneic stem cell transplantation from an HLA-matched sibling (173 patients) or unrelated donor (84 patients). The conditioning consisted of total body irradiation and cyclophosphamide (myeloablative conditioning, 250 patients), or fludarabine combined with cyclophosphamide or a single 2 Gy dose of TBI (nonmyeloablative conditioning, seven patients). In transplantations from an unrelated donor, the patients also received antithymocyte globulin (ATG). The prophylaxis against graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) consisted of cyclosporine A, methotrexate, and methylprednisolone. The autopsy reports of deceased patients were systematically reviewed, and the autopsy materials of cases suggestive of PTLD were re-examined histologically for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Nineteen patients with EBV-positive PTLD were identified, of whom six had been transplanted from a sibling donor and 13 from an unrelated donor. All the patients who developed PTLD had been given ATG either for the treatment of steroid-resistant acute GVHD (all PTLD patients with a sibling donor and one with an unrelated donor), or as part of the conditioning (all patients with an unrelated donor). In conclusion, in transplantations from an HLA-identical donor with a non-T-cell-depleted graft, the risk of PTLD correlated strongly with the intensity of the immunosuppressive treatment.


Subject(s)
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects , Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects , Lymphoproliferative Disorders/etiology , Adult , Antilymphocyte Serum/adverse effects , Antilymphocyte Serum/therapeutic use , Autopsy , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/methods , Herpesvirus 4, Human , Histocompatibility , Histocompatibility Testing , Humans , Immunosuppression Therapy/adverse effects , Incidence , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Transplantation Conditioning/adverse effects , Transplantation Conditioning/methods , Transplantation, Homologous
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