ABSTRACT
As we enter the post-genomic era, there is an increasing need for accurate methods of identifying host and pathogen factors that contribute to bacterial, viral and fungal disease. In addition, there is a requirement for fast and precise techniques to evaluate potential therapies for the prevention of infectious diseases. The development of useful and cost-effective model systems will be crucial in advancing our knowledge of all aspects of microbial pathogenesis. In this series, we will learn of animal models used to investigate diseases caused by a wide variety of pathogens, including HIV, Vibrio cholerae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A description of a model system specifically designed to study intracellular pathogens will be presented, as will a variety of the techniques currently used to exploit other useful models of infection. Additionally, a description of the mathematical models used to analyse the population biology of human onchocerciasis will be discussed. The series begins with an intriguing look at the possible connections between an endogenous retrovirus, the infectious agent of scrapie and accelerated senescence in a mouse model of early aging.
Subject(s)
Aging/metabolism , Leukemia Virus, Murine/metabolism , Scrapie/virology , Animals , Brain/pathology , Cellular Senescence , Disease Models, Animal , Humans , Mice , Retroviridae/metabolism , Scrapie/pathology , Tissue Distribution , Vacuoles/pathologyABSTRACT
Fourteen cases of massive vitreous hemorrhage caused by a retinal tear, the cause having been confirmed during closed vitrectomy, were studied retrospectively. In the 3 cases with no retinal detachment and in the 6 cases with partial but not extensive retinal detachment at the time of surgery, the electroretinogram (ERG), visual evoked response (VER) and electrically evoked response (EER) were recordable preoperatively. After surgery the retina was attached in all 9 cases, but later redetached in one case. The visual acuity improved in 8 of the 9 cases. In the 5 cases with subtotal or total retinal detachment at the time of surgery, the ERG was nonrecordable preoperatively in all 5 cases, while the VER and EER were recordable in 4 cases. After surgery the retina was reattached in 3 of the 5 cases, but later redetached in one case. Visual acuity improved in only 2 of the 5 cases. When a retinal tear is suspected to be present, surgical intervention should not be delayed in cases of massive vitreous hemorrhage which does not clear after initial bilateral patching and bed rest. Ultrasonographic and electrophysiological tests help establish the diagnosis and prognosis.
