Regional molecular genetic key of thirteen snow pool Aedes species (Diptera:Culicidae) in northern Colorado.

Snow pool Aedes mosquitoes are identified easily and accurately by microscopic examination of 4th instars or male genitalia. Early instars and females cannot be identified accurately. We demonstrate that restriction fragment-length polymorphisms (RFLP) in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA cistron are specific to each of 13 snow pool Aedes species found in northern Colorado. The ITS was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and digested with AluI and MspI restriction endonucleases. Differences in the sizes of digested fragments among the 13 species were so slight that they could only be resolved with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and visualized with silver staining. A key to species found in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado was constructed using the PCR-RFLP patterns. Three of the species were collected in California and had identical PCR-RFLP patterns, indicating that restriction sites in the ITS may be conserved within some species.

Unrecognized human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in a cohort of transfused neonates: a retrospective investigation.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively identify unrecognized human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection among a cohort of children transfused as neonates before donated blood was routinely screened for HIV-1 antibody. METHODS: Records at a large, private, metropolitan hospital were reviewed to identify children who were transfused as neonates between January 1980 and March 1985 and discharged alive from the hospital. Multiple data sources were used to locate these children. Parents or guardians were contacted, and their children were offered HIV-1 antibody testing and physical examination. RESULTS: Of the 775 children identified as having received transfusions during the project period, 644 (83%) were located, and 443 (69%) were evaluated for HIV-1 infection. Among those evaluated, 33 (7%) had antibody to HIV-1, including 14 whose infections had not been previously diagnosed. At the time of enrollment, 13 children infected with HIV-1 were asymptomatic an average of 63 months after transfusion. CONCLUSION: HIV-1 antibody testing should be considered for all children, regardless of clinical status, who were transfused before routine blood donor screening was implemented in March 1985, particularly in areas with a high incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome during those years.

Neuropsychological functioning in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 seropositive children infected through neonatal blood transfusion.

The neuropsychological development of 15 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) seropositive children infected through neonatal blood transfusion was compared with that of a control group of 33 HIV-1 seronegative children who had also received blood transfusions as neonates. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection was identified on the basis of a callback blood testing. Two thirds of the HIV-1-infected children were asymptomatic at time of enrollment in the study of development. The children were administered two psychological batteries approximately 8 months apart. The results indicated that the two serostatus groups did not differ in overall intelligence, even as long as 8 years after HIV-1 infection. Significant group differences, though slight, were found on school achievement and on tasks that require motor speed, visual scanning, and cognitive flexibility. Continued longitudinal study of this cohort will be important in characterizing the evolution of neuropsychological deficits.

Allogeneic leukocyte and germ cell-induced murine immunodeficiency.

Immune deficiency, as defined by significant decreases in lymphocyte Con A and allo-reactivity and in natural killer (NK) function, was induced in normal adult mice by i.p. injections of combinations of allogeneic testicular germ cells and splenic leukocytes over 3 wk. This immune deficiency was evident at 8 wk after initial injection, and profound by 12 wk. Neither leukocytes nor testicular cells, given alone, were able to induce similar immune deficiency. These findings suggest the possibility that allogeneic germ cells and leukocytes of semen, on repeated administration, may induce immune deficiency and may act as co-factors to viral agents in the development of clinical AIDS in humans.

Behcet's disease presenting as chronic aphthous stomatitis in a child.

Behcet's disease is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory disease of unknown cause that involves mucous surfaces, skin, eyes, joints, and the CNS. Although not reported in the pediatric literature, some cases start in childhood. This report describes a child whose chronic oral and genital ulcers preceded recognition of her gastrointestinal tract, eye, and CNS disease for nine years. The current knowledge of Behcet's disease in children is discussed.