Blood Antibody Titers Research Articles

Correlation of Streptococcus agalactiae concentration on immune system and effective dose of inactivated vaccine for Chitralada 3 strain Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Thailand

The main pathogen in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture, Streptococcus agalactiae, causes economic harm. Infected fish’s immune systems worked to eliminate of the infection. This study demonstrated the effect of different bacterial concentrations on tilapia immunity and optimal vaccine concentration to induce immunity in Nile tilapia. The experiment was performed at 102, 104, 106, 108, and 1010 CFU/fish of S. agalactiae compared with the control (PBS) through intraperitoneal injection for 72 h. Fish that survived employed to gather blood, and immune responses were assessed through measures of the survival rate include blood smears, antibody titers, and immunoglobulin gene expression. The vaccine experiment investigated formalin-inactivated S. agalactiae vaccination and administered S. agalactiae injections for 14 days. The statistic revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the 108 and 1010 CFU/fish injections with high survival rates (62.22% and 53.33%, respectively). Immunoglobulin gene expression was highly represented in the 1010 CFU/fish injection; antibody titers were significantly improved from the control group, and antibody levels were high in the 1010 CFU/fish injection. The analysis of blood cell types using the blood smear method revealed a progressive increase in leucocytes, particularly lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes, in the treatment group compared to the control group. Moreover, the erythrocyte/leucocyte ratio decreased significantly in response to the high bacterial injection, indicating an increase in leucocytes. Conversely, the erythrocyte level stayed ed within at the 7.03–9.70 × 102 cell/ml and shown no significant difference (p > 0.05). The lymphocytes were almost two-fold in 1010 CFU/fish compared to 108 CFU/fish. As depicted in the lowest concentration of 106 CFU/fish, the vaccine performance had a high relative percent survival (RPS) at 86.67%. This research suggested that the tilapia infected with high S. agalactiae concentrations did not affect the mortality of the tilapia, and vaccine concentration was effective in 106 CFU/fish.

Effect of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench and its extracts on the immunization outcome of avian influenza vaccine in broilers

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEchinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP) is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant with immunomodulatory effects. However, the immunomodulatory effects of EP on broilers after vaccination are still unclear. Aim of the studyThe aim is to study the effect of EP and Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench extracts(EE) on avian influenza virus (AIV) immunity, and further explore the potential mechanism of immune regulation. Materials and methodsBroilers were fed with feed additives containing 2% EP or 0.5% EE, and vaccinated against avian influenza. The samples were collected on the 7th, 21st, and 35th day after vaccination, and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated. Blood antibody titer, jejunal sIgA content, tight junction protein, gene and protein expression of TLR4-MAPK signaling pathway were also detected. ResultsThe results showed that vaccination could cause immune stress, weight loss, increase sIgA content, and up-regulate the expression of tight junction proteins, including zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), Occludin, and Claudin-1, as well as the genes of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), activator protein 1 (AP-1) protein gene expression on TLR4-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and the protein expression of MyD88, extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). EP and EE could increase the body weight of broilers, further improve antibody titers, decrease FCR, increase sIgA levels, up-regulate the expression of tight junction proteins, including ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1, as well as the genes of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, and AP-1 and the protein expression of MyD88, ERK, and JNK in the TLR4-MAPK signaling pathway. ConclusionIn conclusion, EP and EE can increase the broiler's production performance and improve vaccine immune effect through the TLR4-MAPK signaling pathway.

A hospital-based retrospective study: early recognition of neuronal surface antibodies by clinical manifestations and CSF inflammation indicators in patients with unexplained epilepsy

Background There is a lack of actual and comprehensive data on the detection rate of neuronal surface antibodies in patients with unexplained epilepsy in China. Thus, we attempted to analyze the differences in clinical manifestations, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characteristics, seizure types and other aspects of antibody-positive and negative patients, to identify suspected antibody-positive epilepsy patients. Methods In total, 137 inpatients with unexplained epilepsy were consecutively included, and neuronal surface antibodies (NSAbs) were detected by serological and/or CSF evaluations. The clinical features and seizure characteristics were analyzed between the NSAb-positive and negative patients. In addition, patients were divided into four groups based on CSF and blood antibody titers. CSF cell count and protein content were analyzed in relation to antibody titers. Results There were 45 (32.8%) patients tested positive for antibodies. Multivariate analyses revealed that age, mental status changes or memory deterioration, CSF protein, CSF cell count, treatment, days of hospitalization, outcome, duration of symptoms before hospitalization, status epilepticus, and number of antiepileptic drugs were significantly associated with the NSAb-positive group and changes in inflammatory indicators in routine CSF analysis were associated with antibody titers. Conclusions A relatively high proportion of patients with unexplained epilepsy have positive NSAbs. Patients with the above clinical characteristics need to be highly suspected of NSAbs positivity and should be tested for antibodies in time to assist treatment. The decrease of CSF cell count and protein content has suggestive value for the decrease of antibody titer, which should be evaluated in the follow-up.

17th International Conference on Malignant Lymphoma, Palazzo dei Congressi, Lugano, Switzerland, 13 - 17 June, 2023.

Introduction: Patients with B-cell lymphoma have poorer antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccines compared to patients with other malignancies. However, the immune responses are heterogeneous and its association with clinical outcomes are poorly understood. Here, we study the association between antibody and cellular responses with the outcomes from COVID-19 infection from the PROSECO study. Methods: THE UK PROSECO study is a prospective observational cohort study evaluating COVID-19 vaccine response in people with lymphoma. Peripheral blood antibody titres (anti-spike (S) IgG by Mesoscale Discovery), antibody avidity (surface plasmon resonance) and IFNγ T-cell responses (ELISpot) against spike protein after two to four COVID-19 vaccines, and clinical outcomes data were collected. Results: 524 patients (92 Hodgkin lymphoma, 180 aggressive B non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL), 234 indolent B-NHL and 18 peripheral T-cell lymphoma) were included: 334 (84·3%), 315 (79·5%) and 266 (67·1%) participants were eligible for post-two, three and four vaccine dose analysis, respectively. Breakthrough infections (BTI) occurred in 20 (5.9%), 40 (12.7%) and 36 (13.5%) participants after two, three and four vaccine doses. Of 96 participants with BTI, 12 (12.5%) needed hospitalisation. No deaths were observed due to COVID-19 infection. No differences were observed in T-cell responses between BTI and non-BTI groups, but 4/9 (44.5%) hospitalised BTI cases had undetectable cellular and antibody responses. There was no association between antibody titres and infection episodes after two vaccine doses, but antibody titres were associated with lower BTI risk after three or four vaccine doses on multivariable analysis. Intriguingly, the antibody threshold associated with infection risk was lower after four than three vaccine doses (41 vs. 820 BAU/mL). We also observed stronger antibody binding avidity to SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) proteins from Wuhan and Omicron BQ.1 variants, with increasing vaccine doses, i.e., fourth versus third dose: 10-fold increase (p: <0.01); fourth versus second dose:100-fold-increase than the second dose (p: <0.0001) (see Figure). The research was funded by: the Blood Cancer UK Vaccine Research Collaborative, which is led by Blood Cancer UK in partnership with Myeloma UK, Anthony Nolan and the British Society for Haematology; a Cancer Research UK Advanced Clinician Scientist Fellowship to SH Lim; Cancer Research UK/National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Center; NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility (Southampton Research Biorepository) and NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Center; NIHR Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Center and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Center and CRUK Experimental Cancer Medicines Center. Keywords: Lymphoid Cancers, Other: Covid-19, Therapeutics and Clinical Trials in Lymphoma, vaccination Conflicts of interests pertinent to the abstract. M. Ahearne Research funding: Pfizer C. P. Fox Consultant or advisory role: Astra Zeneca G. P. Collins Consultant or advisory role: Astra Zeneca and Pfizer Research funding: Pfizer A. J. Davies Honoraria: Astra Zeneca and Janssen Research funding: Astra Zeneca and Janssen S. H. Lim Honoraria: Astra Zeneca

Dynamics of Mycoplasma bovis in Dutch dairy herds during acute clinical outbreaks

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) can cause serious illness in cattle, presenting as arthritis and mastitis in dairy cows and pneumonia, arthritis and otitis media in calves. This study aimed to provide insight into the dynamics of M. bovis within dairy herds, experiencing an acute outbreak in dairy cows. Twenty farms were followed with laboratory testing of suspected dairy cows. Each outbreak farm was sampled five times, at 2–3 week intervals, sampling blood and milk and conjunctival fluid from clinically suspected dairy cows and healthy animals from three different age groups: dairy cows, young stock (7–24 months) and calves (1–6 months). Additionally, bulk tank milk was sampled every visit and environmental samples were taken on the first and last visits. The presence of M. bovis was tested by evaluating antibody titres in blood, bacterial DNA in conjunctival fluid and environmental samples and viable bacteria in milk samples. All data were analysed using logistic regression models, corrected for repeated sampling and within-herd correlation.Sixty percent (12/20) of the herds showed a combination of arthritis and mastitis, while other herds experienced only clinically mastitis (3/20) or arthritis (5/20). From the time an outbreak was confirmed, M. bovis infection was not only present in dairy cows, but also in young stock and calves (80% of the farms). Laboratory tests also confirmed the presence of M. bovis in healthy animals. The M. bovis PCR levels of calves and young stock were highly correlated at all visits (rtotal = 0.81, P < 0.01). Furthermore, M. bovis was present in the environment of the animals. At the end of the 3-month study period, none of the 20 clinical outbreak farms were M. bovis-‘negative’, based on laboratory testing, although hardly any clinical cases were observed at that time.

Blood Antibody Titers and Adverse Reactions after BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination.

This study aimed to measure, considering a prior history of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (SCV-negative/positive), antibodies titer using Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany), in a serum of healthcare workers (HCW) who received two doses of BNT162b2 vaccines. The local and systemic adverse reactions occurrence was checked with a self-reported questionnaire. A total of 60 SCV-negative HCW showed lower antibody titers than those presented by SCV-positive subjects (n = 7). The highest antibody level was detected 8 days after the second dose of vaccine administration. At the same time, the titer was higher in the SCV2 -positive than the SCV2-negative group and comparable after the first dose in those who became infected to the level after the second dose of those who did not. The local and systemic effects in the SCV2-negative and SCV2-positive groups appeared independent of the vaccine dose. After the second dose, systemic reactions were reported more often than the local adverse effects. Whether no effect was observed or whether the response was local or systemic, the antibody level in a specific group remains constant. These results can be helpful in the improvement of vaccination programs, controlling the occurrence of adverse and long-term effects of the vaccination.

Study of immunogenicity and safety of a candidate rotavirus vaccine based on a recombinant hybrid protein

BACKGROUND: Rotaviruses are the main cause of acute gastroenteritis in children in both developed and developing countries. Vaccination is the only way to prevent severe and fatal course of this disease. Live attenuated viruses-based vaccines currently available can have a number of side effects. A candidate rotavirus vaccine reported is based on a hybrid recombinant protein FliCVP6VP8, which includes a VP6 protein fragment, a rotavirus A VP8 protein fragment, and S. typhimurium FliC flagellin components. AIM: The aim was to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of а preparation Rotavirus vaccine, recombinant in preclinical studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The immunogenicity of vaccine (blood antibody titers, antigen-specific proliferative response of spleen cells) was evaluated in BALB/c mice. The acute and subchronic toxicity, the possible irritating effect, pyrogenicity and the anaphylactic effect and delayed type hypersensitivity were evaluated in laboratory mice, rats, Guinea pigs, and rabbits. RESULTS: Double immunization of mice with the candidate vaccine demonstrated a significant increase in antibody titers in mouse sera compared to that in control mice. Evaluation of antigen-specific proliferative response after double immunization with a candidate vaccine demonstrated a significant increase in the values of stimulated proliferation. Evaluation of safety through acute and chronic toxicity studies demonstrated no toxicity. The immunostimulatory effect of vaccine was demonstrated when evaluating the number of antibody-producing cells with sheep red blood cells as antigens. The number of white blood cells was demonstrated to increase after the prolonged vaccine administration. CONCLUSIONS: The preclinical studies have demonstrated safety of the candidate rotavirus vaccine and its capability to produce the immune response.

Anti-HTLV-1/2 IgG Antibodies in the Breastmilk of Seropositive Mothers.

Background: HTLV-1/2 mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is an important route for the maintenance of HTLV-1/2 within populations and disproportionally contributes to the burden of HTLV-1-associated diseases. Avoidance of breastfeeding is the safest recommendation to prevent MTCT. Due to the benefits of breastfeeding, alternative methods that would allow seropositive mothers to breastfeed their babies are needed. There is limited knowledge about HTLV-1/2 infection and breastmilk. Methods: Paired blood and milk samples collected from HTLV-1/2 seropositive mothers were tested for HTLV-1 proviral load (PVL) quantification and for the detection of anti-HTLV-1/2 IgG. Results: All breastmilk samples had detectable anti-HTLV-1/2 IgG. HTLV-1/2 proviral DNA was detected in all samples except for one. HTLV-1 PVL and IgG binding ratio (BR) was similar in milk and plasma. However, antibody titer was significantly higher in blood (Median (95%CI): Milk:128 (32–512); Plasma:131,584 (16,000–131,584), p < 0.05). There was a strong correlation between HTLV-1 PVL, anti-HTLV-1/2 IgG BR, and titer when comparing milk and blood. PVL did not correlate with antibody BR nor titer in blood or milk. Conclusions: Anti-HTLV-1/2 IgG are present in milk in the same proportion as blood but in lower quantity. PVL in milk correlates with blood.

The impact of deoxynivalenol contaminated diet on performance, immune response, intestine morphology and jejunal gene expression in broiler chicken

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) contaminated diet on performance, immune system, gut morphology and jejunal gene expression in broiler chickens. Eighty-one-day old chicks were randomly allotted into two treatments with 4 replicates (10 birds in each replication). Experimental diets were the control diet (maize-soybean meal) and an experimentally contaminated diet with 10 mg/kg DON. The results indicated that DON-challenged birds had decreased (P < 0.05) average feed intake (AFI) during starter period as compared to control group. Also, average daily gain (ADG), AFI and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected (P > 0.05) by inclusion of DON contaminated diet during the whole experimental period. Dietary addition of DON to the basal diet caused Fabricius bursa relative weight reduction, while increased the abdominal fat and serum triglyceride (TG) concentration (P < 0.05). Dietary DON feeding caused an enhancement (P < 0.05) in the blood aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma glutamytransferase (GGT) contents. Moreover, DON decreased the serum total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) concentrations. Inclusion of DON in diet reduced (P < 0.05) the white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte number and antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus, but increased (P < 0.05) the blood heterophil count. The DON consumption also diminished (P < 0.05) the villus height, villus to crypt ratio, mucosa thickness and villus surface area in the duodenum. Mucin-2 expression was decreased (P < 0.05) by DON consumption, but toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and claudin-5 (CLDN-5) expressions were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments. In conclusion, although DON could not influence the performance attributes in broiler chickens, it adversely affected the immune response, muc-2 gene expressions in the jejunum and gut morphology, enhanced the liver enzyme indices and lessened the blood protein contents.

ABO blood group and SARS-CoV-2 antibody response in a convalescent donor population.

Background and ObjectivesABO blood group may affect risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and/or severity of COVID‐19. We sought to determine whether IgG, IgA and neutralizing antibody (nAb) to SARS‐CoV‐2 vary by ABO blood group.Materials and MethodsAmong eligible convalescent plasma donors, ABO blood group was determined via agglutination of reagent A1 and B cells, IgA and IgG were quantified using the Euroimmun anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 ELISA, and nAb titres were quantified using a microneutralization assay. Differences in titre distribution were examined by ABO blood group using non‐parametric Kruskal–Wallis tests. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) of high nAb titre (≥1:160) were estimated by blood group using multivariable modified Poisson regression models that adjusted for age, sex, hospitalization status and time since SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnosis.ResultsOf the 202 potential donors, 65 (32%) were blood group A, 39 (19%) were group B, 13 (6%) were group AB, and 85 (42%) were group O. Distribution of nAb titres significantly differed by ABO blood group, whereas there were no significant differences in anti‐spike IgA or anti‐spike IgG titres by ABO blood group. There were significantly more individuals with high nAb titre (≥1:160) among those with blood group B, compared with group O (aPR = 1·9 [95%CI = 1·1–3·3], P = 0·029). Fewer individuals had a high nAb titre among those with blood group A, compared with group B (aPR = 0·6 [95%CI = 0·4‐1·0], P = 0·053).ConclusionEligible CCP donors with blood group B may have relatively higher neutralizing antibody titres. Additional studies evaluating ABO blood groups and antibody titres that incorporate COVID‐19 severity are needed.

Use of earthworm meal with vermi-humus in diet for laying quail

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of dietary earthworm (Eisenia fetida) meal (EW), associated with vermi-humus (VH), on the performance, egg characteristics, immunity, and blood constituents of laying quails. A total of 336 female quails (42.5±1.5 g), with 30 days of age, was distributed in 7 treatments and 4 replicates of 12 birds during 42 days. The following treatments were evaluated: control diet without the inclusion of VH and EW; diet with the inclusion of only 0.8% VH; and diets with 0.8% VH supplemented with different EW levels (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%). A greater body weight, weight gain, and feed intake were obtained with 1.5% EW; a higher egg productivity, with 0.5–1.0% EW; and a higher egg mass, with 0.5% EW. The inclusion of 2.5% EW reduced eggshell weight and thickness. Levels of 1.0–2.0% EW decreased malondialdehyde in the eggs, whereas 2.0% EW reduced cholesterol content. Higher blood cell volume and antibody titer were obtained with 1.0% EW, whereas higher total protein, globulin, and calcium were obtained with 0.5% EW. Levels of 1.0–1.5% EW + 0.8% VH improve egg production and characteristics, as well as the humoral response of quails, whose performance is not affected.

Evaluation of clinical, diagnostic features and therapeutic outcome of neurobrucellosis: a case series and review of literature

Aim In this study, we aimed to discuss the clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of seven cases of neurobrucellosis from a tertiary care center and review the available global literature. Materials and methods The diagnosis of neurobrucellosis was established using the following criteria in our setting: (1) signs and symptoms of neurological infection with examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealing signs of meningitis, (2) isolation of Brucella spp. from blood and/or CSF and/or antibody titer ≥1:160 in serum using standard agglutination test (SAT) and/or the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies in CSF and/or detection of Brucella spp.-specific DNA from CSF using PCR. A literature search was performed to review previous cases of neurobrucellosis published worldwide during the last 30 years. Results The proportion of neurobrucellosis was 2.8% in our setting. Fever with headache and altered sensorium were the major presenting complaints. Brucella melitensis was isolated from blood culture in 6 patients. From the literature search, a total of 221 cases of neurobrucellosis were reviewed and analyzed. Meningitis (32.6%), loss of hearing (25.8%) and encephalitis (14.9%) were the most common clinical features. Involvement of cranial nerves, polyradiculopathy and paraplegia were the major complications found in patients with neurobrucellosis. Conclusions Neurobrucellosis should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of befitting neurological, rheumatological, and neuropsychiatric presentations in endemic regions for brucellosis. To prevent morbidity and mortality associated with neurobrucellosis, a multimodal diagnostic approach is essential for early and accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Comparison of influenza antibody titers among women who were vaccinated in the 2nd and the 3rd trimesters of pregnancy

BackgroundWe compared cord blood antibody titers in unvaccinated pregnant women to those vaccinated with seasonal influenza vaccine during the 2nd and the 3rd trimesters. MethodsPregnant women had cord blood collected at delivery for hemagglutination inhibition assay against vaccine reference viruses: A/California/07/2009 (H1N1)pdm09, A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 (H3N2), and B/Phuket/3073/2013 (Yamagata lineage). Geometric mean titer (GMT) ratios were calculated comparing vaccinated versus unvaccinated pregnant women, and women vaccinated in the 2nd and the 3rd trimesters. Proportions of women achieving defined titers were compared using the χ2 test. ResultsOf 307 women, 190 (62%) were unvaccinated. Fifty and 67 were vaccinated during the 2nd and the 3rd trimesters, respectively. Median enrollment age was 29 years (interquartile range 24–34). Sixteen (5%) women had pre-existing conditions, but none were immunocompromised. GMT ratios comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated women were 5.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.06–6.96) for influenza A/California, 5.39 (95% CI 4.18–6.08) for influenza A/Switzerland, and 5.05 (95% CI 4.43–5.85) for influenza B/Phuket. Similarly, the GMT ratios comparing the 3rd and the 2nd trimester vaccinated women were 2.90 (95% CI 2.54–3.39), 2.82 (95% CI 2.56–3.13), and 2.83 (95% CI 2.56–3.14), respectively. The proportions of women with defined titers for the three vaccine reference viruses did not differ between 2nd and 3rd trimester vaccinated women (titers ≥40: 68–92% versus 70–93%; ≥110: 32% versus 33–63%; and ≥330: 4–10% versus 3–21%). ConclusionsPregnant women vaccinated against influenza had more placental transfer of influenza antibodies to their infants than unvaccinated women. Placental transfer of antibodies was higher among those vaccinated in the 3rd trimester than in the 2nd trimester. There was no difference in the proportions of women achieving antibody titers corresponding to protection against influenza in children. Findings support the current World Health Organization’s recommendation that pregnant women may be vaccinated in either 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

Association between response to rituximab and antibody-mediated rejection in ABO-incompatible living kidney transplantation.

To examine the association of response to rituximab and the incidence of antibody-mediated rejection in preconditioning of rituximab and plasma exchange without post-transplant plasmapheresis in patients undergoing ABO-incompatible living kidney transplantation. A total of 115 patients who underwent ABO-incompatible living kidney transplantation at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, were divided into two groups based on the response to rituximab: good response (n=75) or poor response (n=40). The rituximab good response and poor response patients were defined as patients whose CD19+ cells were non-detected (0%) and detected on the day of transplantation (2-5days, median 3days, after rituximab administration), respectively. Rituximab response and anti-A/B blood antibody titer after plasmapheresis were significant risk factors for antibody-mediated rejection (P=0.036, 0.045, respectively). The occurrence of antibody-mediated rejection was higher in the poor response group than in the good response group (22.5% vs 8.0%; P=0.028). The 14-day, 3-month and 1-year cumulative incidence of antibody-mediated rejection was 2.7%, 5.3% and 8.0% in the good response group, and 17.5%, 20.0% and 22.5% in the poor response group after ABO-incompatible living kidney transplantation. The patient survival was not significantly different between the two groups. However, graft survival 1month after transplantation was lower in the poor response group. There is no significant difference in graft function and in the incidence of complications, including infection, after transplantation between the two groups. Antibody-mediated rejection after ABO-incompatible living kidney transplantation was significantly associated with the response to rituximab in our preconditioning protocol.

Investigation of persistent infection of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in Holstein dairy cows.

The aim of this study was to investigate the persistent infection (PI) of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) along with its coexistence between BVDV antibody titer and BVD virus in blood of Holstein dairy cows. Only large commercial farms (each contained < 1000-3000 unvaccinated cows) were included. There were 11 dairy cattle herds. They included nearly 20,000 dairy cows. Totally, 140 cows, > 3months to almost 10years old, were randomly sampled. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect BVDV antibody and virus, respectively. The percent positivity (PP) < 14 and ≥ 14 values are interpreted negative and positive, respectively. Simultaneously, whole blood samples pooled in groups of 10 animals were used for molecular detection of BVDV. The results revealed that 138 (98.56%) out of 140 cows were positive for BVDV antibody, while the BVDV antigen was detected only in 2 (1.42%) cows, which were negative for BVDV antibody and so were considered as persistent infection (PI) cows. They were also retested 3weeks apart. Since the results showed the strong coexistence between seropositivity and BVD virus, in the infected dairy cattle herds, the combination of simple ELISA and pooled whole blood RT-PCR strategy could be an achievable approach to detect PI animals.

The effectiveness of colostral antibodies for preventing bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection in vitro

BackgroundBovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL). The incidence of EBL in Japan is increasing annually; and the cases of EBL in cattle younger than 2 years old has been reported. Therefore, it is vital to find a method to control BLV infection, especially in young calves. In this study, to evaluate the protective ability of colostral antibodies against BLV infection, as well as the potential for BLV infection mediated by colostrum/milk, we investigated temporal fluctuations in the anti-BLV antibody titer and BLV proviral load (PVL) in colostrum/milk and peripheral blood of six infected dams during lactation. The association between PVL and antibody titer in colostrum and peripheral blood was then investigated using samples from a further twenty-seven cattle. Antibody concentrations were measured with a Syncytium-induction Inhibition Assay using colostral/milk whey and serum. PVL in peripheral blood and colostrum was measured by real-time PCR.ResultsColostral antibodies showed high inhibitory activity until day 3 of lactation. The antibody titer and PVL in peripheral blood showed lesser changes than those in colostrum/milk throughout lactation. The colostral antibody titer was significantly higher than the serum antibody titer in all samples, whereas the colostrum PVL was significantly lower than the blood PVL. The blood PVL showed a significant correlation with serum antibody titer, colostrum PVL, and colostral antibody titer. However, there were no major correlations between the serum and colostral antibody titers.ConclusionsThis is the first report investigating the temporal changes in colostral antibody titer in terms of inhibiting BLV infection in vitro. The results of antibody detection by Syncytium-induction Inhibition Assay suggested that the protective activity of the colostral antibodies against BLV infection would be conferred by anti-BLV gp51 antibody. The high antibody titer of colostral whey suggests that colostral whey could be a potential source of antibodies with a low risk of infection in neonatal calves.

Experimental application of a split-conjugated vaccine against animal brucellosis in small cattle

A study was made of the blood samples of small cattle for brucellosis with various serological reactions when testing a split-conjugated vaccine against animal brucellosis three and a half, four and a half months and nine months after immunization. Positive reaction of small cattle to brucellosis in the complement fixation reaction and the agglutination reaction of 40.7% of sheep and goats, and 44.4% of animals in Ros-Bengal after 3.5 months of vaccination. The vaccine has a high immunogenicity against goats, a high enough antibody titer in blood three and a half months after vaccination, when tested with agglutination and Rose-Bengal, breakdown was detected in 83.3% of animals, and in the complement fixation reaction it was 66.7%, which will, in our opinion, effectively use this vaccine in the fight against goat brucellosis. Immunized sheep in the complement-fixation reaction and Rose-Bengal assay reacted positively only in 33.3% of cases. When the agglutination reaction was established three and a half months after the introduction of the vaccine - in 28.6% of the animals, in connection with the data obtained, we recommend looking for new immunoprotectors capable of enhancing the humoral immune response of sheep to the antigen of the tested anti-brucellosis vaccine. Nine months after the vaccination of the split-conjugated vaccine in all blood samples of small cattle (sheep and goats) with all of the above reactions, there was no positive test, which indicates the disappearance and complement-binding and agglutinating antibodies from the bloodstream of animals, and thus the opportunity is given differentiate postvaccinal antibodies in the blood serum of animals, from post-infection, in the case of their detection within the time specified above.

Impact of maternally derived pertussis antibody titers on infant whole-cell pertussis vaccine response in a low income setting

BackgroundMaternal vaccines against pertussis are not yet recommended in the developing world. Besides unclear burden estimates, another concern is that transplacental transfer of maternal pertussis antibodies could result in attenuation of the immune response to whole cell pertussis (DTwP) primary vaccination series in infants. This study was taken up to determine whether higher levels of maternal pertussis antibodies attenuate immune response of infants to DTwP vaccination series given at 6–10–14 weeks of age. MethodologyA total of 261 pregnant women and their infants from four low-income settlements in Karachi, Pakistan were enrolled in this study. The study endpoints were infant antibody titers for Pertussis toxin (PTx), Filamentous hemagglutinin antigen (FHA), Pertactin (PRN) and Fimbriae type 2/3 (FIM) – from birth through 18 weeks of age. Cord blood or pre-vaccine pertussis antibody titers indicate the concentration of maternal antibodies transferred to infants. Linear regression models were used to determine the association between higher maternal antibody titers and infant immune response to DTwP vaccine. Geometric Mean Ratio (GMR) was calculated as the ratio of infant antibody titers at specified time points against the maternal antibody titers at the time of delivery. ResultsAt eighteen weeks of age, the adjusted β regression coefficient for PTx was 0.06 (95% CI: -0.49-0.61), FHA 0.02 (95% CI: -0.26 -0.29), PRN 0.02 (95%CI -0.38- 0.43), and FIM 0.17 (95%CI: -0.21-0.54). Among infants who received at least two doses of DTwP vaccine, higher maternal antibody titers did not have any attenuating effect on infant post-immunization antibody titers against all four pertussis antigens. ConclusionMaternal pertussis antibodies did not attenuate infant’s immune response to pertussis antigens in DTwP primary vaccine given at 6–10–14 weeks of age.

Microscopic polyangiitis presented with biopsy-confirmed pleuritis.

We describe a case of microscopic polyangiitis manifested as pleuritis confirmed by thoracoscopic biopsy. An 80-year-old man presented with a three-day history of shortness of breath and cough. Chest radiography revealed patchy opacities in the lower fields of the bilateral lung and right-sided pleural effusion. Thoracentesis revealed lymphocytic pleural exudates. Thoracoscopic biopsy specimens were compatible with fibrotic pleuritis. He developed rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis with elevated myeloperoxidase anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody titer in blood and pleural effusion. Although the patient was resistant to two weekly courses of pulse steroid therapy, he was successfully treated with a five-day course of intravenous immunoglobulin.

Activities of the THOR-AABB Working Party.

The AABB (formerly the American Association of Blood Banks) is an international authority on transfusion medicine and tissue banking. The Trauma, Hemostasis and Oxygenation Research (THOR) Network is an international multidisciplinary network of civilian and military providers ranging from first responders and medics to critical care physicians and from basic scientists to clinical trialists. The THOR Network's vision is to improve outcomes from traumatic hemorrhagic shock by optimizing the acute phase of resuscitation. Its mission is to develop and implement best practices for prehospital care through to the completion of the acute phase of hemorrhagic shock resuscitation. Thus, there is significant overlap between the missions of these two groups. To this end, the joint THOR-AABB Working Party (WP) was created in the summer of 2016 with a view to improving patient outcomes by the establishment of a formal collaboration between these two groups. The WP has been engaged in many different endeavors, from successfully changing the AABB's standards for the administration of whole blood, to writing commentaries on the safety of unncrossmatched red blood cells and antibody titer methods and thresholds in potentially incompatible plasma products, to hosting a daylong symposium on blood product resuscitation of massively bleeding patients in conjunction with the AABB annual meeting. This review details the activities of the WP and indicates some future activities.