HCMV IgG Research Articles

Association of hcmv-miR-UL36-5P Gene Expression with Miscarriages in Women with Human Cytomegalovirus Infection in Babylon, Iraq

Background: HCMV is a prevalent virus that affects a significant section of the human population, causes severe disease, and affects the fetus in pregnant women. hcmv-miRNAs are important regulatory molecules in miscarriages in women CMV-infected. Objective: To evaluate the association of hcmv-miR-UL36-5P gene expression with miscarriages in women with HCMV. Methods: A case-control study was designed to include 140 women who had miscarriages at random, and 50 of them who had miscarriages with a high CMV viral load were categorized as miscarriage groups. Additionally, 50 healthy pregnant women who had not previously experienced miscarriages were included as a control group. After diagnosis of HCMV IgM and IgG via the VIDAS assay and CMV viral load detected by qPCR, RNA was extracted from blood samples to measure the hcmv-miR-UL36-5P gene expression by qPCR technique. Results: The results revealed that out of 140 women with miscarriages, 50(35.7%) were seropositive for CMV, while 90(64.3%) were seronegative for CMV, and show that only 3(6.0%) samples were seropositive to CMV IgM, 8(16.0%) seropositive for both CMV IgM and IgG, and 39(78.0%) were seropositive for CMV IgG. The expression of hcmv-miR-UL36-5P in miscarriage women was 3.11-fold higher than the control group. Conclusions: Upregulated expression of the hcmv-miR-UL36-5P gene in women with miscarriage confirms its role in miscarriage. These miRNAs may contribute to the pathogenesis of HCMV infection and its involvement in pregnancy complications.

Seroprevalence of Human cytomegalovirus among adult Population in Taiz city, Yemen

Human cytomegalovirus is a widespread herpesvirus that infects the vast majority of individuals. HCMV can establish long life latency. HCMV reactivations were reported in immunocompromised patients and pregnant females. HCMV causes congenital infections. In this study, almost 206 adults were underwent anti-HCMV IgG & IgM antibodies tests in Taiz International laboratory in Taiz city, Yemen (from March 2019 to December 2020). A total of 206 adults underwent HCMV antibodies screening tests. Among them, 12 males and 194 females. All males were HCMV IgG seropositive, while 97.9% of females were HCMV IgG seropositive. Among all patients, only four were HCMV IgM seropositive. All four HCMV IgM seropositive patients were HCMV IgG seropositive. Low socioeconomic status and poor hygiene practices determine HCMV prevalence in developing countries. Minister of Public Health, Yemen have to approve HCMV serologic test as a routine screening test for pregnant females to prevent HCMV neurological disorders in fetus/newborn.

Increased cytomegalovirus immune responses at disease onset are protective in the long-term prognosis of patients with multiple sclerosis

ObjectiveIt remains unclear whether viral infections interfere with multiple sclerosis (MS) disease progression. We evaluated the prognostic role of antibody responses toward viruses determined at disease onset on long-term disease...

The Impact of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Reactivation on Clinical Course and Immunomodulatory Effect in Children with Immune-Thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Background: ITP might be preceded by silent or overt viral infections. CMV, a human herpes virus has high prevalence of infection and an established antiviral protocol; it might trigger ITP and might play a central role in its pathogenesis whether in newly developed ITP or if CMV is not cleared might continue to trigger immune-modulationAim: To assess the effect of CMV infection on the course of ITP and to evaluate the effect of CMV positivity on the INF γ and its impact on bleeding scores and outcome in patients with ITP.Methods: A cross sectional study over 6 months included 68 patients with ITP aged 2-16 years at different time check-points in a ratio almost 1:1:2; (15 patients with newly diagnosed ITP, 16 persistent ITP and 37 chronic course ). Bleeding assessment tool (SMOG score), organomegaly/lymphadenopathy and treatment protocol, its response. All were CMV Ig-G positive. All secondary ITP cases were excluded on basis of clinical and necessary work-up. Interferon Gamma (INF gamma) assay was done by flowcytometry on CD3+ T cells post stimulation in culture media by PMA. CMV serology was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with CMV IgM, IgG avidity index. A control group was used for IFN-γ level.Results: Median age was 4 years for newly diagnosed/persistent ITP (females 48%) and 10 years for chronic ITP (females 63%). the frequency of CMV IgM positive was 22.6% for new/persistent ITP and 35.1% of pediatrics patients with chronic ITP. All CMV IgM positive patients showed high CMV IgG avidity. INF gamma expression was higher for new and persistent ITP 53.1 ± 16.9 compared to chronic ITP 40.8 ± 11.5, and both were significantly higher than control group 5.3 ± 5.0 (P<0.001). There was negative correlation between INF gamma and HCMV IgG avidity. CMV IgM positive cases did not differ from IgM negative cases according to age, gender, history of preceeding viral illness, clinical presentation, SMOG score, blood picture and platelet count at the time of diagnosis. Response to initial treatment was similar in both HCMV IgM positive patients and CMV IgM negative patients (p=0.466). However, duration of response to first line treatment was longer in patients with CMV IgM negative compared to IgM positive (P=0.04). The differences in response to current treatment were not statistically significant (P=0.39). Conclusion: CMV reactivation is not uncommon in children with ITP especially in chronic course, it might play a role in duration of initial response to immunomodulatory treatment. However, It didn't seem to have an appreciable impact on the clinical severity. In addition, significant high level of IFN gamma is a appreciable findings in all groups of ITP.Elalfy MS1, Nugent D Viruses, anti-viral therapy, and viral vaccines in children with immune thrombocytopenia. Semin Hematol. 2016 Apr;53 Suppl 1:S70-2. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Immunological and Molecular Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus Infection between Aborted &amp; Pregnant Women in Babylon City

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the globally highly prevalent herpesvirus worldwide. CMV infects populations of all ages according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). CMV infections remain the most common viral complication potentially multiple in humans and are a major cause of congenital normality in women, which is why they are critical for diagnosis in several times when it happens during pregnancy. Pregnant women with CMV infection can be in charge of abortion or congenital expandaedby. This study involves the collection a total of (90) samples taken from each aborted and pregnant woman (70 with abortion cases and 20 of pregnant without history of abortion as control subjects) referring to Babylon teaching hospital for Maternity and Children, covering a period from (October 2018 to March 2019) to investigate the occurrence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Babylon city. Patients and controls were evaluated for IgG, IgM antibodies and anti-HCMV IgG, IgM for (90) subjects were controlled in this study using the Enzyme Immunoassay Test Kit and read by enzyme - linked immunosorbent analyze (ELISA). In addition the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) DNA detection for CMV are based on the amplification of pathogen genomes in a particular region using different primers. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the data. The results show among 90 samples, women were evaluated for CMV infection, the seroprevalence titer was significantly higher at P &lt;0.05 in seropositive cases ranging from 62(89%) toward positive CMV IgG, while the 65 (93%) of patients were positive CMV IgM from (70) women with abortions. By contrast, the results obtained from the controls were 9 (45%) subjects seropositive for IgG and all of them were seronegative with IgM. The anti – HCMV IgG finding showed high positivity that represents the furthermost of CMV infections among females through ages ranging between 20-29 years. Furthermore, the outcomes of molecular detection showed that a small number of samples 13 (19%) were HCMV DNA detectable in aborted women less than in pregnant women 3 (15%).

Establishment of a sandwich light-initiated chemiluminescence assay with double antigen for detecting human cytomegalovirus IgG antibody.

Determination of human cytomegalovirus IgG (HCMV IgG) level is of great importance in the diagnosis of HCMV infections. In this study, a novel, double antigen sandwich homogeneous immunoassay-based light-initiated chemiluminescent assay (LICA) for measuring HCMV IgG serum levels was developed. This sandwich LICA for HCMV IgG was performed by incubating serum samples with HCMV pp150 protein coated with chemibeads, streptavidin-coated sensibeads, and biotinylated HCMV pp150 protein. The working conditions of this assay were optimized and the correlation between the results of the LICA and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was evaluated. As a homogeneous immunoassay, this sandwich LICA could accurately and rapidly determine the serum levels of HCMV IgG with a high-throughput. Thus, this newly developed assay could be a useful analytical tool in the clinical diagnosis of HCMV infections.

Different expression pattern of human cytomegalovirus-encoded microRNAs in circulation from virus latency to reactivation

BackgroundHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a beta-hersvirinae that has a high latent infection rate worldwide and can cause serious consequences in immunocompromised patients when reactivation; however, the mechanism of how HCMV convert from latent to reactivation has rarely been investigated. In the present study, we aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of the HCMV-encoded microRNA (miRNA) profile in serum of patients upon HCMV reactivation from latency and to further evaluate its clinical significance for the disease monitoring and preventing usefulness.MethodsSerum samples from 59 viremia patients and 60 age-gender matched controls were enrolled in this study for screening and validation of different expression of HCMV miRNAs. Serum concentrations of 22 known HCMV miRNAs were determined by a hydrolysis probe-based stem-loop quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay. HCMV DNA was measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) with the whole blood sample. Serum HCMV IgG and IgM were assessed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Another 47 samples from 5 patients at different time points were collected to evaluate the monitoring effectiveness and disease prediction ability of differential expression HCMV-miRNAs during the antiviral treatment.ResultsThe RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the serum levels of 16 of the 22 examined HCMV miRNAs were elevated in HCMV viremia patients compared with controls, and a profile of 8 HCMV miRNAs including hcmv-miR-US25-2-3p, hcmv-miR-US4-5p, hcmv-miR-US25-2-5p, hcmv-miR-US25-1-3p, hcmv-miR-US25-1, hcmv-miR-UL36, hcmv-miR-UL148D, hcmv-miR-US29-3p were markedly elevated (fold change > 2, P < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were performed on the selected HCMV-miRNAs in all of the patients and controls that enrolled in this study, and which ranged from 0.72 to 0.80 in the autoimmune patients. In addition, hcmv-miR-US25-1-3p levels were significantly correlated with HCMV DNA load (r = 0.349, P = 0.007), and were obviously higher in the reactivation set than the latency set in the autoimmune patients, which could be a predictor for the monitoring of the antiviral treatment.ConclusionsHCMV miRNAs profile showed markedly shift-switch from latency to reactivation in circulation from HCMV infected patients and hcmv-miR-US25-1-3p may be served as a predictor for the switch upon reactivation from latency in patients suffered with autoimmune diseases.

Human cytomegalovirus seropositivity is associated with decreased survival in glioblastoma patients.

BackgroundHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an oncomodulatory human herpesvirus that has been detected in glioblastoma (GBM) and is associated with worse prognosis in patients with the disease. The effects of HCMV systemic infection on survival in GBM patients, however, are largely unknown. We aimed to determine the association between HCMV serostatus at diagnosis and survival via a retrospective cohort study of GBM patients.MethodsPlasma from 188 GBM patients treated at the Ben and Catherine Ivy Center (Seattle, WA) was tested for HCMV serostatus via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays of anti-HCMV immunoglobulin (Ig)G. HCMV IgG serostatus was analyzed with respect to each patient’s progression-free and overall survival (OS) via log-rank and multivariable Cox regression analysis.ResultsNinety-seven of 188 (52%) patients were anti-HCMV IgG seropositive. Median OS was decreased in the IgG+ cohort (404 days) compared to IgG− patients (530 days; P = .0271). Among O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) unmethylated patients (n = 96), median OS was significantly decreased in IgG+ patients (336 days) compared to IgG− patients (510 days; P = .0094). MGMT methylation was associated with improved OS in IgG+ patients versus those who were unmethylated (680 vs 336 days; P = .0096), whereas no such association was observed among IgG− patients.ConclusionsIn this study, HCMV seropositivity was significantly associated with poorer OS in GBM patients. This finding suggests prior infection with HCMV may play an important role in GBM patient outcomes, and anti-HCMV antibodies may, therefore, prove a valuable prognostic tool in the management of GBM patients.

PREVALENCE OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS IGG ANTIBODIES, POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS AND AWARENESS OF CONGENITAL CYTOMEGALOVIRUS AMONG FEMALE DOCTORS

Female staff in children-Mother care hospitals may run an increased risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) contact infection leading to a congenital CMV feto-pathy during pregnancy. Also, because of limited treatment options for congenital cytomegalovirus infection, preventive strategies are important so knowledge and awareness among doctors are essential for the success of preventive strategies. Thus this study was carried out to determine the positive rate of IgG among female doctors at age bearing who care for children and mothers in Sana'a hospitals. Also, to investigate the knowledge of congenital CMV among doctors involved in the study. This cross sectional study was carried out for one year (June 2017- June 2018); 178 Yemeni female doctors were included in this study. 23 (12.9%) of the total female doctors were pediatrics, 32(18%) gynecology and obstetrics, 9 (5.1%) Oto-rhinolaryngology and 114 (64%) were general practices. Blood samples were collected from all participants and tested for IgG antibodies of HCMV by ELISA. The individual's data were collected in a pre-designed questionnaire including; demographic data, risk factors. Also, a questionnaire on CMV infection was answered by doctors on the knowledge concerning epidemiology, transmission, symptoms and signs of CMV infection in adults and children; and treatment options. 13.4% of female doctors were negative (HCMV IgG &lt;9 SU), while the rest (86.6%) were positive (HCMV IgG ≥ 11 SU). There was escalate trend of positive HCMV IgG antibodies rate with increasing age, significance association between sero-positive HCMV IgG antibodies and parity (OR=3.1, p=0.01), 1-3 pregnancy rate (OR=2.2, p=0.05), and history of surgery (OR=3.8, p=0.01). Most of the doctors were aware that most healthy adults and pregnant women do not experience any symptoms of a CMV infection (66.8%); and only one-fifth of the respondents were aware that kissing, and changing diapers, are risk factors for the transmission of CMV. Also, only half of the total respondents were aware that microcephaly (59%), and hearing loss (56.7%) could be symptoms of congenital CMV. This study revealed that the HCMV is highly endemic in our population where the prevalence of IgG among the medical female doctors was 86.5%, thus HCMV should be considered as a possible cause of morbidity and mortality in fetus and might in mothers in Yemen. Increasing knowledge and awareness is expected to enhance the prevention of transmission, to improve recognition, and to stimulate diagnostic investigations and follow-up programs.

Neonatal HCMV-related polymicrogyria in seroimmune women: What is the optimal pregnancy management?

BackgroundHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is the most common congenital infection in developed countries. Recent studies highlighted similar percentages of symptoms in HCMV congenitally-infected infants following either primary or non-primary maternal infections. ObjectivesTo highlight correlation between neonatal brain abnormalities, detected by ultrasounds and magnetic resonance image in HCMV congenitally-infected infants, and maternal virological parameters during pregnancy, especially in seroimmune mothers. Study designWe considered the 36 HCMV congenitally-infected infants (26 asymptomatic and 10 symptomatic) referred to our center over 4 consecutive years. Maternal serologic data during pregnancy were available for all cases. Neonatal cranial ultrasound and magnetic resonance images were related to maternal virological findings during pregnancy. ResultsPolymicrogyria was observed in 6/10 (60.0%) symptomatic and 0/26 (0%) asymptomatic newborns (p < 0.001). The 6 infants with polymicrogyria were all born to mothers who were HCMV IgG reactive with negative specific IgM, in the first trimester of pregnancy (range: 8–14 weeks). For these six women, pre-conceptional HCMV serologic information were absent and they all were considered immune for HCMV during pregnancy, therefore no further serologic investigation or specific educational and hygienic information were recommended during gestation. ConclusionThese data highlight the elevated frequency of polymicrogyria in HCMV congenitally-infected infants born to mothers defined as seroimmune in the early stage of pregnancy and having no pre-existing serologic information. The paper stresses the potential utility of pre-conceptional screening to define maternal infection reliably (primary vs non-primary), and allow evidence-based counseling in women with positive serology, suggesting also preventive hygienic measures during pregnancy.

Seroprevalence of HCMV among Pregnant Women and Its relation to CD4 and CRP

The HCMV is a widespread viral pathogen characterized by strict host specificity and is limited to humans. It has been described as an important etiological agent of intrauterine infection in during the pregnancy, which may lead to some serious results such as miscarriage, cerebellar malformation stillbirth, and fetus developmental retardation. The study carried out in Kirkuk governorate from the December 2017 to May 2018 for study the relation of CD4 percentage and CRP with HCMV seropositive pregnant women. The number of pregnant women under study was two hundred women attending to some private medical laboratories in Kirkuk. The pregnant women were examined for the seroprevalence of HCMV IgM and IgG antibodies by using VIDAS technique. The results were (81 %), (9%) and (6%) for HCMV-IgG, HCMV-IgM and for both IgG &amp; IgM at the same time respectively. The highest rates (41.66%) of decreased CD4 percentage were within seropositive pregnant women for both IgG &amp; IgM at same time, while the highest rates (16.66%)of CRP positive were found within HCMV-IgM seropositive group.

Comparison of the HCMV-specific neutralization capacity of hyperimmunglobulin (HIG) and standard intravenous immunglobulin (IVIG) preparations: Impact of HCMV IgG normalization

Comparison of the HCMV-specific neutralization capacity of hyperimmunglobulin (HIG) and standard intravenous immunglobulin (IVIG) preparations: Impact of HCMV IgG normalization

Discrepancy in impact of maternal milk on vertical transmission between Hepatitis B virus and Human cytomegalovirus

This study aims to elucidate the role of breastfeeding on vertical transmission of HCMV and HBV and to investigate the difference in perinatal transmission via breast milk between HBV and HCMV. This detailed study monitored the kinetics of viral DNA load in maternal milk for both HBV and HCMV, demonstrated the rate of transmission to infants, and compared HBV infection rate with that of HCMV. There was no difference in overall DNAlactia+ between HBV (23.86%) and HCMV (29.54%, P=0.140) for seropositive mothers, while HBsAg prevalence (0.75%) was significantly lower than HCMV IgG+ (27.44%, P<0.001) for the breast-fed babies. Between breast-fed babies of seropositive mothers and those of seronegative mothers, HBV infection rate had no difference (HBsAg+: 0.75% vs 0%, P=0.538; DNAemia+: 0.38% vs 0%, P=0.664), but HCMV infection rate of the former was significantly higher than that of the latter (IgG+: 27.07% vs 18.00%, P=0.045; DNAemia+: 15.79% vs 4.00%, P=0.027). Breastfeeding is not a risk factor for maternal-to-infant transmission of HBV after the recommended prophylaxis is implemented. However, viral DNA positive breast milk is a main source for vertical transmission of HCMV to infants who are not protected by a standard immunoprophylaxis protocol.

HCMV seroprevalence in couples under infertility treatment

Congenital HCMV infection affects about 0.5-0.9 % of newborns in Europe. Primary prevention could effectively be implemented in screening programmes for couples treated for infertility. By supplying epidemiological data, the proportion of women susceptible to primary HCMV infection is estimated. Retrospective evaluation of HCMV IgG of couples with recurrent implantation failure in German IVF programmes referred to a tertiary immunological centre for lymphocyte immunotherapy in 2002 (727 couples) and 2012 (294 male partners only). HCMV seroprevalence was 45 % in women and 33 % in men of childbearing age in 2002 and has not declined any further in the male group (34 %) in 2012. It was higher in women (39.8 %) than in males (28.0 %) of German descent (p < 0.00001). Most couples were concordantly seropositive (20.5 %) or negative (41.8 %). Discordant partnerships comprised of seropositive women with negative partners (24.6 %) and seronegative women with positive partners (13.1 %). More than 50 % of the women are HCMV seronegative and may benefit from primary prevention. About one fourth of them live with a seropositive partner. Risks to contract HCMV via the sexual route in a long-term discordant partnership may be very low, and the advice of protective safer sex methods in this group of prospective parents is critical since it leads to a conflict of interests.

Human cytomegalovirus inhibits erythropoietin production.

Anemia is a feature of CKD and a complication of renal transplantation, often caused by impaired production of erythropoietin. The kidney is a target organ for human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) in such patients, but it is not known whether hCMV effects erythropoietin production. We found that kidneys from patients with CKD were positive for hCMV protein and that blood levels of hCMV IgG inversely correlated with red blood cell count. In mice, systemic murine cytomegalovirus infection decreased serum erythropoietin levels. In human erythropoietin-producing cells, hCMV inhibited hypoxia-induced expression of erythropoietin mRNA and protein. hCMV early gene expression was responsible, as ultraviolet-inactivated virus had no effect and valganciclovir treatment showed that late gene expression was nonessential. Hypoxia-induced gene transcription is controlled by the transcription factors hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF)-1α and HIF2α, which are constitutively produced but stable only under low oxygen conditions. We found that hCMV inhibited constitutive production of HIF2α mRNA. HIF2α is thought to be the master regulator of erythropoietin transcription. Single-cell analysis revealed that nuclear accumulation of HIF2α was inhibited in hCMV-infected cells, and the extent of inhibition correlated with hCMV protein expression. Our findings suggest that renal hCMV infection could induce or exacerbate anemia in patients.

Antenatal screening for Toxoplasma gondii, Cytomegalovirus, rubella and Treponema pallidum infections in northern Benin

Toxoplasma gondii, cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and rubella virus infections are among the most serious of those contracted during pregnancy in terms of foetal consequences. Toxoplasma, HCMV and rubella antibody screening is unusual in Africa, and there are few published data. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these markers among pregnant women in northern Benin on the occasion of routine syphilis screening. Toxoplasma, HCMV and rubella IgG and IgM antibodies were determined in the serum of 283 women attending Saint Jean de Dieu de Tanguiéta hospital, using an enzyme immunoassay, and IgM were confirmed using an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA). In the case of IgM positivity, the avidity of anti-HCMV and anti-Toxoplasma IgG was measured. Total anti-Treponema pallidum antibodies were determined using an enzyme immunoassay and confirmed by immunoblotting. In the case of positivity, the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test was used. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma, anti-HCMV, anti-rubella IgG and total anti-Treponema antibodies was, respectively, 30.0%, 100%, 94% and 2.5%. The VDRL test was positive in 62.5% of the anti-Treponema-positive samples. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma, anti-HCMV and anti-rubella IgM was, respectively, 0.4%, 1.4% and 0%. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of age class or trimester of pregnancy. Anti-Toxoplasma and anti-HCMV IgG avidity was always high. The prevalence of HCMV and rubella antibodies is high in northern Benin, whereas that of Toxoplasma antibodies is lower. As nearly two-thirds of the pregnant women were anti-Toxoplasma seronegative, antibody screening should be introduced.

High prevalence of human cytomegalovirus in carotid atherosclerotic plaques obtained from Russian patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy

BackgroundHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) but the role of this virus in CVD progression remains unclear. We aimed to examine the HCMV serostatus in Russian patients (n = 90) who had undergone carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and controls (n = 82) as well as to determine the prevalence of HCMV immediate early (IE) and late (LA) antigens in carotid atherosclerotic plaques obtained from 89 patients. In addition, we sought to determine whether HCMV infection was associated with inflammatory activity in the plaque by quantifying infiltrating CD3 and CD68 positive cells and 5-LO immunoreactivity.MethodsHCMV serology was assessed with ELISA and immunohistochemistry staining was performed to detect HCMV antigens, CD3, CD68 and 5-LO reactivity. The Fisher’s exact test was used to compare i) seroprevalence of HCMV IgG between patients and controls and ii) HCMV-positive or –negative to that of CD3, CD68 and 5-LO immunoreactive cells in plaque samples. The student-t test was performed to connote the significance level of mean optical density between patients and controls.ResultsThe seroprevalence for HCMV IgG was high in both patients and controls (99% and 98%, respectively). Controls had significantly higher IgG titers for HCMV compared with patients (p = 0.0148). Strikingly, we found a high prevalence of HCMV antigens in atherosclerotic plaques; 57/89 (64%) and 47/87 (54%) were HCMV IE and LA positive, respectively. Most plaques had rather low HCMV reactivity with distinct areas of HCMV-positive cells mainly detected in shoulder regions of the plaques, but also in the area adjacent to the necrotic core and fibrous cap. In plaques, the cellular targets for HCMV infection appeared to be mainly macrophages/foam cells and smooth muscle cells. HCMV-positive plaques trended to be associated with increased numbers of CD68 positive macrophages and CD3 positive T cells, while 5-LO reactivity was high in both HCMV-positive and HCMV-negative plaques.ConclusionsIn Russian patients undergoing CEA, HCMV proteins are abundantly expressed in carotid plaques and may contribute to the inflammatory response in plaques via enhanced infiltration of CD68 and CD3 cells.

Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus among pregnant women and hospitalized children in Palestine

BackgroundHuman Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common cause of congenital infections. The maternal immune status plays a major role in the likelihood of congenital infection. The aim of this study is to shed light on the seroprevalence of HCMV in pregnant women, hospitalized children and newborns including cases of congenital infections in Palestine.MethodsWe analyzed HCMV IgG and IgM test results that had been ordered for pregnant women, hospitalized children and newborns in the years 2006–2012 at Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Hospital (MICH) in East Jerusalem. Furthermore, we reviewed the medical charts of newborns and HCMV IgM-positive children.ResultsHCMV IgG was positive in 96.6% of pregnant women, in 88% of hospitalized children and in 98.4% of hospitalized newborns. HCMV IgM was positive in 11.5% of pregnant women, in 11.7% of hospitalized children and in 2% of hospitalized newborns respectively. The HCMV avidity assay revealed that 95% of IgM-positive pregnant women had high avidity (>60%) indicating that most Palestinian women were undergoing a recurrent HCMV infection. Real time PCR on limited number of cases indicated that 62.5% of infants, mostly born to IgM-positive mothers and 83.3% of HCMV IgM-positive children had detectable HCMV DNA in their urine. Out of the 249 newborns tested during this study period, four (1.6%) were subjected to Gancyclovir treatment because of symptomatic congenital HCMV infection.ConclusionsThis is the first report to provide an insight into HCMV seroprevalence in Palestine. Despite the high rate of seropositivity, the importance of HCMV testing during pregnancy should not be underestimated. A comprehensive study with a long term follow-up examination of offspring born to HCMV IgM-positive mothers would be required to provide estimates of an accurate percentage of symptomatic congenital HCMV infection in Palestine.

Sero-prevalence of viral co-infections in HIV infected children of Northern India

To assess the prevalence of viral co-infections in HIV infected children. Children born to HIV seropositive parents and those children who were suspected to be HIV infected based on clinical presentation by the pediatrician were screened for HIV -1 and 2 antibodies as per National Aids Control Organization (NACO) guidelines. Those found to be seropositive for HIV infection were further tested for Hepatitis B&C, Herpes simplex virus and Human cytomegalovirus infection. Among 803 children screened, 101 were found positive for HIV antibodies. Among the five viral markers tested, HCMV IgG was positive in 88 children (87.1%). HCMV IgM was positive in 35 cases (34.6%). HBsAg tested positive in 30 children, while anti-HCV IgM was reactive in 27 cases. IgM anti- HSV antibodies were observed positive in 59 (58.4%) cases. Both hepatitis virus coinfection (HBsAg and anti- HCV IgM antibodies) was observed in 10 HIV positive children, while both Herpesviridae family viruses (HCMV -IgM antibodies and HSV -IgM antibodies) were positive in 30 cases (29.7%). Viral co-infections are significantly higher in HIV positive children, which adds to significant mortality and morbidity and should therefore be screened in all HIV positive children for timely treatment in order to improve the quality of life and better survival of HIV infected children.

Development of an In-house ELISA for Detection of HCMV IgG and Finding of Antibody Avidity by Application of Diethylamine

Development of an In-house ELISA for Detection of HCMV IgG and Finding of Antibody Avidity by Application of Diethylamine