Healthy Adult People Research Articles

EVALUATION OF ELABELA LEVELS IN OBESE INDIVIDUALS

Aim: Obesity is a condition that occurs as a result of excessive weight gain. Obesity is related with the high risk of several diseases like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. Elabela is a peptide that has emerged recently and is known to affect food intake by binding to apelinergic receptors. This study aimed to investigate the serum levels of Elabela in obese and non-obese individuals. Material and methods: This study involved 24 people with obesity and 25 healthy adult people as control group. Height, weight, gender, age, waist-hip circumference, blood pressure of participants were recorded and routine blood tests were measured. Serum concentrations of Elabela were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: When comparing the obese group to the controls, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of diastolic blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and C-reactive protein. Similarly, both groups did not differ statistically regarding Elabela levels. The obese group exhibited significantly elevated levels of body mass index, waist/hip ratio, systolic blood pressure values, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) compared to the control group. The obese group demonstrated a significantly lower level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in comparison to the control group. Conclusions: In this study, it was found that there was no relationship between Elabela levels and obesity. However, this issue needs to be supported by further studies to clarify.

Fracture patterns in adult onset type 1 diabetes and associated risk factors – A nationwide cohort study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the hazard ratios (HR) for various fracture sites and identify associated risk factors in a cohort of relatively healthy adult people with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (T1D). MethodsThe study utilized data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD (1987–2017). Participants included people aged 20 and above with a T1D diagnosis code (n = 3281) and a new prescription for insulin. Controls without diabetes were matched based on sex, year of birth, and practice. Cox regression analysis was conducted to estimate HRs for any fracture, major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs), and peripheral fractures (lower-arm and lower-leg) in people with T1D compared to controls. Risk factors for T1D were examined and included sex, age, diabetic complications, medication usage, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), hypoglycemia, previous fractures, falls, and alcohol consumption. Furthermore, T1D was stratified by duration of disease and presence of microvascular complications. ResultsThe proportion of any fracture was higher in T1D (10.8 %) than controls (7.3). Fully adjusted HRs for any fracture (HR: 1.43, CI95%: 1.17–1.74), MOFs (HR: 1.46, CI95%: 1.04–2.05), and lower-leg fractures (HR: 1.37, CI95%: 1.01–1.85) were statistically significantly increased in people with T1D compared to controls. The primary risk factor across all fracture sites in T1D was a previous fracture. Additional risk factors at different sites included previous falls (HR: 1.64, CI95%: 1.17–2.31), antidepressant use (HR: 1.34, CI95%: 1.02–1.76), and anxiolytic use (HR: 1.54, CI95%: 1.08–2.29) for any fracture; being female (HR: 1.65, CI95%: 1.14–2.38) for MOFs; the presence of retinopathy (HR: 1.47, CI95%: 1.02–2.11) and previous falls (HR: 2.04, CI95%: 1.16–3.59) for lower-arm and lower-leg fractures, respectively. Lipid-lowering medication use decreased the risk of MOFs (HR: 0.66, CI95%: 0.44–0.99).Stratification of T1D by disease duration showed that the relative risk of any fracture in T1D did not increase with longer diabetes duration (0–4 years: HR: 1.52, CI95%: 1.23–1.87; 5–9 years: HR: 1.30, CI95%: 0.99–1.71; <10 years: HR: 1.07, CI95%: 0.74–1.55). Similar patterns were observed for other fracture sites. Moreover, the occurrence of microvascular complications in T1D was linked to a heightened risk of fractures in comparison to controls. However, when considering the T1D cohort independently, the association was not statistically significant. ConclusionIn a cohort of relatively healthy and newly diagnosed people with T1D HRs for any fracture, MOFs, and lower-leg fractures compared to controls were increased. A previous fracture was the most consistent risk factor for a subsequent fracture, whereas retinopathy was the only diabetes related one. We postulate a potential initial fracture risk, succeeded by a subsequent risk reduction, which might potentially increase in later years due to the accumulation of complications and other factors.

The Efficacy of Hb and RBCs Indices Components of a Full Blood Count Test on Detection of Colorectal Cancer among Adult Sudanese Patients

Background: One of the most dangerous neoplasms affecting the colon, rectum, and/or anus, colorectal cancer (CRC) has a variety of macroscopic and histopathologic features. The third most prevalent cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer-related cause of death is colorectal cancer. The second most prevalent gastrointestinal cancer and the fifth most frequent primary tumor in Sudan is colorectal cancer. A complete blood count (FBC) is a routine blood test that can include up to 20 different blood components and is used in both primary and secondary care. This study was done to assess how well the FBC test works for detecting CRC. Objectives: We hypothesized that the Hb and RBCs indices (RBCs counts, PCV, MCV, MCH, and MCHC) components of a full blood count test have a value in the detection of colorectal cancer among adult Sudanese patients. Material and Methods: This study was a hospital- based retrospective cross-sectional analytical study. The study included 100 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The study was conducted at the Shendi Oncology Hospital and Research Center; University of Shendi. In the period from August 2015 to August 2022. Result: The results of the study showed that the mean values of the RBCs, PCV, and MCV for both gender males and females were significantly higher in the healthy adult Sudanese people compared with the colorectal cancer patients (p=0.000). The mean value of the MCHC for both genders was significantly higher in the colorectal cancer patients compared with the healthy adult people (p=0.002). The mean values of the MCH and Hb were varied according to the gender between the colorectal cancer patients and the healthy adult people. The result also showed that 25 (25%) patients who performed the FBC test before receiving the chemotherapy; had relatively low mean values of Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, and MCHC compared with 23 (23%) patients who performed the FBC test after they received the chemotherapy. Conclusion: An FBC test can be used to screen individuals who are suspected of having colorectal cancer for iron deficiency anemia, which develops as a result of persistent blood loss from rectal bleeding and is the primary symptom of CRC in the early stages.

Eating frequency has an inverse correlation with adiposity measures and non-invasive arterial stiffness parameters in healthy adult people

BackgroundLifestyle modifications have been recommended as an essential treatment approach for cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown that eating frequency (EF) correlates with hypertension and related risk of organ damage. This study aimed to examine critical clinical implications to evaluate the association of EF with arterial stiffness parameters as an early marker of atherosclerosis manifestations. MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 658 participants of the PERSIAN Organizational Cohort study in Mashhad, aged 30–70 years. Arterial stiffness was assessed by measurement markers of arteriosclerosis, including arterial age, augmentation index (AIx), augmentation pressure (AP), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (Cf-PWV), and central blood pressure. Differences in anthropometric indices, blood indices, and arterial stiffness parameters were evaluated across EF groups. ResultsOur data demonstrate that EF was positively correlated with total daily energy intake, and favourable profiles of adiposity and blood lipids. Subjects with an increased EF, had significantly lower AIx, AP, Arterial Age and Central blood pressure (P for trend<0.001) as compared to Lowest EF and not significant with PWV (P for trend, 0.19). Arterial stiffness was also significantly lower in those with increased EF compared with subjects with low EF. By Linear regression analysis, after adjustment for Confounding factors, except PWV, EF showed the associations with all of the non-invasive arterial stiffness parameters. ConclusionIncreased EF is associated with a lower wave reflection and blood pressure in the central arteries.

Methylation of the suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Gene (SOCS1) in Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway activation is initiated by mutations in the JAK2 gene. This activation is in turn, a vital pathogenetic mechanism in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). However, several factors affect the pathogenesis of MPNs other than the JAK2 gene mutations, such as the downregulation of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins, which are potent inhibitors of the JAK/STAT pathway. Therefore, we hypothesized that the regulation of SOCS protein system might be a possible pathogenetic mechanism of MPNs through activating the JAK/STAT pathway. Our study aimed to investigate the status of the Suppressors of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in 125 MPNs specimens at the level of mutated points. The acquired mutations, aberrant expression, and/or CpG island hypermethylation of SOCS1 were analyzed among Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm patients. SOCS1 was identified in 20.0% of all patients with Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm. At the diagnosis, the prevalence of methylation was 41.0% for Polycythaemia Vera (PV), 27.7% for Essential Thrombocythaemia (ET), and 6.6% for Primary Myelofibrosis (PMF). The methylation was not detected in 20 healthy adult people. A significant association was found between disease groups (p=.077). The presence of methylated SOCS1 was found to be significantly correlated with age (p=.005), total RBCs count (p=.019), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (p=.002), and Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) (p=.007) in PV patients. However, the presence of methylated SOCS1 was found to be significantly associated with age (p=.012), total RBCs count (p=.022), Hb concentration (p=.024), HCT (p=.033), and platelets count (p=.037) in ET patients. Moreover, the presence of methylated SOCS1 was significantly associated with Hb concentration (p=.046) and HCT (p=.040) in PMF patients. We concluded that the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in alternative or with JAK2 mutations leads to SOCS1 hypermethylation, which could represent a potential therapeutic target.

Eating frequency has an inverse correlation with adiposity measures and non-invasive arterial stiffness parameters in healthy adult people

BackgroundLifestyle modifications have been recommended as an essential treatment approach for cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have shown that eating frequency (EF) correlates with hypertension and related risk of organ damage. This study aimed to examine critical clinical implications to evaluate the association of EF with arterial stiffness parameters as an early marker of atherosclerosis manifestations. MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 658 participants of the PERSIAN Organizational Cohort study in Mashhad, aged 30–70 years. Arterial stiffness was assessed by measurement markers of arteriosclerosis, including arterial age, augmentation index (AIx), augmentation pressure (AP), carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (Cf-PWV), and central blood pressure. Differences in anthropometric indices, blood indices, and arterial stiffness parameters were evaluated across EF groups. ResultsOur data demonstrate that EF was positively correlated with total daily energy intake, and favourable profiles of adiposity and blood lipids. Subjects with an increased EF, had significantly lower AIx, AP, Arterial Age and Central blood pressure (P for trend<0.001) as compared to Lowest EF and not significant with PWV (P for trend, 0.19). Arterial stiffness was also significantly lower in those with increased EF compared with subjects with low EF. By Linear regression analysis, after adjustment for Confounding factors, except PWV, EF showed the associations with all of the non-invasive arterial stiffness parameters. ConclusionIncreased EF is associated with a lower wave reflection and blood pressure in the central arteries.

Virulence Factors and Antibiotic Resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Isolated From Neonates With Sepsis.

Introduction: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most important infectious agents in neonates. There are “classic” and hypervirulent strains of K. pneumoniae. The “classic” non-virulent strain of K. pneumoniae, producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), is associated with nosocomial infections. Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae strains are associated with invasive infections in previously healthy adult people, and most of them exhibit antimicrobial susceptibility. The role of virulent strains of K. pneumoniae (including hv-KP) in neonatal infections is unknown. The aim of the study was the assessment of the impact of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance of K. pneumoniae strains on clinical features and outcomes of neonatal infection.Materials and Methods: Two groups of infants were enrolled. The first group consisted of 10 neonates with sepsis caused by K. pneumoniae. The second group consisted of 10 neonates with urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by K. pneumoniae. We investigated the susceptibility of K. pneumoniae isolates to antibiotics, the ability of the microorganism to produce ESBL, and virulence factors, including the rmpA gene, aerobactin, and colibactin genes. In neonates with sepsis, we investigated K. pneumoniae isolates, which was taken from the blood, in neonates with UTI—from the urine.Results: In neonates with sepsis testing of K. pneumoniae isolates for ESBL production was positive in 60% of cases, in neonates with UTI—in 40% of cases. All blood and urine ESBL producing K. pneumoniae isolates were resistant to ampicillins, including protected ones, and third-generation cephalosporins. At the same time, these isolates were sensitive to meropenem, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. The rmpA gene was detected in four blood, and three urine K. pneumoniae isolates. In neonates with sepsis rmpA gene in two cases was detected in ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates. They were infants with meningitis, and both cases were fatal. In the group of infants with UTI, the rmpA gene was detected only in K. pneumoniae isolates not producing ESBL. Aerobactin and colibactin genes were detected in two neonates with sepsis and in three neonates with UTI. In all cases, aerobactin and colibactin genes were detected only in rmpA-positive K. pneumoniae isolates. Out of three fatal outcomes, two cases were caused by hv-KP producing ESBL.Conclusion: The prevalence of virulent strains of K. pneumoniae among neonates with sepsis and other neonatal infection is higher than we think. The most severe forms of neonatal sepsis with an unfavorable outcome in our study were due to virulent strains of K. pneumoniae.

NILAI RUJUKAN HEMATOLOGI PADA ORANG DEWASA SEHAT BERDASARKAN SYSMEX XT-1800i

The reference values of laboratory tests are affected by factors such as instruments and methods of tests, which are always beingdeveloped. For these reasons, each laboratory is recommended to determine their own reference values. To determine the reference valuesof complete blood count in healthy adult people, and compare them to the reference values which is taken from the references. A crosssectional study was conducted on 200 healthy adult people, aged 18-60 years, selected during blood donation. The eight haematologicalparameters were estimated using Sysmex Xt-1800i at Dr.Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital. The data were analyzed statistically by SPSS11.5 programs. The reference values of leukocyte, erythrocyte, haemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelet were: 4400 to10000 /µL; %:4.2–6.2 í— 106/µL; &amp;:3.8–5.5 í— 106/µL; %:12.5–17.3 g/dL; &amp;:11.8–15.4 g/dL; %:38.1–50.4 %; &amp;:31.1–49.7 %; 80,1to 94,3 fL, 25,9–31,9 pg, 31,4–35,2 g/dL, and %:171.2–405.1 í— 103/µL; &amp;:191.8–441.5 í— 103/µL, respectively. Significant differenceswere observed in the MCH and platelet values (p&lt; 0,005). The values found in this study were similar to the reference value commonlyused in our laboratory, except for the MCH value which was lower and the platelet value which was higher..

Evaluation of acute effects of coffee consumption on arterial stiffness in healthy adult people using an oscillometric device

Evaluation of acute effects of coffee consumption on arterial stiffness in healthy adult people using an oscillometric device

Abstract P138: Novel Arterial Stiffness Index Was Associated with Pulmonary Function

Introduction: Recent studies have shown that the results of vascular function tests, such as pulse wave velocity or cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), were associated with pulmonary function in children or hypertensive patients, and increased CAVI might be correlated with progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the association between vascular function and pulmonary function remains unclear, especially in healthy adult people. Arterial velocity index (AVI) is a novel arterial stiffness index that can be measured more easily than previous methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between AVI and pulmonary function test results in the healthy adult population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of healthy adults aged 20 years or older at a single large medical center in Hachinohe, Japan between April 2014 and March 2015. We measured AVI using cuff oscillometry. AVI means the characteristics of pulse waves at higher cuff pressure than systolic BP. The outcome measure was forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), which was measured with spirometry. We used log-transformed values of AVI and FEV1, as the distributions of these values were skewed. We calculated a correlation coefficient between AVI and FEV1, and performed multiple linear regression analyses to adjust for effects of age, sex, height, and smoking status. Results: In total, 777 men and 530 women participated in this study. The mean age of total participants was 44.9 years (SD = 5.9), and the percentage of current smokers was 32.0 % (418 out of 1,307). The mean AVI was 15.6 (SD = 4.9), and the mean FEV1 was 3.13 L (SD = 0.65). AVI was negatively correlated with FEV1 (r = –0.21, p &lt; 0.001). In fully-adjusted models, AVI was independently associated with FEV1 (β = –0.03, p = 0.017, 95 % CI = –0.06 to –0.01). Conclusions: Our study showed that an increase of arterial stiffness as assessed via AVI was independently associated with a decrease in FEV1 in the healthy Japanese population. Further study is warranted to confirm these findings in cohort studies.

Normal values of posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve conduction study related to age, gender, height, and body mass index.

Recent studies have proposed posterior antebrachial cutaneous (PABC) nerve could help in interpretation of some conditions in upper limb electrodiagnostic study. This study aimed to establish these normal values and to assess the effect of sex, age, height, and body mass index on these normal values. Eligible participants were 84 healthy adult people aged between 22 and 75 years who underwent PABC nerve conduction studies. The mean ± SD values of the base-to-peak amplitude, peak latency, and nerve conduction velocity of all participants were 10.95 ± 2.90 μV, 2.08 ± 0.20 milliseconds, and 57.85 ± 7.83 m/second, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the subjects' age and the PABC onset latency, peak latency, and nerve conduction velocity (r = 0.64, P < 0.001; r = 0.6, P < 0.001; and r = 0.44, P < 0.001, respectively). A significant negative correlation was observed between age and base-to-peak amplitude and peak-to-peak amplitude of participants, as well (r = -0.38, r = -0.41, P < 0.001, respectively). The correlation of body mass index with base-to-peak amplitude and peak-to-peak amplitude were r = -0.36, P < 0.001 and r = -0.40, P < 0.001, respectively. This study has established normal values for PABC nerve conduction studies. Furthermore, age and body mass index must be taken into account for making diagnostic conclusion in PABC nerve conduction studies.

CONCENTRATION OF THE SERUM TGF-BETA1 IN HEALTHY ADULT PEOPLE

Elevated serum Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) levels have been linked to tissue fibrosis including chronic kidney disease. Objectives: (1) Investigate serum TGF-beta1 levels in healthy adult people and (2) Examined the relation between serum TGF-beta1 level and gender, age, body mass index (BMI). Method: A cross-sectional study. TGF-beta1 were quantified by ELISA. Results: Levels of serum TGF-beta1 in healthy people were 13,45 ± 7,17 ng/mL mL (0,59 - 33,10 ng/mL). There are no difference of serum TGF-beta1 levels between men and women, between the age groups (&lt;40 years, 40 to &lt; 60 years and ≥ 60 years), between BMI groups &lt; 23 and BMI group ≥ 23. Key words: TGF-beta1, healthy people

TOF-Watch® monitor: failure to calculate the train-of-four ratio in the absence of baseline calibration in anaesthetized dogs

TOF-Watch(®) monitors are designed to display train-of-four (TOF) count when neuromuscular block is intense, and to display TOF ratio when it is less intense. In dogs recovering from non-depolarizing neuromuscular block, when all four twitches are easily visible and apparently of similar magnitude, TOF-Watch(®) monitors often display TOF counts and not TOF ratios, as would be expected. We have never encountered this problem when the monitor was calibrated before neuromuscular blocking agent administration. Fourteen healthy female dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy were investigated. Recovery from neuromuscular block was assessed with a calibrated TOF-Watch SX(®) monitor. When the TOF ratio returned to 90%, the TOF-Watch SX(®) was replaced with an uncalibrated TOF-Watch(®) monitor. The output obtained from the uncalibrated TOF-Watch(®) was compared with that of the calibrated device. The median TOF ratio measured by the calibrated TOF-Watch SX(®) unit at recovery was 91 (86-100)% (n=14). The uncalibrated TOF-Watch(®) monitor displayed TOF counts in six dogs [2 (0, 4)] and TOF ratios in the remaining eight dogs [91 (79, 98)%], that is, the uncalibrated device failed to display appropriately >40% of the time. TOF-Watch(®) monitors must be calibrated before neuromuscular blocking agents are administered to dogs. When these devices are not so calibrated, they default to a reference value for twitch magnitude that was defined in healthy adult people. Even though neuromuscular transmission was restored in these dogs, we surmise that they did not achieve the default reference value, causing the monitor to display TOF counts rather than TOF ratios.

Morphometric MRI evaluation of corpus callosum and ventricles in normal adults

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the normal values of subregions of corpus callosum and ventricles in healthy adult people in our population using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to establish gender differences.Methods: The MRI of 52 healthy individuals (29 females and 23 males) aged 20-50 years was obtained. The measurements were performed from MRI on a workstation. The midsagittal images were used for measurements of the subregions of corpus callosum and axial images were for lateral and third ventricles.Results: The mean values of the widths of genu, body, splenium, and height of the corpus callosum were 13·28±2·10, 7·64±1·07, 12·52±1·35, and 25·47±2·20 mm, respectively in females; whereas, the same measurements were 13·23±2·41, 6·89±2·12, 11·90±1·94, and 25·03±3·38 mm, respectively in males. Moreover, the mean value for the longitudinal dimension of the brain was 150·12±5·04 mm, while that for the corpus callosum was 71·27±3·70 mm in females. Additionally, the mean frontal horn width of the lateral ventricle and the transverse inner diameter of the skull were 34·06±3·05 and 130·76±6·71 mm in females and 34·03±2·78 and 129·96±10·61 mm in males, respectively. Due to these measurements, the values of Evans index which is reflecting the lateral ventricle enlargement were estimated to be 0·25±1·90 and 0·25±1·14 in females and males, respectively. According to our last measurement result, the mean values for the third ventricle width were 3·79±0·85 and 4·12±0·94 mm in females and males, respectively. These findings show that there are differences between the averages of some indices of corpus callosum of our population and the other populations.

Prevalence of fecal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae among healthy adult people in Japan

In Japan, the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers in hospital settings has shown an increasing trend. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of the fecal carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae among healthy adults. Stool samples were collected for the phenotypic and genotypic identification of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. We found the prevalence of ESBL producers to be 6.4% by phenotypic identification, and 92.9% of them possessed the bla(CTX-M) gene. Among the CTX-M ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, we identified 11 Escherichia coli and 2 Klebsiella pneumonia strains. The findings suggest that the fecal carriage of CTX-M-type ESBL producers by healthy people is rapidly increasing in Japan. This may be one of the causes of the increased spread of ESBL-producing bacteria in hospitals.

Development of Rowing Machine Using Functional Electrical Stimulation

This development of machines and equipment to make elderly people healthy in their daily lives is important these days. Especially, resistance training equipment is effective for prevention of muscle atrophy in not only healthy adult people, but also the elderly people, and even disabled individuals. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is the artificial stimulation of muscle which have lost nervous control, with the aim of providing muscular contraction and producing a functional useful movement for exercise, standing, and walking. Some authors demonstrated that FES-rowing for persons with spinal cord injury was safe and it also decreased the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Based on a new concept to effectively restrengthen disused muscles and to enable whole body exercise in seniors or paraplegics, we developed a hybrid power rehabilitation equipment including FES technology. The purpose of this study was to develop a new FES-rowing machine which the elderly and paraplegic patients could use for safe and effective rehabilitation exercise.

Immunoperoxidase technique for detection of antibodies to human cytomegalovirus

The indirect immunoperoxidase antibody technique (IPA) has been applied to determine immunoglobulin (Ig)G to humans cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies in 114 blood donor sera, four cases of congenital cytomegalic inclusion disease, and four cases of acquired CMV infection. The results have been compared with those obtained with the CMV complement fixation (CF) test and indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFA) for broad spectrum CMV antibody (sigmaAb) detection. IgG antibody has been detected by both CF and IPA. In healthy adult people IPA titers are usually higher than CF titers. In addition, IFA sigmaAb titers are generally higher than CF titers. Some sera negative by CF and IPA are positive at low dilutions by IFA sigmaAb antibody determination, due to the detection of small amounts of IgA or noncomplement-fixing IgG. Nonspecific results seem unlikely, since only nuclear inclusion fluorescence was interpreted as specific, as demonstrated by blocking tests. In acute CMV infection, the IFA sigmaAb and IPA IgG titers are essentially the same, except during the first weeks of infection, when IFA titers are higher and IgM is detectable. No cross-reactivity with other herpes group viruses, herpes simplex and varicella-zoster, was observed. Although some problems of nonspecific staining of cytoplasmic inclusions are shared by both methods, the IPA technique seems to possess the same degree of sensitivity and specificity as the IFA technique, but interpretation is easier and various procedural steps can be delayed without the technical problems associated with fluorescence microscopy.