High Prevalence Of Antibodies Research Articles

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Endemicity in United Arab Emirates, 2019.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in dromedary camels and attached ticks at 3 locations in the United Arab Emirates. Results revealed a high prevalence of CCHFV-reactive antibodies in camels and viral RNA in ticks and camel serum, suggesting the virus is endemic in this country.

A Comprehensive Review on Human Aichi Virus.

Although norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus and Astrovirus are considered the most important viral agents transmitted by food and water, in recent years other viruses, such as Aichi virus (AiV), have emerged as responsible for gastroenteritis outbreaks associated with different foods. AiV belongs to the genus Kobuvirus of the family Picornaviridae. It is a virus with icosahedral morphology that presents a single stranded RNA genome with positive sense (8280 nucleotides) and a poly (A) chain. AiV was first detected from clinical samples and in recent years has been involved in acute gastroenteritis outbreaks from different world regions. Furthermore, several studies conducted in Japan, Germany, France, Tunisia and Spain showed a high prevalence of AiV antibodies in adults (between 80% and 99%), which is indicative of a large exposure to this virus. The aim of this review is to bring together all the discovered information about the emerging pathogen human Aichi virus (AiV), discussing the possibles routes of transmission, new detection techniques and future research. Although AiV is responsible for a low percentage of gastroenteritis outbreaks, the high seroprevalence shown by human populations indicates an evident role as an enteric agent. The low percentage of AiV detection could be explained by the fact that the pathogen is more associated to subclinical infections. Further studies will be needed to clarify the real impact of AiV in human health and its importance as a causative gastroenteritis agent worldwide.

Occurrence of antibodies against Neospora caninum in sows and factors associated with infection in commercial herds in two regions of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Neosporosis is a disease that affects ruminants, horses, swine, and wild animals, causing reproductive disorders and economic losses. The importance of the infection in pigs has not been fully elucidated. The objective of the present study was to verify the occurrence of antibodies against Neospora caninum and the possible factors associated with infection in swine herds from two regions of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. A total of 498 blood samples were collected from sows of western (five properties) and southern (four properties) regions of the state, and an epidemiological questionnaire was administered. Sera obtained from the blood were tested by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) (cutoff point 1:50) using tachyzoites of N. caninum NC1 strain as antigen. Positive samples were two-fold serially diluted until maximum reactivity titer. The results were analyzed using Fisher and Chi-square tests to determine correlation between serology and associated factors. The overall prevalence was 18.9% (94/498) with titers of 50 (27), 100 (26), 200 (22), 400 (10), and 800 (9). Eighty of 256 samples (31.3%) from the western region were positive, while 14 out of 242 samples (5.8%) from the southern region were positive. A correlation (p < 0.01) was observed among the seroprevalence and contact with dogs (OR = 3.97, IC 2.64-6.43), presence of rodents (OR = 7.37 IC 4.06-13.50), and water source (OR = 2.38 IC 1.44-3.91). The use of anti-bird nets was identified as a protective factor against infection (OR = 0.36 IC 0.07-0.25). These results demonstrate the high prevalence of antibodies against N. caninum in commercial swine herds in the state of Santa Catarina compared to that in other regions of Brazil.

Seroprevalence of Lyme disease in southwest Asturias

IntroductionTo correctly interpret the serological markers of Lyme disease, it is very important to determine the region's infection rate. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of specific antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in a rural district in northern Spain. MethodsThe presence of IgG antibodies against B. burgdorferi was determined by qualitative enzyme immunoassay in the serum of 1432 people divided into 3 groups: 316 blood donors, 432 individuals who attended the hospital without infection and 684 for whom Lyme serology testing was specifically requested as part of a differential diagnosis. In the latter group, the presence or absence of an occupational risk factor was recorded. ResultsAntibodies against B. burgdorferi were detected in 189 individuals (13.2%), 16 (5.1%) in the blood donors group, 62 (14.4%) in subjects who attended hospital without infection and 111 (16.2%) in subjects in whom a differential diagnosis of Lyme disease was requested (p<0.0001). In subjects with an occupational risk factor, the prevalence was 23.5%, peaking at 45.8% in men over 65 years. ConclusionOur study showed a high prevalence of antibodies against B. burgdorferi and higher than that seen in other areas with similar characteristics in Spain. However, our results are similar to those published from other European regions. The prevalence in the blood donors group was lower than that observed in the other groups. Older age, the male gender and occupational risks were associated with a higher prevalence of Lyme disease.

Serological and molecular investigation of hepatitis E virus in pigs reservoirs from Cameroon reveals elevated seroprevalence and presence of genotype 3.

BackgroundHepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen of which pigs have been established as reservoirs. In the present study, we investigated the presence of HEV among pigs in the Center and Littoral regions of Cameroon and performed the molecular characterization of positive strains.MethodologyA total of 453 serum and stool samples were randomly collected from pigs in slaughterhouses in Obala, Douala and Yaounde. All samples were examined for the presence of anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA assays. IgM positive stool samples were tested for HEV RNA using an RT-PCR assay, followed by a nested PCR assay for sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsOverall, 216 samples (47.7%, 95% CI: 43.1%-52.3%) were positive for at least one of the serological markers of HEV infection. Amongst these, 21.0% were positives for anti-HEV IgM, 17.7% for anti-HEV IgG, and 9.1% for both. A total of eight stool samples (5.9%) were positive for HEV RNA by nested RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the retrieved sequences clustered within HEV genotype 3.ConclusionThis study shows a high prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies and the circulation of genotype 3 in the swine population in Cameroon. Subsequent studies will be needed to elucidate the zoonotic transmission of HEV from pigs to humans in Cameroon.

Spatial-Temporal Dynamics of Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany, 1993-2012.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the main course for acute hepatitis in humans throughout the world. Human associated genotypes 1 and 2 as well as zoonotic genotypes 3 and 4 are grouped in the species Orthohepevirus A. In addition, a large variety of HEV-related viruses has been found in vertebrates including carnivores, rats, bats, and chickens, which were classified in species Orthohepevirus B-D. In 2015, partial genome sequences of a novel hepevirus were detected in feces of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). However, no further information about virus circulation and the prevalence in foxes was available. We therefore assayed a unique panel of 880 transudates, which was collected from red foxes over 19 years (1993–2012) in Brandenburg, Germany, for HEV-related viral RNA and antibodies. Our results demonstrate a high antibody prevalence of HEV in red foxes, which oscillated annually between 40 and 100%. Molecular screening of the transudates revealed only a single RNA-positive sample, which was assigned to the carnivore species Orthohepevirus C based on the amplified partial sequence. These data indicate that the virus is circulating widely in the fox population and that foxes are carriers of this virus.

Serological risk factors for concomitant interstitial lung disease in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is an extramuscular manifestation associated with increased mortality in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). To identify risk factors for ILD in patients with IIM, this study retrospectively enrolled 117 eligible patients from a university medical center. After a comprehensive chart review, 56 patients were stratified into ILD (n = 28) and non-ILD (n = 28) groups. Clinical features, laboratory data, concomitant diseases, and serology profiles were compared. Patients with ILD had high prevalence of anti-Jo1 antibodies (p = 0.002), anti-Ro52 antibodies (p < 0.001), both anti-Jo1 and anti-Ro52 antibodies (p = 0.008), anti-Jo1 or anti-Ro52 antibodies (p < 0.001), and lower initial creatine kinase (CK) levels (p = 0.006). Moreover, patients with anti-Ro52 antibodies and either anti-Ro52 or anti-Jo1 antibodies had 9.17-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.858–33.487, p < 0.001) and 13.44-fold (95% CI: 4.008–52.757, p < 0.001) increased odds of developing ILD, respectively. By contrast, patients with higher CK levels had 0.99-fold (95% CI: 0.999–0.999, p = 0.011) increased odds of developing ILD. Both anti-Ro52 and anti-Jo1 antibodies were independent serological risk factors for IIM-associated ILD. Because these serology tests are commonly available, they can be used to guide pulmonary screening for patients with IIM to increase neurologist proactivity in recognizing and treating extramuscular conditions.

Prevalence of polymyalgia rheumatica in a cohort of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common rheumatological condition occurring in adults aged over 50years. The association of PMR with other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis is complex. There is a clear relationship with giant cell arteritis. We sought to determine whether there is any association between PMR and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). We undertook a database study of adult patients with a diagnosis of IIM under the care of the Rheumatology Department of the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and retrospectively determined the frequency of PMR in this patient cohort. Patients were considered to have PMR if this had been diagnosed by a physician or if they satisfied all five of the following clinical criteria: (1) bilateral shoulder and/or pelvic girdle aching, (2) morning stiffness exceeding 45min, (3) age greater than 50years, (4) duration more than 2weeks, and (5) evidence of an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein. Amongst 82 patients with IIM, seven (8.5%) were found to have PMR. There was a disproportionate representation of necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (NAM) in patients with IIM/PMR (5/7) compared with patients with IIM alone (19/75), p = 0.02. There was a high prevalence of antibodies to 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) in patients with IIM/PMR (4/7, 57%) compared with those with IIM alone (9/32, 28%), p = 0.19. The prevalence of PMR in our IIM cohort was much higher than the population prevalence 0.91-1.53% and it appears there is a specific association with NAM and anti-HMGCR antibodies. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and explore mechanisms of shared disease susceptibility.Key Points• Idiopathic inflammatory myositis, in particular, statin-associated necrotizing myositis and anti-HMG co-A reductase antibodies, may have a previously unrecognized association with polymyalgia rheumatica.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of avian reovirus in backyard chickens in different areas of Mymensingh district in Bangladesh.

Objective:The present study estimated the seroprevalence of avian reovirus (ARV) infections in backyard chickens of the Mymensingh district in Bangladesh.Materials and Methods:Considering several risk factors, a total of 460 serum samples were collected from backyard chickens from eight Upazilas of the Mymensingh district in Bangladesh. Blood samples were taken from the wing vein using 3-ml sterile syringes and kept at room temperature for clotting in a slanting position and then transported to the laboratory maintaining the cool chain. Subsequently, the prepared sera were harvested and stored at −20°C until used. Finally, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect ARVspecific antibodies using a commercial ARV antibody detection ELISA test kit.Results:The results revealed high prevalence rates of ARV antibodies, with a total seroprevalence of 69.78% (321/460). Area-wise, 74.55% (82/110) seroprevalence was recorded as the highest in Mymensingh Sadar, whereas 64% (32/50) was the lowest in Gauripur Upazila. With regard to sex, female chickens showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) seroprevalence as 90.33% (271/300) compared to male chickens 31.25% (50/160). With regard to age groups, the seroprevalence of ARV infection was 59.33% (89/150) within 2–8 weeks, 82% (205/250) within 9–16 weeks, and 45% (27/60) within 17–20 weeks, respectively. Based on hygienic conditions, the highest seroprevalence of ARV was noted in backyard chickens housed in poor conditions 80% (120/150) than good conditions 50% (40/80). Backyard chickens reared in free-ranging conditions exhibited a significantly higher seroprevalence 73.33% (220/300) of ARV antibodies compared to rearing in separate houses 63.12% (101/160). The seroprevalence of ARV was higher in crossbreeds 71.67% (43/60), brought from market 76% (38/50), and unhealthy 78.57% (55/70) backyard chickens than non-descriptive indigenous 69.5% (278/400), home-reared 69.02% (283/410), and healthy chickens 68.21% (266/390).Conclusion:The high prevalence of ARV antibodies revealed in the current study indicates an extensive exposure of ARV to backyard chickens in Bangladesh that may be transmitted naturally to other chickens, ultimately leading to ominous economic effects on the poultry sector.

Neospora caninum in free-range chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) from southern Brazil.

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular parasite that can infect many domestic and wild animals, including birds. These animals are important sources for monitoring of environmental contamination, as they could become infected through sporulated oocysts; however, the real role of birds in the biological cycle of N. caninum remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies, evaluate associated factors, detect the parasite by molecular testing of free-range chickens from Brazil, and evaluate different techniques for its serological diagnosis. Blood samples of 366 chickens from 25 farms were collected for serological assays. The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect anti-N. caninum antibodies. Chickens that tested seropositive by IFAT had their brain tissues and a pool of organs (heart, lung, and liver) submitted to PCR for molecular detection of the parasite. Out of 366 chickens, 65 (17.8%) and 163 (44.6%) were seropositive by IFAT and ELISA, respectively. Brain tissues (n=60) and the pools of organs (n=65) were negative in the PCR. Our results showed a high prevalence of antibodies in free-range chickens and that IFAT is the more sensitive technique for the detection of anti-N. caninum antibodies.

Antiphospholipid and Antinuclear Antibodies in Children with Idiopathic Epilepsy: A 2-Year Prospective Study.

Background and PurposeThe high prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in patients with epilepsy may be associated with either the disease itself or the antiepileptic treatment. The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the prevalence of aPL and ANA in children with idiopathic epilepsy before and during treatment with antiepileptic drugs.MethodsaPL, including both anticardiolipin and anti-β2-glycoprotein I antibodies, and ANA statuses were determined in 40 healthy children, 30 children treated with sodium valproate (VPA) monotherapy, and 20 children treated with carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy before and at 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment initiation.ResultsFifteen children (50%) in the VPA-treated group and 7 (35%) in the CBZ-treated group showed positivity for aPL before treatment initiation, compared with only 4 of the 40 controls. Nine children (30%) in the VPA-treated group and 4 (20%) in the CBZ-treated group showed positivity for ANA before treatment initiation, compared with only 2 of the 40 controls. The subgroup analysis found nonsignificant associations at the different time points regarding the positivity of all of the autoantibodies. Only patients treated with VPA had a significantly decreased risk of aPL positivity after 6 months of treatment.ConclusionsThe increased prevalence of autoantibodies in children with idiopathic epilepsy is strongly associated with the disease itself.

Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis in wild small mammals from the Czech Republic

Wild rodents are an important source of the tick-borne pathogens Coxiella burnetii and Francisella tularensis. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of antibodies and possible coexistence of these pathogens in wild small mammals from three localities in the Czech Republic. A total of 614 wild small mammals (324 Apodemus flavicollis, 145 Myodes glareolus, 50 Sorex araneus, 48 A. sylvaticus, 40 A. agrarius, six Microtus arvalis and one Talpa europaea) were trapped between 2012 and 2015. Their sera or heart extracts were examined by modified indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, with the detection of antibodies against C. burnetii and F. tularensis in 12 % and 7 % of animals, respectively; coinfection was identified in 4.4 % of animals. The prevalence of C. burnetii and F. tularensis antibodies statistically differed according to animal species and sex (p < 0.05); the seroprevalence of C. burnetii (p < 0.05) also differed in the sampling period. The highest prevalence of antibodies against C. burnetii and F. tularensis was detected in the case of M. glareolus (24 % and 14 %, respectively).

Seroprevalence and Real-time PCR Detection of Brucellosis in Abattoirs Animals as a Potential Route of Infection in Egypt

Brucellosis is among the most common and economically serious zoonosis worldwide. Brucellosis in Egypt is an endemic problem among animals and humans. This work intended to evaluate the conventional serological and molecular approaches as a tool for studying the prevalence of brucellosis within abattoir’s animals in two large Egyptian provinces. Two hundred and thirty (n=230) blood and serum samples were collected from (2-3) years male calves in two Egyptian abattoirs. Rose Bengal test (RBT) and modified in-house ELISA were applied to determine the seroprevalence of Brucellosis in abattoirs animals while quantitative Taqman real-time PCRs (RT-PCR) were implemented for the characterization of Brucella species. The overall prevalence of brucellosis in the two proveinces was (53.9 %) , (75.2 %) and (79.1 %) as determined by ELISA ,RBT and RT- PCR assays respectively. Brucella DNA was successfully amplified from serum samples as well as blood. A total of n= 182 samples (79.1 %) were identified by real time PCR amplification for IS711 gene as Brucella genus, n= 118 (64.8 %) were reported as B. aborts while n= 85 (46.7 %) were reported as B. melitensis. N= 44 (24.17 %) from the collected samples comprised the two species of bacteria. This study endorses the application of rose Bengal test as a sensitive and cost effective serological test for brucellosis and real-time PCR as a distinguishing tool to detect the causative agents. Our findings indicate a significantly high prevalence of Brucella antibodies and DNA in blood and serum samples which poses a crucial threat to public health in Egypt.&#x0D;

Measuring influenza hemagglutinin (HA) stem-specific antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in human sera using novel stabilized stem nanoparticle probes

BackgroundGenerating vaccine that confers a complete protection is a major goal in designing a universal influenza vaccine. Currently, there is a considerable interest in the broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAb) targeting the conserved HA stem region. These antibodies have been shown to activate cellular immune responses, such as ADCC, in addition to their neutralization activity. We had previously demonstrated that immunization with H1-based stabilized stem (SS) nanoparticles (np) protects against heterosubtypic lethal H5N1 challenge, despite the absence of detectable neutralizing activity. Utilizing these novel SS probes to develop an ADCC assay would help in understanding the mechanism of action of stem-specific antibodies, as well as evaluating future influenza vaccines. ObjectivesTo develop a new protocol to assess the ADCC activity mediated by stem-directed antibodies in human sera using novel SS np probes. Study designHuman sera samples were screened for binding and ADCC activities to different influenza group 1 SS probes (H1, H2, and H5) using trimeric SS or multivalent SS-np (n = 8 trimers) formats. ResultsInitial screening revealed 63% (57/90) seroprevalence of anti-HA (H1) stem-epitope antibodies, as determined by the differential binding to HA SS and its corresponding epitope-mutant (Ile45Arg/Thr49Arg) probe. Using equimolar amounts, the multivalent presentation of HA SS on np induced significantly higher ADCC activity compared to the monovalent (trimer) SS probes (2–6 fold increase). Further, ADCC activity was similarly reported against different group 1 influenza subtypes: H1, H2, and H5. Importantly, ADCC was mediated mainly by antibodies targeting the bnAb-epitope on the HA stem. ConclusionWe report on an assay to measure stem-specific ADCC activity using SS np probes. Our results indicate high prevalence of HA-stem antibodies with cross-reactive ADCC activity. Such assay could be utilized in the assessment of next generation influenza vaccines.

1833. Measuring Influenza HA Stem-Specific ADCC in Human Sera Using Novel Stabilized Stem Nanoparticle Probes

BackgroundGenerating a vaccine that confers complete protection and overcomes the high variability among influenza viruses is the major goal in designing a universal influenza vaccine. Currently, there is considerable interest in the broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAb) targeting the conserved HA stem region. These antibodies have been shown to activate cellular immune responses, such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxisity (ADCC), in addition to their neutralization activity. We had previously demonstrated that immunization with H1-based stabilized stem (SS) nanoparticles (np) protects against heterosubtypic lethal challenge with H5N1 influenza virus, despite the absence of detectable H5N1 neutralizing activity. Here, we utilized these novel SS np probes to develop a new protocol to assess the ADCC activity mediated by stem-directed antibodies in human sera.MethodsHuman sera samples were initially screened for binding reactivity to H1 SS trimer using ELISA procedure. Of these, selected samples representing high, moderate, and low binders were further characterized for binding to H1 and H5 SS their corresponding Δstem (Ile45Arg/Thr49Arg) probes, and were analyzed for ADCC activity using a reporter bioassay.ResultsThe initial screening revealed 82% (73/90) seroprevalence of anti-HA (H1) stem epitope antibodies, as determined by the differential binding to HA SS and it corresponding epitope-mutant probe. Using equimolar amounts, the multivalent presentation of HA SS on np probes induced significantly higher ADCC activity compared with the monovalent SS probes (2- to 6-fold increase). Further, ADCC activity was similarly reported against different influenza group 1 subtypes: H1, H2, and H5. Importantly, ADCC was mediated mainly by antibodies targeting the bNAb-epitope on the HA stem. In conclusion, we developed an assay to measure stem-specific ADCC activity using SS np probes.ConclusionOur results indicate a high prevalence of HA-stem antibodies with cross-reactive ADCC activity. Such assay could be utilized in the assessment of next-generation influenza vaccines. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

Presence of Bluetongue Virus Antibodies in Cattle and Sheep in Ogun and Osun States, Nigeria

Bluetongue is an infectious, arthropod-borne viral disease principally affecting ruminants. The occurrence of bluetongue virus (BTV) antibodies in sheep and cattle from backyard farms, cattle markets and abattoirs in Ogun and Osun states of Nigeria was investigated. Three hundred and forty (340) plasma samples comprising 205 from sheep and 135 from cattle were collected from March to September 2017, noting the sex, breed and age of the animals. The samples were screened with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosurbent assay (ELISA) kit that detects BTV antibodies in ruminant plasma or serum. All cattle tested from both states were positive for BTV antibodies giving a seroprevalence of 100% while 95% seroprevalence was obtained for sheep. In Ogun state, prevalence of 90.5% and 98% were obtained for male and female sheep respectively while 95.6% and 95% prevalence were also obtained for male and female sheep respectively in Osun state. Based on breed, 94%, 95%, 95% and 96% prevalence were obtained for Yankasa, Balami, Ouda and West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep respectively in Ogun state while 93%, 95.5%, 100% and 93% prevalence were obtained for Yankasa, Balami, Ouda and WAD sheep respectively in Osun state. Furthermore, prevalence of 92% and 96.7% were obtained for age groups of ≤ 1 year and &gt; 1 year respectively in Ogun state, while prevalence of 96% and 94.7% were obtained for age groups of ≤ 1 year and &gt; 1 year respectively in Osun state. Since vaccination against bluetongue disease is not practiced in Nigeria, the detection of high prevalence of BTV antibodies observed in apparently healthy animals in this study indicates natural, albeit subclinical, infection with the virus and sustained activity of the Culicoides vector. These findings suggest that bluetongue is widespread in southwestern part of Nigeria and highlight the need for continuous surveillance of the disease in the country as well as isolation, identification and characterisation of currently circulating BTV strains in Nigeria.

Immunomodulation in Oncolytic Measles Virotherapy.

With the recognition of oncolytic virotherapy as an immunotherapy, the distinct interactions between oncolytic agents and the immune system have come into focus. The role of the immune system in oncolytic virotherapy is somewhat ambiguous: While preexisting or arising immunity directed against viral antigens may preclude efficient viral replication and spread, immunity directed against tumor antigens is considered essential for long-term treatment success. Aside from the antiviral and antitumor immune status of the patient, the specific immunological microenvironment in a given tumor adds an additional layer of complexity.In this review we focus on the case of measles virus, which has long been known for its multifaceted interplay with the immune system. The high prevalence of measles-neutralizing antibodies in the general population may pose additional challenges. The oncolytic measles virus vector platform offers manifold opportunities for tumor-targeted immunomodulation. This review provides a survey of immunomodulation in the context of measles virotherapy including strategies to suppress or circumvent antiviral immunity as well as enhance antitumor immunity that have been pursued in preclinical and clinical studies. Understanding and selective manipulation of the intricate balance between antiviral and antitumor immunity will be crucial to develop the full potential of oncolytic virotherapy.

Seroprevalencia de enfermedad de Lyme en el suroccidente de Asturias

IntroductionTo correctly interpret the serological markers of Lyme disease, it is very important to determine the region's infection rate. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of specific antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in a rural district in northern Spain. MethodsThe presence of IgG antibodies against B. burgdorferi was determined by qualitative enzyme immunoassay in the serum of 1,432 people divided into 3groups: 316 blood donors, 432 individuals who attended the hospital without infection and 684 for whom Lyme serology testing was specifically requested as part of a differential diagnosis. In the latter group, the presence or absence of an occupational risk factor was recorded. ResultsAntibodies against B. burgdorferi were detected in 189 individuals (13.2%): 16 (5.1%) in the blood donors group, 62 (14.4%) in subjects who attended hospital without infection and 111 (16.2%) in subjects in whom a differential diagnosis of Lyme disease was requested (p < 0.0001). In subjects with an occupational risk factor, the prevalence was 23.5%, peaking at 45.8% in men over 65 years. ConclusionOur study showed a high prevalence of antibodies against B. burgdorferi and higher than that seen in other areas with similar characteristics in Spain. However, our results are similar to those published from other European regions. The prevalence in the blood donors group was lower than that observed in the other groups. Older age, the male gender and occupational risks were associated with a higher prevalence of Lyme disease.

High prevalence of antibodies to infliximab and their relation to clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease patients

High prevalence of antibodies to infliximab and their relation to clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease patients

Serological investigation of IgG and IgE antibodies against food antigens in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUNDFood antigens have been shown to participate in the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but their clinical value in IBD is still unclear.AIMTo analyze the levels of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and E (IgE) antibodies against food antigens in IBD patients and to determine their clinical value in the pathogenesis of IBD.METHODSWe performed a retrospective study based on patients who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between August 2016 and January 2018. A total of 137 IBD patients, including 40 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 97 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), and 50 healthy controls (HCs), were recruited. Serum food-specific IgG antibodies were detected by semi-quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and serum food-specific IgE antibodies were measured by Western blot. The value of food-specific IgG antibodies was compared among different groups, and potent factors related to these antibodies were explored by binary logistic regression.RESULTSFood-specific IgG antibodies were detected in 57.5% of UC patients, in 90.72% of CD patients and in 42% of HCs. A significantly high prevalence and titer of food-specific IgG antibodies were observed in CD patients compared to UC patients and HCs. The number of IgG-positive foods was greater in CD and UC patients than in HCs (CD vs HCs, P = 0.000; UC vs HCs, P = 0.029). The top five food antigens that caused positive specific IgG antibodies in CD patients were tomato (80.68%), corn (69.32%), egg (63.64%), rice (61.36%), and soybean (46.59%). The foods that caused positive specific IgG antibodies in UC patients were egg (60.87%), corn (47.83%), tomato (47.83%), rice (26.09%), and soybean (21.74%). Significantly higher levels of total food-specific IgG were detected in IBD patients treated with anti-TNFα therapy compared to patients receiving steroids and immunosuppressants (anti-TNFα vs steroids, P = 0.000; anti-TNFα vs immunosuppressants, P = 0.000; anti-TNFα vs steroids + immunosuppressants, P = 0.003). A decrease in food-specific IgG levels was detected in IBD patients after receiving anti-TNFα therapy (P = 0.007). Patients who smoked and CD patients were prone to developing serum food-specific IgG antibodies [Smoke: OR (95%CI): 17.6 (1.91-162.26), P = 0.011; CD patients: OR (95%CI): 12.48 (3.45-45.09), P = 0.000]. There was no difference in the prevalence of food-specific IgE antibodies among CD patients (57.1%), UC patients (65.2%) and HCs (60%) (P = 0.831).CONCLUSIONCD patients have a higher prevalence of food-specific IgG antibodies than UC patients and HCs. IBD patients are prone to rice, corn, tomato and soybean intolerance. Smoking may be a risk factor in the occurrence of food-specific IgG antibodies. Food-specific IgG antibodies may be a potential method in the diagnosis and management of food intolerance in IBD.