Immunoglobulins IgM Research Articles

Short- and long-term impacts of adenoidectomy with/without tonsillectomy on immune function of young children

To investigate the short- and long-term impacts of adenoidectomy with/without tonsillectomy on the immune functions of young children < 3 years of age.This longitudinal prospective study included 40 pediatric patients (age <3 y) undergoing adenoidectomy with/without tonsillectomy for snoring and sleep apnea. Serum immunoglobulin IgA, IgG, IgM, complement C3, and C4 levels were measured for the status of humoral immunity; CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, CD19+, CD56+, CD3+CD4-CD8-, and CD3+CD4+CD8+ T cells were measured for the status of cellular immunity. Blood samples were taken at 3 time points: before surgery, 1 month after surgery (short-term), and 3 months after surgery (long-term). All patients were assessed for short-term outcome at 1-month postoperation, but only 30 patients were followed at 3 months after surgery. The incidence of recurrent respiratory tract infections and other immune-related conditions were recorded at each follow-up.The levels of IgA significantly decreased from the preoperative level at 1-month follow-up (P < .05), but still within normal range. No significant changes were found in the levels of IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, C4, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, CD19+, CD56+, CD3+CD4-CD8-, and CD3+CD4+CD8+ T cell at 3-month follow-up in comparison with preoperative levels. There was also no episode of recurrent respiratory tract infection and other immune-deficiency conditions.Adenoidectomy with/without tonsillectomy may result in a reduction in individual antibodies in children <3 years of age, but did not show negative impacts on their immune functions. Also, the surgery does not lead to the increased risk of upper respiratory tract infection in these children.

Personal Hygiene and Toxoplasmosis Occurences in “Bungkul Cat Lovers” Cat Owners Community in Surabaya: An Association Study

Pet owners, especially those often in contact with cats, are susceptible to Toxoplasma gondii infection. Personal hygiene is a control for various kinds of disease, one of which is Toxoplasmosis. The aim of this research was to analyze correlation between cat exposure and personal hygiene habits which consist of handwashing, using personal protective equipment and cleaning residents with toxoplasmosis. This research used cross sectional design with a sample size of 19 respondents, which was determined according to the simple random sampling technique. The research was done on the "Bungkul Cat Lovers" cat owners community 2018 in Surabaya. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Data were collected through Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM Immunoglobulins laboratory tests, interviews, questionnaires and observations. Serologic test results showed that positive Anti-Toxoplasma IgMs were 0% and positive Anti-Toxoplasma IgGs were 31,4%. The result showed that there was a correlation between personal hygiene habits which consist of handwashing (p=0,041&lt;0,05), using personal protective equipment (p=0,044&lt;0,05) and cleaning residents with Toxoplasmosis (p=0,018&lt;0,05). The conclusion of this research is that personal hygiene holds an important role in Toxoplasmosis.

Immunization with a Synthetic Helicobacter pylori Peptide Induces Secretory IgA Antibodies and Protects Mice against Infection.

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral Gram-negative bacterium associated with inflammation of the gastric mucosa, peptic ulcer, and gastric adenocarcinoma, whose treatment has failed due to antibiotic resistance and side effects. Furthermore, because there are no vaccines effective against H. pylori, an appropriate vaccine design targeting conserved/essential genes must be identified. In the present study, a H. pylori 50–52 kDa immunogen-derived peptide antigen with the sequence Met-Val-Thr-Leu-Ile-Asn-Asn-Glu (MVTLINNE) was used to immunize against H. pylori infection. For this, mice received an intraperitoneal injection of 100 μg of H. pylori peptide on the first week, followed by two weekly subcutaneous reinforcements and further 109 bacteria administration in the drinking water for 3 weeks. Thymic cells proliferative responses to concanavalin A, serum levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α cytokines, and IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3 IgM, and IgA immunoglobulins were evaluated. Significant (p < 0.05) increases on lymphoproliferation and spleen weights after immunization were observed. In contrast, infection significantly (p < 0.05) decreased lymphoproliferation, which was recovered in immunized mice. In addition, levels of serum TH1 and TH2 cytokines were not altered after immunization, except for the significant increase in IL-6 production in immunized and/or infected animals. Moreover, immunization correlated with plasma secretory IgA and IgG, whereas infection alone only elicited IgM antibodies. Peptide immunization protected 100% of mice against virulent H. pylori. MVTLINNE peptide deserves further research as an approach to the prophylaxis of H. pylori infection.

Fractionation of casein micelles and minor proteins by microfiltration in diafiltration mode. Study of the transmission and yield of the immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM

There is little information concerning the fractionation by microfiltration (MF) of casein micelles and immunoglobulins plus other minor whey proteins with ceramic gradient membranes. The order of transmission was α-lactalbumin (α-La, 2.3 nm)> β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg; 4.2 nm)>IgG (10.7 nm)> lactoperoxidase (8.2 nm)> IgA (18.1 nm)> IgM (23.8 nm)> lactoferrine > blood serum albumin (7.8 nm), irrespective of the applied transmembrane pressure (0.6–3 bar) and equal to 55% > 50% > 47% > 41%>39% > 32% > 22% > 19%. Including preconcentration, it was possible to obtain 90% of the initial IgG, IgA and IgM within 85, 119, and 160 min, based on 1 m2 of membrane area and 50 L of skim milk volume. The long-term process exposure at 50 °C did not affect α-La and IgG but β-Lg (3–5% denaturation), which, however, was selectively retained by the MF. In conclusion, MF is not only suitable for fractionation of the major whey proteins and caseins, but also for the minor and far bigger immunoglobulins.

AGE-DEPENDENT INDEXES OF IMMUNITY IN THE PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic progressive systemic inflammatory disease of joints and spine, which leads to the development of erosive arthritis, bone resorbtion, multiple enthesitis and spondylitis. Severe clinical course, resistance to therapy, high prevalence of disability, increased mortality of patients determine a need for further study of the disease. Psoriatic arthritis is a multifactorial disease including immune pathogenic factors representing a complex process of interaction between cellular and humoral components of immune system. The most important way of activating epidermal cells and synovial membrane proliferation in psoriatic arthritis is an imbalance of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. It is noted that the features of clinical course in psoriasis are age-dependent. The study of immune response indices in different age groups allows to reveal distinct progression features of the psoriatic pathology.The purpose of this study was to compare concentrations of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, cellular and humoral immunity, and to conduct a comparative analysis in young and adult patients with psoriatic arthritis.The study included a group of patients with psoriatic arthritis (n = 101) who were divided by their age: group 1, from 18 to 44 years (n = 43); group 2, over 44 years (n = 58). The control groups (3 and 4) included virtually healthy people (n = 103) matched for sex and age with the patients. Populational and subpopulation profiling of blood lymphocytes was performed by flow-cytometry using monoclonal antibodies to CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD19 (LLC “Sorbent”, Moscow, Russia). Phagocytic activity of peripheral blood neutrophils was assessed microscopically by uptake of latex particles. Concentrations of IgA, IgM, and IgG immunoglobulins, circulating immune complexes, cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNFα) in blood serum was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical evaluation of the results obtained was performed using applied “Statistica 6.0” software.In all the age subgroups of patients with psoriatic arthritis, we have revealedstatistically significant differences against controls, i.e., increased relative and absolute number of CD3-CD16+lymphocytes in peripheral blood, higher concentration of CIC-C1q, with decreased concentrations of IgA, IgM, IgG in blood serum. The analysis of the main cellular and humoral indicators of immunity in psoriatic arthritis patients revealed a statistically significant differences for psoriatic arthritis in young and adulthood. E.g., the serum concentration of IL- 10 was statistically significantly lower in psoriatic arthritis at a young age in comparison with adult psoriatic arthritis. Phagocytic number and IgG concentration in serum were statistically significantly lower in adults with psoriatic arthritis adulthood than in young patients.In conclusion, The revealed changes in immunological indices in psoriatic arthritis in young and adult patients indicate to differences against healthy controls, as well as intergroup differences. Previous studies have not revealed statistically any significant differences in immunological parameters between young and adult patients with psoriatic arthritis in, thus suggesting a presence of immune disorders associated with psoriatic pathology, but not with the age of patients. However, changes of immunological reactivity are observed with increasing age of patients with psoriatic arthritis and development of severe clinical forms, and they can be considered as markers of psoriatic disease progression, such as increased concentrations of IL-10 and lower IgG amounts in blood serum, a decreased phagocytic number.

Effects of Dietary FOS and CPP on growth performance and serum biochemical parameters for weaned piglets

The present experiment was conducted to study the effects of different levels of oligosaccharide(FOS) and complex CPP preparation(CPP) in diets on growth performance and serum biochemical parameters for weaned piglets. 240 crossbred DLY( Duroc× Landrace× Yorkshire) 21-day-old weaning piglets, about 7.2 kg in initial body weight were selected and randomly divided into 6 groups, with 2 repeats for each group, 20 each repeat(half male and half female.). Group 1, as the control group, was fed base diet(BD), group 2 was fed BD adding 0.10% aureomycin, group 3, 4, 5, 6, respectively, was fed BD adding 0.05% CPP, 0.05% FOS, 0.20% FOS and 0.10% FOS + 0.05% of CPP. Feeding trial was conducted for 35 days. Results: (1) The combination of 0.10%FOS and 0.05%CPP(group 6) were added, the average daily gain of weaned pigs increased by 13.71 % (P &lt; 0.05) and the feed conversion ratio was reduced by 7.41 % (P &lt; 0.05) compared with control. The diarrhea rate of piglets decreased by 94.63 % (P &lt; 0.01) compared with the control (p &lt; 0.05), and decreased by 62.86 % (P &lt;0.05) compared with group 2.(2)There was no significant difference in the apparent digestibility of nutrient, such as ether extract and crude protein, by adding FOS and CPP individually or jointly in diet of weaned piglets, but apparent digestibility of crude fiber increased , to acertain extent, and there was no significant difference with diet adding 0.10 % of antibiotics (group 2)(P &gt;0.05).(3) There was no significant difference in serum biochemical indexes, such as serum total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen, cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and sugar by adding FOS and CPP individually or jointly in diet of weaned piglets (P &gt; 0.05);there was no significant effect in serum immunoglobulin IgG and IgM (P&gt; 0.05), but the serum IgE content was increased in different degrees. Conclusion: Adding FOS and CPP in diet for weaned piglets can improve the growth performance, reduce diarrhea rate of piglets, and promote digestion and absorption of feed nutrients, without significant difference between them and diet adding antibiotics. Among them, the effect of adding 0.10%FOS+0.05%CPP was the best.

A coinfection of severe leptospirosis and scrub typhus in Indian Himalayas

Scrub typhus and leptospirosis are zoonosis and systemic febrile illnesses with diverse, nonspecific clinical manifestations, and shared risk factors for coinfection. Diagnosis of the coinfection is dependent on laboratory serological tests, which are under used. A coinfection from Uttarakhand Himalayan region is not yet reported. A 25-year-old man from altitude of 2126 feet above sea level presented with fever, myalgia, jaundice, oliguria, mental confusion, and tender hepatomegaly. Investigations revealed leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, impaired liver function tests, renal dysfunction with neurological involvement. Leptospira immunoglobulin IgM enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and scrub typhus immunochromatography test were positive. This coinfection is first to be documented in this holy Indian Himalayas. Clinical suspicion, early laboratory diagnosis, and early treatment could prevent complications and fatal outcomes. Coinfection of this type may be considered when there is persistence of fever and a treatment response to doxycycline.

Differential diagnostics and correction of metabolic and immunological disorders in patients with hepatic cirrhosis, complicated hepatosplenomegalia and portal hypertension

The study of the role of the spleen in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis is important for treatment. Currently available literature data indicate the role of altered spleen functions in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to clarify the features of the etiology and pathogenetic disorders in patients with hepatosplenomegaly. Materials and methods. We investigated the uniform elements of blood and blood serum from 58 patients with hepatosplenomegaly amid cirrhosis, portal hypertension complicated. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the antigenic load: I - patients with liver cirrhosis against the background of hepatitis viruses HBV/HCV and II - patients with autoimmune hepatitis against the background of herpes viruses CMV/VEB. Treatment of patients included the use of antiherpetic immunoglobulins and hematopoietic cord blood progenitor cells. Results. In patients of group I was detected an increase in the spontaneous oxidative activity of neutrophils and depletion of the oxidative reserve in oxygen-dependent phagocytosis. It activated the signaling pathways of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (an increase of 60 times). We found an increased content of CD22+ -plasma B-lymphocyte that elevated synthesized concentrations of IgA. In patients of group II were found an increase in the activity of C3 and a decrease in the C4-components of complement; thrombocytopenia due to the presence of platelet autoantibodies; increased synthesis of immunoglobulins IgM, IgG, increased synthesis of IFN-. All patients showed disturbances in the metabolism of amino acids in various metabolic cycles - ornithine, which disrupted the formation of urea and indicates the accumulation of ammonia, which can enhance the cytotoxic effect in group I; methionine with a violation of the formation of cystine from cysteine and the accumulation of homocysteine, which enhances the synthesis of IFN-γ, which was increased in group II by 4 times. Conclusions. Some etiological and pathogenetic features of the formation of liver cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension and recurrent bleeding from varicose veins of the esophagus were revealed. The immunological and metabolic changes verified by us correlated with the disappearance of the clinical manifestations of the disease, improved well-being, and the absence of recurrence of bleeding.

The effects of capparis spinosa ethanol extracts on humoral immune responses in mice treated with aflatoxin B1

The results of this investigation had demonstrated the production of aflatoxins from Aspergillus flavus and study effects on humoral immune by measuring the concentrations of immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, IgM, IgE and measurement of concentrations of the complements C3, C4 in mice with treated of Aflatoxin B1. The results of qualities analysis HPLC showed the ability of isolation of Aspergillus flavus from chips, macroni, red sun flower, shamia, hazelnut, corn and peanut and isolate from fish to produce aflatoxin with different rate. The isolation of Aspergillus flavus which isolated from peanuts recoded the highest rate of production of aflatoxin B1 which it reached to (213760.28) ppm. 40 male mice were used experimentation they divided into eight groups. Three groups of mice were gave aflatoxin B1 56.3 ppm and after 2 hours treated by ethanolic extracts crude phenol and alkaloid in 250 mg/ ml while the fourth group was given aflatoxin B1 only, while the fifth, sixth and seventh groups were treated with ethanolic extracts only and the eight group was given control groups PBS. The results of study showed a significant increase in concentrations immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, IgM in the mice that dosage of extracts crude after gave aflatoxin B1 56.3 ppm it reached the highest concentration of IgA, IgG, IgM (139. 06, 3223.80, 339.66) mg/ 100 ml respectively compared with positive control that gave aflatoxin only it reached IgA, IgG, IgM (20. 23, 108.66, 25.30) mg/ 100 ml respectively. The results of the study also recoded a significant increase in the IgE concentration of 22 IU in mice that gave the crude extract after giving aflatoxin B1 with concentrations of 56.3 ppm compared to positive control of 2.83 IU. The results of the study showed a significant increase in concentration of complements C3, C4 in mice that dosage ethanolic extracts crude phenols and alkaloid after two hours gave aflatoxin B1. The highest concentration of C3, C4 (279.33, 132.20) mg/ 100 ml respectively in mice that gave crude extract after given aflatoxin B1 in compared with positive control that gave aflatoxin B1 only it reached concentrations C3, C4 (12, 17.50) mg/ 100 ml respectively. We concluded of that caper plant has immune stimulatory effects in mice.

Immune Reconstitution Is a Predictive Biomarker of Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Analysis of 307 Consecutive Patients

IntroductionAllogeneic stem cell transplantation (HCT) survivors are at a relevant risk of developing long-term complications such as chronic GvHD (cGvHD), which importantly affects their quality of life and increases their morbidity and mortality. Being able to early identify high risk patients would enable us to tailor preventive strategies. Current approach on prophylaxis of GvHD is lacking of predictive biomarkers that could guide patient-tailoring of drugs choice, tapering and treatment schedules. Immune system is the cause of cGvHD but is also a target of it, and cGvHD patients are characterized by lymphoid hypocellularity. Moreover, immune reconstitution (IR) is a good candidate biomarker being it an easily-available and reproducible parameter. We investigated IR variables as predictive biomarker of cGvHD.MethodsA standardized follow-up of HCT-survivors is applied at our center. We analyzed 307 adult patients consecutively undergoing first allogeneic HCT transplant between July 2012 and December 2016 at our Institution. A written consent was given for the use of medical records for research in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Median follow-up for surviving patients was 2.8 years (range 1.1-5.5). We prospectively collected IR data of our entire cohort at specific time-points (+30, +60, +90, +180, +365 days) and followed patients up recording events. IR variables were CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD19+, CD56+ cell counts, measured by flow-citometry, and immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM levels, measured by immunoturbidimetric assays. Time as a continuous parameter could not be studied since the number of events would have been too low for the analysis. For this reason, a series of landmark analyses were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months post-HCT in order to identify predictive factors of cGvHD, transplant-related mortality (TRM), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients alive and in good conditions at the beginning of each time interval. Factors predicting cGvHD incidence and survival endpoints were studied using multivariate analysis by Cox regression model. Variables included in the model were patient and donor age and Sorror-Comorbidity Index (according to median values), disease-related index, type of donor, stem cell source, IR values at the timepoint according to landmark cut-off for cell counts and median values for immunoglobulin levels. A backward stepwise procedure was used for variable selection with a p-value <0.05. All statistical analyses were performed with R (R Development Core Team, Vienna, Austria) software package.ResultsChronic-GvHD of any grade and severity was diagnosed in 111 patients. Immune recovery in our cohort was in line with the current knowledge: CD3+CD8+ and NK (CD56+) cells normalized first, followed by CD3+ and CD3+CD4+ cell. B cells (CD19+) took at least 1 year to normalize in terms of absolute counts. IgM levels were the first to rise among immunoglobulins, followed by IgG and then IgA which can also be subnormal for a long time after transplant. Results of multivariate analysis are shown in Table 1. Single lymphocyte subset counts did not prove to be associated to cGvHD onset significantly; conversely, immunoglobulins were strongly predictive of cGvHD in our multivariate model. Median time to GvHD onset was 198 days, thus the most important analysis was the one performed at +90 days as the majority of patients had still not developed cGvHD. IgG, IgA and IgM at +90 days from HCT below the median value were found before the onset of GvHD and could predict its onset. This data were confirmed on the analysis at later time-points in which low IgG levels predicted cGvHD diagnosis.ConclusionsDay-90 low immunoglobulin levels predict cGvHD, confirming that subclinical immune dysregulation mechanisms could be already present before overt clinical onset of cGvHD symptoms. Early prediction of subsequent cGvHD will be operationally translated into patient-tailored preventive measures. [Display omitted] DisclosuresBonini:Intellia Therapeutics: Research Funding.

An ELISA-based method for detection of rabies virus nucleoprotein-specific antibodies in human antemortem samples.

Rabies is a fatal encephalitic disease in humans and animals caused by lyssaviruses, most commonly rabies virus (RABV). Human antemortem diagnosis of rabies is a complex process involving multiple sample types and tests for the detection of antibodies, antigen (protein), and nucleic acids (genomic RNA). Serological diagnosis of human rabies includes the detection of either neutralizing or binding antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or serum samples from unimmunized individuals without prior rabies vaccination or passive immunization with purified immunoglobulins. While neutralizing antibodies are targeted against the surface-expressed glycoprotein (G protein), binding antibodies to viral antigens are predominantly against the nucleoprotein (N protein), although there can be antibodies against all RABV-expressed proteins. To determine N protein-specific antibody responses in the CSF and serum during RABV infection, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with purified recombinant N protein expressed in E. coli. N protein-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) subtypes IgG and IgM were detected in the CSF or serum of previously diagnosed human rabies cases. In addition, anti-N protein seroconversion was demonstrated over the course of illness in individual rabies cases. We compared the N protein ELISA results to those of an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test, the current binding antibody assay used in diagnosis, and show that our ELISA is consistent with the IFA test. Sensitivity and specificity of the N protein ELISA ranged from 78.38–100% and 75.76–96.77% with respect to the IFA results. Our data provide evidence for the use of an N protein ELISA as an additional option for the detection of RABV-specific IgG or IgM antibodies in human CSF or serum specimens.

Global Gene Expression Response in Peripheral Blood Cells of Petroleum Workers Exposed to Sub-Ppm Benzene Levels.

Altered gene expression in pathways relevant to leukaemogenesis, as well as reduced levels of circulating lymphocytes, have been reported in workers that were exposed to benzene concentrations below 1 ppm. In this study, we analysed whole blood global gene expression patterns in a worker cohort with altered levels of T cells and immunoglobulins IgM and IgA at three time points; pre-shift, post-shift (after three days), and post-recovery (12 hours later). Eight benzene exposed tank workers performing maintenance work in crude oil cargo tanks with a mean benzene exposure of 0.3 ppm (range 0.1–0.5 ppm) and five referents considered to be unexposed were examined by gene expression arrays. By using our data as independent validation, we reanalysed selected genes that were reported to be altered from previous studies of workers being exposed to sub-ppm benzene levels Four out of six genes previously proposed as marker genes in chronically exposed workers separated benzene exposed workers from unexposed referents (CLEC5, ACSL1, PRG2, IFNB1). Even better separation of benzene exposed workers and referents was observed for short-term exposure for genes in the Jak-STAT pathway, particularly elevated expression of IL6 and reduced expression of IL19.

Hepatitis E seroprevalence in the United States: Results for immunoglobulins IGG and IGM.

Previous research identified a decline in hepatitis E virus (HEV) seroprevalence in US in 1988-1994 and 2009-2010. We investigated most recent HEV epidemiology. Using a nationally representative sample (7656 persons in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] 2013-2014 and 7124 persons in NHANES 2015-2016), we compared the weighted seroprevalence of HEV (immunoglobulin G [IgG]/immunoglobulin M [IgM]) among people from the US (aged ≧ 6 years) between these two time periods. Sampling-weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with HEV seropositivity. The median participant age was 37 years (interquartile range = 17-58 years); 51.17% of them were female. Among US-born individuals, HEV seropositivity (IgG/IgM) increased from 4.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.5%-5.5%) in 2013-2014 to 8.1% (95%CI = 6.5%-9.7%) in 2015-2016. Recent HEV infection (IgM) has nearly doubled in all US-born people. For participants born in and outside of the US, the overall weighted HEV (IgG/IgM) seropositivity increased from 5% (95%CI = 3.9%-6.1%) during 2013-2014 to 7.7% (95%CI = 7.2%-10.5%) during 2015-2016. In "non-Hispanic Asian" females, HEV seropositivity (IgG/IgM) rose from 8.4% (95%CI = 5.6%-11.1%) during 2013-2014 to 20.7% (95%CI = 15.8%-25.7%) during 2015-2016. In "non-Hispanic Asian" males, HEV seropositivity (IgG/IgM) increased from 9.3% (95%CI = 6.9%-11.8%) during 2013-2014 to 16.8% (95%CI = 12.5%-21.2%) during 2015-2016. HEV (IgG/IgM) seropositivity was significantly associated with "non-Hispanic Asian" ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.69; CI = 1.12-2.56), female (OR = 1.2, CI = 1.06-1.38), and age (OR = 1.058, CI = 1.05-1.06). No clear etiologic agent was found. The combined and strata-specific HEV weighted seroprevalence increased from 2013-2014 to 2015-2016. Although prior studies had found increasing age as the only significant factor associated with HEV, the attribute of "non-Hispanic Asian" had a stronger association with HEV seropositivity than the age factor alone.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in BALB/c Mouse Liver upon Primary Infection with DENV1 and Sequential Heterologous Infection with DENV2.

Dengue virus (DENV) results in 100 million cases of infections and 22,000 deaths per year. Liver involvement, thrombocytopenia, haemorrhage and plasma leakage are characteristic manifestations of severe forms of DENV infection. However, the molecular pathways of DENV infection have not been comprehensively studied compared to the host immunological responses. We performed an in vivo study using the BALB/c mouse model with a modified mRNA differential display methodology (GeneFishingTM) using the annealing control primer (ACP) system to capture differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in mice liver upon primary infection with DENV1 and sequential heterologous infection with DENV2. Secondary heterologous infection with DENV2 was carried out at Immunoglobulin IgM and IgG peaks following the primary DENV1 infection with the hope of determining any potential effect antibodies IgM and IgG may have on sequential heterologous infection. 30 DEGs were identified and sequenced across all three treatment groups and they belong to a variety of important pathways such as apoptosis, innate immune response, inflammatory response, metabolic processes and oxidative stress. Analysis of differentially expressed genes in response to viral infection offers valuable knowledge about the dynamic and complex association between host cell and the virus. Furthermore, some DEGs identified support DENV induced liver damage.

Evaluation of Three Point-of-Care Tests for Detection of Toxoplasma Immunoglobulin IgG and IgM in the United States: Proof of Concept and Challenges.

BackgroundThe cost of conventional serological testing for toxoplasmosis discourages universal adoption of prenatal monthly screening programs to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis. Point-of-care (POC) technology may constitute a cost-effective approach.MethodsWe evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of 3 Toxoplasma POC tests against gold-standard testing performed at Palo Alto Medical Foundation Toxoplasma Serology Laboratory (PAMF-TSL). The POC tests included the following: Toxo IgG/IgM Rapid Test (Biopanda) and the OnSite Toxo IgG/IgM Combo-Rapid-test that detect IgG and IgM separately, and the Toxoplasma ICT-IgG-IgM-bk (LDBIO) that detects either or both immunoglobulin IgG/IgM in combination. Samples were selected from PAMF-TSL biobank (n = 210) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Toxoplasma 1998 Human Serum Panel (n = 100). Based on PAMF-TSL testing, Toxoplasma-infection status was classified in 4 categories: acute infections (n = 85), chronic infections (n = 85), false-positive Toxoplasma IgM (n = 60), and seronegative (n = 80). The POC testing was performed in duplicate following manufacturer’s instructions by investigators blinded to PAMF-TSL results. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated.ResultsA total of 1860 POC tests were performed. For detection of Toxoplasma IgG, sensitivity was 100% (170 of 170; 95% confidence interval [CI], 97.8%–100%) for all 3 POC kits; specificity was also comparable at 96.3% (77 of 80; 95% CI, 89.5%–98.9%), 97.5% (78 of 80; 95% CI, 91.3%–99.6%), and 98.8% (79 of 80; 95% CI, 93.2%–99.9%). However, sensitivity for detection of Toxoplasma IgM varied significantly across POC tests: Biopanda, 62.2% (51 of 82; 95% CI, 51.4%–71.9%); OnSite, 28% (23 of 82; 95% CI, 19.5%–38.6%); and LDBIO combined IgG/IgM, 100% (82 of 82; 95% CI, 95.5%–100%). Diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher for the LDBIO POC kit. The POC kits did not exhibit cross-reactivity for false-positive Toxoplasma-IgM sera.ConclusionsThe 3 evaluated POC kits revealed optimal sensitivity for Toxoplasma-IgG antibodies. The LDBIO-POC test exhibited 100% sensitivity for the combined detection of IgG/IgM in acute and chronic Toxoplasma infection. Biopanda and Onsite POC tests exhibited poor sensitivity for Toxoplasma-IgM detection.

A Cluster of Suspected Cases of Zika Leading to Uncommon Dengue Serotypes with Possible Coexisting Zika Virus in Northern Thailand, 2016

Due to high morbidity and mortality since 1949, dengue is one of the notifiable diseases routinely reported to the Ministry of Public Health. On 10 Apr 2016, five people with fever and rash from a village in Phetchabun Province were notified. Descriptive, case-control, and environmental studies were conducted to verify diagnosis, describe characteristics of the outbreak, and determine risk factors. A confirmed case was a person with dengue-related symptoms, and dengue Immunoglobulin IgM, or dengue nucleic acids tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Controls were those without any symptoms and were randomly selected in the village. Of 12 dengue confirmed cases, there were six with DEN-3 and two with DEN-4 viruses. Living near cases (odds ratio = 11.1, 95% CI = 1.2, 98.3) and using home for community services (odds ratio = 9.2, 95% CI = 1.1, 79.6) were associated with dengue infection. One Aedes aegypti mosquito was identified with Zika virus by RT-PCR. A dengue outbreak related to serotypes DEN-3 and DEN-4 was confirmed with potential coexisting Zika virus in the village. Intensive vector control, elimination of mosquito breeding sites and health education provided in align with community participation controlled the outbreak.

A genome-wide association study for natural antibodies measured in blood of Canadian Holstein cows

BackgroundNatural antibodies (NAb) are an important component of the innate immune system, and fight infections as a part of the first line defence. NAb are poly-reactive and can respond non-specifically to antigens. Therefore, NAb may be a key trait when evaluating an animal’s potential natural disease resistance. Variation in NAb is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. In this study genetic parameters of NAb were estimated and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to gain further understanding on the genes that are responsible for the observed genetic variation of NAb in Canadian Holsteins.ResultsIn total, blood samples of 1327 cows from 64 farms were studied. NAb binding to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) were determined via indirect ELISA. Immunoglobulin (Ig) isotypes, IgG and IgM, were evaluated. From the sample population, 925 cows were genotyped for 45,187 markers and each individual marker was tested to detect genetic variation in NAb levels. The relationships among animals was accounted for with genomic relationship. Results show heritabilities of 0.27 ± 0.064 (IgG) and 0.31 ± 0.065 (IgM). In total, 23 SNPs were found to be associated with IgG, but no SNPs were associated with IgM (FDR p-value < 0.05). The significant SNPs were located on autosomal chromosomes 1, 20 and 21 of the cow genome. Functional annotation analysis of the positional candidate genes revealed two sets of genes with biologically relevant functions related to NAb. In one set, seven genes with crucial roles in the production of antibody in B cells were associated with the trafficking of vesicles inside the cells between organelles. In the second set, two genes among positional candidate genes were associated with isotype class-switching and somatic hypermutation of B cells.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the possibility of increasing NAb through selective breeding. In addition, the effects of two candidate pathways are proposed for further investigation of NAb production in Holsteins.

New approach to differentiate primary from latent Toxoplasma gondii abortion through immunoglobulin and DNA interpretation

BackgroundToxoplasma gondii is an acute or latent zoonotic abortifacient human protozoan. Women may be aborted due to recent or latent infection during pregnancy or order to flare up of the dormant bradyzoites to acute tachyzoites (latent opportunistic relapse). Aims1) to validate the interpretation of IgM and IgG immunoglobulins seromonotoring with DNA comparative results in differentiating recent from latent T. gondii abortion. MethodBlood with the corresponding placental or uterine wash samples were collected from 73 aborted Egyptian women from Cairo and Giza labour wards. Patients aborted in any of the phases (Ph-1, Ph-2, Ph-3 and Ph-4 were corresponding to abortion at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters plus females who gave birth with congenital anomalies), respectively. All aborted patients were assayed serologically by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for IgM and IgG titers and the compatible DNA from placenta and uterine wash tissues by conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) specific for T. gondii. ResultsSero-positive aborted women were 50.7% by ELISA versus 37% by PCR. Not all T. gondii sero-positive aborted women were having T. gondii DNA or harboring compatible placental T. gondii cysts. This denotes that immunoglobulins alone are insufficient criteria for confirming toxoplasma abortion. ConclusionImmunoglobulins with DNA comparative results can possibly differentiate recent from latent T. gondii abortion at higher precision. We recommend the need for routine monitoring of T. gondii i.e. (pre-, during and post-delivery).

Effects of low nitrogen and low calorie parenteral nutrition combined with enteral nutrition on inflammatory factors and immune function in patients with gastric cancer

Objective To investigate the effect of low nitrogen and low calorie parenteral nutrition combined with enteral nutrition support on inflammatory factors and immune function in patients with gastric cancer. Methods From May 2013 to May 2015, ninety patients with gastric cancer underwent surgical treatment in the Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University were selected in the research, and they were divided into control group and observation group according to different methods of nutritional support, with 45 cases in each group.The control group received total parenteral nutrition support, the observation group was given low nitrogen and low calorie parenteral nutrition and enteral nutrition support, and supplemented by targeted nursing measures.The changes of levels of inflammatory factors and immune proteins in the two groups before operation and 7d after operation were compared.All patients were followed up for 6 months, and the quality of life and nursing satisfaction rate were compared between the two groups. Results At 7d after operation, the levels of immunoglobulin IgA, IgM and IgG in the observation group were (2.62±0.43)g/L, (1.93±0.52)g/L, (14.58±3.32)g/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those before operation [(2.01±0.30)g/L, (1.22±0.40)g/L, (12.42±5.64)g/L, t=7.805, 7.260, 2.214, all P<0.05] and those of the control group [(2.12±0.52)g/L, (1.53±0.41)g/L, (12.86±4.34)g/L, t=4.971, 4.052, 2.112, all P<0.05]. At 7d after operation, the levels of C reactive protein(CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the observation group were (108.52±17.53)mg/L, (135.63±28.51)ng/L, respectively, which were lower than those before operation [(142.35±15.82)mg/L, (156.65±25.54)ng/L, t=9.611, 3.684, all P<0.05] and those of the control group[(135.68±14.54)mg/L, (145.52±27.53)ng/L, t=8.000, 3.824, all P<0.05], the level of interleukin-2(IL-2) was higher than those before operation[(65.71±10.23)ng/L vs.(54.32±7.83)ng/L, t=5.931, P<0.05] and that of control group[(57.62±5.86)ng/L, t=4.603, P<0.05]. At 6 months after operation, the quality of life scores of the observation group were higher than those of the control group(t=7.444, 6.892, 4.884, 5.957, 7.784, 12.992, 3.851, 6.706, all P<0.05). The nursing satisfaction rate of the observation group was 97.78%, which was higher than 82.22% of the control group (χ2=6.049, P<0.05). Conclusion Low nitrogen and low calorie parenteral nutrition combined with enteral nutrition support can effectively improve the immune function of patients with gastric cancer, reduce the inflammatory response and ensure the quality of life of the prognosis, which is suitable for clinical application. Key words: Parenteral nutrition; Enteral nutrition; Stomach neoplasms; Inflammation mediators; Immunologic

Campylobacter infection in adult patients with primary antibody deficiency

Campylobacter infection in adult patients with primary antibody deficiency