Parvovirus Research Articles

Clinical molecular epidemiological study of human parvovirus B19 infection in patients with leukopenia

Objective To explore the distribution of parvovirus B19 (HPVB19) infection in patients with leukopenia. Methods Patients who visited the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University from January 2015 to June 2016 were analyzed. Patients with peripheral leucocytes count less than 3.5×109/L were included in experiment group and healthy people were included in control group. HPVB19 IgG and IgM were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and HPVB19 DNA was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Differences in continuous data between two groups were compared with two-sample t test and those in categorical data were compared with Chi-square test. Results A total of 79 patients were included in experiment group, including 32 males and 47 females. Ages ranged from 24 to 62 years old. And 126 healthy individuals were included in control group, including 55 males and 71 females. Ages ranged from 28 to 67 years old. The positive rates of HPVB19 IgG, IgM and DNA in experiment group were 34.2%, 5.1% and 3.8%, respectively, while those in control group were 36.5%, 0 and 0, respectively. The detection rates of HPVB19 IgM and DNA between two groups were significantly different (χ2=6.507, P=0.011 and χ2=4.856, P=0.028, respectively). Sequence analysis for 3 of the HPVB19 DNA positive samples showed that there were two single nucleotide polymorphisms in VP1/VP2 sequence from one patient, which contributed to the 153rd (L/H) and 219th (N/Y) amino acids mutations, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis found that two strains belong to genotype 1a and one strain belongs to genotype 1b. Conclusions Detection rate of parvovirus HPVB19 infection (positive rates of HPVB19 IgM and DNA) in leukopenic patients is significantly higher than healthy controls. HPVB19 should be detected before considering transfusion in leukopenic patients in clinical practice. Key words: Parvovirus B19, human; Leukopenia; Phylogenetic relationships; Genotype

PARV4 prevalence, phylogeny, immunology and coinfection with HIV, HBV and HCV in a multicentre African cohort.

Background: The seroprevalence of human parvovirus-4 (PARV4) varies considerably by region. In sub-Saharan Africa, seroprevalence is high in the general population, but little is known about the transmission routes or the prevalence of coinfection with blood-borne viruses, HBV, HCV and HIV. Methods: To further explore the characteristics of PARV4 in this setting, with a particular focus on the prevalence and significance of coinfection, we screened a cohort of 695 individuals recruited from Durban and Kimberley (South Africa) and Gaborone (Botswana) for PARV4 IgG and DNA, as well as documenting HIV, HBV and HCV status. Results: Within these cohorts, 69% of subjects were HIV-positive. We identified no cases of HCV by PCR, but 7.4% were positive for HBsAg. PARV4 IgG was positive in 42%; seroprevalence was higher in adults (69%) compared to children (21%) (p<0.0001) and in HIV-positive (52%) compared to HIV-negative individuals (24%) (p<0.0001), but there was no association with HBsAg status. We developed an on-line tool to allow visualization of coinfection data (https://purl.oclc.org/coinfection-viz). We identified five subjects who were PCR-positive for PARV4 genotype-3. Ex vivo CD8+ T cell responses spanned the entire PARV4 proteome and we propose a novel HLA-B*57:03-restricted epitope within the NS protein. Conclusions: This characterisation of PARV4 infection provides enhanced insights into the epidemiology of infection and co-infection in African cohorts, and provides the foundations for planning further focused studies to elucidate transmission pathways, immune responses, and the clinical significance of this organism.

Detection of Persistent Human Parvovirus 4 Infection in Patients with Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Parvovirus 4 (PARV4) is one of the emerging human parvoviruses discovered recently. PARV4 has long-lasting persistence in tissues after primary infection, but persistent PARV4 viremia has yet to be effectively detected in humans. In the present work, longitudinal serum samples from eleven patients with antiphospholipid syndrome were tested by nested polymerase chain reaction for the presence of PARV4 DNA. In one patient, PARV4 4 DNA was detected in all longitudinal serum samples collected over a period of 119 months. In addition, PARV4 DNA was present in two or more longitudinal serum samples from seven other patients. Two possible explanations are a persistent infection with intermittent low viral load below detection limit and a recurrent reactivation of latent infection. In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the first direct evidence of detection of persistent PARV4 infection. Placental transmission may be one of the major routes of PARV4 infection in endemic areas if women of child-bearing age have continuous or intermittent circulating PARV4 DNA seen in our patients.

Frequency of human parvovirus 4 (PARV4) viremia among HBV-infected patients and healthy donors in Shiraz, Iran.

PARV4, a small DNA virus belonging to the family Parvoviridae, was first isolated in an HBV injecting drug user. Several studies have investigated PARV4 co-infection with HBV and HCV and its effect on the progression of liver disease. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of PARV4 among HBV-infected patients and healthy individuals. A group of 90 HBV patients and a group of 90 healthy subjects were included in this study. Samples were selected after screening tests such as HBsAg ELISA, anti-HCV ELISA, and anti-HIV ELISA. Nested-PCRs were conducted to detect the PARV4 genome. Positive samples were then subjected to DNA sequencing. PARV4 DNA was detected in 4.4% of HBV patients in comparison with 1.1% of healthy individuals (P-value: 0.36). DNA sequencing results revealed that PARV4 in all five positive samples was genotype I.Conclusions: Although this pilot study showed no significant difference between the frequency of PARV4 among HBV patients and healthy donors, further studies with a larger sample size are suggested to determine the association of PARV4 with HBV co-infection and the impact of this virus on the progression of liver disease in patients with hepatitis B.

Human parvovirus B19 and parvovirus 4 among Iranian patients with hemophilia.

BackgroundHuman parvovirus B19 (B19V) is one of the smallest DNA viruses and shows great resistance to most disinfectants. Therefore, it is one of the common contaminant pathogens present in blood and plasma products. Parvovirus 4 (PARV4) is a newly identified parvovirus, which is also prevalent in parenteral transmission. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of B19V and PARV4 DNA among patients with hemophilia in Birjand County in eastern Iran.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional epidemiological study comprising nearly all people with hemophilia in this region. Whole blood samples were taken after patient registration and sent for plasma isolation. After nucleic acid extraction, B19V was detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction, PARV4 DNA was then detected using sensitive semi-nested PCR.ResultsIn total, there were 86 patients with hemophilia, with mean age 28.5±1.5 years. Of these, 90.7% were men and 9.3% women; 84.9% had hemophilia A and 7.0% had hemophilia B. We found 11 patients (12.8%) were positive for B19V DNA and 8 were positive (9.3%) for PARV4 DNA. The prevalence of B19V was higher in middle-aged groups rather than younger people, whereas PARV4 infection was more common in younger patients (P <0.05).ConclusionThere was a high prevalence of B19V and PARV4 infection in this high-risk group of patients with hemophilia. Due to the clinical significance of the B19 virus, imposing more precautionary measures for serum and blood products is recommended.

Molecular and Serological Assessment of Chronic Parvovirus B19 among Chronic Hemolytic Anemia Children

Background: Parvovirus B19 infections can suppress erythropoiesis and induce acute erythroblastopenia which is often referred to as transient aplastic crisis with hematological disorders especially chronic hemolytic anemia. Objectives: to detect the presence of parvovirus B19 (B19) DNA together with its IgG antibodies in the sera of children with chronic hemolytic anemia and in apparently healthy children in Menoufia University Hospitals and to detect the prevalence of chronic parvovirus B19 infection through detection of PCR among positive anti-parvo virus B19 IgG in different types of anemia. Methodology: The study was conducted on 60 children with chronic hemolytic anemia (40 children with chronic hemolytic anemia without a history of aplastic crisis and 20 children with chronic hemolytic anemia with a history of aplastic crisis) and 20 age and sex-matched apparently healthy children. All patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination and laboratory investigations. The presence of B19 IgG levels were measured by using anti-parvovirus B19 ELISA kits (EUROIMMUN), as well as detection of its DNA by nested-polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: Anti-parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies were detected in 62.5% and 100% of patients in group I and group II respectively. Only 20% in control group had a detectable level of anti-parvovirus B19 IgG. There were significant positive correlations between age of patients, frequency of transfusion, and transfusion index in both groups and the level of anti-parvovirus B19 IgG. Seven B19 IgG seropositive cases (14.3%) had B19 DNA. Although78% of children with f thalassemia major had a detectable level of anti- parvovirus B19 virus IgG antibodies, only 15.4% of them had B19 DNA. Children with sickle cell anemia were presented only in group II with aplastic crisis by percentage of 25%, where the prevalence of anti-B19 IgG antibodies among them was 100% but only one child had both anti-B19 IgG antibodies and B 19 DNA (20%).Patients who had anti- parvo virus B19 IgG and those who had both B19 DNA anti-parvo virus B19 IgG cases had a higher transfusion index compared to negative cases. Conclusion: All children with hematological disorders must be screened for B19. Direct detection of DNA by PCR needs to be performed along with serology in these children. Genotyping and quantification of the virus can be more useful for diagnosis and staging of infection.

Effect of Cross-Fostering on a Variety of Viral Agents in Conventionally Bred Rats

We aimed to compare the serological profiles of the pups that were housed with their biological mothers and the ones which were transferred to foster-dams after birth, with regard to certain viral agents. The day of delivery for the pregnant rat is recognized as the postnatal day 0 (P0). The pups born from Group 1 [P(0), P(21), P(60)] pregnant rats were housed with their biological mothers. In Group 2 [P(1), P(21), P(60)], however, P(1) consisted of pups housed with their biological mother for 24 hours while P(21) and P(60) consisted of pups transferred from the their biological mother immediately at birth. Antibody response against Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV), Rat Parvo Virus (RPV), Sendai Virus (SV) and Toolan's H1 viruses was not detected in dams and pups of all the groups, whereas high rate (45%) of antibody positivity was observed in response to Kilham' Rat Virus (KRV). No statistically significant difference was determined between the pups left with their biological mother and with the foster mothers, except for Murine Adeno Virus type 1, type 2 (MAD 1 and 2), Reovirus type 3 (REO-3) and Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus (TMEV). It was conspicuous in terms of REO-3 that for the pups it was essential to stay with their biological mothers and nursed during the first 24 hours. As a result, foster mother usage in breeding laboratory animals is found to be beneficial against a variety of viral agents for the pups particularly in the later period of their lives and we suggest to continue this implementation in routine laboratory practice whenever necessary.

A generic viral dynamic model to systematically characterize the interaction between oncolytic virus kinetics and tumor growth

Oncolytic viruses (OV) represent an encouraging new therapeutic concept for treatment of human cancers. OVs specifically replicate in tumor cells and initiate cell lysis whilst tumor cells act as endogenous bioreactors for virus amplification. This complex bidirectional interaction between tumor and oncolytic virus hampers the establishment of a straight dose-concentration-effect relation. We aimed to develop a generic mathematical pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) model to characterize the relationship between tumor cell growth and kinetics of different OVs. U87 glioblastoma cell growth and titer of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), reovirus (RV) and parvovirus (PV) were systematically determined in vitro. PK/PD analyses were performed using non-linear mixed effects modeling. A viral dynamic model (VDM) with a common structure for the three different OVs was developed which simultaneously described tumor growth and virus replication. Virus specific parameters enabled a comparison of the kinetics and tumor killing efficacy of each OV. The long-term interactions of tumor cells with NDV and RV were simulated to predict tumor reoccurrence. Various treatment scenarios (single and multiple dosing with same OV, co-infection with different OVs and combination with hypothetical cytotoxic compounds) were simulated and ranked for efficacy using a newly developed treatment rating score. The developed VDM serves as flexible tool for the systematic cross-characterization of tumor-virus relationships and supports preselection of the most promising treatment regimens for follow-up in vivo analyses.

Human Parvoviruses.

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) and human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1), members of the large Parvoviridae family, are human pathogens responsible for a variety of diseases. For B19V in particular, host features determine disease manifestations. These viruses are prevalent worldwide and are culturable in vitro, and serological and molecular assays are available but require careful interpretation of results. Additional human parvoviruses, including HBoV2 to -4, human parvovirus 4 (PARV4), and human bufavirus (BuV) are also reviewed. The full spectrum of parvovirus disease in humans has yet to be established. Candidate recombinant B19V vaccines have been developed but may not be commercially feasible. We review relevant features of the molecular and cellular biology of these viruses, and the human immune response that they elicit, which have allowed a deep understanding of pathophysiology.

Molecular detection of porcine circo virus type 2 and porcine parvo virus inpigs having reproductive problems and histopathologicalstudies in the tissue of aborted pig foetuses

The present study was undertaken to detect the presence of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine parvo virus (PPV) in 54 porcine aborted foetuses, stillborns and mummified foetuses. Foetal tissues of heart, lung, spleen and lymphnodes were used for extraction of total DNA and the presence of viral pathogens were confirmed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Out of 54 samples, nine (16.6%) samples were positive for PCV2, eight (14.8%) samples were positive for PPV while co-infection with PCV2 and PPV was detected in four (7.4%) samples. The histopathological changes in the foetuses were found to be mostly necrosis in the cells of the developing organs viz. lungs, kidney, liver, heart, brain, spleen and lymphnodes. Lymphoid depletion was observed in the lymphoid follicles of the lymphnodes. Meningoencephalitis in the cerebrum was also seen in both PPV and PCV2 infected foetuses. The results indicated that PPV and PCV2 could be an important infectious agent in cases of porcine stillbirths, abortions and mummified foetuses.

DETECTION OF CASES OF PARVOVIRUS INFECTION IN THE SYSTEM FOR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE OF EXANTHEMATIC DISEASES

The drastic decrease of the incidence of Measles and Rubella at the stage of elimination of these infections is notified on the territory of North- Western Federal Region (NWFR) of Russia. At the same time the number of cases with the error clinical diagnosis of Measles and Rubella increased. The most frequent error is the infection caused by Parvovirus (PVI). The disease is of the independent particular medical and social significance for obstetrics, maternity and childhood protection, blood donation service, transplantation of organs/tissue etc. The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of PVI on the territory of NWFR of Russia in different periods of 2009–2012 and 2015–2016. The data of the laboratory diagnosis of PVI for patients with exanthema were analyzed. Materials and methods. The serum specimens of patients with exanthema from bank of sera of St. Petersburg Subnational Measles/Rubella laboratory, collected in 2009–2012 (n = 495) and in 2015 (n = 336) as well as 69 sera of patients with exanthema from the “Infectious Disease Hospital N30” in St. Petersburg, collected in March-May, 2016 were studied. The specific IgM-PV B19 antibodies were determined by the «recomWELL Parvovirus B19 IgM» (MICROGEN GmbH, Germany) ELISA test-system. The presen ce of the specific IgM-PV B19 antibodies in sera of patients was the evidence of the acute PVI. Results. The obtained results demonstrated the prevalence of PVI on the territory of NWFR. In 2009–2012 as well as in 2015 years PVI was revealed on the overwhelming majority (9 of 11) of administrative territories of the NWFR. The essential predominance of PVI was determined in St. Petersburg and bordering territories of NWFR (Kaliningrad Oblast’, Leningrad Oblast’, Republic of Karelia). In 2010, 2011 and 2015 years the part of sera detected as IgM-PV B19 positive on an average was equal to 14%. Meanwhile in 2012 the part of the detected IgM-PV B19 positive sera was statistically higher (p 0.05) and consisted 45.5% of those tested in St. Petersburg Subnational Measles/Rubella laboratory. According to the results obtained the epidemical increase of PVI incidence was observed on the territory of NWFR in 2012. Among the cases with the laboratory confirmed PVI (i.e. IgM-PV B19 positive sera) the part of cases with the error clinical diagnosis of Rubella consisted 56.2% in 2012 and 34.0% in 2015. Comparing the initial clinical diagnosis of patients from the “Infectious Di sease Hospital N 30” in St. Petersburg in March-May, 2016, with the results of IgM-PV B19 ELISA of sera we revealed that none of patients with the laboratory confirmed PVI had the initial clinical diagnosis PVI at the stage of hospitalization. Thus the results obtained evidence the prevalence of PVI on the territory of NWFR; clinical diagnosis of PVI turns to be the problem for clinicians; the differential diagnosis of PVI with Rubella is necessary and of extremely importance at the stage of elimination of Measles and Rubella in Russia.

Human parvovirus 4 prevalence among HTLV-1/2 infected individuals in Brazil.

Human parvovirus 4 (PARV4), a Tetraparvovirus, has been largely found in HIV, HBV, or HCV infected individuals. However, there is no data for the PARV4 occurrence in Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1/2) infected individuals, despite similar transmission routes. Here, PARV4 viremia was evaluated in 130 HTLV infected patients under care of a Brazilian HTLV outpatient clinic. PARV4 viremia was detected in 6.2% of the HTLV-1 infected patients. Most PARV4 positives showed no evidence for parenterally transmitted infections. It is suggested that in Brazil, transmission routes of PARV4 are more complex than in Europe and North America and resemble those in Africa. J. Med. Virol. 89:748-752, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Relationships between human parvovirus B19 VP1 unique region protein and autoimmune diseases

Human parvovirus B19, generally referred to as B19 virus, has been closely associated with a variety of different autoimmune diseases due to the features of its capsid protein. B19 virus VP1 unique region protein that has sites of phospholipase A2 and several antigenic determinants is exposed on the outside of the viral capsid protein. As a result of that, B19 virus VP1 unique region protein can stimulate the host to produce autoantibodies, which induces and/or aggravates the autoimmune diseases. The biological characteristics of B19 virus VP1 unique region protein and its relationships with autoimmune diseases are described in this review based upon the published literatures and the work achieved by our research team. This review will be helpful to the prevention and treatment of B19 virus infection. Key words: Human parvovirus B19; VP1 unique region protein; Autoimmune disease; Phospholipase A2

Prevalence of canine parvo virus and canine influenza virus infection in dogs in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Feni and Chittagong districts of Bangladesh

Canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine influenza virus (CIV) are highly contagious virus infecting members of the canine family including dogs, coyotes, foxes and wolves. The research work was carried out to determine the prevalence of CPV and CIV in dogs (stray and pet dogs) in Dhaka, Mymensingh, Feni and Chittagong Districts by using Rapigen CPV and CIV Ag test kit. Fecal samples were collected from 50 dogs of different age and sex from different spots of Dhaka and Chittagong District. Nasal fluid samples were collected from 50 dogs of different age and sex from different spots. The samples were tested with Rapigen canine parvovirus Ag test kit and Rapigen canine influenza Ag test kit. Overall prevalence of CPV in pet dogs was 22% and in stray dogs was 30%. The prevalence of canine parvovirus in relation to age was gradually decreasing with higher age group and the prevalence was 28% in 1-6 months age, 16.66% in 7-12 months age group 11.11%o ver 18 months age group. The prevalence of canine parvovirus was significantly higher in male (24.13%) than that in female (19.04%). All samples showed negative test result for canine influenza virus. Prevalence of canine influenza virus infection were 00.00% in all age groups and sex. Overall prevalence of CIV in all pet and stray dogs were 00.00%.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2016, 2(1): 138-142

First report of human parvovirus 4 detection in Iran.

Parvovirus 4 (PARV4) is an emerging and intriguing virus that currently received many attentions. High prevalence of PARV4 infection in high-risk groups such as HIV infected patients highlights the potential clinical outcomes that this virus might have. Molecular techniques were used to determine both the presence and the genotype of circulating PARV4 on previously collected serum samples from 133 HIV infected patients and 120 healthy blood donors. Nested PCR was applied to assess the presence of PARV4 DNA genome in both groups. PARV4 DNA was detected in 35.3% of HIV infected patients compared to 16.6% healthy donors. To genetically characterize the PARV4 genotype in these groups, positive samples were randomly selected and subjected for sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. All PARV4 sequences were found to be genotype 1 and clustered with the reference sequences of PARV4 genotype 1. J. Med. Virol. 88:1314-1318, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Atypical rashes in adult human Parvovirus B19 infection; atypical is typical

The childhood illness erythema infectiosum (EI) is caused by Parvovirus (PV) B19 with a slapped cheek-like rash and sometimes a lace-like rash on the extremities but cutaneous manifestions in infection in the adult can be atypical. A healthy 38-year-old male office worker and a 32-year-old non-pregnant female kindergarten teacher presented with fever (former; 37.2 °C for 3 days, latter 38.1 °C for 4 days) following a skin rash persisting several days at different times. Both had a non-pruritic rash (Fig. 1, Fig. 2) on the extremities and a painful postauricular lymphadenopathy. PV B19 infection was confirmed in both by a positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) result for serum PV B19-specific IgM. Neither had a typical facial rash nor painful joints. Although the man had no history of exposure to PV B19 infection, the woman was exposed to kindergarteners who with PV B19 infection.

Prevalence of canine Parvo virus infection in street dogs using rapid antigen detection Kit

Canine parvovirus is one of the most common infectious diseases of dogs. A study was carried out to diagnose the infection of canine parvovirus in street dogs from different places of Mymensingh Town. Rectal samples were collected from January to April, 2015. A total of 114 rectal swabs were collected conveniently from street dogs of Mymensingh. The samples were diagnosed using RapiGEN Canine Parvo Virus Ag Test Kit. The association of CPV infection with demographic variables was assessed by Chisquare test. The overall prevalence of CPV was 32.0% in dogs. The prevalence of parvovirus infection was found to be significantly higher in puppies and 6 months of age (58.3%) than those &gt;24 months of age (p=0.005). The prevalence of canine parvovirus infection also varied significantly in different study area (p=0.003). The prevalence of canine parvovirus infection was higher in male (34.4%) than that in female (30.2%) but it was not statistically significant.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(3): 459-464, December 2015

Serological parvovirus B19 SCREENING of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Ankylosing spondylitis

Parvovirus B19 is single-stranded DNA virus and can cause general flu-like symptoms or asymptomatic infection with rash and, more commonly in adults, arthritis, especially in the fingers and hands but also in the wrists and ankles. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of parvovirus B19 in the development of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis by demonstrating the presence of specific antiviral antibodies in patient serum samples. Serological methods (indirect ELISA test and Immunoblot test) to demonstrate the specific parvovirus B19 IgM/IgG antibodies were used. A total 36 serum samples, collected in 2015 from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (n=24) and ankylosing spondylitis (n=12) were tested. The average age of patients studied was 50 ± 13.2 years. Positive results for B19-IgM antibodies which are marker for acute B19 infection in 2/36 (5.55%) serum samples were detected. These two sera were from patients with diagnosis rheumatoid arthritis. Protective B19-IgG antibodies evidence of past infection in 17/36 (47.22%) patients were found. Thirteen of them were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and four with ankylosing spondylitis. Two of the tested serum samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis were positive for both investigated B19 markers. Rheumatoid diseases are one of the oldest problems of mankind, which is widespread today. This study is the basis for future more detailed tests aimed enrichment of diagnostic range on these diseases and inclusion of parvovirus B19 assays.

Clinical and hematological of parvovirus B19 infection on Egyptian children with chronic hemolytic anemia.

Patients with chronic hemolytic anemia are at high risk of developing acute erythroblastopenia following infection by parvovirus B19 (PB19). The objective of the present study is to evaluate the clinical and hematological effects of recent and old PB19 infections in Egyptian children with chronic hemolytic anemia. This study included 90 pediatric patients. Twenty healthy subjects with matched age and sex were included as controls. Patients were classified as patients with chronic hemolytic anemia with acute aplastic crises and patients with chronic hemolytic anemia without aplastic crises. Full hematological and clinical studies were performed for each patient. Virological studies for PB19 were applied with measurement of specific IgM and IgG and real time polymerase chain reaction. Recent PB19 infection in patients with chronic hemolytic anemia with acute aplastic crises was associated mainly with fever (77.8%) followed by pallor and hepatosplenomegaly (38.9% for each). Recent PB19 infection was associated by significantly lower levels of mean hemoglobin (Hb) (P1= 0.001, P2

Sero-Prevalence of Rodent Pathogens in India

Health monitoring is an integral part of laboratory animal quality standards. However, current or past prevalence data as well as regulatory requirements dictate the frequency, type and the expanse of health monitoring. In an effort to understand the prevalence of rodent pathogens in India, a preliminary study was carried out by sero-epidemiology. Sera samples obtained from 26 public and private animal facilities were analyzed for the presence of antibodies against minute virus of mice (MVM), ectromelia virus (ECTV), lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), Sendai virus (SeV), and Mycoplasma pulmonis in mice, and SeV, rat parvo virus (RPV), Kilham’s rat virus (KRV) and sialodacryoadenitis virus (SDAV) in rats, by sandwich ELISA. It was observed that MHV was the most prevalent agent followed by Mycoplasma pulmonis and MVM in mice, and SDAV followed by RPV were prevalent in rats. On the other hand, none of the samples were positive for ECTV in mice, or SeV or KRV in rats. Multiple infections were common in both mice and rats. The incidence of MHV and Mycoplasma pulmonis was higher in facilities maintained by public organizations than in vivaria of private organizations, although the difference was not statistically different. On the other hand the prevalence of rodent pathogens was significantly higher in the northern part of India than in the South. These studies form the groundwork for detailed sero-prevalence studies which should further lay the foundations for country-specific guidelines for health monitoring of laboratory animals.