Patients In Guangzhou Research Articles

Allergy-related Evidences in Relation to Serum IgE: Data from the China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, 2008–2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the serum total IgE (tIgE) and specific IgE (sIgE) to common allergens among allergic patients in Guangzhou, China. Methods7 085 patients were examined for tIgE and sIgE to 15 allergens, based on the protocols of reversed enzyme allergosorbent test and the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results3 758 (53.04%) patients tested positive for tIgE, and 4 640 (65.49%) for sIgE. Der pteronyssinus, Der farinae, eggs, and cow's milk were the most common allergens leading to higher positive rates of sIgE responses. Several peaks of sensitization were: Der pteronyssinus, Der farinae, and Blomia tropicalis at age 10–12; cow's milk at age below 3; eggs at age 4–6. The mean level and positive rate of tIgE tended to increase in subjects sensitized to more allergens. Sensitization to Der pteronyssinus (OR, 1.6; P<0.05), Der farinae (OR, 1.5; P<0.05), Blomia tropicalis (OR, 1.4; P<0.05), Blattella germanica (OR, 1.5; P<0.05), cow's milk (OR, 1.3; P<0.05), and soy beans (OR, 2.0; P<0.05) were independently correlated with allergy-related conditions in preliminary diagnosis. ConclusionThe major allergens in Guangzhou include Der pteronyssinus, Der farinae, cow's milk, and eggs. Sensitization to these allergens appears to be predictors of allergy-related disorder.

Transmission of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus from father to child: a report of limited person-to-person transmission, Guangzhou, China, January 2014.

We investigated a possible person-to-person transmission within a family cluster of two confirmed influenza A(H7N9) patients in Guangzhou, China. The index case, a man in his late twenties, worked in a wet market that was confirmed to be contaminated by the influenza A(H7N9) virus. He developed a consistent fever and severe pneumonia after 4 January 2014. In contrast, the second case, his five-year-old child, who only developed a mild disease 10 days after disease onset of the index case, did not have any contact with poultry and birds but had unprotected and very close contact with the index case. The sequences of the haemagglutinin (HA) genes of the virus stains isolated from the two cases were 100% identical. These findings strongly suggest that the second case might have acquired the infection via transmission of the virus from the sick father. Fortunately, all 40 close contacts, including the other four family members who also had unprotected and very close contact with the cases, did not acquire influenza A(H7N9) virus infection, indicating that the person-to-person transmissibility of the virus remained limited. Our finding underlines the importance of carefully, thoroughly and punctually following-up close contacts of influenza A(H7N9) cases to allow detection of any secondary cases, as these may constitute an early warning signal of the virus's increasing ability to transmit from person-to-person.

Co-sensitization to silkworm moth (Bombyx mori) and 9 inhalant allergens among allergic patients in Guangzhou, Southern China.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the profile of sensitization to silkworm moth (Bombyx mori) and other 9 common inhalant allergens among patients with allergic diseases in southern China.MethodsA total of 175 patients were tested for serum sIgE against silkworm moth in addition to combinations of other allergens: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia tropicalis, Blattella germanica, Periplaneta americana, cat dander, dog dander, Aspergillus fumigatus and Artemisia vulgaris by using the ImmunoCAP system. Correlation between sensitization to silkworm moth and to the other allergens was analyzed.ResultsOf the 175 serum samples tested, 86 (49.14%) were positive for silkworm moth sIgE. With high concordance rates, these silkworm moth sensitized patients were concomitantly sensitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (94.34%), Dermatophagoides farinae (86.57%), Blomia tropicalis (93.33%), Blattella germanica (96.08%), and Periplaneta americana (79.41%). Moreover, there was a correlation in serum sIgE level between silkworm moth and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (r = 0.518), Dermatophagoides farinae (r = 0.702), Blomia tropicalis (r = 0.701), Blattella germanica (r = 0.878), and Periplaneta americana (r = 0.531) among patients co-sensitized to silkworm moth and each of these five allergens.ConclusionIn southern Chinese patients with allergic diseases, we showed a high prevalence of sensitization to silkworm moth, and a co-sensitization between silkworm moth and other five common inhalant allergens. Further serum inhibition studies are warranted to verify whether cross-reactivity exists among these allergens.

Prevalence of allergen sensitization among patients with allergic diseases in Guangzhou, Southern China: a four-year observational study

Background: The distribution of allergens may vary with different geographic areas, suggesting the importance of local epidemiological data to support evidence-based prevention and management of allergic diseases. We investigated the distribution of common allergens in allergic patients in Guangzhou, southern China.&#x0D; Methods: 7,047 patients with allergic symptoms were examined for serum sIgE to 15 common allergens in thisregion, based on the protocol of reversed enzyme allergosorbent test.&#x0D; Results: 4,869 (69.09%) of the subjects tested positive for sIgE to at least one of the 15 common allergens. There was no statistical difference in the overall rate of positive sIgE detection between males (3128/4523, 69.16%) and females (1741/2524, 68.98%). Der pteronyssinus and Der farinae were the most common aeroallergens, while eggs and cow’s milk the most common food allergens, responsible for higher positive rates of sIgE responses. A good correlation in positive sIgE response was found between Der pteronyssinus and Der farinae. By age-group analysis, we noted several peaks of sensitization to certain allergens: Der pteronyssinus, Der farinae, and Blomiatropicalis at age between 9 and 12; Blattellagermanica and mosquito at age between 15 and 18, cow’s milk before age 3; eggs and flour at age between 3 and 6; crabs and shrimps at age between 12 and 15. Along with older age, there was an ascending tendency in the overall positive rate of sIgE response to house dust mites among subjects who tested positive for sIgE to eggs or cow’s milk.&#x0D; Conclusions: Der pteronyssinus, Der farinae, cow’s milk, and eggs are major allergens in Guangzhou. Sensitization to eggs and cow’s milk is more common at younger age, and then gives place to the increasing prevalence of sensitization to Der pteronyssinus and Der farinae at older age. Such a sequence of events may be a result of allergy march. Knowledge on the prevalence of allergen sensitization in different age groups would help early diagnosis and intervention of allergic diseases in this large geographical region.

Prevalence of allergen sensitization among patients with allergic diseases in Guangzhou, Southern China: a four-year observational study

BackgroundThe distribution of allergens may vary with different geographic areas, suggesting the importance of local epidemiological data to support evidence-based prevention and management of allergic diseases. We investigated the distribution of common allergens in allergic patients in Guangzhou, southern China.Methods7,047 patients with allergic symptoms were examined for serum sIgE to 15 common allergens in this region, based on the protocol of reversed enzyme allergosorbent test.Results4,869 (69.09%) of the subjects tested positive for sIgE to at least one of the 15 common allergens. There was no statistical difference in the overall rate of positive sIgE detection between males (3128/4523, 69.16%) and females (1741/2524, 68.98%). Der pteronyssinus and Der farinae were the most common aeroallergens, while eggs and cow’s milk the most common food allergens, responsible for higher positive rates of sIgE responses. A good correlation in positive sIgE response was found between Der pteronyssinus and Der farinae. By age-group analysis, we noted several peaks of sensitization to certain allergens: Der pteronyssinus, Der farinae, and Blomiatropicalis at age between 9 and 12; Blattellagermanica and mosquito at age between 15 and 18, cow’s milk before age 3; eggs and flour at age between 3 and 6; crabs and shrimps at age between 12 and 15. Along with older age, there was an ascending tendency in the overall positive rate of sIgE response to house dust mites among subjects who tested positive for sIgE to eggs or cow’s milk.ConclusionsDer pteronyssinus, Der farinae, cow’s milk, and eggs are major allergens in Guangzhou. Sensitization to eggs and cow’s milk is more common at younger age, and then gives place to the increasing prevalence of sensitization to Der pteronyssinus and Der farinae at older age. Such a sequence of events may be a result of allergy march. Knowledge on the prevalence of allergen sensitization in different age groups would help early diagnosis and intervention of allergic diseases in this large geographical region.

A multicentre assessment of malnutrition, nutritional risk, and application of nutritional support among hospitalized patients in Guangzhou hospitals.

To assess nutritional status, the prevalence of nutritional risk, and nutritional support in hospitalized patients in Guangzhou, to determine gender or age associated differences in the prevalence of nutritional risk. A total of 2550 patients admitted during April to December 2008 from six departments (Gastroenterology, Pulmonology, Neurology, Nephrology, General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery) of four teaching hospitals were screened using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 tool. Overall prevalence of undernutrition and nutritional risk was 17.8% and 41.5%, respectively. The department of Pulmonology had the highest prevalence of undernutrition (28.2%) and nutritional risk (55.9%). The prevalence of nutritional risk was significantly higher in patients >=70 years of age than patients <70 years (64.2% vs 32.6%, p<0.001). No gender difference in the prevalence of nutritional risk was observed in general. In total, 47.6% of "at risk" and 19.4% of "not at risk" patients received nutritional support. Parenteral nutrition accounted for 88.8% of the nutritional support. The present study documented the prevalence of nutritional risk defined by NRS2002 and inappropriate assignment of nutritional interventions in Guangzhou hospitals.

The epidemiological characteristics and pathogenic types of hand, foot and mouth disease in 9482 pediatric patients in Guangzhou

Objective To analyze the epidemiologcial features and pathogenic types of hand,foot and mouth disease ( HFMD ) in 9482 pediatric patients in Guangzhou,and to provide medical institutions with support for the prevention and control of HFMD.Methods Descriptive epidemiologcial methods were used to analyze the distribution and pathogenic types of HFMD.All the data were collected and analyzed.Results A total of 9482 cases of HFMD were reported in the children hospital from April 2008 to December 2011,94.1％ of whom were under 5 years old.The male to female ratio was 1.53:1.April to July is the peak period of HFMD.This period is the raining season of each year.Then a little peak occurred in the period from September to October.6892 were enterovirus positiveamong the tested 7344 samples,with a positive rate of 93.85％.Human Enterovirus 71 ( EV71 ) were indentified in 1894 ( 25.79％ ) patients,coxsackievirus A16 ( Cox A16 ) in 2370 ( 32.27％ ),and other enterovirus in 2628 ( 35.78％ ).Conclusions Pediatrics in all hospitals should continue to pay great attention to the monitoring and management of HFMD and propaganda the knowledge of HFMD in the period ( summer and autumn ) of high invasion; all departments should do a good job to protect the focus groups ( children under age 5 ) from HFMD. Key words: Maternal and Child Health; Hand, foot and mouth disease; Epidemic characteristics; Pathogens

Prevalence and risk factors of sleep disturbance in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients in Guangzhou, southern China

Sleep disturbance is significantly associated with overall morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in end-stage renal disease patients. Although it was reported that the prevalence of poor sleep quality was 41-83% in hemodialysis patients, sleep disturbance was not well understood in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, especially in Asian PD patients. The present study attempted to assess the prevalence and related risk factors of sleep disturbance among continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients in Guangzhou, southern China. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep quality in eligible 212 CAPD patients (53.3% men), average age 49.9 ± 16.7 years. The average global PSQI score of the CAPD patients was 9.5 ± 5.2, with 171 (80.4%) poor sleepers (PSQI scores > or = 5). The PSQI score was negatively correlated with serum albumin (r = -0.21, P = 0.003) subjective global assessment (SGA) score (r = -0.27, P = 0.001) and positively correlated with age (r = 0.34, P < 0.001), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.20, P = 0.008), level of calcium × phosphate product (r = 0.19, P = 0.009), cardiovascular disease (r = 0.17, P = 0.019), Charlson comorbidity index score (r = 0.21, P = 0.004), malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS) (r = 0.31, P < 0.001), and duration on CAPD (r = 0.20, P = 0.005). In multiple analysis, old age, high calcium × phosphate product, low SGA score (β = -0.23, P = 0.042), and high MIS (β = 0.30, P = 0.007) were independent predictors of sleep disturbance in CAPD patients. We clearly demonstrated the novel relationship of malnutrition and calcium × phosphate product with poor sleep quality in CAPD patients, which may be a part of the explanation for the strong links between sleep quality and overall morbidity and mortality.

Molecular epidemiology of dengue viruses in southern China from 1978 to 2006.

To investigate molecular epidemiology of dengue viruses (DENV) in southern China, a total of 14 dengue isolates were collected in southern China during each epidemic year between 1978 and 2006 and their full-length genome sequences were obtained by using RT-PCR method. The E gene sequences from additional 6 dengue fever patients in Guangzhou in 2006 were also obtained by using RT-PCR method. Combined with DENVs sequences published in GenBank, phylogenetic analysis and recombination analysis were performed. One hundred and twenty-five E gene sequences and 60 complete genome sequences published in the GenBank were also involved. Phylogenetic analysis showed that there was a wide genetic diversity of DENVs isolated in southern China. DENV-1 strains exist in almost all of the clades of genotype I and IV except the Asia 1 clade of genotype I; DENV-2 stains are grouped into four of the five genotypes except American genotype. DENV-4 strains are grouped into 2 genotypes (I and II). Phylogenetic analysis also showed that all DENV-4 isolates and two DENV-2 isolates were closely related to the prior isolates from neighboring Southeast Asia countries. The DENV-1 strain isolated during the 2006 epidemic is highly homologous to the strains isolated during the 2001 epidemic.Recombination analysis showed no inter-serotype recombination, but 22 intra-serotype recombination events were found across the 32 complete genomes of all Chinese isolates. The study suggested that dengue fever epidemic in Southern China over the past 30 years presented two important modes, 1) imported-cases-induced endemic prevalence; 2) endogenous epidemic outbreak with natural epidemic focus. Recombination may play an important role in dengue virus evolution and adaptation.

Epidemiology of adenovirus type 5 neutralizing antibodies in healthy people and AIDS patients in Guangzhou, southern China

Recombinant adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) viruses have been extensively explored as vectors for vaccination or gene therapy. However, one major obstacle to their clinical application is the high prevalence of preexisting anti-Ad5 immunity resulting from natural infection. It has been reported that there are geographic variations in the prevalence of natural adenovirus infection. In the present study, we investigated the seroprevalence of Ad5 in Guangzhou, southern China by measuring the Ad5 neutralizing antibodies in blood samples collected from several sites. The seroprevalence was 77.34% in the general healthy population. The seroprevalence and antibody titers increased with age, with the older population (41-72 years old) having the highest seropositivity (84.8%) and percentage (54.4%) of high Ad5 neutralizing antibody titers (>1000). The dynamics of Ad5 neutralizing antibodies were stable and persistent over the course of eight months. Furthermore, the seroprevalence of Ad5 in the HIV-infected AIDS patients was investigated and there was no significant difference from the general healthy population. Our survey provides useful insights for the future development of Ad5-based vaccination and gene therapy.

Symbiosis of Mycoplasma hominis in Trichomonas vaginalis may link metronidazole resistance in vitro

Fourteen of 28 Trichomonas vaginalis isolates collected from patients in Guangzhou, China from 2003 to 2004 were found to be naturally infected with Mycoplasma hominis, as determined by PCR using specific primers. In vitro metronidazole sensitivity assay of the 28 isolates revealed four displaying low susceptibility [minimum lethal concentration (MLC)= approximately 13-25 microg/ml] and another four displaying high resistance (MLC=50-100 microg/ml). The overwhelming majority of these resistant isolates (7/8) were mycoplasma-infected. The mean of MLCs of mycoplasma-infected isolates is approximately 10-fold higher than the mean of noninfected isolates (p=0.029). Sequence analyses of PCR-amplified small subunit-large subunit rRNA interspacer regions (ITS1/5.8S/ITS2) revealed that 23 of the 28 samples are identical, the remaining five being separable into two groups, each with a single point mutation. These internal transcribed spacer sequence variants are associated neither with mycoplasma infection nor with drug resistance. In contrast, random amplified polymorphic DNA analyses of DNAs using 10 different primers showed that the drug-resistant isolates are clustered together in association with mycoplasma infection, albeit more loosely. Taken together, the results obtained from this study suggest that in vitro metronidazole resistance of T. vaginalis is related to mycoplasma infection of this protozoan.

The 30-bp deletion variant: a polymorphism of latent membrane protein 1 prevalent in endemic and non-endemic areas of nasopharyngeal carcinomas in China

Development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. However, NPC occurs with a marked geographic and racial distribution, whereas EBV infection is ubiquitous in the world. This leads to a question whether certain subtypes of EBV have a greater potential to induce cell transformation. Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is an EBV-encoded oncogenic protein and its 30-bp deleted variant (del-LMP1) has been reported to be predominant in biopsies of NPC. We have assessed the polymorphism of LMP1 in 47 biopsies of NPC, 107 cases of throat washings (TWs) from NPC patients, and 106 cases of TWs from non-NPC patients in Guangzhou, an endemic area of NPC in southern China, as well as 103 cases of TWs from healthy donors in Haerbin, a non-endemic area of NPC in northern China. Our results found a similar extent of the LMP1 polymorphism between NPC patients and non-NPC patients in Guangzhou, with the del-LMP1 being predominant in both Guangzhou and Haerbin. Sequence analyses showed identical substitutions in other coding regions of the del-LMP1 isolated from Guangzhou and Haerbin. These results indicate that del-LMP1 represents a geographic or race-associated polymorphism rather than an NPC disease phenotype-associated polymorphism.