Virus Antibody Titers Research Articles

Perceived Social Support and Latent Herpesvirus Reactivation: Testing Main and Stress-Buffering Effects in an Ethnically Diverse Sample of Adults.

Perceived social support is consistently associated with physical health outcomes, and one potential physiological mechanism underlying this association is immune function. In this study, we tested both the main and stress-buffering effects of perceived social support on cellular immunity measured via latent herpesvirus reactivation. Data were collected from a community-based sample of 1443 ethnically diverse adults between the ages of 25 and 90 years. Participants self-reported measures of perceived social support, stressful life events, daily hassles, and perceived stress, and provided a blood sample to assess antibody titers to the herpes simplex virus type 1 and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In accordance with the main effect hypothesis, results indicated that perceived social support was directly associated with EBV viral capsid antigen antibody titers (β = -0.06, 95% confidence interval = -0.12 to -0.01, p = .029). Perceived social support, however, did not interact with stressful life events, daily hassles, or perceived stress to influence latent herpesvirus reactivation (p values > .05). Neither race/ethnicity nor age moderated any of the interactions between perceived social support and the stress measures on latent herpesvirus reactivation (p values > .10). Overall, the current study supports the main effect hypothesis, according to which higher levels of perceived social support were associated with lower levels of herpesvirus antibody titers.

Influence of environmental enrichment on circulating white blood cell counts and behavior of female turkeys

Under commercial conditions turkeys are housed in large groups in poorly structured environments. This leads to stress and subsequently to pecking and cannibalism. Environmental enrichment is suggested to reduce stress and feather pecking, thus leading to an increase of the overall flock health. However, the effect of increasing age on the use of enrichment elements and on the behavior repertoire as well as its correlation with health parameters has scarcely been studied. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the influence of environmental enrichment on the behavioral repertoire and on health parameters of turkeys. In 3 consecutive trials, female turkeys were housed up to 12 wk either in an unstructured (control group) or enriched environment (EE group) featuring elevated plateaus at different levels (“turkey tree”). Behavior parameters, clinical health, and immune parameters were determined at selected time points. The percentage of birds using the turkey tree increased with age up to 55 to 77% at 22 to 30 d post hatch (dph). Thereafter, the number of birds located on the turkey tree decreased to 25 to 32% at 73 to 79 dph. Feather pecking and fighting was significantly lower in the EE group compared to the control group in 2 and 3 trials, respectively (P < 0.05). The integrity of feathers and integument, scored in the head/neck, wing, and tail regions was repeatedly better in the EE birds compared to control birds at most investigated time points (P < 0.05), suggesting a reduction in stress related aggression by the use of the turkey tree. Head pecking, running and flying activity, foraging, and preening were overall comparable between the EE and the control group (P > 0.05). Humoral immunity as determined by vaccination-induced anti-Newcastle disease virus antibody titers was not affected by the turkey tree use. The flow cytometric evaluation of blood monocyte and T-lymphocyte numbers showed no repeatable difference between control and EE groups. Interestingly, compared to the control groups, EE birds displayed significantly higher numbers of circulating MHC class II+ lymphocytes and lower numbers of thrombocytes at various time points compared to controls (P < 0.05). This study provides clear evidence that environmental enrichment with plateaus not only leads to an altered behavioral repertoire but also modifies some of the investigated immune parameters, implying that EE may have a modulatory effect on turkeys’ immunity and overall fitness. Further studies are needed to understand the correlation between behavior and health parameters in birds more closely.

The Hendra virus vaccine: perceptions regarding the role of antibody titre testing

To elucidate veterinarians' and horse owners' perceptions towards the use of Hendra virus (HeV) antibody titre testing and how it influences veterinary advice. Six semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with veterinarians who have submitted samples for HeV antibody titre testing. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed to identify and report common themes within the data. Veterinarians are predominantly using the titre tests as an alternative to vaccination due to clients' fear of vaccine reactions. The high cost of titre testing, the difficulty interpreting titre results and a lack of titre test recognition by authorities were the major barriers reported to using this test. Some veterinarians detailed difficulties communicating titre test procedures and results to their clients. The majority of veterinarians accepted titres of 64 or greater as evidence of protective immunity and would rely on those results for 12 months. However, there was discrepancy of these values and the level of confidence veterinarians had in interpreting the results of HeV antibody titre tests varied. This study has provided an overview of the attitudes of horse owners and veterinarians towards HeV antibody titre testing. Although evidence for HeV vaccination titres as an indication of protective immunity is still inadequate, it will assist veterinarians in interpreting and communicating titre results.

The superposition anti-viral activity of porcine tri-subtype interferon expressed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Interferon (IFN)-mediated antiviral responses are central to host defense against viral infection. Porcine viral infection has emerged as a serious hazard for the pig industry. The construction of an engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain that efficiently produces porcine IFN has demonstrated several advantages. It can be easily fed to pigs, which helps in reducing antibiotic residues in pork and improve meat quality. In this study, the stable expression of several porcine IFN molecules (pIFN-α1, pIFN-β, pIFN-λ1, pIFN-λ1-β, pIFN-λ1-β-α1) were determined using an engineered S. cerevisiae system. With the YeastFab assembly method, the complete transcriptional units containing promoter (GPD), secretory peptide (α-mating factor), target gene (IFN) and terminator (ADH1) were successfully constructed using the characteristics of type II restriction endonuclease, and then integrated into the chromosomes Ⅳ and XVI of ST1814 yeast host strain, respectively. The expression kinetics of recombinant pIFNs were further analyzed. Synergism in the expression level of IFN receptor, antiviral protein, and viral loading was observed in viral-cell infection model treated with different porcine IFN subtypes. The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viral load and antibody titer in serum decreased significantly after oral administration of IFN expression yeast fermentation broth. These findings indicate the potential efficacy of multi-valent pIFNs expressing S. cerevisiae as a potent feed material to prevent viral infections of pigs.

Delayed facial palsy after cochlear implantation caused by reactivation of Herpesvirus: A case report and review of the literature

Cochlear implantation has many complications; however, delayed facial palsy is relatively rare. In this report, we present the case of a 60-year-old woman with delayed facial palsy after cochlear implantation. Eleven days after the operation, the patient complained of right facial palsy (Yanagihara score 6, House–Brackmann [HB] grade VI). Herpes virus reactivation and local bacterial infection were considered as possible causes of the facial paralysis. A blood test revealed an increase in viral antibody titer, and the patient was diagnosed as having herpes virus reactivation. She was treated with antiviral therapy for the facial palsy until resolution. Slight mouth weakness continued even at 1.5 months (Yanagihara score 34, HB II) but eventually resolved at 3 months (Yanagihara score 40, HB I). Delayed facial palsy is a rare but serious complication that can occur with viral reactivation regardless of the competence of the surgical procedure. Therefore, it is important to inform patients preoperatively regarding the risk of not only immediate but also delayed postoperative facial paralysis.

Immunogenicity of an inactivated rabies vaccine for animals derived from the recombinant ERAGS strain.

PurposeThe aims of the present study were to evaluate the immunogenicity of an inactivated rabies vaccine based on the ERAGS strainMaterials and MethodsThe ERAGS virus propagated in Vero cells was inactivated with 3 mM binary ethylenimine for 8 hours. Three types of inactivated rabies vaccines were prepared to determine the minimum vaccine virus titers. Four further types of inactivated rabies vaccines were prepared by blending inactivated ERAGS with four different adjuvants; each vaccine was injected into mice, guinea pigs, and dogs to identify the optimal adjuvant. The immunogenicity of a Montanide (IMS) gel-adjuvanted vaccine was evaluated in cats, dogs, and cattle. Humoral immune responses were measured via a fluorescent antibody virus neutralization method and a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe minimum virus titer of the inactivated rabies vaccine was over 107.0 50% tissue culture infectious doses (TCID50 values)/mL. Of the four kinds of adjuvants, the IMS gel-adjuvanted vaccine induced the highest mean viral neutralizing antibody (VNA) titers of 6.24 and 2.36 IU/mL in guinea pigs and dogs, respectively, and was thus selected as the vaccine for the target animals. Cats, dogs, and cattle inoculated with the IMS gel-adjuvanted vaccine developed protective VNA titers ranging from 3.5 to 1.2 IU/mL at 4 weeks post-inoculation (WPI).ConclusionOur data indicate that cats, dogs, and cattle inoculated with an inactivated rabies vaccine derived from the ERAGS strain developed protective immune responses that were maintained to 12 WPI.

Serological evidence of human infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundHighly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus poses a global public health threat given severe and fatal zoonotic infections since 1997 and ongoing A(H5N1) virus circulation among poultry in several countries. A comprehensive assessment of the seroprevalence of A(H5N1) virus antibodies remains a gap and limits understanding of the true risk of A(H5N1) virus infection.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published serosurveys to assess the risk of subclinical and clinically mild A(H5N1) virus infections. We assessed A(H5N1) virus antibody titers and changes in titers among populations with variable exposures to different A(H5N1) viruses.ResultsAcross studies using the World Health Organization-recommended seropositive definition, the point estimates of the seroprevalence of A(H5N1) virus-specific antibodies were higher in poultry-exposed populations (range 0–0.6%) and persons exposed to both human A(H5N1) cases and infected birds (range 0.4–1.8%) than in close contacts of A(H5N1) cases or the general population (none to very low frequencies). Seroprevalence was higher in persons exposed to A(H5N1) clade 0 virus (1.9%, range 0.7–3.2%) than in participants exposed to other clades of A(H5N1) virus (range 0–0.5%) (p < 0.05). Seroprevalence was higher in poultry-exposed populations (range 0–1.9%) if such studies utilized antigenically similar A(H5N1) virus antigens in assays to A(H5N1) viruses circulating among poultry.ConclusionsThese low seroprevalences suggest that subclinical and clinically mild human A(H5N1) virus infections are uncommon. Standardized serological survey and laboratory methods are needed to fully understand the extent and risk of human A(H5N1) virus infections.

Epizootic situation concerning especially dangerous viral infections among birds of South Ukraine

Aim of the work was monitoring of especially dangerous and economically significant poultry infections in the South of Ukraine. The research was conducted at the Odessa Research Station of the National Scientific Center “Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine” and in the Testing Center of the Odessa Regional State Laboratory of the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. The corpses of dead birds were subjected to autopsy; meanwhile biological material was picked up for research. Serological tests for Newcastle disease were performed in HIT with a virus dose of 4 UHA in a titer of 1:8 and higher. In addition to common bacteriological studies the presence of bacterial associates was determined. Serological tests of 365 samples of blood from poultry from 73 settlements, 16 samples from wild and 18 samples from synanthropic birds of Odessa Region, did not reveal antibodies to avian influenza virus of subtype H5. The presence of the formed group immunity against the causative agent of Newcastle disease was detected in the farmsteads of 118 settlements and in 10 industrial poultry farms (seropositivity is 80–100%). Antibodies against the pathogen of Newcastle disease in the blood sera from wild birds from Odessa Region were not detected. In the summer-autumn season, some outbreaks of the Newcastle disease among ornamental pigeons were detected in three farms of two settlements. Mortality was 50–70%. Studying of 15 blood samples from pigeons detected antibodies to Newcastle disease virus (antibody titer 4.0–7.1 log2). Autopsy of 28 poultry carcasses revealed changes characteristic of infectious laryngotracheitis of chickens, as well as some diseases of bacterial (tuberculosis, pasteurellosis, escherichiosis) and protozoan (trichomoniasis of chickens) etiology. Monitoring data on particularly dangerous viral infections of poultry in the South of Ukraine indicate the stability of the epizootic situation. The absence of hemagglutinating antibodies to avian influenza virus of the H5 subtype in the populations of the studied birds of different species and the presence of the formed group immunity against the Newcastle disease pathogen were established; seropositivity is 80–93 %. The circulation of Newcastle disease virus among ornamental pigeons has been established

A commentary revisiting the viral hypothesis of schizophrenia: Onset of a schizophreniform disorder subsequent to SARS CoV-2 infection

The viral hypothesis for schizophrenia has persisted for decades, initially supported by observed increases in psychoses subsequent to the influenza pandemic of the early twentieth century, and then later by evidence of elevated viral antibody titres particularly in schizophrenia patient populations. Several research studies have also focused on maternal infections during the second trimester of pregnancy and their long-term effects on fetal brain development, ultimately leading to schizophrenia. No specific virus has been implicated although a handful have received increasing attention. The current pandemic spreading the SARS CoV-2 corona virus world-wide is now showing anecdotal evidence of psychoses newly developing post viral exposure, implicating neuronal inflammation in crucial areas of the brain that could initiate psychotic symptoms. Time will tell if epidemiological data will, similar to the 1918 influenza pandemic, show that schizophrenia spectrum disorders increase after serious viral infections.

Longitudinal course of influenza C virus antibody titers of healthy adults in Sendai, Japan.

Influenza C virus causes mild respiratory diseases in humans. Previous studies suggested that the predominant hemagglutinin-esterase gene lineage circulating in children might be selected among the adult population, yet the prevalence of influenza C virus in adults has not been described. To evaluate the frequency of influenza C virus infection in adults. We performed hemagglutination inhibition assays of serum samples collected at periodic occupational medical checkups from employees of a hospital. A total of 679 serum samples were collected from 57 subjects who participated in biannual medical checkups between 2011 and 2016 as part of a longitudinal series. Titers of antibodies against the C/Kanagawa and C/Sao Paulo lineage viruses were detected. Ten serum sample pairs from among the 57 subjects showed at least a four-fold increase in influenza C antibody titers. Samples from three subjects exhibited antibody titer increases for both the C/Kanagawa and C/Sao Paulo lineages, four subjects showed an increased titer against the C/Sao Paulo lineage, and three subjects showed an increased titer against the C/Kanagawa lineage. Half of the antibody titer increases for the C/Kanagawa lineage were detected in May 2014, while the increases for the C/Sao Paulo lineage were detected from 2011 to 2016. The 5-year influenza C virus infection rate was estimated at 17.5 %. There were antibodies that cross-reacted with the C/Sao Paulo and C/Kanagawa lineages. The results suggest that C/Sao Paulo was the main lineage in the adult population of this area, with cocirculation of the C/Kanagawa lineage.

Effects of cage type on performance, welfare, and microbiological properties of laying hens during the molting period and the second production cycle.

As most of the unenriched cages will soon switch to enriched cages, it is important to characterize all the effects in the laying hens for sustainable production. Laying hens can be used in several production periods by applying molting. The aim of this study was to determine the cage type (unenriched and enriched) on performance, welfare, and microbiological properties of laying hens during the molting period and the second production cycle. Overall, 840 brown laying hybrids were used in the experiment. Laying hens were reared on two different cage types (unenriched cage (UEC) and enriched cage (EC)) in the same poultry house. When the hybrids were 75weeks old, they were subjected to force molting with whole grain barley. Performance, welfare, microbiological, and serological data of laying hens were obtained from 73 to 107weeks of age. Egg production, egg weight, feed conversion ratio, breaking strength, albumen and yolk index, Haugh unit, feather condition, and breaking force of femur and metatarsus were better in the post-molting period. However, keel bone deformities and Newcastle disease virus antibody titers are the worst in the post-molting period. Stiffness of femur and metatarsus was increased with period. These results indicate that necessary precautions should be taken against the problems that may occur in the direction of bone and health. During the molting period, hens kept in EC had lower egg production but they returned to egg production at a high rate. EC type had a positive effect on egg production, feed conversion ratio, feather and foot condition, and breaking force of metatarsus.

Timelines of infection and transmission dynamics of H1N1pdm09 in swine.

Influenza is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Despite numerous studies of the pathogenesis of influenza in humans and animal models the dynamics of infection and transmission in individual hosts remain poorly characterized. In this study, we experimentally modelled transmission using the H1N1pdm09 influenza A virus in pigs, which are considered a good model for influenza infection in humans. Using an experimental design that allowed us to observe individual transmission events occurring within an 18-hr period, we quantified the relationships between infectiousness, shed virus titre and antibody titre. Transmission event was observed on 60% of occasions when virus was detected in donor pig nasal swabs and transmission was more likely when donor pigs shed more virus. This led to the true infectious period (mean 3.9 days) being slightly shorter than that predicted by detection of virus (mean 4.5 days). The generation time of infection (which determines the rate of epidemic spread) was estimated for the first time in pigs at a mean of 4.6 days. We also found that the latent period of the contact pig was longer when they had been exposed to smaller amount of shed virus. Our study provides quantitative information on the time lines of infection and the dynamics of transmission that are key parts of the evidence base needed to understand the spread of influenza viruses though animal populations and, potentially, in humans.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe cutaneous drug reaction characterized by fever, lymphadenopathy, hematologic abnormalities, multisystem involvement, and viral reactivation. Although most patients with DRESS syndrome are able to fully recover, a subset of patients go on to have a prolonged course with recurrence, and/or autoimmune complications. Severe systemic involvement is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Viral reactivation, especially of human herpes virus 6, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus, is a common feature of DRESS, with a high viral load and antibody titers being associated with poor outcomes. Aside from prompt discontinuation of the offending drug, treatment for patients with significant disease consists of systemic therapy with corticosteroids.

Chronic stress and age-related pattern of blood pressure: A cross-sectional study in rural China.

Chronic stress is a risk factor for hypertension in adults. However, there is conflicting evidence for older adults. We hypothesized that age-related arterial stiffening, which leads to a lower blood pressure (especially diastolic blood pressure [DBP]), is more pronounced among older adults with high vs low stress. The objectives of this study were (a) to investigate age-related trends in systolic and DBPs among adults in rural Fujian, China, and (b) to examine differences in age-related blood pressure trends according to levels of stress by using Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody titer as a marker of chronic stress status. We collected cross-sectional data from 764 rural community-dwelling adults in rural Fujian, China (mean age = 59.4). Participants were categorized into high and low stress groups by median split of EBV antibody titer. A least-squares regression analysis was used to investigate the association between age and blood pressures. We observed an inverted U-shaped association between age and DBP, while there was a linear association between age and systolic blood pressure in the overall sample. When stratified by stress, the inverted U-shaped associations with age (both systolic and DBPs) were seen only among those with high stress; DBP peaked at the age of ~68 years, and the declining trend later in life was more clearly observed among those with high chronic stress. Decrease of DBP was more pronounced among older adults with high vs low chronic stress in rural China.

A New Intravenous Immune Globulin: Novel or Not?

To assess the clinical use and determine the place in therapy for immune globulin intravenous (IV), human-slra, a recently approved IV immune globulin for the treatment of primary immune deficiency diseases (PIDD). A PubMed and MEDLINE search (2010 to April 2020) was conducted for relevant articles. Data were also obtained from the package insert. English language publications regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of immune globulin-slra were analyzed. Publications focused on use of immune globulin products were also included. Immune globulin-slra is indicated for patients with PIDD and was specifically developed to include donor plasma with high respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibody titers. Efficacy was demonstrated through favorable incidence of infections and infection-related complications. Patients treated with immune globulin-slra had increases in anti-RSV neutralizing antibody titers compared with baseline. Adverse events occurred at rates similar to or less than other available immune globulin products. This review describes a new immune globulin product available for use in patients with PIDD. A novel approach to managing patients at risk of serious infections may be to utilize products with formulations proven to not only boost IgG levels, but also antibodies to specific pathogens. The choice of which immune globulin product to select for a patient or formulary is complex. Each product is unique, and differences between products should be taken into consideration, along with cost and availability.

A fatal case of exacerbated liver cirrhosis caused by acute hepatitis E virus infection: atypical dynamics of anti-hepatitis E virus antibody titers

A fatal case of exacerbated liver cirrhosis caused by acute hepatitis E virus infection: atypical dynamics of anti-hepatitis E virus antibody titers

Safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of a chimpanzee adenovirus vectored Ebola vaccine in children in Africa: a randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial

During the large 2013-16 Ebola virus outbreak caused by the Zaire Ebola virus, about 20% of cases were reported in children. This study is the first, to our knowledge, to evaluate an Ebola vaccine in children younger than 6 years. We aimed to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of a monovalent, recombinant, chimpanzee adenovirus type-3 vectored Zaire Ebola glycoprotein vaccine (ChAd3-EBO-Z) in a paediatric population. This phase 2, randomised, observer-blind, controlled trial was done in a vaccine centre in Mali and a university hospital centre in Senegal. Healthy children were randomly assigned through a web-based system (1:1; stratified by age group, gender, and centre) to receive ChAd3-EBO-Z (day 0) and meningococcal serogroups A,C,W-135,Y tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-TT; month 6), or MenACWY-TT (day 0) and ChAd3-EBO-Z (month 6). The study was observer-blind from study start until interim day 30 analysis and became single-blind as of interim analysis. Primary outcomes assessed were serious adverse events (up to study end, month 12), solicited local or general adverse events (7 days post-vaccination), unsolicited adverse events (30 days post-vaccination), haematological or biochemical abnormalities, and clinical symptoms of thrombocytopenia (day 0-6). As secondary endpoints, we evaluated anti-glycoprotein Zaire Ebola virus antibody titres (ELISA) pre-vaccination and 30 days post-vaccination. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02548078. From Nov 11, 2015, to May 9, 2016, of 776 children screened for eligibility, 600 were randomly assigned (200 [33%] in each age strata: 1-5, 6-12, 13-17 years), 300 (50%) to the ChAd3-EBO-Z/MenACWY-TT group and 300 (50%) to the MenACWY-TT/ChAd3-EBO-Z group; all were included in the total vaccinated cohort. Post-day 0 vaccination, the most common solicited injection site symptom was pain (127 [42%] of 300 in the ChAd3-EBO-Z/MenACWY-TT group vs 60 [20%] of 300 in the MenACWY-TT/ChAd3-EBO-Z group); the most common solicited general adverse event was fever (95 [32%] of 300 in the ChAd3-EBO-Z/MenACWY-TT group vs 28 [9%] of 300 in the MenACWY-TT/ChAd3-EBO-Z group). Unsolicited adverse events post-day 0 vaccination were reported by 41 (14%) of 300 participants in the ChAd3-EBO-Z/MenACWY-TT group and 24 (8%) of 300 MenACWY-TT/ChAd3-EBO-Z recipients. Serious adverse events were reported for two (1%) of 300 children in each group; none were considered vaccination related. No clinical symptoms of thrombocytopenia were reported. At day 30, anti-glycoprotein Ebola virus antibody geometric mean concentrations (GMC) in the ChAd3-EBO-Z/MenACWY-TT group were 1564 (95% CI 1340-1826) for those aged 13-17 years, 1395 (1175-1655) for 6-12 years, and 2406 (1942-2979) for 1-5 years. Anti-glycoprotein Ebola virus IgG antibody responses persisted up to 12 months post-vaccination, with a GMC of 716 (95% CI 619-828) for those aged 13-17 years, 752 (645-876) for 6-12 years, and 1424 (1119-1814) for 1-5 years. ChAd3-EBO-Z was immunogenic and well tolerated in children aged 1-17 years. This study provides the first ChAd3-EBO-Z data in a paediatric population. Further development should focus on multivalent approaches including Sudan and Marburg strains, and heterologous prime-boost strategies, for instance using modified vaccinia Ankara-based vaccine to boost the immune response. EU's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA.

Safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of a chimpanzee adenovirus vectored Ebola vaccine in adults in Africa: a randomised, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial

The 2014 Zaire Ebola virus disease epidemic accelerated vaccine development for the virus. We aimed to assess the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of one dose of monovalent, recombinant, chimpanzee adenovirus type-3 vectored Zaire Ebola glycoprotein vaccine (ChAd3-EBO-Z) in adults. This phase 2, randomised, observer-blind, controlled trial was done in study centres in Cameroon, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal. Healthy adults (≥18 years) were randomly assigned with a web-based system (1:1; minimisation procedure accounting for age, gender, centre) to receive ChAd3-EBO-Z (day 0), or saline placebo (day 0) and ChAd3-EBO-Z (month 6). The study was observer-blind until planned interim day 30 analysis, single-blind until month 6, and open-label after month 6 vaccination. Primary outcomes assessed in the total vaccinated cohort, which comprised all participants with at least one study dose administration documented, were serious adverse events (up to study end, month 12); and for a subcohort were solicited local or general adverse events (7 days post-vaccination), unsolicited adverse events (30 days post-vaccination), haematological or biochemical abnormalities, and clinical symptoms of thrombocytopenia (day 0-6). Secondary endpoints (subcohort; per-protocol cohort) evaluated anti-glycoprotein Ebola virus antibody titres (ELISA) pre-vaccination and 30 days post-vaccination. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02485301. Between July 22, 2015, and Dec 10, 2015, 3030 adults were randomly assigned; 3013 were included in the total vaccinated cohort (1509 [50·1%] in the ChAd3-EBO-Z group and 1504 [49·9%] in the placebo/ChAd3-EBO-Z group), 17 were excluded because no vaccine was administered. The most common solicited injection site symptom was pain (356 [48%] of 748 in the ChAd3-EBO-Z group vs 57 [8%] of 751 in the placebo/ChAd3-EBO-Z group); the most common solicited general adverse event was headache (345 [46%] in the ChAd3-EBO-Z group vs 136 [18%] in the placebo/ChAd3-EBO-Z group). Unsolicited adverse events were reported by 123 (16%) of 749 in the ChAd3-EBO-Z group and 119 (16%) of 751 in the placebo/ChAd3-EBO-Z group. Serious adverse events were reported for 11 (1%) of 1509 adults in the ChAd3-EBO-Z group, and 18 (1%) of 1504 in the placebo/ChAd3-EBO-Z group; none were considered vaccination-related. No clinically meaningful thrombocytopenia was reported. At day 30, anti-glycoprotein Ebola virus antibody geometric mean concentration was 900 (95% CI 824-983) in the ChAd3-EBO-Z group. There were no treatment-related deaths. ChAd3-EBO-Z was immunogenic and well tolerated in adults. Our findings provide a strong basis for future development steps, which should concentrate on multivalent approaches (including Sudan and Marburg strains). Additionally, prime-boost approaches should be a focus with a ChAd3-based vaccine for priming and boosted by a modified vaccinia Ankara-based vaccine. EU's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA.

Isolation, and Molecular Identification of Goat Pox Virus in Suez Canal Area, Egypt

Goat pox virus is a highly contagious viral disease of goats causing huge economic losses in animal productivity. This study was designed for isolation, identification and molecular characterization of goat pox virus in Suez Canal area. From a total of 200 goats in 6 flocks located in Suez Canal provinces; Ismailia, Suez, and Port Said, about 26 skin scab samples mixed in 6 pools and 116 serum samples were collected in the period from 2017 to 2019. Typical pock lesion were observed in 4/6 (66.66%) of pooled samples, while the rest of the sample 2/6 (33.33%) showed no pathological changes on the chorioallantois membrane (CAM) of 11-13 days old embryonated chicken eggs (ECE). A total of 18 positive samples out of 116 examined sera were recorded by AGPT with a total positive percentage of 15.52 %. Goat pox virus antibody titer was higher in vaccinated animals than non-vaccinated animals. Goats less than 6 months old exhibited higher antibody titer than animals more than 6 months old. Conventional PCR was done for 3 pooled goat pox isolates with capripox specific primers for P32 (primer 1) and 3 pooled isolate for p32 (primer 2) one pooled isolate for RPO30 gene. PCR were carried out for goat pox virus isolates recovered from animal skin crusts and CAM harvest of infected eggs. The size of the PCR products by 1.5% gel electrophoresis with capripox specific primers for P32 (primer 1, 2) and RPO30 gene were 89 and 390 and 151 base pairs respectively.

A new therapy in Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disease: a case report and a revision of the literature

BackgroundSystemic chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection is an extremely rare childhood disease. Since chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection can trigger the onset of Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disease. The clinical manifestations of the disease vary according to the site of involvement; therefore, management may be challenging. Currently, there are no standardized guidelines for treating Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection effectively.Case presentationWe report a case of chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection in a 5-year-old Chinese boy with intestinal, vascular, and neurological involvement. At age of 2 years and 7 months old, he had hepatomegaly and been diagnosed with Epstein-Barr virus infection. After treatment, he showed some clinical improvement. At age of 3 years and 3 months old, he presented with recurrent fever and diarrhea. Then he received methylprednisolone for 1 year and his symptoms ameliorated. At the age of 5 years, his symptoms recurred and had gastrointestinal hemorrhage and developed polyuria, frequent convulsions and hyponatremia. He was transferred to our hospital for further management. He was unconscious on admission and was diagnosised Epstein-Barr virus-lymphoproliferative disorder, based on the results in situ hybridization of EBV-encoded miRNA in sigmoid colon. Three-dimensional CT angiography demonstrated an aneurysm in the right internal carotid artery. Abdominal CT showed dilatation of vessels in part of the intestinal wall. He was also diagnosised Epstein-Barr virus encephalitis based on the elevated Epstein-Barr virus antibody titers and presence of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in the Cerebrospinal Fluid.A repeated duodenal artery embolization and symptomatic therapy could not control the hemorrhage after admission. He subsequently received treatment with ganciclovir, glucocorticoid, thalidomide, and propranolol. Hemorrhage was controlled in 5 days; his symptoms improved. The fever did not recur and the CSF pressure was also normalized. A follow-up CT at 3 months after admission showed regression of the aneurysm in the right internal carotid artery and the vascular lesion in the duodenum.Discussion and conclusionsA new treatment protocol including thalidomide and propranolol resulted in a marked improvement in his clinical symptoms, and shows promise as a novel and effective therapeutic approach for Chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection-associated lymphoproliferative disorder.