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Rane LJ, Fekadu A, Wooderson S, Poon L, Markopoulou K, Cleare AJ. Discrepancy between subjective and objective severity in treatment-resistant depression: prediction of treatment outcome. J Psychiatr Res 2010; 44:1082-7. [PMID: 20471031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2009] [Revised: 03/21/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identifying predictors of outcome among patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is challenging. We hypothesised that discrepancy between self-rated and observer-rated scales may be a simple way of making such a prediction. METHOD 102 patients were admitted to a unit specialising in the treatment of resistant depression and underwent fortnightly assessment with clinician-rated (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-21, HAM-D) and self-rated (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI) measures. All patients had significant depressive symptoms that were treatment resistant, 70% as part of a major depressive disorder and the remainder as part of a bipolar or other disorder. A discrepancy score between the HAM-D and BDI was calculated on admission and its association with patient clinico-demographic factors was determined. A subset of 67 patients remained as inpatients for 40 weeks or until clinical response and were entered into a responder analysis, in which response was defined as ≥50% reduction in admission HAM-D score. The association of the admission BDI-HAM-D discrepancy score with subsequent patient response, was determined. RESULTS The magnitude of BDI-HAM-D discrepancy was higher in those with co-morbid personality disorder, lower in those with psychosis and positively correlated with anxiety. High BDI-HAM-D discrepancy score predicted delayed treatment response (odds ratio 5.40, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION Within TRD, higher discrepancy predicts slower response to treatment independent of objective illness severity; this may be mediated by underlying personality traits and co-morbid anxiety.
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Chan KH, Lai ST, Poon LLM, Guan Y, Yuen KY, Peiris JSM. Analytical sensitivity of rapid influenza antigen detection tests for swine-origin influenza virus (H1N1). J Clin Virol 2009; 45:205-7. [PMID: 19539521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2009.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2009] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A novel swine origin influenza virus (S-OIV) (H1N1) is spreading worldwide and threatens to become pandemic. OBJECTIVES Determine analytical sensitivity of selected commercially available rapid influenza antigen detection tests in detecting S-OIV H1N1. STUDY DESIGN Serial dilutions of two S-OIV isolates, one seasonal influenza A (H1N1) isolate and a nasopharyngeal aspirate from a patient with S-OIV disease were tested in five commercially available influenza antigen detection tests and by virus isolation in cell culture. Viral M gene copy number was determined by quantitative PCR methods. RESULTS The analytical sensitivity of the five influenza antigen detection tests for S-OIV (tissue culture infectious dose 50 (TCID(50)) log(10)3.3-4.7 was comparable with that of seasonal influenza (TCID(50) log(10)4.0-4.5). CONCLUSION The analytical sensitivity of the selected influenza A antigen detection tests for detection of S-IOV was comparable with that of seasonal influenza H1N1.
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Li O, Poon L. Influenza Polymerase Subunits Compatibility Between Human H1 and H5 Viruses. Int J Infect Dis 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2008.05.782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Rao A, Celik E, Poggi S, Poon L, Nicolaides KH. Cervical length and maternal factors in expectantly managed prolonged pregnancy: prediction of onset of labor and mode of delivery. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2008; 32:646-651. [PMID: 18816476 DOI: 10.1002/uog.6211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the value of combining cervical length and maternal characteristics in a prolonged-pregnancy clinic in the prediction of the probability of firstly, spontaneous onset of labor within the subsequent 10 days and secondly, the need for Cesarean section. METHODS This was a prospective study of women with singleton pregnancies attending an ultrasound-based prolonged-pregnancy clinic at 40 + 4 to 41 + 6 weeks of gestation. The policy was to delay induction of labor by 7-10 days unless there was evidence of a specific medical or obstetric indication or the mother wanted earlier delivery. The measurement of cervical length was not given to the obstetrician, midwife or patient. Regression analysis was used to determine which of the following factors had a significant contribution in predicting induction of labor: maternal age, body mass index (BMI), ethnic origin, parity and cervical length. Regression analysis was also used to determine which of the factors amongst the maternal characteristics, onset of labor and cervical length provided significant prediction of Cesarean section. RESULTS We examined 2316 pregnancies but we excluded from further analysis 452 (19.5%) cases because iatrogenic delivery was carried out within the subsequent 6 days, including 427 cases of induction of labor (340 at the request of the mother and 87 for medical indications) and 25 cases of Cesarean section. In the remaining 1864 cases there was spontaneous onset of labor and delivery within 10 days in 1536 (82.4%) and induction of labor in 7-10 days in 328 (17.6%). The rate of Cesarean section was 15.2% (233 of 1536) in those with spontaneous onset of labor and 36.0% (118 of 328) in those whose labor was induced. Regression analysis demonstrated that in the prediction of induction of labor there were significant contributions from cervical length, BMI, parity and gestational age, and in the prediction of Cesarean section there were significant contributions from onset of labor, cervical length, BMI, parity and ethnicity. CONCLUSION Ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length at 41 weeks together with maternal factors can define the patient-specific probability of spontaneous onset of labor in the subsequent week and the risk of Cesarean section.
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Plasencia W, Maiz N, Poon L, Yu C, Nicolaides KH. Uterine artery Doppler at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks and 21 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks in the prediction of pre-eclampsia. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2008; 32:138-146. [PMID: 18634131 DOI: 10.1002/uog.5402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the performance of screening for pre-eclampsia by uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation and the change in uterine artery PI between 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 and 21 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks. METHODS In 3107 singleton pregnancies attending for routine care at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 and 21 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks' gestation we recorded maternal characteristics and medical and obstetric history, and measured uterine artery PI. The distributions of uterine artery PI were made Gaussian after logarithmic transformation and the log of the ratio of uterine artery PI at 21 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks to that at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks was calculated. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine which of the maternal variables and Doppler findings were significant predictors of early and late pre-eclampsia. The performance of screening was described by receiver-operating characteristics curves. RESULTS Pre-eclampsia developed in 93 (3.0%) pregnancies, including 22 (0.7%) in which delivery was before 34 weeks (early pre-eclampsia) and 71 (2.3%) with delivery at 34 weeks or more (late pre-eclampsia). Seventy-three (2.3%) women developed gestational hypertension, 346 (11.1%) delivered small-for-gestational-age (SGA) babies with no hypertensive disorders and 2595 (83.5%) were unaffected by pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension or SGA. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that maternal variables, uterine artery PI at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks and the change in uterine artery PI between 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 and 21 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks' gestation provided significant independent contributions to the prediction of pre-eclampsia. For a false positive rate of 5% the predicted detection rates of early and late pre-eclampsia were 90.9 and 31.0%, respectively. The same performance of screening was achieved by reserving second-trimester testing for only the 20% of women at the highest risk after first-trimester screening. CONCLUSION The decrease in uterine artery PI between 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 and 21 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks is steeper in pregnancies with a normal outcome than in those developing pre-eclampsia. Effective screening for pre-eclampsia can be achieved by the Doppler measurement of uterine artery PI at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks and the change in PI between 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 and 21 + 0 to 24 + 6 weeks.
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Chu DKW, Peiris JSM, Chen H, Guan Y, Poon LLM. Genomic characterizations of bat coronaviruses (1A, 1B and HKU8) and evidence for co-infections in Miniopterus bats. J Gen Virol 2008; 89:1282-1287. [PMID: 18420807 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.83605-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported the detection of bat coronaviruses (bat CoVs 1A, 1B, HKU7, HKU8 and bat-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus) in Miniopterus spp. that cohabit a cave in Hong Kong. Here, we report the full genomic sequences of bat CoVs 1A, 1B and HKU8. Bat CoVs 1A and 1B, which are commonly found in the Miniopterus, are phylogenetically closely related. Using species-specific RT-PCR assays, bat CoVs 1A and 1B were confirmed to have distinct host specificities to Miniopterus magnater and Miniopterus pusillus, respectively. Interestingly, co-infections of bat CoVs 1B and HKU8 in M. pusillus are detected in seven of 38 virus-positive specimens collected from 2004 to 2006. These findings highlight that co-infections of some coronaviruses might be common events in nature. The biological basis for the host restriction of bat coronaviruses, however, is yet to be determined.
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Cheung CL, Vijaykrishna D, Smith GJD, Fan XH, Zhang JX, Bahl J, Duan L, Huang K, Tai H, Wang J, Poon LLM, Peiris JSM, Chen H, Guan Y. Establishment of influenza A virus (H6N1) in minor poultry species in southern China. J Virol 2007; 81:10402-12. [PMID: 17652385 PMCID: PMC2045442 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01157-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An H6N1 virus, A/teal/Hong Kong/W312/97 (W312), was isolated during the "bird flu" incident in Hong Kong in 1997. Genetic analysis suggested that this virus might be the progenitor of the A/Hong Kong/156/97 (HK/97) H5N1 virus, as seven of eight gene segments of those viruses had a common source. Continuing surveillance in Hong Kong showed that a W312-like virus was prevalent in quail and pheasants in 1999; however, the further development of H6N1 viruses has not been investigated since 2001. Here we report influenza virus surveillance data collected in southern China from 2000 to 2005 that show that H6N1 viruses have become established and endemic in minor poultry species and replicate mainly in the respiratory tract. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all H6N1 isolates had W312-like hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes. However, reassortment of internal genes between different subtype virus lineages, including H5N1, H9N2, and other avian viruses, generated multiple novel H6N1 genotypes in different types of poultry. These novel H6N1/N2 viruses are double, triple, or even quadruple reassortants. Reassortment between a W312-like H6N1 virus and an A/quail/Hong Kong/G1/97 (HK/97)-like H9N2 virus simultaneously generated novel H6N2 subtype viruses that were persistent in poultry. Molecular analyses suggest that W312-like viruses may not be the precursors of HK/97 virus but reassortants from an HK/97-like virus and another unidentified H6 subtype virus. These results provide further evidence of the pivotal role of the live poultry market system of southern China in generating increased genetic diversity in influenza viruses in this region.
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Dong BQ, Liu W, Fan XH, Vijaykrishna D, Tang XC, Gao F, Li LF, Li GJ, Zhang JX, Yang LQ, Poon LLM, Zhang SY, Peiris JSM, Smith GJD, Chen H, Guan Y. Detection of a novel and highly divergent coronavirus from asian leopard cats and Chinese ferret badgers in Southern China. J Virol 2007; 81:6920-6. [PMID: 17459938 PMCID: PMC1933311 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00299-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was averted in 2004, many novel coronaviruses have been recognized from different species, including humans. Bats have provided the most diverse assemblages of coronaviruses, suggesting that they may be the natural reservoir. Continued virological surveillance has proven to be the best way to avert this infectious disease at the source. Here we provide the first description of a previously unidentified coronavirus lineage detected from wild Asian leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) and Chinese ferret badgers (Melogale moschata) during virological surveillance in southern China. Partial genome analysis revealed a typical coronavirus genome but with a unique putative accessory gene organization. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the envelope, membrane, and nucleoprotein structural proteins and the two conserved replicase domains, putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and RNA helicase, of these novel coronaviruses were most closely related to those of group 3 coronaviruses identified from birds, while the spike protein gene was most closely related to that of group 1 coronaviruses from mammals. However, these viruses always fell into an outgroup phylogenetic relationship with respect to other coronaviruses and had low amino acid similarity to all known coronavirus groups, indicating that they diverged early in the evolutionary history of coronaviruses. These results suggest that these viruses may represent a previously unrecognized evolutionary pathway, or possibly an unidentified coronavirus group. This study demonstrates the importance of systematic virological surveillance in market animals for understanding the evolution and emergence of viruses with infectious potential.
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Nicholls JM, Chan MCW, Chan WY, Wong HK, Cheung CY, Kwong DLW, Wong MP, Chui WH, Poon LLM, Tsao SW, Guan Y, Peiris JSM. Tropism of avian influenza A (H5N1) in the upper and lower respiratory tract. Nat Med 2007; 13:147-9. [PMID: 17206149 DOI: 10.1038/nm1529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2006] [Accepted: 12/04/2006] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Poor human-to-human transmission of influenza A H5N1 virus has been attributed to the paucity of putative sialic acid alpha2-3 virus receptors in the epithelium of the human upper respiratory tract, and thus to the presumed inability of the virus to replicate efficiently at this site. We now demonstrate that ex vivo cultures of human nasopharyngeal, adenoid and tonsillar tissues can be infected with H5N1 viruses in spite of an apparent lack of these receptors.
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Chu DKW, Poon LLM, Chan KH, Chen H, Guan Y, Yuen KY, Peiris JSM. Coronaviruses in bent-winged bats (Miniopterus spp.). J Gen Virol 2006; 87:2461-2466. [PMID: 16894183 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.82203-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel group 1 coronavirus was previously identified in bent-winged bats (Miniopterus spp.). Here, results are described from our ongoing surveillance of these bats for coronaviruses. These findings show that group 1 coronaviruses are endemic in these bat populations in Hong Kong. Genetic analysis of these viruses indicates that there are at least four different, but closely related, group 1 coronaviruses (bat-CoV 1A, 1B, HKU7 and HKU8) circulating in bent-winged bats. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these group 1 bat coronaviruses have descended from a common ancestor and that these viruses have been established in these bats for a long period of time. These data provide a better understanding of the emergence and evolution of coronaviruses. Bat-CoV 1A and 1B were detected in apparently healthy Miniopterus magnater and Miniopterus pusillus, respectively, on repeated sampling occasions at a single habitat, suggesting that these viruses have established a persistent infection in these populations.
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Bishop AJ, Martin P, Poon L. Happiness and congruence in older adulthood: a structural model of life satisfaction. Aging Ment Health 2006; 10:445-53. [PMID: 16938680 DOI: 10.1080/13607860600638388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine how health impairment, socioeconomic status, and social support relate to life satisfaction in later life. Using data from a sample of 320 older adults from The Georgia Centenarian Study, we constructed a structural model of life satisfaction. LISREL analysis was performed to test a two-factor model that included Happiness and Congruence and to determine the relationship of health impairment, socioeconomic status (SES), and social support to Happiness and Congruence, two measures of the Life Satisfaction Index-A (LSI-A). Data were found to provide a satisfactory fit of the model (GFI = 0.94; AFGI = 0.91). Social support and SES were found to have direct effects on health impairment. Health impairment was a key predictor and mediating variable of Happiness and Congruence. Findings also support a relationship between social resources and subjective well-being in later life. In particular, the association between social resources and life satisfaction was mediated through health impairment. These findings offer understanding relative to how health and social resources influence past and present assessments of subjective well-being among the elderly.
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Chan KH, Cheng VCC, Woo PCY, Lau SKP, Poon LLM, Guan Y, Seto WH, Yuen KY, Peiris JSM. Serological responses in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection and cross-reactivity with human coronaviruses 229E, OC43, and NL63. CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY IMMUNOLOGY 2006; 12:1317-21. [PMID: 16275947 PMCID: PMC1287763 DOI: 10.1128/cdli.12.11.1317-1321.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The serological response profile of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV) infection was defined by neutralization tests and subclass-specific immunofluorescent (IF) tests using serial sera from 20 patients. SARS CoV total immunoglobulin (Ig) (IgG, IgA, and IgM [IgGAM]) was the first antibody to be detectable. There was no difference in time to seroconversion between the patients who survived (n = 14) and those who died (n = 6). Although SARS CoV IgM was still detectable by IF tests with 8 of 11 patients at 7 months postinfection, the geometric mean titers dropped from 282 at 1 month postinfection to 19 at 7 months (P = 0.001). In contrast, neutralizing antibody and SARS CoV IgGAM and IgG antibody titers remained stable over this period. The SARS CoV antibody response was sometimes associated with an increase in preexisting IF IgG antibody titers for human coronaviruses OC43, 229E, and NL63. There was no change in IF IgG titer for virus capsid antigen from the herpesvirus that was used as an unrelated control, Epstein-Barr virus. In contrast, patients who had OC43 infections, and probably also 229E infections, without prior exposure to SARS CoV had increases of antibodies specific for the infecting virus but not for SARS CoV. There is a need for awareness of cross-reactive antibody responses between coronaviruses when interpreting IF serology.
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Tang XC, Zhang JX, Zhang SY, Wang P, Fan XH, Li LF, Li G, Dong BQ, Liu W, Cheung CL, Xu KM, Song WJ, Vijaykrishna D, Poon LLM, Peiris JSM, Smith GJD, Chen H, Guan Y. Prevalence and genetic diversity of coronaviruses in bats from China. J Virol 2006; 80:7481-90. [PMID: 16840328 PMCID: PMC1563713 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00697-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses can infect a variety of animals including poultry, livestock, and humans and are currently classified into three groups. The interspecies transmissions of coronaviruses between different hosts form a complex ecosystem of which little is known. The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the recent identification of new coronaviruses have highlighted the necessity for further investigation of coronavirus ecology, in particular the role of bats and other wild animals. In this study, we sampled bat populations in 15 provinces of China and reveal that approximately 6.5% of the bats, from diverse species distributed throughout the region, harbor coronaviruses. Full genomes of four coronavirues from bats were sequenced and analyzed. Phylogenetic analyses of the spike, envelope, membrane, and nucleoprotein structural proteins and the two conserved replicase domains, putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and RNA helicase, revealed that bat coronaviruses cluster in three different groups: group 1, another group that includes all SARS and SARS-like coronaviruses (putative group 4), and an independent bat coronavirus group (putative group 5). Further genetic analyses showed that different species of bats maintain coronaviruses from different groups and that a single bat species from different geographic locations supports similar coronaviruses. Thus, the findings of this study suggest that bats may play an integral role in the ecology and evolution of coronaviruses.
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Smith GJD, Naipospos TSP, Nguyen TD, de Jong MD, Vijaykrishna D, Usman TB, Hassan SS, Nguyen TV, Dao TV, Bui NA, Leung YHC, Cheung CL, Rayner JM, Zhang JX, Zhang LJ, Poon LLM, Li KS, Nguyen VC, Hien TT, Farrar J, Webster RG, Chen H, Peiris JSM, Guan Y. Evolution and adaptation of H5N1 influenza virus in avian and human hosts in Indonesia and Vietnam. Virology 2006; 350:258-68. [PMID: 16713612 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2006.03.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2006] [Revised: 03/21/2006] [Accepted: 03/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 is endemic in poultry in East and Southeast Asia with disease outbreaks recently spreading to parts of central Asia, Europe and Africa. Continued interspecies transmission to humans has been reported in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and China, causing pandemic concern. Here, we genetically characterize 82 H5N1 viruses isolated from poultry throughout Indonesia and Vietnam and 11 human isolates from southern Vietnam together with sequence data available in public databases to address questions relevant to virus introduction, endemicity and evolution. Phylogenetic analysis shows that all viruses from Indonesia form a distinct sublineage of H5N1 genotype Z viruses suggesting this outbreak likely originated from a single introduction that spread throughout the country during the past two years. Continued virus activities in Indonesia were attributed to transmission via poultry movement within the country rather than through repeated introductions by bird migration. Within Indonesia and Vietnam, H5N1 viruses have evolved over time into geographically distinct groups within each country. Molecular analysis of the H5N1 genotype Z genome shows that only the M2 and PB1-F2 genes were under positive selection, suggesting that these genes might be involved in adaptation of this virus to new hosts following interspecies transmission. At the amino acid level 12 residues were under positive selection in those genotype Z viruses, in the HA and PB1-F2 proteins. Some of these residues were more frequently observed in human isolates than in avian isolates and are related to viral antigenicity and receptor binding. Our study provides insight into the ongoing evolution of H5N1 influenza viruses that are transmitting in diverse avian species and at the interface between avian and human hosts.
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Webster RG, Guan Y, Poon L, Krauss S, Webby R, Govorkovai E, Peiris M. The spread of the H5N1 bird flu epidemic in Asia in 2004. ARCHIVES OF VIROLOGY. SUPPLEMENTUM 2006:117-29. [PMID: 16358424 DOI: 10.1007/3-211-29981-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
H5N1 avian influenza has spread to eight countries in eastern Asia including China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia in early 2004. This H5N1 influenza A virus is extremely virulent in poultry including chickens and ducks, killing millions of birds throughout the region. Additionally this virus has transmitted to humans (mainly children) in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, killing 54 of 100 diagnosed persons. To control this epidemic hundreds of millions of chickens and ducks have been culled. One genotype of H5N1 designated "Z" has become dominant in Asia. This virus was first detected in wild birds in Hong Kong in November 2002 and was antigenically distinct from H5N1 viruses isolated from 1997 to early 2002 and lethal for aquatic birds. The H5N1 virus infecting humans and poultry in Asia in 2004 is an antigenic variant of the Z genotype. Here we consider the possible role of migrating birds in the evolution and spread of the H5N1 influenza A virus throughout Asia. We conclude that the available information is consistent with a role for migrating birds but limited information is available and that serological studies are urgently needed on migrating birds worldwide. The prospect is that this H5N1/04 influenza A virus will become endemic in poultry in eastern Asia and will be a continuing threat to animal and human health. It is also projected that a human H5N1 vaccine will eventually be needed.
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Chan MCW, Cheung CY, Chui WH, Tsao SW, Nicholls JM, Chan YO, Chan RWY, Long HT, Poon LLM, Guan Y, Peiris JSM. Proinflammatory cytokine responses induced by influenza A (H5N1) viruses in primary human alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells. Respir Res 2005; 6:135. [PMID: 16283933 PMCID: PMC1318487 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-6-135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 381] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2005] [Accepted: 11/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fatal human respiratory disease associated with influenza A subtype H5N1 has been documented in Hong Kong, and more recently in Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. We previously demonstrated that patients with H5N1 disease had unusually high serum levels of IP-10 (interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10). Furthermore, when compared with human influenza virus subtype H1N1, the H5N1 viruses in 1997 (A/Hong Kong/483/97) (H5N1/97) were more potent inducers of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. tumor necrosis factor-a) and chemokines (e.g. IP-10) from primary human macrophages in vitro, which suggests that cytokines dysregulation may play a role in pathogenesis of H5N1 disease. Since respiratory epithelial cells are the primary target cell for replication of influenza viruses, it is pertinent to investigate the cytokine induction profile of H5N1 viruses in these cells. Methods We used quantitative RT-PCR and ELISA to compare the profile of cytokine and chemokine gene expression induced by H5N1 viruses A/HK/483/97 (H5N1/97), A/Vietnam/1194/04 and A/Vietnam/3046/04 (both H5N1/04) with that of human H1N1 virus in human primary alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells in vitro. Results We demonstrated that in comparison to human H1N1 viruses, H5N1/97 and H5N1/04 viruses were more potent inducers of IP-10, interferon beta, RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in primary human alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells in vitro. Recent H5N1 viruses from Vietnam (H5N1/04) appeared to be even more potent at inducing IP-10 than H5N1/97 virus. Conclusion The H5N1/97 and H5N1/04 subtype influenza A viruses are more potent inducers of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in primary human respiratory epithelial cells than subtype H1N1 virus. We suggest that this hyper-induction of cytokines may be relevant to the pathogenesis of human H5N1 disease.
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Poon LLM, Chu DKW, Chan KH, Wong OK, Ellis TM, Leung YHC, Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Suen KY, Yuen KY, Guan Y, Peiris JSM. Identification of a novel coronavirus in bats. J Virol 2005; 79:2001-9. [PMID: 15681402 PMCID: PMC546586 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.79.4.2001-2009.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 322] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Exotic wildlife can act as reservoirs of diseases that are endemic in the area or can be the source of new emerging diseases through interspecies transmission. The recent emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) highlights the importance of virus surveillance in wild animals. Here, we report the identification of a novel bat coronavirus through surveillance of coronaviruses in wildlife. Analyses of the RNA sequence from the ORF1b and S-gene regions indicated that the virus is a group 1 coronavirus. The virus was detected in fecal and respiratory samples from three bat species (Miniopterus spp.). In particular, 63% (12 of 19) of fecal samples from Miniopterus pusillus were positive for the virus. These findings suggest that this virus might be commonly circulating in M. pusillus in Hong Kong.
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Cheung TKW, Guan Y, Ng SSF, Chen H, Wong CHK, Peiris JSM, Poon LLM. Generation of recombinant influenza A virus without M2 ion-channel protein by introduction of a point mutation at the 5' end of the viral intron. J Gen Virol 2005; 86:1447-1454. [PMID: 15831957 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.80727-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to inhibit influenza virus M2 protein expression by mutating the splicing signal of the M gene. Mutations were introduced into the GU dinucleotide sequence at the 5'-proximal splicing site of the M gene (corresponding to nt 52-53 of M cRNA). Transfected cells expressing mutated M viral ribonucleoproteins failed to generate M2 mRNA. Interestingly, recombinant viruses with mutations at the dinucleotide sequence were viable, albeit attenuated, in cell culture. These recombinants failed to express M2 mRNA and M2 protein. These observations demonstrated that the GU invariant dinucleotide sequence at the 5'-proximal splicing site of M gene is essential for M2 mRNA synthesis. These results also indicated that the M2 ion-channel protein is critical, but not essential, for virus replication in cell culture. This approach may provide a new way of producing attenuated influenza A virus.
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Yam WC, Chan KH, Chow KH, Poon LLM, Lam HY, Yuen KY, Seto WH, Peiris JSM. Clinical evaluation of real-time PCR assays for rapid diagnosis of SARS coronavirus during outbreak and post-epidemic periods. J Clin Virol 2005; 33:19-24. [PMID: 15797361 PMCID: PMC7108323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2004.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2004] [Revised: 09/14/2004] [Accepted: 09/24/2004] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protocols of WHO network laboratories facilitated development of rapid diagnosis for SARS coronavirus (CoV) using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assays. However, several reports have shown that conventional and real-time PCR assays were very specific for SARS CoV but lack sensitivity depending on the assay, specimen, and time course of disease. OBJECTIVE To evaluate an automatic nucleic acid extraction system and two standardized real-time PCR assays for rapid diagnosis of SARS CoV during outbreak and post-epidemic periods in Hong Kong. STUDY DESIGN Specimens from clinically suspected SARS patients collected during outbreak and post-epidemic periods were tested by an automatic nucleic acid extraction system followed by our first generation conventional RT-PCR and two standardized real-time PCR assays (Artus GmbH, Germany and Roche Diagnostics, Germany). Paired serum samples were assayed for increasing titer against SARS CoV. RESULTS In the SARS epidemic, Artus and Roche PCR assays exhibited sensitivities of 87% and 85% for respiratory specimens (n = 64), 91% and 88% for stool (n = 44), and 82% for urine (n = 29). A specificity of 100% was exhibited by both PCR assays except Artus attained only a 92% specificity for stool. For post-epidemic period, no SARS CoV was identified among 56 respiratory specimens by all PCR assays. Inhibitors to PCR assays were detected at an average rate of 7-8% among 202 clinical specimens. CONCLUSION This study highlights the high throughput and performance of automatic RNA extraction in coordination with standardized real-time PCR assays suitable for large-scale routine diagnosis in case of future SARS epidemic. As no SARS CoV was detected among specimens collected during post-epidemic period, the positive predictive value of real-time PCR assays for detection of SARS CoV during low epidemic requires further evaluation.
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Poon LLM, Guan Y, Nicholls JM, Yuen KY, Peiris JSM. The aetiology, origins, and diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2004; 4:663-71. [PMID: 15522678 PMCID: PMC7106534 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(04)01172-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a new infectious disease that first emerged in Guangdong province, China, in November, 2002. A novel coronavirus was later identified in patients with SARS. The detection of the virus in these patients, its absence in healthy controls or other patients with atypical pneumonia, and the reproduction of a similar disease in a relevant animal model fulfilled Koch's postulates for implicating this coronavirus as the causal agent of SARS. The full genome sequence was determined within weeks of the virus's identification. The rapid progress in the aetiology, the development of laboratory diagnostic tests, and the defining of routes of viral transmission were facilitated through a unique WHO-coordinated virtual network of laboratories, which shared information on a real-time basis through daily teleconferences. Subsequent studies have indicated that the SARS coronavirus is of animal origin, that its precursor is still present in animal populations within the region, and that live-animal markets in southern China may have provided the animal-human interphase that allowed this precursor virus to adapt to human-human transmission. These findings underscore the potential for the re-emergence of SARS and the need for laboratory tests for early diagnosis. However, the low viral load in the respiratory tract makes early diagnosis of SARS a diagnostic challenge, although improvements in the sensitivity of molecular diagnostic methods continue to be made.
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Choi YK, Ozaki H, Webby RJ, Webster RG, Peiris JS, Poon L, Butt C, Leung YHC, Guan Y. Continuing evolution of H9N2 influenza viruses in Southeastern China. J Virol 2004; 78:8609-14. [PMID: 15280470 PMCID: PMC479067 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.78.16.8609-8614.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
H9N2 influenza viruses are panzootic in domestic poultry in Eurasia and since 1999 have caused transient infections in humans and pigs. To investigate the zoonotic potential of H9N2 viruses, we studied the evolution of the viruses in live-poultry markets in Hong Kong in 2003. H9N2 was the most prevalent influenza virus subtype in the live-poultry markets between 2001 and 2003. Antigenic and phylogenetic analysis of hemagglutinin (HA) showed that all of the 19 isolates found except one belonged to the lineage represented by A/Duck/Hong Kong/Y280/97 (H9N2). The exception was A/Guinea fowl/NT184/03 (H9N2), whose HA is most closely related to that of the human isolate A/Guangzhou/333/99 (H9N2), a virus belonging to the A/Chicken/Beijing/1/94-like (H9N2) lineage. At least six different genotypes were recognized. The majority of the viruses had nonstructural (and HA) genes derived from the A/Duck/Hong Kong/Y280/97-like virus lineage but had other genes of mixed avian virus origin, including genes similar to those of H5N1 viruses isolated in 2001. Viruses of all six genotypes of H9N2 found were able to replicate in chickens and mice without adaptation. The infected chickens showed no signs of disease, but representatives of two viral genotypes were lethal to mice. Three genotypes of virus replicated in the respiratory tracts of swine, which shed virus for at least 5 days. These results show an increasing genetic and biologic diversity of H9N2 viruses in Hong Kong and support their potential role as pandemic influenza agents.
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Li KS, Guan Y, Wang J, Smith GJD, Xu KM, Duan L, Rahardjo AP, Puthavathana P, Buranathai C, Nguyen TD, Estoepangestie ATS, Chaisingh A, Auewarakul P, Long HT, Hanh NTH, Webby RJ, Poon LLM, Chen H, Shortridge KF, Yuen KY, Webster RG, Peiris JSM. Genesis of a highly pathogenic and potentially pandemic H5N1 influenza virus in eastern Asia. Nature 2004; 430:209-13. [PMID: 15241415 DOI: 10.1038/nature02746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 876] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2004] [Accepted: 06/14/2004] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, H5N1, caused disease outbreaks in poultry in China and seven other east Asian countries between late 2003 and early 2004; the same virus was fatal to humans in Thailand and Vietnam. Here we demonstrate a series of genetic reassortment events traceable to the precursor of the H5N1 viruses that caused the initial human outbreak in Hong Kong in 1997 (refs 2-4) and subsequent avian outbreaks in 2001 and 2002 (refs 5, 6). These events gave rise to a dominant H5N1 genotype (Z) in chickens and ducks that was responsible for the regional outbreak in 2003-04. Our findings indicate that domestic ducks in southern China had a central role in the generation and maintenance of this virus, and that wild birds may have contributed to the increasingly wide spread of the virus in Asia. Our results suggest that H5N1 viruses with pandemic potential have become endemic in the region and are not easily eradicable. These developments pose a threat to public and veterinary health in the region and potentially the world, and suggest that long-term control measures are required.
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Poon LLM, Chan KH, Nicholls JM, Zheng BJ, Yuen KY, Guan Y, Peiris JSM. Characterization of a novel coronavirus responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 1263:805-808. [PMID: 32288144 PMCID: PMC7135436 DOI: 10.1016/j.ics.2004.02.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In February, a new avian H5N1/03 virus took two persons' lives in Hong Kong. After this incidence, a newly emerged disease has been identified, associated with pneumonia in infected patients. Here we report that a newly discovered coronoavirus (Cov) is responsible for this disease. In addition, the basic features, diagnosis and possible animal sources of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Cov are also discussed.
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Guan Y, Poon LLM, Cheung CY, Ellis TM, Lim W, Lipatov AS, Chan KH, Sturm-Ramirez KM, Cheung CL, Leung YHC, Yuen KY, Webster RG, Peiris JSM. H5N1 influenza: a protean pandemic threat. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:8156-61. [PMID: 15148370 PMCID: PMC419573 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0402443101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with avian influenza A virus of the H5N1 subtype (isolates A/HK/212/03 and A/HK/213/03) was fatal to one of two members of a family in southern China in 2003. This incident was preceded by lethal outbreaks of H5N1 influenza in waterfowl, which are the natural hosts of these viruses and, therefore, normally have asymptomatic infection. The hemagglutinin genes of the A/HK/212/03-like viruses isolated from humans and waterfowl share the lineage of the H5N1 viruses that caused the first known cases of human disease in Hong Kong in 1997, but their internal protein genes originated elsewhere. The hemagglutinin of the recent human isolates has undergone significant antigenic drift. Like the 1997 human H5N1 isolates, the 2003 human H5N1 isolates induced the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines by primary human macrophages in vitro, whereas the precursor H5N1 viruses and other H5N1 reassortants isolated in 2001 did not. The acquisition by the viruses of characteristics that enhance virulence in humans and waterfowl and their potential for wider distribution by infected migrating birds are causes for renewed pandemic concern.
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Chu CM, Cheng VCC, Hung IFN, Wong MML, Chan KH, Chan KS, Kao RYT, Poon LLM, Wong CLP, Guan Y, Peiris JSM, Yuen KY. Role of lopinavir/ritonavir in the treatment of SARS: initial virological and clinical findings. Thorax 2004; 59:252-6. [PMID: 14985565 PMCID: PMC1746980 DOI: 10.1136/thorax.2003.012658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1102] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical response of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) to a combination of lopinavir/ritonavir and ribavirin was examined after establishing the in vitro antiviral susceptibility of the SARS associated coronavirus to a panel of antiviral agents. METHODS The in vitro susceptibility of the prototype of SARS associated coronavirus to a panel of nucleoside analogues and protease inhibitors currently licensed for clinical use was studied. Forty one patients with SARS followed for 3 weeks were treated with a combination of lopinavir/ritonavir and ribavirin. The clinical progress and virological outcomes were monitored and compared with 111 patients treated with ribavirin only who served as historical controls. RESULTS In vitro antiviral activity against SARS associated coronavirus was demonstrated for lopinavir and ribavirin at concentrations of 4 micro g/ml and 50 micro g/ml, respectively, only at 48 hours. The adverse clinical outcome (ARDS or death) was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the historical controls (2.4% v 28.8%, p<0.001) at day 21 after the onset of symptoms. The adverse outcome remained significantly lower in the treatment group than in the controls-both those diagnosed early (p<0.001) and those diagnosed later in the course of the epidemic (p = 0.002)-but there was no significant difference in adverse outcome rates between the two time periods (p = 0.548). No time related difference in outcome was observed in the control groups. A reduction in steroid usage and nosocomial infections was seen in patients initially treated with lopinavir/ritonavir, and these patients had a decreasing viral load and rising peripheral lymphocyte count. Multivariate analysis showed that age, hepatitis B carrier status, and lack of treatment with this antiviral combination were independent predictors of an adverse outcome. Lopinavir/ritonavir treatment was associated with a better outcome even when adjusted for baseline lactate dehydrogenase level. CONCLUSIONS The apparent favourable clinical response with lopinavir/ritonavir and ribavirin supports further randomised placebo controlled trials in patients with SARS.
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