Laboratory Testing in Patients with Morbilliform Viral Eruptions

Epstein-Barr virus: dermatologic associations and implications: part I. Mucocutaneous manifestations of Epstein-Barr virus and nonmalignant disorders

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous virus that has been implicated in a wide range of human diseases, many of which have mucocutaneous manifestations. As a member of the herpesviridae family, EBV causes lifelong infection by establishing latency in B lymphocytes. An intact immune response is critical in preventing progression of EBV disease, and the clinical manifestations of infection are dependent on the intricate relationship between virus and host immune system. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diagnostic testing in EBV infection. In part I of this continuing medical education article, the mucocutaneous manifestations of EBV infection are reviewed with an emphasis on pathophysiology and management.

Immunoscreening protocols for the identification of clinically useful antibodies and antigens

The antigen-antibody interaction is a powerful tool for the immuno-screening of several diseases, including cancer and genetic disorders. The high specificity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) enables them to target antigens and form complexes that can be detected with enzymes, radionuclides, fluorescent dyes or other markers. The antibody molecule, which has an antigen binding site, can be used as an intact molecule or as a fragment, for example, F(ab)(2), Fab, Fv or scFv. Similarly, the antigen can also be varied. In this review, immuno-screening techniques that can be used to detect clinically relevant antibody-antigen interactions will be discussed.

A review of measles virus

Measles virus is an epidemic disease with a worldwide distribution. Since the development of the live attenuated vaccine, the incidence of reported measles cases has declined by greater than 99% in the United States. Measles causes a systemic illness manifested by a characteristic prodrome and pathognomonic rash. Although usually a self-limited disease, measles can cause severe complications, especially in adults and the immunocompromised. We discuss a vaccination schedule for preschool and school-aged children. Recent research has demonstrated clinical benefit in patients with severe measles virus infections that are treated with ribavirin and vitamin A supplementation.