1
|
Chiu KHY, Yip CCY, Poon RWS, Leung KH, Li X, Hung IFN, To KKW, Cheng VCC, Yuen KY. Correlations of Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Adenosine deaminase (ADA), C-C motif chemokine 22 (CCL22), Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA expression in the nasopharyngeal specimens with the diagnosis and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2157338. [PMID: 36482706 PMCID: PMC9809351 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2157338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cytokine dynamics in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been studied in blood but seldomly in respiratory specimens. We studied different cell markers and cytokines in fresh nasopharyngeal swab specimens for the diagnosis and for stratifying the severity of COVID-19. This was a retrospective case-control study comparing Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Adenosine deaminase (ADA), C-C motif chemokine ligand 22 (CCL22), Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA expression in 490 (327 patients and 163 control) nasopharyngeal specimens from 317 (154 COVID-19 and 163 control) hospitalized patients. Of the 154 COVID-19 cases, 46 died. Both total and normalized MPO, ADA, CCL22, TNFα, and IL-6 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in the nasopharyngeal specimens of infected patients when compared with controls, with ADA showing better performance (OR 5.703, 95% CI 3.424-9.500, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve showed that the cut-off value of normalized ADA mRNA level at 2.37 × 10-3 had a sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 83.4%. While patients with severe COVID-19 had more respiratory symptoms, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase, multivariate analysis showed that severe COVID-19 patients had lower CCL22 mRNA (OR 0.211, 95% CI 0.060-0.746, p = 0.016) in nasopharyngeal specimens, while lymphocyte count, C-reactive protein, and viral load in nasopharyngeal specimens did not correlate with disease severity. In summary, ADA appears to be a better biomarker to differentiate between infected and uninfected patients, while CCL22 has the potential in stratifying the severity of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin Hei-Yeung Chiu
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cyril Chik-Yan Yip
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China,State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Disease, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rosana Wing-Shan Poon
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China,State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Disease, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Disease, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China,Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Disease, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China,Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China,Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Disease, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China,Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China,Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China,Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, , Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Disease, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China,Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China,Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China,Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, , Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, Kwok-Yung Yuen
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ng SC, Chu AWH, Chan WM, Yip CCY, Leung KH, So CK, Leung JNS, To KKW, Lee CK. Re-examine the transfusion transmitted risk of SARS-CoV-2 virus during a major COVID-19 outbreak in 2022. Transfus Med 2023. [PMID: 37286528 DOI: 10.1111/tme.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although no case of COVID-19 transmission through transfusion has been reported, blood transfusion service (BTS) continues to implement pre-donation and post-donation measures to minimise the risk. In year 2022, when local healthcare system was badly impacted by a major outbreak, it opened an opportunity to re-examine the viraemia risk in these asymptomatic donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Records were retrieved from blood donors who reported COVID-19 after donation and follow-up was also made for recipients who received their blood. Blood samples at donation were tested for SARS-CoV-2 viraemia by single-tube nested real-time RT-PCR assay designed to detect most SARS-CoV-2 variants including the prevailing delta and omicron variants. RESULTS From 1 January to 15 August 2022, the city with 7.4 M inhabitants recorded 1 187 844 COVID-19 positive cases and 125 936 successful blood donations were received. 781 donors reported to the BTS after donation with 701 being COVID-19 related (including close contact and symptoms respiratory tract infection). 525 COVID-19 were positive at the time of call back or follow-up. Of the 701 donations, they were processed into 1480 components with 1073 discarded upon donors' call back. For remaining 407 components, no recipient was found to have adverse event or COVID-19 positive. 510 samples from the above 525 COVID-19 positive donors were available and all tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. DISCUSSION With the negative SARS-CoV-2 RNA in blood donation samples and follow up data in transfusion recipients, the risk of transfusion transmitted COVID-19 appears negligible. However, current measures remains important in securing blood safety with ongoing surveillance of their effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S C Ng
- Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Hong Kong, China
| | - A W H Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - W M Chan
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - C C Y Yip
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - K H Leung
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - C K So
- Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Hong Kong, China
| | - J N S Leung
- Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Hong Kong, China
| | - K K W To
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - C K Lee
- Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yip CCY, Sridhar S, Chan WM, Ip JD, Chu AWH, Leung KH, Cheng VCC, Yuen KY, To KKW. Development and Validation of a Novel COVID-19 nsp8 One-Tube RT-LAMP-CRISPR Assay for SARS-CoV-2 Diagnosis. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0196222. [PMID: 36445095 PMCID: PMC9769742 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01962-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate and simple diagnostic tests for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are essential components of the pandemic response. In this study, we evaluated a one-tube reverse transcription-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay coupled with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein-mediated endpoint detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in clinical samples. RT-LAMP-CRISPR is fast and affordable, does not require bulky thermocyclers, and minimizes carryover contamination risk. Results can be read either visually or with a fluorometer. RT-LAMP-CRISPR assays using primers targeting a highly expressed nsp8 gene and previously described nucleocapsid (N) gene primers were designed. The analytical characteristics and diagnostic performance of RT-LAMP-CRISPR assays were compared to those of a commercial real-time RT-PCR E gene assay. The limits of detection (LODs) of the nsp8 and N RT-LAMP-CRISPR assays were 750 and 2,000 copies/mL, which were higher than that of the commercial real-time RT-PCR assay (31.3 copies/mL). Despite the higher LOD, RT-LAMP-CRISPR assays showed diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 98.6% and 100%, respectively, equivalent to those of the real-time RT-PCR assay (P = 0.5). The median fluorescence reading from the nsp8 assay (378.3 raw fluorescence unit [RFU] [range, 215.6 to 592.6]) was significantly higher than that of the N gene assay (342.0 RFU [range, 143.0 to 576.6]) (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, we demonstrate that RT-LAMP-CRISPR assays using primers rationally designed from highly expressed gene targets are highly sensitive, specific, and easy to perform. Such assays are a valuable asset in resource-limited settings. IMPORTANCE Accurate tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are important for timely treatment and infection control decisions. Conventional tests such as real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) require specialized equipment and are expensive. On the other hand, rapid antigen tests suffer from a lack of sensitivity. In this study, we describe a novel assay format for the diagnosis of COVID-19 that is based on principles of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas chemistry. A major advantage of this assay format is that it does not require expensive equipment to perform, and results can be read visually. This method proved to be fast, easy to perform, and inexpensive. The test compared well against an RT-PCR assay in terms of the ability to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in clinical samples. No false-positive test results were observed. The new assay format is ideal for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis in resource-limited settings.
Collapse
Grants
- Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission of Hong Kong
- Donations from Richard Yu and Carol Yu, the Shaw Foundation Hong Kong, Michael Seak-Kan Tong, The Hui Ming, Chan Yin Chuen Memorial Charitable Foundation
- Donations from Marina Man-Wai Lee, the Jessie & George Ho Charitable Foundation, Kai Chong Tong, Tse Kam Ming Laurence, Foo Oi Foundation Limited, Betty Hing-Chu Lee, and Ping Cham So
- Hui Hoy and Chow Sin Lan Charity Fund (許海周倩蘭慈善基金有限公司)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Chik-Yan Yip
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wan-Mui Chan
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jonathan Daniel Ip
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Allen Wing-Ho Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Sha Tin, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chan JFW, Siu GKH, Yuan S, Ip JD, Cai JP, Chu AWH, Chan WM, Abdullah SMU, Luo C, Chan BPC, Yuen TTT, Chen LL, Chik KKH, Liang R, Cao H, Man Poon VK, Chan CCS, Leung KH, Tam AR, Tsang OTY, Chan JMC, To WK, Lam BHS, Lee LK, Lo HWH, Wong ITF, Leung JSL, Wong EYK, Chu H, Yip CCY, Cheng VCC, Chan KH, Tse H, Lung DC, Ng KHL, Au AKW, Hung IFN, Yuen KY, To KKW. Probable Animal-to-Human Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant AY.127 Causing a Pet Shop-Related COVID-19 Outbreak in Hong Kong. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:e76-e81. [PMID: 35234870 PMCID: PMC8903450 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2 can infect human and other mammals, including hamsters. Syrian (Mesocricetus auratus) and dwarf (Phodopus sp.) hamsters are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection in the laboratory setting. However, pet shop-related COVID-19 outbreaks have not been reported. Methods We conducted an investigation of a pet shop-related COVID-19 outbreak due to Delta variant AY.127 involving at least three patients in Hong Kong. We tested samples collected from the patients, environment, and hamsters linked to this outbreak and performed whole genome sequencing analysis of the RT-PCR-positive samples. Results The patients included a pet shop keeper (Patient 1), a female customer of the pet shop (Patient 2), and the husband of Patient 2 (Patient 3). Investigation showed that 17.2% (5/29) and 25.5% (13/51) environmental specimens collected from the pet shop and its related warehouse, respectively, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR. Among euthanized hamsters randomly collected from the storehouse, 3% (3/100) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR and seropositive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody by ELISA. Whole genome analysis showed that although all genomes from the outbreak belonged to the Delta variant AY.127, there were at least 3 nucleotide differences among the genomes from different patients and the hamster cages. Genomic analysis suggests that multiple strains have emerged within the hamster population, and these different strains have likely transmitted to human either via direct contact or via the environment. Conclusions Our study demonstrated probable hamster-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2. As pet trading is common around the world, this can represent a route of international spread of this pandemic virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.,Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Gilman Kit-Hang Siu
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Jonathan Daniel Ip
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Piao Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Allen Wing-Ho Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Wan-Mui Chan
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Syed Muhammad Umer Abdullah
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuiting Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Brian Pui-Chun Chan
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Terrence Tsz-Tai Yuen
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin-Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Kenn Ka-Heng Chik
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Ronghui Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Hehe Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Vincent Kwok Man Poon
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Chris Chung-Sing Chan
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Anthony Raymond Tam
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Owen Tak-Yin Tsang
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Jacky Man-Chun Chan
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Wing-Kin To
- Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Bosco Hoi-Shiu Lam
- Department of Pathology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Lam-Kwong Lee
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Hazel Wing-Hei Lo
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Ivan Tak-Fai Wong
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Jake Siu-Lun Leung
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Evelyn Yin-Kwan Wong
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Hin Chu
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Cyril Chik-Yan Yip
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.,Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Herman Tse
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - David Christopher Lung
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Kenneth Ho-Leung Ng
- Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Albert Ka-Wing Au
- Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.,Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- State Key Laboratory for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.,Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sridhar S, Yip CCY, Lo KHY, Wu S, Situ J, Chew NFS, Leung KH, Chan HSY, Wong SCY, Leung AWS, Tse CWS, Fung KSC, Tsang OTY, Hon KL, Cheng VCC, Ng KHL, Yuen KY. Hepatitis E virus species C infection in humans, Hong Kong. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 75:288-296. [PMID: 34718428 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis E virus (HEV) variants belonging to Orthohepevirus species A (HEV-A) are the primary cause of human hepatitis E. However, we previously reported that Orthohepevirus C (HEV-C1), a divergent HEV variant commonly found in rats, also causes hepatitis in humans. Here, we present a clinical-epidemiological investigation of human HEV-C1 infections detected in Hong Kong, with an emphasis on outcomes in immunocompromised individuals.. METHODS A surveillance system for detecting human HEV-C1 infections was established in Hong Kong. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of HEV-C1 cases identified via this system between August 1, 2019 and December 31, 2020 were retrieved. Phylogenetic analysis of HEV-C1 strain sequences was performed. Infection outcomes of immunocompromised individuals with HEV-A and HEV-C1 infections were analyzed. RESULTS HEV-C1 accounted for 8/53 (15.1%) RT-PCR confirmed hepatitis E infections in Hong Kong during the study period, raising the total number of HEV-C1 infections detected in the city to 16. Two distinct HEV-C1 strain groups caused human infections. Patients were elderly and/or immunocompromised; half tested negative for HEV IgM. Cumulatively, HEV-C1 accounted for 9/21 (42.9%) cases of hepatitis E recorded in immunocompromised patients in Hong Kong. Immunocompromised HEV-C1 patients progressed to persistent hepatitis at similar rates (7/9; 77.8%) as HEV-A patients (10/12; 75%). HEV-C1 patients responded to oral ribavirin although response to first course was sometimes poor or delayed. CONCLUSIONS Dedicated RT-PCR-based surveillance detected human HEV-C1 cases that evade conventional hepatitis E diagnostic testing. Immunosuppressed HEV-C1-infected patients frequently progress to persistent HEV-C1 infection for which ribavirin is a suitable treatment option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong
| | - Cyril Chik-Yan Yip
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kelvin Hon-Yin Lo
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shusheng Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianwen Situ
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nicholas Foo-Siong Chew
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kam-Lun Hon
- The Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ken Ho-Leung Ng
- Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, Department of Health, Hong Kong
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong.,The Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yip CCY, Leung KH, Ng ACK, Chan KH, To KKW, Chan JFW, Hung IFN, Cheng VCC, Sridhar S. Comparative evaluation of a dual-target real-time RT-PCR assay for COVID-19 diagnosis and assessment of performance in pooled saliva and nasopharyngeal swab samples. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:741-747. [PMID: 34014785 PMCID: PMC8182820 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1933445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Sensitive molecular diagnostic assays are essential for COVID-19 diagnosis. We evaluated the Hecin Scientific SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test kit, a dual-target real-time RT-PCR assay targeting the SARS-CoV-2 N and ORF1ab genes. Methods: The Hecin test kit’s diagnostic performance in detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA was compared to the LightMix Modular SARS and Wuhan CoV E-gene kit (TIB Molbiol) and an in-house single-tube nested real-time RT-PCR using 296 clinical specimens, 11 proficiency testing samples, and 30 low-positive deep throat saliva and nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) samples pooled into negative samples in ratios of 1:5, 1:10, and 1:30. Results: The limit-of-detection of the Hecin test kit was around 500 dC/mL for the N and ORF1ab targets. Sensitivity and specificity of the Hecin test kit were 98.1% (95% CI: 93.4–99.8%) and 100% (98.1–100%), respectively, when measured against the reference method. The Hecin test kit showed fair sensitivity (80%) in low-positive NPS samples pooled in ratios of 1:5 and 1:10. Its performance in pooled samples could be dramatically improved by adjusting the assay Ct cutoff. Conclusion: The Hecin test kit enables sensitive and specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples and pooled samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril C Y Yip
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Anthony C K Ng
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kelvin K W To
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jasper F W Chan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ivan F N Hung
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Vincent C C Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sridhar S, Yip CCY, Wu S, Chew NFS, Leung KH, Chan JFW, Zhao PS, Chan WM, Poon RWS, Tsoi HW, Cai JP, Chan HSY, Leung AWS, Tse CWS, Zee JST, Tsang OTY, Cheng VCC, Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Tsang DNC, Yuen KY. Transmission of Rat Hepatitis E Virus Infection to Humans in Hong Kong: A Clinical and Epidemiological Analysis. Hepatology 2021; 73:10-22. [PMID: 31960460 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis E virus (HEV) variants causing human infection predominantly belong to HEV species A (HEV-A). HEV species C genotype 1 (HEV-C1) circulates in rats and is highly divergent from HEV-A. It was previously considered unable to infect humans, but the first case of human HEV-C1 infection was recently discovered in Hong Kong. The aim of this study is to further describe the features of this zoonosis in Hong Kong. APPROACH AND RESULTS We conducted a territory-wide prospective screening study for HEV-C1 infection over a 31-month period. Blood samples from 2,860 patients with abnormal liver function (n = 2,201) or immunosuppressive conditions (n = 659) were screened for HEV-C1 RNA. In addition, 186 captured commensal rats were screened for HEV-C1 RNA. Sequences of human-derived and rat-derived HEV-C1 isolates were compared. Epidemiological and clinical features of HEV-C1 infection were analyzed. HEV-C1 RNA was detected in 6/2,201 (0.27%) patients with hepatitis and 1/659 (0.15%) immunocompromised persons. Including the previously reported case, eight HEV-C1 infections were identified, including five in patients who were immunosuppressed. Three patients had acute hepatitis, four had persistent hepatitis, and one had subclinical infection without hepatitis. One patient died of meningoencephalitis, and HEV-C1 was detected in cerebrospinal fluid. HEV-C1 hepatitis was generally milder than HEV-A hepatitis. HEV-C1 RNA was detected in 7/186 (3.76%) rats. One HEV-C1 isolate obtained from a rat captured near the residences of patients was closely related to the major outbreak strain. CONCLUSIONS HEV-C1 is a cause of hepatitis E in humans in Hong Kong. Immunosuppressed individuals are susceptible to persistent HEV-C1 infection and extrahepatic manifestations. Subclinical HEV-C1 infection threatens blood safety. Tests for HEV-C1 are required in clinical laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cyril Chik-Yan Yip
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shusheng Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nicholas Foo-Siong Chew
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pyrear Suhui Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wan-Mui Chan
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rosana Wing-Shan Poon
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hoi-Wah Tsoi
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jian-Piao Cai
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Helen Shuk-Ying Chan
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Susanna Kar-Pui Lau
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Patrick Chiu-Yat Woo
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Leung KH, Majewska I, Bekker H, Lee CH, Tiberi E, Kondov SS, Moszynski R, Zelevinsky T. Transition Strength Measurements to Guide Magic Wavelength Selection in Optically Trapped Molecules. Phys Rev Lett 2020; 125:153001. [PMID: 33095629 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.125.153001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Optical trapping of molecules with long coherence times is crucial for many protocols in quantum information and metrology. However, the factors that limit the lifetimes of the trapped molecules remain elusive and require improved understanding of the underlying molecular structure. Here we show that measurements of vibronic line strengths in weakly and deeply bound ^{88}Sr_{2} molecules, combined with ab initio calculations, allow for unambiguous identification of vibrational quantum numbers. This, in turn, enables the construction of refined excited potential energy curves, informing the selection of magic wavelengths that facilitate long vibrational coherence. We demonstrate Rabi oscillations between far-separated vibrational states that persist for nearly 100 ms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- Department of Physics, Columbia University, 538 West 120th Street, New York, New York 10027-5255, USA
| | - I Majewska
- Quantum Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - H Bekker
- Department of Physics, Columbia University, 538 West 120th Street, New York, New York 10027-5255, USA
| | - C-H Lee
- Department of Physics, Columbia University, 538 West 120th Street, New York, New York 10027-5255, USA
| | - E Tiberi
- Department of Physics, Columbia University, 538 West 120th Street, New York, New York 10027-5255, USA
| | - S S Kondov
- Department of Physics, Columbia University, 538 West 120th Street, New York, New York 10027-5255, USA
| | - R Moszynski
- Quantum Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - T Zelevinsky
- Department of Physics, Columbia University, 538 West 120th Street, New York, New York 10027-5255, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yip CCY, Sridhar S, Lau JHN, Cheng AKW, Leung KH, Chen JHK, Chan KH, Cheng VCC, Yuen KY. Comparative performance of two commercial sample-to-result systems for hepatitis C virus quantitation and genotyping. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2020; 20:1253-1258. [PMID: 32893699 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2020.1820327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Accurate assays for hepatitis C virus (HCV) quantitation and genotyping are important for the management of HCV infection. In this study, we evaluated the performance of cobas HCV and cobas HCV GT assays (Roche) for HCV quantitation and genotyping on the cobas 4800 System. METHODS We compared the performance of the cobas HCV assays with another commercial system (Abbott m2000) using a panel of well-characterized patient samples and proficiency testing samples. RESULTS The limit-of-detection of the cobas HCV assay in our center was higher (15 IU/mL) than the manufacturer claim (9.2 IU/mL). The assay showed high analytical specificity, accuracy, precision, and linearity. Performance was congruent with the RealTime HCV assay (Abbott). For genotyping, the cobas HCV GT assay only showed moderate agreement with the RealTime HCV Genotype II assay (kappa = 0.550). The cobas assay outperformed the RealTime assay for typing HCV genotypes 1b and 6 (p = 0.033). CONCLUSION Our results confirm that the cobas 4800 System is a reliable platform for HCV quantitation and genotyping. The cobas HCV GT assay is a good choice for genotype 1b/6 endemic areas in east Asia, clearly outperforming the RealTime HCV Genotype II assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril C Y Yip
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - John H N Lau
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Andrew K W Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jonathan H K Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Vincent C C Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yip CCY, Sridhar S, Leung KH, Ng ACK, Chan KH, Chan JFW, Tsang OTY, Hung IFN, Cheng VCC, Yuen KY, To KKW. Development and Evaluation of Novel and Highly Sensitive Single-Tube Nested Real-Time RT-PCR Assays for SARS-CoV-2 Detection. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165674. [PMID: 32784770 PMCID: PMC7461039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensitive molecular assays are critical for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis. Here, we designed and evaluated two single-tube nested (STN) real-time RT-PCR assays, targeting SARS-CoV-2 RdRp/Hel and N genes. Both STN assays had a low limit of detection and did not cross react with other human coronaviruses and respiratory viruses. Using 213 initial respiratory specimens from suspected COVID-19 patients, the sensitivity of both the STN COVID-19-RdRp/Hel and the STN COVID-19-N assays was 100% (99/99), while that of the comparator non-nested N assay was 95% (94/99). Among 108 follow-up specimens from confirmed COVID-19 patients who tested negative by the non-nested COVID-19-RdRp/Hel assay, 28 (25.9%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 by the STN COVID-19-RdRp/Hel or the STN COVID-19-N assay. To evaluate the performance of our novel STN assays in pooled specimens, we created four sample pools, with each pool consisting of one low positive specimen and 49 negative specimens. While the non-nested COVID-19-RdRp/Hel assay was positive in only one of four sample pools (25%), both of the STN assays were positive in two of four samples pools (50%). In conclusion, the STN assays are highly sensitive and specific for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Their boosted sensitivity offers advantages in non-traditional COVID-19 testing algorithms such as saliva screening and pooled sample screening during massive screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Chik-Yan Yip
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China; (C.C.-Y.Y.); (V.C.-C.C.)
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.S.); (K.-H.L.); (A.C.-K.N.); (K.-H.C.); (J.F.-W.C.)
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.S.); (K.-H.L.); (A.C.-K.N.); (K.-H.C.); (J.F.-W.C.)
| | - Anthony Chin-Ki Ng
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.S.); (K.-H.L.); (A.C.-K.N.); (K.-H.C.); (J.F.-W.C.)
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.S.); (K.-H.L.); (A.C.-K.N.); (K.-H.C.); (J.F.-W.C.)
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.S.); (K.-H.L.); (A.C.-K.N.); (K.-H.C.); (J.F.-W.C.)
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Owen Tak-Yin Tsang
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China;
| | | | | | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China; (C.C.-Y.Y.); (V.C.-C.C.)
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.S.); (K.-H.L.); (A.C.-K.N.); (K.-H.C.); (J.F.-W.C.)
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: (K.-Y.Y.); (K.K.-W.T.); Tel.: +852-2255-2584 (K.-Y.Y. & K.K.-W.T.); Fax: +852-2855-1241 (K.-Y.Y. & K.K.-W.T.)
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.S.); (K.-H.L.); (A.C.-K.N.); (K.-H.C.); (J.F.-W.C.)
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: (K.-Y.Y.); (K.K.-W.T.); Tel.: +852-2255-2584 (K.-Y.Y. & K.K.-W.T.); Fax: +852-2855-1241 (K.-Y.Y. & K.K.-W.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yip CCY, Sridhar S, Cheng AKW, Leung KH, Choi GKY, Chen JHK, Poon RWS, Chan KH, Wu AKL, Chan HSY, Chau SKY, Chung TWH, To KKW, Tsang OTY, Hung IFN, Cheng VCC, Yuen KY, Chan JFW. Evaluation of the commercially available LightMix® Modular E-gene kit using clinical and proficiency testing specimens for SARS-CoV-2 detection. J Clin Virol 2020; 129:104476. [PMID: 32516739 PMCID: PMC7255195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2020.104476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid and sensitive diagnostic assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection are required for prompt patient management and infection control. The analytical and clinical performances of LightMix® Modular SARS and Wuhan CoV E-gene kit, a widely used commercial assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection, have not been well studied. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the performance characteristics of the LightMix® E-gene kit in comparison with well-validated in-house developed COVID-19 RT-PCR assays. STUDY DESIGN Serial dilutions of SARS-CoV-2 culture isolate extracts were used for analytical sensitivity evaluation. A total of 289 clinical specimens from 186 patients with suspected COVID-19 and 8 proficiency testing (PT) samples were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the LightMix® E-gene kit against in-house developed COVID-19-RdRp/Hel and COVID-19-N RT-PCR assays. RESULTS The LightMix® E-gene kit had a limit of detection of 1.8 × 10-1 TCID50/mL, which was one log10 lower than those of the two in-house RT-PCR assays. The LightMix® E-gene kit (149/289 [51.6%]) had similar sensitivity as the in-house assays (144/289 [49.8%] for RdRp/Hel and 146/289 [50.5%] for N). All three assays gave correct results for all the PT samples. Cycle threshold (Cp) values of the LightMix® E-gene kit and in-house assays showed excellent correlation. Reproducibility of the Cp values was satisfactory with intra- and inter-assay coefficient of variation values <5%. Importantly, the LightMix® E-gene kit, when used as a stand-alone assay, was equally sensitive as testing algorithms using multiple COVID-19 RT-PCR assays. CONCLUSIONS The LightMix® E-gene kit is a rapid and sensitive assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection. It has fewer verification requirements compared to laboratory-developed tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Chik-Yan Yip
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Andrew Kim-Wai Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Garnet Kwan-Yue Choi
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jonathan Hon-Kwan Chen
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Rosana Wing-Shan Poon
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Alan Ka-Lun Wu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Helen Shuk-Ying Chan
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Sandy Ka-Yee Chau
- Department of Pathology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Tom Wai-Hin Chung
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Owen Tak-Yin Tsang
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cheung KS, Hung IFN, Chan PPY, Lung KC, Tso E, Liu R, Ng YY, Chu MY, Chung TWH, Tam AR, Yip CCY, Leung KH, Fung AYF, Zhang RR, Lin Y, Cheng HM, Zhang AJX, To KKW, Chan KH, Yuen KY, Leung WK. Gastrointestinal Manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Virus Load in Fecal Samples From a Hong Kong Cohort: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Gastroenterology 2020; 159:81-95. [PMID: 32251668 PMCID: PMC7194936 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1046] [Impact Index Per Article: 261.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has been characterized by fever, respiratory, and gastrointestinal symptoms as well as shedding of virus RNA into feces. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published gastrointestinal symptoms and detection of virus in stool and also summarized data from a cohort of patients with COVID-19 in Hong Kong. METHODS We collected data from the cohort of patients with COVID-19 in Hong Kong (N = 59; diagnosis from February 2 through February 29, 2020),and searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and 3 Chinese databases through March 11, 2020, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We analyzed pooled data on the prevalence of overall and individual gastrointestinal symptoms (loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain or discomfort) using a random effects model. RESULTS Among the 59 patients with COVID-19 in Hong Kong, 15 patients (25.4%) had gastrointestinal symptoms, and 9 patients (15.3%) had stool that tested positive for virus RNA. Stool viral RNA was detected in 38.5% and 8.7% among those with and without diarrhea, respectively (P = .02). The median fecal viral load was 5.1 log10 copies per milliliter in patients with diarrhea vs 3.9 log10 copies per milliliter in patients without diarrhea (P = .06). In a meta-analysis of 60 studies comprising 4243 patients, the pooled prevalence of all gastrointestinal symptoms was 17.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.3-24.5); 11.8% of patients with nonsevere COVID-19 had gastrointestinal symptoms (95% CI, 4.1-29.1), and 17.1% of patients with severe COVID-19 had gastrointestinal symptoms (95% CI, 6.9-36.7). In the meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of stool samples that were positive for virus RNA was 48.1% (95% CI, 38.3-57.9); of these samples, 70.3% of those collected after loss of virus from respiratory specimens tested positive for the virus (95% CI, 49.6-85.1). CONCLUSIONS In an analysis of data from the Hong Kong cohort of patients with COVID-19 and a meta-analysis of findings from publications, we found that 17.6% of patients with COVID-19 had gastrointestinal symptoms. Virus RNA was detected in stool samples from 48.1% patients, even in stool collected after respiratory samples had negative test results. Health care workers should therefore exercise caution in collecting fecal samples or performing endoscopic procedures in patients with COVID-19, even during patient recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ka Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong; Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ivan F N Hung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Pierre P Y Chan
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - K C Lung
- Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Eugene Tso
- Department of Medicine, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Raymond Liu
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Y Y Ng
- Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Man Y Chu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Tom W H Chung
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Anthony Raymond Tam
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Cyril C Y Yip
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Agnes Yim-Fong Fung
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ricky R Zhang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yansheng Lin
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ho Ming Cheng
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Anna J X Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kelvin K W To
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Kwok-H Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Kwok-Y Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai K Leung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hung IFN, Cheng VCC, Li X, Tam AR, Hung DLL, Chiu KHY, Yip CCY, Cai JP, Ho DTY, Wong SC, Leung SSM, Chu MY, Tang MOY, Chen JHK, Poon RWS, Fung AYF, Zhang RR, Yan EYW, Chen LL, Choi CYK, Leung KH, Chung TWH, Lam SHY, Lam TPW, Chan JFW, Chan KH, Wu TC, Ho PL, Chan JWM, Lau CS, To KKW, Yuen KY. SARS-CoV-2 shedding and seroconversion among passengers quarantined after disembarking a cruise ship: a case series. Lancet Infect Dis 2020; 20:1051-1060. [PMID: 32539986 PMCID: PMC7292581 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30364-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background A cruise ship is a closed-off environment that simulates the basic functioning of a city in terms of living conditions and interpersonal interactions. Thus, the Diamond Princess cruise ship, which was quarantined because of an onboard outbreak of COVID-19 in February, 2020, provides an opportunity to define the shedding pattern of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and patient antibody responses before and after the onset of symptoms. Methods We recruited adult (≥18 years) passengers from Hong Kong who had been on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama, Japan in February, 2020. All participants had been found to be negative for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR 4 days before disembarking and were transferred to further quarantine in a public estate in Hong Kong, where they were recruited. Participants were prospectively screened by quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) of nasopharyngeal and throat swabs, and serum IgG and IgM against internal nucleoprotein and the surface spike receptor-binding protein (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 at baseline (upon entering quarantine) and on days 4, 8, and 12 of quarantine. Findings On Feb 22, 2020, 215 adults were recruited, of whom nine (4%; 95% CI 2–8) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR or serology and were hospitalised. Of these nine patients, nasopharyngeal swab RT-qPCR was positive in eight patients (89%; 57–99) at baseline. All nine patients were positive for anti-RBD IgG by day 8. Eight (89%; 57–99) were simultaneously positive for nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR and anti-RBD IgG. One patient who was positive for anti-RBD IgG and had a negative viral load had multifocal peripheral ground-glass changes on high-resolution CT that were typical of COVID-19. Five patients (56%; 27–81) with ground-glass changes on high-resolution CT were found to have higher anti-nucleoprotein-IgG OD values on day 8 and 12 and anti-RBD IgG OD value on day 12 than patients without ground-glass changes. Six (67%; 35–88) patients remained asymptomatic throughout the 14-day quarantine period. Interpretation Patients with COVID-19 can develop asymptomatic lung infection with viral shedding and those with evidence of pneumonia on imaging tend to have an increased antibody response. Positive IgG or IgM confirmed infection of COVID-19 in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. A combination of RT-PCR and serology should be implemented for case finding and contact tracing to facilitate early diagnosis, prompt isolation, and treatment. Funding Shaw Foundation Hong Kong; Sanming-Project of Medicine (Shenzhen); High Level-Hospital Program (Guangdong Health Commission).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Infection Control Team, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Anthony Raymond Tam
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Derek Ling-Lung Hung
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kelvin Hei-Yeung Chiu
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Cyril Chik-Yan Yip
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jian-Piao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Deborah Tip-Yin Ho
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Shuk-Ching Wong
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Infection Control Team, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Sally Sau-Man Leung
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Man-Yee Chu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Milky Oi-Yan Tang
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jonathan Hon-Kwan Chen
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Rosana Wing-Shan Poon
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Agnes Yim-Fong Fung
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ricky Ruiqi Zhang
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Erica Yuen-Wing Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Lin-Lei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Charlotte Yee-Ki Choi
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Tom Wai-Hin Chung
- Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Sonia Hiu-Yin Lam
- Department of Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Tina Poy-Wing Lam
- Department of Radiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Tak-Chiu Wu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Pak-Leung Ho
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Johnny Wai-Man Chan
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Chak-Sing Lau
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hung IFN, Lung KC, Tso EYK, Liu R, Chung TWH, Chu MY, Ng YY, Lo J, Chan J, Tam AR, Shum HP, Chan V, Wu AKL, Sin KM, Leung WS, Law WL, Lung DC, Sin S, Yeung P, Yip CCY, Zhang RR, Fung AYF, Yan EYW, Leung KH, Ip JD, Chu AWH, Chan WM, Ng ACK, Lee R, Fung K, Yeung A, Wu TC, Chan JWM, Yan WW, Chan WM, Chan JFW, Lie AKW, Tsang OTY, Cheng VCC, Que TL, Lau CS, Chan KH, To KKW, Yuen KY. Triple combination of interferon beta-1b, lopinavir-ritonavir, and ribavirin in the treatment of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19: an open-label, randomised, phase 2 trial. Lancet 2020; 395:1695-1704. [PMID: 32401715 PMCID: PMC7211500 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)31042-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1011] [Impact Index Per Article: 252.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective antiviral therapy is important for tackling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We assessed the efficacy and safety of combined interferon beta-1b, lopinavir-ritonavir, and ribavirin for treating patients with COVID-19. METHODS This was a multicentre, prospective, open-label, randomised, phase 2 trial in adults with COVID-19 who were admitted to six hospitals in Hong Kong. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to a 14-day combination of lopinavir 400 mg and ritonavir 100 mg every 12 h, ribavirin 400 mg every 12 h, and three doses of 8 million international units of interferon beta-1b on alternate days (combination group) or to 14 days of lopinavir 400 mg and ritonavir 100 mg every 12 h (control group). The primary endpoint was the time to providing a nasopharyngeal swab negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RT-PCR, and was done in the intention-to-treat population. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04276688. FINDINGS Between Feb 10 and March 20, 2020, 127 patients were recruited; 86 were randomly assigned to the combination group and 41 were assigned to the control group. The median number of days from symptom onset to start of study treatment was 5 days (IQR 3-7). The combination group had a significantly shorter median time from start of study treatment to negative nasopharyngeal swab (7 days [IQR 5-11]) than the control group (12 days [8-15]; hazard ratio 4·37 [95% CI 1·86-10·24], p=0·0010). Adverse events included self-limited nausea and diarrhoea with no difference between the two groups. One patient in the control group discontinued lopinavir-ritonavir because of biochemical hepatitis. No patients died during the study. INTERPRETATION Early triple antiviral therapy was safe and superior to lopinavir-ritonavir alone in alleviating symptoms and shortening the duration of viral shedding and hospital stay in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Future clinical study of a double antiviral therapy with interferon beta-1b as a backbone is warranted. FUNDING The Shaw-Foundation, Richard and Carol Yu, May Tam Mak Mei Yin, and Sanming Project of Medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Kwok-Cheung Lung
- Department of Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Raymond Liu
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Ruttonjee Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tom Wai-Hin Chung
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Man-Yee Chu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuk-Yung Ng
- Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jenny Lo
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Ruttonjee Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jacky Chan
- Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Anthony Raymond Tam
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Hoi-Ping Shum
- Department of Intensive Care, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Veronica Chan
- Department of Medicine, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alan Ka-Lun Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kit-Man Sin
- Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Shing Leung
- Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Lam Law
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Simon Sin
- Department of Intensive Care, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Pauline Yeung
- Department of Intensive Care, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Cyril Chik-Yan Yip
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Ricky Ruiqi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China; State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Agnes Yim-Fong Fung
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Erica Yuen-Wing Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Jonathan Daniel Ip
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Allen Wing-Ho Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Wan-Mui Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Anthony Chin-Ki Ng
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Rodney Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kitty Fung
- Department of Microbiology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alwin Yeung
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Ruttonjee Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tak-Chiu Wu
- Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Wing-Wah Yan
- Department of Intensive Care, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Ming Chan
- Department of Intensive Care, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Albert Kwok-Wai Lie
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Owen Tak-Yin Tsang
- Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Tak-Lun Que
- Department of Microbiology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chak-Sing Lau
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yip CCY, Ho CC, Chan JFW, To KKW, Chan HSY, Wong SCY, Leung KH, Fung AYF, Ng ACK, Zou Z, Tam AR, Chung TWH, Chan KH, Hung IFN, Cheng VCC, Tsang OTY, Tsui SKW, Yuen KY. Development of a Novel, Genome Subtraction-Derived, SARS-CoV-2-Specific COVID-19-nsp2 Real-Time RT-PCR Assay and Its Evaluation Using Clinical Specimens. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2574. [PMID: 32276333 PMCID: PMC7177594 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic novel coronavirus infection, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has affected at least 190 countries or territories, with 465,915 confirmed cases and 21,031 deaths. In a containment-based strategy, rapid, sensitive and specific testing is important in epidemiological control and clinical management. Using 96 SARS-CoV-2 and 104 non-SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus genomes and our in-house program, GolayMetaMiner, four specific regions longer than 50 nucleotides in the SARS-CoV-2 genome were identified. Primers were designed to target the longest and previously untargeted nsp2 region and optimized as a probe-free real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. The new COVID-19-nsp2 assay had a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.8 TCID50/mL and did not amplify other human-pathogenic coronaviruses and respiratory viruses. Assay reproducibility in terms of cycle threshold (Cp) values was satisfactory, with the total imprecision (% CV) values well below 5%. Evaluation of the new assay using 59 clinical specimens from 14 confirmed cases showed 100% concordance with our previously developed COVID-19-RdRp/Hel reference assay. A rapid, sensitive, SARS-CoV-2-specific real-time RT-PCR assay, COVID-19-nsp2, was developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Chik-Yan Yip
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (C.C.-Y.Y.); (T.W.-H.C.); (V.C.-C.C.)
| | - Chi-Chun Ho
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (J.F.-W.C.); (K.K.-W.T.); (K.-H.C.)
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (K.-H.L.); (A.Y.-F.F.); (A.C.-K.N.); (Z.Z.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (J.F.-W.C.); (K.K.-W.T.); (K.-H.C.)
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (K.-H.L.); (A.Y.-F.F.); (A.C.-K.N.); (Z.Z.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (K.-H.L.); (A.Y.-F.F.); (A.C.-K.N.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Agnes Yim-Fong Fung
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (K.-H.L.); (A.Y.-F.F.); (A.C.-K.N.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Anthony Chin-Ki Ng
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (K.-H.L.); (A.Y.-F.F.); (A.C.-K.N.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zijiao Zou
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (K.-H.L.); (A.Y.-F.F.); (A.C.-K.N.); (Z.Z.)
| | | | - Tom Wai-Hin Chung
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (C.C.-Y.Y.); (T.W.-H.C.); (V.C.-C.C.)
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (J.F.-W.C.); (K.K.-W.T.); (K.-H.C.)
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (K.-H.L.); (A.Y.-F.F.); (A.C.-K.N.); (Z.Z.)
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (C.C.-Y.Y.); (T.W.-H.C.); (V.C.-C.C.)
| | - Owen Tak-Yin Tsang
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Princess Margaret Hospital, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Stephen Kwok Wing Tsui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (J.F.-W.C.); (K.K.-W.T.); (K.-H.C.)
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China; (K.-H.L.); (A.Y.-F.F.); (A.C.-K.N.); (Z.Z.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sridhar S, Cheng VCC, Wong SC, Yip CCY, Wu S, Lo AWI, Leung KH, Mak WWN, Cai J, Li X, Chan JFW, Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Lai WM, Kwan TH, Au TWK, Lo CM, Wong SCY, Yuen KY. Donor-Derived Genotype 4 Hepatitis E Virus Infection, Hong Kong, China, 2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:425-433. [PMID: 30789146 PMCID: PMC6390757 DOI: 10.3201/eid2503.181563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 4 (HEV-4) is an emerging cause of acute hepatitis in China. Less is known about the clinical characteristics and natural history of HEV-4 than HEV genotype 3 infections in immunocompromised patients. We report transmission of HEV-4 from a deceased organ donor to 5 transplant recipients. The donor had been viremic but HEV IgM and IgG seronegative, and liver function test results were within reference ranges. After a mean of 52 days after transplantation, hepatitis developed in all 5 recipients; in the liver graft recipient, disease was severe and with progressive portal hypertension. Despite reduced immunosuppression, all HEV-4 infections progressed to persistent hepatitis. Four patients received ribavirin and showed evidence of response after 2 months. This study highlights the role of organ donation in HEV transmission, provides additional data on the natural history of HEV-4 infection, and points out differences between genotype 3 and 4 infections in immunocompromised patients.
Collapse
|
17
|
Sridhar S, Yip CCY, Chew NFS, Wu S, Leung KH, Chan JFW, Cheng VCC, Yuen KY. Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Human Hepegivirus 1 Infection in Patients With Hepatitis C. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz329. [PMID: 31660385 PMCID: PMC6735942 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transmission of human hepegivirus 1 (HHpgV-1), a novel human pegivirus, is closely associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The impact of HHpgV-1 viremia on HCV infection is unknown. This study aimed to (a) evaluate the impact of HHpgV-1 viremia on HCV viral load and liver injury and (b) elucidate the clinical and molecular epidemiology of HHpgV-1 infection. Methods Individuals with HHpgV-1 viremia (cases) were identified by screening plasma from 655 HCV-infected adults. HHpgV-1 isolates were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis, and viral load was quantified. Cases were age- and sex-matched to HCV-infected individuals without HHpgV-1 viremia (controls) in a 1:3 ratio. A retrospective case–control analysis was performed to identify differences in HCV viral load and parameters of liver injury. Results Among HCV-infected adults, 16/655 (2.4%) had HHpgV-1 viremia. Risk groups for HHpgV-1 infection included intravenous drug users, blood product recipients, tattoo recipients, and men who have sex with men. Viral sequences clustered into 2 distinct HHpgV-1 genogroups. Cases had a higher mean HCV viral load than controls, with difference between means of 0.58 log10 IU/mL (P = .009). Cases were more likely to have an HCV viral load >5 log10 IU/mL (P = .028). Multiple regression demonstrated the impact of HHpgV-1 viral load and infection status on HCV viral load. HHpgV-1 infection was not associated with higher liver function tests, fibrosis scores, or imaging abnormalities. Conclusions HHpgV-1 viremia is associated with a higher HCV viral load in co-infected patients. HHpgV-1 infection does not affect progression of HCV-related liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Cyril C Y Yip
- Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Nicholas F S Chew
- Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Shusheng Wu
- Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jasper F W Chan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vincent C C Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sridhar S, Yip CCY, Wu S, Cai J, Zhang AJX, Leung KH, Chung TWH, Chan JFW, Chan WM, Teng JLL, Au-Yeung RKH, Cheng VCC, Chen H, Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Xia NS, Lo CM, Yuen KY. Rat Hepatitis E Virus as Cause of Persistent Hepatitis after Liver Transplant. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 24:2241-2250. [PMID: 30457530 PMCID: PMC6256372 DOI: 10.3201/eid2412.180937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
All hepatitis E virus (HEV) variants reported to infect humans belong to the species OrthohepevirusA (HEV-A). The zoonotic potential of the species OrthohepevirusC (HEV-C), which circulates in rats and is highly divergent from HEV-A, is unknown. We report a liver transplant recipient with hepatitis caused by HEV-C infection. We detected HEV-C RNA in multiple clinical samples and HEV-C antigen in the liver. The complete genome of the HEV-C isolate had 93.7% nt similarity to an HEV-C strain from Vietnam. The patient had preexisting HEV antibodies, which were not protective against HEV-C infection. Ribavirin was an effective treatment, resulting in resolution of hepatitis and clearance of HEV-C viremia. Testing for this zoonotic virus should be performed for immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients with unexplained hepatitis because routine hepatitis E diagnostic tests may miss HEV-C infection. HEV-C is also a potential threat to the blood product supply.
Collapse
|
19
|
Wong SSY, Yip CCY, Sridhar S, Leung KH, Cheng AKW, Fung AMY, Lam HY, Chan KH, Chan JFW, Cheng VCC, Tang BSF, Yuen KY. Comparative evaluation of a laboratory-developed real-time PCR assay and RealStar® Adenovirus PCR Kit for quantitative detection of human adenovirus. Virol J 2018; 15:149. [PMID: 30261891 PMCID: PMC6161464 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-018-1059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human adenoviruses are common causes of community-acquired respiratory tract and enteric infections. Severe disseminated infections with high mortality rates may be seen in immunocompromised individuals. An accurate and cost-effective quantitative assay is essential not only for laboratory diagnosis of adenoviral infections, but also for monitoring of response to antiviral treatment. The diagnostic performance of an in-house quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was compared to a commercial system. Methods The analytical sensitivity, specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy of an in-house adenovirus quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay were evaluated against the RealStar® Adenovirus PCR Kit (Altona Diagnostics GmbH, Hamburg, Germany), using 122 clinical specimens and 18 proficiency testing samples. Results Linear regression analysis of the quantitative results by the in-house assay showed the dynamic range from 2.60 to 9 log10 (plasma) and 2.94 to 9 log10 (viral transport medium) copies/mL, with the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.996 and 0.998, respectively. A dilution series demonstrated the limits of detection and lower limits of quantification for plasma were 2.06 log10 and 2.60 log10 copies/mL and those for viral transport medium were 2.31 log10 and 2.94 log10 copies/mL respectively. The precision of the in-house assay was highly reproducible among runs with coefficients of variance ranging from 0.07 to 3.21% for plasma and 0.17% to 2.11% for viral transport medium. A comparison of 52 matched samples showed an excellent correlation between the quantitative viral loads measured by the in-house assay and the RealStar® Adenovirus PCR Kit (R2 = 0.984), with an average bias of − 0.16 log10 copies/mL. Conclusions The in-house adenovirus assay is a sensitive and reliable assay with lower cost for the detection and quantification of adenoviral DNA when compared to the RealStar® Adenovirus PCR Kit. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12985-018-1059-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samson S Y Wong
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cyril C Y Yip
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andrew K W Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ami M Y Fung
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ho-Yin Lam
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jasper F W Chan
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Bone S F Tang
- Department of Pathology, Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China. .,The Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
PURPOSE To review preoperative radiography and computed tomography (CT) of the ankle in 69 patients who underwent surgery for ankle fractures to determine the value of CT in diagnosis and surgical planning. METHODS Preoperative radiography and CT of the ankle of 46 women and 23 men aged 17 to 90 (mean, 48.8) years were reviewed. CT was deemed necessary when radiographs showed the following features: (1) comminuted fracture of the medial malleolus involving the tibial plafond, (2) comminuted fracture of the posterior malleolus, (3) presence of loose bodies, and/or (4) suspected Chaput or Volkman fracture fragment. Two orthopaedic surgeons independently reviewed the radiographs to look for any of the above features for which CT was indicated. In patients whose radiographs did not show any of the above features, each surgeon formulated a surgical plan based on radiographs alone and decided if any modification was needed after reviewing the CT scan. RESULTS Based on radiographs of the 69 patients, 19 (28%) patients had features of posterior malleolar comminution (n=7), medial malleolar comminution (n=7), suspected Chaput fracture fragment (n=1), suspected Volkman fracture fragment (n=1), and combination of 2 lesions (n=3), and were deemed to require CT. In 10 (20%) of the remaining 50 patients, the surgical plan was modified after review of the CT scan. The intra- and inter-observer agreement was good to excellent. CONCLUSION Radiography alone is not adequate for surgical planning for ankle fractures. More accurate imaging tools such as CT are needed to enable a more accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - C Xs Fang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - T W Lau
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - F Kl Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China & Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Innovative Technology in Orthopaedic Trauma, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Affiliation(s)
- Y M Lau
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Y K Lam
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
| | - K H Leung
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
| | - S Y Lin
- Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism can occur in up to 84% of cases following total joint replacement. It can result in pain, swelling, chronic post-thrombotic syndrome, and pulmonary embolism. Its prevention is vital to the success of the surgery. To achieve a safe and effective prophylaxis, a combination of mechanical and pharmacologic agents should be used. New generation of thromboprophylactic agents target different factors of the coagulation pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chia CF, Lai JHY, Cheung PK, Kwong LT, Lau FPM, Leung KH, Leung MT, Wong FCH, Ngu SF. Dysmenorrhoea among Hong Kong university students: prevalence, impact, and management. Hong Kong Med J 2013; 19:222-8. [PMID: 23568937 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea, its impact, and management approaches in Hong Kong university students, and to compare between medical and non-medical students for any potential differences in coping strategies. DESIGN. Cross-sectional questionnaire survey. SETTING. The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS. A total of 240 undergraduate (128 medical and 112 non-medical) students. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES. Data on the presence and severity of dysmenorrhoea, its impact on daily life, management approaches, specific strategies, and their self-perceived effectiveness were obtained and analysed. RESULTS. In these subjects, the prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 80% (95% confidence interval, 75-85%) with a mean (standard deviation) pain score of 5.0 (1.7). The most common impacts on daily life included reduced ability to concentrate and/or disturbance with study (75%) and changes in normal physical activity (60%). Only 6% sought medical advice, while 70% practised self-management. Pain scores and pain affecting normal physical activities were important predictive factors for self-management and for management based on pharmacological or non-pharmacological means. The commonest specific strategies used were a warm beverage (62%), paracetamol (57%), and sleeping (45%), while the most effective strategies were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (100%), traditional Chinese medicine (93%), and dietary/nutritional supplements (92%). Regarding the comparison of medical and non-medical students, the former used fewer pharmacological strategies among the various management approaches investigated. CONCLUSION. With data showing dysmenorrhoea as a very common condition having a significant impact in the Hong Kong community, primary care doctors should reassure young women with dysmenorrhoea that it is a common experience in the same age-group. Health education on the existence of effective treatment from medical practitioners could help women whose dysmenorrhoea was not controlled by self-management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C F Chia
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zaki HY, Leung KH, Yiu WC, Gasmelseed N, Elwali NEM, Yip SP. Common polymorphisms in TLR4 gene associated with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis in the Sudanese. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2012; 16:934-40. [PMID: 22525209 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.11.0517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
SETTING Host genetic risk factors influence susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB). There is ample evidence supporting the involvement of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in mycobacterial infection. OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between the TLR4 gene and TB susceptibility in the Sudanese population. DESIGN A case-control study was conducted among 207 patients with pulmonary TB and 395 healthy controls. Ten tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TLR4 gene were genotyped using restriction digestion or hybridisation assays, and analysed. RESULTS The genotypes were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. After controlling for sex using the Mantel-Haenszel test, four SNPs showed significant differences between cases and controls, even after correction of multiple comparisons by Bonferroni procedure. The Mantel-Haenszel estimates of allelic odds ratios for the high-risk alleles were 1.67 for rs1927911 (P = 0.0001), 1.85 for rs5030725 (P = 0.0008), 2.14 for rs7869402 (P = 1.87e-07) and 2.31 for rs1927906 (P = 1.23e-10). Haplotype analysis showed that rs1927911 and rs5030725 were in one haplotype block, and rs7869402 and rs1927906 were in another haplotype block. Conditional haplotype analysis suggested the presence of one causal variant downstream of a recombination hot spot at the 3' region of the TLR4 gene. CONCLUSION This is the first study to show that common TLR4 polymorphisms are associated with TB susceptibility in the Sudanese population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Y Zaki
- Department of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Leung KH, Chiu KY, Wong YW, Lawmin JC. Case report: Spinal anesthesia by mini-laminotomy for a patient with ankylosing spondylitis who was difficult to anesthetize. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2010; 468:3415-8. [PMID: 20300899 PMCID: PMC2974874 DOI: 10.1007/s11999-010-1317-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2009] [Accepted: 03/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthopaedic surgeons frequently encounter patients with ankylosing spondylitis who would benefit from various types of lower limb operations; however, some of these patients present challenges for anesthesiologists. CASE DESCRIPTION We report the case of a 65-year-old patient with a fractured femoral component 30 years after a cemented THA. The patient had severe tracheal stenosis and ankylosing spondylitis making general endotracheal and conventional neuraxial anesthesia nearly impossible. LITERATURE REVIEW Possible alternative anesthetic approaches described in the literature include awake fiberoptic bronchoscopic guided intubation, laryngeal mask airway, and caudal anesthesia. PURPOSES AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE We achieved successful anesthesia using spinal laminotomy with the patient under local anesthesia followed by insertion of a spinal catheter and injection of an anesthetic agent. The loosened component was revised to a cementless THA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
The SLC11A1 (or NRAMP1) locus on human chromosome 2q35 encodes for the protein solute carrier family 11, member 1. It is expressed in macrophages and involved in the early stages of macrophage priming and activation. Different association studies have shown that the SLC11A1 gene affects susceptibility to infectious diseases and autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Although functional SLC11A1 polymorphisms may account for its role in affecting the susceptibility to these diseases, the positive association can also be because of flanking polymorphisms showing linkage disequilibrium (LD) with this locus. This is the first systematic study to investigate the LD pattern within and around the gene. LD was investigated by genotyping 17 genetic markers in a Chinese population (n=360). The results indicate that LD is maintained at least 110 kb both upstream and downstream of the locus. The complex LD pattern demands that association studies with SLC11A1 should be carried out with both 5' and 3' markers. The strong LD between IL8RB and the 5' SLC11A1 markers also dictates that IL8RB be tested for association with these diseases. Thus, positive association with SLC11A1 should be interpreted cautiously, and IL8RB should also be considered as a potential candidate susceptibility gene unless proven otherwise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S P Yip
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhu P, Ong SY, Chan PY, Poon YF, Leung KH, Phillips DL. Transient-resonance Raman and density functional theory investigation of 4-biphenylylnitrenium, 2-fluorenylnitrenium, and diphenylnitrenium ions. Chemistry 2001; 7:4928-36. [PMID: 11763461 DOI: 10.1002/1521-3765(20011119)7:22<4928::aid-chem4928>3.0.co;2-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We present transient-resonance Raman spectra for the 4-biphenylylnitrenium, diphenylnitrenium, and 2-fluorenylnitrenium ions. These spectra display a number of fundamental vibrational bands whose frequencies exhibit good agreement with those computed using BPW91/cc-PVDZ density functional theory calculations for the singlet ground states of the 4-biphenylylnitrenium, diphenylnitrenium, and 2-fluorenylnitrenium ions. Comparison of these arylnitrenium ions with each other and with previous results for structurally similar biphenyl radical cations indicates that the degree of iminocyclohexadienyl character observed in these arylnitrenium ions depends on the relative orientation of the two phenyl rings, the nature of the nitrenium ion moiety, and the ability of the biphenyl-like group to accommodate positive charge through formation of a more planar-like structure with quinoidal-like character.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhu P, Ong SY, Chan PY, Leung KH, Phillips DL. Transient resonance Raman and density functional theory investigation of the 2-fluorenylnitrenium ion. J Am Chem Soc 2001; 123:2645-9. [PMID: 11456934 DOI: 10.1021/ja003839n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We report a transient resonance Raman spectrum for the 2-fluorenylnitrenium ion obtained after photolysis of 2-azidofluorene. The 10 experimental Raman band frequencies of the transient spectrum show very good agreement with the computed frequencies from BPW91/cc-PVDZ density functional theory calculations for the 2-fluorenylnitrenium ion. Our results confirm the assignment of the approximately 460 nm transient absorption band formed after photolysis of 2-azidofluorene in water/acetonitrile or water solution to the singlet ground electronic state 2-fluorenylnitrenium ion. Our study indicates the 2-fluorenylnitrenium has a large degree of iminocyclohexadienyl cation character with significant delocalization of the charge over both phenyl rings of the fluorene moiety. We compare our results for the 2-fluoreneylnitrenium ion to those previously reported for several other arylnitrenium ions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong S. A. R., P. R. China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sat E, Leung KH, Bruckner-Tuderman L, Cheah KS. Tissue-specific expression and long-term deposition of human collagen VII in the skin of transgenic mice: implications for gene therapy. Gene Ther 2000; 7:1631-9. [PMID: 11083471 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3301281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We report the isolation of a cosmid clone containing the entire human COL7A1 gene in one piece. The ability of the genomic sequences within this clone to direct tissue-specific expression of human collagen VII in transgenic mice was tested. The data show that the gene construct is capable of directing expression of collagen VII in the skin of fetal and neonatal transgenic mice. Expression of COL7A1 in these mice was widespread, in a pattern consistent with that found in human tissues and was in parallel with that of the endogenous mouse gene. Immunostaining, using human-specific antibodies, showed that human collagen VII protein was present at the skin basement membrane zone of the transgenic mice. Dermal extracts from 19-month-old transgenic mice contained mature human collagen VII protein, and fibroblasts derived from skin biopsies of these mice actively synthesized human collagen VII. The demonstration of successful and stable expression of human collagen VII in in vivo gene transfer is the first step towards the future development of therapeutic protocols for the rescue of keratinocyte function in severe blistering diseases such as dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Sat
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cheng EC, Leung KH, Miskowski VM, Yam VW, Phillips DL. Electronic and resonance Raman spectra of [Au2(CS3)2]2-. Spectroscopic properties of a "short" Au(I)-Au(I) bond. Inorg Chem 2000; 39:3690-5. [PMID: 11196834 DOI: 10.1021/ic000265e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The anion [Au2(CS3)2]2- has an unusually short Au-Au distance (2.80 A) for a binuclear Au(I) complex. We report detailed Raman studies of the nBu4N+ salt of this complex, including FT-Raman of the solid and UV/vis resonance Raman of dimethyl sulfoxide solutions. All five totally symmetric vibrations of the anion have been located and assigned. A band at delta nu = 125 cm-1 is assigned to nu (Au2). The visible-region electronic absorption bands (384 (epsilon 30,680) and 472 nm (epsilon 610 M-1 cm-1)) are attributable to CS3(2-) localized transitions, as confirmed by the dominance of nu sym(C-Sexo) (delta nu = 951 cm-1) in RR spectra measured in this region. An absorption band at 314 nm (22,250 M-1 cm-1) is assigned as the metal-metal 1(d sigma*-->p sigma) transition, largely because nu sym(C-Sexo) is not strongly enhanced in RR involving this band. Observation of the expected strong resonance enhancement of nu (Au2) was precluded as a result of masking by intense solvent Rayleigh scattering in the UV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E C Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wang Z, Hop CE, Leung KH, Pang J. Determination of in vitro permeability of drug candidates through a caco-2 cell monolayer by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. J Mass Spectrom 2000; 35:71-76. [PMID: 10633236 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9888(200001)35:1<71::aid-jms915>3.0.co;2-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Studying the permeability of compounds across a Caco-2 cell monolayer is an established in vitro model to screen for oral absorption and to evaluate the mechanism of transport. This assay can also be used to evaluate compounds as potential P-glycoprotein substrates and/or inhibitors. The traditional methods of sample analysis (high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a UV or fluorescence detector) limit the throughput and sensitivity of this assay. Data are presented here describing the use of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) for the analysis of samples derived from the Caco-2 cell studies. During the analysis an automatic switching valve was used to divert the flow from the HPLC column to waste for the first minute, preventing the early eluting salts from entering and contaminating the LC/MS interface. This approach allows the rapid and accurate determination of drug transport across the Caco-2 cell monolayer. The high sensitivity and specificity of LC/MS/MS make this technique an ideal candidate for the low concentration and high throughput routine analysis of Caco-2 cell solutions, especially if multiple compounds are administered and analyzed simultaneously. Thus, the use of LC/MS/MS will increase the value of the Caco-2 cell assay as an in vitro screening tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Wang
- Department of Drug Metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories, P.O. Box 2000, Rahway, New Jersey 07065-0900, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Leung KH. Release of soluble ICAM-1 from human lung fibroblasts, aortic smooth muscle cells, dermal microvascular endothelial cells, bronchial epithelial cells, and keratinocytes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1999; 260:734-9. [PMID: 10403835 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1999.0965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We determined effects of IL-1alpha, TNFalpha and IFNgamma on sICAM-1 release in culture media from human aortic smooth muscle cells (AOSMC), dermal microvascular endothelial cells (DMEC), keratinocytes (KC), bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) and lung fibroblasts (LF) as determined by ELISA. Under basal conditions of cultures for 20 h, low concentrations of sICAM-1 were only detected in the culture media of two (DMEC and BEC) of these cell types. IL-1alpha, TNFalpha and IFNgamma stimulated sICAM-1 from these cells. IFNgamma stimulated more shedding from AOSMC, BEC and KC than IL-1alpha or TNFalpha. TNFalpha enhanced more sICAM-1 release from DEMC than from AOSMC, BEC and LF. IL-1alpha and IFNgamma or TNFalpha and IFNgamma acted synergistically to enhance shedding of sICAM-1 from these cells. The levels sICAM-1 in pathophysiological conditions may influence leukocyte-vascular cell interactions to block leukocyte transmigration to tissue injury sites as a negative feedback mechanism.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Aorta/cytology
- Bronchi/cytology
- Culture Media, Conditioned/chemistry
- Dermis/cytology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Synergism
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Epithelial Cells/drug effects
- Epithelial Cells/metabolism
- Fibroblasts/drug effects
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Humans
- Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1/metabolism
- Interferon-gamma/pharmacology
- Interleukin-1/pharmacology
- Keratinocytes/drug effects
- Keratinocytes/metabolism
- Lung/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Solubility
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- Department of High Throughput Biological Screening, Human Genome Sciences, Inc., Rockville, Maryland, 20850, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Tang W, Stearns RA, Bandiera SM, Zhang Y, Raab C, Braun MP, Dean DC, Pang J, Leung KH, Doss GA, Strauss JR, Kwei GY, Rushmore TH, Chiu SH, Baillie TA. Studies on cytochrome P-450-mediated bioactivation of diclofenac in rats and in human hepatocytes: identification of glutathione conjugated metabolites. Drug Metab Dispos 1999; 27:365-72. [PMID: 10064567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac causes a rare but potentially fatal hepatotoxicity that may be associated with the formation of reactive metabolites. In this study, three glutathione (GSH) adducts, namely 5-hydroxy-4-(glutathion-S-yl)diclofenac (M1), 4'-hydroxy-3'-(glutathion-S-yl)diclofenac (M2), and 5-hydroxy-6-(glutathion-S-yl)diclofenac (M3), were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of bile from Sprague-Dawley rats injected i.p. with a single dose of diclofenac (200 mg/kg). These adducts presumably were formed via hepatic cytochrome P-450 (CYP)-catalyzed oxidation of diclofenac to reactive benzoquinone imines that were trapped by GSH conjugation. In support of this hypothesis, M1, M2, and M3 were generated from diclofenac in incubations with rat liver microsomes in the presence of NADPH and GSH. Increases in adduct formation were observed when incubations were performed with liver microsomes from phenobarbital- or dexamethasone-treated rats. Adduct formation was inhibited by polyclonal antibodies against CYP2B, CYP2C, and CYP3A (40-50% inhibition at 5 mg of IgG/nmol of CYP) but not by an antibody against CYP1A. Maximal inhibition was obtained when the three inhibitory antibodies were used in a cocktail fashion (70-80% inhibition at 2.5 mg of each IgG/nmol of CYP). These data suggest that diclofenac undergoes biotransformation to reactive metabolites in rats and that CYP isoforms of the 2B, 2C, and 3A subfamilies are involved in this bioactivation process. With respect to CYP2C isoforms, rat hepatic CYP2C7 and CYP2C11 were implicated as mediators of the bioactivation based on immunoinhibition studies using antibodies specific to CYP2C7 and CYP2C11. Screening for GSH adducts also was carried out in human hepatocyte cultures containing diclofenac, and M1, M2, and M3 again were detected. It is possible, therefore, that reactive benzoquinone imines may be formed in vivo in humans and contribute to diclofenac-mediated hepatic injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Tang
- Department of Drug Metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Barnett D, Kidwell SL, Leung KH. Parenting and preschooler attachment among low-income urban African American families. Child Dev 1998; 69:1657-71. [PMID: 9914645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the parental correlates of child attachment in a preschool-aged, economically disadvantaged, urban, African American sample. Sixty-nine 4- to 5-year-olds and their primary caregivers participated in the Strange Situation assessment procedure. Based on Cassidy and Marvin's classification system for preschoolers, 61% of the children were classified as securely attached, with girls being significantly more likely to be securely attached than boys (74% versus 45%). The majority of the insecure attachments were of the avoidant variety. Consistent with attachment theory, parents of securely attached children were rated as significantly more warm and accepting and less controlling with their children than were parents of insecurely attached preschoolers. Relative to parents of securely attached preschoolers, parents of children judged to be insecurely attached reported being more likely to use corporal punishment and less likely to use verbal reminders when their children misbehaved. Parenting was associated with attachment over and above the effects of child sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Barnett
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Leung KH, Pippalla V, Kreutter A, Chandler M. Functional effects of FGF-13 on human lung fibroblasts, dermal microvascular endothelial cells, and aortic smooth muscle cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1998; 250:137-42. [PMID: 9735346 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1998.9279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We studied the effects of FGF-13 and FGF-2 on human lung fibroblasts, dermal microvascular endothelial cells, and aortic smooth muscle cells. FGF-13 induced cell growth of lung fibroblasts and aortic smooth muscle cells but had no effect on dermal vascular endothelial cells. FGF-2 induced cell growth in all the three cell types. FGF-13 and FGF-2 had little effect on IL-6 production by lung fibroblasts and aortic smooth muscle cells and substantially enhanced that induced by IL-1alpha. In contrast, FGF-13 and FGF-2 had little effect on IL-6 production by dermal vascular endothelial cells, either alone or in synergy with IL-1alpha.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Aorta/cytology
- Aorta/drug effects
- Aorta/metabolism
- Cell Division/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Dinoprostone/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Fibroblast Growth Factor 2/pharmacology
- Fibroblast Growth Factors/pharmacology
- Fibroblasts/cytology
- Fibroblasts/drug effects
- Fibroblasts/metabolism
- Humans
- Interleukin-1/pharmacology
- Interleukin-6/metabolism
- Lung/cytology
- Lung/drug effects
- Lung/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- Department of Cell Biology, Human Genome Sciences, Inc., Rockville, Maryland, 20850, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bakhtiar R, Leung KH, Stearns RA, Hop CE. Evidence for a novel heme adduct generated by the in vitro reaction of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene with human hemoglobin using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. J Inorg Biochem 1997; 68:273-8. [PMID: 9397575 DOI: 10.1016/s0162-0134(97)00108-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The bioactivation of nitroaromatic compounds to highly reactive intermediates is responsible for the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects by reaction with DNA and proteins. Due to its continued use as a secondary explosive and its prevalence at contaminated sites, the mechanism of covalent binding of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), or its metabolites, to critical cellular proteins has been of interest. Herein, we report the in vitro reaction of TNT with human hemoglobin under anaerobic and reductive (using sodium hydrosulfite) conditions, yielding a novel adduct between a putative nitrosodinitrotoluene (MW = 211 Da) and the prosthetic heme group (iron protoporphyrin-IX or heme b). While the covalent modification of hemoglobin polypeptide chains by TNT has been established, to our knowledge, this is the first example of a heme-TNT related adduct. This finding could be of relevance in investigation of biotransformation of TNT in subjects exposed to TNT via skin exposure or inhalation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Bakhtiar
- Department of Drug Metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, New Jersey, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Bakhtiar R, Leung KH. Covalent binding of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene to human hemoglobin. Evidence for protein adducts probed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 1997; 11:1935-1937. [PMID: 9404041 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0231(199711)11:17<1935::aid-rcm98>3.0.co;2-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
|
38
|
Leung KH, Cohn DA, Miller RR, Doss GA, Stearns RA, Simpson RE, Feeney WP, Chiu SH. Pharmacokinetics and disposition of L-692,429. A novel nonpeptidyl growth hormone secretagogue in preclinical species. Drug Metab Dispos 1996; 24:753-60. [PMID: 8818572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
L-692,429 is a novel nonpeptidyl growth hormone secretagogue that has been demonstrated to stimulate growth hormone secretion in rats, dogs, and humans after intravenous administration. We have examined the pharmacokinetics and disposition of L-692,429 in male Sprague-Dawley rats, beagle dogs, and chimpanzees. Plasma clearance (CLp) of L-692,429 in dogs after intravenous dosing was approximately 18 ml/min/kg and was constant between the doses of 0.1 and 0.9 mg/kg. In rats, CLp after intravenous dosing increased from 3 to 12 ml/min/kg in a dose-dependent manner between 0.1 and 5 mg/kg. In chimpanzees, CLp after an intravenous dose of L-692,429 at 0.5 mg/kg was 5.7 ml/min/kg. In vitro binding of L-692,429 to plasma proteins of dogs, chimpanzees, and humans was approximately 87%, 94%, and 93.5%, respectively, and was independent of concentration. In contrast, plasma binding of L-692,429 was concentration-dependent in rats and decreased from 98.5% to 90.6% between 0.01 and 10 micrograms/ml. Metabolism of L-692,429 was minimal in rats, but moderate in dogs, with the major metabolite being a derivative monohydroxylated at the benzolactam moiety. Thus, the faster clearance of L-692,429 in dogs likely is caused by less extensive plasma protein binding and higher metabolic clearance. The nonlinear pharmacokinetics in rats probably is the result of concentration-dependence in plasma binding. The results of these studies suggest that plasma protein binding plays a major role in determining the values of CLp of L-692,429 among the species. After an intravenous dose of [3H]L-692,429 to rats, liver, kidney, lung, and heart had the highest levels of radioactivity at the early time points, but the gastrointestinal tract had increasing concentrations at later time points. Most of the radioactivity was cleared from all tissues by 24 hr, indicating that L-692,429 did not accumulate in tissues. After intravenous dosing of [3H]L-692,429 to rats and dogs, recoveries of total radioactivity in urine and feces corresponded to approximately 10% and 90%, respectively. Greater than 70% of radioactivity was recovered in bile of rats within 24 hr after intravenous dosing of [3H]L-692,429, indicating that biliary excretion was the primary route of elimination. Based on the combined recoveries of the radioactive dose in bile and urine after an oral dose of L-692,429, oral absorption in rats was approximately 3%. The poor absorption may be the result of the zwitterionic nature of this compound.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- Department of Drug Metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Studies were undertaken to investigate the mechanism of bioactivation and covalent binding of TNT. Incubation of [14C]TNT with rat liver microsomes in the presence of an NADPH generating system resulted in metabolism and covalent binding to microsomal proteins. Time-dependence studies showed that TNT was rapidly reduced to yield 4-hydroxylamino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4HA), 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4A) and 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2A) as intermediates which were further metabolized to form 2,4-diamino-6-nitrotoluene (2,4DA) and 2,6-diamino-4-nitrotoluene (2,6DA). In contrast to the rapid disappearance of TNT, formation of covalent protein adducts increased with time, suggesting that the reactive intermediate was likely to be formed not directly from TNT but from proximal intermediates such as 4HA. The hypothesis that 4HA was more readily converted to the reactive intermediate than TNT was further supported by the increased levels of covalent adduct formation when [14C]4HA was incubated directly with liver microsomes. Covalent binding of TNT and 4HA was dependent on oxygen concentration. Higher levels of covalent adducts were formed when TNT was incubated aerobically (up to 50% oxygen concentration) than under anaerobic conditions. Covalent binding of [14C]4HA also increased with increasing oxygen concentrations. These results suggest that the reactive intermediate is likely to be an oxidized metabolite of 4HA, e.g. 4-nitroso-2,6-dinitrotoluene. Compounds containing a free sulfhydryl group (cysteine, N-acetylcysteine, GSH or 3,4-dichlorobenzenethiol) decreased the amount of covalent binding to various degrees, suggesting the involvement of the sulfhydryl group in adduct formation with TNT following bioactivation. Metabolic activation of TNT by liver microsomes required NADPH but not NADH as the cofactor. Incubation of [14C]TNT with purified rat liver NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions yielded exclusively 4HA. In contrast, 2A and 4A were formed following incubation of TNT with the reconstituted system containing cytochrome P450, NADPH cytochrome P450, reductase and dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine. These observations suggest that the initial reduction of the nitro group can be catalyzed by NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase alone but cytochrome P450 is needed in the reduction of the hydroxylamine to the amine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- Department of Drug Metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Leung KH, Roscoe WA, Smith RD, Timmermans PB, Chiu AT. Characterization of biochemical responses of angiotensin II (AT2) binding sites in the rat pheochromocytoma PC12W cells. Eur J Pharmacol 1992; 227:63-70. [PMID: 1330640 DOI: 10.1016/0922-4106(92)90143-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Rat pheochromocytoma PC12W cell membranes have previously been shown to exclusively contain the AT2 receptor subtype. The present study extended these binding data and explored the functional expression of these binding sites. Our binding competition studies show a potency series of Ang II = Ang III greater than saralasin greater than Ang I = PD123177 much greater than Ang II(1-7) much much greater than losartan. PD123177 (1 microM) completely eliminated [125I]Ang II binding to PC12W cells. Competitive displacement of [125I]Ang II with Ang II shows a dissociation equilibrium constant (Kd) of 1.79 nM and a binding site maximum (Bmax) of 3.97 fmol/mg protein. Investigating several Ang II signal transduction pathways on these cells, we found that Ang II (10(-8) to 10(-6) M) does not affect basal cAMP, cGMP, arachidonic acid release, prostacyclin release, intracellular Ca2+ mobilization or thymidine incorporation in the PC12W cells. Nerve growth factor, cAMP, 5-fluorouridine deoxyriboside modulation of the number of AT2 receptor sites in PC12W cells failed to unmask any Ang II effects on basal cAMP, cGMP and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. In conclusion, the present study confirms the exclusive presence of AT2 binding sites in the PC12W cells. However, these binding sites are not functionally coupled to common signal transduction pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- Du Pont Merck Pharmaceutical Company, Wilmington, DE 19880-0400
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Leung KH, Chang RS, Lotti VJ, Roscoe WA, Smith RD, Timmermans PB, Chiu AT. AT1 receptors mediate the release of prostaglandins in porcine smooth muscle cells and rat astrocytes. Am J Hypertens 1992; 5:648-56. [PMID: 1418854 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/5.9.648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin II (AII) can release arachidonic acid metabolites such as prostacyclin (PGI2) and PGE2 from cells in cultures. It has recently been reported that the AT1 selective nonpeptide AII receptor antagonist losartan had similar effects. The present study was undertaken to further evaluate the effects of AII and losartan on cells which synthesize prostaglandins, including vascular smooth muscle, endothelial, and glial cells. Inhibition of specific [125I]AII binding was demonstrated in porcine smooth muscle cell (PSMC) suspensions with unlabeled AII and losartan. The IC50 values were 1.3 x 10(-9) mol/L and 7.7 x 10(-9) mol/L, respectively. PD123177 (an AT2 selective antagonist) had no effect on binding. AII produced a concentration-related increase in calcium mobilization (fura-2 fluorescence) which was blocked by losartan (IC50 = 8.4 x 10(-8) mol/L) but not by PD123177 (10(-6) mol/L). AII (10(-7) to 10(-5) mol/L) stimulated the basal release of PGI2 by 100%. This response was blocked by losartan (10(-6) to 10(-5) mol/L) but not by PD123177 (10(-6) to 10(-5) mol/L) and neither agent stimulated basal release in PSMC. Similar effects of AII and antagonists were observed upon receptor binding and PGE2 release in primary rat astrocyte (RA) cultures. AII did not release PGI2 from porcine endothelial cells, bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells, or rat C6 glioma cells. Losartan had no significant effect at 10(-5) mol/L. By contrast, bradykinin or the calcium ionophore A23187 dramatically increased PGI2 release in each of these cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Angiotensin II/antagonists & inhibitors
- Angiotensin II/metabolism
- Angiotensin II/pharmacology
- Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
- Animals
- Arachidonic Acids/metabolism
- Astrocytes/cytology
- Astrocytes/metabolism
- Astrocytes/ultrastructure
- Biphenyl Compounds/pharmacology
- Calcimycin/pharmacology
- Cattle
- Cells, Cultured
- Dinoprost/metabolism
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/ultrastructure
- Epoprostenol/metabolism
- Glioma
- Imidazoles/pharmacology
- Iodine Radioisotopes
- Losartan
- Macrophages/cytology
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages/ultrastructure
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/ultrastructure
- Prostaglandins/metabolism
- Pyridines/pharmacology
- Radioimmunoassay
- Radioligand Assay
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Angiotensin/analysis
- Receptors, Angiotensin/physiology
- Swine
- Tetrazoles/pharmacology
- Thromboxanes/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- Du Pont Merck Pharmaceutical Company, Wilmington, DE 19880-0400
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Chiu AT, Carini DJ, Duncia JV, Leung KH, McCall DE, Price WA, Wong PC, Smith RD, Wexler RR, Timmermans PB. DuP 532: a second generation of nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1991; 177:209-17. [PMID: 2043107 DOI: 10.1016/0006-291x(91)91969-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
DuP 532 is a novel nonpeptide angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonist under development for the treatment of hypertension. DuP 532 is a more potent antihypertensive agent in renal hypertensive rats (ED30 = 0.042 mg/kg, i.v.) and displays a similar or longer duration of action than the previously described AII antagonist, DuP 753. DuP 532, in contrast to DuP 753, is a noncompetitive antagonist of AII-induced contractions of rabbit aortic strips (KB = 1.1 x 10(-10) M). However, the inhibition of AII binding by DuP 532 in rat adrenal cortex does not correlate with either the aortic contractile response or with the hypotensive response. Assay conditions were evaluated and the presence or absence of BSA was shown to markedly affect the apparent binding affinity of DuP 532 and other 5-carboxylic acid derivatives. DuP 753 and other compounds were much less affected. The IC50 for DuP 532 was 4.7 x 10(-6) M with and 3 x 10(-9) M without BSA. The IC50s for DuP 753 were 1.7 x 10(-8) M with and 5 x -9 M without BSA. Both compounds with or without BSA did not completely inhibit AII binding which is characteristic of AT1 selectivity. BSA also reduced the effect of DuP 532 on the AII-induced contractions of rat main pulmonary artery preparations and the AII-induced Ca2+ mobilization in rat aortic smooth muscle cells. DuP 532 was very specific for AT1 receptors and did not interfere with receptors associated with neurotensin, prazosin, bradykinin, nitrendipine, or vasopressin. It is concluded that DuP 532 represents a new class of specific, but noncompetitive. AII receptor antagonists whose binding characteristics may provide new insight into AII receptor function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A T Chiu
- Du Pont Merck Pharmaceutical Company, Wilmington, DE 19880-0400
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Leung KH, Smith RD, Pieter, Timmermans BM, Chiu AT. Regional distribution of the two subtypes of angiotensin II receptor in rat brain using selective nonpeptide antagonists. Neurosci Lett 1991; 123:95-8. [PMID: 2062460 DOI: 10.1016/0304-3940(91)90166-q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We have demonstrated the existence and localization of two angiotensin II (AII) receptor subtypes in different regions of the rat brain using competitive radioligand binding technique. The identification of the subtypes was made by the reciprocal selectivity of DuP 753 and PD123177 for the AII-1 and AII-2 receptors, respectively. In the pituitary gland, DuP 753 inhibited 95% of the specific AII binding with a Ki value of 1.85 x 10(-9) M while PD123177 had little effect. In the whole brain, thalamus-septum and midbrain, PD123177 inhibited 90% of the specific binding with Ki value of 7.77 x 10(-8) M, 8.21 x 10(-8) M and 4.93 x 10(-8) M, respectively while DuP 753 had little effect. In the hypothalamus, DuP 753 and PD123177 had Ki values of 5.67 x 10(-8) M and 1.60 x 10(-7) M, respectively, for their respective receptor subtypes. In the cerebellum and cerebral cortex, the AII specific binding was low. The data suggest there are at least two subtypes of AII receptor in the rat brain and that they are not uniformly distributed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- Medical Products Department, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, DE 19880-0400
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Leung KH. Human lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells--II. Studies of various L-amino acid methyl esters on LAK generation at high cell density. Int J Immunopharmacol 1991; 13:401-9. [PMID: 2050444 DOI: 10.1016/0192-0561(91)90010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nineteen L-amino acid methyl esters were studied for their cytotoxic activity on human monocytes, NK activity, and LAK activation by IL-2 at high cell density (5 x 10(6) cells/ml). Phenylalanine, Met, Trp, Cys, Tyr, Asp and Glu methyl esters depleted monocytes from PBMC, caused inhibition of NK activity, and allowed LAK activation at high cell density. Alanine, Val and Pro methyl esters were marginal. Glycine, Ser, Thr, Lys, His and Arg were not active. Leucine, Ile and cystine methyl esters depleted monocytes and also NK activity; LAK activation was suppressed. The D series of the active L-amino acid (Met, Tyr and Trp) methyl esters were not active. The position of the methyl ester is important as shown by 5-Glu methyl ester which was not active as Glu(OMe)2. Phenylalanine T-butyl ester was not as active as the methyl or the ethyl ester. This indicates that the breakage of the ester bond is the rate-limiting step for the actions of the Phe alkyl esters. Seven L-amino acid amides (Ile, Leu, Phe, Val, Glu, Asp and Tyr) were studied and only Ile, Leu and Phe were found to be active. Isoleucine and Leu amides depleted monocytes with little inhibitory effect on NK activity and thus allowed LAK activation. In summary, depletion of monocytes by the amino acid methyl esters and the amides allowed LAK activation at high cell density.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Medical Products Department, Glenolden Laboratory, PA 19036
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Leung KH. Human lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells: III. Effect of L-phenylalanine methyl ester on LAK cell activation from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: possible protease involvement of monocytes, natural killer cells and LAK cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1991; 34:31-6. [PMID: 1760808 PMCID: PMC11038776 DOI: 10.1007/bf01741321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/1990] [Accepted: 06/19/1991] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We have shown that depletion of monocytes from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by L-phenylalanine methyl ester (PheOMe) enhanced lymphokine-activated killer cell (LAK) generation by recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) at high cell density. In this study, we have investigated the mechanism of action of PheOMe on LAK activation by using trypsin, chymotrypsin, tosylphenylalaninechloromethanol (TPCK, a chymotrypsin inhibitor), tosyl-L-lysinechloromethane (TLCK, a trypsin inhibitor), phenylalaninol (PheOH), and benzamidine. PBMC were treated with 1-5 mM PheOMe for 40 min at room temperature in combination with the various agents, washed and assessed for their effects on natural killer (NK) activity against K562 cells and monocyte depletion. The treated cells were then cultured with or without rIL-2 for 3 days. LAK cytotoxicity was assayed against 51Cr-labeled K562 and Raji tumor target cells. TPCK at 10 micrograms/ml partially inhibited depletion of monocytes by PheOMe. TLCK did not prevent depletion of monocytes nor inhibition of NK activity induced by PheOMe. TPCK and TLCK inhibited NK activity by themselves. TPCK but not TLCK inhibited rIL-2 induction of LAK cells. On the other hand, PheOH and benzamidine (analogs of PheOMe) lacked any effect on monocyte depletion but abrogated the inhibitory effect of PheOMe on NK activity. They had no effect on rIL-2 activation of LAK activity enhanced by PheOMe. Trypsin potentiated the inhibitory effect of PheOMe on NK activity and monocyte depletion. Trypsin partially inhibited IL-2 activation of LAK activity enhanced by PheOMe. Chymotrypsin had little effect on NK activity but prevented the inhibitory effect of PheOMe on NK activity. It had little effect on monocyte depletion induced by PheOMe. PheOMe was hydrolysed by monocytes and chymotrypsin to Phe and methanol as determined by HPLC. TPCK inhibited hydrolysis of PheOMe by monocytes. Our data suggest that the effects of PheOMe on monocytes, NK cells and LAK activation involve protease activities of monocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Medical Products Department, Glenolden Laboratory, PA 19036
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Leung KH. Interface pressure: can blood pressure be the equation? Decubitus 1989; 2:8. [PMID: 2818827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
47
|
Abstract
Activation of natural killer (NK) activity K562 target cells from nonadherent (NA) lymphocytes by interleukin 2 (IL-2) was inhibited marginally PGE2 (30-3000 nM). PGE2 did not effectively suppress the NK activity of IL-2-activated cells. The NK activation and acquisition of resistance to PGE2-mediated suppression of NK activity were dependent on protein synthesis. When NA cells were incubated with IL-2 for 3 or more days to generate lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) activity against Raji target cells, PGE2 only partially inhibited the activation of NK/LAK activity by an optimal dose of IL-2 (10 U/ml). The activation of NK/LAK activity by a suboptimal dose of IL-2 (0.1 U/ml) was inhibited by PGE2. When the NK/LAK activity of IL-2-activated cells was assessed in the presence or absence of PGE2, the LAK activity was more sensitive than the NK activity to PGE2-mediated suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Medical Products Department, Glenolden, Pennsylvania 19036
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
Recent data suggest that vitamin D3 may be capable of immunoregulation after it is converted to an active metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). The effect of vitamin D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 on human natural killer (NK) cells and their activation by interferon (IFN) and interleukin 2 (IL-2) was investigated. Vitamin D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibited NK cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of non-adherent (NA) cells at 37 degrees C for 18 h with the vitamins also led to inhibition of NK activity. Both the inhibition of NK lysis and pretreatment of NA cells were dependent on the concentrations of fetal calf serum (FCS) in the medium. The inhibition of NK activity was less effective in the presence of 10% FCS than with 1% FCS. Vitamin D3 inhibited both IFN and IL-2 activation of NK activity. However, increasing doses of IL-2 were able to abrogate the inhibition caused by vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 was able to inhibit NK activity of phytohaemagglutinin and IL-2-activated cells, and also inhibit the proliferation and lymphokine-activated killer activity induced by IL-2. NA cells pretreated with vitamin D3 did not respond well to IL-2. NA cells pretreated with low doses of IL-2 were sensitive to inhibition by vitamin D3 while those pretreated with high doses of IL-2 were not. The data presented suggest that vitamin D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibit NK activity and LAK cellular differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Medical Products Department, Glenolden, Pa. 19036
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) potentiates the carcinogenicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. To investigate the mechanism of SO2 cocarcinogenesis, the effect of sulfite, the hydrated form of SO2, on the covalent reaction of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) metabolites with DNA in vitro was measured. [14C]BaP was incubated with rat lung or liver post-mitochondrial supernatant (S9), an NADPH generating system, calf thymus DNA and sodium sulfite (0-20 mM). In the presence of lung S9, covalent reaction increased linearly from 0.66 to 1.20 pmol BaP metabolites per mg DNA with increasing sulfite concentrations. Addition of sulfite to rat liver S9 also increased BaP-DNA adduct formation with BaP-DNA adducts increasing from 80 to 120 pmol per mg DNA. Sulfite altered the amount and pattern of BaP metabolites formed by either lung or liver enzyme preparations. BaP was metabolized more extensively and the amount of water soluble BaP metabolites formed increased significantly with sulfite present. With lung S9, the amount of BaP-tetrols, diols, and phenols increased slightly. With liver S9, diol and phenol formation was significantly lower while tetrol formation was unchanged. Incubation of rat lung S9 with sulfite resulted in formation of glutathione S-sulfonate (GSSO3H), a known inhibitor of glutathione S-transferases mediating the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) and BaP epoxides. Our results suggest that sulfite may, by altering the overall metabolic activation and detoxication of BaP, or by reacting directly with DNA, subsequently affect the covalent reaction of BaP metabolites with DNA. These are offered as possible mechanisms to explain the cocarcinogenic effect of SO2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- Department of Pharmacology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC 27710
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Leung KH. Human lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. I. Depletion of monocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells by L-phenylalanine methyl ester: an optimization of LAK cell generation at high cell density. Cancer Immunol Immunother 1989; 30:247-53. [PMID: 2598193 PMCID: PMC11038064 DOI: 10.1007/bf01665012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/1989] [Accepted: 06/19/1989] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Pretreatment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with 5 mM L-phenylalanine methyl ester (PheOMe) provides an efficient means to deplete monocytes. PheOMe does not affect the number of large granular lymphocytes after the pretreatment, but does inhibit natural killer cell cytotoxicity temporarily after the pretreatment. However, depletion of monocytes by PheOMe allows lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell generation with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) at high cell density (greater than 5 x 10(6) cells/ml). The time of the PheOMe pretreatment is 40-60 min, though some effect could be observed within 15 min, and the pretreatment could be performed at room temperature. Pretreatment density of PBMC with 5 mM PheOMe could be achieved at cell density up to 3 x 10(7) cells/ml. PheOMe-pretreated cells could be activated by rIL-2 in serumless media at high cell density. Pretreatment of PBMC with 5 mM PheOMe provides an efficient means to deplete monocytes, as compared to plastic and nylon-wool adherence. LAK cell generation is similar in both methods of monocyte depletion; therefore, depletion of monocytes allows, LAK cell generation at high cell density. The PheOMe procedure provides an improved and convenient process for preparing LAK cells for adoptive immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K H Leung
- E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Medical Products Department, Glenolden, PA 19036
| |
Collapse
|