HnRNPK maintains single strand RNA through controlling double-strand RNA in mammalian cells

Although antisense transcription is a widespread event in the mammalian genome, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) formation between sense and antisense transcripts is very rare and mechanisms that control dsRNA remain unknown. By characterizing the FGF-2 regulated transcriptome in normal and cancer cells, we identified sense and antisense transcripts IER3 and IER3-AS1 that play a critical role in FGF-2 controlled oncogenic pathways. We show that IER3 and IER3-AS1 regulate each other's transcription through HnRNPK-mediated post-transcriptional regulation. HnRNPK controls the mRNA stability and colocalization of IER3 and IER3-AS1. HnRNPK interaction with IER3 and IER3-AS1 determines their oncogenic functions by maintaining them in a single-stranded form. hnRNPK depletion neutralizes their oncogenic functions through promoting dsRNA formation and cytoplasmic accumulation. Intriguingly, hnRNPK loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments reveal its role in maintaining global single- and double-stranded RNA. Thus, our data unveil the critical role of HnRNPK in maintaining single-stranded RNAs and their physiological functions by blocking RNA-RNA interactions.

Global distribution of DNA hydroxymethylation and DNA methylation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

BACKGROUND

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been a good model system to understand the functional role of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) in cancer progression. More recently, an oxidized form of 5-mC, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) has gained lot of attention as a regulatory epigenetic modification with prognostic and diagnostic implications for several cancers. However, there is no global study exploring the role of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) levels in CLL. Herein, using mass spectrometry and hMeDIP-sequencing, we analysed the dynamics of 5-hmC during B cell maturation and CLL pathogenesis.

RESULTS

We show that naïve B-cells had higher levels of 5-hmC and 5-mC compared to non-class switched and class-switched memory B-cells. We found a significant decrease in global 5-mC levels in CLL patients (n = 15) compared to naïve and memory B cells, with no changes detected between the CLL prognostic groups. On the other hand, global 5-hmC levels of CLL patients were similar to memory B cells and reduced compared to naïve B cells. Interestingly, 5-hmC levels were increased at regulatory regions such as gene-body, CpG island shores and shelves and 5-hmC distribution over the gene-body positively correlated with degree of transcriptional activity. Importantly, CLL samples showed aberrant 5-hmC and 5-mC pattern over gene-body compared to well-defined patterns in normal B-cells. Integrated analysis of 5-hmC and RNA-sequencing from CLL datasets identified three novel oncogenic drivers that could have potential roles in CLL development and progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, our study suggests that the global loss of 5-hmC, accompanied by its significant increase at the gene regulatory regions, constitute a novel hallmark of CLL pathogenesis. Our combined analysis of 5-mC and 5-hmC sequencing provided insights into the potential role of 5-hmC in modulating gene expression changes during CLL pathogenesis.

Cardiovascular outcomes of Nephrotic syndrome in childhood (CVONS) study: a protocol for prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is characterized by dyslipidemia which is a well-known risk factor for atherogenesis. Atherosclerosis in childhood is mostly subclinical and endothelial dysfunction is known to precede this. Evidence for screening for endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk factors and early identification of premature onset of atherosclerosis in childhood NS remains tenuous in the absence of well-designed prospective studies addressing cardiovascular comorbidity in NS. The objective of our study is to examine endothelial dysfunction and short-term cardiovascular outcomes in a carefully phenotyped cohort of patients with Nephrotic syndrome as compared to healthy controls.

METHODS

In a multi-centric prospective cohort study, 70 Steroid Resistant NS (SRNS), 70 Steroid Sensitive (SSNS) patients along with 70 Healthy Controls are being recruited. After a baseline assessment of functional and structural status of heart (2D Echocardiography), arteries (Carotid Doppler and Intima Media Thickness measurements) and microcirculation [a combination of 2D Echocardiography, Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF) and Brachial Artery Flow mediated dilation (FMD) and Nail Fold Capillaroscopy (NFC)], the patients are being investigated for endothelial dysfunction. Venous blood sample (15 ml) is being collected for routine investigations and assay of biochemical endothelial markers through Flow Cytometry. The patients will be followed up at 12 months and 24 months after the recruitment to look for any change from baseline period.

DISCUSSION

This study will able to provide a better understanding of the epidemiology of endothelial dysfunction and associated subclinical cardiovascular co-morbidity in childhood NS. Findings on characterization of prevalence of endothelial dysfunction and subclinical markers may be used to design future randomized controlled trials for evaluating the efficacy of preventive and therapeutic interventions in reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

ESR and optical studies of Cu2+ doped zinc glutamate dihydrate

The ESR study of the Cu2+ doped zinc glutamate dihydrate is carried out at room temperature. Two magnetically nonequivalent sites for Cu2+ are observed. The spin Hamiltonian parameters are determined with the fitting of spectra to rhombic symmetry crystalline field. The parameters are as follows: Cu2+(I): gx=2.0170±0.0002, gy=2.0768±0.0002, gz=2.2334±0.0002, Ax=(74±2)×10(-4), Ay=(99±2)×10(-4), Az=(134±2)×10(-4) cm(-1)and Cu2+(II): gx=2.0180±0.0002, gy=2.0550±0.0002, gz=2.1633±0.0002, Ax=(100±2)×10(-4), Ay=(100±2)×10(-4), Az=(115±2)×10(-4) cm(-1). The ground state wave function is also determined. The g-anisotropy is evaluated and compared with the experimental value. Using the data of optical absorption study undertaken at room temperature the nature of bonding in the complex is also discussed.

Buffalopox: an emerging and re-emerging zoonosis

Outbreaks of buffalopox or pox-like infections affecting buffaloes, cows and humans have been recorded in many parts of the world. Since the first outbreak in India, a large number of epidemics have occurred. Unlike in the previous years, generalized forms of the disease are now rare; however, there are severe local forms of the disease affecting the udder and teats, leading to mastitis thereby undermining the productivity of milk animals. The causative agent buffalopox virus (BPXV) is a member of theOrthopoxvirus, and is closely related to Vaccinia virus (VACV), the type-species of the genus. Earlier studies with restriction fragment length polymorphism and recent investigations involving sequencing of the genes that are essential in viral pathogenesis have shown that BPXV is phylogenetically very closely related to VACV and may be considered as a clade of the latter. The review discusses the epidemiology, novel diagnostic methods for the disease, and molecular biology of the virus, and infers genetic relationships of BPXV with other members of the genus.

Characterisation of peacock (Pavo cristatus) mitochondrial 12S rRNA sequence and its use in differentiation from closely related poultry species

1. Poaching of peacocks, the national bird of India, is illegal. People kill this beautiful pheasant bird for tail feathers and mix the meat with chicken or turkey. Differentiation of the meat of these species is essential in order to address the ambiguity about the origin of the sample. 2. The present study was carried out to investigate the use of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene for identification of these species. 3. Peacock mitochondrial 12S rRNA partial gene was amplified using universal primers, cloned and characterised. It was found to be 446 nucleotides long. 4. Sequence analysis revealed 86.8 and 84.1% similarity with reported turkey and chicken sequences, respectively. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed that the peacock is much closer to the turkey than the chicken. 5. PCR-RFLP of 446 bp amplicon using commonly available restriction enzymes AluI and Sau3AI produced a differential pattern for identifying these poultry species unambiguously.

Upcoming and future strategies of tick control: a review

Ticks are distributed worldwide and significantly impact human and animal health. Due to severe problems associated with the continuous use of acaricides on animals, integrated tick management is recommended. Increasing public health concern over the tick-borne diseases demands the strategic control of ticks on animals that transmit diseases to human beings. Immunological control of tick vector of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) on cattle and other wild reservoir hosts is one of the possible alternative strategy for reducing the transmission of KFD to man. Chemical-vaccine synergies have been demonstrated and a combination of chemical and vaccine for tick and tick-borne disease control has been identified as a sustainable option. Studies have suggested the possibility of vaccine strategies directed towards both tick control and transmission of pathogens. Besides tick vaccine, use of endosymbionts, which are essential for the survival of arthropod hosts, for the control of tick vectors will be one of the targeted areas of research in near future. India with huge natural resources of herbs and other medicinal plants, the possibilities of developing herbal acaricides is discussed. The future of research directed towards target identification is exciting because of new and emerging technologies for gene discovery and vaccine formulation.

Development and characterization of a stable vero cell line constitutively expressing Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) hemagglutinin protein and its potential use as antigen in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serosurveillance of PPRV

We developed and characterized a stable Vero cell line constitutively expressing Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) hemagglutinin (H) protein and assessed its potential use as diagnostic antigen in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PPRV H gene of the vaccine strain (Sungri-96) was amplified by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, cloned into a eukaryotic expression vector (pTarget), and subsequently transfected and expressed in Vero cells. A stable Vero cell line was developed after 20 repeated passages by using G418 antibiotic selection pressure (400 to 600 microg/ml). The integration of PPRV H gene in the Vero cell genome and its genomic transcription were confirmed by PCR and RT-PCR assays, respectively, and the 70-kDa PPRV H protein was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. The recombinant protein reacted specifically with PPRV anti-H neutralizing monoclonal and polyclonal antibody in competitive, sandwich, and indirect ELISA, respectively, indicating that the native form of the protein was expressed. Evaluation of the protein in competitive ELISA and indirect ELISA vis a vis whole virus was done using 306 and 146 goat field serum samples, respectively; comparable results were obtained with high degrees of relative diagnostic specificity (93.53% and 100%, respectively) and sensitivity (99.04% and 79.16%, respectively). This study shows that the PPRV H protein could be a sustainable source of safe antigen in countries of nonendemicity without the need to handle infectious virus for serodiagnosis.

Comparative sequence analysis of envelope protein genes of Indian buffalopox virus isolates

Buffalopox virus (BPXV) is considered to be a close variant of vaccinia virus (VACV), the prototype member of the genus Orthopoxvirus. In the present study, we have analyzed the sequences of H3L, A27L, and D8L gene-homologues of VACV in BPXV to elucidate its genetic relationship to VACV and other orthopoxviruses (OPVs). Products of these genes have been shown to be important in attachment of VACV to host cell surface receptors during viral entry. Additionally, the A27L gene is also responsible for cell fusion during infection, while the H3L gene is required for synthesis of the highly immunogenic major envelope protein p35. Full-length nucleotide sequences of H3L, A27L, and D8L genes of three BPXV isolates were determined by PCR amplification, cloning, and sequencing. The nucleotide (nt) sequence and the deduced amino acid (aa) sequences were compared with published sequences from other members of the genus Orthopoxvirus. Comparative sequence analysis of all the three genes revealed high sequence identity of BPXV isolates with VACV (close to 99% sequence identity) at both the nt and aa level. Phylogenetic analysis based on the deduced aa sequences of the H3L, A27L, and D8L genes also showed that BPXVs are more closely related to VACV than to any of the other OPVs.

Molecular variability in different Indian isolates of equine herpesvirus-1

Three abortigenic Indian isolates of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) (Tohana, Hisar and Bikaner), along with two exotic abortigenic isolates (AB4 and V592) and another EHV-1 isolate (Jind) obtained from a case of perinatal foal mortality, were studied for variability. For this purpose, PCR and restriction endonuclease (RE) digestion techniques were used simultaneously as a DNA fingerprinting system. Nine different regions of EHV-1 virus were amplified by PCR using primer pairs specific for the regions and the products obtained from these regions were subsequently subjected to various restriction endonucleases to further assess the variability in the number of RE sites as well as in their positions. No difference was observed in all the four abortigenic isolates in terms of the size of different PCR products amplified by all the nine primer pairs, except for primer pairs 'E' and 'C'. PCR products obtained with primer pair E revealed that Tohana and Bikaner isolates were most similar while Hisar isolate was like V592 isolate. However, the PCR product obtained from Jind isolate had a size between the PCR products of Hisar and Tohan/Bikaner isolates. The primer pair 'C' used to amplify the region between 1151 to 3679 in 'Gene 1,2,3' clearly differentiated the EHV-1 isolate obtained from a case of perinatal foal mortality from isolates obtained from abortion cases. This primer pair needs to be exploited more extensively for use as a potential marker for differentiating the EHV-1 isolates, mainly the abortion cases from perinatal foal mortality ones. Restriction endonuclease studies done with PCR product of all the isolates with various primer pairs did not reveal any changes in the position or number of RE sites present in the products amplified, indicating no variation in different RE sites within the amplified PCR products. However, this study clarified that all the Indian isolates belonged to the IP group of EHV-1.

Cloning and sequencing of 28 kDa outer membrane protein gene of Brucella melitensis Rev. 1

Brucella melitensis is an organism of paramount zoonotic importance. The 28 kDa outer membrane protein (OMP) is one of the immunodominant antigens of B. melitensis. The gene encoding 28 kDa OMP (omp28) has been amplified from B. melitensis Rev. 1 strain. A PCR product of 753 bp, encoding complete omp28 gene of B. melitensis, was obtained. The gene was further cloned and sequenced. The nucleotide sequence of B. melitensis Rev. 1 strain showed substitution of 2 nucleotides from that of 16M strain.

Evaluation of guinea pig model for experimental Salmonella serovar Abortusequi infection in reference to infertility

The present study conclusively revealed the role for Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Abortusequi in conception failure. None of the 12 guinea pigs conceived when orally exposed to sublethal dose of the pathogen during breeding, while 66.67% of animals in control group were found pregnant during same period of observation under similar conditions. Salmonella carrier animals also had drastic reduction in conception rate (16.67%). During mid pregnancy, S. Abortusequi exposure to guinea pigs through intravaginal, intramuscular and subcutaneous routes induced fetal death followed by resorption. While 2 out of 6 orally inoculated and 3 out of 6 intraperitonially inoculated guinea pigs aborted, in rest of the animals fetal death was followed by meceration and resorption. It was interesting to note that S. Abortusequi could not persist longer than a week in males while in pregnant females it could be detected for >10 weeks after inoculation. In late pregnancy, most of the exposed animals aborted and non aborting animals though had normal parturition, survival rate of their babies was nearly zero in comparison to the control group. The study revealed role for S. Abortusequi in impairing conception, abortion, early fetal deaths, fetal meceration and resorption. Further studies are required to identify factors responsible for increased susceptibility of females particularly during pregnancy.

Neutralizing and complement-fixing monoclonal antibodies as an aid to the diagnosis of equine herpesvirus-1 infection

One complement-fixing (C-MAb) and three complement-dependent neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (N-MAbs) were raised against Hisar-90-7 equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) strain. The target antigen of the C-MAb (2A5) and two of the N-MAbs (1H6, 9C4) was identified as a 140 kDa polypeptide in Western blotting. The target antigen of N-MAb (9C6) could not be identified. Purified polypeptides of five EHV-1 strains isolated from different regions and at different times gave intense bands at 140 kDa when reacted with N-MAb (1H6) in Western blots. In sandwich ELISA, all four MAbs captured the viral antigen from clinical materials, giving a reliable and rapid diagnosis of EHV-1 infection in equines.

Three-dimensional structure of mare diferric lactoferrin at 2.6 A resolution

Lactoferrin is a monomeric glycoprotein with a molecular mass of approximately 80 kDa. The three-dimensional structure of mare diferric lactoferrin (mlf) has been determined at 2.6 A resolution. The protein crystallizes in the space group P 212121with a=85.2 A, b=99.5 A, c=103.1 A with a solvent content of 55 % (v/v). The structure was solved by the molecular replacement method using human diferric lactoferrin as the model. The structure has been refined using XPLOR to a final R -factor of 0.194 for all data in the 15-2.6 A resolution range. The amino acid sequence of mlf was determined using a cDNA method. The final refined model comprises 5281 protein atoms, 2 Fe3+, 2 CO32-and 112 water molecules. The overall folding of mlf is similar to that of other proteins of the transferrin family. The protein folds into two globular lobes, N and C. The lobes are further divided into two domains, N1 and N2, and C1 and C2. The iron-binding cleft is situated between the domains in each lobe. The N lobe appears to be well ordered and is more stable than the C lobe in mlf unlike in other lactoferrins, where the C lobe is the more stable. The opening of the binding cleft in the N lobe of mlf is narrower than those in other proteins of the transferrin family. This is very unusual and is found only in mare lactoferrin. Apart from certain hydrophobic interactions at the mouth of the cleft, one salt-bridge (Lys301 . . . . . . . . Glu216) crosses between the two walls of the cleft. The two lobes are connected covalently by a three-turn alpha-helix involving residues 334-344. The N lobe displays a highly ordered structure with appreciably low temperature factors. The iron coordination is more symmetrical in the N lobe than in the C lobe. There are only 16 intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the structure of mlf.

Structure of mare apolactoferrin: the N and C lobes are in the closed form

The structure of mare apolactoferrin (MALT) has been determined at 3. 8 A resolution by the molecular-replacement method, using the structure of mare diferric lactoferrin (MDLT) as the search model. The MDLT structure contains two iron-binding sites: one in the N-terminal lobe, lying between domains N1 and N2, and one in the C-terminal lobe between domains C1 and C2. Both lobes have a closed structure. MALT was crystallized using the microdialysis method with 10%(v/v) ethanol in 0.01 M Tris-HCl. The structure has been refined to a final R factor of 0.20 for all data to 3.8 A resolution. Comparison of the structure of MALT with that of MDLT showed that the domain arrangements in these structures are identical. However, the structure of MALT is very different to the structures of human apolactoferrin (HALT) and duck apo-ovotransferrin (DAOT), in which the domain associations differ greatly. In HALT, the N lobe adopts an open conformation while the C lobe is in the closed form. On the other hand, in DAOT both the N and the C lobes adopt the open form. These results indicate the domain arrangements in these proteins to be an important structural feature related to their specific biological functions. Based on the structures of MALT, HALT and DAOT, it can be stated that the native apoproteins of the transferrin family adopt three forms: (i) with both the N and the C lobes in closed forms, as observed in MALT, (ii) with the N lobe open and the C lobe closed, as observed in HALT, and (iii) with both the N and the C lobes open, as found in DAOT. All these proteins attain a convergent form when iron is bound to them, suggesting an efficient and unique form of iron binding. The interface between the N and C lobes, which is formed by N1-C1 contact in the core of the molecule, does not change significantly.

Presence of a glycosylphosphatidylinositol lipid anchor on rose arabinogalactan proteins

Arabinogalactan proteins constitute a class of plant cell surface proteoglycans with widespread occurrence and suggested functions in various aspects of plant growth and development, including cell proliferation, expansion, marking, and death. Previous investigations of subcellular fractions from suspension-cultured cells of "Paul's Scarlet" rose (Rosa sp.) have revealed extensive structural similarity between some soluble arabinogalactan proteins from the cell wall space and some plasma membrane-associated arabinogalactan proteins, thus inspiring the present investigation of the mechanism through which these inherently water-soluble molecules are held on the plasma membrane. Several lines of evidence gained through a combination of methods including reversed-phase chromatography, treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, and chemical structural analysis now show that some rose arabinogalactan proteins carry a ceramide class glycosylphosphatidylinositol lipid anchor. The predominant form of the ceramide is composed of tetracosanoic acid and 4-hydroxysphinganine. Plasma membrane vesicles readily shed arabinogalactan proteins by an inherent mechanism that appears to involve a phospholipase. This finding has significance toward understanding the biosynthesis, localization, and function of arabinogalactan proteins and toward stimulating other studies that may expand the currently very short list of higher plant proteins found to carry such membrane lipid anchors.

Purification, crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of mare lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 80 kDa. The protein has two iron binding sites. It has two structural lobes, each housing one Fe(3+) and the synergistic CO(3)(2-) ion. The protein was isolated from the colostrum/milk of mares maintained at National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India. The purified samples of the protein were crystallized using a microdialysis method. The protein was dialysed against low ionic strength buffer solution. Several crystal forms were obtained, out of which three were characterized which have cell dimensions as follows. Form I a = 79.8, b = 103.5, c = 112.0 A, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with one protein molecule per asymmetric unit and a solvent content of 57%. Form II a = 84.9, b = 99.7, c = 103.5 A, space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with one molecule per asymmetric unit and a solvent content of 55%. Form III a = 151.0, b = 151.0, c = 240.6 A, space group P4(1)2(1)2 with three molecules in the asymmetric unit and a solvent content of 57%. The intensity data up to 3.8 A resolution for form I, 2.9 A resolution data for form II and 6 A resolution data for form III have been collected. Further calculations are in progress.

Application of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis of equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1)

Fifty aborted foetus samples were diagnosed for the presence of equine herpes virus-1 (EHV-1) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. Specific primer pair for amplification of a particular segment of EHV-1 DNA in gc region having 3 Hae III restriction endonuclease sites was used. A 409 base pair segment obtained as PCR amplification product in 9 samples was digested with Hae III to confirm the presence of EHV-1 as the infectious agent in aborted tissues. It was observed that PCR technique was more sensitive, specific and rapid than the conventional virological diagnostic methods.

Calcium ion-induced structural changes in bacteriophage phi X174

Monoclinic P2(1) crystals of the bacteriophage phi X174 have been incubated with calcium ions (Ca2+) and the induced structural conformational changes studied to 3 A resolution with X-ray crystallographic methods. Three different types of Ca2+ binding sites have been located within the asymmetric unit of the virion. Two sets of sites are associated with the F capsid protein. One set of sites associated with the F protein is in a general position near the icosahedral 3-fold axes of the virus, with the main-chain carbonyl oxygen atoms of residues Gly1321, Asp1421, Met1424 and Ser1426, and the side-chains of Gln1004 and Asp1421 as ligands. The other set of sites associated with the F protein is on the icosahedral 3-fold axes, with the symmetry-related main-chain carbonyl oxygen atoms of Ser1001 and the side-chains of Asn1002 as ligands. The bound Ca2+ induce a conformational change of the amino-terminal residues of the F proteins. A third set of sites, consisting of a pair of Ca2+ on the icosahedral 5-fold axes, are associated with the G spike protein and are concurrently liganded by the symmetry-related carbonyl oxygen side-chains of Asp2117. Concomitant with the binding of Ca2+ to the phage is the rotation of the Asp1209 side-chain of the F protein towards some additional electron density that was not observed in the absence of Ca2+. This density is situated in a shallow depression near the icosahedral 2-fold axes of the virus, and has been tentatively interpreted as a bound glucose molecule that is ordered only in the presence of Ca2+. The putative glucose binding site may be related to the attachment of the virus to cell surface lipopolysaccharides in the initial stages of Escherichia coli infection.

Single radial immunodiffusion potency test for standardization of indigenous equine influenza vaccine

Single radial immunodiffusion (SRD) assays were used for measuring the haemagglutinin antigen contents of equine influenza vaccine prepared from an Indian virus isolate. A/Equine-2/Ludhiana/1/87 (H3N8). Five different preparations of the vaccine were standardized by SRD to prepare 913 doses, each containing 20 micrograms HA/ml-1 dose-1. This test also showed influenza virus subtype specificity as no cross reaction was observed between subtype 1 (H7N7) and subtype 2 (H3N8) viruses.

The outbreak of equine influenza (H3N8) in the United Kingdom in 1989: diagnostic use of an antigen capture ELISA

In July 1989 influenza A/equine-2 (H3N8) was isolated from a nasopharyngeal swab taken from a non-thoroughbred horse exhibiting acute clinical respiratory disease. This was the first isolation of equine influenza virus in the United Kingdom since 1981. Subsequent investigations of acute respiratory disease in horses indicated that the infection was dispersed throughout the UK. However, unlike the previous epidemic of 1979, the first horses from which the virus was isolated had been vaccinated. This outbreak of influenza provided an opportunity to evaluate an antigen capture ELISA, directed against the influenza virus nucleoprotein, as a rapid method for detecting virus in the nasopharyngeal secretions of naturally infected horses.

Production of monoclonal antibodies against equine influenza A/Equi-2 (H3N8) Indian isolate

Seven hybrid cell lines of mouse myeloma cell line NSO and spleen cells of BALB/c mice producing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against equine influenza A/Equi-2/Ludhiana/87 (H3N8) virus were developed. These MAbs were purified, isotyped and characterised by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fluorescent antibody test (FAT), haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralization (VN) tests. The titres of ascitic fluids induced by hybridomas as estimated by ELISA ranged from 1:25,600 to 1:51,200. Monoclonality of these clones was confirmed using a panel of 5 viral antigens, each belonging to a single isotype. MAbs (5) belonged to IgM and one each to IgG1 and IgG2a. Two epitopes appeared to be closely resembling by HI and VN tests but other two epitopes appeared to be different.

Characterisation of equine influenza isolates from the 1987 epizootic in India by nucleotide sequencing of the HA1 gene

Two A/Equi-2 (H3N8) isolates were obtained during the 1987 Indian equine influenza epizootic. The sequence of the Ludhiana/87 HA1 gene revealed that this isolate was very similar to recent European and North American isolates of equine influenza. In contrast, the Bhiwani/87 HA1 gene was nearly identical to the Miami/63 prototype H3 sequence. These results support the antigenic analysis previously carried out on these isolates using monoclonal antibodies. However, the finding that Bhiwani/87 is so similar to Miami/63, coupled with the finding that equine H3N8 influenza viruses have previously been shown to evolve along a single lineage, suggests that Miami/63 virus from either a vaccine or laboratory source may be the origin of the Bhiwani/87 isolate.

Equine coital exanthema (EHV-3 virus) infection in India

A progenital disease encountered at one equine stud farm at Bangalore in Southern India during 1987 was investigated and confirmed as equine coital exanthema on the basis of characteristic lesions and clinical symptoms, isolation of equine herpes virus-3 (EHV-3) from the scabs collected from animals having active lesions and demonstration of neutralizing antibodies in the sera of recovered mares and stallion. This is the first authenticated report of the occurrence of equine coital exanthema in India due to EHV-3.

Isolation of A/Equi-2 virus during 1987 equine influenza epidemic in India

Processing of nasal materials from clinical cases during the 1987 influenza epidemic in Northern and Central India resulted in the isolation of two haemagglutinating agents; one each from donkeys and horses at Bhiwani in Haryana State and Ludhiana in Punjab State, respectively. These were typed as Influenza A/Equi-2 viruses by haemagglutination inhibition test. The two isolates were designated as A/Equi-2/Bhiwani/1/87 and A/Equi-2/Ludhiana/1/87. The Bhiwani/87 isolate was confirmed to have H3N8 antigenic structure and was indistinguishable from the Miami/63 strain of A/Equi-2 virus. However, the A/Equi-2 Ludhiana/87 isolate was closely related to the Fontainebleau/79 strain of A/equi-2 virus.

Detection of goat pox antigen and antibody by the counter immunoelectrophoresis test

The counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) test was standardised for the detection of goat pox antigen and antibody using inactivated antigens. The chloroform inactivated and live antigens were equally sensitive for detection of goat pox precipitins. The precipitinogens of goat pox virus (GPV) were found to be soluble in nature. The CIE test was quick as well as more sensitive than the agar gel precipitation test for detection of GPV antibody/antigen. The CIE employing inactivated antigen has been used for the first time in the detection of GPV antibodies/antigens.

Application of ELISA in the detection of goat pox antigen and antibodies

Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was standardized for detection of goat pox virus (GPV) antibodies and antigen using live and inactivated antigens and hyperimmune serum (HIS), convalescent, post-vaccinal, as also post-challenge sera. The ELISA was most sensitive in detection of antibody when compared with agar gel precipitation (AGP) and counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) tests. There was no complete correlation between the antibody status of vaccinated goats and protective immunity as animals having detectable seroconversion were also solidly immune to virulent challenge. The application of ELISA in pox infections of goats has been discussed.

A study on the reservoir status of Q-fever in avifauna, wild mammals and poikilotherms in Uttar Pradesh (India)

Fifteen species of free-living birds (pigeon, mynah, house-sparrow, crow, vulture, owl, swallow, parrot, heron, duck, guinea fowl, hawk, kite, dove and peacock), 11 species of small/large wild mammals (rat, bandicoot, house mouse, shrew, bat, mongoose, ant eater, Jackal wild cat, chinkara and tiger) and 5 species of poikilotherms (snakes, python, tortoise, monitor and eel) were screened for evidence of Q-fever infection by the capillary agglutination test on sera to detect antibodies and/or by attempts to demonstrate Coxiella burnetii in samples of visceral organs. Sero-reactors were observed among mynah (19/69), owlet (1/6), pigeon (1/11), swallow (6/200), parrot (13/56), rat (3/21), shrew (1/24), bat (2/14) and snake (7/23). Eleven strains of the organism comprising 3 from mynah, 2 from rats, and 1 each from parrot, crow, swallow, bandicoot, chinkara and python were isolated. This appears to be the first record of natural Q-fever infection in free-living birds in India. C. burnetii was also recovered in 1 of 12 water samples processed from ponds. Possibility of contamination of ponds with C. burnetii from infected water-fauna has been discussed.

Sero-epidemiologic investigations on brucellosis in the states of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) and Delhi (India)

Sero-prevalence of brucellosis in man and animals was studied during the years 1976 and 1977. Samples were collected from Hospitals/slaughter houses/livestock farms located in Delhi and different districts of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.). The sera samples tested were from 1685 men, 1607 goats, 438 sheep, 244 pigs, 361 cattle, 551 buffalos, 50 dogs, 318 equine and 43 free living animals. The percentage of seropositivity, excluding doubtful ones, was recorded as: man 0.89, goat 5.53, sheep 3.42, pigs 15.98, cattle 6.37 buffalo 4.9 and equine 12.89. Additionally an evidence of agglutinins was also detected in a python serum sample. It was observed that occupation, age, sex and season had a bearing on the prevalence of the disease.

Sero-epidemiological studies on coxiellosis in animals and man in the state of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi (India)

The prevalence of antibodies to Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q-fever, was studied in domestic animals either at the farm or at the slaughter house and man in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh (U.P.). Evidence of Q-fever infection was observed in 24.29% of 490 cattle, 16.79% of 536 sheep, 16.02% of 1011 buffaloes, 15.85% of 1937 goats, 14.67% of 184 pigs and 14.29% of 49 street dogs. Twenty percent of 55 dairy cows, 9.52% of 21 dairy goats and 5.71% of 35 dairy buffaloes were found positive for C. burnetii antibodies in their milk. Of 1636 human sera samples tested, 249 (15.22%) were positive. Human sero-positive reactors in U.P. and Delhi were 15.59% and 14.39% respectively. Factors of age, sex, season antibody titres, co-existance of Q-fever and brucellosis and public health significance of high Q-fever infection in meat and dairy animals under the prevalent socio-economic conditions are discussed.

The occurence of coxiellosis among rodents and shrews in the Tarai area of Uttar Praedesh

Rodents and shrews were screened for serologic evidence of Coxiella burnetii. Attempts were made to isolate the organism from the spleen and liver. Seroreactors: total positive/total tested (% positive), in rats (Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus), ground shrews (Suncus murinus), bandicoots (Bandicota indica, B. bengalensis) and the house mouse (Mus musculus), respectively, were 13/105 (12.38), 6/42 (14.3), 2/15 (13.3) and 1/7 (14.3). Of the eight rickettsial isolants recovered including four from field and household rats, three from ground shrew and one from bandicoots, only three comprising one each from rat, shrew and bandicoot, could be typed as C. burnetii. This appears to be the first record of rodents and an insectivore as reservoirs of C. burnetii in India.

Poikilotherms as reservoirs of Q-fever (Coxiella burnetii) in Uttar Pradesh

Water snakes (Natrix natrix), rat snakes (Ptyas korros), cobras (Naja naja), pythons (Python molurus), tortoises (Kachuga sp.), plankton fish (Cirrhina mrigala), frogs (Rana tigrina), toads (Bufo sp.) and monitors (Varanus indicus) were screened for evidence of Q-fever infection by the capillary agglutination test on sera to detect antibodies and/or by attempts to demonstrate Coxiella burnetii in spleen and liver samples. Sero-reactors were observed among water and rat snakes, pythons and tortoises. The organism was isolated from the spleen and liver of the monitor, tortoise and python.

Experimental infection of Coxiella burnetii in chicken: clinical symptoms, serologic response, and transmission through egg

Young laying hens were infected with Coxiella burnetii to study egg transmission, clinical and serologic responses, excretion of the agent in feces, and its persistence in internal organs. No clinical symptoms were noticed. The birds developed good titers in a capillary agglutination test by 13 days postinfection (DPI), which peaked at 30 DPI and therafter declined gradually, becoming negative in some birds around 90 DPI. In vivo and in vitro egg transmission of the agent could not be demonstrated. C. burnetii was recovered at 90 DPI from spleen and liver but not from kidney and ovary.

Sero-epidemiology of Q-fever in poultry

The sero-epidemiology of Q-fever was studied by capillary agglutination test at 25 poultry farms in the Nainital and Ajmer districts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Of 589 birds tested, 78 (13.24%) had Q-fever agglutinins (CAT titers 1:8 to 1:64), involving 16 of the farms. There were more sero-reactors in Ajmer (17.56%) than in Nainital (3.35%). The sero-positive reactors were respectively 19.74% and 5.55% among the age groups above and below 6 months. The breed difference and comparatively high infection rates in poultry attendants of a Q-fever-positive farm are discussed.

An outbreak of fowl cholera due to Pasteurella gallinarum in Uttar Pradesh (India)

An acute outbreak of fowl cholera in one-month-old chickens was investigated. Pasteurella gallinarum was isolated in pure culture from the heart blood of two moribund chicks. One of the isolants on experimental inoculation was found to be nonpathogenic for rabbits, mice, and chickens. It did not provide protection in rabbits against a virulent strain of P. multocida. This seems to be the first record of the isolation of P. gallinarum in India.