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Jans T, Krauthausen M, Bauer C, Forster J, Engels G, Pietsch F, Wallstabe J, Rücker V, Wendel J, Weissbrich B, Heuschmann P, Härtel C, Dölken L, Kurzai O, Gágyor I, Liese JG, Romanos M, Streng A. [Can SARS-CoV-2 Infection Status in Preschool Children be Predicted by Pandemic-related Attitudes and Concerns of their Parents? Data from the Würzburg Daycare Centre Studies (Wü-KiTa-CoV, 2020-2022)]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2024. [PMID: 39137922 DOI: 10.1055/a-2386-4490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
As part of the Würzburg KiTa-CoV study series, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic-related attitudes/concerns of parents of preschool children attending day care centres were surveyed over a 21-month period. We expected associations between these parental attitudes/concerns and their change over the course of the pandemic, on the one hand, and the SARS-CoV-2 infection status of the children, on the other. Parents of children from nine day-care centres who completed a survey on pandemic-related attitudes/concerns in October 2020, July 2021 and July 2022, were included in the analysis. In July 2022, the children's infection status was determined by measuring nucleocapsid protein antibodies (N-AK) and, in the case of N-AK negative, unvaccinated children, the measurement results of spike protein antibodies (S-AK) against SARS-CoV-2 as indicators of previous infection were also taken into account. Changes in parental attitudes/concerns were analysed using trend tests, and their significance in predicting the child's infection status was analysed using multiple binomial regression analyses. Data were available from parents of 159 children (mean age 3.2 years). The overall group of parents showed an increasingly relaxed attitude towards the pandemic over the study period, although the parents' concerns towards a possible infection of their own increased. The infection status of the children could not be predicted from the initial attitudes and concerns of the parents. However, the subgroup of parents with an uninfected child tended to have a higher level of concerns over the course of the pandemic than the parents with an infected child and did not show the same increasing composure towards the pandemic event. The parents' increasing composure is understandable in the context of the reduced virulence of the virus variants prevailing over time, the increasing availability of testing strategies and vaccinations, and the withdrawal of pandemic-related restrictions. In addition, the mildness of most children's infections may have contributed to their parents' sense of security. The seemingly contradictory increase in parental concerns about infection may be related to the strong increase in the incidence due to omicron variant infections in the population since January 2022. It is possible that the higher level of concerns among parents of uninfected children had a protective effect behaviourally.
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Landmesser P, Weissbrich B, Peter-Kern M, Krone M, Liese JG, Streng A. [SARS-CoV-2 Exposure and Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies among Medical Students in the First Phase of the Pandemic 2020-2021]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2024; 86:311-314. [PMID: 38181814 PMCID: PMC11003243 DOI: 10.1055/a-2183-7279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to their clinical training and secondary activities in the hospital, medical students are exposed to contact with SARS-CoV-2 infected people more often than the general population. We determined the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in medical students in clinical training at different times during the pandemic and asked participants about possible SARS-CoV-2 exposures in both medical and private settings. METHODS From May 2020 to June 2021, medical students each in their 3rd year of training at the University Hospital Würzburg participated in the cross-sectional survey. All SARS-CoV-2 unvaccinated students were offered a determination of their SARS-CoV-2 serostatus. The blood samples were tested by an immunoassay (Elecsys, Roche) for IgG/IgM/IgA antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 N antigen. Demographic data, SARS-CoV-2 disease and vaccination status, as well as possible SARS-CoV-2 exposures were collected using a questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, 383 (86.1%) of 445 students took part in the cross-sectional survey (65% female; median age 22 years; IQR 21-24). Serostatus was determined in 223 (58.2% of 383) SARS-CoV-2 unvaccinated participants. In the period between the beginning of the pandemic in Germany (February 2020) and the time of the survey, 332 (86.7% of 383) students stated that they worked in the medical field, mainly in the context of clinical traineeships (76.8%) or secondary activities with patient contact (48.8%); 129 (33.7%) reported previous contact with a COVID-19 patient, of which 78.3% of contacts took place at a medical facility. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 8 (3.6%) of the 223 unvaccinated participants tested, and in 3 infected persons an association between infection and contact in the course of medical activity seemed likely. CONCLUSION Despite frequent patient contact and the associated increased risk of infection, medical students in their 3rd year of training did not show an increased seroprevalence compared to the general population and showed a lower or similar seroprevalence rate than medical students in other European countries in the first 18 months of the pandemic. This indicates sufficient protection of medical students at the beginning of clinical training through the hygiene and infection protection measures implemented at that time during medical activities.
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Tabatabai J, Schnitzler P, Prifert C, Schiller M, Weissbrich B, von Lilienfeld-Toal M, Teschner D, Jordan K, Müller-Tidow C, Egerer G, Giesen N. Parainfluenza virus infections in patients with hematological malignancies or stem cell transplantation: Analysis of clinical characteristics, nosocomial transmission and viral shedding. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271756. [PMID: 35905071 PMCID: PMC9337657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess morbidity and mortality of parainfluenza virus (PIV) infections in immunocompromised patients, we analysed PIV infections in a hematology and stem cell transplantation (SCT) unit over the course of three years. Isolated PIV strains were characterized by sequence analysis and nosocomial transmission was assessed including phylogenetic analysis of viral strains. 109 cases of PIV infection were identified, 75 in the setting of SCT. PIV type 3 (n = 68) was the most frequent subtype. PIV lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) was observed in 47 patients (43%) with a mortality of 19%. Severe leukopenia, prior steroid therapy and presence of co-infections were significant risk factors for development of PIV-LRTI in multivariate analysis. Prolonged viral shedding was frequently observed with a median duration of 14 days and up to 79 days, especially in patients after allogeneic SCT and with LRTI. Nosocomial transmission occurred in 47 patients. Phylogenetic analysis of isolated PIV strains and combination with clinical data enabled the identification of seven separate clusters of nosocomial transmission. In conclusion, we observed significant morbidity and mortality of PIV infection in hematology and transplant patients. The clinical impact of co-infections, the possibility of long-term viral shedding and frequent nosocomial transmission should be taken into account when designing infection control strategies.
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Engels G, Sack J, Weissbrich B, Hartmann K, Knies K, Härtel C, Streng A, Dölken L, Liese JG. Very Low Incidence of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and RSV but High Incidence of Rhino-, Adeno- and Endemic Coronaviruses in Children With Acute Respiratory Infection in Primary Care Pediatric Practices During the Second and Third Wave of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:e146-e148. [PMID: 35175993 PMCID: PMC8919947 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses were detected by multiplex-polymerase chain reaction from oropharyngeal swabs in 114/168 (67.9%) children with acute respiratory infection presenting to 5 pediatric practices in Germany between November 2020 and April 2021. In contrast to rhino- (48.8%), adeno- (14.3%) and endemic coronaviruses (14.9%), SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus were detected only once; respiratory syncytial virus was not detected. This demonstrates differing impacts of pandemic infection control measures on the spread of respiratory viruses.
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Obenaus M, Schildgen O, Schürmann D, von Brünneck AC, Janz M, Keller U, Gebauer B, Schilling J, Schwartz S, Weissbrich B, Schneider T, Hofmann J, Mathas S. High-dose glucocorticoid treatment of near-fatal bocavirus lung infection results in rapid recovery. ERJ Open Res 2021; 7:00060-2021. [PMID: 33855064 PMCID: PMC8039904 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00060-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human bocavirus (HBoV), which belongs to Parvoviridae, is a well-defined pathogen of respiratory infections, particularly in young children [1]. In contrast, the frequency of HBoV infections in adults with respiratory symptoms is virtually unknown and its causative role in respiratory failure is debated [1, 2]. Furthermore, the observation that dexamethasone is beneficial in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure requiring respiratory support has gained great interest [3]. However, whether glucocorticoid treatment is useful in other severe viral respiratory diseases is a matter of controversy [4]. Human bocavirus (HBoV) has to be considered a life-threatening pathogen in adults with atypical pneumonia. Pulsed high-dose glucocorticoid treatment may be beneficial in patients suffering from severe pulmonary disease caused by HBoV or other viruses.https://bit.ly/3epiMyO
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Flemming S, Hankir M, Hering I, Meybohm P, Krone M, Weissbrich B, Germer CT, Wiegering A. Abdominal fluid samples (negative for SARS-CoV-2) from a critically unwell patient with respiratory COVID-19. Br J Surg 2020; 107:e259-e260. [PMID: 32452530 PMCID: PMC7283889 DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Steinhardt MJ, Wiercinska E, Pham M, Grigoleit GU, Mazzoni A, Da-Via M, Zhou X, Meckel K, Nickel K, Duell J, Krummenast FC, Kraus S, Hopkinson C, Weissbrich B, Müllges W, Stoll G, Kortüm KM, Einsele H, Bonig H, Rasche L. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient post allo-HCT successfully treated with JC virus specific donor lymphocytes. J Transl Med 2020; 18:177. [PMID: 32316991 PMCID: PMC7175555 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02337-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a demyelinating CNS disorder. Reactivation of John Cunningham virus leads to oligodendrocyte infection with lysis and consequent axonal loss due to demyelination. Patients usually present with confusion and seizures. Late diagnosis and lack of adequate therapy options persistently result in permanent impairment of brain functions. Due to profound T cell depletion, impairment of T-cell function and potent immunosuppressive factors, allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients are at high risk for JCV reactivation. To date, PML is almost universally fatal when occurring after allo-HCT. METHODS To optimize therapy specificity, we enriched JCV specific T-cells out of the donor T-cell repertoire from the HLA-identical, anti-JCV-antibody positive family stem cell donor by unstimulated peripheral apheresis [1]. For this, we selected T cells responsive to five JCV peptide libraries via the Cytokine Capture System technology. It enables the enrichment of JCV specific T cells via identification of stimulus-induced interferon gamma secretion. RESULTS Despite low frequencies of responsive T cells, we succeeded in generating a product containing 20 000 JCV reactive T cells ready for patient infusion. The adoptive cell transfer was performed without complication. Consequently, the clinical course stabilized and the patient slowly went into remission of PML with JCV negative CSF and containment of PML lesion expansion. CONCLUSION We report for the first time feasibility of generating T cells with possible anti-JCV activity from a seropositive family donor, a variation of virus specific T-cell therapies suitable for the post allo transplant setting. We also present the unusual case for successful treatment of PML after allo-HCT via virus specific T-cell therapy.
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Elling R, Böttcher S, du Bois F, Müller A, Prifert C, Weissbrich B, Hofmann J, Korn K, Eis-Hübinger AM, Hufnagel M, Panning M. Epidemiology of Human Parechovirus Type 3 Upsurge in 2 Hospitals, Freiburg, Germany, 2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:1384-1388. [PMID: 31211683 PMCID: PMC6590756 DOI: 10.3201/eid2507.190257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2018, a cluster of pediatric human parechovirus (HPeV) infections in 2 neighboring German hospitals was detected. Viral protein 1 sequence analysis demonstrated co-circulation of different HPeV-3 sublineages and of HPeV-1 and -5 strains, thereby excluding a nosocomial outbreak. Our findings underline the need for HPeV diagnostics and sequence analysis for outbreak investigations.
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Prifert C, Weissbrich B. Different epidemiological characteristics of respiratory virus infections in children and adults. J Clin Virol 2016. [PMCID: PMC7172115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2016.08.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kasang C, Kalluvya S, Majinge C, Kongola G, Mlewa M, Massawe I, Kabyemera R, Magambo K, Ulmer A, Klinker H, Gschmack E, Horn A, Koutsilieri E, Preiser W, Hofmann D, Hain J, Müller A, Dölken L, Weissbrich B, Rethwilm A, Stich A, Scheller C. Effects of Prednisolone on Disease Progression in Antiretroviral-Untreated HIV Infection: A 2-Year Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146678. [PMID: 26812052 PMCID: PMC4727920 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-disease progression correlates with immune activation. Here we investigated whether corticosteroid treatment can attenuate HIV disease progression in antiretroviral-untreated patients. METHODS Double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial including 326 HIV-patients in a resource-limited setting in Tanzania (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01299948). Inclusion criteria were a CD4 count above 300 cells/μl, the absence of AIDS-defining symptoms and an ART-naïve therapy status. Study participants received 5 mg prednisolone per day or placebo for 2 years. Primary endpoint was time to progression to an AIDS-defining condition or to a CD4-count below 200 cells/μl. RESULTS No significant change in progression towards the primary endpoint was observed in the intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis (19 cases with prednisolone versus 28 cases with placebo, p = 0.1407). In a per-protocol (PP)-analysis, 13 versus 24 study participants progressed to the primary study endpoint (p = 0.0741). Secondary endpoints: Prednisolone-treatment decreased immune activation (sCD14, suPAR, CD38/HLA-DR/CD8+) and increased CD4-counts (+77.42 ± 5.70 cells/μl compared to -37.42 ± 10.77 cells/μl under placebo, p < 0.0001). Treatment with prednisolone was associated with a 3.2-fold increase in HIV viral load (p < 0.0001). In a post-hoc analysis stratifying for sex, females treated with prednisolone progressed significantly slower to the primary study endpoint than females treated with placebo (ITT-analysis: 11 versus 21 cases, p = 0.0567; PP-analysis: 5 versus 18 cases, p = 0.0051): No changes in disease progression were observed in men. CONCLUSIONS This study could not detect any significant effects of prednisolone on disease progression in antiretroviral-untreated HIV infection within the intent-to-treat population. However, significant effects were observed on CD4 counts, immune activation and HIV viral load. This study contributes to a better understanding of the role of immune activation in the pathogenesis of HIV infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01299948.
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Streng A, Prifert C, Weissbrich B, Liese JG. Continued high incidence of children with severe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 admitted to paediatric intensive care units in Germany during the first three post-pandemic influenza seasons, 2010/11-2012/13. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:573. [PMID: 26678835 PMCID: PMC4683816 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1293-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous influenza surveillance at paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Germany indicated increased incidence of PICU admissions for the pandemic influenza subtype A(H1N1)pdm09. We investigated incidence and clinical characteristics of influenza in children admitted to PICUs during the first three post-pandemic influenza seasons, using active screening. METHODS We conducted a prospective surveillance study in 24 PICUs in Bavaria (Germany) from October 2010 to September 2013. Influenza cases among children between 1 month and 16 years of age admitted to these PICUs with acute respiratory infection were confirmed by PCR analysis of respiratory secretions. RESULTS A total of 24/7/20 influenza-associated PICU admissions were recorded in the post-pandemic seasons 1/2/3; incidence estimates per 100,000 children were 1.72/0.76/1.80, respectively. Of all 51 patients, 80% had influenza A, including 65% with A(H1N1)pdm09. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was almost absent in season 2 (incidence 0.11), but dominated PICU admissions in seasons 1 (incidence 1.35) and 3 (incidence 1.17). Clinical data was available for 47 influenza patients; median age was 4.8 years (IQR 1.6-11.0). The most frequent diagnoses were influenza-associated pneumonia (62%), bronchitis/bronchiolitis (32%), secondary bacterial pneumonia (26 %), and ARDS (21%). Thirty-six patients (77 %) had underlying medical conditions. Median duration of PICU stay was 3 days (IQR 1-11). Forty-seven per cent of patients received mechanical ventilation, and one patient (2%) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; 19% were treated with oseltamivir. Five children (11%) had pulmonary sequelae. Five children (11%) died; all had underlying chronic conditions and were infected with A(H1N1)pdm09. In season 3, patients with A(H1N1)pdm09 were younger than in season 1 (p = 0.020), were diagnosed more often with bronchitis/bronchiolitis (p = 0.004), and were admitted to a PICU later after the onset of influenza symptoms (p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS Active screening showed a continued high incidence of A(H1N1)pdm09-associated PICU admissions in the post-pandemic seasons 1 and 3, and indicated possible underestimation of incidence in previous German studies. The age shift of severe A(H1N1)pdm09 towards younger children may be explained by increasing immunity in the older paediatric population. The high proportion of patients with underlying chronic conditions indicates the importance of consistent implementation of the current influenza vaccination recommendations for risk groups in Germany.
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Millar EL, Rennick LJ, Weissbrich B, Schneider-Schaulies J, Duprex WP, Rima BK. The phosphoprotein genes of measles viruses from subacute sclerosing panencephalitis cases encode functional as well as non-functional proteins and display reduced editing. Virus Res 2015; 211:29-37. [PMID: 26428304 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Products expressed from the second (P/V/C) gene are important in replication and abrogating innate immune responses during acute measles virus (MV) infection. Thirteen clone sets were derived from the P/V/C genes of measles virus (MV) RNA extracted from brains of a unique collection of seven cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) caused by persistent MV in the central nervous system (CNS). Whether these functions are fully maintained when MV replicates in the CNS has not been previously determined. Co-transcriptional editing of the P mRNAs by non-template insertion of guanine (G) nucleotides, which generates mRNAs encoding the viral V protein, occurs much less frequently (9%) in the SSPE derived samples than during the acute infection (30-50%). Thus it is likely that less V protein, which is involved in combatting the innate immune response, is produced. The P genes in MV from SSPE cases were not altered by biased hypermutation but exhibited a high degree of variation within each case. Most but not all SSPE derived phospho-(P) proteins were functional in mini genome replication/transcription assays. An eight amino acid truncation of the carboxyl-terminus made the P protein non-functional while the insertion of an additional glycine residue by insertion of G nucleotides at the editing site had no effect on protein function.
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Mueller A, Stoetter L, Kalluvya S, Stich A, Majinge C, Weissbrich B, Kasang C. Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among health care workers in a tertiary hospital in Tanzania. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:386. [PMID: 26399765 PMCID: PMC4581415 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1129-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa has a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. Health care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of contracting HBV infection through their occupation. Vaccination of HCWs against HBV is standard practice in many countries, but is often not implemented in resource-poor settings. We aimed with this cross-sectional study to determine HBV prevalence, HCW vaccination status, and the risk factors for HCWs contracting HBV infection in Tanzania. Methods We enrolled 600 HCWs from a tertiary Tanzanian hospital. Their demographics, medical histories, HBV vaccination details and risk factors for contracting blood-borne infections were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers by ELISA techniques, PCR and an anti-HBs rapid test. HCWs were divided in two subgroups: those at risk of contracting HBV (rHCW 79.2 %) via exposure to potentially infectious materials, and those considered not at risk of contracting HBV (nrHCW, 20.8 %). Results The overall prevalence of chronic HBV infection (HBsAg+, anti-HBc+, anti-HBs-) was 7.0 % (42/598). Chronic HBV infection was found in 7.4 % of rHCW versus 5.6 % of nrHCW (p-value = 0.484). HCWs susceptible to HBV (HBsAg-, anti-HBc-, anti-HBs-) comprised 31.3 %. HBV immunity achieved either by healed HBV infection (HBsAg-, anti-HBc+, anti-HBs+) or by vaccination (HBsAg-, anti-HBc-, anti-HBs+) comprised 36.5 % and 20.2 %, respectively. 4.8 % of participants had indeterminate results (HBsAg-, anti-HBc+, anti-HBc-IgM-, anti-HBs-). Only 77.1 % of HCWs who received a full vaccination course had an anti-HBs titer >10 ml/U. An anti-HBs point-of-care test was 80.7 % sensitive and 96.9 % specific. There was a significantly higher risk for contracting HBV (anti-HBc+) among those HCW at occupational risk (rHCW) of older age (odds ratios (OR) in rHCW 3.297, p < 0.0001 vs. nrHCW 1.385, p = 0.606) and among those HCW being employed more than 11 years (OR 2.51, p < 0.0001***). HCV prevalence was low (HCV antibodies 1.2 % and HCV-RNA 0.3 %). Conclusions Chronic HBV infection is common among Tanzanian HCWs. One third of HCWs were susceptible to HBV infection, highlighting the need for vaccination. Due to high prevalence of naturally acquired immunity against HBV pre-testing might be a useful tool to identify susceptible individuals.
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Bauer B, Goebeler M, Weissbrich B, Kerstan A. Kerinokeratosis Papulosa of Childhood. Dermatology 2015; 231:1-4. [PMID: 26044728 DOI: 10.1159/000381539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kerinokeratosis papulosa (KP) is considered an extremely rare genodermatosis presenting usually as waxy papules on the trunk in childhood. OBJECTIVE To describe and analyze the clinical, histological and potential etiopathological aspects of KP. METHODS The dermatoscopic features of a new case of KP of childhood are investigated. The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in lesional skin was studied by polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, all cases of KP of childhood reported so far were reviewed. RESULTS As a diagnostic tool, we describe for the first time a dermatoscopic feature, namely a cribriform pattern of KP, in an 11-year-old boy. In addition, we detected HPV (type 57) in his KP lesions. CONCLUSIONS Dermatoscopic examination might be a useful tool to distinguish KP from other skin lesions, e.g. common warts. The detection of HPV type 57 might hint to an etiological role of HPV for KP.
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Prifert C, Streng A, Krempl CD, Liese J, Weissbrich B. Novel respiratory syncytial virus a genotype, Germany, 2011-2012. Emerg Infect Dis 2013; 19:1029-30. [PMID: 23735287 PMCID: PMC3713827 DOI: 10.3201/eid1906.121582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Schönberger K, Ludwig MS, Wildner M, Weissbrich B. Epidemiology of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) in Germany from 2003 to 2009: a risk estimation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e68909. [PMID: 23874807 PMCID: PMC3706451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal long-term complication of measles infection. We performed an estimation of the total number of SSPE cases in Germany for the period 2003 to 2009 and calculated the risk of SSPE after an acute measles infection. SSPE cases were collected from the Surveillance Unit for Rare Paediatric Diseases in Germany and the Institute of Virology and Immunobiology at the University of Würzburg. The total number of SSPE cases was estimated by capture-recapture analysis. For the period 2003 to 2009, 31 children with SSPE who were treated at German hospitals were identified. The capture-recapture estimate was 39 cases (95% confidence interval: 29.2–48.0). The risk of developing SSPE for children contracting measles infection below 5 years of age was calculated as 1∶1700 to 1∶3300. This risk is in the same order of magnitude as the risk of a fatal acute measles infection.
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Hansen HC, Klingbeil C, Dalmau J, Li W, Weissbrich B, Wandinger KP. Persistent intrathecal antibody synthesis 15 years after recovering from anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. JAMA Neurol 2013; 70:117-9. [PMID: 23318518 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2013.585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti- N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a severe autoimmune disorder characterized by high intrathecal antibody synthesis. Little is known about the long-term follow-up of the cerebrospinal fluid antibody status. OBJECTIVE To describe persistent intrathecal antibody synthesis in a clinically healthy person 15 years after recovering from anti-NMDAR encephalitis. DESIGN Case report. SETTING Academic medical center. PATIENT A 40-year-old woman who had been diagnosed as having encephalitis of unknown origin in 1995. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical evaluation and NMDAR antibody testing. RESULTS On reexamination in 2011, the patient had fully recovered. Investigation of archived as well as follow-up serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples revealed intrathecal synthesis of NMDAR antibodies. CONCLUSIONS This is the longest follow-up on a patient with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Our findings emphasize that intrathecal antibody synthesis does not necessarily reflect disease activity and that the significance of NMDAR antibody titers needs to be interpreted for each patient according to the clinical context.
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Brecht I, Weissbrich B, Braun J, Toyka KV, Weishaupt A, Buttmann M. Intrathecal, polyspecific antiviral immune response in oligoclonal band negative multiple sclerosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40431. [PMID: 22792316 PMCID: PMC3392215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oligoclonal bands (OCB) are detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in more than 95% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Western hemisphere. Here we evaluated the intrathecal, polyspecific antiviral immune response as a potential diagnostic CSF marker for OCB-negative MS patients. Methodology/Principal Findings We tested 46 OCB-negative German patients with paraclinically well defined, definite MS. Sixteen OCB-negative patients with a clear diagnosis of other autoimmune CNS disorders and 37 neurological patients without evidence for autoimmune CNS inflammation served as control groups. Antibodies against measles, rubella, varicella zoster and herpes simplex virus in paired serum and CSF samples were determined by ELISA, and virus-specific immunoglobulin G antibody indices were calculated. An intrathecal antibody synthesis against at least one neurotropic virus was detected in 8 of 26 (31%) patients with relapsing-remitting MS, 8 of 12 (67%) with secondary progressive MS and 5 of 8 (63%) with primary progressive MS, in 3 of 16 (19%) CNS autoimmune and 3 of 37 (8%) non-autoimmune control patients. Antibody synthesis against two or more viruses was found in 11 of 46 (24%) MS patients but in neither of the two control groups. On average, MS patients with a positive antiviral immune response were older and had a longer disease duration than those without. Conclusion Determination of the intrathecal, polyspecific antiviral immune response may allow to establish a CSF-supported diagnosis of MS in OCB-negative patients when two or more of the four virus antibody indices are elevated.
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Wieching A, Benser J, Kohlhauser-Vollmuth C, Weissbrich B, Streng A, Liese JG. Clinical characteristics of pediatric hospitalizations associated with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in Northern Bavaria, Germany. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:304. [PMID: 22713762 PMCID: PMC3438061 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) (PIA) virus infected large parts of the pediatric population with a wide clinical spectrum and an initially unknown complication rate. The aims of our study were to define clinical characteristics and outcome of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009-associated hospitalizations (PIAH) in children <18 years of age. All hospitalized cases of children <18 years of age with laboratory-confirmed pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in the region of Wuerzburg (Northern Bavaria, Germany) between July 2009 and March 2010 were identified. For these children a medical chart review was performed to determine their clinical characteristics and complications. Results Between July 2009 and March 2010, 94 PIAH (62% males) occurred in children <18 years of age, with a median age of 7 years (IQR: 3–12 years). Underlying diseases and predisposing factors were documented in 40 (43%) children; obesity (n = 12, 30%), asthma (n = 10, 25%) and neurologic disorders (n = 8, 20%) were most frequently reported. Sixteen (17%) children received oxygen supplementation; three (3%) children required mechanical ventilation. Six (6%) children were admitted to an intensive care unit, four of them with underlying chronic diseases. Conclusions Most PIAH demonstrated a benign course of disease. However, six children (6%) needed treatment at an intensive care unit for severe complications.
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Sauerbrei A, Bohn K, Heim A, Hofmann J, Weissbrich B, Schnitzler P, Hoffmann D, Zell R, Jahn G, Wutzler P, Hamprecht K. Novel resistance-associated mutations of thymidine kinase and DNA polymerase genes of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2. Antivir Ther 2012; 16:1297-308. [PMID: 22155911 DOI: 10.3851/imp1870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies to verify correlations between phenotypes and genotypes of herpes simplex virus (HSV) are an important tool to establish a database of resistance-associated mutations. METHODS In this study, 32 acyclovir (ACV)-resistant clinical HSV-1 and 4 ACV-resistant clinical HSV-2 isolates were examined in parallel by both phenotypic and genotypic resistance testing. Additionally, five non-viable HSV-1 strains and two non-viable HSV-2 strains with clinical resistance were included in genotypic resistance analysis. RESULTS All ACV-resistant HSV isolates showed cross-resistance to brivudin and penciclovir, and were sensitive to foscarnet and cidofovir. Acyclovir resistance was assigned to frameshift and single non-synonymous mutations of the thymidine kinase (TK) gene in 32 out of 37 HSV-1 strains and in 4 out of 6 HSV-2 strains. In three HSV-1 isolates, there were resistance-associated amino acid substitutions of the DNA polymerase (pol). Six substitutions in the TK and two in the DNA pol gene could not be attributed without doubt to either ACV resistance or natural gene polymorphism. Altogether, 10 resistance-related mutations in the TK and 1 in the DNA pol gene have not been reported previously. CONCLUSIONS The novel non-synonymous mutations found in this study enrich the knowledge about the genetic alterations of TK and DNA pol genes in ACV-resistant clinical HSV strains. Together with data from the literature, the findings justify the generation of a HSV database that contains resistance mutations associated with ACV resistance phenotype.
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Nass M, Weissbrich B, Huber M, Schneider EM, Weiss M. BK viremia in critically ill surgical patients with hemorrhagic or septic shock. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:100. [PMID: 22339896 PMCID: PMC3305643 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infections with polyomavirus BK virus (BKV) are a common cause of renal dysfunction after renal transplantation and may also be harmful in surgical patients with shock. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of BKV viremia in critically ill surgical patients with septic or hemorrhagic shock, and, if viremia is detectable, whether viremia may be associated with renal dysfunction. Findings A total of 125 plasma samples from 44 critically ill surgical patients with septic or hemorrhagic shock were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BKV DNA during their stay on the intensive care unit (ICU). BKV viremia occurred in four patients, i.e. in three of the septic and in one of the hemorrhagic shock group. There was no association between viremia and renal dysfunction. All positive samples contained a low viral load (< 500 copies/ml). Conclusions Since BK viremia was rarely found and with low viral load only in critically ill surgical patients with shock, it is very unlikely that BK viremia results in BK nephropathy later on.
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Fehrholz M, Kendl S, Prifert C, Weissbrich B, Lemon K, Rennick L, Duprex PW, Rima BK, Koning FA, Holmes RK, Malim MH, Schneider-Schaulies J. The innate antiviral factor APOBEC3G targets replication of measles, mumps and respiratory syncytial viruses. J Gen Virol 2011; 93:565-576. [PMID: 22170635 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.038919-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytidine deaminase APOBEC3G (apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme-catalytic polypeptide 3G; A3G) exerts antiviral activity against retroviruses, hepatitis B virus, adeno-associated virus and transposable elements. We assessed whether the negative-strand RNA viruses measles, mumps and respiratory syncytial might be affected by A3G, and found that their infectivity was reduced by 1-2 logs (90-99 %) in A3G overexpressing Vero cells, and in T-cell lines expressing A3G at physiological levels. Viral RNA was co-precipitated with HA-tagged A3G and could be amplified by RT-PCR. Interestingly, A3G reduced viral transcription and protein expression in infected cells by 50-70 %, and caused an increased mutation frequency of 0.95 mutations per 1000 nt in comparison to the background level of 0.22/1000. The observed mutations were not specific for A3G [cytidine to uridine (C→U) or guanine to adenine (G→A) hypermutations], nor specific for ADAR (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA, A→G and U→C transitions, with preference for next neighbour-nucleotides U = A>C>G). In addition, A3G mutants with inactivated catalytic deaminase (H257R and E259Q) were inhibitory, indicating that the deaminase activity is not required for the observed antiviral activity. In combination, impaired transcription and increased mutation frequencies are sufficient to cause the observed reduction in viral infectivity and eliminate virus replication within a few passages in A3G-expressing cells.
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Kasang C, Kalluvya S, Majinge C, Stich A, Bodem J, Kongola G, Jacobs GB, Mlewa M, Mildner M, Hensel I, Horn A, Preiser W, van Zyl G, Klinker H, Koutsilieri E, Rethwilm A, Scheller C, Weissbrich B. HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) in antiretroviral therapy-naïve patients in Tanzania not eligible for WHO threshold HIVDR survey is dramatically high. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23091. [PMID: 21886779 PMCID: PMC3158766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended guidelines for a HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) survey for resource-limited countries. Eligibility criteria for patients include age below 25 years in order to focus on the prevalence of transmitted HIVDR (tHIVDR) in newly-infected individuals. Most of the participating sites across Africa have so far reported tHIVDR prevalences of below 5%. In this study we investigated whether the rate of HIVDR in patients <25 years is representative for HIVDR in the rest of the therapy-naïve population. Methods and Findings HIVDR was determined in 88 sequentially enrolled ART-naïve patients from Mwanza, Tanzania (mean age 35.4 years). Twenty patients were aged <25 years and 68 patients were aged 25–63 years. The frequency of HIVDR in the study population was 14.8% (95%; CI 0.072–0.223) and independent of NVP-resistance induced by prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs. Patients >25 years had a significantly higher HIVDR frequency than younger patients (19.1%; 95% CI 0.095–0.28) versus 0%, P = 0.0344). In 2 out of the 16 patients with HIVDR we found traces of antiretrovirals (ARVs) in plasma. Conclusions ART-naïve patients aged over 25 years exhibited significantly higher HIVDR than younger patients. Detection of traces of ARVs in individuals with HIVDR suggests that besides transmission, undisclosed misuse of ARVs may constitute a significant factor in the generation of the observed high HIVDR rate. The current WHO tHIVDR survey that is solely focused on the transmission of HIVDR and that excludes patients over 25 years of age may therefore result in substantial underestimation of the prevalence of HIVDR in the therapy-naïve population. Similar studies should be performed also in other areas to test whether the so far reported optimistic picture of low HIVDR prevalence in young individuals is really representative for the rest of the ART-naïve HIV-infected population.
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Wiegering V, Schick J, Beer M, Weissbrich B, Gattenlöhner S, Girschick HJ, Liese J, Schlegel PG, Eyrich M. Varicella-zoster virus infections in immunocompromised patients - a single centre 6-years analysis. BMC Pediatr 2011; 11:31. [PMID: 21569228 PMCID: PMC3115870 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2431-11-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) contemporaneously with malignant disease or immunosuppression represents a particular challenge and requires individualized decisions and treatment. Although the increasing use of varicella-vaccines in the general population and rapid initiation of VZV-immunoglobulins and acyclovir in case of exposure has been beneficial for some patients, immunocompromised individuals are still at risk for unfavourable courses. Methods In this single center, 6-year analysis we review incidence, hospitalization and complication rates of VZV-infections in our center and compare them to published data. Furthermore, we report three instructive cases. Results Hospitalization rate of referred children with VZV-infections was 45%, among these 17% with malignancies and 9% under immunosuppressive therapy. Rate of complications was not elevated in these two high-risk cohorts, but one ALL-patient died due to VZV-related complications. We report one 4-year old boy with initial diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia who showed a rapidly fatal outcome of his simultaneous varicella-infection, one 1.8-year old boy with an identical situation but a mild course of his disease, and an 8.5-year old boy with a steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. This boy developed severe hepatic involvement during his varicella-infection but responded to immediate withdrawl of steroids and administration of acyclovir plus single-dose cidofovir after nonresponse to acyclovir after 48 h. Conclusion Our data show that patients with malignant diseases or immunosuppressive therapy should be hospitalized and treated immediately with antiviral agents. Despite these measures the course of VZV-infections can be highly variable in these patients. We discuss aids to individual decision-making for these difficult situations.
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Kantola K, Sadeghi M, Ewald MJ, Weissbrich B, Allander T, Lindau C, Andreasson K, Lahtinen A, Kumar A, Norja P, Jartti T, Lehtinen P, Auvinen E, Ruuskanen O, Söderlund-Venermo M, Hedman K. Expression and serological characterization of polyomavirus WUPyV and KIPyV structural proteins. Viral Immunol 2011; 23:385-93. [PMID: 20712483 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2009.0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The polyomaviruses WUPyV and KIPyV were recently discovered. We expressed their structural proteins VP1, VP2, and VP3, and the corresponding proteins of BKV and JCV, for immunoblotting of IgG antibodies from 115 wheezing young children and 25 asymptomatic adults. Furthermore, nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) and sera from the children were examined by PCR for viral DNA. The overlapping minor proteins VP2 and VP3 of WUPyV and KIPyV were more reactive in immunoblots than the major protein VP1; of 100 NPA PCR-negative wheezing children aged < or = 4 y, 31 (31%) and 31 (31%) were positive for WUPyV and KIPyV VP2/VP3, compared to only 3 (3%) and 5 (5%) for VP1, respectively. For comparison, the respective WUPyV and KIPyV IgG seroprevalences as determined by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) with nondenatured VP1 were 80% and 54%, respectively, among 50 NPA PCR-negative children aged < or = 2 y. This difference shows the importance of conformational VP1 antigenicity. Of the 25 adults, 52% and 68% were IgG-positive in immunoblots for VP2/VP3 of WUPyV and KIPyV, and 8% and 12% were for VP1, respectively. Of the 192 NPA samples studied by PCR, 7 (3.6%) were positive for WUPyV, and 3 (1.5%) were positive for KIPyV DNA. Unlike the NPA samples, none of the corresponding 443 sera contained WUPyV or KIPyV DNA. Together with the high VP2/VP3 IgG prevalence, this points to a paucity or brevity of KIPyV and WUPyV viremias among immunocompetent children. Our results indicate the significance of protein conformation in immunoreactivity of VP1, and show the antigenic importance of the WUPyV and KIPyV minor proteins VP2 and VP3. The high and rapidly increasing IgG prevalence rates observed in this study for WUPyV and KIPyV support the notion that these novel polyomaviruses are widespread and are acquired early in childhood.
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