Prenatal stress leads to changes in IGF-1 binding proteins network in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of adult male rat

Depression is a mental disorder of still unknown origin. Currently, much attention is paid to the potential influence of disturbances in the functioning of neurotrophic factors on the onset of this disease. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is one of the most important growth agents affecting processes that are crucial for brain development. To date, there are no data showing the impact of prenatal stress on the family of six IGF binding proteins (IGFBP 1-6) that regulate IGF-1 bioactivity. The goal of this study was to investigate whether the decreased expression of IGF-1 in the frontal cortex (FCx) and hippocampus (Hp) of adult male rats following a prenatal stress procedure is related to changes in the IGFBP family. Our results show that rats exposed prenatally to stressful stimuli displayed depression-like behavior based on sucrose preference and elevated plus maze tests. In both cases, in the adult rat brain structures that were examined after the prenatal stress procedure, the IGF-1 protein level was reduced. Moreover, we observed changes of varying degrees in the levels of IGFBPs in stressed animals. A decrease in IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 accompanied by an increase in the IGFBP-4 concentration in the Hp and the FCx was detected. There were no differences in IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-6 brain levels between the stressed and control animals, whereas IGFBP-5 concentration was decreased in the Hp of prenatally stressed animals. This study demonstrated that stress during pregnancy may lead not only to behavioral disturbances but also to a decrease in IGF-1 level and the dysregulation of the IGF-1 binding protein network in adult rat offspring.

The prevalence of anti-rubella antibodies in women of childbearing age in Poland

Congenital rubella is a clinically serious problem, which is due to maternal infection with rubella virus during the first trimester of pregnancy. It may result in spontaneous abortion or in fetal infection leading to fetal birth defect. Maternal anti-rubella antibodies have a protective effect and they may prevent congenital rubella. Vaccination of 13-year-old girls in Poland was introduced in 1989. Vaccination coverage is above 95%. The presence of anti-rubella antibodies in maternal blood >15 IU/ml is indicative for immunity to rubella. Thus, the aim of the study was the evaluation of anti-rubella antibody levels in women 15-30 years old. Samples of that sera were collected from six provinces in Poland. We have observed the decrease of anti-rubella antibody titer together with increasing age of tested women. Among 1289 investigated women 135 [10.5%] did not have protective levels of anti-rubella antibodies. We have noticed large decline in protective anti-rubella antibodies in young women (19-22 years of age), who are just entering their prime childbearing years.

Molecular epidemiology survey of toxinogenic Clostridium perfringens strain types by multiplex PCR

Toxin genotypes of 95 C. perfringens strains collected within a 45-year period were analysed by a multiplex PCR. A set of primers designed for 4 different genes encoding the alpha, beta, epsilon, and iota toxins was used in a single reaction with a sensitivity of gene detection of 200 fg for DNA extracted from pure culture. Most of the strains (97%) conformed to the A biotype, and the remaining to the C or E biotypes. For biotype determination, seroneutralization of lethality in mice was performed by intravenous injection. Toxin phenotype and genotype profile were concordant in 94% of strains. Our results documented the presence of rare toxin genotypes of C. perfringens in a Polish geographical region and indicated the suitability of multiplex PCR as a method supplementing classical techniques and providing better insight into the prevalence of toxinogenic C. perfringens strains.

Temporal nucleotide changes in pertactin and pertussis toxin genes in Bordetella pertussis strains isolated from clinical cases in Poland

Growing number of Bordetella pertussis infections in 1997-1998 in Poland overshadowed the successful national vaccination program. This situation prompted us to investigate if this shift reflects changes in the B. pertussis population. We investigated the possible divergence in genes encoding pertussis toxin subunit 1 (PtxS1) and pertactin (P.69) in B. pertussis population strains during the period of 1960-2000. The pertussis toxin and pertactin variants (ptxS1B and prn1) were found in strains used for production of the whole-cell pertussis vaccine (WCV) production in Poland. Results of the study indicate that the ptxS1A-allele replaced the vaccine variant in 69% in the 1960s, and in 100% in 1990s, and although the prn1-allele was found in all strains from the 1960s and 1970s, after 1995 was gradually replaced by prn2 and prn4 variants. Presumably, vaccination could affect the population structure of B. pertussis in Poland and resulted in antigenic shift in both genes analyzed. Our findings may have implications for the composition of polish WCV and the currently licensed acellular pertussis vaccines.

Vaccination against hepatitis viruses in Poland

At present, two etiologic varieties of viral hepatitis (VH) can be directly vaccine-preventable: VH type A and VH type B. In addition, VH type D can be prevented indirectly through vaccination against VH-B. The first commercially available vaccine against VH-B appeared in 1981 and was human plasma-derived. After several years, it has generally been replaced by a recombinant type of vaccines. The obvious benefits of vaccination against VH-B prompted its introduction into the national immunization program in Poland in 1989. At that time, vaccination was offered free of charge to high-risk groups: newborns of HBsAg-carrier mothers, health-care workers, students: at medical schools, nursing schools, medical technology schools, and caretakers at institutions for mentally retarded persons. However, similarly to the experiences of other countries, observations in Poland indicated that such a targeted strategy fails to induce major epidemiological changes. In 1989 and in 1993, the incidence of VH-B per 100000 was 40.3 and 34.6, respectively. In addition, during these years, the incidence of V-B per 100000 children aged 0-4 years was 20.0 and 38.4, respectively. It has been decided that vaccination against VH-B will be obligatory for all newborns beginning from 1993. Due to financial constraints, it has been introduced in three phases, and since 1996, all newborns in Poland have been vaccinated. Already in 1993, three additional risk groups have been offered vaccination: patients with chronic diseases, patients awaiting planned surgery, and persons coming into close contact with acute VH-B or chronically HBV-infected individuals. In 1999, the incidence of VH-B per 100000 was 9.1/100000, and it may be assumed that vaccination helped to decrease the incidence of VH-B in Poland. The country experience with vaccination against VH-A is still limited. At present, it is recommended for children and adolescents and people dealing with food distribution, as well as for several other groups of people, such as travellers or long-term visitors (soldiers, missionaries, diplomats) to the endemic regions of the world. It has also been recommended in connection with natural disasters such as floods occurring in a large area of Poland in 1997.

[Use of electrophoresis in polyacrylomide gel (SDS_PAGE) for evaluating IgG structure--the main component of human intravenous immunoglobulin]

For the assessment of the structure of IgG particles in the immunoglobulin preparation for intravenous use (Bioglobulin) electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE) was applied in place of filtration on Sephadex G-200 gel. The method serves for determination of the molecular weight of polypeptide chains under conditions of reduction. The method is rapid, sensitive and of high resolution. Six batches of the preparation were examined finding that IgG monomers and dimers accounted for over 90%, with IgG aggregates about 3% and degradation products about 1%. The obtained values comply with the recommendation of the WHO and requirements in the latest edition of Europea Pharmacopaes.

Linker histones play a role in male meiosis and the development of pollen grains in tobacco

To examine the function of linker histone variants, we produced transgenic tobacco plants in which major somatic histone variants H1A and H1B were present at approximately 25% of their usual amounts in tobacco chromatin. The decrease in these major variants was accompanied by a compensatory increase in the four minor variants, namely, H1C to H1F. These minor variants are smaller and less highly charged than the major variants. This change offered a unique opportunity to examine the consequences to a plant of major remodeling of its chromatin set of linker histones. Plants with markedly altered proportions of H1 variants retained normal nucleosome spacing, but their chromosomes were less tightly packed than those of control plants. The transgenic plants grew normally but showed characteristic aberrations in flower development and were almost completely male sterile. These features correlated with changes in the temporal but not the spatial pattern of expression of developmental genes that could be linked to the abnormal flower phenotypes. Preceding these changes in flower morphology were strong aberrations in male gametogenesis. The earliest symptoms may have resulted from disturbances in correct pairing or segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis. No aberrations were observed during mitosis. We conclude that in plants, the physiological stoichiometry and distribution of linker histone variants are crucial for directing male meiosis and the subsequent development of functional pollen grains.

[Coexpression of CD4 and CD8 antigens and the appearance of HLA-DR and CD25 receptors on lymphocytes as markers of immune activation in patients with HIV infection]

Results of quantitative determinations of peripheral blood lymphocytes presenting CD4 or simultaneously CD4 and CD8 antigens as well as HLA-DR and CD25 antigens in patients with different clinical stages of CD4+ and CD4+CD8+ cells were observed. The fall of CD4+CD8+ lymphocytes percentage was slight in the initial stages of infection but more sharp during the full-blown AIDS. The percentage of HLA-DR positive cells was higher in seropositive patients in comparison with controls and increased with the progression of HIV infection into AIDS. The CD25 expression was also higher in HIV-infected patients, however, it decreased in patients with late stages of AIDS. The observed disturbances could be caused by the direct destruction by replicating HIV or by severe abnormalities of immune system function.

[Presence of autoantibodies in patients infected with HIV]

The presence of serum autoantibodies directed against single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), RNA, histones, nuclear antigen SS-A, mitochondria and cardiolipin were investigated in 30 HIV-negative drug addicts (from years 1986-87), 30 addicts actually infected with HIV and 31 AIDS patients presenting with clinical symptoms indicating autoimmune disorders. Positive results were found in 12 (40%) drug addicts from years 1986-87, 5 (16.7%) actually infected and 16 (51.6%) AIDS patients. Autoantibodies were more often detectable in patients with thrombocytopenia 8/12 (66.7%) than in remaining 8 out of 19 subjects (42.1%) who presented dermatitis, hepatitis, pancarditis, ulcerative colitis and polyneuropathy. The prevalence of autoantibodies in all investigated groups were significantly higher than in controls-1/20 (3.3%).

[Antibody avidity in diagnosis of toxoplasmosis]

The sequential changes in avidity of antibodies to Toxoplasmosis gondii were investigated. The values of avidity were observed to be significantly lower in serum samples drawn in early stages of infection than 3-4 months later and increasing with time of duration of the infection. A correlation was found between antibody avidity and antibody level measured in international units (IU/l), whereas, no correlation was observed between avidity, IU/l and antibody titers.

[The effect of discontinuing intravenous opiate injections and methadone treatment on the status of the immune system in narcotic abusers with HIV]

The effect of discontinuation of injecting drug use and administration of methadone was investigated in 43 HIV-infected drug abusers. In 20 (46.5%) out to them an improvement in the immune status as measured by CD4+ lymphocyte percentage and CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratio was observed, while remaining 23 persons (53.5%) showed stable or decreasing values of both parameters. In the control group which consisted of 23 persons who continued injecting drug use, only 3 (13%) out of the showed increase in the CD4+ lymphocyte percentage and CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratio. It seems that discontinuation of injecting drug use may improve the function of immune system in HIV-infected drug addicts and could be an important factor in the approach for treatment of these patients.

[Occurrence of free receptor for interleukin 2 in serum and quantitative determinations of CD25+ in patients infected with HIV]

Serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R) concentration and the percentage of lymphocytes presenting this receptor (CD25+) were investigated in 28 asymptomatic HIV carriers or patients with lymphadenopathy only and in 15 AIDS patients. The levels of sIL-2R were found to be higher in AIDS patients (mean 1060 U/ml) than in persons during the initial stages of infection (mean 750 U/ml) or controls (mean 470 U/ml). No significant differences in the quantity of CD25+ lymphocytes between these groups were observed, with the means of 1.0; 1.3 and 1.1, respectively. However, a decrease in percentage of these cells were found in patients with advanced HIV infection. Since sIL-2R is regarded as a marker of immune system activation its detection could be helpful in the assessment of the immune status impairment in HIV infected patients.

[Occurrence of autoimmune phenomena in persons infected with HIV. III. Laboratory diagnosis]

The most common laboratory abnormalities in HIV infected patients due to autoimmune reactions are presented. The possible mechanisms of autoagressive disorders, particularly autoantibody synthesis and hematological disturbances are also discussed. The importance of the diagnostic and prognostic value of routinely performed tests was underlined.

[Occurrence of autoimmune phenomena in persons infected with HIV.I. Pathogenetic aspects]

Autoimmune mechanisms presumably involved in the pathogenesis of HIV infection and AIDS are presented. The possible role of similarity between antigens of the major histocompatibility complex and viral antigens in the development of immune system impairment are discussed.

[Occurrence of autoimmune phenomena in persons infected with HIV. II. Clinical manifestations]

This article presents the most common clinical manifestations of autoimmune phenomena occurring in HIV-infected patients. A connective tissue and articular diseases may constitute the important clinical syndromes in the course of infection or, in some patients, may present the first symptoms of clinically overt HIV infection.

Affinity of anti-GP41 antibody in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Anti-gp41 antibody affinity was investigated prospectively in 25 patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic HIV-1 infection for a period of 9-42 months. Major differences in the processes of immune response maturation towards gp41 were observed among individual subjects, however, antibody affinity increased with time in all examined persons including patients with AIDS. Anti-gp41 affinity values were found to reflect both the duration and the clinical stage of HIV infection.

[Evaluation of humoral immune response in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic HIV infection. Analysis of titers of anti-Hbs, antibodies against cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus type I, rubella virus and toxoplasma gondii]

40 asymptomatic HIV carriers and 45 AIDS patients were tested for anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Virus surface antigen), anti-RV (Rubella virus), anti-Toxo (Toxoplasma gondii), anti-CMV (Cytomegalovirus) and anti-HSV-1 (Herpes simplex virus type 1) antibody titers and compared with 83 persons characterized by risk behaviours but seronegative for HIV. The prevalence of these antibodies was very high and similar in all three groups studied, however, patients with AIDS had generally lower antibody titers when compared with asymptomatic carriers. The only exception being anti-HSV-1 which was present in high titre even in gravely ill patients. It seems that subjects with clinically overt HIV infection develop a serious disturbance in the humoral immune response with depressed specific antibody synthesis.

[Efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine after intramuscular or intradermal administration]

We compared the efficacy of intramuscular (im) and intradermal (id) administration of vaccine against HBV. Only one out of 25 im vaccinated subjects did not respond whereas all 25 id immunized persons developed anti-HBs above 10 IU/l. The mean serum level of anti-HBs in im and id vaccinated group was 2351 +/- 2358 IU/l and 1823 +/- 1502 IU/l, respectively (p = 0, 382; NS). It seems that the efficacy of both vaccine administration is very similar.

[Markers of hepatitis A infection in drug addicts]

Prevalence of HAV infection markers was studied in 100 drug addicts whose sera were collected between 1988 and 1989. Anti-HAV antibodies were found in 65 (65%) of the tested drug addicts and in 55% of the individuals serving as the control group. No correlation between the presence of HAV infection markers, and sex, duration of drug abuse or HIV status was seen. However, drug addicts with anti-HAV antibodies were older than those without these antibodies. There was no difference in a mean titre of anti-CMV and anti-HSV type 1 antibodies between the individuals with and without HAV infection markers. It suggests that the tested markers are specific for HAV infection.

[Appearance of thrombocytopenia in patients infected with HIV]

Results of quantitative determinations of thrombocytes and selected, basal immune parameters in 263 HIV infected subjects are presented. A decrease in the platelet count was observed more frequently in symptomatic subjects, including AIDS patients, than in asymptomatic HIV carriers or patients with generalized lymphadenopathy only. A significant correlation between thrombocyte number and percentage and number of CD4+ lymphocyte and CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte ratio was found only in the group of symptomatic subjects. The mechanisms responsible for thrombocytopenia in HIV infected patients ore discussed in details.

[Prevalence of HIV antigens in cerebrospinal fluid and in serum of patients with both asymptomatic and symptomatic HIV infection]

Prevalence of HIV-Ag in both serum and CSF has been determined in 19 HIV infected patients, including 7 patients without any symptoms or only generalized lymphadenopathy, 5 patients with ARC and 7 patients with AIDS. The results have been correlated with clinically evident neurological disorders. HIV-Ag have been detected in 9 out of 12 patients with ARC (AIDS Related Complex) and AIDS. In 8 of them neurological disorders have been present. Out of the remaining 7 patients in only one HIV-Ag has been detected in CSF (p < 025). No correlation between the presence of HIV antigen in CSF and serum has been noted.

[Quantitative assay of CD8+ (cytotoxic and suppressor) lymphocytes in patients with both asymptomatic and symptomatic HIV infection]

Lymphocytes CD8+ have been assayed prospectively in 245 individuals infected with HIV. Percentage and number of CD8+ have been nearly two-fold higher in asymptomatic patients or patients with lymphadenopathy than those in the control group. The number of CD8+ lymphocytes has been rapidly decreasing parallel to the progression of HIV (ARC and AIDS), while their percentage has increased--however insignificantly. There has been a positive correlation between the number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells and all clinical stages of HIV infection.

[Appearance of antibodies against hepatitis type A virus (HAV) in alcoholics]

In 144 alcoholics--patients of alcoholic outpatient clinic anti-HAV antibodies were studied using the commercially available ELISA test. Anti-HCV antibodies were found in 86% of the alcoholics, and this prevalence was not higher than in the control group. No differences were found in the titre of antibodies against cytomegaly and herpes virus between the subjects with and without anti-HAV antibodies which suggests the specificity f the determined anti-HAV antibodies.

[Severe exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B following interferon therapy]

A patient with chronic active hepatitis B was treated with interferon alpha. Inhibition of HBV replication was associated with severe exacerbation of hepatitis. Treatment of chronic hepatitis B with interferon may lead to transient decompensation of liver function, especially in patients with high activity of morphological changes.

[Hepatitis A in drug addicts]

In the years 1982-1988 among patients admitted with the diagnosis of acute virus hepatitis to the Department of Infectious Hepatology, Institute of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases in Warsaw were 25 drug addicts. In 15 of them virus hepatitis B and in 10 virus hepatitis A was recognized. Virus hepatitis A had in the group of addicts a milder course than in controls not taking narcotics.

Affinity of anti-HBs antibody after hepatitis B vaccination

A novel method based on mathematical analysis of the dose-response curve obtained by radioimmunoassay was used to determine anti-HBs affinity and concentration in 29 healthy subjects vaccinated with plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine. Anti-HBs affinity as well as its serum concentration increased with time in most vaccine recipients; however, the pattern of affinity maturation varied widely between individual subjects. In 20 subjects the highest increase in antibody affinity was observed after the third dose of vaccine, whereas in nine cases values of affinity remained low and relatively constant throughout the time of the study.

Prevalence of markers of hepatitis viruses in out-patient alcoholics

The prevalence of HCV, HBV and HAV markers was investigated in unselected patients attending an outpatient alcoholic clinic. Anti-HCV were detected in 35 (24%) of 144 patients studied, and at least one marker of HBV infection was present in 72 (50%). These results are significantly higher than in a matched control population. The presence of anti-HCV was related to previous blood transfusions and familial history of alcoholism. We conclude that alcoholics should be considered a high risk group for both HCV and HBV infection.

Prevalence of markers of hepatotropic viruses among drug addicts in Warsaw, Poland

We studied 100 unselected parenteral drug abusers for infection with hepatitis C, B, A and D virus (HCV, HBV, HAV and HDV). Seventy-six percent had serological evidence of HCV infection. 12% were positive for HBsAg and at least one marker of HBV infection was present in 69%. These results were significantly higher than in a matched control population. Compared to controls, the prevalence of anti-HAV (65%) was not significantly increased in drug addicts. Of the anti-HCV-positive drug addicts, 80.3% had at least one marker of HBV infection compared to 33.3% of anti-HCV-negative cases (p less than 0.001). No such correlation was found between the prevalence of HCV or HBV infection markers and the presence of anti-HAV. Antibodies against HDV were detected in 16 (16%) of the samples from drug addicts. No significant association was found between antibodies to HCV and gender, age and duration of drug abuse. The risk of HBV infection increased significantly with years of drug abuse but was not associated with age and sex. The presence of anti-HAV was related to age only. Sixteen (16%) of the subjects were definitely positive for anti-HIV-1, but at the time of the study they were asymptomatic. No significant association was found between the presence of anti-HIV and the prevalence of serological markers of HBV, HCV, HAV and HDV infection.

[Hepatitis B virus infection in alcoholics]

Chromosomal analysis has been carried out in 4 patients with the symptoms of hepatic coma. An analysis included lymphocytes cultured from peripheral blood. Chromosomal disorders have been assessed with two techniques: structural chromosomal aberrations test, and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test. It has been shown that the extend of chromosomal damage in the form of the gaps, breaks, acentric chromosomes as well as the presence of ring and dicentric chromosomes, and micronuclear cells have been higher in the examined patients. Such changes may evidence DNA repair disorders, and the presence of micronuclear forms may seem an unfavourable prognosis.

[Hepatitis B among drug addicts]

In the years 1980-1988 twenty five drug addicts were identified among 1841 patients hospitalized for acute hepatitis in the Dep. of Hepatology at the Institute of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases in Warsaw. 15 drug addicts had hepatitis B and 10 had hepatitis A. It was found, that the course of acute type B hepatitis was milder in drug addicts, than among control group consisting of non-addicts.

[Epidemic focus of non-A, non-B viral hepatitis in a plasmapheresis unit]

Non-A, non-B hepatitis has been diagnosed in 12 blood donors in a plasmapheresis unit. The course of the disease has been symptomatic, accompanied by jaundice, fatigue, and nausea in 8 cases, and subclinical in the remaining 4 patients. Nine patients were followed-up to 2 years and only 2 patients liver biochemical tests were normalized permanently. The biopsies performed, a year after the acute phase of hepatitis period revealed chronic active disease in patients, chronic persistent hepatitis in 2 patients, acute hepatitis in one, and normal liver in one patient. Repeated liver biopsies, performed one year later, have basically shown similar lesions except one patient in whom chronic active hepatitis progressed to incipient liver cirrhosis. No symptoms of the disease have been usually noted in patients with chronic form of the disease, and liver function tests have occasionally been normal.

[Markers of HBV infection in drug addicts]

Prevalence of markers of HBV infection was tested in two cohorts of drug addicts: in 140 addicts whose sera were drawn in the years 1985-1986 and in 100 addicts whose sera were drawn in the years 1988-1989. HBsAg was found in 10 (7%) patients in the earlier cohort and in 12 (12%) addicts in the latter, while at least one marker of HBV infection was present in 39% and 69%, respectively No correlation was found between the presence of markers of HBV infection and age, gender, or HIV status, however, duration of drug abuse increased the risk of HBV infection. There was no difference in mean titres of anti-CMV and anti-HSV-1 between subjects with and without HBV markers what suggests that the tested markers were specific.

[Occurrence of antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV) among drug addicts]

The prevalence of anti-HCV and serological markers of HBV infection was tested in 100 unselected intravenous drug addicts admitted to a detoxification ward. Anti-HCV were present in 78% addicts, and at least one markers of HBV infection was present in 69% addicts. No correlation was found between anti-HCV status and age, gender, duration of addiction or anti-HIV presence. Furthermore, there was no difference in mean titres of anti-CMV and anti-HSV between subjects with and without anti-HCV what suggests that the anti-HCV tested were specific.

Severe exacerbation of chronic active hepatitis B during interferon alpha therapy

The case of a 52-year-old male with chronic active type B hepatitis in whom severe exacerbation of liver disease was associated with interferon alpha treatment is described. It seems that patients with very active forms of chronic hepatitis B may experience severe and symptomatic exacerbation of liver disease during interferon treatment.

[Occurrence of antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV) among alcoholics]

144 consecutive alcoholics attending an outpatient clinic were tested for the prevalence of anti-HCV with commercially available ELISA test (Abbott HCV EIA). Positive sera were further tested with neutralization assay (Abbott HCV Neutralization Assay). Anti-HCV were found in 35 (24%). There was no difference in the prevalence or mean titre of anti-CMV and anti-HSV between patients with and without anti-HCV what points to the specificity of tested antibodies.

Introduction of hepatitis delta virus into Polish drug community

The prevalence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection was studied in 140 unselected intravenous drug addicts whose sera were drawn between 1985 and 1986 and in 100 addicts from whom sera were obtained between 1988 and 1989. It was observed that 1.8% of those positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers from the earlier period and 23.2% of those from the later period had detectable anti-delta antibodies. Among drug addicts referred with acute or chronic HBV infection, the first evidence of HDV infection was found in 1986. We conclude that HDV infection was introduced into the Warsaw drug community in the mid 1980s.

[Influence of therapy with glucocorticosteroids on clinical status, t4 lymphocyte count and t4/t8 lymphocyte ratio in people infected with AIDS]

The influence of glucocorticosteroids (GKS) therapy on clinical status, T4 lymphocyte count in peripheral blood and T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio was investigated in five HIV infected patients: two were asymptomatic, while three had clinically overt disease. The reasons for GKS therapy were: thrombocytopenia in two patients, pancytopenia in two and sepsis with severe endocarditis in one. No influence of GKS on the clinical course of HIV infection was observed. The prospective determinations of T4 lymphocyte count and T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio were relatively constant in two cases, in one case increased and in two patients, one of whom had AIDS, a decrease in both parameters was observed. It seems that GKS therapy does not seriously influence the course of HIV infection in most patients and can be instituted without risk of severe worsening of the immune status.

[Titer of anti-P24 and anti-GP41 antibodies as a diagnostic parameter in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic HIV infections]

Anti-p24 and anti-gp41 antibody titers were determined in sera from 20 asymptomatic HIV carriers and 15 AIDS patients. Anti-p24 titer was found to be significantly lower in AIDS patients than in asymptomatic HIV carriers and anti-gp41 titer was similar in both investigated groups. A correlation was found between T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio and anti-p24 antibody titer in patients with AIDS.

[Occurrence of HIV antigens in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]

A total of 74 serum samples from 37 AIDS patients were analysed for HIV antigen and results were correlated with duration of the disease, predominant symptoms, T4 lymphocyte count in peripheral blood, and antiviral therapy. The prevalence of HIV-Ag increased with duration of AIDS and T4 lymphocyte depletion. It was also higher in patients who were not treated with antiviral therapy than in treated persons. No correlation was found between HIV-Ag and clinical picture of AIDS. HIV antigenemia indicates a poor prognosis and can be regarded as an additional parameter of monitoring of AIDS patients.

[Delta virus infection among drug addicts]

Altogether 240 unselected intravenous drug addicts were tested for the presence of infection with delta virus (HDV). Anti-delta were found in 16 (16%) out of 100 drug addicts tested in the years 1988-1989 and in only one drug addict (0.7%) out of 140 tested in the years 1985-1986. It seems that delta virus has been introduced to Warsaw drug community in the mid-eighties and has spread enormously since that time.

[T4 lymphocytes (helper cells) and T8 lymphocytes (cytotoxic and suppressor cells) in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic HIV infection]

250 determinations of lymphocyte T subsets in 130 HIV infected patients (79 asymptomatic carriers or with lymphadenopathy, 31 ARC- and 20 AIDS-patients) were analyzed as to the percentage, number, and ratio of T4 (helper) and T8 (cytotoxic/suppressor) lymphocytes in sequential clinical stages of HIV infection. Asymptomatic HIV carriers or patients with lymphadenopathy were found to have statistically significant higher counts of erythrocytes, platelets, total lymphocytes, percentage and number of T4 lymphocytes and T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio than the ARC-patients. Persons with ARC in comparison with AIDS-patients were found to have significantly higher values of erythrocytes, platelets, leucocytes, total lymphocytes, T4 lymphocytes, percentage and count of T8 lymphocytes and T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio. In AIDS patients a statistically significant correlation was seen between number of T4 lymphocyte and number of erythrocytes, platelets, total number of lymphocytes and value of T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio.