Detection of EBV infection in different etiologic groups of patients

The ability of two diagnostic tests (ELISA and IF) to detect of EBV infection in etiologically different group of patients was compared: cases of chronic lymphoadenopatis, confirmed mononucleosis or suspected EBV infection, tumors like leukemia or lymphoma. The presence of specific IgM and IgG antibodies for different EBV antigens was studied. The results obtained indicated that as many as 17 out of 32 tested serum samples presented different interpretation of EBV infection in both tests used. High number of discordant results was observed in detection of EA-IgG. The highest number of discordant results was observed in group of patients with tumors, while the lowest in group of cases diagnosed or suspected for EBV infection.

[Temperature sensitive mutant of Herpes simplex virus type 1. II. Neurovirulence and latency]

The course of acute infection of mice with ts mutant or the native strain DNA and the antigens of HSV in brain nerve cells were determined. Virus DNA was detected in brains of all mice in both animal groups while the virus antigens--only in cells of mice infected with the native strain. It can be suggested, therefore, that the ability of ts mutant to replicate in central nervous system of the infected mice is lacking or much lower. The detection of virus nucleic acid 3-5 months after virus infection might indicate a possibility of establishing latent infection. However, ts mutant showed a significantly lower possibility of latency induction, as compared with highly virulent strains. It was found that the mutant ability to induce latent infection was markedly increased when mice were treated with both ts mutant and Depo-Medrol as immunosuppressive agent. This finding shows both a possibility of increase of frequency of latent infections in the state of immunosuppression, and of activation of the latent infection (recurrence of acute form of infection).

[Temperature sensitive mutant of Herpes simplex virus type 1. I. Pathogenicity and immunogenicity]

The aim of the study was to characterize biological features of the sensitive mutant of HSV-1, derived from McIntyre strain by numerous virus passages at lowered replication temperature (28 degrees C). Pathogenicity of obtained ts mutant for inbred mice lines, CFW/Pzh and BALB/cPzh, was determined. Statistically significant decrease in virulence of the mutant for these mouse lines was demonstrated, as compared with the native virus strain, propagated at 37 degrees C. Immunogenic activity of ts mutant of HSV-1 defined by the possibility of mouse protection against infection with high virulent was determined. Mice, which at the time of immunization with ts mutant received Depo-Medrol--an immunosuppressive agent--were also found to be capable of inducing defense mechanisms to infection with the native strain.

Quantitative detection of CMV DNA by PCR and hybridizaton methods in renal transplant recipients

The comparison of two quantitative tests: hybridization (Murex Hybrid Capture System) and PCR (COBAS AMPLICOR CMV Monitor) detected CMV DNA was made. Investigation of viral load in serum by PCR gave better correlation with clinical manifestation in renal transplant recipients.

Immunogenic activity of HSV-1 temperature sensitive mutant's proteins in mono- and polyvalent systems of immunization

Immunogenic activity of herpes simplex type 1 temperature sensitive mutant's (ts HSV-1 mutant) proteins was tested in two systems: monovalent and polyvalent with other attenuated virus strains (measles and mumps). The guinea pigs were used as animal model. In monovalent system the humoral response in animals infected with ts HSV-1 mutant (1 or 2 doses) was studied and compared to results received for HSV-1 native strain. In polyvalent system the immunological response induced by ts HSV-1 mutant in the presence of RNA virus strains was tested.

[Evaluation of the usefulness of various PCR method variations and nucleic acid hybridization for CMV infection in immunosuppressed patients]

In diagnosis of CMV infection various laboratory methods are used. The methods based on detection of viral nucleic acids have been introduced routinely in many laboratories. The aim of this study was to compare nucleic acid hybridisation method and various variants of PCR methods with respect to their ability to detect CMV DNA. The studied material comprised 60 blood samples from 19 patients including 13 renal transplant recipients and 6 with acute leukaemia. The samples were subjected to hybridisation (Murex Hybrid Capture System CMV DNA) and PCR carried out in 3 variants: with one pair of primers (single PCR), nested PCR and Digene SHARP System with detection of PCR product using a genetic probe in ELISA system. The sensitivity of the variants ranged from 10(0) particles of viral DNA in nested PCR to 10(2) in single PCR. The producer claimed the sensitivity of the hybridisation test to be 3 x 10(5) and it seems to be sufficient for detection of CMV infection. The obtained results show that sensitivity of hybridisation was comparable to that of single PCR and the possibility of obtaining quantitative results makes it superior, on efficacy of antiviral therapy, especially in monitoring CMV infection in immunossuppressed patients and in following the efficacy of antiviral treatment.

[Influence of Chlamydia pneumoniae and cytomegalovirus infections on prevalence and the course of coronary artery disease]

Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) as well as cytomegalovirus (CMV) are common pathogens found in about 50% of healthy western population. Many studies suggest a role of C. pneumoniae in development of coronary artery disease (CAD). CMV infection is also considered to increase risk of developing of CAD as well as restenosis after percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCI). The aim of our study was to evaluate a possible role of C. pneumoniae and CMV infections in both CAD development and course in patients (pts) undergoing PTCA. We enrolled 105 pts (mean age 56.4 years, 83 males) with angiographically documented CAD. Control group consisted of 63 healthy controls (mean age 47.25 years; 31 males). The study subjects were evaluated for presence of C. pneumoniae specific IgG antibodies (MIF test--MRL Diagnostic, USA; seroprevalence assumed when titre > or = 1/8). In 58 random PCI pts CMV specific IgG antibodies (ELISA Eti-Cytok-G PLUS--Dia Sorin) were evaluated. Pts were sampled at the time of PTCA. All PCI pts were assessed by angina questionnaire 5.9 +/- 2.6 months (mo) after the procedure with respect to clinical restenosis. C. pneumoniae IgG antibodies were detected in 37.1% of pts and in 22% of healthy controls (p < 0.05). After logistic regression was applied trend towards more frequent occurrence of C. pneumoniae specific IgG in CAD pts was shown (p = 0.10 OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 0.8-6.8). No significant correlation was found between anti-C. pneumoniae IgG presence or anti-CMV IgG titre and coronary atherosclerosis advancement. There was no significant difference in anti-CMV IgG titre between 9 pts who developed clinical restenosis 5.9 +/- 2.6 mo after PCI and the remaining pts. Our study results suggest a possible significant correlation between C. pneumoniae with CAD prevalence. We did not find a positive association of either infection markers with coronary atherosclerosis advancement. We did not find correlation of clinical restenosis after PCI with markers of CMV infection.

Usefulness of hybridization and PCR methods in monitoring of CMV infection in renal transplant recipients

The purpose of this work was to compare hybridization and PCR methods as diagnostic tests in diagnosing and monitoring CMV infection. The investigation was performed in a group of 24 renal transplant recipients treated with ATG. The results we obtained suggest that quantitative variant of hybridization is more useful in diagnosing the infection than PCR, because it enables to monitor the infection. DNA CMV level of about 60 pg/ml or the increasing level in the subsequent samples should be a sign to start antiviral therapy.

[Papillomaviruses and herpesviruses as selected risk factors in the etiopathogenesis of cervix neck cancer. II. Use of PCR for isolating DNA of human papillomavirus and Herpes simplex]

The aims of the study were to compare polymerase chain reaction PCR with nucleic acid hybridisation HC in the routine diagnosis of HPV infections. Smears collected for PCR were digested for 24 hours using proteinase K. After DNA extraction 174 samples were tested by PCR with human bglobin primers PG04-GH20. The PCR products were separated in 2% agarose gel electrophoresis stained with ethidium bromide. In 80.6% of the samples 256 base pair DNA fragments were observed in the gel in UV light. These samples were tested by PCR with HPV primers MY09-MY11. In 40% of the samples the presence of HPV DNA was confirmed. Next we carried out PCR using a mixture of two pairs of primers bglobin PG04-GH20 and HPV MY09-MY11. DNA for this study was extracted from 24 samples in which the presence of human DNA was not confirmed in the first PCR test and from 7 untested samples. In 21 cases HPV DNA was found to be present in gel electrophoresis. The presence of HPV DNA was confirmed in 44.75% of the samples.

[Papillomaviruses and herpesviruses as selected risk factors in the etiopathogenesis of cervix neck cancer. I. Use of nucleic acid hybridization for diagnosing HPV infections]

HPV infections are regarded as the main etiological factor responsible for the presence of cytological abnormalities and the primary risk factor for cervical cancer development. Diagnostic materials were collected between 1995 and 1997 in the Gynecologic Cancer Prevention, Cancer Center Institute of Oncology, Memorial Hospital Maria Skłodowska-Curie, Warsaw. The patients were divided into three groups: group C--women suspected for viral infection during clinical or cytological examination and two comparative groups A and B--women invited for routine cytological examination. Cytological smears for nucleic acid hybridisation collected before cytological smear sampling with a dacron swab (groups A and C) or collected after cytological smear sampling with a cervical brush (group B) were used. Cytological and clinical data was also used in the investigation. In 52% of the 236 samples tested by nucleic acid hybridisation HPV DNA was found to be present. DNA from the high/intermediate HPV risk group was also present in 36% of the samples and in 11% of the samples from the low risk HPV group. In 5% of the samples we confirmed the presence of mixed infections from both HPV risk groups. The results obtained from nucleic acid hybridisation with pap smear results were compared. It was observed that HPV infections from the high risk group occurred more frequently in pap 3 and pap 4 test results; HPV infections from the low risk group occurred more frequently in pap 1 and pap 2 results, while mixed infections from both risk groups occurred particularly in pap 4 and pap 5 results. Women in the 35-45 age groups suffered more frequently from infections from the high/intermediate risk group. In the 25-35 and 55-65 age groups HPV infections from the low risk group occurred more frequently. In the comparative groups only 2.6% of the women were infected with HPV.

Identification of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection by different laboratory methods in renal transplant recipients undergoing triple-drug immunosupressive treatment

Early diagnosis of CMV infection is very important mainly in transplant recipients because CMV infection is a frequent complication after transplantation. In this work we compared different laboratory methods: ELISA (IgG, IgM), Western blot,shell vial, antigenemia assay (pp65), the immunofluorescent method with epithelial cells from urine (IF), DNA in leukocytes by PCR and DNA in leukocytes by hybridization (HCS) to estimate the most proper method for diagnosis of CMV in renal transplant recipients. This preliminary study showed that HCS, PCR and Western blot are sensitive methods for detecting CMV infection. Using HCS in quantitative variant we obtained a very good correlation between DNA load and clinical symptoms.

["Shell vial" method in diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infections]

The paper presents description of "shell vial" method and results obtained in the study of 331 materials derived from 3 different groups of patients. Problems of referring materials to laboratory, choice of type of material and method of staining are discussed. Also advantages (detection of virus capable of replication) and disadvantages (low sensitivity, toxicity of materials for detector cells) are discussed.

[Tick-borne encephalitis--etiopathogenesis and implications for public health in Poland]

Tick-borne encephalitis (tbe) belongs to infectious units being under study in Poland since over 40 years: clinical, virological, immunological, epidemiological (see eg. fig. 1 of the review) observations succeeded in developing tbe map of Poland, and organization of satisfactory diagnostic virological control of the disease. This article covers most important data since the early (1952-1953) expeditions to the endemic districts of Poland, studies of human beings, animal reservoir, both wild and domestic animals, biological vectors, migrating and local birds, frequency of virus isolations from man, ticks, mosquitos, wild rodents, with special reference to specific (vaccines, immunoglobulins) prophylaxis and associated unexpected and negative reactions. The article points also on north-east districts as of high tbe exposure, on described milk-associated outbreaks. The problems are discussed in relation with analogical and/or probable reactions related with other viral infections. Because of so meritorically differentiated and long-time performed studies and observations, the tbe is still in center of medical and public interest in Poland.

Studies on the stability of HSV-1 temperature sensitive 28 degrees C clone

The temperature mutants of herpes simplex virus type 1 has been received. The following properties on different levels of passages were investigated: stability of virulence, virus infection titer and immunogenicity. The virulence stability was expressed by percent of survivors and mean survival time in infected mice (CFW/Pzh and BALB/cPzh strains). Virus infection titer's stability was measured after prolonged exposure of temperature sensitive mutant (ts 28 degrees C) to critical temperatures (+4 degrees C and from +20 degrees C to +23 degrees C). Stability of immunogenic potency of ts 28 degrees C was evaluated in mice immunized with the virus on different level of passages and after that they were challenged with highly pathogenic temperature resistant clone (tr 39 degrees C). The performed experiments proved the stability of investigated features.

Viral vaccines: selected topics

Significant role of viruses in pathology, their dominating position in etiology of infectious diseases point at the special position of active prophylactic procedures based on vaccination. The real role and value of viral vaccines of classic and modern generations, the limitation of immune potency in suppression of defence mechanisms, some problems of immunization against virus vertical transmission are presented in the paper. The reader may find tables which cumulate selected but significant patterns of viral vaccines and vaccinations, and selected papers devoted to topics discussed.

Calculation of the frequency of congenital rubella syndrome in Poland

The annual number and incidence of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in Poland was evaluated by means of a methematical model and on the basis of serological studies. In its principles this model describes the infectious kinetics of rubella by the formula y = 1--e-at, where "y" is the rate of immune persons, "a" is a parameter representing the transfer of susceptibles to immunes and "t" is age. The calculated incidence of congenital rubella syndrome resulted in average values of 0.15 to 0.38%, i.e. 15 to 38 CRS cases among 100,000 children born to mothers primarily infected by rubella virus during the first trimester of pregnancy.

HSV-1 infection and immunity in immunosuppressed mice

The effect of cyclophosphamide (CY) and hydrocortisone (HY) on the susceptibility of mice to intracerebral and intraperitoneal infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was investigated. The mean survival time, the survival ration, the localization of HSV-1 antigen in brain, spleen and liver as well as immunity after immunization with inactivated virus were determined. In the case of primary infection, an increased susceptibility to HSV-1 was observed after administration of the immunosuppressive drug. Immunization increased the resistance of mice to virus challenge, but no such effect was observed when the virus challenge, but no such effect was observed when or HY. The influence of CY and HY on the immunization process itself was divergent: when HY was given at the time of immunization, the resistance to virus challenge was abolished. On the other hand, CY given simultaneously with inactivated HSV-1 did not depress the immunization effect.

Postinfection and postvaccination antirubella immunity

Out of 1670 pregnant women contacts examined for antibodies to rubella virus, recent rubella infection was confirmed in 5.1% of subjects, 2.2% of which were symptomatic and 2.9% asymptomatic; 89.9% of tested women were seropositive. These results closely resembled those, obtained in serological surveys, carried out in Poland several times in the years 1969-82. Rubella antibodies were found in over 90% of women in childbearing age, with HI antibody geometric mean titre (GMT) 58.7-84.3 (depending on the epidemiologic situation). Especially high GMT--of 122--was detected in women of the 30-34 year age group after the rubella epidemic in 1980/81, which showed the highest rubella morbidity of 5-9 year-old children. Reactogenicity and immune response in 10-13 year-old vaccinated girls were investigated. Seroconversion among seronegatives, among subjects with low antibody level (less than 1:20) and among seropositives with antibody titres 40 or higher before vaccination occurred in 99.8%, 60% and 12.8% of cases, respectively. HI antibody GMT after immunization was 132.6-135, similar to GMT induced by naturally acquired infection in the women of 30-34 year age group after the rubella epidemic. The difference of GMT in vaccinated girls with joint symptoms (152) and without postvaccinal reactions (124) was statistically significant. Practical conclusions for rubella diagnostic and vaccination programmes based on the analogies and differences of antirubella immunity in infected pregnant women, in naturally infected children and adults, and in vaccinated subjects are discussed.

Radioimmunoassay of measles virus antibodies in SSPE

A sensitive radioimmunological assay (RIA) was introduced for detection of measles virus IgG and IgM antibodies. The hyperimmune response to measles virus could be demonstrated more precisely by RIA than by haemagglutination inhibition (HI). The ratio between RIA and HI antibody titres was decidedly higher in sera and cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) of patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) than in those of other groups tested.

Decreased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in various types of leukaemia in man

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by cells from peripheral blood was studied in patients with; chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), chronic granulocytic leukaemia (CGL), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), acute non-lymphoid leukaemia (ANLL) and compared with that of healthy donors. The ADCC activity in all the types of leukaemia was on the average lower as compared with the control values, being especially low in both CLL and CGL. Further, it has also been shown that the ADCC activity of non-leukaemic blood cells in ANLL was lower as compared with control values. The latter observation indicates that, at least in ANLL, the reduced ADCC potential of peripheral blood cells is not due to dilution of effector cells by poorly- or non-active leukaemic cells.

Cytopathic and pathogenic properties of dengue type 2 virus reproduced in quail embryo fibroblast cultures

Quail embryho fibroblast cultures are able to reproduce dengue type 2 virus up to high titres measured by TCID50 values. The reproduced virus at low passage levels was antigenically closely related to the original virus reproduced in newborn mouse brains in vivo, but was loosing its virulence for these animals.

Cell-mediated immune reactions in measles

Cell-mediated reactions in measles cases, in direct contacts and healthy children were tested. Indices of phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated blastic transformation and leukocyte migration inhibition were evaluated. Positive reactions were found in the first and second weeks after manifestation of clinical symptoms. The application of glucocorticosteroids in clinical complications resulted in delayed and reduced leukocyte migration inhibition. Studies on seronegative contacts suggested that positive cell-mediated reactions may appear before manifestation of clinical symptoms.

Primary and secondary immune response to measles vaccine strain

The rates of primary and secondary cell-mediated immune responses and their correlation with humoral responses were estimated. Cell-mediated reactions were evaluated by the leucocyte migration inhibition test. No significant differences were found in the intensity of primary and secondary cellular responses. The cell-mediated response was not intensified by complete Freund adjuvant, which stimulated the humoral response. The kinetics of changes in cell-mediated reaction was comparable with that observed for other viruses.

IgM fluorescence antibodies in sera of pregnant women exposed to rubella

A high per cent of false positive results for rubella virus IgM antibodies determined by immune fluorescence were detected in sera of pregnant women. After absorption with Staphylococcus suspension, Cowan 1 strain, and aggregates of human immunoglobulins, the false positive reactions due to IgM antiimmunoglobulin were eliminated.

Cell- and antibody-mediated responses to measles and mumps viruses in experimental animals

Monkeys and guinea pigs were immunized with various doses of measles and mumps viruses. A cell-mediated response measured by leukocyte migration inhibition occured during the first two weeks after immunization. In case of measles virus, marked migration inhibition occurred already on the 7th day in monkeys and guinea pigs immunized with high virus doses. The response declined as early as 14 days after immunization in contrast to the group of guinea pigs inoculated with a lower virus dose. In these animals the response sustained for up to 50 days. Immunization of animals with various doses of mumps virus was similar and positive responses were obtained in the absence of detectable antibodies. Even 2.5 TCID50 of mumps virus induced the response although more irregularly than 250 or 2500 TCID50 virus.

Studies on the characteristics of poliovirus type 3. II. Characteristics of "hot" clones

Markers d, IST, EA1(OH)3, rct (at sub- and supraoptimal temperatures) and neurovirulence were determined for clones isolated from two lots (S2 and S3) of vaccines containing poliovirus strain Leon 12a1b. Changes of markers rct, d and neurovirulence were observed in several clones isolated from S2 vaccine. No changes were observed in IST and EA1(OH)3 markers.

Studies on the characteristics of Poliovirus type 3. III. Strain characteristics after passage in man

The markers d, IST, EA1(OH)3 and rct at sub- and supraoptimal temperatures as well as neurovirulence (PMic) for monkeys was determined for strains isolated from children vaccinated with Leon 12a1b vaccine, their contacts and from paralytic cases. The strains were isolated at early and late phases of excretion. The changes concerned mainly rct determined at supraoptimal temperatures, d and PMic markers, especially in strains isolated at the late phase of excretion. The passage through the human alimentary tract did not change such markers as IST and EA1(OH)3. Some degree of correlation was observed between the rct 40.3, d and PMic markers.