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E O Caul

Publications and source records attributed to E O Caul.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

The genomic 5' terminus of Manchester calicivirus.

An enteric calicivirus showing the classic cup-shaped surface morphology was identified in a stool sample obtained from a child with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis (Portishead virus, PHV). Genomic RNA was extracted directly from the PHV stool sample and amplified by RT-PCR using primers based on the Manchester isolate of HuCV. The 3' terminus of the cDNA was defined by homopolymer tailing with dATP and revealed an additional 165 nucleotides suggesting that the previously determined Manchester HuCV (MV) genome sequence was incomplete. Homopolymer tailing of MV cDNA primed using sequence data from the 5' terminus of PHV allowed extension of the MV genome by a further 165 nucleotides thereby increasing the overall genome length to 7431 nucleotides and resulting in an additional 72 amino acids at the N-terminus of the polyprotein. A conserved sequence motif typical of other caliciviruses was also identified at the extreme 5'-terminus of the genome.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Prevalence of Q fever in a rural practice.

BACKGROUND: Q fever is a world-wide condition caused by the rickettsia Coxiella burnetii. It appears more prevalent in agrarian communities and may have serious sequelae. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study using a randomly selected group of the adult working practice population in a rural practice in West Wales was devised. An immunofluorescence test, which identified past infection, was used to look for associations between C. burnetii seropositivity and farm-related or social activities, and to compare the findings with those of other studies. An attempt was made to establish a clinical profile for the illness Q fever. RESULTS: Twenty-one subjects were found to be seropositive to C. burnetii. No definite consistent clinical features were identified. Farming was undoubtedly a risk factor for the disease, maybe with other related factors also important. There was a possibility that alcohol had a protective effect. No sinister sequelae were described. CONCLUSIONS: Q fever occurs more frequently in farmers than in non-farmers, but was less common than previously thought. Is Q fever accurately described in medical textbooks? A case is made for a more co-operative approach between primary carers and epidemiologists in the study of illnesses in populations.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1997

Capsid sequence diversity in small round structured viruses from recent UK outbreaks of gastroenteritis.

Genetic typing of small round structured viruses (SRSVs) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and sequencing has been confined to analysis of the RNA polymerase because of the considerable genome variability outside of this region. To provide capsid sequence data for epidemiological studies and outbreak investigations, a broadly reactive capsid PCR was developed using two sets of degenerate, inosine-containing primers. Primer pairs Capla/Caplb and Caplla/Capllb specifically amplify a 223-bp region of the SRSV capsid open reading frame from SRSV genetic groups I and II, respectively. The capsid PCR was used to investigate SRSVs from nine UK outbreaks of gastroenteritis occurring between 1992 and 1995. Differential amplification by the primer pairs suggested that three strains belonged to genetic group I and six to genetic group II. The capsid amino acid sequences of the group I strains were 75.9% to 79.3% identical with Sot/91/UK (group I), while those of the group II strains were 75.9% to 98.3% identical with Bri/93/UK (group II). Phylogenetic comparison of the capsid region from the outbreak strains and 13 previously characterised SRSVs revealed clusters of strains closely related to Bri/93/UK and Tor/77/C within genetic group II. With the exception of some Bri/93/UK-like strains, there was no correlation between capsid sequence and the geographical origin of SRSVs. UK strains were found with greater than 90% capsid sequence identity to SRSVs from various locations worldwide including Australia (Cam/94/A), Canada (Tor/77/C), Hawaii (Haw/71/US), and Saudi Arabia (DSV395/90/SA) together with group I (B447/92/UK) and group II (Yat/94/UK) strains that were genetically distinct from known SRSV capsids. Three SRSVs very closely related to Bri/93/UK were from recent UK hospital outbreaks. These Bri/93/UK-like strains appear to be prevalent in the UK.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Outbreaks of foodborne viral gastroenteritis in England and Wales: 1992 to 1994.

Outbreaks of foodborne viral gastroenteritis in England and Wales from 1992 to 1994 have been analysed using data from the national surveillance scheme for general outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease. The cause was virologically confirmed for 389 (31%) of the 1280 outbreaks for which a minimum set of data were collected. Forty-seven of the 389 were attributed to foodborne transmission, 41 of which were caused by small round structured viruses (SRSV). An infected food handler was suspected to be a contributing factor in 14 and the consumption of oysters in eight of these 41 foodborne SRSV outbreaks. No seasonal pattern emerged. The highest incidences occurred in Wales, West Midlands, and South Western regional health authorities. The annual rate of outbreaks did not increase during the three year period (Chi square for linear trend 0.6; p = 0.4). Much remains to be discovered about the epidemiology of foodborne viruses, and outbreaks present an opportunity to enhance our knowledge. As molecular diagnostic techniques become routinely available, it is likely that the role of viruses in foodborne outbreaks will be increasingly recognised.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1996

The VP3 gene of human group C rotavirus.

The complete nucleotide sequence of genome segment 4 from the human group C rotavirus (Bristol strain) was determined. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the genome termini with the consensus 5' and 3' terminal non-coding sequences of the human group C rotavirus genome revealed characteristic 5' and 3' sequence motifs. Human group C rotavirus genome segment 4 is 2,166bp long and encodes a single open reading frame of 2,082 nucleotides (693 amino acids) starting at nucleotide 55 and terminating at nucleotide 2,136 giving a 3' untranslated region of 30 nucleotides. Alignment with the porcine group C VP3 equivalent gene showed the human gene is one amino acid longer, and that the proteins have 84.1% amino acid sequence identity. A conserved potential nucleotide binding motif shared with the porcine VP3 sequence was identified. Analogy with the group A rotaviruses suggested that the genome segment 4 encodes the group C rotavirus guanylyltransferase.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease associated with person to person spread in hotels and restaurants.

Twenty-eight outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease, reported as being transmitted mainly by the person to person route, were identified in association with retail catering premises, such as hotels, restaurants, and public houses, in England and Wales between 1992 and 1994. Five thousand and forty-eight people were at risk in these outbreaks and 1234 were affected. Most of the outbreaks (over 90%) occurred in hotels. Small round structured viruses were the most commonly detected pathogens. Diarrhoea and vomiting were common symptoms and most of the outbreaks occurred in the summer months. Control measures to contain infectious individuals and improved hygiene measures are necessary to contain such outbreaks.

Communicable Diseases↗
PubMed1995

Polymerase chain reaction detection of small round-structured viruses from two related hospital outbreaks of gastroenteritis using inosine-containing primers.

Two outbreaks of gastroenteritis in the UK which occurred nine days apart at Lymington and Southampton hospitals were investigated. The clinical and epidemiological features of both outbreaks were characteristic of small round-structured virus (SRSV) infection with rapid onset of diarrhoea and/or nausea and vomiting and propagation of the outbreaks by secondary spread. SRSV particles were observed by immune electron microscopy (EM) in 60% of faecal samples from both outbreaks and no other pathogens were detected. The index case for the second outbreak was a patient who was admitted with diarrhoea and vomiting after being discharged from Lymington hospital during the first outbreak. The possibility that the two outbreaks were caused by the same strain of SRSV was investigated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). New inosine-containing PCR primers were designed to amplify the RNA polymerase region of SRSV cDNA from genetic groups I and II. The PCR using the group II primers achieved a higher detection rate for SRSVs in faecal samples (68% of samples positive from both outbreaks) than immune EM. SRSVs were not detected using the group I primers or using conventional degenerate PCR primers. The nucleotide sequences of PCR amplicons from both outbreaks were identical providing molecular epidemiological evidence for the involvement of a single SRSV strain. Comparison of the RNA polymerase region of this virus with the equivalent regions of genetic group I (69.4-75.0% amino acid identify) and genetic group II (88.9-100% amino acid and 77.1-88.1% nucleotide identity) SRSVs revealed that the causative SRSV was a distinct member of genetic group II.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Human enteric caliciviruses have a unique genome structure and are distinct from the Norwalk-like viruses.

Classic human enteric caliciviruses (HuCVs) have a distinctive morphology and are primarily associated with pediatric acute gastroenteritis. Although morphologically distinct from the small round structured viruses (SRSVs), the classic HuCVs are thought to be closely related and were anticipated to have a similar genome organisation. We report the first genome sequence and molecular characterisation of a classic human enteric calicivirus associated with a case of acute vomiting and diarrhoea in an infant. The RNA genome (7266 nt) is smaller than the genome of SRSVs from the two genetic groups and has a unique arrangement of open reading frames. Further analysis of the 3' terminal 3 kb from a second unrelated isolate confirmed this genomic organisation. Analysis of capsid and RNA polymerase sequences together with the unique genomic organisation of classic HuCV suggest these viruses are more closely related to the animal caliciviruses than the enteric SRSV group of viruses.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Molecular characterization of the 11th RNA segment from human group C rotavirus.

The complete nucleotide sequence of genome segment 11 from the noncultivatable, human group C rotavirus (Bristol strain) was determined. Comparison of the nucleotide sequence of the segment termini with the consensus 5' and 3' terminal noncoding sequences of the human group C rotavirus genome revealed characteristic 5' and 3' sequences. Human group C rotavirus genome segment 11 is 613 bp long and encodes a single open reading frame of 450 nucleotides (150 amino acids) starting at nucleotide 39 and terminating at nucleotide 489, leaving a long 3' untranslated region of 124 nucleotides. The predicted translation product has a calculated molecular weight of 17.7 kD and contains four potential N-linked glycosylation sites. No significant homologies to other viral proteins were found in database searches. Hydropathy analysis predicted the human group C rotavirus genome segment 11 translation product has a hydrophilic carboxy terminus (amino acids 54-150) and a hydrophobic amino terminus (amino acids 1-53) that can be further subdivided into three short hydrophobic sequences--H1, H2, and H3. These features are analogous to the integral membrane glycoprotein NSP4 encoded by group A rotavirus gene 10.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Capsid diversity in small round-structured viruses: molecular characterization of an antigenically distinct human enteric calicivirus.

Studies of antigenic variation between small round-structured viruses (SRSVs) using immune electron microscopy have revealed 3 antigenic types currently circulating in the UK represented by the strains SRSV/Bri/93/UK, SRSV/Sot/91/UK and SRSV/Mel/89/UK. Mel/89/UK RNA was isolated from a 1989 school outbreak of gastroenteritis. The 3'-terminal 3435 nucleotides (excluding the poly(A) tail) were determined by RT-PCR and cDNA sequencing, completing our molecular characterization of antigenically diverse SRSVs. Coding regions for the calicivirus RNA polymerase and capsid protein were found together with a 3' open reading frame of unknown function. The polymerase region was most highly conserved between Mel/89/UK and the other two SRSVs while the 3' open reading frame exhibited extreme variation. Phylogenetic analysis of SRSV capsids showed that Mel/89/UK differed significantly from Bri/93/UK and Sot/91/UK (62 and 39% identity, respectively) and was distinct from 6 other non-UK SRSVs that had been previously characterized. This was consistent with the designation of Mel/89/UK as a novel antigenic variant. Comparison of the capsid amino acid sequences of the 3 UK strains together with the antigenically distinct SRSV/Nor/68/US revealed a hypervariable region that could be surface-exposed and contain the SRSV antigenic determinants.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Hyperemesis hiemis--a sick hazard.

Epidemic non-bacterial gastroenteritis or winter vomiting disease is a well recognized clinical syndrome causing significant morbidity in the general population and in semi-closed communities. The Norwalk group of viruses has become established as the aetiological agents responsible for this important clinical syndrome. As a result of their historically poorly-defined taxonomic status they have been alternatively described as small round structured viruses (SRSVs) which allow their differentiation from other morphologically distinct small round viruses, e.g. astroviruses, and classical human enteric caliciviruses. The Norwalk viruses are highly infectious, give rise to high secondary attack rates through person-to-person transmission and are common causes of outbreaks in hospitals leading to either ward or hospital closures. Transmission occurs via the faecal/oral route but also, and probably more importantly, from projectile vomiters, through environmental contamination. Inhalation of aerosolized virus arising from projectile vomiters is a possibility which requires further study. Laboratory diagnosis is currently achieved by electron microscopy but the recent molecular characterization of this group of viruses will allow the development of sensitive and specific assays. The future control of hospital outbreaks will rely heavily on effective control of infection procedures.

Caliciviridae Infections↗
PubMed1995

Human enteric Caliciviridae: the complete genome sequence and expression of virus-like particles from a genetic group II small round structured virus.

Comparisons of the RNA polymerase and capsid sequences of small round structured viruses (SRSVs) have recently shown these are genetically diverse viruses which fall into two distinct groups. The genomes of two group I viruses, Southampton and Norwalk viruses have been characterized; however, similar data for the genetic group II SRSVs have not been available until now. We report here the complete genome sequence of a recent group II SRSV, Lordsdale virus. The Lordsdale virus genome is 7555 nt in length and has a similar organization to the group I SRSVs. The large ORF in the 5' half of the genome (5100 nt) is shorter than the group I SRSV ORF1 (5367 nt), but has the characteristic 2C helicase, 3C protease and 3D RNA polymerase enzyme motifs. ORF2, encoding the structural protein is of a similar size to the group I viruses but the small 3'-terminal ORF is significantly larger in group II. A highly conserved sequence of 28 nt was identified at the start of Lordsdale virus ORF1 and repeated at the start of ORF2. These conserved motifs are typical of the animal caliciviruses. Comparison of the 150 N-terminal amino acids in the ORF1 protein revealed little identity between the two SRSV genetic groups, reflecting the shorter ORF1 in the group II virus. Recombinant baculoviruses containing ORF2 and ORF3 sequences were constructed and used to express large quantities of the group II Lordsdale virus structural protein. The capsid protein formed virus-like particles by self assembly which resembled 'empty' SRSVs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Fatal adenovirus 32 infection in a bone marrow transplant recipient.

A case of disseminated adenovirus type 32 infection causing severe hepatitis, gastrointestinal ulceration and also with respiratory involvement is reported in a bone marrow transplant recipient. Typical viral inclusions were seen in the postmortem histological sections and adenovirus infection was confirmed using in situ hybridisation and isolation of adenovirus type 32 from separate organs at necropsy. This is the first case in which adenovirus 32 was the cause of fatal disseminated disease in a bone marrow transplant recipient.

Adenovirus Infections, Human↗