Iatrogenic meningitis by Streptococcus salivarius following lumbar puncture.
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Humans↗
Biomedical subjects
H Schellekens
Publications and source records attributed to H Schellekens.
Sequence evolution of the hypervariable region in the putative envelope region E2/NS1 of hepatitis C virus is correlated with specific humoral immune responses.
Sequence evolution of the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) in the N terminus of E2/NS1 of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was studied retrospectively in six chimpanzees inoculated with the same genotype 1b strain, containing a unique predominant HVR1 sequence. Immediately after inoculation, all animals contained the same HVR predominant sequence. Two animals developed an acute self-limiting infection. Anti-HVR1 immunoglobulin G (IgG) was produced 40 to 60 days after inoculation and rapidly disappeared after normalization of transaminases. Another chimpanzee, previously infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1, showed a delayed response to HVR1 epitopes after superinfection with HCV. No sequence variation of HVR1 was observed in these two animals during the transient viremia in the acute phase. Three other chimpanzees developed a chronic HCV infection. During follow up, sequence evolution occurred in two animals and their anti-HVR1 response remained at varying but detectable levels. The first mutations occurred immediately after the production of anti-HVR1 during the acute phase. However, IgM anti-HVR1 was not detectable. Remarkably, HVR1 sequences remained conserved for more than 6 years in another chronically infected animal. This correlated with the complete absence of detectable anti-HVR1 during this period. Seven years after inoculation, anti-HVR1 IgG was produced and coincided with an HVR1 alteration. These results strongly suggest the involvement of neutralizing anti-HVR antibodies in sequence evolution of HVR1 through immune selection.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
[Neurological complications of infectious mononucleosis in 3 patients].
Neurological complications of infectious mononucleosis were seen in three patients, a boy aged 18 months and two women aged 70 and 51 years respectively: a Bell's palsy, polyradiculitis and transverse myelitis. In a patient with acute neurological symptoms without indications of any other cause, infectious mononucleosis should be considered.
Aged↗
Longitudinal analysis of hepatitis C virus infection and genetic drift of the hypervariable region.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in a cohort of chimpanzees were studied retrospectively. All animals had been inoculated intravenously with materials derived from a single-source chimpanzee plasma implicated in non-A, non-B hepatitis, prepared by extensive ultracentrifugation. Anti-HCV and HCV RNA were monitored by the confirmatory line immunoassay and by an RNA-capture polymerase chain reaction method, respectively. In a chronically infected chimpanzee, HCV RNA was detectable after 32 days and throughout the acute phase, dropped transiently below detection level, and became detectable again. In 3 other chimpanzees with acute resolving infections, HCV RNA was detected 7-11 days after inoculation and became permanently undetectable after alanine aminotransferase normalization. Various anti-HCV profiles were detected among the chimpanzees. Analysis of the hypervariable region in E2/NS1 in 7 chimpanzees suggested genome stability on transmission, revealed different mutation frequencies during chronic infection, and suggested the importance of immune selection during chronic HCV infection.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
[Introduction of immunotherapeutic agents in clinical practice; current status concerning anti-endotoxin antibody HA-1A in the control of sepsis].
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Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
Complete nucleotide sequence and viral envelope protein expression of a hepatitis B virus DNA derived from a hepatitis B surface antigen-seronegative patient.
An HBV strain isolated from a patient lacking conventional serological markers of HBV infection was characterized. The complete nucleotide sequence was determined following PCR amplification. Only 22 nucleotide substitutions were found relative to the reported sequence of the ayw subtype. Five of these point mutations in the preS/S and preC/C genes led to amino acid substitutions and, with one exception, were located in regions coding for antigenic determinants of viral envelope or capsid proteins. Eight amino acid substitutions were located in terminal protein and the spacer domain of the polymerase gene product. Despite these amino acid changes, transient expression of the preS2 and S envelope proteins in eucaryotic cells yielded viral proteins detectable in the culture medium with polyclonal and monoclonal anti-preS2 and -S antibodies. These data conclusively demonstrate persistent infection by HBV in subjects without HBV serological markers. The absence of conventional HBV serological markers is probably due to several factors: a low level of viral replication, some genetic modifications, as well as an abnormal immune response to the virus.
Animals↗
Hepatitis C virus antibody detection by a line immunoassay and (near) full length genomic RNA detection by a new RNA-capture polymerase chain reaction.
A rapid and simple RNA-capture polymerase chain reaction assay (RCPA) for detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is described. The assay detects specifically the presence of (near) full length genomic RNA of HCV by capturing HCV-RNA at the 3' terminal end on magnetic beads, followed by cDNA synthesis and PCR with 5' end specific primers. Sera were obtained from 30 chimpanzees inoculated with non-A, non-B hepatitis material from various sources, 28-122 months after infection. The sera were tested for the presence of HCV-RNA by RCPA and for HCV antibodies by a Line ImmunoAssay (Inno-LIA HCV Ab). Both tests were compared and show a high degree of agreement. Screening of 30 chimpanzee sera revealed either clearing of the virus below detection level (22/30) or development of a HCV carrier state (8/30). Only 1 of 11 LIA-indeterminate samples was positive by RCPA. As the RCPA is more sensitive, it can be used to test for the presence of HCV in sera which are classified indeterminate by the LIA. The outcome of the infection seems to be independent of the nature of the inocula, suggesting that the individual immune response could determine either clearing of the virus or the development of chronic infection.
Animals↗
Isolation of parainfluenza virus type 3 from cerebrospinal fluid.
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Adult↗
Hepatitis delta virus cDNA sequence from an acutely HBV-infected chimpanzee: sequence conservation in experimental animals.
Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) RNA was isolated from the serum of a chimpanzee acutely infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and superinfected with HDV. Interference of HDV with HBV resulted in decreased HBV DNA levels in the serum. This interference did not change the size of the two HBV specific RNAs present in the liver of the chimpanzee. The complete cDNA sequence of the HDV RNA (5th passage) was determined. Comparison of this cDNA sequence with our previously published sequence (4th passage), located in the variable domain of HDV, was highly conserved. The HDV strain used for these infections originated from a human HDV isolate also used for five to seven HDV passages in chronic HBV carrier chimpanzees (subtypes adw and ayw) or woodchucks chronically infected with woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV). The complete HDV cDNA sequence showed an extreme conservation (up to 99.8% homology) with the previously published animal-derived HDV cDNA sequences irrespective of passage number and animal species. In contrast a markedly lower homology (85-89%) was found when compared with 3 human-derived HDV cDNA sequences. Comparison of our complete cDNA sequence with the human-derived cDNA sequences showed that the nucleotide changes in the human-derived isolates were restricted to specific regions on the genome and to specific basepair substitutions. The hepatitis Delta antigen (HDAg) is highly conserved both in the human- and animal-derived cDNA sequences showing mainly conservative amino acid changes.
Acute Disease↗
Role of interferon-gamma on the in vivo expression of functional interleukin-2 receptors by murine macrophages.
Interferon-gamma activates both in vitro and in vivo macrophage functions. Injection of rat recombinant interferon-gamma (rR-IFN-gamma) induced the expression of interleukin-2 receptors (IL-2R) by peritoneal macrophages from normal BALB/c and MRL-+/+ mice. Moreover, rR-IFN-gamma stimulated in a dose-dependent manner the oxidative burst of cells as revealed by luminol-dependent chemiluminescene (LDCL). Resident peritoneal macrophages from MRL-lpr/lpr (mice that develop a systemic lupus-like syndrome) showed a higher PMA-triggered LDCL response. This enhanced activity was accompanied by an increase in IL-2R expression (30% vs. less than 1%). The "activated" macrophages from rR-IFN-gamma-treated normal mice as well as MRL-lpr/lpr mice did not respond to the addition of recombinant interleukin-2 (rHu-IL-2) by an increase in LDCL. However, rHu-IL-2 triggering became efficient when cells enriched in IL-2R-bearing macrophages were preincubated overnight with rHu-IL-2R. This response may point out a functional role for IL-2R and provide a role for IL-2 in certain macrophage functions.
Age Factors↗
9-(2-Phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA) effectively inhibits retrovirus replication in vitro and simian immunodeficiency virus infection in rhesus monkeys.
9-(2-Phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA) is a potent and selective inhibitor of the in vitro replication of a number of retroviruses, including HIV-1 and HIV-2, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), simian AIDS-related virus (SRV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Moloney murine sarcoma virus (MSV). PMEA causes a dose-dependent suppression of the induction of anti-SIVmacgp120 antibodies in SIV mac-infected rhesus monkeys. Complete suppression of anti-SIVmacgp120 antibodies was achieved in SIV-infected animals treated with PMEA at 2 x 10 or 2 x 5 mg/kg per day for 29 days. No toxic side-effects were noted during this treatment period. Antibodies against SIVmac gp120 appeared 1-2 weeks after PMEA treatment was stopped, but the antibody titre reached in these animals was significantly lower than in the SIVmac-infected animals who had not been treated with PMEA. Our data strongly suggest that PMEA should be pursued for its potential in the treatment of AIDS and other retrovirus infections.
Adenine↗
Tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma and interferon-beta exert antiviral activity in nervous tissue cells.
The individual and synergistic antiviral effects of cytokines released by infiltrating immune cells or by cells of the nervous system may play an important role in inhibiting virus spread during infections of the central nervous system (CNS). We examined the antiviral activity against the neurotropic pseudorabies virus (PRV) of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and combinations of these cytokines, as compared to that of IFN-beta, in rat nervous tissue cells. PRV replicated efficiently in all neural cell types tested, including neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The inhibitory effects were determined by quantifying the inhibition of virus plaque formation, yields of infectious virus at various times after infection and synthesis of viral proteins. At a low m.o.i., IFN-gamma and IFN-beta inhibited viral plaque formation in all cell types; TNF-alpha was effective only in astrocytes but showed synergy with IFN-gamma. At a higher m.o.i., IFN-beta inhibited yields of infectious virus more effectively than IFN-gamma, whereas TNF-alpha had no effect on virus yields and was only marginally synergistic with the antiviral activity of IFN-gamma. The yield-reduction assays correlated well with cytokine-induced inhibition of viral protein synthesis. Our results show that both IFN-gamma and IFN-beta can induce a state of antiviral resistance in neural cells whereas TNF-alpha is effective only in astrocytes at low m.o.i.; they suggest an antiviral role of cytokines in the immune response to virus infections of the CNS.
Animals↗
Baculovirus-directed high level expression of the hepatitis delta antigen in Spodoptera frugiperda cells.
The hepatitis delta antigen (HDAg) is a multifunctional protein. It forms the core-like structure of the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) but also enhances replication of HDV in the nucleus of the hepatocyte. A cDNA fragment encoding HDAg was inserted adjacent to the polyhedrin promoter of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus present in the baculovirus transfer vector pVL941. After transfection of Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells a recombinant baculovirus Ac delta 1 was isolated and purified using filter hybridization techniques. Sf9 cells infected with Ac delta 1 express the HDAg as a non-fused, non-glycosylated protein with an abundance of up to 25% of the total cellular protein mass. Immunoblot analysis using a human polyclonal anti-HD conjugate identified a 22K and a 24K protein in the nucleus of Ac delta 1-infected Sf9 cells. Electron microscopic studies using immunogold labelling showed that the recombinant HDAg (recHDAg) was associated with the hetero-chromatin of the Sf9 cells. The recHDAg produced by Sf9 cells elicited anti-HD antibodies in chimpanzees when injected intramuscularly.
Animals↗
Neonatal Listeria monocytogenes infection is refractory to interferon.
Despite aggressive treatment, early onset neonatal Listeria monocytogenes infection continues to have high morbidity and mortality. We recently showed that pretreatment of newborn L. monocytogenes-infected rats with interferon (IFN)-alpha/beta or recombinant rat IFN-gamma dramatically improves survival. However, in the present experiment, when newborn rats were treated with IFN-alpha/beta or recombinant rat IFN-gamma after intraperitoneal injection with Listeria there was no benefit. Because most deaths occurred at or before 3 d in this animal model, we reasoned that the effect of interferon may be evident if animals survived longer. To accomplish this and test this hypothesis, ampicillin (20 mg/kg/d) was given 48 h after bacterial challenge. When ampicillin-treated Listeria-infected rats were randomized to receive PBS, IFN-alpha/beta, or recombinant rat IFN-gamma, mortality rates were 79, 76, and 69%, respectively (p greater than 0.05 versus PBS). Animals treated in a similar fashion after a lower bacterial inoculum (25% lethal dose) were killed 5 d after bacterial challenge. Bacterial concentrations in the spleen were higher for IFN-treated animals than controls. We conclude that no direct benefit of IFN is found if it is given after bacterial infection has been established.
Animals↗
Additive and synergistic antitumor effects with toremifene and interferons.
MFC-7 cells were exposed to toremifene, human alpha and gamma interferons and combinations of them in vitro. Growth of the cells was followed by ATP bioluminescence method. Rats bearing DMBA-induced tumors were treated with toremifene, rat gamma interferon and their combination daily for five weeks. The growth of the tumors was followed by palpation weekly. Toremifene and interferons inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells. Interferons alpha and gamma were additive; toremifene and interferons were additive or at the best synergistic. Toremifene inhibited the growth of DMBA-induced tumors. Rat gamma interferon alone had no clear effect on the tumor growth. Combination of toremifene and gamma interferone was the most effective treatment and did not show any detectable toxicity. Toremifene and interferons have interesting interactions. Clinical studies using the combination might be warranted.
9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗
Biological effect of interferon-gamma during the course of experimental infection of rat by Schistosoma mansoni.
We demonstrate here that a second mechanism of platelet activation dependent on lymphokine could also take place in the expression of platelet cytotoxicity against Schistosoma mansoni in vitro. Indeed, IgE, as previously described, but also IFN-gamma, present in the sera of infected rats, together induce platelets from normal rats into cytotoxic effectors for the parasitic larvae. This second mechanism appears also effective in vivo since the passive transfer of normal platelets treated by recombinant IFN-gamma (rIFN-gamma) and the administration of rIFN-gamma to rats conferred a protective immunity to S. mansoni.
Animals↗
Plasmodium falciparum: studies on mature exoerythrocytic forms in the liver of the chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes.
Mature exoerythrocytic forms (EEF) of Plasmodium falciparum from the chimpanzee were examined by light- and transmission electron microscopy from a liver biopsy taken on Day 6 after sporozoite inoculation. Infectivity of the sporozoites obtained from whole mosquitoes which were membrane fed on cultured gametocytes was about 4-6%. In comparison, salivary gland sporozoites added to human hepatocytes in vitro had only a developmental percentage of 0.02 to 0.05% at Day 5. The EEF found in the liver biopsy were not all at the same stage of development. Immature compact parasites were seen simultaneously with stages with fully formed merozoites, indicating a rapid final maturation or asynchrony. At Day 7.5, large numbers of rings were already seen in the peripheral blood, indicating a duration of the liver development of P. falciparum in the chimpanzee of about 5.5-6 days. The process of merogony at the fine structural level was comparable to that described for rodent and other primate parasites in vivo. Compared to the fine structure of EEF in vitro in cultured human hepatocytes, the parasites described here were much more advanced in development. There appeared to be some cell infiltration with collagen deposition around the intracellular parasite; however, no marked degeneration of EEF was observed.
Animals↗
Recombinant interferon-gamma applied to the brain ventricular system protects rats against pseudorabies.
We examined the prophylactic efficacy of recombinant rat interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) administered directly into the brain ventricular system or via the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route against central and peripheral pseudorabies virus (PRV) infection. Intraperitoneally given IFN-gamma completely protected rats against a lethal i.p. PRV infection. The same regimen showed no protective effect against lethal intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) PRV challenge even if IFN-gamma was given in high concentrations. When given via the i.c.v. route, IFN-gamma protected rats against lethal i.c.v. infection and also evoked partial protection with extended survival times of i.p. infected rats. Our results demonstrate an IFN-gamma-mediated antiviral effect in the central nervous system.
Animals↗