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Biomedical subjects

Lawrence Corey

Publications and source records attributed to Lawrence Corey.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

Challenges in genital herpes simplex virus management.

Development of serologic assays to detect antibodies to herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoproteins (g)G1 and (g)G2 has allowed accurate definition of the seroprevalence of HSV-2 worldwide. Studies from all continents indicate epidemic proportions of HSV-2 infection. In the United States, 1 in 5 sexually active adults is infected. In Africa and the Caribbean, HSV prevalence is higher. Since the development of the acyclic nucleoside derivatives acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir, treatment of mucocutaneous HSV is a practice of everyday medical care. Yet, despite effective drugs, there is widespread discontent by clients and providers about care of patients with genital herpes. Much of this relates to transmission complexities and the varied natural history of the infection. However, over time, most patients adjust to their disease and the medical and psychosocial complications. Recent studies show condoms reduce transmission, providing an important tool for counseling the patient with newly diagnosed genital herpes.

2-Aminopurine↗

Late cytomegalovirus disease and mortality in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants: importance of viral load and T-cell immunity.

Ganciclovir effectively prevents cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in the first 100 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but late-onset CMV disease is increasingly observed. We designed a prospective cohort study to define the incidence and risk factors for late CMV infection in patients who undergo HSCT. CMV-seropositive patients were studied prospectively for CMV infection (quantitative pp65 antigenemia, quantitative CMV-DNA, blood culture), T-cell immunity (CMV-specific CD4(+) T-helper and CD8(+) cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses, CD4 and CD8 T-cell count, absolute lymphocyte count), and other transplantation-related factors. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to assess the risk for late CMV infection and disease and to assess overall survival. Late CMV disease developed in 26 of 146 (17.8%) patients a median of 169 days after transplantation (range, 96-784 days); the mortality rate was 46%. Thirty-eight percent of patients surviving late disease had a second episode a median of 79 days after the first episode. At 3 months after transplantation, preceding detection of CMV pp65 antigenemia, CD4 T-cell counts lower than 50 cells/mm(3), postengraftment absolute lymphopenia levels lower than 100 lymphocytes/mm(3), undetectable CMV-specific T-cell responses, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were associated with late CMV disease or death. After 3 months, continued detection of pp65 antigenemia or CMV DNA in plasma or peripheral blood leukocytes and lymphopenia (fewer than 300 lymphocytes/mm(3)) were strong predictors of late CMV disease and death. In conclusion, CMV viral load, lymphopenia, and CMV-specific T-cell immunodeficiency are predictors of late CMV disease and death after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Prevention strategies should be targeted at patients in whom CMV reactivated during the first 3 months and those with poor CMV-specific immunity or low CD4 counts.

Cytomegalovirus↗

Invasive aspergillosis in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients: changes in epidemiology and risk factors.

The incidence of postengraftment invasive aspergillosis (IA) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients increased during the 1990s. We determined risks for IA and outcomes among 1682 patients who received HSCTs between January 1993 and December 1998. Risk factors included host variables (age, underlying disease), transplant variables (stem cell source), and late complications (acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease [GVHD], receipt of corticosteroids, secondary neutropenia, cytomegalovirus [CMV] disease, and respiratory virus infection). We identified risk factors associated with IA early after transplantation ( 6 months after transplantation) was associated with chronic GVHD and CMV disease. These results emphasize the postengraftment timing of IA; risk factor analyses verify previously recognized risk factors (GVHD, receipt of corticosteroids, and neutropenia) and uncover the roles of lymphopenia and viral infections in increasing the incidence of postengraftment IA in the 1990s.

Adolescent↗

Markers of viral infection in monozygotic twins discordant for chronic fatigue syndrome.

To estimate the prevalence of viruses associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and to control for genetic and environmental factors, we conducted a co-twin control study of 22 monozygotic twin pairs, of which one twin met criteria for CFS and the other twin was healthy. Levels of antibodies to human herpesvirus (HHV)-8, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, and hepatitis C virus were measured. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for viral DNA were performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cell specimens to detect infection with HHV-6, HHV-7, HHV-8, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, JC virus, BK virus, and parvovirus B19. To detect lytic infection, plasma was tested by PCR for HHV-6, HHV-8, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus DNA, and saliva was examined for HHV-8 DNA. For all assays, results did not differ between the group of twins with CFS and the healthy twins.

Adult↗

A prospective study of hormonal contraceptive use and cervical shedding of herpes simplex virus in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-seropositive women.

Cross-sectional analyses have demonstrated an association between use of hormonal contraceptives and shedding of herpes simplex virus (HSV). This prospective study evaluated the effect of initiating use of hormonal contraception on cervical HSV detection. Two hundred women who were seropositive for HSV-2 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 were examined for cervical mucosal HSV by use of quantitative DNA polymerase chain reaction before and after beginning the use of hormonal contraceptives. Cervical HSV was detected in 32 women (16.0%) before initiating and in 25 women (12.5%) after initiating use of hormonal contraception (P=.4). There were no significant differences in HSV shedding among the subgroups of women starting combination oral contraceptives containing both estrogen and progesterone or progesterone-only contraceptives. Among the 54 women who shed HSV at least once, the median change in cervical HSV after initiation of hormonal contraception was -313 copies/swab. In this prospective study, use of hormonal contraceptives did not increase detection of cervical HSV.

Adult↗

A humanized non-FcR-binding anti-CD3 antibody, visilizumab, for treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease.

Visilizumab is a humanized anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody characterized by a mutated IgG2 isotype, lack of binding to Fcgamma-receptors, and ability to induce apoptosis selectively in activated T cells. To test pharmacokinetics, safety, and immunosuppressive activity of visilizumab, 17 patients with glucocorticoid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were enrolled in a phase 1 study. Six patients were given 7 doses of visilizumab (0.25 or 1.0 mg/m(2)) on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13. Because multiple doses of 1 mg/m(2) caused delayed visilizumab accumulation and prolonged lymphopenia, the next 11 patients received a single dose of 3.0 mg/m(2) on day 1. GVHD improved in all patients; 15 were evaluable through day 42. Multiple dosing resulted in 1 of 6 complete responses (CRs) and 5 partial responses (PRs), but all 6 patients died at a median of 87 days after starting visilizumab therapy. Single dosing resulted in 6 of 9 CRs, 3 PRs, and 7 of 11 patients surviving after 260 to 490 days (median, 359 days; P =.03). There were no allergic reactions and 3 grade 1 acute infusional toxicities. Plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA titers more than 1000 copies/mL and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) developed in 2 of the first 7 patients. Based on rising EBV DNA titers, 5 of the next 10 patients were given the B cell-specific monoclonal antibody, rituximab. EBV DNA became undetectable and no overt PTLD developed. Visilizumab is well tolerated and has activity in advanced GVHD. A phase 2 study incorporating preemptive therapy for PTLD is warranted to determine the efficacy of visilizumab in GVHD.

Acute Disease↗

Chlamydia pneumoniae respiratory infection after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Chlamydia pneumoniae is a common cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in immunocompetent patients; however, its role as a respiratory pathogen in immunocompromised hosts has been infrequently recognized. We describe C. pneumoniae lower respiratory tract infection in a 19-year-old male after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The patient developed fever on day +14, and a subsequent computed tomography scan of the chest revealed a right lateral pleural-based opacity, which was then resected during thoracoscopy. Diagnosis was made by culture and staining of the resected tissue with C. pneumoniae-specific monoclonal antibodies, and azithromycin was administered. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. pneumoniae respiratory infection after stem cell or marrow transplantation. C. pneumoniae often coexists with other etiologic agents of pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. Considering the infrequency of infections from this organism in this clinical setting, one must still rule out other more likely respiratory pathogens.

Adult↗

Incidence and outcome of cytomegalovirus infections following nonmyeloablative compared with myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation, a matched control study.

Nonmyeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is increasingly being explored as therapy in patients who are not eligible for conventional myeloablative HSCT. Whether these transplants are associated with reduced risk of transplantation-related infections is unknown. We analyzed the incidence of posttransplantation cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections in 56 consecutive mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) patients with hematologic malignancies who underwent nonmyeloablative HSCT (TBI, 2Gy, day 0; MMF/cyclosporine after transplantation). In addition, 18 of 56 patients received 30 mg/m(2)/d fludarabine on days -4 to -2. Most donors were HLA matched and related (93%). Each case patient was matched to 2 controls who were treated by conventional HSCT during the same time period (January 1997 through April 2000). Matching criteria included CMV risk group, HSC source, donor type, age, and underlying diseases. No CMV disease occurred in the low (donor and recipient serologically negative) and intermediate (donor serologically positive and recipient negative) CMV risk groups during the first 100 days. Among cases at high risk for CMV (seropositive recipients), trends to less CMV antigenemia (P =.11), viremia (P =.16), and disease (P =.08) compared with controls were observed; all severe manifestations combined (CMV viremia and disease) were significantly reduced among cases (P =.01). However, by day 365, the overall incidence of CMV disease became similar in both groups. The onset of CMV disease was significantly delayed among case patients compared with controls (median, 130 days versus 52 days; P =.02). It was concluded that CMV disease was significantly delayed in nonmyeloablative cases, but that the overall 1-year incidence was similar to myeloablative HSCT patients. Therefore, nonmyeloablative HSCT patients should receive CMV surveillance beyond day 100 and pre-emptive ganciclovir treatment similar to that of myeloablative HSCT patients.

Adult↗

Correlates of prevalent and incident Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection in men who have sex with men.

Infection with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is common among men who have sex with men (MSM). To determine correlates of infection, 578 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative MSM were assessed by serologic assays, questionnaires, and physical examinations. At baseline, 76 (16%) of 474 participants were KSHV seropositive. Prevalent KSHV infection was significantly associated with hepatitis A (odds ratio [OR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-7.5), hepatitis B seropositivity (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4-4.8), herpes simplex virus (HSV)-2 (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3-4.4), and >4 male partners in the previous 6 months (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.2). Fifteen KSHV seroconversions (4%) were observed for an incidence of 3.8/100 person-years, similar to HSV-1 incidence in this cohort and more frequent than incidence of HIV and HSV-2. Reporting > or =1 HIV-positive partner (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 1.8-19.3), amyl nitrite use (OR, 7.0; 95% CI, 2.1-23.0), and lymphadenopathy in the past 6 months (OR, 7.7; 95% CI, 1.9-31.0) correlated with KSHV seroconversion.

Adult↗

Concordance between HIV source partner identification and molecular confirmation in acute retroviral syndrome.

Most HIV-1 transmission studies use self-reported history to define the source contact. To evaluate the reliability of epidemiologic source partner reporting, heteroduplex mobility assays (HMAs) were performed comparing the different viral strains present in the partners. Partners were typed for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) to evaluate the degree of shared alleles. Of 11 couples evaluated, HMA analysis confirmed nine transmissions (including 1 oral-genital transmission), indicated probable transmission in 1 couple, and suggested an alternative source partner in another. Nine source partners transmitted a major variant. Four source partners knew their HIV status. Previous HIV monitoring was reported by 5 of the 6 confirmed source partners who were unaware of their HIV status at the time of transmission. We also evaluated potential "sharing of HLA alleles" as a risk factor for HIV-1 acquisition; partners were not found to have a higher degree of shared HLA alleles. Lack of awareness about infection status as a consequence of infrequent testing plays a major role in the secondary transmission of HIV. These findings re-emphasize the importance of using safe sex practices at all times.

Adult↗

Safety and immunogenicity of a high-titered canarypox vaccine in combination with rgp120 in a diverse population of HIV-1-uninfected adults: AIDS Vaccine Evaluation Group Protocol 022A.

To test the safety and immunogenicity of a high-titered preparation of ALVAC-HIV vCP205 in both high-risk and low-risk persons and to evaluate variations in dosing schedule, we conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial of this vector in combination with recombinant subunit gp120 in 150 HIV-1-seronegative volunteers. The high-titered ALVAC vaccine was well tolerated; adverse events were minimal and not influenced by dosing. At day 728, the cumulative probability of a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response was 76% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 64%-89%) among volunteers receiving vaccine, and the net amount attributable to vaccination was 50% (CI: 16%; 74%). The net probability of a repeated positive CTL response by day 728 was 50% (CI: 21%; 64%). There was a significant difference in CTL response at day 182 between volunteers who had received four doses versus three doses of vCP205 (42% vs. 24%, p =.052). The CTL response was similar in high-risk volunteers and vaccinia-naive volunteers compared with vaccinia-immune volunteers. Neutralizing antibody responses were detected in 95% of vaccinees at day 287, with higher geometric mean titers in recipients of sequential versus simultaneous dosing of the two vaccines and in vaccinia-naive volunteers. This high-titered preparation of ALVAC-HIV vCP205 in combination with gp120 was safe and immunogenic in a diverse group of HIV-1-seronegative volunteers.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Epidemiology and outcome of mould infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Reports have focused on the emergence of moulds as pathogens in recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants. To review the incidence of and risks for mould infections, we examined the records of 5589 patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Seattle) from 1985 through 1999. After 1992, the incidence of invasive aspergillosis increased in allograft recipients and remained high through the 1990s. Infections with non-fumigatus Aspergillus species, Fusarium species, and Zygomycetes increased during the late 1990s, especially in patients who received multiple transplants. Although infection caused by Scedosporium species was common in patients who had neutropenia, infection caused by Zygomycetes typically occurred later after transplantation, when patients had graft-versus-host disease. The overall 1-year survival rate was equally poor (similar20%) for all patients with mould infections. The results of the present study demonstrate the changing epidemiology of mould infections, emphasizing the increasing importance of amphotericin B--resistant organisms and the differences in risks and outcome of infection with different filamentous fungi.

Adult↗

Two-day regimen of acyclovir for treatment of recurrent genital herpes simplex virus type 2 infection.

The standard course of antiviral therapy for recurrent genital herpes requires administration of multiple doses of medication for 5 days. To assess the efficacy of a shorter course of antiviral therapy, patients with recurrent genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of acyclovir (800 mg given by mouth 3 times per day [t.i.d.]) for 2 days. Of 131 people enrolled in the study, 84 (51 women and 33 men) were observed for >/=1 recurrence and 65 were observed for 2 recurrences, for which the patient was administered the same study drug (acyclovir or placebo). Acyclovir therapy (800 mg given by mouth t.i.d. for 2 days) significantly reduced the duration of lesions (median for acyclovir versus placebo, 4 days versus 6 days; P=.001), episode (4 days versus 6 days; P<.001), and viral shedding (25 hours versus 58.5 hours; P=.04), and it increased the proportion of aborted episodes (P=.029). A 2-day course of acyclovir is a convenient alternative for treatment of recurrent genital herpes.

Acyclovir↗

Do scarce targets or T killers control primary HIV infection?

Early in HIV infection, a million virions per milliliter appear in the blood; yet over the next few weeks, this number drops by two orders-of-magnitude. Symptoms resolve and a quasi-steady-state forms. What halts the viremic outburst? In 1996, Phillips proposed a simple explanation: HIV depletes its target cells. Here, we combine observations of primary disease with mathematical analysis to argue that target-cell scarcity cannot explain the virus's decline, indirectly shoring up the chief alternative theory: control by the immune system.

Animals↗

High risk of death due to bacterial and fungal infection among cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seronegative recipients of stem cell transplants from seropositive donors: evidence for indirect effects of primary CMV infection.

The impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) serostatus (seropositive [(+)] or seronegative [(-)]) of the donor (D) and recipient (R) on mortality after allogeneic non-T cell-depleted stem cell transplantation (SCT) in the era of preemptive therapy was assessed among 1750 patients by means of multivariable Cox regression models. In an analysis that included only pre-SCT variables, D(+)/R(+) and D(+)/R(-) patients had the highest risk for mortality. After neutropenia or the occurrence of CMV disease was controlled for, only D(+)/R(-) patients remained at a significantly higher risk for mortality. Mortality due to bacteremia or invasive fungal infection was higher among D(+)/R(-) (18.3%) than D(-)/R(-) (9.7%) patients (P <.001). Thus, CMV serostatus remains associated with mortality; neutropenia due to ganciclovir administration and CMV disease explain the association with mortality among seropositive recipients. However, in D(+)/R(-) subjects, mortality appears to be associated with bacterial and fungal infection, indicating a possible immunomodulatory effect of primary CMV infection that was undetected despite intensive monitoring.

Adolescent↗

Case report: primary human herpesvirus-6 associated with an afebrile seizure in a 3-week-old infant.

We describe a 3-week-old male infant with an afebrile seizure in whom serologic and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) findings support concomitant primary human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) infection. Although HHV-6 infection has been associated with first-time febrile seizures and encephalitis in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts, it has not been associated previously with afebrile seizures in healthy infants. This report provides additional evidence of the neuropathogenic potential of HHV-6.

Female↗

Infectious complications after autologous CD34-selected peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

CD34 selection of peripheral hematopoietic blood stem cell products has been applied to reduce the risk of relapse after an autologous transplantation. However, CD34 selection is also associated with a significant reduction in T-cells, natural killer cells, and monocytes, and these reductions may influence immune reconstitution and thus increase the risk for infections. An increased incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in patients receiving CD34-selected transplants has been reported. In this study, the incidence rate of infections other than CMV is reported in 32 patients who underwent myeloablative therapy followed by the infusion of CD34-selected autologous peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) and compared to the rate in a contemporaneous group of 273 patients who received unselected autologous PBSC during the same time period. Infection surveillance and prevention strategies were identical between the 2 groups. More non-CMV infections occurred in the recipients of CD34-selected PBSC than in recipients of unselected PBSC (78% versus 30%, P < .0001). The differences in the rates of viral infections were mainly due to dermatomal and disseminated varicella-zoster virus (VZV) (any VZV, 26% versus 4%, P = .002; disseminated VZV, 11% versus 0.3%, P = .03) and parainfluenza 3 virus infections (13% versus 3%, P = .04). Bacterial infections were also more common among CD34-selected PBSC transplant recipients (34% versus 16%, P = .01), whereas fungal infections were not significantly different between the groups. In multivariable logistic regression models, the effect of CD34 selection on infection risk remained significant for viral infections and overall non-CMV infections. Infection-related mortality was not significantly different between the groups. In conclusion, the incidence of viral and bacterial infections appears to be increased in recipients of CD34-selected autologous PBSC transplants. Because the risk for infections approaches that seen in allogeneic transplant recipients, infection surveillance, diagnostic work-up, and prevention strategies similar to those used in allogeneic recipients are warranted.

Adolescent↗