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Biomedical subjects

U Desselberger

Publications and source records attributed to U Desselberger.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Detection and typing of human papillomavirus DNA in paired urine and cervical scrapes.

The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in paired cervical scrape and urine specimens from 144 women attending a clinic for genitourinary medicine was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR, using degenerate and general primer pairs localized within the L1 region. HPV typing was by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), type-specific PCR (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 33), and partial DNA sequencing of PCR products. HPV DNA was detected in 114 (84%) women. HPV DNA was detected in the specimens of 58 patients after amplification with MY09/MY11 primers and in a further 54 patients after nested PCR with the GP5+/GP6+ primers. A total of 106/136 (78%) of women had HPV DNA positive cervical scrapes and 89 (65%) had HPV DNA positive urine specimens. Both the urine and cervical specimens of 81 women were positive. In 25 women HPV DNA was detected in the cervical specimen only, and in 8 women HPV DNA was detected in the urine specimens only. A total of 108 specimens from 75 patients were typed. For 33 patients HPV typing was achieved in both the cervical and the urine specimens and 19 women had identical types in paired specimens. Multiple HPV infections could be detected in 15 (20%) of 75 women where either the cervical and urine specimen or both of the specimens could be typed. More then one HPV type was found in 8 specimens and from multiple sites (cervix and urinary tract) in the same patients on 7 occasions. The results of this study indicate that the detection of HPVs in the urogenital tract can be maximised through the testing of both cervical scrapes and urine specimens in conjunction with the use of a nested PCR to increase the sensitivity of HPV DNA detection. Also, urine cannot be a direct substitute for a cervical scrape as different HPV types are often detected in the urine compared with those detected in the cervix.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Sequence analysis and in vitro expression of genes 6 and 11 of an ovine group B rotavirus isolate, KB63: evidence for a non-defective, C-terminally truncated NSP1 and a phosphorylated NSP5.

An ovine group B rotavirus (GBR) isolate, KB63, was isolated from faeces of a young goat with diarrhoea in Xinjiang, People's Republic of China. Sequence determination and comparison of genes 6 and 11 with the corresponding sequences of GBR strains ADRV and IDIR showed that they were the cognate genes encoding NSP1 and NSP5, respectively. While the overall identities of nucleotide sequences between these two genes and the corresponding genes of strains ADRV and IDIR were in the range 52.6-57.2%, the identities of deduced amino acid sequences were only 34.9-46.3%. These results demonstrate that the substantial diversity of NSP1 observed among group A rotaviruses (GAR) also exists within GBRs and that a high degree of diversity also exists among NSP5 of GBRs, in contrast to GAR NSP5. The NSP1 gene of KB63 contains three ORFs, whereas the NSP1 genes of other GBR strains contain only two. ORFs 2 and 3 of the KB63 gene may be derived from a single ORF corresponding to ORF2 of other GBR strains by the usage of a stop codon created by an upstream single base deletion and single point mutations. In vitro expression studies showed that ORFs 1 and 2, but not 3, of gene 6 can be translated, suggesting that ORF2 may encode a C-terminally truncated, potentially functional product. It may play a role, together with the product of ORF1, in virus replication, as the virus can be passaged further in kids. Similarly, gene 11 can be translated in vitro. Like its counterpart in GARs, the protein encoded by gene 11 was shown to be phosphorylated in vitro.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Molecular epidemiology of outbreaks of gastroenteritis associated with small round-structured viruses in East Anglia, United Kingdom, during the 1996-1997 season.

During the winter season from November 1996 to May 1997, 550 fecal specimens were submitted from 94 outbreaks of gastroenteritis occurring in East Anglia, United Kingdom. These specimens were tested for the presence of small round-structured viruses (SRSVs) by electron microscopy, reverse transcriptase PCR, or both methods. SRSVs were shown to be associated with 64 of 94 (68%) of these outbreaks, of which 16 (25%) outbreaks occurred at a single location (Southend) within the region. Twenty-four specimens from 13 of the 16 SRSV-positive outbreaks occurring in Southend were available for genomic analysis, in which divergence within the RNA polymerase region of the SRSV genome was investigated. A further 27 specimens from 17 other SRSV-associated outbreaks, occurring at different locations within East Anglia but at the same time as those at Southend, were also studied. Fifty of the total of 51 (98%) specimens studied were shown to belong to genogroup II, and within this genogroup, 49 of 50 (98%) specimens were shown to be Grimsby-like viruses, with only one Mexico-like strain. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of the Grimsby-like viruses indicated clusterings according to the geographical location of the outbreak. One specimen contained a virus belonging to genogroup I, and this had the greatest sequence identity (83%) with Southampton virus.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Rotavirus infections: guidelines for treatment and prevention.

The classification of rotaviruses as well as the pathogenesis and the diagnosis of rotavirus infections are briefly reviewed. Treatment of rotavirus disease consists mainly of oral or intravenous rehydration, using World Health Organization-recommended oral rehydration solutions or lactated Ringer's solutions, respectively. Specific antivirals have been tried in animal models but are not used for human treatment at present. The epidemiology of rotaviruses is complex as at any one time and in any geographical area different types co-circulate. The development of rotavirus candidate vaccines is reviewed, one of which, the tetravalent, rhesus rotavirus-based human reassortant vaccine, was licensed for universal use in the US in 1998. Its implementation requires careful surveillance of co-circulating rotavirus types (molecular epidemiology) as well as of any potential adverse effects not previously detected.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

Prospects for vaccines against rotaviruses.

Candidate vaccines against rotavirus-caused diarrhoea have been under development for more than ten years. Recent research has helped to identify virological and immunological parameters which are most likely to be correlates of protection from rotavirus infection and disease. Large double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in the United States and Venezuela have resulted in successful protection from severe disease and dehydration after immunisation with live-attenuated rhesus rotavirus-based monovalent and tetravalent vaccine candidates. The tetravalent vaccine is now submitted for regulatory approval in the United States. The anticipated widespread use of such a vaccine will need careful safety and effectiveness surveillance as the enormous diversity of rotavirus antigenicity may affect efficacy in different geographical regions. To proceed from licensure to reduction of disease a series of goals must be achieved: the vaccine must be recommended by major immunisation advisory committees, be financed in both the public and private sectors, be integrated into existing vaccination schedules, be promoted, find parental acceptance and achieve a high level of coverage. Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

International issues in transplantation biotechnology, including the use of non-human cells, tissues and organs.

A personal overview of the major points discussed at this international meeting in March 1998 is presented. Overall, it was a timely and very interesting meeting in which most of the issues relating to xenotransplantation were comprehensively reviewed and thoroughly discussed with an emphasis on trying to work out common procedures and policies and to gain public confidence in this novel field. There are still enormous hurdles to be passed with regard to assessing the risks of infection, the immunology of xenotransplantation, public acceptance as well as numerous ethical, regulatory and economic issues. However, there was also the clear message that enormous progress has been and is being made fast in all these areas and that therefore xenotransplantation is likely to come of age also clinically in the not too distant future. Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Viral gastroenteritis.

There are many viruses infecting the human gut: some are found to cause acute gastroenteritis regularly (although not always) like rotaviruses, enteric adenoviruses, small round structured viruses and astroviruses; others enter the host via the gut and most often cause systemic infection (entero-viruses, parvoviruses); and others are not regularly associated with human disease (reoviruses, viruses of the Coronaviridae family). The human gut can also be infected directly by HIV and, as a consequence of immuno-suppression, by viruses of the Herpesviridae family. Most remarkable during the last one to two years were the following results: increasing evidence that a tetravalent rhesus rotavirus-based vaccine can prevent severe disease after natural human rotavirus infection bringing this vaccine candidate close to approval by the Food and Drug Administration, USA; better, although not complete, understanding of correlates of protection from rotavirus infection; and fuller comprehension of the genomic and antigenic diversity of viruses of the Caliciviridae family infecting man. There is still no proficient tissue culture system for the human small round structured viruses, hindering the acquisition of basic knowledge of the replication of these viruses in the human gut. Except against rotaviruses, there are no vaccine candidates against human enteric viruses.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1998

Viral determinants of rotavirus pathogenicity in pigs: evidence that the fourth gene of a porcine rotavirus confers diarrhea in the homologous host.

A porcine rotavirus (prv) monoreassortant, S-F4, which carries RNA segment 4 of the pig-pathogenic variant prv 4F in the genetic background of the pig-apathogenic variant prv 4S (G. I. Tauscher and U. Desselberger, J. Virol. 71:853-857, 1997), was found to be pathogenic in gnotobiotic piglets. This indicates that RNA segment 4 of the pig-pathogenic variant prv 4F is a major determinant of pathogenicity in its homologous host.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy: diagnosis and significance.

Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) cause genital infections, and HSV infection during pregnancy can result in infection of the neonate. Here HSV structure and replication,viral pathogenesis, human immune responses to HSV, the epidemiology, details of HSV diagnosis with emphasis on typing, clinical features and antiviral treatment are reviewed. The importance of appropriate diagnostic procedures in relation to correct risk assessment of neonatal infection is emphasized.

Female↗
PubMed1998

The development of a specimen exchange system for quality assessment of polymerase chain reaction tests.

A programme of external quality assessment of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays through regular exchange of appropriate clinical or spiked specimens between Oxford and Cambridge public health laboratories began in February 1997. We report on 60 specimens included in the exchange. These covered most of the molecular diagnostic assays in use at present. In two cases discrepant results were obtained. We conclude that the exchange of specimens under code between laboratories that use molecular techniques as a diagnostic service is an inexpensive way of achieving regular external quality assessment.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

A large outbreak of Q fever in the West Midlands: windborne spread into a metropolitan area?

The largest outbreak of the zoonotic disease Q fever recorded in the United Kingdom (UK) occurred in Birmingham in 1989. One hundred and forty-seven cases were identified, 125 of whom were males, and 130 of whom were between 16 and 64 years of age. Fewer cases of Asian ethnic origin were observed than expected (p < 0.01), and more smokers (p < 0.005). A case control study (26 cases and 52 matched controls) produced no evidence that direct contact with animals or animal products had caused the outbreak. The epidemic curve suggested a point source exposure in the week beginning 10 April. The home addresses of cases were clustered in a rectangle 11 miles (18.3 km) north/south by 4 miles (6.7 km) east/ west, and attack rates became lower towards the north. Directly south of this area were farms engaged in outdoor lambing and calving, a potent source of coxiella spores. A retrospective computerised analysis showed that the geographical distribution of cases was associated with a source in this area (p < 0.00001). On 11 April, unusual southerly gales of up to 78 mph (130 km/h) were recorded. The probable cause of the outbreak was windborne spread of coxiella spores from farmland to the conurbation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Viral factors determining rotavirus pathogenicity.

The pathogenicity of rotaviruses depends on multiple viral and host factors. Evidence is presented for the involvement of a number of viral genes (coding for structural and non-structural proteins) in the ability of the virus to cause diarrhoea. Different genes are important in different rotavirus--host systems suggesting that there is no single viral pathogenicity factor.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

The development of an antigen capture polymerase chain reaction assay to detect and type human enteroviruses.

Antigen capture polymerase chain reaction (AC-PCR) is a technique that combines the advantages of PCR with those of antibody mediated methods, to detect and type human enteroviruses. Virus particles are captured by specific antisera and RNA is released by heat denaturation to generate the substrate for reverse transcription and PCR. Use of this technique results in purification of human enteroviruses from tissue culture and 10% faecal samples in a serotype-specific manner allowing both rapid detection and a direct correlation between serological and genetic typing methods. The sensitivity of AC-PCR was comparable with that of PCR protocols employing a conventional organic solvent based extraction procedure.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Viral determinants of rotavirus pathogenicity in pigs: production of reassortants by asynchronous coinfection.

A porcine rotavirus (prv), variant 4F, isolated in tissue culture from the feces of a Chinese pig with diarrhea, was found to have become highly pathogenic when passaged in gnotobiotic piglets (J. C. Bridger, B. Burke, G. M. Beards, and U. Desselberger, J. Gen. Virol. 73:3011-3015, 1992). Comparison with the closely related pig-apathogenic variant prv 4S suggested the outer capsid protein VP4 (encoded by RNA 4) of prv 4F as a determinant for pathogenicity (B. Burke, J. C. Bridger, and U. Desselberger, J. Gen. Virol. 75:2205-2212, 1994; B. Burke, J. C. Bridger, and U. Desselberger, Virology 202:754-759, 1994). In order to provide more direct evidence, the pathogenic prv 4F variant which grows and forms plaques poorly in tissue culture was reassorted with the well-tissue-culture-adapted, pig-apathogenic bovine rotavirus (brv; UK Compton strain). After asynchronous coinfection of cell cultures (first prv 4F, followed by brv 6 to 12 h later), several reassortants were isolated containing RNA 4 of prv 4F either alone (isolate B-F4) or together with one or two other genes of 4F in the genetic background of brv. Backcrossing of the monoreassortant B-F4 with prv 4S yielded a monoreassortant, S-F4, which carries RNA 4 of the 4F variant in the genetic background of prv 4S. The in vitro growth characteristics of these reassortants were analyzed, and the roles of VP4 in plaque formation and growth kinetics in cell culture were confirmed. The monoreassortant S-F4 and the parental viruses prv 4F and prv 4S are currently being tested for pathogenicity in gnotobiotic piglets (J. C. Bridger, G. Tauscher, and U. Desselberger, unpublished data).

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Rotavirus pathogenicity.

The pathogenicity of rotaviruses depends on multiple viral and host factors. In this review the evidence for the involvement of a number of viral genes in the ability to cause disease is presented. Different genes are of importance in different rotavirus-host systems: there is no single pathogenicity factor.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Genome rearrangements of rotaviruses.

Rotaviruses (and other members of the Reoviridae family) undergo rearrangements of their genomes. This review describes evidence of rearranged genomes in rotaviruses. Their structure and functions are reviewed. Possible mechanisms of their emergence are discussed, and the significance of genome rearrangements for viral evolution is considered.

Animals↗