The role of secretory immunity in hepatitis A virus infection

Article Abstract:

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) causes inflammation (infection) of the liver and leads to impaired hepatic functioning. In 1989, hepatitis A virus was responsible for 56 percent of the cases of viral hepatitis reported in the United States and, especially in western states, is becoming an increasing problem. HAV is usually shed and transmitted by contaminated feces (fecal-oral route). Immunization is an important means of obtaining protection against many viruses, and one phase of vaccine development involves determining where in the body antibodies (agents that attack and kill foreign substances) are most effective. Antibodies to many viruses are found in the intestine; when antibody-killed virus is passed in the stool, the process is known as intestinal immunity. It is effective in preventing communicable diseases that spread by a fecal-oral route. To determine whether anti-HAV antibody is passed in feces, samples of feces and saliva were obtained from 8 owl monkeys (injected with HAV virus) and 18 humans (3 experimentally infected with HAV and 15 naturally infected). Only two of the eight monkeys were found to have anti-HAV antibody in their feces, even though they all developed antibody in their blood. Similarly, neutralizing antibody was detected in the feces of none of the 3 experimentally-infected volunteers and only 1 of the 15 naturally HAV-infected individuals. Neutralizing anti-HAV antibody was detected in only 2 of 19 human saliva specimens. These data, like previous studies, suggest that the intestinal immunity does not play a significant role in protection against hepatitis A virus. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prevention, Hepatitis A virus, Hepatovirus, Hepatitis A

---

A retrospective analysis of sera collected by the Hemorrhagic Fever Commission during the Korean conflict

Article Abstract:

During the Korean conflict, from 1951 to 1954, the Hemorrhagic Fever Commission collected 600 blood specimens from 245 patients diagnosed with Korean hemorrhagic fever (KHF). The disease is cause by the Hantaan virus (HV), of the Bunyavirus family of viruses. The Commission was created to investigate the then unknown KHF. Today the disease is identified as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS). The Hantaan virus was first isolated in 1976 from the lungs of the Korean striped field mouse. Although none of the original patient records were available, the blood specimens had been preserved. They were typically collected on the third day of illness, and again one week later. Occasionally, later samples were collected. By using immunoassays, researchers tested the specimens for Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to HV, and for hantaviral antigen. In most cases (94 percent), the original clinical diagnosis of hemorrhagic fever was confirmed by blood test for the presence of hantaviral antibodies. The remaining specimens were not positive for this infection, and except for one case of leptospirosis, are still unclassified. IgM titers rose early in the course of the illness, and appeared to reach maximum levels within the first few days. IgG titers did not peak until the 2nd week of the disease. Hantaviral antigen was not detected in any of the specimens. In general, the results of these assays confirmed the original diagnosis of HFRS among the patients, and attributed illness to HV. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Causes of

---

Risk factors for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in rural northern Senegal

Article Abstract:

Hemorrhagic fever is a syndrome that is caused by an infection with a virus. Symptoms of this syndrome include high fever, low blood pressure, and internal bleeding. There are several different types of hemorrhagic fever because there are several different types of viruses that can cause it. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is caused by Nairovirus, which is found in Eurasia and Africa. CCHF can be very severe and has been reported to result in death in 13 to 50 percent of cases. A recent study reported the isolation of CCHF virus from ticks, and the isolation of antibodies to the virus from the blood of humans in north central Senegal. Therefore, a study was performed to evaluate the extent of human infection with the CCHF virus in northern Senegal, and to identify possible ways in which the virus may be transmitted. Blood samples were obtained from 283 residents. Thirteen percent of the blood samples tested positive for CCHF virus. The rate of infection was similar for men and women, but increased with age for nomadic persons. Tick bites (by the Hyalomma tick) appear to be the main method of transmitting Nairovirus. In addition to tick bites, risk factors for contracting the virus include contact with infected animals and sleeping outside during seasonal migrations. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Risk factors, Demographic aspects, Tick-borne diseases, Senegal

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Amniotic membranes in the treatment of necrotizing fasciitis complicating vulvar herpes virus infection. Ultrasonic surgical aspiration in the treatment of vulvar disease
• Abstracts: Head injury - how community paediatricians can help. Attitudes of paediatricians to HIV and hepatitis B virus infection
• Abstracts: Changes in rectal sensitivity after hypnotherapy in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Modulation of orocaecal transit time by hypnosis
• Abstracts: Predominance of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in cerebrospinal fluid of AIDS patients with cytomegalovirus polyradiculomyelitis
• Abstracts: The effect of the number of exposures on the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission. Heterosexual transmission of hepatitis delta virus in the general population of an area endemic for hepatitis B virus infection: a prospective study

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.