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ABSTRACT: TO THE EDITOR: Two novel polyomaviruses (PyVs), KIPyV and WUPyV, were identified in respiratory and fecal specimens from children with signs and symptoms of respiratory tract infection (1,2). A review of literature on emerging viruses in transplant recipients indicated that up to 80% of patients harboring these PyVs are co-infected with another respiratory virus, complicating interpretation of positive findings (3). Seroprevalence of KIPyV and WUPyV in healthy blood donors in Germany have been reported to be 67% and 89%, respectively (4).
Emerging Infectious Diseases 04/2012; 18(4):706-8. · 6.79 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To the Editor: Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a newly described parvovirus for which pathogenic potential has not clearly been elucidated (1). Recent findings suggest that HBoV may establish persistent infection of mucosal lymphocytes or contribute to tonsillar hyperplasia in children (2). In previous reports, we described prolonged HBoV DNA detection in immunocompromised children (3,4). Partial sequencing of the VP1 gene of HBoV from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, plasma, and sphenoid sinus samples showed 100% identity, which suggested persistence of the same HBoV strain over a 5-month period (3). It remains speculative, however, whether paranasal sinus mucosa represents a site of HBoV persistence. To clarify this, we analyzed samples of paranasal mucosal tissue and nasal polyps from patients with chronic sinusitis for respiratory viruses and atypical bacteria.
Emerging Infectious Diseases 08/2011; 17(8):1564-5. · 6.79 Impact Factor
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Journal of clinical virology: the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology 05/2011; 51(4):283-4. · 3.12 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Human bocavirus is frequently detected in immunocompetent as well as in immunocompromised children. However, the course of infection in immunocompromised children is still poorly investigated. In the present study, we describe 4 cases of repeat human bocavirus detection in the presence of severe immunodeficiency. In the view of homologous viral sequences identified in serial samples, possible persistence and reactivation in these patients are discussed.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 01/2011; 30(1):82-4. · 3.58 Impact Factor
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Emerging infectious diseases 10/2007; 13(9):1425-7. · 6.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are members of the Pneumovirinae subfamily of Paramyxoviridae and can cause severe respiratory disease, especially in infants and young children. Some differences in the clinical course of these infections have been described, but there are few comparative data on pathogenesis in humans and animal models. In this study, HMPV and RSV were compared for replication, pathogenesis and immune induction in BALB/c mice infected with equivalent inocula of either virus.
Viral titers in the lungs and in the nasal turbinates of mice were determined by plaque assay. Histopathological changes in the lungs as well as weight loss and levels of airway obstruction were monitored in the infected mice to record the severity of illness. Inflammatory cells recruited to the lungs were characterized by flow cytometry and by differential staining. In the case of natural killer cells, cytotoxic activity was also measured. Cytokine levels in the BAL were determined by cytometric bead array.
RSV replicated to higher titers than HMPV in the lung and in the upper respiratory tract (URT), and virus elimination from the lungs was more rapid in HMPV-infected mice. Clinical illness as determined by airway obstruction, weight loss, and histopathology was significantly more severe after HMPV infection. A comparison of the cellular immune response revealed similar recruitment of T lymphocytes with a predominance of IFN-gamma-producing CD8+ T cells. By contrast, there were obvious differences in the innate immune response. After HMPV infection, more neutrophils could be detected in the airways and there were more activated NK cells than in RSV-infected mice. This correlated with higher levels of IL-6, TNF-alpha and MCP-1.
This study shows important differences in HMPV and RSV pathogenesis and suggests that the pronounced innate immune response observed after HMPV infection might be instrumental in the severe pathology.
Respiratory research 02/2007; 8:6. · 3.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A conserved fragment comprising amino acid residues 130-230 of the G glycoprotein of human respiratory syncytial virus subtype A was expressed in the commensal bacterium Streptococcus gordonii. Recombinant streptococci displaying the G domain at the cell surface were used to immunize mice via both parenteral and mucosal routes. Subcutaneous immunization induced respiratory syncytial virus-specific serum immunoglobin G (IgG) capable of partially controlling virus replication in the lungs. Intranasal immunization with live bacteria stimulated the production of IgA against both the whole virus and the G domain in serum and bronchoalveolar fluid. Upon challenge, immunized animals had significantly lower virus titres in the lungs than the controls. Our results show for the first time that the G domain-expressing S. gordonii strain elicits both systemic and mucosal immunity that reduced respiratory syncytial virus replication in the lungs of mice.
FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology 11/2006; 48(1):116-22. · 2.44 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In a pediatric surveillance network, 287 (5.1%) of 5,580 specimens from patients with acute respiratory infections tested positive for human metapneumovirus (HMPV). Phylogenetic analysis of N- and F-gene sequences of identified HMPV showed that 30% belonged to a novel phylogenetic cluster.
Emerging infectious diseases 02/2006; 12(1):147-50. · 6.17 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Patients with immunodeficiency or treatment-related immunosuppression are at an increased risk of developing severe herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. We present a fatal case of a generalized HSV-1 infection in a 22-year-old female afflicted by acute lymphoblastic leukemia who was treated with polychemotherapy. The terminal clinical course was characterized by abdominal pain, progressive hepatic failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Autopsy revealed non-perioral herpetic skin lesions and mucosal ulceration of the esophagus and colon. Punctuated areas of yellow-tan necrosis with hyperemic rims were detected in the liver, spleen, and lung. Numerous petechiae were observed on the mucosal surface of the esophagus, jejunum, ileum, and colon. Microscopically, lesions demonstrated the cellular changes characteristic of herpetic infection. Immunohistochemistry for identification of the virus using monoclonal antibodies against HSV-1 and HSV-2 showed positive staining for HSV-1. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing confirmed HSV-1 positivity. Emphasis must be placed on clinical awareness of a generalized HSV infection in immunocompromised patients. Absence of orofacial or genital lesions does not rule out the possibility of active HSV infection.
Pathology - Research and Practice 02/2005; 201(2):123-9. · 1.21 Impact Factor
