Potential capsule switching from serogroup Y to B: The characterization of three such Neisseria meningitidis isolates causing invasive meningococcal disease in Canada

Three group B Neisseria meningitidis isolates, recovered from meningococcal disease cases in Canada and typed as B:2c:P1.5, were characterized. Multilocus sequence typing showed that all three isolates were related because of an identical sequence type (ST) 573. Isolates typed as 2c:P1.5 are common in serogroup Y meningococci but rare in isolates from serogroups B or C. Although no serogroup Y isolates have been typed as ST-573, eight isolates showed five to six housekeeping gene alleles that were identical to that of ST-573. This suggested that the B:2c:P1.5 isolates may have originated from serogroup Y organisms, possibly by capsule switching.Key Words: Capsule switching, Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup YNeisseria meningitidis is a significant pathogen that causes invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). The average case fatality rate of 9% to 12% remains high despite the availability of effective antibiotics and vaccines (1). Laboratory study and surveillance of N meningitidis involves the characterization of a number of surface markers of the bacterium, including its capsule and outer membrane proteins (OMPs). Most epidemiological studies of meningococcal disease rely on differentiating meningococcal isolates based on their serogroup, serotype and serosubtype. Serogrouping is determined by the demonstration of serologically distinct epitopes present on chemically and structurally different capsules. Serotyping and serosubtyping rely on the detection of distinct epitopes present on three of five different classes of OMPs of N meningitidis. Serotyping epitopes are found on the class 2 or class 3 OMP (also called PorB) of N meningitidis; these OMPs are expressed in a mutually exclusively manner (ie, a strain will only express either a class 2 or class 3 OMP but not both). Serosubtyping epitopes are present on the class 1 OMP (also called PorA). Based on this nomenclature scheme, a strain can therefore be characterized by its antigenic formula; for example, B:15:P1.7,16 refers to serogroup B, serotype 15 and serosubtype P1.7,16.One of the most important virulence factors of meningococci is the capsular polysaccharide antigen, which is also the basis for serogrouping and is the target antigen for the currently licensed vaccines against A, C, Y and W135 organisms. Of the 13 known serogroups, five (serogroups A, B, C, Y and W135) are responsible for most of the meningococcal disease worldwide (2). In North America, most endemic and epidemic strains belong to serogroups B, C, Y and W135 (3,4). Capsules of serogroups B, C, Y and W135 meningococci contain sialic acid, either as a homopolymer of sialic acids assembled by alpha-2,8 linkages (serogroup B) or alpha-2,9 linkages (serogroup C), or as a heteropolymer of sialic acids with glucose (serogroup Y) or galactose (serogroup W135). Besides demonstrating structural similarities, these four serogroups of meningococci also have very similar capsule polysaccharide synthesis (cps) gene loci (5). Because of this similarity, capsule switching has been demonstrated in vivo and in vitro by specific gene replacement within the cps loci between different serogroups. To date, a number of IMD cases have been described in the literature to be caused by organisms in which capsule switching between serogroup B and C meningococci occurred (6-8).In the present paper, the authors describe three unusual serogroup B meningococci isolated from separate IMD cases in Nanaimo, British Columbia, that presented with the OMP antigens 2c:P1.5, characteristic of serogroup Y strains found in Canada (4). This antigenic profile prompted the authors to examine the relationship of these three serogroup B strains with antigenically similar serogroup Y organisms isolated in Canada. The authors describe the characterization of these antigenically similar isolates and postulate that the B:2c:P1.5 isolates arose by capsule switching from serogroup Y organisms.     

Donor and recipient treatment with the Lazaroid U-74006F do not improve post-transplant lung function in swine.

OBJECTIVE: U-74006F is the only Lazaroid which is currently in clinical use. A number of experimental studies demonstrate that Lazaroids reduce ischemia/reperfusion injury in various organ systems. We evaluated the effect of U-74006F on reperfusion injury in a large animal model of lung allo-transplantation. METHODS: Two different treatment modalities were evaluated and compared with corresponding control groups. Unilateral left lung transplantation was performed in 21 weight-matched pigs (24-31 kg). Donor lungs were flushed with 1.51 cold (1 degrees C) LPD solution and preserved for 20 h. In group I (n = 5), donor animals were pretreated with U-74006F (10 mg/ kg i.v.) 20 min before harvest. In addition U-74006F was added to the flush solution (10 mg/l). In group III (n = 6), the Lazaroid was given to the donor before flush and to the recipient before reperfusion (3 mg/kg i.v.). Group II and IV (n = 5) served as control. One hour after reperfusion, the recipient contralateral right pulmonary artery and bronchus were ligated to assess graft function only. Extravascular lung water index (EVLWI), mean pulmonary artery pressure, cardiac output, and gas exchange were assessed during a 5 h observation period. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and neutrophil migration (MPO activity) were measured at the end of the assessment in lung allograft tissue. RESULTS: A significant change of TBARS concentration was shown in group III (group III 78.7+/-4.6 pmol/g vs. group IV 120.8+/-7.2 pmol/g (P = 0.0065) normal lung tissue 41.3+/-4.2 pmol/g). MPO activity was reduced in group III 3.74+/-0.25 deltaOD/mg per min vs. group IV 4.97+/-0.26 deltaOD/mg per min (P = 0.027), normal lung tissue 1.04+/-0.27 deltaOD/mg per min). Pulmonary hemodynamics and gas exchange after reperfusion did not differ between groups. In group I and III, a tendency towards a reduced EVLWI was noted. CONCLUSION: We conclude that combined treatment of donor and recipient with U-74006F reduces free radical mediated injury in the allograft. However, this intervention did not result in a significant reduction of post-transplant lung edema or improvement of pulmonary hemodynamics. Donor pretreatment alone did not improve lung allograft reperfusion injury. These results indicate that the benefit of U-74006F is too small to consider clinical application in lung transplantation.     

Fulminant Cerebral Malaria in a Swiss Patient

Abstract Malaria remains the most important parasitic disease worldwide. Falciparum malaria is a medical emergency and requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. Cerebral malaria is a rapidly progressive, potentially fatal complication of Plasmodium falciparum infection. This case, including post-mortem observations, histology, and laboratory diagnosis, emphasizes the necessity of appropriate advice regarding malaria prophylaxis before travel to an endemic area. Malaria should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with fever and/or nonspecific flu-like symptoms after traveling to endemic countries.     

Infective endocarditis: clinical spectrum, presentation and outcome. An analysis of 212 cases 1980-1995

OBJECTIVE—To evaluate recent changes in the spectrum and clinical presentation of infective endocarditis and to determine predictors of outcome.
DESIGN—A retrospective case study.
METHODS—Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics were examined in 212 patients who fulfilled the Duke criteria for infective endocarditis between January 1980 and December 1995 to assess changes in clinical presentation and survival.
RESULTS—Clinical presentation and course did not change significantly during the study period despite the concurrent introduction of new diagnostic tools (for example, transoesophageal echocardiography). In-hospital mortality was 15% and remained unchanged. Neurological symptoms on admission, arthralgia, and weight loss were all independent risk factors for adverse outcome (odds ratios 26.1, 6.2, and 4.2, respectively). Age, prosthetic valve disease, previous antibiotic treatment, renal insufficiency, surgical treatment, and the type of valve involved were not predictive of mortality. In contrast to all other major reports, Streptococcus viridans was the most common causative organism in intravenous drug users (52%).
CONCLUSIONS—Despite the introduction of new diagnostic tools, the course of infective endocarditis has remained unchanged over a period of 16 years. Evidence of early dissemination of the disease to other sites was associated with adverse outcome. Even in elderly patients, early aggressive treatment seems to be effective.


Keywords: infective endocarditis; outcome; prognostic factors     

FasL^＋组织工程化猪软骨细胞的同种异体移植

目的:探讨表达FasL的猪组织工程化软骨细胞在同种异体内的生长状况和免疫排斥反应。方法:实验于2002-09/2004-03在上海交通大学医学院,上海市免疫学研究所进行。①分离制备猪软骨细胞。②制备FasL 软骨细胞,构建重组pGCEN-FasL反转录病毒载体,转染PA317细胞。经G418筛选获得分泌pGCEN-FasL病毒颗粒的PA317细胞克隆,选择高滴度的病毒液,感染猪软骨细胞。再经过G418筛选获得FasL 的软骨细胞克隆,扩增培养。③FACS检测FasL的表达,应用JAM试验测定FasL 的软骨细胞诱导Fas 的Jurkat细胞及活化的T细胞的凋亡率。同时制备转染pGCEN反转录病毒空载体的软骨细胞为对照。④取FasL 的软骨细胞与可注射性生物材料PluronicF127混合,注射于同种异体猪的腹壁皮下。在第4,5周取材,通过组织病理和免疫组织化学等方法,检测软骨细胞生长和免疫排斥反应。结果:①经转染的软骨细胞表面FasL的表达率为57%。②FasL 的软骨细胞具有明显诱导Fas 细胞和活化的同种异体T细胞的凋亡,最大的凋亡率分别为53.41%,30.38%(效/靶=10∶1),对照组分别为32.27%,13.16%(效/靶=10∶1)。③组织工程化猪软骨结节的结构与正常软骨组织基本一致,可见清晰的软骨凹陷和软骨膜,仅细胞排列较正常软骨略显混乱、不均匀现象。④免疫组织化学染色显示FasL 的组织工程化猪软骨结节的Ⅱ型胶原蛋白分布均匀,形状清楚,与正常软骨比较基本一致。⑤第5周的软骨细胞表面的FasL分子表达明显,周围的炎性细胞浸润相对较少。而对照组的软骨细胞周围可见到大量浸润的炎性细胞。结论:成功构建FasL 软骨细胞并有效表达,抑制免疫排斥反应,为建立同种异体软骨细胞移植的免疫耐受提供了实验依据。     

Interleukin-10 secretion by alveolar macrophages and monocytes in sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND: Alveolitis and the production of proinflammatory cytokines are known features of sarcoidosis. Because of the usually spontaneous resolution of alveolitis despite local secretion of mediators causing inflammation and granuloma formation, we hypothesized that downmodulating mechanisms such as anti-inflammatory cytokines might be involved in this process. OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the secretion of the macrophage deactivating cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) by alveolar macrophages in untreated sarcoidosis of the lung. METHODS: Fourteen consecutive and untreated patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and 18 volunteers underwent bronchoscopy. Alveolar macrophages (AM) were obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage and the secretion of IL-10 and TGF-beta was studied. RESULTS: Spontaneous IL-10 production by AM was found in 6 of 14 patients and in 2 of 18 controls. The IL-10 level of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated AM was significantly higher in patients. Monocytes secreted significantly more IL-10 than AM, but there was no difference between sarcoid and control monocytes. No difference was found in the secretion of TGF-beta between patients and controls. CONCLUSION: Increased local secretion of IL-10 - but not TGF-beta - may represent a downmodulating mechanism involved in the spontaneous resolution of alveolitis in sarcoidosis.     

Cytochrome P450 2B6 516G→T is associated with plasma concentrations of nevirapine at both 200 mg twice daily and 400 mg once daily in an ethnically diverse population

Objectives

The aim of the study was to characterize the impact of the cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6), CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and ATP‐binding cassette sub‐family B member 1 (ABCB1) polymorphisms on nevirapine plasma concentrations.

Methods

A total of 104 patients (82% male; 26% non‐Caucasian) were genotyped for eight single nucleotide polymorphisms at four loci (CYP2B6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and MDR1). Nevirapine plasma concentrations were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography.

Results

Non‐Caucasian ethnicity [5609 ng/mL (n=27) for non‐Caucasians vs. 3771 ng/mL (n=77) for Caucasians; P<0.0001] and CYP2B6 516G→T [GG, 3574 ng/mL (n=50); GT, 4634 ng/mL (n=50); TT, 8170 ng/mL (n=4); P_{analysis of variance (anova)} =0.001] were significantly associated with a higher nevirapine trough concentration (C_trough). The latter association was maintained with both 200 mg twice daily (bid) and 400 mg once daily (qd) dosing [GG, 3527 ng/mL (n=30); GT, 4525 ng/mL (n=32); TT, 7020 ng/mL (n=2); P_anova =0.05 and GG, 3645 ng/mL (n=20); GT, 4861 ng/mL (n=17); TT, 9508 ng/mL (n=2); P_anova =0.01, respectively]. In a multivariable analysis, CYP2B6 516G→T and non‐Caucasian ethnicity remained significant predictors of nevirapine C_trough but CYP2B6 516G→T homozygosity had the greatest effect (108% higher, 46% higher). No associations were found between nevirapine C_trough and the remaining polymorphisms.

Conclusion

In this population, both non‐Caucasian ethnicity and carriage of the variant allele of CYP2B6 516G→T were significant predictors of nevirapine C_trough. The association between CYP2B6 516G→T and higher plasma nevirapine exposure was maintained at both bid and qd dosing.