Prevalence and geographic distribution of Hepatitis C Virus genotypes in Indian patient cohort

Viral hepatitis represents a major global health problem with 170 million Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) carriers worldwide, and 12–13 million HCV carriers in India. HCV genotypes are of clinical significance in indicating drug responsiveness and prognosis of the patient. The HCV genotypes are of epidemiologic significance as well, as they are indicative of transmission route of infection and have not been extensively studied in the Indian context. In the current study, HCV genotyping was examined in 2118 patients from different geographic regions of India. HCV was detected by PCR amplification of 5′ UTR and core-envelope1 regions, followed by genotyping using nucleotide sequencing and analysis with NCBI tool (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/projects/genotyping/formpage.cgi). HCV genotype distribution in the 2118 Indian patients demonstrated prevalence of HCV3 (3a/3b primarily) in 62% and HCV1 (1a/1b primarily) in 31% patients. The predominance of HCV3 was significant in northern (p = 0.01) and eastern (p = 0.008) regions of India. HCV types 2, 4, 5, and 6 were detected in 0.05–4.5% of the patient group. Thus, our studies demonstrate HCV genotype prevalence in the cohort group in different regions of India.     

Duration of serum antibody responses following vaccination and revaccination of cattle with non-living commercial Pasteurella haemolytica vaccines

This study was designed to determine the duration of serum antibody responses to Pasteurella haemolytica whole cells (WC) and leukotoxin (LKT) in weanling beef cattle vaccinated with various non-living P. haemolytica vaccines. Serum antibodies to P. haemolytica antigens were determined periodically through day 140 by enzymelinked immunosorbent assays. At day 140, cattle were revaccinated, and antibody responses periodically determined through day 196. Three vaccines were used in two experiments (A and B), OneShot™, Presponse^® HP/tK, and Septimune^® PH-K. In general, all three vaccines between 7 and 14 days induced antibody responses to WC after vaccination. Antibodies to LKT were induced with OneShot and Presponse. Revaccination at days 28 and 140 usually stimulated anamnestic responses. Serum antibodies to the various antigens remained significantly increased for up to 84 days after vaccination or revaccination. The intensity and duration of antibody responses were variable depending on the experiment and vaccines used. Vaccination with OneShot usually stimulated the greatest responses to WC. Vaccination with OneShot or Presponse resulted in equivalent primary anti-LKT responses. In experiment B, spontaneous seroconversion was found in numerous calves on day 112. Revaccination of those cattle at day 140 resulted in markedly variable antibody responses such that several groups had no increase in antibody responses.     

Neutrophil superoxide release and interleukin 8 in acute myocardial infarction: distinction between complicated and uncomplicated states

Superoxide release in neutrophils and sera levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8) were determined in 15 patients with complicated acute myocardial infarction (MI) and 15 patients with uncomplicated MI. All patients showed increased superoxide release in unstimulated and stimulated neutrophils compared with healthy control subjects, indicating priming of these cells. Superoxide release of unstimulated or stimulated neutrophils was found to be significantly higher in patients with complicated MI than in patients with uncomplicated MI. Thrombolytic therapy did not affect the rates of superoxide release. The neutrophil chemoattractant/activator IL-8 was detected in the sera of all patients, with significantly higher levels in those with complicated MI. The highest levels of IL-8 were detected at admission to the Coronary Care Unit and significantly decreased thereafter, suggesting its contribution to neutrophil-mediated tissue injury. The high levels of IL-8 may be one of the major contributors to the priming of neutrophils in these patients.     

丙型肝炎六例报告及随访观察

本文首次报告新疆6例丙型肝炎。对20例病毒性肝炎病人血清进行抗HCV检测,结果6例阳性。结合临床及化验检查,可诊断为丙型肝炎。对此6例进行分析,结果表明:本病多发生在输血后,临床表现不重,肝功能检查主要是ALT反复波动不降,易致慢性。     

A survey of Q-fever in Sweden

Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of Q-fever has recently been isolated from sheep in southern Sweden. In this region 24–30% of sheep farmers have been exposed to the organism as shown by serological measurements. In veterinarians, another group with high risk of exposure to C. burnetii, about 12% have antibodies to the bacteria. The seropositive veterinarians are scattered all over the country. In two non-risk groups, draftees and hospital employees, 5–7% were found to be positive. This survey showed that Q-fever is a domestic disease which is spread throughout Sweden.     

Pertussis: A Reemerging Threat

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality in infants. Immunity to the childhood pertussis vaccine wanes over time. This creates reservoirs for disease among susceptible adults. Adult caregivers and health care workers can transmit pertussis to those infants and children not fully immunized. Two new vaccines are available for adolescents and adults to protect these age groups from pertussis and thus avoid transmission to infants. Pertussis rates in the United States are increasing dramatically. This disease can present a diagnostic dilemma to providers not accustomed to seeing this infection. Providers can now encourage older patients to receive these newly formulated vaccines and prevent the further spread of pertussis.