Combination of ABO blood group incompatibility and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: effect on hemolysis and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

The incidence (%) of hyperbilirubinemia (serum bilirubin ≥257 μmol/l) was similar in neonates with a combination of ABO incompatibility and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency (45%), with ABO incompatibility (54%) or G-6-PD deficiency (37%), alone (ns). Carboxyhemoglobin values, corrected for inspired CO, were similarly elevated in all three groups (0.87 ± 0.32%, 0.82 ± 0.29%, 0.76 ± 0.18%, respectively, ns), but correlated with bilirubin only in those with ABO incompatibility alone. ABO-incompatible/G-6-PD-deficient neonates, compared with those with either condition alone, are not at increased risk for hemolysis or hyperbilirubinemia.     

Mutations in the genes coding for hemagglutinin and neuraminidase in cold-adapted variants of the influenza virus A/Leningrad/134/57 (H2N2)

An analysis of ts-mutations in the genomes of native and cold-adapted variants of influenza A/Leningrad/134/57 (H2N2) virus based on the use of fowl plague virus ts mutants was carried out. The recombination test was done by the conventional method in chick embryo fibroblast culture (genes PB2, PB1, PA, NP, NA, M and NS) or cell systems permissive for reproduction of human influenza virus (gene HA). The cold-adapted strain A/Len/17 used for preparation of live influenza vaccine (LIV) for adults was shown to have 4 ts mutations: three in "internal" genes (PB2, NP, and M) and one in gene 4 coding for hemagglutinin (HA). The more attenuated cold-adapted donor A/Len/47 for preparation of similar LIV for children acquired three additional ts mutations: two (PB1 and NS) in "internal" genes and one in gene 6 coding for neuraminidase (NA). The accumulation of ts mutations in the genome of cold-adapter strains was found to be accompanied by a decrease in their pneumotropicity for mice as well as their detectability in different organs of these animals.     

Recombinant cold-adapted attenuated influenza A vaccines for use in children: molecular genetic analysis of the cold-adapted donor and recombinants

A previously described cold-adapted attenuated virus, A/Leningrad/134/17/57 (H2N2), was further modified by 30 additional passages in chicken embryos at 25 degrees C. This virus had a distinct temperature-sensitive (ts) phenotype, grew well in chicken embryos at 25 degrees C, and failed to recombine with reference ts mutants of fowl plague virus containing ts lesions in five genes coding for non-glycosylated proteins (genes 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8). Recombination of A/Leningrad/134/47/57 with wild-type influenza virus strains A/Leningrad/322/79 (H1N1) and A/Bangkok/1/79(H3N2) yielded ts recombinants 47/25/1(H1N1) and 47/7/2 (H3N2). These recombinants inherited their ts phenotype and ability to reproduce in chicken embryos at 25 degrees C from the cold-adapted parent. Analysis of the genome composition of the recombinants obtained by recombination of the cold-adapted donor with wild-type influenza virus strains A/Leningrad/322/79(H1N1) and A/Bangkok/1/79(H3N2) showed that recombinants 47/25/1(H1N1) and 47/7/2 (H3N2) inherited five and six genes, respectively, from the cold-adapted parent, and hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes from the wild-type strains.     

Genome and antigenic analysis of influenza A (H3N2) viruses isolated from an epidemic in a closed community of Carmelite nuns

Eighteen influenza A (H3N2) viruses were isolated during a single outbreak in a closed community of Carmelite nuns. Serological analysis of the virus haemagglutinin (HAs), using a panel of monoclonal antibodies, demonstrated antigenic microheterogeneity. In contrast, no significant biochemical differences were detected in viral genes by RNA:RNA hybridisation or in structural or nonstructural polypeptides analysed by high-resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) or by limited proteolysis followed by PAGE. Influenza A (H3N2) viruses isolated in the vicinity of the convent were distinguishable from each other and from the epidemic viruses isolated in the convent both antigenically and biochemically.