Coxsackie virus infection in association with heart affection in man

The frequency of actual infections by selected types of coxsackie virus (B1-B6, A7, A9) has been followed up in adult patients hospitalized for reason of heart disease. Criteria of actual coxsackie virus infection have been defined, including a significant rise of titer of virus neutralizing antibodies and/or presence of virus-specific IgM antibodies. An actual coxsackie virus infection has been found in 71 (46.3%) out of 153 patients. Most frequently coxsackie B1 virus infection (24 times) and B4 (17 times) could be proved. In sera of patients with actual coxsackie virus infection, a higher proportion of infection with some types of coxsackie viruses, along with the presence of antibodies against a larger number of coxsackie virus types has been found, as compared to sera from patients without actual coxsackie virus infection, and/or, in sera of healthy blood donors (control group). The role of repeated infections with different types of coxsackie virus in the etiology of heart disease has been discussed.     

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis plasmids and their significance in the realization of the epidemic process in pseudotuberculosis

The results obtained in the electrophoretic study of the plasmid spectra of 190 Y. pseudotuberculosis strains, isolated from different sources, in 0.6% agarose gel are presented. 11 types of plasmids differing in their molecular weight have been detected. Plasmids with a molecular weight of 45 MD determine Ca2+ dependence, bacterial virulence for white mice and autoagglutination. The presence of differences in Y. pseudotuberculosis strains of serovars I, III and IV has been established, which is manifested by their differing plasmid spectra. The relationship between the presence of plasmids with a molecular weight of 75 and 45 DM in the strains and the character of pseudotuberculosis morbidity in the population has been demonstrated. The epidemic course of infection correlates with the presence of both these plasmids and the sporadic course of infection, with the presence of the plasmid with a molecular weight of 45 MD only.     

Late observations in a familial foci of hepatitis B using a full set of specific markers of the infection

The complete set of specific markers of hepatitis B has been identified, thus making it possible to evaluate the spread of this infection in family foci, as well as the intensity and dynamics of the epidemic process, under the conditions of prolonged observations. The study has shown that the spread of hepatitis B infection is determined by the presence of HBeAg in antigen-positive patients with viral hepatitis B and HBsAg carriers.     

Identification and preliminary characterization of a mutant defective in the bacteriophage T4-induced unfolding of the Escherichia coli nucleoid.

The nucleoids of Escherichia coli S/6/5 cells are rapidly unfolded at about 3 min after infection with wild-type T4 bacteriophage or with nuclear disruption deficient, host DNA degradation-deficient multiple mutants of phage T4. Unfolding does not occur after infection with T4 phage ghosts. Experiments using chloramphenicol to inhibit protein synthesis indicate that the T4-induced unfolding of the E. coli chromosomes is dependent on the presence of one or more protein synthesized between 2 and 3 min after infection. A mutant of phage T4 has been isolated which fails to induce this early unfolding of the host nucleoids. This mutant has been termed "unfoldase deficient" (unf-) despite the fact that the function of the gene product defective in this strain is not yet known. Mapping experiments indicate that the unf- mutation is located near gene 63 between genes 31 and 63. The folded genomes of E. coli S/6/5 cells remain essentially intact (2,000-3,000S) at 5 min after infection with unfoldase-, nuclear disruption-, and host DNA degradation-deficient T4 phage. Nuclear disruption occurs normally after infection with unfoldase- and host DNA degradation-deficient but nuclear disruption-proficient (ndd+), T4 phage. The host chromosomes remain partially folded (1,200-1,800S) at 5 min after infection with the unfoldase single mutant unf39 x 5 or an unfoldase- and host DNA degradation-deficient, but nuclear disruption-proficient, T4 strain. The presence of the unfoldase mutation causes a slight delay in host DNA degradation in the presence of nuclear disruption but has no effect on the rate of host DNA degradation in the absence of nuclear disruption. Its presence in nuclear disruption- and host DNA degradation-deficient multiple mutants does not alter the shutoff to host DNA or protein synthesis.     

Characteristics of the meningococcal carrier state in organized collectives and its role in the development of generalized forms of meningococcal infection

Complex (epidemiological and bacteriological) investigations of the level and structure of meningococcal carriership among the members of organized collective bodies differing in the epidemiological situation with respect to meningococcal infection have been carried out. The absence of differences between the total level of meningococcal carriership and the morbidity rate with respect to the generalized forms of meningococcal infection has been shown. The presence of cases of meningococcal meningitis in the groups under study has been found to depend on the intensity of the circulation of certain meningococcal serogroups. The possibility of the ecological reservation of the causative agents of meningococcal infection as polyagglutinable forms has been suggested.     

Fibroblast phosphatase activity in the staphylococcal infection process

The study of the phosphatase activity of chick fibroblasts in the process of staphylococcal infection by the electron-histochemical method has revealed the presence of correlation between the degree of cytoplasmic destruction in fibroblasts and the level of acid phosphatase activity. Changes in the phosphatase activity of fibroblasts in the process of bacterial infection, depending on the presence of homologous bacteriophages in the system used as a model, have also been studied.     

The rate of detection of hepatitis B markers in persons with chronic alcoholism

A total of 707 males suffering from chronic alcoholism and 447 male donors not abusing alcohol have been surveyed in different regions of the USSR. The presence of HBsAg, as well as anti-HBs and anti-HBc antibodies, has been determined by the enzyme immunoassay. The survey has revealed a high rate of hepatitis B virus infection in chronic alcoholics in comparison with the control group, which gives grounds for including such persons into a high risk group with respect to viral hepatitis B infection.     

The role of secretory antibodies in adenovirus infection

The protective role of secretory antibodies in the development of adenovirus infection has been established. More severe and prolonged course of adenovirus infection, accompanied by the involvement of the lower respiratory tract in the process, has been noted in patients with low titers of antibodies, or their absence, in secretions (O to 1:4). The presence of secretory antibodies in a titer of 1:8 considerably alleviated the course of the disease. The antibody titer 1:16 (according to the data of the passive hemagglutination test) has proved to be protective for children and adults in adenovirus infection. The results of the determination of antibodies in the secretions of the upper respiratory tract in the passive hemagglutination test may be used for the purposes of prognostication.     

The use of PCR analysis for the diagnosis of HIV infection in infants in the 1st months of life

In this review the data of contemporary studies of dynamic changes in serological and virological markers in the course of HIV infection in infants aged 0-18 months, aimed at finding out the comparative value of different tests made with a view to established exact diagnosis, are discussed. The results of the study of the sensitivity and specificity of the RNA and DNA polymerase chain reaction in the diagnostics of HIV infection in infants during the first months of life, as well as the recommended time of testing, have been analyzed in detail. On the basis of the data presented in this review the author has formulated the scheme of the algorithm for diagnosing HIV infection in infants born of HIV-infected mothers with the following variants of the diagnosis: "possible infection", "seroversion" (marking it possible to exclude the presence of the infection) and "HIV infection". The proposed scheme has the character of recommendation, but under the conditions of the rapid spread of HIV infection with the involvement of infants into the process this scheme may be useful in pediatric practice.     

Salvage of infected expander prostheses in breast reconstruction

Periprosthetic infection is a devastating complication following breast reconstruction with prostheses. Traditional surgical principles dictate removal of the prosthesis to control infection. Although successful salvage of prostheses in the presence of periprosthetic infections has been reported in the plastic and other surgical literature, salvage procedures remain seldom practiced. Reports in the plastic surgery literature have been limited to implant salvage following cosmetic breast augmentation and subcutaneous mastectomy with implants. Salvage of saline-filled expander prostheses used in breast reconstruction following mastectomy for cancer has not been previously reported. The authors review their experience with implant salvage in patients with periprosthetic infections following breast reconstruction for a 6-year period. Fourteen patients (13 with saline-filled expander prostheses and one with silicone prosthesis) underwent implant salvage. Salvage of the breast reconstruction was successful in nine patients. Staphylococcus aureus infection was associated with poorer salvage rate (p = 0.023). Previous radiotherapy to the chest wall did not affect the salvage outcome (p = 0.50). In selected patients, immediate salvage of a breast reconstruction in the presence of prosthesis-related infection remains an alternative to implant removal followed by delayed reconstruction.     

The effect of established infection on microvascular surgery

The success of microvascular anastomoses in the presence of staphylococcal infection was studied using rat femoral arteries. There was a spontaneous thrombosis rate of 19 percent in normal vessels that traversed the area of infection. Vessels with an anastomosis outside the area of infection had a similar thrombosis rate, but if the anastomotic site was within the infected area itself, the thrombosis rate increased to 75 percent. Inflammatory changes with subsequent fibrosis in the media and adventitia appeared responsible for the thrombosis. The intima was unaffected by the presence of infection. This study suggests that when a microvascular anastomosis is necessary in the presence of infection, the anastomosis should be placed outside the area of infection with a pedicle to traverse the infected area.     

Frequency of Diphyllobothrium sp. infection in Argentine wild carnivores

With the aims to determine the infection frequency by tapeworms of Diphyllobothrium genus 30 samples from captive wild carnivores were analyzed. A 30% of the animal analyzed was positive to the infection. Whereas the family Procionidae has a high percentage of positivity (60%), Canidae have lower infection ratio (20-25%). The accuracy for the diagnosis of Diphylobothrium was made by the morphology of scolex, proglottids and eggs. This is the first report of the parasite presence in Argentine wild carnivores.     

A Novel Fungal Protease Expressed in Endophytic Infection of Poa Species

The fungus Acremonium typhinum produces a novel endoprotease during symbiotic endophytic infection of the grass, Poa ampla. This protease is unusual because it is highly active in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The enzyme is a thiol-containing serine protease and is localized to a crude membrane fraction. Similar protease activity has been detected in endophyte-infected Poa autumnalis and Poa sylvestris plants. Expression of this protease may be important in endophytic infection of Poa spp., because similar activity has not been detected in endophyte-infected Festuca arundinacea or Lolium perenne.     

T6r+-induced Proteins and Nucleic Acids in Escherichia coli Infected in the Presence of Streptomycin

Streptomycin does not strongly inhibit T-even phage multiplication in the streptomycin-susceptible polyauxotroph, Escherichia coli strain T(-)H(-)U(-). The relatively slight inhibition, observed earlier, on production of late proteins has now been studied further. The phage-induced ribonucleic acid, synthesized in T6 phage infection in the presence of streptomycin, has been characterized by its base composition, size distribution, and behavior in hybridization tests. Comparison of these properties to those of control samples, taken during either early or late periods of infection, have not shown any significant differences. Phage-induced proteins, synthesized at different times during infection, were studied by disc-gel electrophoresis. Staining and autoradiography of the patterns of pulse-labeled proteins, formed in the absence and presence of the antibiotic showed only slight quantitative changes in the appearance of early proteins. More marked quantitative effects were detected later in infection. Nevertheless, changes in the mobilities of the different proteins were not observed in the streptomycin-treated cultures at any time after infection, suggesting the absence of gross misreading sufficiently great to alter the distinctive electrophoretic patterns of the extracts. Cells infected and incubated in the presence of the antibiotic were found to contain intact virus particles, as shown by electron microscopy. Such infected cells contained extensive deoxyribonucleic acid pools and did not develop the rounded nucleoids with enclosed dense bodies characteristic of the lethal action of the antibiotic. On the other hand, infected bacteria previously exposed to lethal concentrations of streptomycin were unable to synthesize the early enzymes, deoxycytidylate (dCMP) hydroxymethylase and dihydrofolate reductase, or to make phage deoxyribonucleic acid and phage. Such previously killed cells contained the rounded and clotted nucleoids and were unable to unravel this pathological structure after phage infection.     

The prevalence of viral hepatitides among youth

The study of 632 teenagers has revealed that young people are the main group of risk with respect to the spread of virus hepatitides B and C, HIV infection. In accordance with risk factors, the teenagers have been divided into 4 groups: using drugs by injection; leading sexual life; using drugs and leading sexual life; having no risk factor indicated. The presence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infection has been established in 1.42 and 1.27% of cases respectively. This is due to the frequent change of partners, the use of narcotic drugs since school age, the absence of necessary information and contacts with parents. When considering this problem, mass media have been found to play an important role. The presence of reliable information breaking old stereotypes may help parents pay greater and better attention to the upbringing and health of their children.     

The role of autophagy during coxsackievirus infection of neural progenitor and stem cells

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) has previously been shown to utilize autophagy in an advantageous manner during the course of infection of the host cell. However, few studies have determined whether stem cells induce autophagy in a similar fashion, and whether virus-induced autophagy occurs following infection of stem cells. Therefore, we compared the induction of autophagy following CVB3 infection of neural progenitor and stem cells (NPSCs), which we have recently shown to be highly susceptible to CVB3 infection, to HL-1 cells, a transformed cardiomyocyte cell line. As previously demonstrated for other susceptible host cells, HL-1 cells showed an increase in the activity of autophagic signaling following infection with a CVB3 expressing dsRed protein (dsRed-CVB3). Furthermore, viral titers in HL-1 cells increased in the presence of an inducer of autophagy (CCPA), while viral titers decreased in the presence of an inhibitor of autophagy (3-MA). In contrast, no change in autophagic signaling was seen in NPSCs following infection with dsRed-CVB3. Also, basal levels of autophagy in NPSCs were found to be highly elevated in comparison to HL-1 cells. Autophagy could be induced in NPSCs in the presence of rapamycin without altering levels of dsRed-CVB3 replication. In differentiated NPSC precursors, autophagy was activated during the differentiation process, and a decrease in autophagic signaling was observed within all three CNS lineages following dsRed-CVB3 infection. Hence, we conclude that the role of autophagy in modulating CVB3 replication appears cell type-specific, and stem cells may uniquely regulate autophagy in response to infection.     

The role of autophagy during coxsackievirus infection of neural progenitor and stem cells

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) has previously been shown to utilize autophagy in an advantageous manner during the course of infection of the host cell. However, few studies have determined whether stem cells induce autophagy in a similar fashion, and whether virus-induced autophagy occurs following infection of stem cells. Therefore, we compared the induction of autophagy following CVB3 infection of neural progenitor and stem cells (NPSCs), which we have recently shown to be highly susceptible to CVB3 infection, to HL-1 cells, a transformed cardiomyocyte cell line. As previously demonstrated for other susceptible host cells, HL-1 cells showed an increase in the activity of autophagic signaling following infection with a CVB3 expressing dsRed protein (dsRed-CVB3). Furthermore, viral titers in HL-1 cells increased in the presence of an inducer of autophagy (CCPA), while viral titers decreased in the presence of an inhibitor of autophagy (3-MA). In contrast, no change in autophagic signaling was seen in NPSCs following infection with dsRed-CVB3. Also, basal levels of autophagy in NPSCs were found to be highly elevated in comparison to HL-1 cells. Autophagy could be induced in NPSCs in the presence of rapamycin without altering levels of dsRed-CVB3 replication. In differentiated NPSC precursors, autophagy was activated during the differentiation process, and a decrease in autophagic signaling was observed within all three CNS lineages following dsRed-CVB3 infection. Hence, we conclude that the role of autophagy in modulating CVB3 replication appears cell type-specific, and stem cells may uniquely regulate autophagy in response to infection.     

The phenomenon of HLA antigen modification in meningococcal infection

212 patients with the generalized forms of meningococcal infection have been examined. The intensity and quality of lymphocytotoxic reaction in the acute phase and the convalescence period of the disease have been analyzed and the blank calculation has been made at different clinical forms of meningococcal infection. The formation of modified tissue antigens at the acute stage of the disease in the presence of intoxication is shown and the probable role of the intensity of bacteremia in this formation is discussed.     

Serological, biological, and molecular characterization of New Zealand white rabbits infected by intraperitoneal inoculation with cell-free human immunodeficiency virus.

The availability of a small laboratory animal model suitable for the evaluation of methods for prevention and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection would be a valuable resource for AIDS research. Here we describe the infection of a strain of domestic rabbits by intraperitoneal inoculation with cell-free human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Evidence of infection includes the presence of an immune response that has persisted for almost 3 years and the detection of an reisolation of infectious virus from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and other tissues during the first 2 years. Typical viral proteins, DNA and RNA patterns, were observed in rabbit PBMCs and in cells infected by cocultivation with rabbit PBMCs. While a number of possible pathological changes were evaluated in infected rabbits, the presence of changes in lymph node structure similar to those reported in infected humans merits further investigation.