MedWorm: Cytomegalovirus

Bioluminescent imaging of reporter gene expression in the lungs of wildtype and model mice following the administration of PEG-stabilized DNA nanoparticles

Microscopy Research and Technique — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

DNA nanoparticles (DNPs) formed by compacting DNA with polyethyleneglycolylated poly-L-lysine are a nonviral vector shown to be safe and efficacious in animals and humans. To extend our capabilities of assessing the efficacy and duration of expression achieved by DNPs, we tested the utility of bioluminescent imaging (BLI) of transgene expression in wildtype and cystic fibrosis (CF) mouse models. We tested the effect of route of administration, mouse coat color, anesthesia, dose, and promoter sequence on the level and duration of expression. Furthermore, we investigated the correlation between imaging and direct analysis of luciferase expression in lung homogenates. We found that intratracheal instillation, and the use of deep and prolonged anesthesia with avertin produced significantly hig...

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Comparison of QIAGEN Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction Methods for CMV Quantitative PCR Testing.

American Journal of Clinical Pathology — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:40:56 +0100

This study demonstrates the feasibility of using 2 different extraction techniques to yield results within 0.5 log(10) copies/mL of the mean value, a level that would allow for clinical comparison between different laboratory assays. PMID: 20231608 [PubMed - in process] (Source: American Journal of Clinical Pathology)

Pediatricians' Attitudes About Screening Newborns for Infectious Diseases

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:10:12 +0100

How do pediatricians feel about targeted or universal screening of newborns for HIV, toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus? Maternal and Child Health Journal (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Treatment of symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection with intravenous ganciclovir followed by long-term oral valganciclovir

European Journal of Pediatrics — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:49:31 +0100

In conclusion, prolonged therapy of symptomatic congenital CMV infection with intravenous ganciclovir followed by oral valganciclovir is safe, and it appears to lead to a better auditory outcome than short-term treatment. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original PaperDOI 10.1007/s00431-010-1176-9Authors Jacob Amir, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel Department of Pediatrics C Petah Tiqwa 49202 IsraelDana G. Wolf, Hadassah University Hospital Department of Clinical Microbiology Jerusalem IsraelItzhak Levy, Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel Journal European Journal of PediatricsOnline ISSN 1432-1076Print ISSN 0340-6199 (Source: European Journal of Pediatrics)

Cytomegalovirus in inflammatory bowel disease: Pathogen or innocent bystander?

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

This article reviews the immunobiology of CMV disease, the evidence for CMV's role in disease severity, and discusses the outcomes with antiviral therapy. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2010) (Source: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases)

pEPito: a significantly improved non-viral episomal expression vector for mammalian cells

BioMed Central — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The novel vector pEPito can be considered suitable as an improved vector for biotechnological applications in vitro and for non-viral gene delivery in vivo. (Source: BioMed Central)

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Conservation of HHV-6 DNA polymerase processivity factor sequence and predicted structure suggests it as a target for antiviral development.

Antiviral Research — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bonnafous P, Verbelen M, Petrella S, Deback C, Gautheret-Dejean A, Boutolleau D, Naesens L, Agut H The replication of HHV-6 DNA is catalyzed by the viral DNA polymerase pU38 and the processivity factor pU27 which stabilizes the enzyme on the DNA template. The genetic polymorphism of pU27 among 46 clinical strains of HHV-6 variant A or B and four strains resistant to antivirals was investigated. Overall, 28 amino acid changes (7.6%) and a two-amino acid deletion were identified among the 368 residues of pU27, when using the U1102 (variant A) sequence as the reference. Eleven amino acid changes (3.0%) specifically differentiated both variants. The median intravariant amino acid variability was 1.2% and 0.3% for A and B, respectively. Except for a single change, the pU27 sequence...

Specific endoscopic features of ulcerative colitis complicated by cytomegalovirus infection.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:04:38 +0100

CONCLUSION: Specific colonoscopic findings in patients with UC complicated by CMV infection were identified. These findings may facilitate the early diagnosis of CMV infection in UC patients. PMID: 20222169 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

The Cytomegalovirus UL146 Gene Product vCXCL1 Targets Both CXCR1 and CXCR2 as an Agonist [Signal Transduction]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:36:07 +0100

In this study, vCXCL1 was probed against a panel of the 18 classified human chemokine receptors. In calcium mobilization assays vCXCL1 acted as an agonist on both CXCR1 and CXCR2 but did not activate or block any of the other 16 chemokine receptors. vCXCL1 was characterized and compared with CXCL1/GRO, CXCL2/GROβ, CXCL3/GRO, CXCL5/ENA-78, CXCL6/GCP-2, CXCL7/NAP-2 and CXCL8/IL-8 in competition binding, calcium mobilization, inositol triphosphate turnover, and chemotaxis assays using CXCR1- and CXCR2-expressing Chinese hamster ovary, 300.19, COS7, and L1.2 cells. The affinities of vCXCL1 for the CXCR1 and CXCR2 receptors were 44 and 5.6 nm, respectively, as determined in competition binding against radioactively labeled CXCL8. In calcium mobilization, phosphatidylinositol turnover, and ...

Alemtuzumab by continuous intravenous infusion followed by subcutaneous injection plus rituximab in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia recurrence

Cancer — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Monoclonal antibodies may be used more effectively in combination. A previous study of intravenous (iv) bolus alemtuzumab plus rituximab in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) recurrence produced a response rate of 54% after a 4-week treatment period.To optimize dose, schedule, and route of alemtuzumab, a study was designed exploring continuous intravenous infusion (civ) followed by subcutaneous (sc) alemtuzumab together with weekly iv rituximab in patients with previously treated CLL.Data from 40 patients with a median age of 59 years, and a median of 3 prior regimens (range, 1-8 regimens) were evaluable. Approximately 64% of patients were fludarabine-refractory. Seven patients (18%) achieved a complete response (CR), 4 (10%) a nodular partial response (nPR), and 10 (25%) a p...

Evaluation of sensitivity, specificity and cross-reactivity in Bartonella henselae serology.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study the diagnostic value of six B. henselae serological tests was evaluated, including both commercial and in-house IFA's as well as in-house ELISA. Fifty patients with proven CSD, based on the presence of lymphadenopathy, positive PCR for B. henselae and no other diagnosis, were compared to 55 controls initially suspected for CSD but testing negative in PCR and ultimately receiving a different diagnosis. Cross-reactivity was tested in serum samples positive for infection with Epstein-Barr virus (n=141), cytomegalovirus (n=39), Toxoplasma gondii (n=20), Streptococcus pyogenes (n=54), Chlamydophila pneumoniae (n=14) and Coxiella burnetii (n=21). Sensitivity was significantly higher in the two IgG tests (88-98%) than in the IgM tests (50-62%). Specificity of the four IgM tests rang...

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Chimerix Initiates Phase 2 Study Of CMX001 In Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Seropositive For Cytomegalovirus

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Chimerix, Inc., a biotechnology company developing orally-available antiviral therapeutics, announced the initiation of a multi-center Phase 2 clinical trial designed to evaluate CMX001 in stem cell transplant recipients who are seropositive for cytomegalovirus (CMV). CMX001 is a broad-spectrum antiviral agent with demonstrated activity against double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Chimerix Initiates Phase 2 Study Of CMX001 In Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Seropositive For Cytomegalovirus

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Six months anti-viral prophylaxis significantly decreased cytomegalovirus disease compared with no anti-viral prophylaxis following renal transplantation

Transplant International — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We followed up 550 primary kidney transplant recipients in an observational retrospective cohort to evaluate the impact of three consecutive cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention strategies. In period 1 (1996[ndash]2000; n = 190), no anti-CMV prophylaxis was given; in period 2 (2000[ndash]2004; n = 173), 6-month valacyclovir was given and in period 3 (>2004; n = 187), 6-month valganciclovir was given. Cytomegalovirus disease significantly decreased from 33.2% in period 1 to 13.9% in period 2 and to 8.6% in period 3; onset was significantly prolonged with valganciclovir (228 days) compared with valacyclovir (93 days) and with no prophylaxis (33 days). After Cox regression adjustments, both valganciclovir and valacyclovir were similarly protective factors for CMV disease. Cytomegalovirus diseases...

A high risk of life-threatening infectious complications in mycophenolate mofetil treatment for acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease.

International Journal of Hematology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe herein the clinical courses and outcomes of 26 patients who received oral mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for the treatment of steroid-resistant refractory or steroid-dependent acute or chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in a single institution. In most cases, 1,500 mg/day of MMF is a median dose (range 500-3,000 mg/day) and administered for 116.5 days (range 9-584 days) along with calcineurin inhibitors and steroids. Although 20 patients (77%) showed rapid improvement of GVHD symptoms, of 15 patients, 13 (87%) showed acute GVHD; of 11 patients, 7 (64%) showed chronic GVHD; most patients (54%) experienced infection during MMF administration, including 5 cases with life-threatening infection. Positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigenemia was also observed in 19 patients (73%), bu...

An elisa method for cytomegalovirus glycoprotein b antibody measurement in serum.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This ELISA assay gives accurate and reproducible results for relative quantity of CMV gB IgG in serum over a wide range of antibody levels. PMID: 20219875 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical and Vaccine Immunology)

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Viral and bacterial aetiologies of male urethritis: findings of a high prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100

In this study the prevalences of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, cytomegalovirus (CMV), adenovirus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum (including subtyping) were investigated. Samples from 112 male STI attendants with microscopically verified urethritis and from a control group of 103 men without clinical or microscopic signs of urethritis were analysed. Prevalences in the urethritis group compared with the controls were as follows: EBV 21%, 6% (P < 0.01); C. trachomatis 15%, 3% (P < 0.01); M. genitalium 6%, 1% (P = 0.067) and U. urealyticum 10%, 10% (ns). The results for HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV and adenovirus were negative in patients, and therefore not analysed in the controls. EBV was shown to be an indepen...

Anti-retinal autoantibodies-positive autoimmune retinopathy in cytomegalovirus-positive anterior uveitis

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:49:03 +0100

(Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

A significant association of viral loads with corneal endothelial cell damage in cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis

British Journal of Ophthalmology — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:49:02 +0100

Conclusion There is a significant correlation between the CMV viral load and corneal endothelial cell loss in both CMV-associated iridocyclitis and corneal endotheliitis. (Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology)

Transmission of cytomegalovirus via breast milk to the prematurely born infant: a systematic review

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Clin Microbiol Infect To analyse current data on transmission of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) via breast milk with subsequent symptomatic HCMV infection of the preterm infant and to report on long-term follow-up, a systematic literature review was performed using EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL (January 1966 to December 2008) Studies were included for analysis if congenital HCMV infection was excluded and transmission via breast milk was either confirmed or strongly suspected. Twenty-six studies were included for analysis. Maternal HCMV-IgG-positivity was reported to be in the range 51.6[ndash]100% (median 81.6%), HCMV-IgG detection in breast milk in the range 67[ndash]97.2% (median 80%) and HCMV-positivity of the infants in the range 5.7[ndash]58.6%. Symptomatic HCMV disease occurred in 0[ndas...

A human cytomegalovirus deleted of internal repeats replicates with near wild type efficiency but fails to undergo genome isomerization.

Virology — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sauer A, Wang JB, Hahn G, McVoy MA The class E genome of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) contains long and short segments that invert due to recombination between flanking inverted repeats, causing the genome to isomerize into four distinct isomers. To determine if isomerization is important for HCMV replication, one copy of each repeat was deleted. The resulting virus replicated in cultured human fibroblasts with only a slight growth impairment. Restriction and Southern analyses confirmed that its genome is locked in the prototypic arrangement and unable to isomerize. We conclude that efficient replication of HCMV in fibroblasts does not require (i) the ability to undergo genome isomerization, (ii) genes that lie partially within the deleted repeats, or (iii) diploidy of genes t...

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Technical note The effect of apoptotic cells on virus-specific immune responses detected using IFN-gamma ELISPOT.

Journal of Immunological Methods — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, it is recommended to use highly viable thawed PBMC for the detection of virus-specific cellular immune responses by IFN-gamma ELISPOT, since the detection of CMV- and VZV-specific T cell responses stimulated by cell lysates was significantly impeded by the presence of apoptotic cells. PMID: 20214906 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Immunological Methods)

Antiviral immune response in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy siblings

Multiple Sclerosis — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:11:15 +0100

The objective of this study was to determine the immune responses to candidate viral triggers of multiple sclerosis in patients and healthy siblings raised in the same family household. Virus antigen-specific IgG responses to Epstein—Barr virus-derived gene products as well as to human herpersvirus-6, human cytomegalovirus, and measles virus were evaluated in 25 multiple sclerosis patients and compared with 49 healthy full-siblings. IgG responses to the latent Epstein—Barr virus-encoded nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1) were selectively increased in individuals with multiple sclerosis compared with their unaffected siblings. We conclude that elevated IgG responses towards EBNA1 are associated with the development of multiple sclerosis. (Source: Multiple Sclerosis)

Viral meningoencephalitis: a review of diagnostic methods and guidelines for management

European Journal of Neurology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Viral encephalitis is a medical emergency. The prognosis depends mainly on the pathogen and host immunologic state. Correct immediate diagnosis and introduction of symptomatic and specific therapy has a dramatic influence upon survival and reduces the extent of permanent brain injury.Methods: We searched the literature from 1966 to 2009. Recommendations were reached by consensus. Where there was lack of evidence but consensus was clear, we have stated our opinion as good practice points.Recommendations: Diagnosis should be based on medical history and examination followed by CSF analysis for protein and glucose levels, cellular analysis, and identification of the pathogen by polymerase chain reaction amplification (recommendation level A) and serology (level B). Neuroimaging, p...

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A baby girl was delivered prematurely, at 30 weeks' gestation, by emergency cesarean section owing to deceleration and no acceleration on fetal heart-rate monitoring. In addition, she had severe intrauterine ... (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Influence of human cytomegalovirus infection on the NK cell receptor repertoire in children.

European Journal of Immunology — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Monsiváis-Urenda A, Noyola-Cherpitel D, Hernández-Salinas A, García-Sepúlveda C, Romo N, Baranda L, López-Botet M, González-Amaro R Human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) infection is usually asymptomatic but may cause disease in immunocompromised hosts. It has been reported that hCMV infection may shape the NK cell receptor (NKR) repertoire in adult individuals, promoting a variable expansion of the CD94/NKG2C+NK cell subset. We explored the possible relationship between this viral infection and the expression pattern of different NKR including: CD94/NKG2C, CD94/NKG2A, ILT2 (CD85j), KIR2DL1/2DS1, KIR3DL1 and CD161 in peripheral blood lymphocytes from healthy children, seropositive (n=21) and seronegative (n=20) for hCMV. Consistent with previous observatio...

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Direct Interaction of the Mouse Cytomegalovirus m152/gp40 Immunoevasin with RAE-1 Isoforms

Biochemistry — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:24:55 +0100

Biochemistry, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: Biochemistry)

Guinea pig cytomegalovirus: a model for the prevention and treatment of maternal–fetal cytomegalovirus transmission

Future Virology — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:56:19 +0100

Future Virology , March 2010, Vol. 5, No. 2, Pages 207-217. (Source: Future Virology)

Antithymocyte globulin: Cytomegalovirus infection leading to adrenal insufficiency?: case report

Reactions — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:50:10 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Cytomegalovirus enteritis causing ileal perforation in an elderly immunocompetent individual.

Yonsei Medical Journal — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report a case of CMV enteritis causing ileal perforation in a physically active elderly man. An 88-year-old healthy man presented with abdominal pain and diarrhea. After initial conservative treatment, emergency laparotomy was performed for ileal perforation. The diagnosis of CMV enteritis was based on histological findings revealing many large cells with CMV inclusion bodies in the surgical specimen. In elderly individuals, even though they are immunocompetent, CMV enteritis may result in major complications such as bowel perforation, and it should be included in the differential diagnosis of diarrhea if it is resistant to conventional treatment. PMID: 20191024 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Yonsei Medical Journal)

The 6-Aminoquinolone WC5 Inhibits Human Cytomegalovirus Replication at an Early Stage by Interfering with the Transactivating Activity of Viral Immediate-Early 2 Protein.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Loregian A, Mercorelli B, Muratore G, Sinigalia E, Pagni S, Massari S, Gribaudo G, Gatto B, Palumbo M, Tabarrini O, Cecchetti V, Palù G WC5 is a 6-aminoquinolone that inhibits potently the replication of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) but has no or significantly less activity against other herpesviruses. Here we investigated the nature of its specific anti-HCMV activity. Structure-activity relationship studies on a small series of analogues showed that WC5 possesses the most suitable substitutions pattern around the quinolone scaffold to give potent and selective anti-HCMV activity. Studies performed to identify the possible target of WC5 indicated that it prevents viral DNA synthesis but does not significantly affect DNA polymerase activity. In yield reduction experiments ...

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Does donor race still make a difference in deceased-donor African-American renal allograft recipients?

American Journal of Surgery — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: AA DD renal allograft recipients have equivalent patient but decreased graft survival when transplanted with an AA versus C kidney using current immunosuppression. This may be the result of increased AR, CMV infection, and recurrence/development of FSGS. (Source: American Journal of Surgery)

Survey the seroprevalence of CMV among hemodialysis patients in Urmia, Iran.

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we recommend that every patient who has undergone hemodialysis receive blood products free of CMV if CMV negative to reduce the incidence and prevalence of CMV among HD patients. PMID: 20228534 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation)

'Unlicensed' natural killer cells dominate the response to cytomegalovirus infection

Nature Immunology — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mark T Orr, William J Murphy & Lewis L Lanier (Source: Nature Immunology)

Ex vivo gene transferring of human dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-2 improved endothelial dysfunction in diabetic rat aortas and high glucose-treated endothelial cells

Atherosclerosis — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 13:53:26 +0100

Conclusion: These results indicate that suppression of DDAH2 expression contributes to hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction, which can be improved by DDAH2 overexpression. This study suggests that targeted modulation of DDAH2 gene in vascular endothelium may be a novel approach for the treatment of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes mellitus. (Source: Atherosclerosis)

Postsplenectomy Cytomegalovirus Mononucleosis is a Distinct Clinicopathologic Syndrome.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We describe a case of severe CMV mononucleosis that was acquired naturally decades after splenectomy. Together with the 2 similar cases that we reported recently, these cases all presented as initial diagnostic challenge because of a remote history of splenectomy, a prolonged febrile illness ( approximately 4 weeks), marked lymphocytosis (peak 27.9 x 10/L), and undetectable or weakened anti-CMV IgM antibody response. The diagnosis was eventually established through detection of circulating CMV antigen or DNA and a year or longer follow-up with serial determination of IgM and IgG antibodies. Two similar cases were also identified in the literature and reviewed. Although the impaired IgM response may confuse the diagnosis, it correlates well with recent studies showing that human blood IgM m...

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Quantitative MR Imaging and Spectroscopy in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection and Periventricular Leukomalacia Suggests a Comparable Neuropathological Substrate of the Cerebral White Matter Lesions

Neuropediatrics — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:47:28 +0100

Neuropediatrics 2009; 40: 173-173DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1249760© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | FREE: Full text (Source: Neuropediatrics)

Adeno-associated virus type 5-mediated intraarticular administration of tumor necrosis factor small interfering RNA improves collagen-induced arthritis

Arthritis and Rheumatism — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for sequence-specific gene silencing, and interest in its application in human diseases is growing. Given the success of recent strategies for administering gene therapy in rheumatoid arthritis using recombinant vectors such as adeno-associated virus type 5 (rAAV5) for optimized intraarticular gene transfer, we undertook the present study to determine the feasibility of using rAAV5-mediated RNAi-based therapy in arthritis.We developed rAAV5 vectors expressing short hairpin small interfering RNA (shRNA) against tumor necrosis factor [alpha] (TNF[alpha]) under H1 promoter, and carrying the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter gene under cytomegalovirus promoter (rAAV5-shTNF). TNF[alpha] gene silencing was validated in vitro with mouse ...

Comparative analysis of outcomes of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation from related and unrelated donors

Annals of Hematology — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 07:18:59 +0100

In conclusion, the survival and relapse incidence were not significantly different between the related and unrelated PBSCT. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00277-010-0913-5Authors Byung Woog Kang, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine Department of Hematology/Oncology 200 Dongduk-Ro, Jung-Gu Daegu 700-712 South KoreaJoon Ho Moon, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine Department of Hematology/Oncology 200 Dongduk-Ro, Jung-Gu Daegu 700-712 South KoreaYee Soo Chae, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine Department of Hematology/Oncology 200 Dongduk-Ro, Jung-Gu Daegu 700-712 South KoreaJong Gwang Kim, K...

The G-protein Coupled Receptor Associated Sorting Protein GASP-1 Regulates the Signalling and Trafficking of the Viral Chemokine Receptor US28

Traffic — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes the seven transmembrane (7TM)/G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) US28, which signals and endocytoses in a constitutive, ligand-independent manner. Here we show that, following endocytosis, US28 is targeted to the lysosomes for degradation as a consequence of its interaction with the GPCR-associated sorting protein-1 (GASP-1). We find that GASP-1 binds to US28 in vitro and that disruption of the GASP-1/US28 interaction by either (i) overexpression of dominant negative cGASP-1 or by (ii) shRNA knock-down of endogenous GASP-1 is sufficient to inhibit the lysosomal targeting of US28 and slow its post-endocytic degradation. Furthermore, we found that GASP-1 affects US28-mediated signalling. The knock-down of endogenous GASP-1 impairs the US28-mediated G[alpha...

Cytomegalovirus Pneumonia: Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Immunocompetent Hosts

Infectious Diseases Clinics of North America — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:35:42 +0100

This article discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and therapy for this viral CAP. (Source: Infectious Diseases Clinics of North America)

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Evaluation of a Non-invasive Method to Detect Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-DNA in Stool Samples of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A Pilot Study

Digestive Diseases and Sciences — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 06:51:44 +0100

Conclusions The pilot study suggests a high accuracy of this non-invasive testing method to detect CMV DNA in stool samples as compared to mucosal biopsies. This approach may offer a non-endoscopic testing modality for underlying CMV infection in patients with a severe flare of IBD, which could also be applied more broadly to determine the prevalence of CMV infections in patients with IBD. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10620-010-1146-0Authors Hans H. Herfarth, University of North Carolina Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine Bioinformatics Bldg., CB#7080 Chapel Hill NC 27599 USAMillie D. Long, University of North Carolina Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine Bioinforma...

Risk factors and prognosis of invasive fungal infections in allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients: a single-institution experience

Transplant Infectious Disease — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

P. Zhang, E.-L. Jiang, D.-L. Yang, Z.-S. Yan, Y. Huang, J.-L. Wei, M. Wang, Q.-L. Ma, Q.-G. Liu, D.-H. Zou, Y. He, L.-G. Qiu, S.-Z. Feng, M.-Z. Han. Risk factors and prognosis of invasive fungal infections in allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients: a single-institution experience. Transpl Infect Dis 2010. All rights reserved Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are frequent complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) and major causes of a poor prognosis. Analysis of risk factors and prognosis of IFI are important for the control of IFI. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all allogeneic SCT recipients from January 2000 to December 2007. For the homogeneity of analysis, only 286 patients with no history of IFI were included. Fifty-five cases...

Characterization of transgene expression in adenoviral-vector based HIV-1 vaccine candidates

Virology Journal — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Recombinant adenovirus vectors have been extensively used in gene therapy clinical studies. More recently, the capability of inducing potent cell-mediated and humoral immunity has made these vectors equally attractive candidates for prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine applications. Merck developed HIV-1 vaccine candidates based on adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vectors in which the E1 gene, a critical component for adenovirus replication, was replaced by the cytomegalovirus immediate/early promoter, followed by mutated versions of the HIV-1 gag, pol or nef genes (constructs referred to as MRKAd5gag, MRKAd5pol and MRKAd5nef, respectively). Vaccine performance was evaluated in vitro in a novel assay that measures the level of transgene expression in non-permissive A549 cells. Various combinatio...

Virus Vasculopathy and Stroke: An Under-Recognized Cause and Treatment Target.

Infectious Disorders Drug Targets — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nagel MA, Mahalingam R, Cohrs RJ, Gilden D While arteriosclerotic disease and hypertension, with or without diabetes, are the most common causes of stroke, viruses may also produce transient ischemic attacks and stroke. The three most-well studied viruses in this respect are varicella zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), all of which are potentially treatable with antiviral agents. Productive VZV infection in cerebral arteries after reactivation (zoster) or primary infection (varicella) has been documented as a cause of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, aneurysms with subarachnoid and intracerebral hemorrhage, arterial ectasia and as a co-factor in cerebral arterial dissection. CMV has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesi...

Cytomegalovirus Pneumonitis is a Risk for Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome in Lung Transplantation.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Cytomegalovirus pneumonitis affects over 20% of lung transplant recipients. Despite treatment, it increases the risk for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome and death. More effective preventative strategies for cytomegalovirus pneumonitis are needed to improve long-term outcomes after lung transplantation. PMID: 20167845 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)

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Recurrent cytomegalovirus colitis with megacolon in an immunocompetent elderly man

Journal of Medical Virology — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Gastrointestinal infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is uncommon in immunocompetent hosts. The case of a 70-year-old male with CMV colitis, who has no history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease or immunodeficiency is described. Diagnosis was aided by the identification of inclusion bodies that reacted positively for CMV by immunohistochemical testing in biopsy specimens from the colonic mucosa. His hospital course was characterized by poor improvement of his symptoms after the CMV infection was treated with ganciclovir, and the occurrence of megacolon. A repeat colonoscopy with biopsy revealed a recurrence of the CMV infection. Although CMV colitis is common in immunocompromised patients, we believe this is the first case of CMV colitis with megacolon and recurrent CMV infection in an ...

The glycoproteins C and G are equivalent target antigens for the determination of herpes simplex virus type 1-specific antibodies.

Journal of Virological Methods — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Scheper T, Saschenbrecker S, Steinhagen K, Sauerbrei A, Suer W, Meyer W, Schlumberger W, Wandinger KP Seroreactivity to the glycoproteins C and G of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) was compared in 310 serum samples using a Western blot assay containing a whole antigen extract of HSV-1 and an ELISA employing gC1 isolated from HSV-1. The prevalence of reactivity to gC1 was 75.8% by Western blot and 73.9% by ELISA, while antibody responses to gG1 were detected in 72.9% of sera by Western blot. An absolute correlation of 96.1% between the reactivity to gC1 and gG1 was demonstrated using the Western blot. The gC1-based ELISA correlated with Western blot detection of anti-gC1 and anti-gG1 antibodies in 95.2% and 97.7% of samples, respectively. 3.2% of all sera were reactive with...

Carotid Plaque Thickness Tied to Past Infections

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:32:18 +0100

Past or chronic exposure to five common infections -- Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and HSV-2 - seems to be associated with atherosclerotic plaque buildup in the carotid arteries, which raises the risk of stroke, according to a report in the March issue of Stroke. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

Maternal Reinfection With CMV Underlies Many Cases of Congenital Infection

Medscape Medical News Headlines — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:02:03 +0100

Among women with cytomegalovirus (CMV) seroimmunity, reactivation of their virus - or acquisition of a new strain - during pregnancy is a major cause of infections in their newborns, according to an online report January 8th in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Medical News Headlines)

[Diffuse leukoencephalopathy due to congenital infection by cytomegalovirus.]

Revista de Neurologia — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lopez-Pison J, Monge-Galindo L, Lafuente-Hidalgo M, Perez-Delgado R, Garcia-Jimenez MC, Martinez-Sapina A, Pena-Segura JL PMID: 20198599 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Revista de Neurologia)

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Fatal cytomegalovirus infection with CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia during corticosteroid therapy for bronchial asthma

Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:00:35 +0100

Abstract An 80-year-old woman was admitted with dyspnea. She had been treated with oral prednisolone for bronchial asthma. She was intravenously treated with dexamethasone. On the 9th day, she presented oliguria and thrombocytopenia. She was diagnosed as dehydration and disseminated intravascular coagulation, and was treated with hydration and heparin infusion. On the 12th day, she presented macroscopic hematuria and melena. Cystoscopy revealed hemorrhagic cystitis. Bone marrow aspiration showed hemophagocytosis. Serum antigen of cytomegalovirus (CMV) was positive. CD4+ T cell count was very low (40/μL). She was diagnosed as disseminated CMV infection, and was treated with gancyclovir and immunoglobulin infusion. On the 14th day, she died of pneumonia. This is the first r...

What is the Seroconversion Rate of Mumps Vaccine?

PediatricEducation.org — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:13:37 +0100

Discussion Mumps is caused by a paramyxoviridae family virus and humans are the only known host. The spread is from infected respiratory tract secretions. Mumps causes swelling of one or more salivary glands, in particular the parotid glands. Up to 1/3 of patients do not have salivary swelling that is apparent. Parotitis in children is usually not due to mumps and can be caused by several other viruses including coxsackieviruses, cytomegalovirus, enteroviruruses, human immunodeficiency virus, and parainfluenza virus. It can also be causes by Staphlococcus aureus, mycobacterium (nontuberculous), cirrhosis, diabetes, drug reactions and malnutrition. Mumps complications include central nervous system problems (including hearing problems, cerebellar ataxia, radiculitis), arthritis, myocarditi...

Human cytomegalovirus increases HUVEC sensitivity to thrombin and modulates expression of thrombin receptors

Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 06:51:09 +0100

Abstract Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes a life-long persistent infection. HCMV infection could be associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Here we observed that in HCMV (AD-169) pre-exposed human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), thrombin-induced expression of IL-1α and M-CSF is markedly enhanced compared to the un-exposed cells. Study of the expression of thrombin receptor genes in HUVEC showed that HCMV triggered a time- and concentration-dependent expression of the thrombin receptors PAR1, PAR3 and PAR4 at the mRNA level. Induction of PAR1 and PAR3 mRNA expression is due to transcriptional activation of their promoters as shown by gene reporter assay. Furthermore, the virus induced expression o...

Elevation of heme oxygenase-1 by proteasome inhibition affords dopaminergic neuroprotection

Journal of Neuroscience Research — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Postmortem studies have shown that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) immunoreactivity is increased in patients with Parkinson disease. HO-1 expression is highly upregulated by a variety of stress. Since the proteasome activity is decreased in patients with Parkinson disease, we investigated whether proteasome activity regulates HO-1 content. MG-132, a proteasome inhibitor, increased the amount of HO-1 protein mainly in astrocytes of primary mesencephalic cultures. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that lactacystin upregulated HO-1 mRNA expression. Proteasome inhibition with MG132 also increased the cytomegalovirus promoter-driven expression of Flag-HO-1 protein and resulted in an accumulation of ubiquitinated Flag-HO-1 in Flag-HO-1-overexpressing PC12 cells. In addition, a cycloheximide chase as...

Purified T-depleted, CD34+ peripheral blood and bone marrow cell transplantation from haploidentical mother to child with thalassemia

Blood — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:01:45 +0100

Fetomaternal microchimerism suggests immunological tolerance between mother and fetus. Thus, we performed primary hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a mismatched mother to thalassemic patient without an human leukocyte antigen–identical donor. Twenty-two patients with thalassemia major were conditioned with 60 mg/kg hydroxyurea and 3 mg/kg azathioprine from day –59 to –11; 30 mg/m2 fludarabine from day –17 to –11; 14 mg/kg busulfan starting on day –10; and 200 mg/kg cyclophosphamide, 10 mg/kg thiotepa, and 12.5 mg/kg antithymocyte globulin daily from day –5 to –2. Fourteen patients received CD34+-mobilized peripheral blood and bone marrow progenitor cells; 8 patients received marrow graft–selected peripheral blood stem cells C...

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Pp65 antigenemia, plasma real-time PCR and DBS test in symptomatic and asymptomatic cytomegalovirus congenitally infected newborns

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: As expected antigenemia test was less sensitive than molecular tests and DBS test performed better on samples with higher rates of pp65 positive PBL and higher numbers of DNA copies/ml. The prognostic significance of the results of these tests will be evaluated on completion of the ongoing collection of follow-up data of these children. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Human cytomegalovirus UL69 protein facilitates translation by associating with the mRNA cap-binding complex and excluding 4EBP1 [Microbiology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:51:09 +0100

4EBP1 is phosphorylated by the mTORC1 kinase. When mTORC1 activity is inhibited, hypophosphorylated 4EBP1 binds and sequesters eIF4E, a component... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

A population-based study of how children are exposed to saliva in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa: implications for the spread of saliva-borne pathogens to children

Tropical Medicine and International Health — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions African children are exposed to saliva through a variety of acts, practised by a variety of caregivers, with no single predominant practice. This diversity poses challenges for epidemiologic work seeking to identify specific saliva-passing practices that transmit viruses. Most acts could be replaced by other actions and are theoretically preventable. (Source: Tropical Medicine and International Health)

Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia after rituximab therapy for presumed post-kidney transplant lymphoproliferative disease

Pediatric Nephrology — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:54:13 +0100

We describe an 11-year-old girl with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation/presumed post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) 15 months after undergoing a deceased donor kidney transplantation. Treatment with reduced immunosuppression, ganciclovir, and cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin was complicated by severe graft rejection, prompting therapy with methylprednisolone, anti-thymocyte globulin and four weekly doses of rituximab (total 1500 mg/m2). Tacrolimus- and prednisone-based anti-rejection prophylaxis was complemented with low-dose sirolimus. When the lactate dehydrogenase and uric acid levels rose 10 weeks after the first rituximab infusion and bilateral pulmonary nodules were detected by computerized tomography, recurrence of PTLD was suspected. Open lun...

Quantitative MR Imaging and Spectroscopy in Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection and Periventricular Leukomalacia Suggests a Comparable Neuropathological Substrate of the Cerebral White Matter Lesions

Neuropediatrics — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:49:48 +0100

Neuropediatrics 2009; 40: 168-173DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1243228AbstractCongenital (CMV) infection and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) both lead to static cerebral white matter lesions. In contrast to PVL, the neuropathologicAL substrate of these lesions in congenital CMV is not clear. By comparing changes in quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) parameters and MR spectroscopy metabolite concentrations we wanted to determine whether the nature of the white matter pathology in congenital CMV infection could be similar to the known pathology of PVL. Diffusion parameters, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA), magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) and MR spectroscopy concentrations were studied in white matter lesions in five patients with a congenital CMV infection a...

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Phosphorylation of VACM-1/Cul5 by Protein Kinase A Regulates Its Neddylation and Antiproliferative Effect [Signal Transduction]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:38:42 +0100

Expression of the VACM-1/cul5 gene in endothelial and in cancer cell lines in vitro inhibits cellular proliferation and decreases phosphorylation of MAPK. Structure-function analysis of the VACM-1 protein sequence identified consensus sites specific for phosphorylation by protein kinases A and C (PKA and PKC) and a Nedd8 protein modification site. Mutations at the PKA-specific site in VACM-1/Cul5 (S730AVACM-1) sequence resulted in increased cellular growth and the appearance of a Nedd8-modified VACM-1/Cul5. The aim of this study was to examine if PKA-dependent phosphorylation of VACM-1/Cul5 controls its neddylation status, phosphorylation by PKC, and ultimately growth. Our results indicate that in vitro transfection of rat adrenal medullary endothelial cells with anti-VACM-1-specific small...

The clinical course of idiopathic acute transverse myelitis in patients from Rio de Janeiro

Journal of Neurology — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:47:30 +0100

This study suggests some new aspects of the clinical course of IATM such as the high conversion rate to NMO, the predominance of women and a higher frequency of recurrent forms. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original CommunicationDOI 10.1007/s00415-009-5450-6Authors Marina Papais Alvarenga, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Departamento de Neurologia Rua Mariz e Barros 775, Tijuca Rio de Janeiro 20270-004 BrazilLuiz Claudio Santos Thuler, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Departamento de Neurologia Rua Mariz e Barros 775, Tijuca Rio de Janeiro 20270-004 BrazilSilvio Peçanha Neto, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Departamento de Neurologia Rua Mariz e Barros 775, Tijuca Rio de Janeiro 20270-004 BrazilClaudia Cristina Ferreira Vasco...

High Level of Perforin Expression in T Cells: An Early Prognostic Marker of the Severity of Herpesvirus Reactivation after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Adults

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:10:25 +0100

Conclusion. Perforin‐expressing CD8+ T cells may be useful as an easy‐to‐measure prognostic marker for identifying patients at risk for severe viral reactivation very soon after SCT. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Efficient mRNA electroporation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to detect memory T cell responses for immunomonitoring purposes.

Journal of Immunological Methods — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we present a newly developed short-time assay which allows direct ex vivo analysis of multi-epitope antigen-specific T cell immune responses. This novel method is based on mRNA electroporation of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Fresh and cryopreserved PBMC of both healthy volunteers as well as of allogeneic stem cell transplanted patients enrolled in a cytomegalovirus (CMV) dendritic cell vaccination trial were electroporated with CMV pp65-encoding mRNA. Using a direct IFN-gamma EliSPOT and intracellular cytokine flow cytometry we detected significantly higher numbers of CMV pp65-specific IFN-gamma-secreting T cells as compared to the assay with non-treated PBMC and as compared to PBMC electroporated with mRNA coding for an irrelevant protein. Compared to...

Function of dopamine transporter is compromised in DYT1 transgenic animal model in vivo

Journal of Neurochemistry — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

J. Neurochem. (2010) 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2010.06590.x Early onset torsion dystonia (DYT1), the most common form of hereditary primary dystonia, is caused by a mutation in the TOR1A gene, which codes for the protein, torsinA. We previously examined the effect of the human mutant torsinA on striatal dopaminergic function in a conventional transgenic mouse model of DYT1 dystonia (hMT1), in which human mutant torsinA is expressed under the cytomegalovirus promotor. Systemic administration of amphetamine did not increase dopamine (DA) release as efficiently in these mice as compared with wild-type transgenic and non-transgenic mice. We, now, studied the contribution of the DA transporter (DAT) to amphetamine-induced DA release in hMT1 transgenic mice using in vivo no-net flux microdialysis. Thi...

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Protein-Losing Enteropathy Caused by Gastrointestinal Tract-Involved Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

PEDIATRICS — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:03:21 +0100

We report here a case of infantile PLE that presented with continuous diarrhea at the onset of LCH. She was initially diagnosed as having allergic gastroenteropathy and, thus, received intravenous prednisolone, which was thought to have induced immunodeficiency and consequently resulted in life-threatening cytomegalovirus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Because chemotherapy for hemophagocytic syndrome was transiently effective for underlying LCH as well, the diagnosis of LCH was delayed until its recurrence. Gastrointestinal tract–involved LCH, a rare but highly fatal disease, should be considered for infants with refractory gastrointestinal symptoms, especially for those with PLE; endoscopic biopsy is strongly recommended for immediate ...

Inherited and acquired predispositions for thrombosis in immunocompetent patients with cytomegalovirus-associated thrombosis.

European Journal of Internal Medicine — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Most immunocompetent adults with CMV-associated thrombosis have other acquired or inherited predispositions for thrombosis. Hence, addressing these predispositions in patients with CMV-associated thrombosis may be of great clinical importance. PMID: 20122604 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Internal Medicine)

[Proteomic study of the brain tissues of mice with human cytomegalovirus infection.]

Journal of Southern Medical University — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The 2-D maps of the brain tissues with high Well resolution and reproducibility were obtained. Some of the differentially expressed proteins identified by mass spectrometry (MS) matched their counterparts in the SWISS-2DPAGE database. Western blotting analyses verified the differential expression of the individual proteins. These data can be of value for studying the diagnosis, pathogenesis and effective therapeutic targets of the disease. PMID: 20159717 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Southern Medical University)

Contribution of bacterial and viral infections to attributable mortality in patients with severe burns: An autopsy series. - D'Avignon LC, Hogan BK, Murray CK, Loo FL, Hospenthal DR, Cancio LC, Kim SH, Renz EM, Barillo D, Holcomb JB, Wade CE, Wolf SE.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 15:35:11 +0100

This study is a retrospective review of all autopsy report... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Cytomegalovirus Infection in Patients with Active Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Digestive Diseases and Sciences — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:19:36 +0100

Conclusions The prevalence of CMV with active UC was 10%. Although CMV infection may be a marker of disease severity, our results suggest it does not cause severe morbidity or mortality in a general population of patients with a UC flare. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s10620-010-1126-4Authors John J. Kim, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Department of Medicine Los Angeles CA USANicole Simpson, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Department of Medicine Los Angeles CA USANancy Klipfel, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Department of Pathology Los Angeles CA USARenee DeBose, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Department of Medicine Los Angeles C...

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Immune responses to JC virus in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with natalizumab

NeLM - News — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Lancet Neurology Area: News Natalizumab is used to prevent relapses and progression of disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) but has been associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). In a paper in The Lancet Neurology, researchers describe research aimed to better understand the associations between JC virus, which causes PML, and natalizumab treatment. The study involved 24 patients with MS who started treatment with natalizumab and were prospectively assessed. Blood and urine samples were tested for the presence of JC virus DNA before treatment and at regular intervals after treatment onset for up to 18 months. At the same timepoints, the cellular immune responses against JC virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, myelin oligoden...

Cytomegalovirus Prostatitis: A Series of 4 Cases

International Journal of Surgical Pathology — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:50:28 +0100

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) prostatitis is very rare with only 1 report of biopsy-proven CMV prostatitis in the literature. The authors report 4 cases, 3 detected on needle biopsy and 1 detected on transurethral resection. Patients were 36, 41, 48, and 71 years old. All patients were immunosuppressed, including 1 with AIDS and 3 undergoing immunosuppressive therapy following organ transplantation. CMV inclusions were seen in secretory cells of the prostatic glands, endothelial cells of small vessels, and prostatic stromal cells associated with a dense lymphoid inflammation. Only very rarely is CMV prostatitis detected on clinical specimens, typically in immunosuppressed hosts undergoing immunosuppressive therapy following organ transplantation. Patients with CMV prostatitis may harbor multiple i...

Defining the Risks for Cytomegalovirus Infection and Disease After Solid Organ Transplantation

Pharmacotherapy: Official Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Pharmacotherapy 30(2): 144-157 Abstract Cytomegalovirus continues to be one of the most clinically significant infections after solid organ transplantation. Classic definitions of patients at high risk for infection and tissue-invasive disease are focused on recipient-donor serostatus, type of organ transplanted, and overall level of immunosuppression. However, recent trends in clinical practice call for a reevaluation of cytomegalovirus infection risks after solid organ transplantation. Indeed, whereas early-onset cytomegalovirus infection is usually controlled by antiviral prophylaxis with ganciclovir and derivatives, delayed- and late-onset cytomegalovirus infection can develop after the completion of a course of preventive therapy. In addition, indirect effects of cytomegalovirus infec...

Cytomegalovirus Resistance Testing: Pitfalls and Problems for the Clinician

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:03:21 +0100

Clinical Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. In this review, I describe the available assays for detecting resistance of cytomegalovirus (CMV) to antivirals and emphasize the practical utility of the genotypic approach. The indications for such testing and the contraindications are discussed, as are the interpretation of results and the evidence of cross‐resistance between antivirals. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

CMV: Cytomegalovirus Focus Day

NLH - ENT and Audiology - Events — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:17:06 +0100

(Source: NLH - ENT and Audiology - Events)

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The impact of cytomegalovirus infection ≥1 year after primary renal transplantation

Clinical Transplantation — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Browne BJ, Young J-A, Dunn TB, Matas AJ. The impact of cytomegalovirus infection [ge]1 yr after primary renal transplantation.Clin Transplant 2010. DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2010.01208.x© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: We studied the impact of a first post-transplant cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection greater than one year after primary kidney transplantation. Risk factors for developing late CMV were acute rejection and donor[ndash]recipient CMV status. Of those developing late CMV, 35% were donor (D) positive, recipient (R) negative; however, 23% were D+R+, 22% D[minus]R+, and 15% D[minus]R[minus]. Late CMV was associated with significantly decreased patient and graft survival. (Source: Clinical Transplantation)

Ganciclovir exposure under a 450 mg daily dosage of valganciclovir for cytomegalovirus prevention in kidney transplantation: a prospective study

Clinical Transplantation — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Manuel O, Pascual M, Perrottet N, Lamoth F, Venetz J-P, Decosterd LA, Buclin T, Meylan PR. Ganciclovir exposure under a 450 mg daily dosage of valganciclovir for cytomegalovirus prevention in kidney transplantation: a prospective study.Clin Transplant 2010. DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2009.01205.x© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: This prospective study aimed at determining the ganciclovir exposure observed under a daily dosage of 450 mg valganciclovir routinely applied to kidney transplant recipients with a GFR above 25 mL/min at risk for cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease. Ganciclovir levels at trough (Ctrough) and at peak (C3 h) were measured monthly. Ganciclovir exposure (area under the curve [AUC0[ndash]24]) was estimated using Bayesian non-linear mixed-effect modeling (NONMEM). Thirty-s...

Cytomegalovirus Infection Exacerbates Inflammatory Bowel Disease

AccessMedicine Updates — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 03:30:01 +0100

(Source: AccessMedicine Updates)

Recurrent CMV retinitis in a non-HIV patient with drug-resistant CMV

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 10:08:58 +0100

Conclusion This case demonstrates that recurrent CMVR occurs in HIV-negative patients at CD4 cell counts thought to be protective in HIV patients, and suggests that an ineffective local immune response to retinal infection combined with CMV drug resistance may have been important factors leading to recurrent disease in this patient. Treatment producing high local concentrations of GCV may be effective therapy for CMV retinitis due to GCV-resistant virus. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s00417-009-1283-3Authors Quan V. Hoang, University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences 1855 W. Taylor Street (M/C 648) Chicago IL 60612 USADavid M. Simon, Rush University Medical Center Section of Infectious Diseases Chicag...

Cytomegalovirus Infection in Patients Who Required Colectomy for Toxic Megacolon or Severe Steroid-Refractory Ulcerative Colitis

Digestive Diseases and Sciences — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:52:48 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CorrespondenceDOI 10.1007/s10620-009-1109-5Authors J. Barahona-Garrido, Instituto de Enfermedades Digestivas y Nutricionales Avenida Reforma 7-62 zona 9, Edificio Aristos Reforma, Oficina 109 01009 Guatemala City GuatemalaB. Martínez-Benítez, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán Department of Pathology Mexico City MexicoE. Espinosa-Cárdenas, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán Department of Pathology Mexico City MexicoH. M. Sarti, Dermo.Patología Clinic Guatemala City GuatemalaJ. I. Gutiérrez-Manjarrez, Universidad de Guadalajara Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Guadalajara Jalisco MexicoR. Aguirre-Gutiérrez, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médic...

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Valganciclovir prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus infection in thoracic transplant patients: retrospective study of efficacy, safety, and drug exposure

Transplant Infectious Disease — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

S. Lefeuvre, P. Chevalier, C. Charpentier, R. Zekkour, L. Havard, M. Benammar, C. Amrein, V. Boussaud, A. Lillo-Le Louët, R. Guillemain, E.M. Billaud. Valganciclovir prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus infection in thoracic transplant patients: retrospective study of efficacy, safety, and drug exposure.Transpl Infect Dis 2010. All rights reservedAbstract: Oral ganciclovir (GCV) was replaced by prodrug valganciclovir (vGCV) for cytomegalovirus (CMV) prophylaxis. We assessed retrospectively (2005[ndash]2007) vGCV effectiveness and safety during prophylaxis and 4 months after, in heart (HTx) and lung transplantation (LTx), including lung transplant for cystic fibrosis (CFTx). Patients with stable renal function received vGCV 900 mg daily during 3[ndash]6 and 8[ndash]12 months in HTx and LTx. Eff...

Low prevalence of varicella zoster virus and herpes simplex virus type 2 in saliva from human immunodeficiency virus–infected persons in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontics — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:19:04 +0100

Objectives: Human herpesviruses, e.g., herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus, appear in saliva at greater frequency in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) than in healthy individuals. However, it is not known if varicella zoster virus (VZV) and HSV-2 appear simultaneously during HIV infection at greater frequency in saliva in this era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and amounts of VZV and HSV-2 in the saliva of HIV-infected orally asymptomatic patients.Study design: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to investigate the prevalence, quantity, risk, and correlations of salivary VZV and HSV-2 from 59 HIV-seropositive individuals and 53 healthy control ...

Human cytomegalovirus tropism for endothelial/epithelial cells: scientific background and clinical implications

Reviews in Medical Virology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been routinely isolated from and propagated in vitro in human embryonic lung fibroblast (HELF) cell cultures, while in vivo it is known to infect predominantly endothelial and epithelial cells. In recent years, genetic determinants of the HCMV tropism for endothelial/epithelial cells were identified in the UL131A/UL130/UL128 locus of HCMV genome of wild-type strains. UL131A-UL128 gene products form a complex with glycoprotein H (gH) and L (gL) resulting in a gH/gL/UL131A-UL128 complex that is required for HCMV entry into endothelial/epithelial cells. In contrast, virus entry into fibroblasts has its genetic determinants in the complex gH/gL/gO (or gH/gL). During primary HCMV infection, the neutralising antibody response measured in endothelial cells (EC) is...

Ex vivo monitoring of human cytomegalovirus-specific CD8+ T-Cell responses using the QuantiFERON®-CMV assay in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients attending an Irish hospital

Journal of Medical Virology — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Reconstitution of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) T-cell immunity is crucial in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. The QuantiFERON®-CMV assay for cellular HCMV-specific immunity was evaluated in allogeneic HSCT recipients (n = 43) and patients with hematological malignancies (n = 29) attending a tertiary-care Irish hospital. An intracellular cytokine (ICC) assay correlated with the QuantiFERON®-CMV assay. Although there was agreement between HCMV seropositivity and QuantiFERON®-CMV assay, six HCMV seropositive immunosuppressed patients with hematological malignancy had negative QuantiFERON®-CMV results. The 43 HSCT recipients were classified as high risk (D-/R+) (n = 18), intermediate risk (D+/R+ and D+/R-) (n = 17), and low risk (D-/R-) (n = 8). During episodes of HCMV...

Combined mucosal and systemic immunity following pulmonary delivery of ISCOMATRIX adjuvanted recombinant antigens.

Vaccine — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Vujanic A, Wee JL, Snibson KJ, Edwards S, Pearse M, Quinn C, Moloney M, Taylor S, Scheerlinck JP, Sutton P Deep pulmonary delivery of an influenza ISCOMATRIX vaccine has previously been shown to induce a combined mucosal and systemic antibody response. To explore whether this combined response is influenced by intrinsic properties of the component antigen, we examined the efficacy of deep pulmonary delivery of ISCOMATRIX vaccines containing different recombinant antigens, specifically gB glycoprotein from cytomegalovirus and a fragment of catalase from Helicobacter pylori. Both these vaccines induced antigen-specific mucosal and systemic immunity, as well as antigen-specific proliferative cellular responses. Pulmonary immunisation with ISCOMATRIX vaccines may therefore be a ge...

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Abnormal Voicing in Children Using Cochlear Implants [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:51:21 +0100

Conclusions Similar to unilateral cochlear implant users, children using bilateral implants have difficulty controlling long-term frequency perturbation and long-term amplitude perturbation during sustained phonations. These measures improved as the duration of usable hearing increases. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Development of Cytomegalovirus-Mediated Sensorineural Hearing Loss in a Guinea Pig Model [Original Article]

Archives of Otolaryngology — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:51:21 +0100

Conclusions We have successfully demonstrated elevated auditory brainstem response click thresholds with characteristics of progressive and asymmetric loss that have been reported in clinical reports of congenital CMV infection. We also detected gpCMV via PCR testing in the cochleas of inoculated pups. (Source: Archives of Otolaryngology)

Post-transplantation Lymphoproliferative Disorder in the Renal Transplant Ureter

Urology — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Dr. MKS: A 68-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of end-stage renal disease secondary to diabetic nephropathy underwent cadaveric renal transplantation in December 2008, using a standard criteria donor. The donor tested positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV), and the recipient was negative for both. A stented Lich-Gregoir extravesical ureteroneocystostomy was used for ureteral reimplantation. Her immediate postoperative course was unremarkable. She received basiliximab induction and was maintained on an immunosuppressive regimen of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids. The serum creatinine nadir was 1.2 mg/dL. She received 3 months of prophylaxis for CMV with acyclovir 400 mg 3 times daily. Valacyclovir would have been the preferred antiviral medica...

Peptide-Derivatized Dendrimers Inhibit Human Cytomegalovirus Infection by Blocking Virus Binding to Cell Surface Heparan Sulfate.

Antiviral Research — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Luganini A, Giuliani A, Pirri G, Pizzuto L, Landolfo S, Gribaudo G Dendrimers are hyperbranched synthetic well-defined molecules with a number of potential applications, especially in relation to the need for new antiviral agents. One subclass of dendrimers are peptide derivatized-dendrimers which consist of a peptidyl branching core and covalently attached surface peptide functional units. Few studies have addressed the potential uses of peptide dendrimers as direct-acting antiviral agents. Here, we report on the ability of two peptide dendrimers, SB105 and SB105_A10, to directly and almost completely inhibit human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication in both primary fibroblasts and endothelial cells; the agents were also found to inhibit murine CMV replication, whereas they we...

Functional characterization of alloreactive T cells identifies CD25 and CD71 as optimal targets for a clinically applicable allodepletion strategy

Blood — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:03:28 +0100

Immunotherapy with allodepleted donor T cells (ADTs) improves immunity after T cell–depleted stem cell transplantation, but infection/relapse remain problematic. To refine this approach, we characterized the expression of surface markers/cytokines on proliferating alloreactive T cells (ATs). CD25 was expressed on 83% of carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl esterdim ATs, confirming this as an excellent target for allodepletion. Seventy percent of CD25– ATs expressed CD71 (transferrin receptor), identifying this as a novel marker to target ATs persisting after CD25 depletion. Comparison of residual alloreactivity after combined CD25/71 versus CD25 immunomagnetic depletion showed enhanced depletion of alloreactivity to host with CD25/71 depletion in both secondary (2°) mi...

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Cytomegalovirus-esophagitis as initial presentation of HIV infection mimicking adenocarcinoma

Endoscopy — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:19:39 +0100

Endoscopy 2010; 42: E22-E23DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1215352© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | FREE: Full text (Source: Endoscopy)

The natural course of primary cytomegalovirus infection in blood donors

Vox Sanguinis — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Potentially infectious donors can be identified by measuring CMV DNA, IgM antibodies or avidity of IgG antibodies. Alternatively, blood products donated during the first year after seroconversion should not be used for immunocompromised patients. (Source: Vox Sanguinis)

Infectious Burden and Carotid Plaque Thickness. The Northern Manhattan Study.

Stroke — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: A quantitative weighted index of infectious burden, derived from the magnitude of association of individual infections with stroke, was associated with carotid plaque thickness in this multiethnic cohort. These results lend support to the notion that past or chronic exposure to common infections, perhaps by exacerbating inflammation, contributes to atherosclerosis. Future studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis and to define optimal measures of infectious burden as a vascular risk factor. PMID: 20075350 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Stroke)

TCR-[beta] repertoire analysis of antigen-specific single T cells using a high-density microcavity array

Biotechnology and Bioengineering — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we applied a high-density microcavity array enabling target cell screening of several thousands of single cells for identification of functional TCR-[beta] gene repertoires specific to melanoma (gp100) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigens. T cells expressing TCRs with the ability to recognize fluorescent-labeled antigen peptide tetramers were isolated by using a micromanipulator under microscopy. Regularly arranged cells on the microcavity array eased detection and isolation of target single cells from a polyclonal T-cell population. The isolated single cells were then directly utilized for RT-PCR. By sequencing the amplified PCR products, antigen-specific TCR-[beta] repertoires for gp100 and human cytomegalovirus antigens were successfully identified at the single-cell level....

Association between a polymorphism in the human programmed death-1 (PD-1) gene and cytomegalovirus infection after kidney transplantation

Journal of Medical Genetics — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:58:27 +0100

Conclusion This study identified a new genetic risk factor for CMV infection after kidney transplantation and suggests that an adjustment of CMV prophylaxis based on genetic markers would merit further investigation. (Source: Journal of Medical Genetics)

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Infectious Burden and Risk of Stroke: The Northern Manhattan Study [Original Contribution]

Archives of Neurology — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:52:41 +0100

Conclusions A quantitative weighted index of infectious burden was associated with risk of first stroke in this cohort. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and to further define optimal measures of infectious burden as a stroke risk factor. Published online November 9, 2009 (doi:10.1001/archneurol.2009.271). (Source: Archives of Neurology)

In pregnant women, universal serum screening for primary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections is more cost effective

PharmacoEconomics and Outcomes News — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:09:06 +0100

(Source: PharmacoEconomics and Outcomes News)

Viral Infection Associated With Autoimmune Diabetes in Rats

Modern Medicine — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Certain viruses -- including Kilham rat virus and rat cytomegalovirus -- are associated with autoimmune diabetes in rats, according to research published in the January issue of Diabetes. (Source: Modern Medicine)

Programmed death-1 receptor and interleukin-10 in liver transplant recipients at high risk for late cytomegalovirus disease

Transplant Infectious Disease — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

A. Krishnan, W. Zhou, S.F. Lacey, A.P. Limaye, D.J. Diamond, C. La Rosa. Programmed death-1 receptor and interleukin-10 in liver transplant recipients at high risk for late cytomegalovirus disease.Transpl Infect Dis 2010. All rights reservedAbstract: Despite significant advances in antiviral treatment, solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients remain at heightened risk for developing late cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease. Elevated inhibitory immune signaling suggests a state of immune impairment in SOT recipients, who do not control CMV infection and develop severe clinical symptoms after discontinuation of antiviral prophylaxis. We longitudinally monitored the negative immune modulator programmed death (PD)-1 receptor on both CD4 and CD8 T cells, co-expressing the CD137 surface marker of recen...

Human cytomegalovirus reinfection is associated with intrauterine transmission in a highly cytomegalovirus-immune maternal population

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Maternal reinfection by new strains of cytomegalovirus is a major source of congenital infection in this population. (Source: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology)

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Evaluation of Ultraviolet C for Disinfection of Endocavitary Ultrasound Transducers Persistently Contaminated despite Probe Covers •

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:37:41 +0100

Conclusions. Endocavitary ultrasound probes may carry pathogens after removal of covers under routine conditions. A disinfection procedure consisting of cleaning with a disinfectant‐impregnated towel followed by disinfection with UVC may provide a useful method for disinfecting endocavitary ultrasound probes. (Source: Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue)

Variable viral clearance despite adequate ganciclovir plasma levels during valganciclovir treatment for cytomegalovirus disease in D+/R- transplant recipients

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Valganciclovir treatment for CMV infection/disease in D+/R- transplant recipients can thus result in variable viral clearance despite adequate ganciclovir plasma concentrations, probably correlating inversely with anti-CMV immune responses after primary infection. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

In Vivo Imaging of Ocular MCMV Infection [Immunology and Microbiology]

Investigative Ophthalmology — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:57:30 +0100

A highly reproducible novel model for in vivo imaging of experimental intraocular murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection with the use of a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) is described. (Source: Investigative Ophthalmology)

Post-transcriptional regulation of miR-27 in murine cytomegalovirus infection.

RNA — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Buck AH, Perot J, Chisholm MA, Kumar DS, Tuddenham L, Cognat V, Marcinowski L, Dölken L, Pfeffer S In mammals, microRNAs (miRNAs) can play diverse roles in viral infection through their capacity to regulate both host and viral genes. Recent reports have demonstrated that specific miRNAs change in expression level upon infection and can impact viral production and infectivity. It is clear that miRNAs are an integral component of viral-host interactions, and it is likely that both host and virus contain mechanisms to regulate miRNA expression and/or activity. To date, little is known about the mechanisms by which miRNAs are regulated in viral infection. Here we report the rapid down-regulation of miR-27a in multiple mouse cell lines as well as primary macrophages upon infec...

In vitro and in vivo Activities of the novel Anti-Cytomegalovirus Compound AIC246.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lischka P, Hewlett G, Wunberg T, Baumeister J, Paulsen D, Goldner T, Ruebsamen-Schaeff H, Zimmermann H Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) remains a serious threat for immunocompromised individuals including transplant recipients and newborns. To date, all drugs licensed for the treatment of HCMV infection and disease target the viral DNA-polymerase. Although effective, several drawbacks are associated with the use of these drugs including toxicity and emergence of drug resistance. Hence, new and improved antivirals with novel molecular targets are urgently needed. Here we report on the anti-viral properties of AIC246, a representative of a novel class of small molecular weight compounds that is currently undergoing clinical phase II studies. The anti-HCMV activity of AIC246 was eval...

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IFNgamma-receptor signaling ameliorates transplant vasculopathy through attenuation of CD8(+) T cell-mediated injury of vascular endothelial cells.

European Journal of Immunology — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bolinger B, Engeler D, Krebs P, Miller S, Firner S, Hoffmann M, Palmer DC, Restifo NP, Tian Y, Clavien PA, Ludewig B Occlusive transplant vasculopathy (TV) is the major cause for chronic graft rejection. Since endothelial cells (ECs) are the first graft cells encountered by activated host lymphocytes, it is important to delineate the molecular mechanisms that coordinate the interaction of ECs with activated T cells. Here, the interaction of CD8(+) T cells with antigen-presenting ECs in vivo was examined using a transgenic heart transplantation model with beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) expression exclusively in ECs (Tie2-LacZ hearts). We found that priming with beta-gal peptide-loaded dendritic cells failed to generate a strong systemic IFN-gamma response, but elicited pronounce...

IFN-[gamma]-receptor signaling ameliorates transplant vasculopathy through attenuation of CD8+ T-cell-mediated injury of vascular endothelial cells

European Journal of Immunology — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Occlusive transplant vasculopathy (TV) is the major cause for chronic graft rejection. Since endothelial cells (EC) are the first graft cells encountered by activated host lymphocytes, it is important to delineate the molecular mechanisms that coordinate the interaction of EC with activated T cells. Here, the interaction of CD8+ T cells with Ag-presenting EC in vivo was examined using a transgenic heart transplantation model with [beta]-galactosidase ([beta]-gal) expression exclusively in EC (Tie2-LacZ hearts). We found that priming with [beta]-gal peptide-loaded DC failed to generate a strong systemic IFN-[gamma] response, but elicited pronounced TV in both IFN-[gamma] receptor (IFNGR)-competent, and ifngr-/- Tie2-LacZ hearts. In contrast, stimulation of EC-specific CD8+ T cells with [bet...

[Cytomegalovirus Infection-related Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation and Aorto-enteric Fistula after Abdominal Aortic Aneurysmal Repair.]

Korean J Gastroenter... — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ahn SY, Lee SY, Kim BS, Rhee KH, Kim JH, Sung IK, Park HS, Jin CJ Gastrointestinal complications (GI) after thoracoabdominal aortic repair can be classified as biliary disease, heptic dysfunction, pancreatitis, GI bleeding, peptic ulcer disease, bowel ischemia, paralytic ileus, and aortoenteric fistula. Theses complications are associated with high post operative morbidity and mortality. Most of the aortoenteric fistulae after thoracoabdominal aortic surgery are found at the duodenum, near the surgical site. These rare complications are caused by an indirect communication with abdominal aorta that originated from an aneursymal formation ruptured into the duodenum. Such aorto-duodenal fistula formation is considered as a result of inflammatory change from secondary infection ne...

Monitoring Cytomegalovirus T-Cell Immunity in Small Bowel/Multivisceral Transplant Recipients

Transplantation Proceedings — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A good and early reconstitution of CMV-specific T-cell immune responses after transplantation is a critical determinant in controlling CMV infections. Simultaneous monitoring of CMV infection and CMV-specific T-cell immunity predicts T-cell–mediated control of CMV infection. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

Early and Late Virological Monitoring of Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Human Herpes Virus 6 Infections in Small Bowel/Multivisceral Transplant Recipients

Transplantation Proceedings — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: CMV infection is a major cause of organ disease and rejection in the early period after transplantation. EBV infection in adult recipients must be considered also in the late period, particularly in association with severe immunosuppression. Because HHV-6 infection occurs earlier than CMV/EBV, it may serve as an indicator for more intense virological surveillance. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

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Pancreas Transplantation: Experience at University of Texas, Houston

Transplantation Proceedings — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Discussion: Pancreas transplant receipients constitute a unique population with a high risk of complications in the acute setting. During the first 3 months after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation the relative mortality risk is increased but after a year it has clear advantage over diabetic patients on dialysis waiting for a transplant. To date, 26 patients have functional pancreatic allografts and 29 are dialysis-free. Pancreas transplantation is a challenging procedure. Surgeons must be prepared to aggressively manage the possible complications. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome Development in Lung Transplantation Patients

Transplantation Proceedings — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: BOS was associated with worse survival. The presence of acute cellular rejection episodes, CMV disease, and GERD were factors associated with chronic lung rejection. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

Early and Late Infections in Lung Transplantation Patients

Transplantation Proceedings — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The critical period for infections in lung transplantation patients is the first 3 months, especially for those of bacterial etiology. CMV diseases were more common in seronegative patients and fungal infections in airway injury cases. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)

The Best Practices for Screening, Monitoring, and Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus Disease, Part II

Clinical Microbiology Newsletter — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 16:02:48 +0100

Abstract: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV), a ubiquitous member of the herpesvirus family, is an important human pathogen. Infections are usually asymptomatic but can be associated with a wide spectrum of diseases, particularly in immunocompromised persons. Primary infection during pregnancy may result in congenital infection, leading to severe damage to the fetus. Intrauterine primary infections are second only to Down's syndrome as a known cause of mental retardation. CMV infection in transplant recipients may cause different clinical syndromes in different groups of patients, and the severity of the infection parallels the degree of immunosuppression. As infections are either asymptomatic or accompanied by symptoms that are not specific to CMV (such as fever and leukopenia), laborat...

Cytomegalovirus Reinfections in Healthy Seroimmune Women

The Journal of Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:28:15 +0100

The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Latest Articles. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reinfections have been associated with damaging congenital infection and adverse outcomes in transplant recipients. To determine the frequency of and risk factors for CMV reinfections, 205 seropositive women were followed up prospectively. The appearance of new antibody specificity against 1 of 4 polymorphic epitopes was considered as evidence of CMV reinfection. Approximately one‐third of the study participants (59 [29%] of 205) were noted to have CMV reinfection during follow‐up. None of the exposure factors were associated with CMV reinfection. Women with antibodies against at least 1 of the 4 antigens at baseline had a 63% decreased risk of reinfection, suggesting a protect...

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Activation of EGFR on monocytes is required for human cytomegalovirus entry and mediates cellular motility [Immunology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:05:23 +0100

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) rapidly induces a mobile and functionally unique proinflammatory monocyte following infection that is proposed to mediate viral... (Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences)

Imatinib Ineffective Against CMV Reactivation in Stem Cell Transplant Patients

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:20:26 +0100

Treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib - marketed by Novartis as Gleevec -- does not appear to reduce cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation after hematopoietic cell transplantation, according to results of a retrospective single-center study. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Cytomegalovirus in intensive care

Reviews in Medical Virology — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:09:09 +0100

No Abstarct. (Source: Reviews in Medical Virology)

Association of Human T Lymphotropic Virus 1 Amplification of Periodontitis Severity with Altered Cytokine Expression in Response to a Standard Periodontopathogen Infection

Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:17:55 +0100

Conclusions. HTLV‐1 may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease through the deregulation of the local cytokine network, resulting in an exacerbated response against a standard periodontopathogen infection. (Source: Clinical Infectious Diseases Latest Issue)

Management of congenital cytomegalovirus infection: an evidence-based approach

Acta Paediatrica — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Application of the current knowledge in the management of congenital cytomegalovirus infected neonates could be beneficial, until further evidence is available. (Source: Acta Paediatrica)

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Cytomegalovirus β2.7 RNA transcript protects endothelial cells against apoptosis during ischemia/reperfusion injury

The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: β2.7 RNA is a novel effector molecule that can protect rat aortic endothelial cells from I/R injury causing apoptosis. As a non-coding RNA, β2.7 RNA will not induce an immune response in the recipient. We have shown that overexpression of β2.7 RNA can protect RAEC from H/R- or I/R-mediated apoptosis by reduction of ROS formation. (Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation)

CMV retinitis after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection in a patient with Behçet’s uveitis

International Ophthalmology — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:45:59 +0100

We report the case of a patient with Behçet’s uveitis who developed cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) injection. We reviewed the patient’s chart for the purpose of this report. An IVTA injection was performed for treatment of severe panuveitis in the left eye of a 30-year-old male patient with Behçet’s disease. Systemic treatment included high dose corticosteroid and azathioprine. Fourteen weeks after IVTA, extensive areas of necrotizing retinitis developed in the left eye. Polymerase chain reaction of serum and vitreous samples was positive for CMV DNA. Serum anti-CMV IgG was positive, IgM was negative, anti-HIV antibody was negative, complete blood count was normal, and CD4 count was 1,060 cells/μl. The patient responded...

Jaundice in the traveller

Medicine — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:32:43 +0100

Abstract: Jaundice is an uncommon but important symptom in any patient. In a traveller, it is often caused by a range of pathogens or toxins acquired through specific risk exposures. In a febrile, jaundiced patient, haemolysis caused by Plasmodium falciparum malaria must be excluded urgently, and a full clinical assessment carried out. Jaundice can be a sign of decompensating chronic liver disease in the presence of an acute illness and signs of this should be sought. Investigation of the jaundiced traveller includes screening tests for malaria, acute viral hepatitis A/B/E, Epstein–Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, human immunodeficiency virus, leptospira and helminthic infestations. With specialist support and appropriate treatment, an excellent prognosis can be offered in most cases. (Sourc...

Unusual cardiac presentation of congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

The Ultrasound Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Barnett CP, Jaeggi E, Han RK, Nevo O, Keating S, Shannon P, Bitnun A, Chitayat D PMID: 20034002 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Ultrasound Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Regulatory function of cytomegalovirus-specific CD4(+)CD27(-)CD28(-) T cells.

Virology — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tovar-Salazar A, Patterson-Bartlett J, Jesser R, Weinberg A CMV infection is characterized by high of frequencies of CD27(-)CD28(-) T cells. Here we demonstrate that CMV-specific CD4(+)CD27(-)CD28(-) cells are regulatory T cells (T(R)). CD4(+)CD27(-)CD28(-) cells sorted from CMV-stimulated PBMC of CMV-seropositive donors inhibited de novo CMV-specific proliferation of autologous PBMC in a dose-dependent fashion. Compared with the entire CMV-stimulated CD4(+) T-cell population, higher proportions of CD4(+)CD27(-)CD28(-) T(R) expressed FoxP3, TGFbeta, granzyme B, perforin, GITR and PD-1, lower proportions expressed CD127 and PD1-L and similar proportions expressed CD25, CTLA4, Fas-L and GITR-L. CMV-CD4(+)CD27(-)CD28(-) T(R) expanded in response to IL-2, but not to CMV antigenic ...

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The Best Practices for Screening, Monitoring, and Diagnosis of Cytomegalovirus Disease, Part I

Clinical Microbiology Newsletter — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:08:02 +0100

Abstract: Human cytomegalovirus (CMV), a ubiquitous member of the herpesvirus family, is an important human pathogen. Infections are usually asymptomatic but can be associated with a wide spectrum of diseases, particularly in immunocompromised persons. Primary infection during pregnancy may result in congenital infection leading to severe damage of the fetus. Intrauterine primary infections are second only to Down's syndrome as a known cause of mental retardation. CMV infection in transplant recipients may cause different clinical syndromes in different groups of patients, and the severity of the infection parallels the degree of immunosuppression. As infections are either asymptomatic or accompanied by symptoms that are not specific to CMV (such as fever and leukopenia), laborato...

Successful antiepileptic drug withdrawal in infants with epilepsy and cytomegalovirus neuroinfection: Longitudinal study

Epilepsia — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Early introduction of antiepileptic and antiviral GCV regimens in epilepsy and CMV neuroinfection may result in discontinuation of antiepileptic treatment and normal psychomotor development in infants. (Source: Epilepsia)

Evaluation of Ultraviolet C for Disinfection of Endocavitary Ultrasound Transducers Persistently Contaminated Despite Probe Covers

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:46:07 +0100

Identification of a novel betaherpesvirus in Mus musculus

BioMed Central — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Rodent betaherpesviruses vary considerably in genomic content, and these variations can result in a distinct pathogenicity. Therefore, the identification of unknown betaherpesviruses in house mice (Mus musculus), the most important rodent host species in basic research, is of importance. During a search for novel herpesviruses in house mice using herpesvirus consensus PCR and attempts to isolate viruses in tissue culture, we identified a previously unknown betaherpesvirus. The primary PCR search in mouse organs revealed the presence of known strains of murine cytomegalovirus (Murid herpesvirus 1) and of Mus musculus rhadinovirus 1 only. However, the novel virus was detected after incubation of organ pieces in fibroblast tissue culture and subsequent PCR analysis of the supernatants. Long d...

Acute cellular rejection and Epstein–Barr virus-related post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in a pediatric lung transplant with low viral load

Transplant Infectious Disease — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We report the case of an 18-year-old male who underwent bilateral lung transplantation for end-stage cystic fibrosis. No Epstein[ndash]Barr virus (EBV) or cytomegalovirus serology mismatch was detected on pre-transplant evaluation (donor and recipient were both positive). Two months after lung transplantation a computed tomography scan showed multiple nodules throughout both lungs. At that time a low EBV DNA blood level was detected ( (Source: Transplant Infectious Disease)

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A targeted spatial-temporal proteomic approach implicates multiple cellular trafficking pathways in human cytomegalovirus virion maturation.

Molecular and Cellular Proteomics : MCP — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Moorman NJ, Sharon-Friling R, Shenk T, Cristea IM The assembly of infectious virus particles is a complex event. For human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) this process requires the coordinated expression and localization of at least 60 viral proteins that comprise the infectious virion. To gain insight into the mechanisms controlling this process, we identified protein binding partners for two viral proteins, pUL99 (also termed pp28) and pUL32 (pp150), which are essential for HCMV virion assembly. We utilized HCMV strains expressing pUL99 or pUL32 carboxy-terminal GFP fusion proteins from their native location in the HCMV genome. Based on the presence of ubiquitin in the pUL99 immunoisolation, we discovered that this viral protein colocalizes with components of the cellular ESCRT pathw...

Variability and recombination of clinical human cytomegalovirus strains from transplantation recipients

Journal of Clinical Virology — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results reinforce the prominent role of recombination in HCMV evolutionary history and adaptation to its host. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

Clinical virology of cytomegalovirus infection following hematopoietic transplantation

Future Virology — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:54:05 +0100

Future Virology , January 2010, Vol. 5, No. 1, Pages 111-124. (Source: Future Virology)

Quiz Page January 2010: A Colonic Mass in a Kidney Transplant Recipient

American Journal of Kidney Diseases — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:30:56 +0100

A 60-year-old woman was admitted for diarrhea and hematochezia. One year ago, she received a deceased donor kidney transplant for end-stage renal disease secondary to diabetes. Other medical history includes colon cancer 16 years before transplant requiring partial colectomy, with pretransplant colonoscopy showing no recurrence of cancer. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serologic test results were negative, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) serologic test results were negative in the recipient but positive in the donor. Immunosuppressive medications included cyclosporine, sirolimus, and prednisone, along with valganciclovir prophylactic therapy. One month before presentation, serum creatinine level was 1.5 mg/dL (133 μmol/L; estimated glomerular filtration rate, 38 mL/min/1.73 m2 [0.63 mL/s/1....

Recurrent cytomegalovirus corneal endotheliitis after penetrating keratoplasty.

European Journal of Ophthalmology — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Stress from surgery and corticosteroid usage can revitalize CMV activity. PCR and confocal microscopy are valuable for the diagnosis of CMV corneal endotheliitis. PMID: 20037910 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Ophthalmology)

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Storing human milk

The Journal of Pediatrics — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:03:51 +0100

The management of human milk is a major activity for many neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Storage is the critical step after collection for human milk to be used to feed preterm infants. One approach is to have the mother freeze the milk after storage and deliver frozen milk to the NICU. However, the cells in the milk will be destroyed, perhaps along with cytomegalovirus (CMV). Fresh milk is thought to be the preferred food for preterm infants. In this issue of The Journal, S.zah et al reports that human milk can be refrigerated at 4 °C for up to 96 hours without much change in composition or bacterial counts. The multiple immune functions of the 96 hour-old milk were not tested relative to fresh human milk. Another approach to feeding preterm infants human milk is to use heat-treat...

Human cytomegalovirus in utero transmission: Follow-up of 524 maternal seroconversions

Journal of Clinical Virology — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Our group previously described a retrospective study on 141 HCMV seroconversions during pregnancy suggesting an increased risk of transmission during late gestation. Most studies indicate no significant link between age of the pregnancy at infection and infection of the infant, but the literature is limited. (Source: Journal of Clinical Virology)

What Is Cytomegalovirus? What Are The Causes Of Cytomegalovirus Infection?

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0100

Cytomegalovirus, also known as HCMV, CMV or Human Herpes virus 5 (HHV-5) is part of the herpes family of viruses. It is a common virus and spreads through bodily fluids, including saliva, blood, breast milk, semen and urine. Cytomegalovirus is human-to-human transmissible through close bodily contact (coughs and sneezes are also possible routes). As is the case with other viruses in the herpes family, when humans are infected it remains dormant in the body for the rest of their life when it is not active. Research is currently underway for a potential CMV vaccine... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

What Is Cytomegalovirus? What Are The Causes Of Cytomegalovirus Infection?

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0100

What Is Cytomegalovirus? What Are The Causes Of Cytomegalovirus Infection?

Pregnancy News From Medical News Today — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0100

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Crystal Structure of Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Polymerase Processivity Factor BMRF1 [Dna: Replication, Repair, Recombination, and Chromosome Dynamics]

Journal of Biological Chemistry — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:37:33 +0100

In this study, the crystal structure of C-terminally truncated BMRF1 (BMRF1-C) was solved in an oligomeric state. The molecular structure of BMRF1-C shares structural similarity with other processivity factors, such as herpes simplex virus UL42, cytomegalovirus UL44, and human proliferating cell nuclear antigen. However, the oligomerization architectures of these proteins range from a monomer to a trimer. PAGE and mutational analyses indicated that BMRF1-C, like UL44, forms a C-shaped head-to-head dimer. DNA binding assays suggested that basic amino acid residues on the concave surface of the C-shaped dimer play an important role in interactions with DNA. The C95E mutant, which disrupts dimer formation, lacked DNA binding activity, indicating that dimer formation is required for DNA bindin...

Antibody Alone Does Not Prevent Experimental Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in Mice with Retrovirus-lnduced Immunodeficiency (MAIDS)

Ophthalmic Research — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Ophthalmic Res 1997;29:381-392 (DOI:10.1159/000268039) (Source: Ophthalmic Research)

Use of Inbred Mouse Strains to Map Recognition Receptors of MCMV Infected Cells in the NK Cell Gene Locus

Springer protocols feed by Immunology — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Genetically distinct inbred strains of mice that differ in their susceptibility to mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) are invaluable for dissecting complex host–pathogen interactions. Their study has allowed the identification of host-resistance loci, including several activating NK cell receptors of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. In this chapter, we provide a practical guide to the genetic mapping and functional characterization of NK cell receptors that control innate immunity against MCMV via specific recognition of infected cells. (Source: Springer protocols feed by Immunology)

Sequential treatment of cytomegalovirus infection or disease with a short course of intravenous ganciclovir followed by oral valganciclovir: efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics

Transplant Infectious Disease — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A. Caldés, S. Gil-Vernet, Y. Armendariz, H. Colom, L. Pou, J. Niubó, L. Lladó, J. Torras, N. Manito, G. Rufí, J.M. Grinyó. Sequential treatment of cytomegalovirus infection or disease with a short course of intravenous ganciclovir followed by oral valganciclovir: efficacy, safety, and pharmacokineticsTranspl Infect Dis 2009. All rights reservedAbstract: Oral (p.o.) or intravenous (IV) ganciclovir (GCV) has been the first-line agent for prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and disease in solid organ transplantation (SOT). The introduction of p.o. valganciclovir, with higher bioavailability than p.o. GCV, has proven to be a suitable approach toward outpatient p.o. therapy for CMV infection/disease. The present single-arm, exploratory pilot trial performed with 21 ...

Infections as a stimulus for coronary occlusion, obstruction, or acute coronary syndromes

Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:20:43 +0100

Conclusions: We have previously reported that EV and HSV titres correlated significantly to acute coronary events. They do not correlate to the degree of coronary obstruction as shown here. However, infection by A. actinomycetemcomitans or C. pneumoniae or host response against them associated with coronary obstruction. Clinical coronary events may arise by the effect of acute infections and obstructing lesions by a chronic inflammatory stimulus. (Source: Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease)

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Rituximab: Cytomegalovirus gastritis in an elderly patient: case report

Reactions — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:04:26 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

SMC accepts valganciclovir (ValcyteT) for restricted use for CMV indications

NeLM - Drug Specific Reviews — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted valganciclovir oral solution (ValcyteT) for restricted use within NHS Scotland for the following: . Prevention of CMV disease in CMV-negative patients who have received a solid organ transplant from a CMV-positive donor (it should only be initiated by physicians experienced in the care of post-transplant patients) . Induction and maintenance treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Its use should be under the overall supervision of an expert ophthalmologist and a physician experienced in the management of HIV / AIDS patients. In patients for whom valganciclov...

US FDA staff note safety issues with everolimus ahead of advisory panel review

NeLM - News — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Reuters Health News, BioSpace Area: News According to a Reuters report, a summary prepared by FDA staff ahead of an advisory panel review has concluded that everolimus is effective in the prevention of rejection of transplanted kidneys, but has raised safety issues, with female patients apparently having "a higher failure rate and more premature treatment discontinuation" on everolimus compared to a comparator mycophenolic acid (Myfortic®). An FDA assessment also found the majority of 17 deaths among patients treated with everolimus "were felt likely to be related to the study drug." The reviewers said six patients given a low everolimus dose suffered loss of the transplanted kidney due to clotting, compared with two patients treated with mycophenolic acid. ...

Prevalence and Features of Keratitis with Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Positive for Cytomegalovirus

Ophthalmology — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: A total of 24.1% of cases with corneal edema of unknown origin were CMV positive and should be included in the differential diagnosis of idiopathic corneal endotheliitis or graft edema after penetrating keratoplasty, especially for bullous keratopathy. Real-time PCR for CMV, based on the diagnosis and monitoring of the clinical course, may be useful. Cytomegalovirus corneal endotheliitis requires early appropriate treatment using GCV. Because clinical remission after GCV may depend on the area of normal endothelium, early diagnosis and therapy are important for CMV corneal endotheliitis.Financial Disclosure(s): The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article. (Source: Ophthalmology)