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This page shows you the latest news and research items in this category.

Inactivation of food-borne viruses using natural biochemical substances.
In this study, the reported effects of biochemical substances on food-borne viruses are reviewed. The biochemical substances are grouped into several categories including (i) polyphenols and proanthocyanins, (ii) saponin, (iii) polysaccharides, (iv) organic acids, (v) proteins and polypeptides, (vi) essential oils. Although not fully understood, the mechanism of action for the antiviral activity of the natural compounds is presented. Generally, it is thought to be the prevention of the viral attachment to host cells, either by causing damage on the viral capsids or change of the receptors on the cell membranes. It is recom...
Source: Food Microbiology - May 23, 2013 Category: Food Science Authors: Li D, Baert L, Uyttendaele M Tags: Food Microbiol Source Type: research

Development of a new cell culture-based method and optimized protocol for the detection of enteric viruses.
This study represents an attempt to develop a reliable cell culture-based detection system and optimize an effective and rapid protocol for the assaying of environmental samples for the presence of infectious enteric viruses. Six enteric viruses were used in this study: poliovirus, Coxsackie virus A9, Coxsackie virus B5, human rotavirus G1, hepatitis A virus, and adenovirus type 41. Among the cell lines from humans (A549, HeLa, HEK293, and HFF) and other primates (Vero, BS-C-1, FRhK-4, BGMK, and MA104), a cytopathic effect (CPE) analysis indicated that the MA104 cell line was the most optimal for use in the detection of in...
Source: Journal of Virological Methods - May 23, 2013 Category: Virology Authors: Lee JH, Lee GC, Kim JI, Yi HA, Lee CH Tags: J Virol Methods Source Type: research

High yield expression of duck hepatitis A virus VP1 protein in Escherichia coli, and production and characterization of polyclonal antibody.
In conclusion, codon optimization increased dramatically DHAV VP1 expression in E. coli and the His-tagged VP1 fusion protein showed good antigenicity and immunogenicity. PMID: 23583731 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Journal of Virological Methods)
Source: Journal of Virological Methods - May 23, 2013 Category: Virology Authors: Li C, Chen Z, Meng C, Li L, Liu G Tags: J Virol Methods Source Type: research

Abstract 160: Presence of Anti-Viral and Anti-Parasitic Antibodies and Cardiovascular Mortality: Insights From NHANES III [Poster Session II]
Conclusion: Our observational study in a large database suggests that presence of antibodies against certain viral and parasitic infections is not associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in a nationally representative cohort. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - May 15, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Grover, P., Shah, N., Patel, N. J., Chothani, A., Mehta, K., Deshmukh, A., Rathod, A., Savani, G., Singh, V., Gupta, S. J., Badheka, A. O., De Marchena, E., Cohen, M. G. Tags: Poster Session II Source Type: research

Abstract 161: Presence of Vaccination Antibodies and Cardiovascular Mortality: Insights From NHANES III and Continuous NHANES [Poster Session II]
Conclusion: Our observational study in a large database suggests that presence of non-influenza vaccination antibodies is not associated with decreased cardiovascular mortality in a nationally representative cohort. (Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes)
Source: Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes - May 15, 2013 Category: Cardiology Authors: Shah, N., Patel, N. J., Grover, P., Chothani, A., Mehta, K., Deshmukh, A., Rathod, A., Singh, V., Savani, G., Gupta, S. J., Badheka, A. O., De Marchena, E., Cohen, M. G. Tags: Poster Session II Source Type: research

What Precautions Should Be Used for a Child Whose Parent is Hepatitis C Positive?
Discussion Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a single-stranded RNA Flavivus that was first identified in 1989 and universal screening in the blood supply was begun in 1992 in the United States. Overall incidence of acute HCV in children under age 19 is 0.1 per 100,000. In adults, the transmission is mainly from contaminated blood and body fluids, primarily intravenous drug use. It is the most common reason for liver transplantation in adults. Of those that acquire the acute infection, about 70% go on to become chronically infected. Adults have a slow progression of their disease with 20% having cirrhosis within 20 years. Being ma...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - May 12, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news

Prevalence of high‐risk human papilloma virus among women with hepatitis C virus before liver transplantation
ConclusionsIn this study, we provide evidence of a strong association between HCV and HPV in LT candidates, which has not been previously reported. HPV positivity was observed in non‐sexually active women, suggesting a reactivation of dormant HPV. An association between hepatitis C and high‐risk HPV could involve impairment of T‐cell function by hepatitis C. These data support close surveillance in women's health screening for LT candidates. Further studies to characterize immune responses in these patients will be in order. (Source: Transplant Infectious Disease)
Source: Transplant Infectious Disease - May 6, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: P.A. Tarallo, J. Smolowitz, D. Carriero, J. Tarallo, A. Siegel, H. Jia, J.C. Emond Tags: Original Report Source Type: research

Rapid and convenient assays to assess potential inhibitory activity on in vitro hepatitis A replication.
Abstract Three different antiviral assays were developed for the in vitro screening of inhibitors of the hepatitis A virus (HAV) of which (i) a cytopathic effect reduction assay suitable for medium-to-high-throughput screening and (ii) two virus yield reduction assays (based on quantification of viral RNA) for genotypes IB and IIIA. The assays were validated for antiviral studies with interferon-alpha (IFNα) and amantadine HCl, two known inhibitors of HAV replication. IFNα effectively inhibited HAV replication, whereas the activity of amantadine HCl appeared to be strain-dependent. Employing these assays, we asse...
Source: Antiviral Research - May 1, 2013 Category: Virology Authors: Debing Y, Kaplan GG, Neyts J, Jochmans D Tags: Antiviral Res Source Type: research

Grape seed extract for foodborne virus reduction on produce.
This study evaluated the application of GSE (commercial Gravinol-S) against hepatitis A virus (HAV) and human norovirus surrogates, feline calicivirus (FCV-F9) and murine norovirus (MNV-1), on model produce. Washed and air-dried lettuce (3 × 3 cm(2)) and jalapeno peppers (25-30 g) were inoculated with FCV-F9, MNV-1, or HAV at high (∼7 log10 PFU/ml) or low (∼5 log10 PFU/ml) titers, and treated with 0.25, 0.5, 1 mg/ml GSE or water for 30 s to 5 min. Treatments were stopped/diluted with cell-culture media containing 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum and evaluated using plaque assays. At high titers, FCV-...
Source: Food Microbiology - May 1, 2013 Category: Food Science Authors: Su X, D'Souza DH Tags: Food Microbiol Source Type: research

Improved duplex RT-PCR assay for differential diagnosis of mixed infection of duck hepatitis A virus type 1 and type 3 in ducklings.
In this study, a duplex RT-PCR assay was developed to identify DHAV-1 and DHAV-3 with mixed infection. The method was shown to be high specificity and sensitivity. The minimum detection limit of the method has been determined to be 10pg total RNA templates extracted from duck liver samples or 10(2) copies viral RNA of DHAV-1 and DHAV-3 respectively. Using the method, from 60 clinical liver samples of 26 duckling flocks in Shandong, Guangdong, Sichuan and Henan provinces of China, 15 (57.7%) flocks were identified as mixed infection of DHAV-1 and DHAV-3, and 9 (34.6%) flocks were DHAV-1 or DHAV-3 single infection. Among the...
Source: Journal of Virological Methods - April 25, 2013 Category: Virology Authors: Chen LL, Xu Q, Zhang RH, Yang L, Li JX, Xie ZJ, Zhu YL, Jiang SJ, Si XK Tags: J Virol Methods Source Type: research

Increase in hepatitis A in tourists from Denmark, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden returning from Egypt, November 2012 to March 2013
(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)
Source: Eurosurveillance latest news - April 24, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research

Ongoing multi-strain food-borne hepatitis A outbreak with frozen berries as suspected vehicle: four Nordic countries affected, October 2012 to April 2013
(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)
Source: Eurosurveillance latest news - April 24, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research

Prevalence of Hepatitis A Virus in Bivalve Molluscs Sold in Granada (Spain) Fish Markets
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Foodborne Pathogens and Disease)
Source: Foodborne Pathogens and Disease - April 24, 2013 Category: Food Science Tags: article Source Type: research

Optimisation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance in Patients with Viral Hepatitis: A Quality Improvement Study
ConclusionsSimple and low cost interventions can considerably improve the clinical effectiveness of HCC screening programs in real world settings. Clinical Practice Improvement principles appear to be a valid methodology for achieving this positive change. (Source: Internal Medicine Journal)
Source: Internal Medicine Journal - April 24, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Nicholas A Kennedy, Alex Rodgers, Rosalie Altus, Rosemary McCormick, Rachel Wundke, Alan J Wigg Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Prevalence of Human Enteric Viruses and a Potential Indicator of Contamination in Shellfish in China
The objectives of this study were to quantify enteric viruses in shellfish along the Chinese coast and find an indicator of viral contamination in shellfish. One hundred sixty‐two samples were collected in August from 10 cities. Hepatitis A virus (HAV), norovirus (NV), rotavirus (RV), poliovirus (PV), astrovirus (AsV) and adenovirus (AdV) were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirmed by sequencing. The percentage of positive samples for each virus was as follows: HAV 5%, NV 12%, RV 7%, PV 15%, AsV 6% and AdV 9%. The six species of shellfish were contaminated with different viruses. PV showed a significan...
Source: Journal of Food Safety - April 22, 2013 Category: Food Science Authors: H. Xia Ming, J. Feng Fan, L. Jun Wu, Y. Bo Liang Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

2012 Brazilian Society of Rheumatology Consensus on vaccination of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
CONCLUSIONS: The following 12 recommendations were established: 1) Before starting disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, the vaccine card should be reviewed and updated; 2) Vaccines against seasonal influenza and against H1N1 are indicated annually for patients with RA; 3) The pneumococcal vaccine should be indicated for all patients with RA; 4) The vaccine against varicella should be indicated for patients with RA and a negative or dubious history for that disease; 5) The HPV vaccine should be considered for adolescent and young females with RA; 6) The meningococcal vaccine is indicated for patients with RA only in the ...
Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia - April 18, 2013 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

Humanitarian crisis grows
MSF Canada’s executive director Stephen Cornish recently returned from a two-week visit to Syria, Lebanon and Turkey. We talked to him about the humanitarian situation inside Syria, as well as the situation of Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries. Can you describe some of the healthcare needs you witnessed? We usually only hear about people killed by shelling and mortars. But there are many silent casualties of the conflict. Many civilians die because they don’t have access to healthcare. People with treatable diseases such as diabetes or cancer can no longer get the treatment they need. An increasing number o...
Source: MSF News - April 18, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Tags: Syria NEWS Violence Source Type: news

NanoString secures worldwide licence for liver cancer gene signature
NanoString Technologies has secured an option to an exclusive worldwide licence for a 186-gene signature that could determine the prognosis of patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, or hepatitis … (Source: Pharmaceutical Technology)
Source: Pharmaceutical Technology - April 17, 2013 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news

Viral pathogenesis: Cloak and dagger
Nature Reviews Microbiology 11, 360 (2013). doi:10.1038/nrmicro3026 Author: Ursula Hofer Hepatitis A virus uses host-derived membranes to avoid neutralization by circulating antibodies. (Source: Nature Reviews Microbiology)
Source: Nature Reviews Microbiology - April 16, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Ursula Hofer Tags: Research Highlight Source Type: research

Is there an association between microbial exposure and food allergy? A systematic review
Abstract The environmental factors driving the recent increase in the prevalence of food allergy (FA) are unclear. Since associations have been demonstrated between microbial exposure and the likelihood of eczema and respiratory allergies, we reviewed the evidence for FA. Medline was systematically searched from inception to the end of July 2012 for studies investigating links between FA and environmental exposures, likely to influence microbial exposure, such as Caesarean delivery, family size, day‐care attendance, childhood infections, immunizations and antibiotic use. We selected studies reporting food challenge data,...
Source: Pediatric Allergy and Immunology - April 11, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tom Marrs, Kenneth D. Bruce, Kirsty Logan, Damian W. Rivett, Michael R. Perkin, Gideon Lack, Carsten Flohr Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Hepatitis A scare prompts 239 to get vaccinated
More than 200 people received hepatitis A vaccinations over the weekend after learning that a Manhattan restaurant employee handling sweets was infected with the virus, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. (Source: CNN.com - Health)
Source: CNN.com - Health - April 9, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Hepatitis A scare at NYC eatery prompts Health Department to urge vaccines
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and drinking water (Source: Health News: CBSNews.com)
Source: Health News: CBSNews.com - April 8, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

239 vaccinated after NYC hepatitis A scare
More than 200 people received hepatitis A vaccinations over the weekend after learning that a Manhattan restaurant employee handling sweets was infected with the virus, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Patrons o... (Source: WDSU.com - Health)
Source: WDSU.com - Health - April 8, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Hepatitis A scare at NYC restaurant prompts 239 to get vaccinated
More than 200 people received hepatitis A vaccinations over the weekend after learning that a Manhattan restaurant employee handling sweets was infected with the virus, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. (Source: CNN.com - Health)
Source: CNN.com - Health - April 8, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Rethinking The Mechanism Underlying The Well-Documented Efficacy Of Hepatitis A Vaccine
Viruses have historically been classified into one of two types - those with an outer lipid-containing envelope and those without an envelope. For the first time, researchers at the University of North Carolina have discovered that hepatitis A virus, a common cause of enterically-transmitted hepatitis, takes on characteristics of both virus types depending on whether it is in a host or in the environment. "The whole universe of virology is divided into two types of viruses - viruses that are enveloped and viruses that are not enveloped... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - April 8, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Liver Disease / Hepatitis Source Type: news

Hepatitis A scare at NYC restaurant
If you ate dessert at a small plate restaurant on Manhattan's West Village, you should consider getting a hepatitis vaccine. (Source: WDSU.com - Health)
Source: WDSU.com - Health - April 7, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news

Hepatitis A Vaccine Urged for Diners at West Village Restaurant
The New York City health department has advised patrons who had dessert at Alta between March 23 and Tuesday to be vaccinated. (Source: NYT Health)
Source: NYT Health - April 5, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Vaccination and Immunization Alta (Manhattan, NY, Restaurant) Hepatitis Source Type: news

Hepatitis A virus discovered to cloak itself in membranes hijacked from infected cells
(University of North Carolina Health Care) A research team led by Dr. Stanley Lemon discovered that hepatitis A virus does not have an envelope when found in the environment, but acquires one from the cells that it grows in within the liver. It circulates in the blood completely cloaked in these membranes. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - April 4, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news

Letter: allopurinol co‐therapy is safe and effective in autoimmune hepatitis – authors' reply
(Source: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics)
Source: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics - April 3, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Y. S. Boer, N. M. F. Gerven, N. K. H. Boer, C. J. J. Mulder, G. Bouma, C. M. J. Nieuwkerk Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

The regulation of T cell recruitment to the human liver during acute liver failure
ConclusionEtiology‐dependent combinations of adhesion molecules and chemokines expressed within tissue during ALF recruit lymphocytes with a distinct homing phenotype.© 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S (Source: Liver International)
Source: Liver International - April 1, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Ceren Tuncer, Ye Htun Oo, Nick Murphy, David H Adams, Patricia F. Lalor Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Are Liver Transplant Recipients Protected Against Hepatitis A and B?
Conclusion: Even when patients were fully vaccinated, they did not respond to the same degree as healthy individuals. Patients seemed to be more likely to respond to a vaccination if they had a lower Child-Pugh score, suggesting that patients should be vaccinated as early as possible in the course of their liver disease. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)
Source: Transplantation Proceedings - April 1, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: D. Andersson, M. Castedal, V. Friman Tags: Liver Transplantation Source Type: research

Is EBV a Common Cause of Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Discussion Infectious mononucleosis is caused by an Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection causing the triad of fever, sore throat and adenopathy. The differential diagnosis of clinical presentations similar to EBV includes: Viral Cytomegalovirus Herpes simplex Hepatitis A, B, C HIV Varicella Bacterial/Spirochete Brucellosis Leptospirosis Syphilis Q fever Miscellaneous Autoimmune hepatitis Drug side effects Ischemia Wilson Disease Treatment for EBV infections is mainly supportive. Anti-viral medications such as ganciclovir are usually used for severe problems. Liver failure has been treated by transplant. Refraining fr...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - March 31, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Donna M. D'Alessandro, M.D. Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news

Efficient inhibition of human leukocytic elastase by means of α1‐antitrypsin/peptide complexes
In this study, a noncovalent complex formation between the cell‐penetrating peptide carrier hCT(18‐32)‐k7 and AT was performed. The complex was applied to HEK293T/17 cells, as proof‐of‐principle, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), which are responsible for tissue destruction and the perpetuation of inflammation in chronic processes. Both cell species show a successful uptake and subsequently both, an intracellular dot‐shaped and homogeneous distribution of the complex demonstrating phagolysosomal as well as cytoplasmic availability. Furthermore, a decreased human leukocytic elastase (HLE) activity was obse...
Source: Cytometry Part A - March 25, 2013 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Jacqueline Leßig, Uta Reibetanz, Maria Schönberg, Ines Neundorf Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Comparative effectiveness of two doses versus three doses of hepatitis A vaccine in human immunodeficiency virus–infected and ‐uninfected men who have sex with men
Conclusion: Serologic response rate to three and two doses of HAV vaccine was similar in HIV‐infected MSM, which was lower than that in HIV‐uninfected MSM receiving two doses. HAV vaccination in HIV‐infected patients with a higher CD4 count and suppression of HIV replication increased the seroconversion rate. (HEPATOLOGY 2012) (Source: Hepatology)
Source: Hepatology - March 14, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Yu‐Tzu Tseng, Sui‐Yuan Chang, Wen‐Chun Liu, Hsin‐Yun Sun, Cheng‐Hsin Wu, Pei‐Ying Wu, Ching‐Lan Lu, Chien‐Ching Hung, Shan‐Chwen Chang Tags: Viral Hepatitis Source Type: research

A threshold method for immunological correlates of protection
Conclusions: The a:b model offers a formal statistical method of estimation of thresholds differentiating susceptible from protected individuals which has previously depended on putative statements based on visual inspection of data. (Source: BMC Medical Research Methodology - Latest articles)
Source: BMC Medical Research Methodology - Latest articles - March 1, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Xuan ChenFabrice BailleuxKamal DesaiLi QinAndrew Dunning Source Type: research

Chronic hepatitis E infection in lung transplant recipients
Conclusions: Chronic HEV is an important cause of liver test abnormalities after lung transplantation; therefore, routine screening for HEV RNA is strongly recommended in lung transplant recipients. Oral ribavirin appears to be a safe and effective treatment for chronic HEV infection in lung transplant recipients. (Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation)
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - February 15, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Annelies Riezebos-Brilman, Elisabeth Puchhammer-Stöckl, Hinke Y. van der Weide, Elizabeth B. Haagsma, Peter Jaksch, Isabella Bejvl, Hubert G. Niesters, Erik A.M. Verschuuren Tags: Original Clinical Science Source Type: research

Etiology and prognosis of fulminant hepatitis and late‐onset hepatic failure in Japan: Summary of the annual nationwide survey between 2004 and 2009
ConclusionThe demographic features and etiology of FH patients has gradually changed. HBV reactivation due to immunosuppressive therapy is problematic. Despite advances in therapeutic approaches, the prognosis of patients without LT has not improved. (Source: Hepatology Research)
Source: Hepatology Research - February 14, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Makoto Oketani, Akio Ido, Nobuaki Nakayama, Yasuhiro Takikawa, Takafumi Naiki, Yoshiyuki Yamagishi, Takafumi Ichida, Satoshi Mochida, Saburo Onishi, Hirohito Tsubouchi, Tags: Special Report Source Type: research

Declining incidence of hepatitis A in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), 1996-2011: Second generation migrants still an important risk group for virus importation.
CONCLUSION: Though incidence of HAV in Amsterdam has declined substantially since 1996, it is still higher in SGM children of Moroccan & other non-western ethnic backgrounds. In line with WHO recommendations of June 2012, introduction of single-dose HAV vaccination, targeted at SGM children from HAV endemic countries, could be considered within the routine childhood vaccination schedule. PMID: 23395735 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)
Source: Vaccine - February 6, 2013 Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Whelan J, Sonder G, van den Hoek A Tags: Vaccine Source Type: research

Vaccination Site and Risk of Local Reactions in Children 1 Through 6 Years of Age
CONCLUSIONS: Injection in the thigh is associated with a significantly lower risk of a medically attended local reaction to a DTaP vaccination among children 12 to 35 months of age, supporting current recommendations to administer IM vaccinations in the thigh for children younger than 3 years of age. (Source: PEDIATRICS)
Source: PEDIATRICS - February 1, 2013 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Jackson, L. A., Peterson, D., Nelson, J. C., Marcy, S. M., Naleway, A. L., Nordin, J. D., Donahue, J. G., Hambidge, S. J., Balsbaugh, C., Baxter, R., Marsh, T., Madziwa, L., Weintraub, E. Tags: Infectious Disease & Immunity Article Source Type: research

Noninfluenza vaccination coverage among adults - United States, 2011.
This report summarizes the results of that analysis for pneumococcal vaccine, tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines (including tetanus and diphtheria toxoid [Td] with acellular pertussis vaccine [Tdap]), and hepatitis A, hepatitis B, herpes zoster (shingles), and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, by selected characteristics (age, race/ethnicity,† and vaccination target criteria). Influenza vaccination coverage estimates for the 2011-12 influenza season have been published separately. Compared with 2010, the data indicate modest increases in Tdap vaccination among persons aged 19-64 years and HPV vaccination among women, ...
Source: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... - February 1, 2013 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Tags: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep Source Type: research

The efficiency of concentration methods used to detect enteric viruses in anaerobically digested sludge.
Abstract The presence of enteric viruses in biosolids can be underestimated due to the inefficient methods (mainly molecular methods) used to recover the viruses from these matrices. Therefore, the goal of this study was to evaluate the different methods used to recover adenoviruses (AdV), rotavirus species A (RVA), norovirus genogroup II (NoV GII) and the hepatitis A virus (HAV) from biosolid samples at a large urban wastewater treatment plant in Brazil after they had been treated by mesophilic anaerobic digestion. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for spiking experiments to compare the detecti...
Source: Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - February 1, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Prado T, Guilayn Wde C, Gaspar AM, Miagostovich MP Tags: Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz Source Type: research

Detection of replication-defective hepatitis A virus based on the correlation between real-time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA in situ results.
Abstract ELISA in situ can be used to titrate hepatitis A virus (HAV) particles and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been shown to be a fast method to quantify the HAV genome. Precise quantification of viral concentration is necessary to distinguish between infectious and non-infectious particles. The purpose of this study was to compare cell culture and RT-PCR quantification results and determine whether HAV genome quantification can be correlated with infectivity. For this purpose, three stocks of undiluted, five-fold diluted and 10-fold diluted HAV were prepared to inoculate cells in a 96-well pl...
Source: Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - February 1, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Costa AM, Amado LA, Paula VS Tags: Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz Source Type: research

Expression of a hepatitis A virus antigen in Lactococcus lactis and Escherichia coli and evaluation of its immunogenicity.
Abstract An epidemic shift in Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection has been observed in recent years in rapidly developing countries, with increasing numbers of severe adult cases which has led to renewed interest in vaccination. Our approach in vaccine development uses recombinant expression of the highly immunogenic HAV antigen VP1-P2a in food-grade lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis and in Escherichia coli. We used genetic constructs that enable nisin-controlled expression of the antigen in L. lactis in three different forms: (a) intracellularly, (b) on the bacterial surface and (c) on the bacterial surface f...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 31, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Berlec A, Malovrh T, Zadravec P, Steyer A, Ravnikar M, Sabotič J, Poljšak-Prijatelj M, Strukelj B Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

International Travel Patterns and Travel Risks of Patients Diagnosed With Cancer†
ConclusionTravelers with cancer who have impaired immunity had similar infectious diseases exposure risks and travel patterns as travelers whose cancer is cured or in remission. Improved understanding of travel patterns and risks of patients with cancer may assist in providing more focused pre‐travel health interventions to this complex subset of travelers. (Source: Journal of Travel Medicine)
Source: Journal of Travel Medicine - January 30, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tarek Mikati, Ying Taur, Susan K. Seo, Monika K. Shah Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Clinical and laboratory features of viral hepatitis A in children.
Abstract Recent outbreaks of viral hepatitis A in non-endemic European countries and the potential outbreak risk in susceptible populations has led us to evaluate the clinical characteristics of children hospitalised with hepatitis A. Retrospective study included 118 children (68 boys and 50 girls) with the mean age of 8.5 years hospitalised at Hospital Na Bulovce in Prague from June 2008 to June 2009. The clinical course was symptomatic icteric in 57 (48.3 %) children, symptomatic anicteric in 23 (19.5 %), subclinical in 22 (18.6 %) and asymptomatic inapparent in 16 (13.6 %). The relapse of the disease occurre...
Source: Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift - January 29, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Blechová Z, Trojánek M, Kynčl J, Cástková J, John J, Malý M, Herrmannová K, Marešová V Tags: Wien Klin Wochenschr Source Type: research

Predictors of poor outcome in patients with autoimmune hepatitis: A population‐based study
Conclusion: Incomplete normalization of ALT at 6 months, low serum albumin concentration at diagnosis and age at presentation of ≤20 years or >60 years, were significant independent predictors of liver related death or requirement for liver transplantation. Histological cirrhosis at diagnosis was not associated with poor prognosis and did not influence the response to initial immunosuppressive treatment. (HEPATOLOGY 2013.) (Source: Hepatology)
Source: Hepatology - January 28, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Jing Hieng Ngu, Richard Blair Gearry, Chris Miles Frampton, Catherine A M Stedman Tags: Autoimmune, Cholestatic and Biliary Disease Source Type: research

Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Guide for Practicing Clinicians
(Source: Gastroenterology)
Source: Gastroenterology - January 28, 2013 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: James D. Gorham Tags: Print and Digital Media Reviews Source Type: research

Hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 1/kidney injury molecule-1 is a susceptibility gene for clear cell renal cell carcinoma and hepatitis A virus cellular receptor/kidney injury molecule-1 ectodomain shedding a predictive biomarker of tumour progression
Abstract: Aim of the study: To correlate hepatitis A virus cellular receptor (HAVCR)/kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumours with patient outcome and study the consequences of HAVCR/KIM-1 ectodomain shedding.Methods: HAVCR/KIM-1 expression in ccRCC, oncocytomes, papillary carcinomas and unaffected tissue counterparts was evaluated. Minimal change disease and pre-clamping normal and ccRCC tissue biopsies were included. Tissue microarrays from 98 ccRCC tumours were analysed. Tumour registry data and patient outcome were retrospectivelly collected. Deletions in HAVCR/KIM-...
Source: European Journal of Cancer - January 25, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Thaïs Cuadros, Enric Trilla, Maria Rosa Vilà, Inés de Torres, Jordi Vilardell, Nabil Ben Messaoud, Mayte Salcedo, Eduard Sarró, Joan López-Hellin, Albert Blanco, Carmen Mir, Santiago Ramón y Cajal, Emilio Itarte, Juan Morote, Anna Meseguer Tags: Basic and preclinical research Source Type: research

Vaccine update: January 2013
Source: Department of Health (DH) Area: News The November 2012 issue of the Vaccine Update bulletin is now available. The current issue highlights the following: . Flu surges in North America . Catch it. Bin it. Kill it campaign . Clarification on codes for flu vaccination uptake monitoring . Vaccine wastage . Migrant health in the primary care setting, with a focus on infectious diseases - training videos . Vaccine supply (hepatitis A and typhoid) . Green Book chapter update (Source: NeLM - News)
Source: NeLM - News - January 21, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news

Mortality and Morbidity Among Military Personnel and Civilians During the 1930s and World War II From Transmission of Hepatitis During Yellow Fever Vaccination: Systematic Review.
Abstract During World War II, nearly all US and Allied troops received yellow fever vaccine. Until May 1942, it was both grown and suspended in human serum. In April 1942, major epidemics of hepatitis occurred in US and Allied troops who had received yellow fever vaccine. A rapid and thorough investigation by the US surgeon general followed, and a directive was issued discontinuing the use of human serum in vaccine production. The large number of cases of hepatitis caused by the administration of this vaccine could have been avoided. Had authorities undertaken a thorough review of the literature, they would have d...
Source: American Journal of Public Health - January 17, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Thomas RE, Lorenzetti DL, Spragins W Tags: Am J Public Health Source Type: research