scholarly journals Human Parechovirus: an Increasingly Recognized Cause of Sepsis-Like Illness in Young Infants

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laudi Olijve ◽  
Lance Jennings ◽  
Tony Walls
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Human Parechovirus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cns Infections ◽  
Young Infants ◽  
Increased Risk

SUMMARYHuman parechovirus (HPeV) is increasingly being recognized as a potentially severe viral infection in neonates and young infants. HPeV belongs to the familyPicornaviridaeand is currently divided into 19 genotypes. HPeV-1 is the most prevalent genotype and most commonly causes gastrointestinal and respiratory disease. HPeV-3 is clinically the most important genotype due to its association with severe disease in younger infants, which may partly be explained by its distinct virological properties. In young infants, the typical clinical presentation includes fever, severe irritability, and rash, often leading to descriptions of “hot, red, angry babies.” Infants with severe central nervous system (CNS) infections are at an increased risk of long-term sequelae. Considering the importance of HPeV as a cause of severe viral infections in young infants, we recommend that molecular diagnostic techniques for early detection be included in the standard practice for the investigation of sepsis-like illnesses and CNS infections in this age group.

scholarly journals Respiratory Viral Infections in Sickle Cell Anemia: Special Emphasis on H1N1 Co-infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. e197-e197
Author(s):  
Salam Alkindi ◽  
Taqwa Al-Yahyai ◽  
Sameer Raniga ◽  
Mohamed Rachid Boulassel ◽  
Anil Pathare
Keyword(s):  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Sickle Cell Anemia ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Acute Chest Syndrome ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Respiratory Viral Infections

Objectives: Patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are immunocompromised and at an increased risk of developing infections. Our aim was to establish the clinical, laboratory, and radiological manifestations of respiratory viral infections in SCA at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Oman and assess its impact on disease morbidity and mortality, with special emphasis on H1N1. Methods: We undertook a retrospective study in SCA patients with respiratory viral infections following up at the hematology department at SQUH. We collected demographic data and clinical, radiological, and laboratory parameters. Results: In 84 SCA patients with 109 admission episodes for vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), molecular diagnostic techniques confirmed 125 respiratory viral infections. Rhinovirus was the most prevalent infection (35.8%), whereas H1N1 virus infection was seen only in 10.1%. Laboratory investigations revealed a significant fall in mean hemoglobin levels, mean white blood cell, and platelet counts from baseline, whereas there was a significant rise in the mean lymphocyte and retic count, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and C-reactive protein levels during infective episodes (p < 0.050, Wilcoxon signed rank test). One-third (32.1%) of the VOC episodes progressed to acute chest syndrome (ACS), but in the H1N1 cohort, only two episodes of ACS was seen (18.2%). Conclusions: Rhinovirus was the commonest respiratory virus infections in SCA patients, whereas parainfluenza 3 was associated with a significant adverse outcome. H1N1 was associated with a mild course. ACS was seen in approximately one-third of this group of patients.

scholarly journals Molecular and Immunological Diagnostic Techniques of Medical Viruses

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Daniel Hussien Reta ◽  
Tesfaye Sisay Tessema ◽  
Addis Simachew Ashenef ◽  
Adey Feleke Desta ◽  
Wajana Lako Labisso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Patient Sample

Viral infections are causing serious problems in human population worldwide. The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a perfect example how viral infection could pose a great threat to global public health and economic sectors. Therefore, the first step in combating viral pathogens is to get a timely and accurate diagnosis. Early and accurate detection of the viral presence in patient sample is crucial for appropriate treatment, control, and prevention of epidemics. Here, we summarize some of the molecular and immunological diagnostic approaches available for the detection of viral infections of humans. Molecular diagnostic techniques provide rapid viral detection in patient sample. They are also relatively inexpensive and highly sensitive and specific diagnostic methods. Immunological-based techniques have been extensively utilized for the detection and epidemiological studies of human viral infections. They can detect antiviral antibodies or viral antigens in clinical samples. There are several commercially available molecular and immunological diagnostic kits that facilitate the use of these methods in the majority of clinical laboratories worldwide. In developing countries including Ethiopia where most of viral infections are endemic, exposure to improved or new methods is highly limited as these methods are very costly to use and also require technical skills. Since researchers and clinicians in all corners of the globe are working hard, it is hoped that in the near future, they will develop good quality tests that can be accessible in low-income countries.

scholarly journals Changes in Antigen-Specific Cytokine and Chemokine Responses to Plasmodium falciparum Antigens in a Highland Area of Kenya after a Prolonged Absence of Malaria Exposure

2014 ◽  
Vol 82 (9) ◽  
pp. 3775-3782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lyticia A. Ochola ◽  
Cyrus Ayieko ◽  
Lily Kisia ◽  
Ng'wena G. Magak ◽  
Estela Shabani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Clinical Malaria ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Highland Area ◽  
Cytokine Responses ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Ifn Γ

ABSTRACTIndividuals naturally exposed toPlasmodium falciparumlose clinical immunity after a prolonged lack of exposure.P. falciparumantigen-specific cytokine responses have been associated with protection from clinical malaria, but the longevity ofP. falciparumantigen-specific cytokine responses in the absence of exposure is not well characterized. A highland area of Kenya with low and unstable malaria transmission provided an opportunity to study this question. The levels of antigen-specific cytokines and chemokines associated in previous studies with protection from clinical malaria (gamma interferon [IFN-γ], interleukin-10 [IL-10], and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]), with increased risk of clinical malaria (IL-6), or with pathogenesis of severe disease in malaria (IL-5 and RANTES) were assessed by cytometric bead assay in April 2008, October 2008, and April 2009 in 100 children and adults. During the 1-year study period, none had an episode of clinicalP. falciparummalaria. Two patterns of cytokine responses emerged, with some variation by antigen: a decrease at 6 months (IFN-γ and IL-5) or at both 6 and 12 months (IL-10 and TNF-α) or no change over time (IL-6 and RANTES). These findings document thatP. falciparumantigen-specific cytokine responses associated in prior studies with protection from malaria (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10) decrease significantly in the absence ofP. falciparumexposure, whereas those associated with increased risk of malaria (IL-6) do not. The study findings provide a strong rationale for future studies of antigen-specific IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 responses as biomarkers of increased population-level susceptibility to malaria after prolonged lack ofP. falciparumexposure.

scholarly journals Moraxella catarrhalis: from Emerging to Established Pathogen

2002 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cees M. Verduin ◽  
Cees Hol ◽  
André Fleer ◽  
Hans van Dijk ◽  
Alex van Belkum
Keyword(s):  
Moraxella Catarrhalis ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Bacterial Pathogen ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
The Past

SUMMARY Moraxella catarrhalis (formerly known as Branhamella catarrhalis) has emerged as a significant bacterial pathogen of humans over the past two decades. During this period, microbiological and molecular diagnostic techniques have been developed and improved for M. catarrhalis, allowing the adequate determination and taxonomic positioning of this pathogen. Over the same period, studies have revealed its involvement in respiratory (e.g., sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis, and pneumonia) and ocular infections in children and in laryngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia in adults. The development of (molecular) epidemiological tools has enabled the national and international distribution of M. catarrhalis strains to be established, and has allowed the monitoring of nosocomial infections and the dynamics of carriage. Indeed, such monitoring has revealed an increasing number of Β-lactamase-positive M. catarrhalis isolates (now well above 90%), underscoring the pathogenic potential of this organism. Although a number of putative M. catarrhalis virulence factors have been identified and described in detail, their relationship to actual bacterial adhesion, invasion, complement resistance, etc. (and ultimately their role in infection and immunity), has been established in a only few cases. In the past 10 years, various animal models for the study of M. catarrhalis pathogenicity have been described, although not all of these models are equally suitable for the study of human infection. Techniques involving the molecular manipulation of M. catarrhalis genes and antigens are also advancing our knowledge of the host response to and pathogenesis of this bacterial species in humans, as well as providing insights into possible vaccine candidates. This review aims to outline our current knowledge of M. catarrhalis, an organism that has evolved from an emerging to a well-established human pathogen.

scholarly journals Digging through the Obstruction: Insight into the Epithelial Cell Response to Respiratory Virus Infection in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 90 (9) ◽  
pp. 4258-4261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew R. Hendricks ◽  
Jennifer M. Bomberger
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Respiratory Virus ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Chronic Lung Diseases ◽  
Respiratory Viral Infections ◽  
Respiratory Virus Infections

Respiratory virus infections are common but generally self-limiting infections in healthy individuals. Although early clinical studies reported low detection rates, the development of molecular diagnostic techniques by PCR has led to an increased recognition that respiratory virus infections are associated with morbidity and acute exacerbations of chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF). The airway epithelium is the first barrier encountered by respiratory viruses following inhalation and the primary site of respiratory viral replication. Here, we describe how the airway epithelial response to respiratory viral infections contributes to disease progression in patients with CF and other chronic lung diseases, including the role respiratory viral infections play in bacterial acquisition in the CF patient lung.

Unusual endophytic non-enhancing tumour in the renal pelvis: a diagnostic dilemma

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. e245037
Author(s):  
Murali Krishna ◽  
Santosh Kumar ◽  
Kalpesh Mahesh Parmar ◽  
Venkatesh Dhana Sekaran
Keyword(s):  
Renal Cell ◽  
Cell Cancer ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Diagnostic Dilemma ◽  
Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer ◽  
Cell Variant ◽  
Clear Cell Variant

Renal cell cancer (RCC) is incidentally detected on imaging in 50%–60% of cases. Among the RCCs, clear cell variant is most common and classically seen as heterogenous enhancing lesion on CT imaging. Hypoenhancing mass presents a diagnostic dilemma with differential diagnosis being urothelial carcinoma, fat poor angiomyolipoma, oncocytoma or rarer variants of RCC. Such cases require further evaluation in form of urine cytology or newer molecular diagnostic techniques. Here, we present a case of renal mass with minimal enhancement on CT scan and imaging features suggestive of upper tract urothelial cancer. Final histopathology revealed the mass to be chromophobe variant of renal cell carcinoma.

Diagnosis of melioidosis: the role of molecular techniques

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-288
Author(s):  
Ian Gassiep ◽  
Delaney Burnard ◽  
Michelle J Bauer ◽  
Robert E Norton ◽  
Patrick N Harris
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Detection And Identification ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Culture Independent ◽  
Future Utility

Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease with an estimated global burden of 4.64 million disability-adjusted life years per year. A major determinant related to poor disease outcomes is delay to diagnosis due to the fact that identification of the causative agent Burkholderia pseudomallei may be challenging. Over the last 25 years, advances in molecular diagnostic techniques have resulted in the potential for rapid and accurate organism detection and identification direct from clinical samples. While these methods are not yet routine in clinical practice, laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases is transitioning to culture-independent techniques. This review article aims to evaluate molecular methods for melioidosis diagnosis direct from clinical samples and discuss current and future utility and limitations.

scholarly journals Bacterial and Fungal Endophthalmitis

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 597-613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlene L. Durand
Keyword(s):  
Intravitreal Injection ◽  
Systemic Infection ◽  
Visual Outcome ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Medical Emergency ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Endogenous Endophthalmitis ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Permanent Loss ◽  
Hematogenous Seeding

SUMMARY Endophthalmitis is a severe eye infection that may result in permanent loss of useful vision in the affected eye. Most cases are exogenous and occur as a complication of cataract surgery, an intravitreal injection, or penetrating ocular trauma. Endogenous endophthalmitis results from hematogenous seeding of the eye by bacteria or fungi, but bacteremia or fungemia may be transient and patients may present without symptoms of systemic infection. Nearly all endophthalmitis patients present with decreased vision, and some also have eye pain. Eye examination usually reveals a hypopyon and intraocular inflammation. Diagnosis is clinical, supported by cultures of the vitreous and/or aqueous or by blood cultures in some endogenous cases. Molecular diagnostic techniques have been used in research laboratories for pathogen identification in endophthalmitis and offer the possibility of rapid diagnosis, including in culture-negative cases. Intravitreal injection of antibiotics is the most important component of treatment; some cases also benefit from surgical debridement of the vitreous by a vitrectomy. The visual outcome depends partly on the pathogen: coagulase-negative staphylococcal endophthalmitis has a better prognosis than does streptococcal endophthalmitis, for example. Endophthalmitis is a medical emergency, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential for saving vision.

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