Proteomic analysis of the Theileria annulata schizont.

The apicomplexan parasite, Theileria annulata, is the causative agent of tropical theileriosis, a devastating lymphoproliferative disease of cattle. The schizont stage transforms bovine leukocytes and provides an intriguing model to study host/pathogen interactions. The genome of T. annulata has been sequenced and transcriptomic data are rapidly accumulating. In contrast, little is known about the proteome of the schizont, the pathogenic, transforming life cycle stage of the parasite. Using one-dimensional (1-D) gel LC-MS/MS, a proteomic analysis of purified T. annulata schizonts was carried out. In whole parasite lysates, 645 proteins were identified. Proteins with transmembrane domains (TMDs) were under-represented and no proteins with more than four TMDs could be detected. To tackle this problem, Triton X-114 treatment was applied, which facilitates the extraction of membrane proteins, followed by 1-D gel LC-MS/MS. This resulted in the identification of an additional 153 proteins. Half of those had one or more TMD and 30 proteins with more than four TMDs were identified. This demonstrates that Triton X-114 treatment can provide a valuable additional tool for the identification of new membrane proteins in proteomic studies. With two exceptions, all proteins involved in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle were identified. For at least 29% of identified proteins, the corresponding transcripts were not present in the existing expressed sequence tag databases. The proteomics data were integrated into the publicly accessible database resource at EuPathDB (www.eupathdb.org) so that mass spectrometry-based protein expression evidence for T. annulata can be queried alongside transcriptional and other genomics data available for these parasites.

[Epidemiology--the same procedure as every year?]. / Epidemiologie--alle Jahre wieder?

The seasonal flu strikes every year with many different faces. Beside a common flu, influenza claims every year a high number of victims especially among the elderly. Despite an active surveillance of the flu activity and circulating viruses on a national and international level, the factors which determine the spread of the influenza virus remain unclear. Regarding the thread of a new pandemic, both, basic research and surveillance of influenza has been intensified to get a more detailed view on the activity and transmissibility of the influenza virus. This article describes the influenza surveillance schemes in Austria, Germany and especially Switzerland highlighting the differences between the three countries. In addition, the new mortality surveillance method used in Switzerland is presented.

[General practitioners in service for public health services]. / Public Health--die Rolle der Hausärzte im Pandemiefall.

After the publication of the Swiss plan for pandemic preparation, specific tasks for the general practitioners (GPs) in Switzerland in the case of a pandemic situation have been analysed. A comprehensive preparation of the GPs for the pandemic is essential, first because of the increasing number of sick people and second because of the experience and competence of GPs in recognising and treating people affected by influenza. This article underlines the importance of the GPs in public health services and assists the GPs in their preparation for a pandemic.