Investigation of buffalopox outbreaks in Maharashtra State during 1992-1996.

During 1992-96, outbreaks of buffalopox zoonosis were reported from different villages in Jalgaon, Dhule and Beed districts of Maharashtra State. In humans, pox lesions were observed on the hands whereas in affected buffaloes and cows the lesions were noticed mainly on the teats and udder. Twenty two virus strains were isolated from the skin scabs collected from infected humans and milch animals. Neutralizing antibodies were detected not only in the sera of affected humans but also in their contacts. Detection of antibodies in young individuals from endemic area, who were neither vaccinated for smallpox nor had any contact with buffaloes or history of any poxvirus disease, is suggestive of occurrence of subclinical infection. A few children who had no contact with infected animals also showed clinical manifestations with disseminated lesions on the face, arm and buttocks, and thus suspected to have acquired infection through their infected parents or other family members indicating a possible man to man transmission. Therefore, in the light of discontinuation of smallpox vaccination, buffalopox outbreaks need to be monitored carefully as this may emerge as a serious zoonotic disease in India.

Role of immune serum globulins in pregnant women during an epidemic of hepatitis E.

The efficacy of an Indian preparation of immune serum globulins (ISG) was evaluated among pregnant women during an epidemic of hepatitis E in Karad, Western India from January to March 1993. Ten of 55 women receiving ISG developed immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) during the 1 month of follow-up compared with 18 out of 53 control subjects. Although the total number of recent HEV infections was significantly less in the ISG-treated group, no significant difference could be shown in the proportion of clinical hepatitis E cases because of the very small numbers of patients who developed clinical disease. The observed marginal beneficial effect of ISG might be the result of a low immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-HEV IgG titre (1:500) of the ISG preparation used. Preparation and testing of high-titred ISG should be a high priority for protecting pregnant women during epidemics of hepatitis E.