Mixed infections with distinct cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B genotypes in Polish pregnant women, fetuses, and newborns.

The purpose of this investigation was to describe a distribution of cytomegalovirus (CMV) single and multiple genotypes among infected pregnant women, their fetuses, and newborns coming from Central Poland, as well as congenital cytomegaly outcome. The study involved 278 CMV-seropositive pregnant women, of whom 192 were tested for viral DNAemia. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genotyping was performed for 18 of 34 pregnant women carrying the viral DNA and for 12 of their 15 offspring with confirmed HCMV infections. Anti-HCMV antibodies levels were assessed by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and enzyme-linked fluorescence assay (ELFA) tests. Viral DNA loads and genotypes were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for the UL55 gene. In the pregnant women, we identified HCMV gB1, gB2, gB3, and gB4 genotypes. Single gB2, gB3, or gB4 genotypes were observed in 14 (77.8 %) women, while multiple gB1-gB2 or gB2-gB3 genotypes were observed in four (22.2 %). Maternal HCMV genotypes determined the genotypes identified in their fetuses and newborns (p ≤ 0.050). Half of them were infected with single HCMV gB1, gB2, or gB3 genotypes and the other half with multiple gB1-gB2 or gB2-gB3 genotypes. Single and multiple genotypes were observed in both asymptomatic and symptomatic congenital cytomegaly, although no gB3 genotype was identified among asymptomatic cases. In Central Poland, infections with single and multiple HCMV strains occur in pregnant women, as well as in their fetuses and neonates, with both asymptomatic and symptomatic infections. HCMV infections identified in mothers seem to be associated with the viral genotypes in their children.

In situ RT-PCR can distinguish between productive and latent cytomegalovirus infection in the blood cells of bone marrow transplant recipients.

Thirty-four peripheral blood leukocyte samples from bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients were examined for Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) phosphoprotein 65 (pp65), DNA and late transcripts. Twenty seven samples were positive for pp65 in the cytoplasm by immunofluorescent assay (IFA). Viral DNA was confirmed in 26 samples by nested PCR (nPCR). Using in situ RT-PCR, viral late transcripts were found in 19 samples, positive also by IFA and nPCR; these samples were considered indicative of productive viral infection. Five samples, positive by nPCR but negative by IFA and in situ RT-PCR, were considered to represent latent viral infection. In 8 samples, positive by IFA and nPCR but negative by in situ RT-PCR, apparently phagocytosis of viral particles took place.

[Epstein-Barr virus infection in patients after bone marrow and heart transplantation]. / Zakazenie wirusem Epsteina-Barr u pacjentów po przeszczepie szpiku kostnego i serca.

UNLABELLED: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections in immunosuppressed patients cause the severe clinical problems. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) might occur as a result of the latent EBV activation. OBJECTIVE: Occurrence of active EBV infection in heart and bone marrow transplant patients. METHODS: 68 serum samples obtained from 13 allogenic bone marrow and 20 heart transplant patients were tested by IF and ELISA methods. Antibodies against VCA, EA and EBNA antigens were measured. RESULTS: All patients showed the presence of anti-VCA IgG antibodies, thus all were seropositive. Three patients (9%) showed primary EBV infection while in 12 (36%) patients virus reactivation or reinfection was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: 1. EBV infection in immunosuppressed patients is mainly caused by latent virus reactivation. 2. Type of EBV infection can be confirmed serologically only by the detection of specific anti-VCA, EA and EBNA antibodies. 3. The risk of PTLD in transplant patients creates the need for frequent monitoring.

[The frequency of cytomegalovirus infection (CMV) in patients immunocompromised patients with malignant and nonmalignant blood disorders]. / Czestosc zakazenia wirusem cytomegalii (CMV) u chorych z niedoborem immunologicznym w przebiegu zlosliwych i niezlosliwych chorób krwi.

Studies on CMV infection were carried out in a group of 110 patients, aged from 15 to 78 (average 38), treated in the Department of Haematology. During the course of observation most of the patients were examined repeatedly. Diagnosis was based on serology (CFT, ELISA) and virus isolation from the clinical material. Primary infection (seroconversion) was confirmed in 4 (21%) out of 19 seronegative patients. Seropositive patients comprised 83 per cent. Active CMV infection was determined in 20 (22%) of those patients.

A study on the antiviral action of a polyphenolic complex isolated from the medicinal plant Geranium sanguineum L. VIII. Inhibitory effect on the reproduction of herpes simplex virus type 1.

The antiviral activity of a polyphenolic complex, isolated from a Bulgarian medicinal plant Geranium sanguineum L., on the reproduction of herpes simplex virus type 1 was studied. The substance inhibited the intracellular stages of viral replication and exhibited a virucidal effect.