Application of recombinant antigen 5 allergens from seven allergy-relevant Hymenoptera species in diagnostics.

BACKGROUND: Hymenoptera stings can cause severe anaphylaxis in untreated venom-allergic patients. A correct diagnosis regarding the relevant species for immunotherapy is often hampered by clinically irrelevant cross-reactivity. In vespid venom allergy, cross-reactivity between venoms of different species can be a diagnostic challenge. To address immunological IgE cross-reactivity on molecular level, seven recombinant antigens 5 of the most important Vespoidea groups were assessed by different diagnostic setups. METHODS: The antigens 5 of yellow jackets, hornets, European and American paper wasps, fire ants, white-faced hornets, and Polybia wasps were recombinantly produced in insect cells, immunologically and structurally characterized, and their sIgE reactivity assessed by ImmunoCAP, ELISA, cross-inhibition, and basophil activation test (BAT) in patients with yellow jacket or Polistes venom allergy of two European geographical areas. RESULTS: All recombinant allergens were correctly folded and structural models and patient reactivity profiles suggested the presence of conserved and unique B-cell epitopes. All antigens 5 showed extensive cross-reactivity in sIgE analyses, inhibition assays, and BAT. This cross-reactivity was more pronounced in ImmunoCAP measurements with venom extracts than in sIgE analyses with recombinant antigens 5. Dose-response curves with the allergens in BAT allowed a differentiated individual dissection of relevant sensitization. CONCLUSIONS: Due to extensive cross-reactivity in various diagnostic settings, antigens 5 are inappropriate markers for differential sIgE diagnostics in vespid venom allergy. However, the newly available antigens 5 from further vespid species and the combination of recombinant allergen-based sIgE measurements with BAT represents a practicable way to diagnose clinically relevant sensitization in vespid venom allergy.

Antibiotic treatment and post-handling survival of reindeer calves in Alaska.

Free ranging reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) are driven into corral systems and handled each summer on the Seward Peninsula (Alaska, USA). During June and July of 1995-96 reindeer calves were inspected for injury, handled, weighed, and randomly treated with long-acting oxytetracycline. Calves that returned to subsequent handlings within the same year, received treatment only if they had been treated during their first handling. The effects of prophylactic antibiotic treatment and other factors, including weight, handling related injury, and sex on post-handling survival in reindeer calves were evaluated. Return rates of yearlings in 1996 and 1997 were analyzed using logistic regression. Weight change of calves between handlings was examined using a general linear model. Calf weight and handling injury were the only factors that significantly affected calf survival. No factor had a significant effect on calf weight change between handlings. Apparently, long-acting oxytetracycline was not an effective prophylactic treatment for this capture operation. The benefits of prophylactic antibiotic treatment have not been quantified and further studies of the effects and efficacy of prophylactic treatments are recommended. Ineffective treatments should be avoided because they may add additional stress to the captured animal. Managers should evaluate the potential effectiveness of a prophylactic treatment before indiscriminately applying one. Preventing calf injuries was the most effective method of reducing post-handling mortality in this study and should be given a high priority in the design of capture operations.

[The influence of food-supply to the concentration of blood ammonia (author's transl)]. / Der Einfluss der Nahrungsaufnahme auf die Blutammoniakkonzentration.

It has been determined of 70 liver-healthy probands the ammonia concentration of capillary blood after poor on protein respectively rich on proteine food in 30 minutes distances. It comes in both groups to a spontaneous ascent the concentration of ammonia. The highest ammonia concentration depends on the content of protein which has been taken through food and the descent also variable quick. For it amount to the waiting period of food on the determination of blood ammonia after in frontly poor on protein food 90 minutes and after in frontly rich on protein food three hours. The statements have been secured statisticaly by means of U-test.

[Infections model involving the mouse in experimental burns]. / Ein Infektionsmodell an der Maus bei tierexperimenteller Verbrennung.

By help of four differently virulent strains of pycocyanic pseudomonas standardized infections were induced, which may be the basis for further immunologic investigations.

[Metabolic changes in experimental burns in the rabbit]. / Stoffwechselveränderungen bei experimentell erzeugten Verbrennungen am Kaninchen.

This study contributes to the experimental investigation of thermic injuries and their metabolic sequels. A model for burns is created in rabbits and normal values determined. Preliminary results are reported for shifts of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocyte count, as well as for changes in levels of proteins, electrolytes, and blood sugar. The meaning for clinical practics is discussed.