The prevalence of anti-rubella antibodies in women of childbearing age in Poland.

Congenital rubella is a clinically serious problem, which is due to maternal infection with rubella virus during the first trimester of pregnancy. It may result in spontaneous abortion or in fetal infection leading to fetal birth defect. Maternal anti-rubella antibodies have a protective effect and they may prevent congenital rubella. Vaccination of 13-year-old girls in Poland was introduced in 1989. Vaccination coverage is above 95%. The presence of anti-rubella antibodies in maternal blood >15 IU/ml is indicative for immunity to rubella. Thus, the aim of the study was the evaluation of anti-rubella antibody levels in women 15-30 years old. Samples of that sera were collected from six provinces in Poland. We have observed the decrease of anti-rubella antibody titer together with increasing age of tested women. Among 1289 investigated women 135 [10.5%] did not have protective levels of anti-rubella antibodies. We have noticed large decline in protective anti-rubella antibodies in young women (19-22 years of age), who are just entering their prime childbearing years.

[Characteristics of Lactobacillus strains contained in pharmaceuticals]. / Charakterystyka szczepów Lactobacillus wchodzacych w sklad preparatów farmaceutycznych.

The aim of the study was to characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) which are components of drugs administered orally in cases of intestinal disturbances, or antibiotic--related diarrhea. Biochemical properties, growth behavior, bile tolerance, and survival at low pH of six LAB strains (four strains L. rhamnosus and two L. acidophilus) were studied. The survival at low pH was determined in MRS broth (Difco) acidified to pH 1; 2; 3; and 4. Bile tolerance was tested on MRS broth with 0.3% oxgall (Difco). Between tested strains differences in ability to grow at low pH and survival in bile were observed. Only 0.01% inoculum of all examined strains survived at pH 1. Differences between strains in survival at low pH (pH 2 and pH 3) and tolerance of bile were observed. However, after 2 h incubation at pH 4, 100% of strains stayed alive. Examined strains demonstrated good 3% bile tolerance. All strains met the criteria for probiotic strains: ability to survive at pH 3 and in the presence of bile.

[Use of electrophoresis in polyacrylomide gel (SDS_PAGE) for evaluating IgG structure--the main component of human intravenous immunoglobulin]. / Zastosowanie elektroforezy w zelu poliakryloamidowym (SDS-PAGE) do oceny struktury czasteczek IgG--glównego skladnika preparatów ludzkich immunoglobulin do stosowania dozylnego.

For the assessment of the structure of IgG particles in the immunoglobulin preparation for intravenous use (Bioglobulin) electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE) was applied in place of filtration on Sephadex G-200 gel. The method serves for determination of the molecular weight of polypeptide chains under conditions of reduction. The method is rapid, sensitive and of high resolution. Six batches of the preparation were examined finding that IgG monomers and dimers accounted for over 90%, with IgG aggregates about 3% and degradation products about 1%. The obtained values comply with the recommendation of the WHO and requirements in the latest edition of Europea Pharmacopaes.

[Distribution of IgG subclasses and their biological activity in bioglobulin]. / Sklad podklas IgG i ich aktywnosc biologiczna w bioglobulinie.

Preparations of human immunoglobulin for intravenous use (IVIG) should contain proper percentage of IgG subclasses, corresponding to physiological proportions with preserved activity of antibodies. The amounts of IgG subclasses were determined using the radial immunodiffusion technique against to the WHO reference serum 67/97. It appears that variations are observed among the different lots and manufacturers of the various formulations of IVIG available in Poland. Although some of these differences are not statistically significant, significant differences in subclass concentrations were found between formulation of IVIG, with Bioglobulina being lower in IgG1 and higher in IgG2 and Endobulin having a lower per cent of IgG3. The study was aimed at establishment of activity values against diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and Streptococcus group B (GBS). IgG antibodies to tetanus and diphtheria toxoid antigens were predominantly of the IgG1 and IgG2 isotype. IgG4 subclass, was present in smaller proportion and IgG3 fractions was absent. Antibodies to GBS were only IgG2 and IgG1 isotypes. Basing on obtained results it can be stated that in spite of the imbalance between the amounts of IgG1 and IgG2 in Bioglobulina, the activity which was determined in subclasses is comparable with that of other IVIGs.

[Synergistic action of penicillin and immunoglobulin for intravenous (IVIG) use]. / Synergistyczne dzialanie penicyliny i immunoglobulin do stosowania dozylnego (IVIG).

Combined effects of intravenous immunoglobulin and antibiotic in killing bacteria are of interest with extending clinical use of IGIV. Since the agents differ in antibacterial activity exerted by each of them, and their influence on the other, it is difficult to evaluate the combined effect in vitro. In our experiments the titer of antibody, and the killing of B Streptococcus type 090R, phagocytosis by chemiluminescence were examined in opsonic mixture. This mixture consist of IVIG, fresh serum, and neutrophils plus penicillin or without. The effect of combined IVIG and penicillin was higher than the effects of separate activities on bacteria. This observations suggest that the combination of IVIG and penicillin potentially useful in the treatment of GBS infection in some cases.

[Evaluation of antibacterial and antitoxic activity of normal human immunoglobulin for intravenous use (IVIG)]. / Ocena antybakteryjnej i antytoksycznej aktywnosci ludzkiej normalnej immunoglobuliny do stosowania dozylnego (IVIG).

In the present study, human immunoglobulins for intravenous use (IVIG), were tested for contents of diphtheria antibodies, antistreptolysin O, antistaphylolysin and antibody level of endotoxin of B. pertussis, enterobacterial common antigen and group B Streptococci. It was shown that all examined immunoglobulin preparation contained antibodies against all tested antigens. Our investigation revealed differences between IVIG preparations and IVIG lots. Basing on these results, we know that the biological activity of Bioglobulin is the same as biological activity of other IVIG preparations produced by foreign manufactures.

[Possibilities and etiologic problems in prophylaxis of human virus infections]. / Mozliwosci i problemy etiologicznej profilaktyki zakazen wirusowych czlowieka.

There are areas of proved and successful prophylaxis of human's virus infections: vaccines, gammaglobulins and synthetic viral inactivators. In case of vaccine application the very important tasks concern situations of decreased immunological potency and viral latency. The progress and up to now achievements according to viral vaccines which may be used in immunocompromised people are presented in the paper, as well as the specificity of studies on vaccines against latent viral infections. Gammaglobulin preparations especially of commercial production, are characterized. Mechanism of their activity, different efficiency in viral infections and problems of safety, point on the important complementary role of gammaglobulin prophylactic application. Disinfecting agents grow in importance, so the main topic presented concerns the requirements, which must be fulfilled to achieve satisfactory results in preventing virus infections.

[Opsonizing activity of human immunoglobulin preparations for intravenous use (IVIG)]. / Aktywnosc opsonizujaca preparatów ludzkich immunoglobulin do stosowania dozylnego (IVIG).

It was shown that all the examined immunoglobulin preparations (IVIG) enhance growth of opsonization of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli which was studied using the chemiluminescence method. However, no opsonization growth was observed of P. aeruginosa rods with the participation of IVIG (except for Sandoglobulin and the specific immunoglobulin Pseudomonas). We assume that such a result was due to the P. aeruginosa strain's susceptibility to lysis factors of the human serum used in the experiment as the complement source. It was confirmed that phagocytosis with the participation of IVIG measured by the chemiluminescence test requires the presence of a complement. The bactericidal test showed that all IVIG preparations, Pentaglobin in particular, are bactericidal and active against P. aeruginosa. Basing on the results obtained, we believe that the biological activity of the Polish preparation is comparable with the investigated IVIG preparations from foreign firms.

[Content of IgE in preparations of human immunoglobulin for intravenous use (IVIG)]. / Zawartosc IgE w preparatach ludzkich immunoglobulin do stosowania dozylnego (IVIG).

The study was aimed at determination of concentration of total IgE and IgE specific for D. pteronyssinus in preparation IVIG Bioglobulin. Twelve series of Bioglobulin and 20 series (8 preparations) registered in Poland, were tested. It was found that all series of Bioglobulin contained IgE in amount from 34.5 iu/ml to 105 iu/ml. In only one series IgE specific against D. pteronyssinus was detected in amount of 0.93 j/ml. It is concluded that concentration of IgE in preparation Bioglobulin is comparable to amount of IgE in other IVIG preparations.

[Antiviral activity of IgG subclasses of immunoglobulin preparations for intravenous use]. / Aktywnosc przeciwwirusowa w podklasach IgG preparatów immunoglobulin do stosowania dozylnego.

Preparations of human immunoglobulins for intravenous use (IVIG) should contain proper percentage of IgG subclasses, responding to physiological preparations with preserved activity of antibodies. The study was aimed at establishment of activity against measles, CMV and HSV viruses in individual subclasses of Bioglobulin (Biomed, Warszawa) and a comparison with preparation Polygam (Baxter, USA). Indirect immunofluorescence test was used. The results revealed presence of antiviral activity mostly in subclass IgG1 and also in IgG3, which is in keeping with results obtained by other authors. We have found an anti-HSV activity in a subclass IgG2 and IgG4 in IVIG preparations which was not yet described in the literature; it is confirmed, however, in investigations with application of sera of HSV-positive persons. These discrepancies may be caused by different methods of detection. Viral antigens in ELISA and IF tests may differ among themselves by content of individual epitopes. Basing on obtained results it can be stated that Polish preparation Bioglobulin (in which for the first time antiviral activity was determined in subclasses) is comparable with Polygam.

[Influence of high dose intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) on HSV-1 infection in immunosuppressed mice]. / Wplyw wysokich dawek gammaglobuliny (IVIG) na przebieg zakazenia HSV-1 u myszy poddanych immunosupresji.

Influence of low and high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was compared on the basis of survival studies of mice infected with temperature sensitive (ts 28 degrees C) clone of Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) after previous treatment with cyclophosphamide (CY), Sandoglobulin containing intact IgG and Gamma-Venin containing only fragments of (Fab)2 IgG were used. It was found that 4 and 16 mg doses protected animals in contrast to the 32 mg dose of Sandoglobulin which protected mice in only small degree.

[Intravenous gamma globulins (i.v.IG) in the treatment and prevention of virus infections]. / Gamma globuliny do stosowania dozylnego (i.v.Ig) w leczeniu i profilaktyce zakazen wirusowych.

Active research is currently underway to determine the role of intravenous administration of IgG (i.v.Ig) in preventing and treating viral infections (CMV, HIV, RSV, EB, ECHO, adeno). These studies strongly suggest that immunoglobulin therapy may be beneficial in renal and bone marrow transplant patients to prevent or treat in CMV infections. Intravenous gamma globulins appears to be effective not only reducing the overall prevalence of coronary artery abnormalities in Kawasaki disease but, more important, in preventing the formation of giant aneurysms, the most serious form of coronary abnormality after this illness. However role of intravenous immunoglobulin in AIDS and in other viral diseases remains controversial. There are also dates that the high doses i.v.Ig in specific clinical situations may present certain adverse effects.

[Antiviral activity of commercial immunoglobulin preparations]. / Przeciwwirusowa aktywnosc handlowych preparatów immunoglobulin.

Immunoglobulin preparations for intravenous use of five different firms--Biotest, Hoechst, Merieux, Sandoz, WWSS--were used for the study. Antibody level for Epstein-Barr, cytomegalia, herpes simplex, varicella-zoster and measles viruses was determined in these preparations stored at 4 degrees C and in order to determine their stability they were tested after incubation at 37 degrees C and 61 degrees C. The influence of immunoglobulin (Bioglobulin and Sandoglobulin) on mouse survival infected with HSV-1 was determined. Results of serological studies revealed differentiated antibody level for particular virus antigens both in various series of a given preparation as well as between immunoglobulins of different producers. Protective activity of immunoglobulin was mainly found when given 24 hours before challenge with HSV-1. This was the case not only when preparations stored at 4 degrees C were given but also for those which were incubated at 37 degrees C for months. Forty percent higher rate of survival of mice as compared to control group was seen when immunoglobulin were given 8 hours after infection.

[Heat stability of potency of bacterial vaccines and the titer of tetanus antitoxin of Polish production]. / Stabilnosc cieplna mocy szczepionek bakteryjnych oraz miano antytoksyny tezcowej produkcji krajowej.

Described the stability of potency vaccines (DTP, BCG) and immunoglobulins (human's and animal's) at storage and experimental temperatures. Thermal degradation rate and design of loss of potency in time have been determined by Arrhenius equation. Our results were similar to WHO data from preparations which have been made in another countries.