Investigations on the prevalence of tortoise picorna-virus in captive tortoises in Germany

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (05) ◽  
pp. 304-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Svenja Funcke ◽  
Michael Lierz ◽  
Susanne Paries
Keyword(s):  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Testudo Graeca ◽  
The Family ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Disease Pattern ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Positive Results

Summary Objective: Tortoise picornavirus (ToPV) has been speculated to play an important role in the frequently seen disease pattern of juvenile shell softening. This study aimed to determine ToPV prevalence among German tortoise collections. Material and methods: A total of 334 animals selected from 27 different collections were included. Seven species of four genera of the family Testudinidae (Testudo graeca, T. hermanni, T. marginata, T. horsfieldii, Centrochelys sulcata, Stigmochelys pardalis, Chelonoidis carbonarius) were sampled. The tortoises were clinically investigated and none of the adults showed any signs of shell softening. Seven hatchlings of a ToPV-positive T. graeca breeding pair showed retarded growth and a progressive shell weakness that resulted in death. Each animal was sampled by conjunctival, pharyngeal and cloacal swabs (990 swabs in total) and blood sampling (293 in total). All three swabs of one animal were pooled and tested by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for tortoise picornavirus RNA. Blood samples were investigated by virus neutralisation test (VNT) for specific anti ToPV antibodies. All titres equal to or higher than log2 = 2 were considered positive. Results: In total, 35 adult and 11 juvenile animals were tested positive for ToPV RNA. The serological investigation did detect specific antibodies against ToPV in 44 adult tortoises and one juvenile. In total, 76 animals were tested positive in either one of the investigations, 16 animals in both. The highest number of ToPV-positive animals was found for T. graeca, with a prevalence of 32 %. No specimens of C. carbonarius, C. sulcata, or S. pardalis were tested positive. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The results propose a predisposition in T. graeca, as well as a high prevalence of ToPV in T. graeca, whereas other species showed only single or no positive animals, but may function as virus carriers.

Clinical significance of molecular detection of carcinoma cells in lymph nodes and peripheral blood by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in patients with gastrointestinal or breast carcinomas.

1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Mori ◽  
K Mimori ◽  
H Ueo ◽  
K Tsuji ◽  
T Shiraishi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymph Nodes ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Breast Carcinomas ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Cea Mrna ◽  
Positive Results

PURPOSE This study evaluates the clinical significance of detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA in the dissected lymph nodes and peripheral blood samples of patients with gastrointestinal or breast carcinomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 406 lymph nodes obtained from 65 patients were analyzed by both histologic and molecular examination of CEA-specific reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Peripheral blood samples from another 102 patients were also analyzed by CEA-specific RT-PCR. Patients were followed up prospectively for 24 +/- 12 months. RESULTS Of 406 lymph nodes, the positive detection rate increased from 20% by histologic examination to 60% by RT-PCR examination. The recurrence rate was 40% in 15 cases showing positive results in both examinations, 14% in 29 cases showing histologically negative but RT-PCR positive results, and none in 21 cases showing negative results in both examinations. The positive detection rate for CEA mRNA in peripheral blood samples increased with advancing stage of disease. With respect to 62 curatively operated cases, CEA mRNA was detected in 12 cases. Four of these 12 cases developed metastatic disease after surgery whereas none of 50 cases negative by RT-PCR developed metastasis. CONCLUSION It has been shown that RT-PCR is a powerful tool to detect CEA mRNA in the lymph nodes or the peripheral blood. This is potentially very useful to determine high-risk patients for metastasis. Serial analysis is warranted to assess the long-term significance of this method and its therapeutic and prognostic implications.

scholarly journals Pet rat harbouring Seoul hantavirus in Sweden, June 2013

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (27) ◽  
Author(s):  
Å Lundkvist ◽  
J Verner-Carlsson ◽  
A Plyusnina ◽  
L Forslund ◽  
R Feinstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Lung Tissue ◽  
Reverse Transcription ◽  
Haemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Focus Reduction

We report the first detection of Seoul hantavirus (SEOV) in a pet rat in Sweden. SEOV-specific antibodies were detected in the pet rat blood by focus reduction neutralising test (FRNT), and SEOV RNA in lung tissue was confirmed by reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by sequencing. The discovery follows the recent reports of SEOV infected pet rats, as well as associated human cases of severe haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), in England and Wales.

Prognostic Value of Circulating Melanoma Cells Detected by Reverse Transcriptase–Polymerase Chain Reaction

2003 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 767-773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Palmieri ◽  
Paolo A. Ascierto ◽  
Francesco Perrone ◽  
Sabrina M.R. Satriano ◽  
Alessandro Ottaiano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Prognostic Value ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Stage Of Disease ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Purpose: Factors that are predictive of prognosis in patients who are diagnosed with malignant melanoma (MM) are widely awaited. Detection of circulating melanoma cells (CMCs) by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has recently been postulated as a possible negative prognostic factor. Two main questions were addressed: first, whether the presence of CMCs, defined as the patient being positive for any of the three markers, had a prognostic role; and second, what the predictive value of each individual marker was. Patients and Methods: A consecutive series of 200 melanoma patients observed between January 1997 and December 1997, with stage of disease ranging from I to IV, was analyzed by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Tyrosinase, p97, and MelanA/MART1 were used as markers to CMCs on baseline peripheral blood samples. Progression-free survival (PFS) was used as a unique end point and was described by the product limit method. Multivariable analysis was applied to verify whether the auspicated prognostic value of these markers was independent of the stage of disease, and a subgroup analysis was performed that excluded patients with stage IV disease. Results: Overall, 32% (64 of 200) of patients progressed, and a median PFS of 52 months in the whole series was observed. The presence of CMCs and the markers individually or combined was predictive of prognosis in the univariate analysis but did not provide additional prognostic information to the stage of disease in multivariable models. In the subgroup analysis of stage (ie, I–III subgroup), similar results were observed. Conclusion: Detection of CMCs in peripheral blood samples at the time of MM diagnosis by semiquantitative RT-PCR does not add any significant predictive value to the stage of disease. Thus, this approach should not be used in clinical practice, and further studies are required to determine its usefulness.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Adhesion and Regulation of Biofilm-Related Genes in Different Clones ofStaphylococcus aureus

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Sahab Atshan ◽  
Mariana Nor Shamsudin ◽  
Zamberi Sekawi ◽  
Leslie Than Thian Lung ◽  
Rukman Awang Hamat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Microtiter Plate ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Microtiter Plate Assay ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Clinical information about genotypically different clones of biofilm-producingStaphylococcus aureusis largely unknown. We examined whether different clones of methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MSSA and MRSA) differ with respect to staphylococcal microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs) in biofilm formation. The study used 60 different types ofspaand determined the phenotypes, the prevalence of the 13 MSCRAMM, and biofilm genes for each clone. The current investigation was carried out using a modified Congo red agar (MCRA), a microtiter plate assay (MPA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Clones belonging to the samespatype were found to have similar properties in adheringto thepolystyrene microtiter plate surface. However, their ability to produce slime on MCRA medium was different. PCR experiments showed that 60 clones of MSSA and MRSA were positive for 5 genes (out of 9 MSCRAMM genes).icaADBCgenes were found to be present in all the 60 clones tested indicating a high prevalence, and these genes were equally distributed among the clones associated with MSSA and those with MRSA. The prevalence of other MSCRAMM genes among MSSA and MRSA clones was found to be variable. MRSA and MSSA gene expression (MSCRAMM andicaADBC) was confirmed by RT-PCR.

Impact of Molecular Staging Methods in Primary Melanoma: Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) of Ultrasound-Guided Aspirate of the Sentinel Node Does Not Improve Diagnostic Accuracy, But RT-PCR of Peripheral Blood Does Predict Survival

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (35) ◽  
pp. 5742-5747 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christiane A. Voit ◽  
Gregor Schäfer-Hesterberg ◽  
Martina Kron ◽  
Alexander C.J. van Akkooi ◽  
Juergen Rademaker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Reverse Transcriptase ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Primary Melanoma ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Ultrasound Guided ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Purpose This study analyzes (1) the value of tyrosinase reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of aspirates obtained by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (US-FNAC) of sentinel nodes (SNs) in patients with melanoma before sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and (2) the value of RT-PCR of blood samples of all SLNB patients. Patients and Methods Between 2001 and 2003, 127 patients with melanoma (median Breslow depth, 2.1 mm) underwent SLNB. FNAC was performed in all SNs of all patients pre- and post-SLNB. The aspirates were partly shock-frozen for RT-PCR and were partly used for standard cytology. Peripheral blood was collected at the time of SLNB and at every outpatient visit thereafter. Results Thirty-four (23%) of 120 SNs were positive for melanoma. SN involvement was predicted by US-FNAC with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 72%. Additional tyrosinase RT-PCR revealed the same sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 72%. At a median follow-up time of 40 months from first blood sample, peripheral-blood RT-PCR was a significant independent predictor of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS; P < .001). Conclusion US-FNAC is highly accurate and eliminates the need for SLNB in 16% of all SLNB patients. RT-PCR of the aspirate or excised SN does not improve sensitivity or specificity. RT-PCR of blood samples predicts DFS and OS.

scholarly journals Retrospective observational RT-PCR analyses on 688 babies born to 843 SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers, placental analyses and diagnostic analyses limitations suggest vertical transmission is possible.

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Bahadur ◽  
M. Bhat ◽  
S. Acharya ◽  
D. Janga ◽  
B. Campbell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Placental Pathology ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Serial Testing ◽  
Medical Termination ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Positive Results

Research question: Is there vertical transmission (from mother to baby antenatally or intrapartum) after SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infected pregnancy? Study design: A systematic search related to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), pregnancy, neonatal complications, viral and vertical transmission. The duration was from December 2019 to May 2020. Results: A total of 84 studies with 862 COVID positive women were included. Two studies had ongoing pregnancies while 82 studies included 705 babies, 1 miscarriage and 1 medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP). Most publications (50/84, 59.5%), reported small numbers (<5) of positive babies. From 75 studies, 18 babies were COVID-19 positive. The first reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) diagnostic test was done in 449 babies and 2 losses, 2nd RT-PCR was done in 82 babies, IgM tests were done in 28 babies, and IgG tests were done in 28 babies. On the first RT-PCR, 47 studies reported time of testing while 28 studies did not. Positive results in the first RT-PCR were seen in 14 babies. Earliest tested at birth and the average time of the result was 22 hours. Three babies with negative first RT-PCR became positive on the second RT-PCR at day 6, day 7 and at 24 hours which continued to be positive at 1 week. Four studies with a total of 4 placental swabs were positive demonstrating SARS-CoV-2 localised in the placenta. In 2 studies, 10 tests for amniotic fluid were positive for SARS-CoV-2. These 2 babies were found to be positive on RT-PCR on serial testing. Conclusion: Diagnostic testing combined with incubation period and placental pathology indicate a strong likelihood that intrapartum vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) from mother to baby is possible.

scholarly journals The ski/sno protooncogene family in hematopoietic development

Blood ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 2146-2155 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Pearson-White ◽  
D Deacon ◽  
R Crittenden ◽  
G Brady ◽  
N Iscove ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Cell Cycle Regulation ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Hematopoietic Development ◽  
The Family ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
B Lineage ◽  
Cycle Regulation

The ski/sno protooncogenes encode nuclear proteins that may act as transcription factors. We examined ski and sno mRNA expression in hemolymphopoietic lineages. The ski protooncogene is expressed in B- and T-lineage cells, mature macrophages, and mast cells. In normal murine marrow-derived progenitors analyzed by single-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), ski expression is limited to dual-lineage megakaryocyte/erythrocyte colony-starts. Expression of sno is more limited than ski in mature cells; it is expressed in T lymphopoietic cells, but not in B-lineage cells. The sno protooncogene is expressed more widely than ski in myeloid progenitors, as it is found consistently in tri-, dual-, and single-lineage progenitors. Both ski and sno are cell cycle-regulated in synchronized factor-dependent mouse myeloid cells. Expression of ski mRNA peaks in mid G1 in cells synchronized by isoleucine deprivation in the presence of growth factor, but falls off rapidly when growth factor is withdrawn. Expression of sno mRNA is maximal in early to mid G1 and then oscillates as the cells continue through cycle. These results suggest that the ski/sno protooncogenes play a role in hematopoiesis, growth factor responses, and cell cycle-regulation, with the two members of the family showing differing properties.

scholarly journals Leptospira Detection in Cats in Spain by Serology and Molecular Techniques

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1600 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Murillo ◽  
Rafaela Cuenca ◽  
Emmanuel Serrano ◽  
Goris Marga ◽  
Ahmed Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Antibody Prevalence ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Pathogenic Leptospira ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Positive Results ◽  
Leptospira Species

Leptospirosis is the most neglected widespread zoonosis worldwide. In Spain, leptospirosis reports in people and animals have increased lately. Cats can become infected with Leptospira, as well as be chronic carriers. The aim of this study was to determine serological antibody prevalence against Leptospira sp., blood DNA, and shedding of DNA from pathogenic Leptospira species in the urine of cats in Spain. Microagglutination tests (MAT) and blood and urine TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed. Leptospira antibodies were detected in 10/244 cats; with 4.1% positive results (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.1–7.18%). Titers ranged from 1:20 to 1:320 (serovars Ballum; Bataviae; Bratislava; Cynopteri; Grippotyphosa Mandemakers; Grippotyphosa Moskva; Pomona; and Proechimys). The most common serovar was Cynopteri. Blood samples from 1/89 cats amplified for Leptospira DNA (1.12%; 95% CI: 0.05–5.41%). Urine samples from 4/232 cats amplified for Leptospira DNA (1.72%; 95% CI: 0.55–4.10%). In conclusion free-roaming cats in Spain can shed pathogenic Leptospira DNA in their urine and may be a source of human infection. Serovars not previously described in cats in Spain were detected; suggesting the presence of at least 4 different species of pathogenic leptospires in the country (L. borgpetersenii; L. interrogans; L. kirschneri; and L. noguchii).

Detection of blaVIM and blaIMP Carbapenemase-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Clinical Samples in Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Zolfaghari
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
High Level

Background and Aims: The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) strains has been recently reported worldwide. Therefore, accurate and rapid detection of carbapenemase-producing isolates is essential. So, this study aimed to detect blaVIM and blaIMP carbapenemase-producing strains using the modified Hodge test (MHT) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, P. aeruginosa  strains were collected from clinical samples (blood, urine, wound, and other liquids body) in Firoozgar and Shahid Motahari Hospitals in Tehran and Velayat Hospital in Rasht Province, from May to December 2018. After identifying the isolates using the standard microbial tests, carbapenemase-producing strains were isolated by the modified hodge test. After that, the detection of blaVIM and blaIMP genes was performed by RT-PCR technique. Results: One hundred P. aeruginosa were isolated from different clinical samples. Among these, 74 (74%) isolates were considered as carbapenemase positive using MHT. The frequencies of blaVIM and blaIMP genes were obtained as 83% and 11%, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate a high level of resistance to most of the antibiotics tested and a high prevalence of blaVIM gene in P. aeruginosa strains.

scholarly journals 452. Familial Cluster of COVID-19 Cases Associated with High Prevalence of Anosmia, Ageusia, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S293-S293
Author(s):  
Bethany E Ho ◽  
Andrea P Ho ◽  
Michaela A Ho ◽  
Elizabeth C Ho
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Index Case ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Familial Cluster ◽  
Gi Symptoms ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract Background Patients with COVID-19 most commonly report respiratory symptoms, with a minority reporting gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in currently available reports. Additionally, little is known about the symptoms of anosmia/hyposmia, ageusia, and dysgeusia anecdotally seen in COVID-19 patients, which may be considered both GI and sensory/neurological manifestations of infection. Methods We interviewed 7 patients via oral inquiries and a questionnaire, collecting data on subject symptoms and their durations. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to confirm 2 of these cases. Results We report a familial cluster of 7 COVID-19 cases, 5 of whom reported sensory symptoms of anosmia/hyposmia (5/7), ageusia/hypogeusia (5/7), and/or dysgeusia (3/7). All 7 cases reported GI involvement with one or more symptom of: nausea (5/7), diarrhea (4/7), abdominal pain (3/7), anorexia (3/7), and emesis (2/7). Figure 1. Timeline of Symptoms and Exposure to Index Case in Familial COVID-19 Cluster Conclusion This frequency of GI symptoms is high relative to currently available epidemiological reports, which also infrequently report on sensory symptoms. The mechanistic underpinnings of GI and sensory symptoms in COVID-19 warrant close consideration and analysis, especially as it relates to reducing disease transmission. COVID-19 exhibits wide variation in duration, severity, and progression of symptoms, even within a familial cluster. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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