Human parvoviruses
Article Abstract:
Parvovirus is a member of the Parvoviridae family of viruses. This family contains two other genera (subgroups) of viruses, Densovirus (invertebrate parvoviruses) and Dependovirus (adeno-associated viruses, common in mammals and birds). There are several different types of animal parvoviruses, including human, feline and canine parvovirus. The animal parvoviruses do not infect humans. Of the human parvoviruses, only B19 causes disease. B19 has been shown to cause transient aplastic crisis (a defect in red blood cell production) and erythema infectiosum (inflammation and redness of the skin). B19 has been associated with hydrops fetalis (abnormal accumulation of fluid in fetal tissues), arthritis, and chronic anemia (low red blood cell count). B19 infection can be life-threatening in patients with suppressed immune systems or diseases involving red blood cell disorders. The B19 virus infects and grows in the nucleus of erythroid precursor cells (cells that will become red blood cells). This causes red blood cell production to stop. The B19 virus also has been identified in white blood cells and in fetal heart cells. In one study, human volunteers were infected with B19 virus. Within five to seven days, four out of five of the subjects had high levels of virus in their blood. The subjects developed fever, chills and myalgias (muscle pain). Within 7 to 10 days after infection, red blood cell production was significantly reduced. By days 14 to 20, when serum antibodies to B19 were detected, red blood cell production returned. By 17 to 18 days following inoculation (phase 2), rash and arthralgias (joint pain) develop. B19 infection may be transmitted by respiratory secretions, and occurs prior to phase 2 of infection. B19 infection is diagnosed based on the presence of B19 virus or antibodies in the serum. Epidemiological studies have indicated that B19 infection is common among school age children. B19 infection is not a common cause of fetal death. Treatment for B19 infection is being developed, and preliminary studies indicate that intravenous administration of immunoglobulins may be beneficial. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Infectious Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0022-1899
Year: 1990
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A large outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis: problems in controlling nosocomial spread
Article Abstract:
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC; popularly called ''red eye'') is a highly contagious eye inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva due to infection with adenovirus. The simultaneous occurrence of community and institutional outbreaks is particularly difficult to control due to the constant threat of reinfection and reintroduction into the clinical setting. An outbreak of EKC was observed in the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary (IEEI) in Chicago in late July 1985. The IEEI is the largest ophthalmological facility in the area and accepts referred patients from the metropolitan area. Most IEEI cases were identified in outpatients. Routine control efforts in the infirmary failed to stop the progress of the outbreak. Epidemiologic examination of the records of past cases and of newly acquired disease showed that most of the nosocomial (hospital-acquired) cases were in patients attending specialty clinics. A total of 401 cases were identified in this episode, 110 cases were nosocomial in origin, caused by adenovirus type 8, and the remainder were community-acquired and caused by adenovirus types 8 and 37. Fifteen clinic staff and physicians also became infected. Intensive control measures were instituted, including triage (a method of classifying patients in terms of severity of condition and urgency of treatment) of all incoming patients. Symptomatic cases were referred to an isolation area for care and business transactions. Clinical staff caring for these patients had no other patient contact. Unit dose medications were initiated to reduce processing and handling. Infected staff were removed from patient care until two weeks after the involvement of their second eye. Paper towels and other patient care materials were treated as infectious waste and disposed of accordingly. Contaminated equipment and instrumental procedures requiring patient contact were especially great risk factors in the transmission chain. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Infectious Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0022-1899
Year: 1989
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Isolation and characterization of a new human microsporidian, Encephalitozoon hellem (n. sp.), from three AIDS patients with keratoconjunctivitis
Article Abstract:
Microsporidia are infectious organisms that are commonly found in laboratory animals and, more recently as a consequence of the advent of AIDS, in people whose immune systems are impaired. Specifically, patients with AIDS have been seen to suffer diarrhea caused by Enterocytozoon bieneusi at a prevalence of about 10 percent, and infections caused by similar organisms have been implicated as well. Isolation of these organisms in humans is important so that research can continue into the diagnosis and treatment of the disorders that infection causes. Using cells from three AIDS patients suffering from keratoconjunctivitis, or inflammation of the cornea, a new organism fitting into the category of microsporidia was cultured in the laboratory using kidney cells from dogs as the host. The culture technique provides antigen for blood tests, making the detection of microsporidia more likely in infected patients and enabling research to progress toward improved treatment methods. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Infectious Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0022-1899
Year: 1991
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