Assessing the utility of three TaqMan probes for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and resistance to rifampin and isoniazid in Veracruz, México.

Mutations at codons 526 and 531 in the rpoB gene and at 315 in the katG gene are considered diagnostic markers for resistance to rifampin and isoniazid in tuberculosis. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate three TaqMan probes for the identification of these mutations in 138 respiratory samples positive for acid-fast bacilli, and 32 clinical isolates from a region with considerable levels of drug resistance. The specificities of the probes for the diagnosis of resistance to both drugs were 100%; however, the sensitivities were calculated to be 50% for isoniazid and 56% for rifampin.

Trichinella spiralis: histamine secretion induced by TSL-1 antigens from unsensitized mast cells.

Mast cells' hyperplasia and activation are prominent features in Trichinella spiralis infection. Recently, it was shown that TSL-1 antigens from T. spiralis muscle larvae induce IL-4 and TNF release by unsensitized, normal mast cells (MC) involving an Ig-independent mechanism.

Trichinella spiralis: stimulation of mast cells by TSL-1 antigens trigger cytokine mRNA expression and release of IL-4 and TNF through an Ig-independent pathway.

Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that mast cells (MC) can be directly activated by Trichinella spiralis larvae 1 (TSL-1) antigens. To characterize even more this activation of MC and their possible role on induction and regulation of the Type 2 response generated against T. spiralis infection, we studied the interaction between a hybrid rat MC line (HRMC), murine bone marrow MC (mBMMC), and TSL-1 antigens.

An anti-inflammatory oligopeptide produced by Entamoeba histolytica down-regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory chemokines.

Axenically grown Entamoeba histolytica produces a pentapeptide (Met-Gln-Cys-Asn-Ser) with anti-inflammatory properties that, among others, inhibits the in vitro and in vivo locomotion of human monocytes, sparing polymorphonuclear leucocytes from this effect [hence the name originally given. Monocyte Locomotion Inhibitory Factor (MLIF)]. A synthetic construct of this peptide displays the same effects as the native material.

Evaluation of the enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay for diagnosis of neurocysticercosis in children.

Neurocysticercosis is a common problem in developing countries, and it causes neurologic disorders in children. Immunodiagnosis with Taenia solium glycoproteins as an antigen has been validated in adults but not in children. The aim of this work was to evaluate a Taenia solium glycoproteins-based enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay in children with neurocysticercosis.