Comparison of VITEK2, MALDI-TOF MS, and 16S rDNA sequencing for identification of Myroides odoratus and Myroides odoratimimus.

The genus Myroides comprises the 2 medically relevant species Myroides odoratus and Myroides odoratimimus that are rare opportunistic pathogens and cause infections in immunocompromised patients. A fast identification of Myroides is of importance because these bacterial strains show multiple resistance against antibiotics and therefore limit treatment options. They are associated, for instance, with urinary tract infections, sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, and infectious cellulitis.

Entry of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) into the distal axons of trigeminal neurons favors the onset of nonproductive, silent infection.

Following productive, lytic infection in epithelia, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) establishes a lifelong latent infection in sensory neurons that is interrupted by episodes of reactivation. In order to better understand what triggers this lytic/latent decision in neurons, we set up an organotypic model based on chicken embryonic trigeminal ganglia explants (TGEs) in a double chamber system. Adding HSV-1 to the ganglion compartment (GC) resulted in a productive infection in the explants.

Delay in B-lymphocyte recovery and function following rituximab for EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disease early post-allogeneic hematopoietic SCT.

Treatment with rituximab is highly effective for EBV-associated post transplant lymphoproliferative disease. However, little is known about its immunological sequelae in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (HSCT). Time to normal CD19+ B-lymphocyte values in blood and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) substitution needed to maintain an IgG>400 mg per 100 ml in six consecutive pediatric allogeneic HSCT patients treated with rituximab for symptomatic EBV reactivation were compared with a matched cohort of non-rituximab-treated patients.

Viral reactivation is not related to septic complications after major surgical resections.

Anastomotic leakage and septic complications are the most important determinants of postoperative outcome after major surgical resections. Malignant diseases and surgical trauma can influence immune responses and the ability to react against infectious factors, such as bacteria and viruses. Comparable immune suppression can cause viral reactivation in transplantation and trauma patients.

Gene-engineered varicella-zoster virus reactive CD4+ cytotoxic T cells exert tumor-specific effector function.

T cells with grafted specificities for surface antigens provide an avenue for rapidly producing immune effector cells with tumor specificity. However, the function of chimeric receptor (chRec) gene-modified T cells is limited by lack of T-cell expansion and persistence. We propose to use varicella zoster virus (VZV)-reactive T cells as host for the chRec because these cells can be expanded both in vitro and in vivo by stimulation of their native receptor during endogenous reexposure to the virus or by administration of VZV vaccine.