Sequence Variation of Epstein-Barr Virus: Viral Types, Geography, Codon Usage, and Diseases.

One hundred thirty-eight new Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome sequences have been determined. One hundred twenty-five of these and 116 from previous reports were combined to produce a multiple-sequence alignment of 241 EBV genomes, which we have used to analyze variation within the viral genome. The type 1/type 2 classification of EBV remains the major form of variation and is defined mostly by EBNA2 and EBNA3, but the type 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the EBNA3 locus extend into the adjacent gp350 and gp42 genes, whose products mediate infection of B cells by EBV.

High Viral Diversity and Mixed Infections in Cerebral Spinal Fluid From Cases of Varicella Zoster Virus Encephalitis.

Background: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) may cause encephalitis, both with and without rash. Here we investigate whether viruses recovered from the central nervous system (CNS; encephalitis or meningitis) differ genetically from those recovered from non-CNS samples.

Methods: Enrichment-based deep sequencing of 45 VZV genomes from cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and vesicles was carried out with samples collected from 34 patients with and without VZV infection of the CNS.

Direct Whole-Genome Sequencing of Sputum Accurately Identifies Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Faster than MGIT Culture Sequencing.

The current methods available to diagnose antimicrobial-resistant infections require a positive culture or only test a limited number of resistance-associated mutations. A rapid accurate identification of antimicrobial resistance enables the prompt initiation of effective treatment. Here, we determine the utility of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of directly from routinely obtained diagnostic sputum samples to provide a comprehensive resistance profile compared to that from mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) WGS.

Norovirus Transmission Dynamics in a Pediatric Hospital Using Full Genome Sequences.

Background: Norovirus is a leading cause of worldwide and nosocomial gastroenteritis. The study aim was to assess the utility of molecular epidemiology using full genome sequences compared to routine infection prevention and control (IPC) investigations.

Methods: Norovirus genomes were generated from new episodes of norovirus at a pediatric tertiary referral hospital over a 19-month period (n = 182).

Does the environment influence multiple sclerosis pathogenesis via UVB light and/or induction of vitamin D?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of presumed auto-immune origin. Long-standing observations such as the correlation between MS incidence and geographical latitude or the levels of Vitamin D (Vit D) in the serum have implicated the environmental factors UVB radiation and diet in the etiology of the disease. Clinical trials have been conducted and are currently underway to elucidate whether a Vit D enriched diet or treatment with UVB can influence MS incidence, -severity, and -progression, as well as the ideal time point for treatment.

PEPtalk2: results of a pilot randomised controlled trial to compare VZIG and aciclovir as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) against chickenpox in children with cancer.

Objective: To determine the likely rate of patient randomisation and to facilitate sample size calculation for a full-scale phase III trial of varicella zoster immunoglobulin (VZIG) and aciclovir as postexposure prophylaxis against chickenpox in children with cancer.

Design: Multicentre pilot randomised controlled trial of VZIG and oral aciclovir.

Setting: England, UK.

Real-Time Three-Dimensional Echocardiography of the Left Ventricle-Pediatric Percentiles and Head-to-Head Comparison of Different Contour-Finding Algorithms: A Multicenter Study.

Background: Real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) is a promising method for accurate assessment of left ventricular (LV) volumes and function, however, pediatric reference values are scarce. The aim of the study was to establish pediatric percentiles in a large population and to compare the inherent influence of different evaluation software on the resulting measurements.

Methods: In a multicenter prospective-design study, 497 healthy children (ages 1 day to 219 months) underwent RT3DE imaging of the LV (ie33, Philips, Andover, MA).

Viral load and antibody boosting following herpes zoster diagnosis.

Background: Acute varicella zoster virus (VZV) replication in shingles is accompanied by VZV antibody boosting. It is unclear whether persisting virus shedding affects antibody levels.

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between VZV viral load and antibody titres in shingles patients during six months following diagnosis and assess whether VZV antibody titre could discriminate patients with recent shingles from healthy population controls.

A spliced latency-associated VZV transcript maps antisense to the viral transactivator gene 61.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), an alphaherpesvirus, establishes lifelong latent infection in the neurons of >90% humans worldwide, reactivating in one-third to cause shingles, debilitating pain and stroke. How VZV maintains latency remains unclear. Here, using ultra-deep virus-enriched RNA sequencing of latently infected human trigeminal ganglia (TG), we demonstrate the consistent expression of a spliced VZV mRNA, antisense to VZV open reading frame 61 (ORF61).

Control of Infectious Diseases in the Era of European Clinical Microbiology Laboratory Consolidation: New Challenges and Opportunities for the Patient and for Public Health Surveillance.

Many new innovative diagnostic approaches have been made available during the last 10 years with major impact on patient care and public health surveillance. In parallel, to enhance the cost-effectiveness of the clinical microbiology laboratories (CMLs), European laboratory professionals have streamlined their organization leading to amalgamation of activities and restructuring of their professional relationships with clinicians and public health specialists. Through this consolidation process, an operational model has emerged that combines large centralized clinical laboratories performing most tests on one high-throughput analytical platform connected to several distal laboratories dealing locally with urgent analyses at near point of care.

Encephalitis diagnosis using metagenomics: application of next generation sequencing for undiagnosed cases.

Background: Current estimates suggest that even in the most resourced settings, the aetiology of encephalitis is identified in less than half of clinical cases. It is acknowledged that filling this gap needs a combination of rigorous sampling and improved diagnostic technologies. Next generation sequencing (NGS) methods are powerful tools with the potential for comprehensive and unbiased detection of pathogens in clinical samples.

On the effective depth of viral sequence data.

Genome sequence data are of great value in describing evolutionary processes in viral populations. However, in such studies, the extent to which data accurately describes the viral population is a matter of importance. Multiple factors may influence the accuracy of a dataset, including the quantity and nature of the sample collected, and the subsequent steps in viral processing.

Targeted DNA enrichment and whole genome sequencing of Neisseria meningitidis directly from clinical specimens.

In England and Wales, approximately one half of all laboratory-confirmed meningococcal disease cases fail to yield a viable invasive isolate, primarily due to the use of antibiotics. Characterisation of non-culture meningococci has been restricted to the detection or sequencing of specific gene targets within clinical specimens. In this study we investigated the ability of the Agilent SureSelectXT kit to facilitate DNA enrichment and genome sequencing of meningococcal DNA within a small panel of blood and CSF specimens.

The Relationship Between Use of Social Network Sites, Online Social Support, and Well-Being: Results From a Six-Wave Longitudinal Study.

Existing work on the effects of social network sites (SNS) on well-being has often stressed that SNS can help people gain social support from their online networks, which positively affects their well-being. However, the majority of studies in this area have been cross-sectional in nature and/or relied on student samples. Using data from six waves of a longitudinal study with a representative sample of Dutch Internet users, we first examined whether users and nonusers of SNS differ in online social support and well-being (as indicated by life satisfaction and stress).

Chlamydia trachomatis Biovar L2 Infection in Women in South Africa.

We detected Chlamydia trachomatis biovar L2 in vaginal swab specimens of 7 women with vaginal discharge in South Africa. Whole-genome sequencing directly from clinical specimens identified a closely related cluster of strains. The clinical role of this infection in the context of syndromic management should be clarified.

Varicella and herpes zoster vaccine development: lessons learned.

Before vaccination, varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is endemic worldwide, led to almost universal infection. This neurotropic virus persists lifelong by establishing latency in sensory ganglia, where its reactivation is controlled by VZV-specific T-cell immunity. Lifetime risk of VZV reactivation (zoster) is around 30%.

Acute Retinal Necrosis Caused by the Zoster Vaccine Virus.

We report acute retinal necrosis caused by the vaccine Oka strain following immunization of a 78-year-old woman with live zoster vaccine. Whole genome sequencing confirmed the ocular vOka strain to be derived from the vaccine and excluded the presence of new mutations or recombination with wild-type Varicella zoster virus.

Dual action by fumaric acid esters synergistically reduces adhesion to human endothelium.

Objective: Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is prescribed against relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we investigated the effects of DMF and monomethyl fumarate (MMF), its metabolite in vivo, at the (inflamed) blood-brain barrier (BBB).

Methods: Effects of fumaric acid esters were analyzed using primary human brain-derived microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) in combination with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) derived from DMF-treated MS patients.

Super-infections and relapses occur in chronic norovirus infections.

Background: Norovirus causes chronic infections in immunocompromised patients with considerable associated morbidity. It is not known whether chronic infections involve super- or re-infections or relapses.

Objectives: To retrospectively investigate whether longitudinal sampling in chronically infected patients demonstrates persistent infection with the same virus, or super- or re-infection.

Liver X receptor activation promotes differentiation of regulatory T cells.

The nuclear receptor Liver X Receptor (LXR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that has been implicated in control of chronic inflammation by downregulating pro-inflammatory T cell responses. An impaired function of regulatory T cells, a subset of CD4+ T cells with a crucial role in maintaining lymphocytes homeostasis and immune regulation, is frequently observed in chronic inflammatory diseases. We observed that pharmacological activation of LXR in T cells not only resulted in a thorough suppression of Th1 and Th17 polarization in vitro, but also significantly induced regulatory T cells (Treg) cell differentiation in a receptor-specific fashion.

Prevalence of a history of prior varicella/herpes zoster infection in multiple sclerosis.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection has been implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS), but direct causal involvement has been disputed. Nevertheless, knowledge of VZV exposure is important, given the risk of serious complications of first exposure while undergoing immunosuppressive treatment, in particular with fingolimod. We distributed questionnaires to MS clinic patients, requesting information about history of chickenpox, sibling/household/occupational exposure, history of zoster (shingles), and disease-modifying treatment.

Infectious causes of microcephaly: epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.

Microcephaly is an important sign of neurological malformation and a predictor of future disability. The 2015-16 outbreak of Zika virus and congenital Zika infection brought the world's attention to links between Zika infection and microcephaly. However, Zika virus is only one of the infectious causes of microcephaly and, although the contexts in which they occur vary greatly, all are of concern.

Enrichment by hybridisation of long DNA fragments for Nanopore sequencing.

Enrichment of DNA by hybridisation is an important tool which enables users to gather target-focused next-generation sequence data in an economical fashion. Current in-solution methods capture short fragments of around 200-300 nt, potentially missing key structural information such as recombination or translocations often found in viral or bacterial pathogens. The increasing use of long-read third-generation sequencers requires methods and protocols to be adapted for their specific requirements.