Molecular epidemiology of human herpesvirus 8 in patients with HHV-8-related diseases in Ireland.

Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) has been classified by sequence analysis of open reading frame (ORF) K1, ORF K15, and variable sequence loci within the central constant region. The purpose of this study was to examine the molecular epidemiology of HHV-8 in an Irish population. This retrospective study included 30 patients who had HHV-8 DNA detected in plasma.

Phylogenetic analysis of the complete genome of 11 BKV isolates obtained from allogenic stem cell transplant recipients in Ireland.

BK polyomavirus (family Polyomaviridae) may cause hemorrhagic cystitis (BKV-HC) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Eleven complete BKV genomes (GenBank accession numbers: JN192431-JN192441) were sequenced from urine samples of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and compared to complete BKV genomes in the published literature. Of the 11 isolates, seven (64%) were subgroup Ib-1, three (27%) isolates belonged to subgroup Ib-2 and a single isolate belonged to subtype III.

Molecular epidemiology of human respiratory syncytial virus subgroups A and B identified in adults with hematological malignancy attending an Irish hospital between 2004 and 2009.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is an important cause of respiratory infection in patients with hematological malignancy, particularly hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. This study investigated the genetic variability of the attachment (G) protein gene among HRSV isolates collected from adult patients with hematological malignancy. Between December 2004 and March 2009, 60 samples collected from 58 adults attending an Irish hospital were positive for HRSV by direct immunofluorescence.

Evaluation of the Abbott RealTime CT assay with the BD ProbeTec ET assay for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in a clinical microbiology laboratory.

The Abbott RealTime CT assay (Abbott Molecular, Des Plaines, IL) was evaluated by testing male urine samples (n = 204) and female urine samples (n = 207) with matched endocervical swabs (n = 207) collected from patients attending the Genito-Urinary Infectious Disease Clinic, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. Results were compared with the BD ProbeTec ET assay (Becton Dickinson, Sparks, MD).

Molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus (HBV) isolates, including identification of a novel recombinant, in patients with acute HBV infection attending an Irish hospital.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is known to show significant genetic diversity. There are eight HBV genotypes (A-H) characterized by distinct geographical distribution. Mutations in the HBV genome, in particular precore (PC) and basal core promoter (BCP) mutations, may be important factors in the pathogenesis of disease.

The insert within the catalytic domain of tripeptidyl-peptidase II is important for the formation of the active complex.

Tripeptidyl-peptidase II (TPP II) is a large (Mr>10(6)) tripeptide-releasing enzyme with an active site of the subtilisin-type. Compared with other subtilases, TPP II has a 200 amino-acid insertion between the catalytic Asp44 and His264 residues, and is active as an oligomeric complex. This study demonstrates that the insert is important for the formation of the active high-molecular mass complex.