Real time RT-PCR analysis of inflammatory mediator expression in recurrent airway obstruction-affected horses.

The goal of the present study was to investigate mRNA expression levels of several cytokines and inflammatory mediators in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and respiratory epithelium in recurrent airway obstruction (RAO)-affected horses. RAO, also called heaves, is a common, performance-limiting, equine respiratory disease with clinical signs and pathophysiological similarities to human asthma, and characterized by bronchospasm, neutrophilic infiltration and increased mucus in the airways. Six RAO-affected horses were examined twice within 15 days and seven clinically healthy horses were examined for comparison.

Evaluation of a novel tuberculosis complex-specific 34 kDa protein in the serological diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) serological testing with antigen complexes, although very sensitive, is not always as specific due to reactive serum antibodies in patients with inactive TB or nontuberculous infections. Since the use of recombinant M. tuberculosis proteins may enhance specificity, this study was designed to evaluate a novel 34 kDa tuberculosis complex-specific protein as a component of an antigen panel of recombinant proteins.

First characterization in Italy of clinical isolates of mutans streptococci by using specific monoclonal antibodies.

The aim of this investigation was to gain further insight into the prevalence of different serotypes of mutans streptococci in the Italian population by using specific monoclonal antibodies in an enzyme immunoassay. Isolates from dental plaque samples, collected from an adult population living in Pisa (Italy), were identified as mutans streptococci on the basis of their morphological and biochemical properties, and were then serotyped. The results show that 77.