Analysis of serum levels of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and monoamine neurotransmitters in patients with tick-borne encephalitis: identification of novel inflammatory markers with implications for pathogenesis.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a leading human neuroinfection in Europe and northeastern Asia. However, the pathophysiology of TBE is not understood completely. This study sought to determine the specific serum mediators that are associated with acute TBE.

Serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 levels in patients with tick-borne encephalitis.

Objectives: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) play important roles in the function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To investigate the function of the BBB during tick-borne encephalitis (TBE), the levels of MMP-9 and its common tissue inhibitor, TIMP-1, were measured in serum from patients with acute phase of TBE.

Methods: Serum MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels were measured in 147 patients with TBE and 153 controls by ELISA.

[Value of Western blotting in serodiagnosis of chlamydial infections].

Unlabelled: The Western blot (WB) method was verified for serological diagnosis of chlamydial infections.

Material And Methods: For testing, sera previously examined by the microimmunofluorescence (MIF) test with either ambiguous results or those suggesting persistent infection were used.

Results: Whereas the investigation confirmed adequate sensitivity and specificity of the MIF test for diagnosing Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection, it was less sensitive in case of Chlamydia trachomatis.