Molecular Epidemiology of Rubella Virus Strains Detected Around the Time of the 2012-2013 Epidemic in Japan.

A nationwide rubella epidemic occurred from 2012 to 2013 in Japan, resulting in around 17,000 rubella cases and the birth of 45 infants with congenital rubella syndrome. The aim of this study was to genetically characterize the rubella viruses (RVs) circulating around the time of the epidemic in Japan. In total, 221 RV strains detected from 14 prefectures in Japan between 2010 and 2014 were sequenced in the 739 nucleotide-window region within the gene.

Genetic evidence for containment of viruses in the first outbreak of influenza A pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in Kobe, Japan.

Background: On 16 May 2009, a high school student in Kobe with no history of overseas travel was reported as the first case of influenza A pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection in Japan. Subsequently, it was revealed that the infection had spread to some cities in the Kansai region and most patients were high school students. The number of patients decreased rapidly within a week; however, it began to increase in the middle of July.

Reevaluation of laboratory methods for diagnosis of measles.

The purpose of this study is to reevaluate the sensitivities of different methods used in the diagnosis of measles including virus isolation, RT-PCR, and measurement of IgM. Sixty-three throat swabs, 84 peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples, and 85 plasma samples were collected from 85 cases of suspected measles. The sensitivity of virus isolation using throat swabs and PBMC in comparison with RT-PCR was 58.

Detection of measles virus RNA on SYBR green real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Background: As the coverage rate of the measles vaccine increases, not all patients present the typical symptoms of measles after exposure to the measles virus (MV). The virus loads in clinical specimens from patients with vaccine-modified non-typical measles are expected to be low compared with those of primary MV infection. A rapid and sensitive laboratory procedure is required for diagnosis of measles.

[Psittacosis outbreak at an avian exhibition].

Psittacosis outbreak due to Chlamydophila psittaci occurred among staff members at an avian exhibition of nearly 1,000 birds in Kobe, Japan, in December 2005. Staff members not trained about zoonosis or psittacosis used little protective attire such as masks and gloves when caring for their discharges. Two of 67 staff members contracted psittacosis pneumonia.

Detection of adenovirus DNA in clinical samples by SYBR Green real-time polymerase chain reaction assay.

Background: Adenoviruses are associated with a variety of diseases including upper respiratory tract infections, acute conjunctivitis, cystitis and gastroenteritis. Adenoviruses can also cause fatal disseminated infections in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. Measurement of adenovirus load in clinical samples from localized adenovirus infections or disseminated adenovirus infections may provide important information for analyzing the pathogenesis of various adenovirus infections.

Clinical spectrum in hospitalized children with echovirus type 13 infection.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical spectrum of echovirus type 13 (E13) infection in hospitalized children.

Methods: From April to August 2002, prospective viral surveillance was performed for hospitalized patients (aged 10 days to 14 years) irrespective of their presenting symptoms and severity. Medical records of laboratory-confirmed echovirus 13 infection were reviewed.