Publications by authors named "L Raggub"
Background: Cycle threshold (Ct) values can be used in an attempt to semiquantify results in the qualitative real-time polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) for the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The significance of Ct values in epidemiological studies and large cohorts is still unclear.
Objective: To monitor Ct values in a long-term study and compare the results with demographic data of patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time PCR.
Objectives: Multiple novel human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) have been discovered in the last few years. These or other, unknown, nephrotropic HPyVs may potentially be shed in urine.
Methods: To search for known and unknown HPyVs we investigated BKPyV-negative urine samples from 105 renal transplant recipients (RTR) by rolling circle amplification (RCA) analysis and quantitative JCPyV PCR.
Background: BK virus associated nephropathy (BKVN) leads to renal allograft dysfunction and loss. However, it is still unclear whether BKV replication in the transplant recipient is a result of reactivation in the recipient's native kidneys or whether BKV originates from the donor kidney.
Study Design: Urine of 249 donor/recipient pairs was investigated for the presence of BKV-DNA by qPCR before living transplantation (Tx) and consecutively after Tx.
Article Synopsis
- BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) is challenging to predict, and a study diagnosed it in 5.5% of 859 transplant patients from 2008 to 2010 using specific staining and PCR methods.
- The treatment involved adjusting medications like calcineurin inhibitors or switching to mTOR inhibitors, with 61% of patients showing stable or improved kidney function (GFR) after adjustment.
- Key factors affecting outcomes included high viral loads, tacrolimus use, late diagnoses, and the speed of viral reduction, with faster reductions linked to better kidney function results.
With the establishment of routine virus load (DNAemia) screening for Human adenovirus (HAdV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in post-transplant care quality standards for quantitative PCR-assays are increasing. Established real-time PCR assays were improved with a fully automated DNA-extraction and with a competitive internal control DNA packaged into a lambda phage which serves as an extraction and amplification control in each sample. HAdV and CMV DNA were detected and quantified simultaneously in various types of diagnostic samples like blood, feces or respiratory tract materials.
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