Genetic Diversity and Molecular Epidemiology of Circulating Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Central Taiwan, 2008-2017.

In this study, we investigated the molecular evolution and phylodynamics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) over 10 consecutive seasons (2008-2017) and the genetic variability of the RSV genotypes ON1 and BA in central Taiwan. The ectodomain region of the G gene was sequenced for genotyping. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the second hypervariable region of the G protein in RSV ON1 and BA were analyzed.

Respiratory presentation of patients infected with enterovirus D68 in Taiwan.

Background: Enterovirus-D68 (EV-D68) has been endemic in Taiwan for some years with a small number of positive cases. Detailed information about respiratory presentation is lacking. This study characterized the clinical course in children admitted to the medical center and regional hospital in Taichung during 2015.

Co-morbidity of Kawasaki disease.

Despite more than four decades of investigation, the etiology of Kawasaki disease remains obscure, and none of the proposed etiologic theories for the disease have achieved independent confirmation. Clinical and epidemiologic features support an infectious cause, but the etiology remains unclear. The authors present a case of Kawasaki disease associated with Epstein-Barr virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a 3.

Outbreak of influenza A and B among military recruits: evidence from viral culture and polymerase chain reaction.

Background And Purpose: Influenza is an important cause of acute respiratory illness among military recruits, and pneumonia is the most frequent complication. This study was performed to categorize the clinical manifestations of influenza infections among military recruits.

Methods: In this retrospective chart review, epidemiologic investigation of patients who met the definitions of acute respiratory illness, influenza-like illness, and pneumonia was conducted.

Expression of VP1 protein in the milk of transgenic mice: a potential oral vaccine protects against enterovirus 71 infection.

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the most common etiological agent detected in cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) resulting in incidences of neurological complications and fatality in recent years. The clinical data have already shown the significant increase in recent EV71 epidemic activity throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Due to the lack of an effective antiviral agent, primary prevention of the disease, including the development of an effective vaccine, has been the top priority in terms of control strategies.

Recombinant porcine lactoferrin expressed in the milk of transgenic mice protects neonatal mice from a lethal challenge with enterovirus type 71.

The human Enterovirus genus of the piconavirus family causes most of the febrile illnesses that affect children during the summer season in Taiwan. Enterovirus type 71 (EV71) plays a key role in patients with hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) combined with severe paralysis or encephalitis. It is important to find a method for preventing infection with EV71 since there is no antiviral agent or vaccine for humans.

Rapid diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children by polymerase chain reaction.

Background And Purpose: Endemic atypical pneumonia was noted in central Taiwan during 2005. The serological response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was usually poor in its early course; convalescent serum was needed in most cases, which was sometimes difficult to obtain in children. Empiric antimicrobial therapy was usually initiated before serological testing.

Increased circulating CD31+/CD42- microparticles are associated with impaired systemic artery elasticity in healthy subjects.

Background: Impaired artery elasticity has been found in various pathological conditions related to endothelial dysfunction. Recently, CD31+/CD42- microparticles (MPs) emerged as a marker of endothelial injury. Whether CD31+/CD42- MPs, generated under physiological conditions, are correlated with artery properties has not been reported.