Multiplex-nested RT-PCR to evaluate latent and lytic Epstein Barr virus gene expression.

This paper describes the development of two multiplex-nested RT-PCR devised to evaluate latent/immortalizing (EBNA1, EBNA2, LMP1 and LMP2) and lytic [immediate early (Zebra), early, and late (VCA), respectively] Epstein Barr virus (EBV) transcripts. Subsequently, the assays have been validated evaluating the EBV latent/lytic gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from immunocompetent subjects (children with primary EBV infection, past EBV infection and no EBV infection) and from immunosuppressed patients (30 asymptomatic renal transplant recipients and 4 liver transplant patients with diagnosed post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders [PTLD]). Our two multiplex-nested RT-PCR assays provide a reliable, rapid and sensitive system, enabling the simultaneous detection and identification of seven latent/immortalizing and lytic EBV transcripts.

Re-immunisation schedule in leukaemic children after intensive chemotherapy: a possible strategy.

The aim of this retrospective study was to test the residual humoral immunity to compulsory vaccines after the end of chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in a cohort of 70 Italian children. All the patients, who had been immunised according to the Italian schedule prior to the disease, were tested for antibody levels against tetanus and hepatitis B at a median of 10 months after the end of therapy. Median age at diagnosis of leukaemia was 48 months, and median age at vaccine titration was 84 months.

Inter-laboratory comparison of HCV-RNA assay results: implications for multi-centre research.

To investigate whether it is appropriate to assume comparability of hepatitis virus C (HCV)-RNA results across laboratories in multi-centre studies, nine laboratories of the European Paediatric HCV Network participated in an international proficiency study of HCV-RNA assays. A panel of 12 samples of different dilutions and genotypes was sent to each laboratory and tested with qualitative and/or quantitative HCV-RNA assays according to local procedures. Commercial assays were used in seven laboratories and in-house assays in two.

Effect of Lactobacillus GG and breast-feeding in the prevention of rotavirus nosocomial infection.

Background: Rotavirus is one of the leading etiologic agents of nosocomial infections among children. The development of preventive measures is therefore important. The efficacy of GG in the treatment of rotavirus infection has been reported in literature, but there is only one recent study about its effectiveness in prevention of infection.