Detection and genetic characterization of norovirus infections in children with acute gastroenteritis in Japan, 2007-2009.

Background: Noroviruses are a major cause of epidemic gastroenteritis in children and adults. The aim of the present study was to investigate the molecular epidemiology of norovirus gastroenteritis in Japan.

Methods: A total of 954 fecal specimens collected from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis from five different regions (Tokyo, Sapporo, Saga, Osaka, and Maizuru) of Japan during 2007-2009 were identified by multiple RT-PCR and semi-nested PCR.

Detection and genetic characterization of rotavirus infections in non-hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis in Japan, 2007-2009.

The molecular epidemiology of rotavirus infections in non-hospitalized children in five different regions (Sapporo, Saga, Tokyo, Osaka, and Maizuru) of Japan during 2007-2009 was investigated. Overall, rotavirus was detected in 156 out of 1008 (15.5%) specimens.

Detection, genetic characterization, and quantification of norovirus RNA from sera of children with gastroenteritis.

Background: Norovirus (NoV) infection is thought to be confined to the intestines, whereas many reports suggest antigenemia and viremia occur during rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Objectives: To detect NoV RNA in sera and cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from NoV-infected children, and to quantify and genetically characterize the NoV found in these compartments.

Study Design: Semi-nested PCR was conducted on stool, serum and CSF samples from 56 patients with acute gastroenteritis.

Interleukin 8 in the human colostrum.

We investigated the postpartum changes in colostral interleukin (IL) 8 concentrations during the first 3 postpartum days and examined the IL-8 production of colostral cells at the levels of both protein and mRNA. Colostrum samples were obtained from healthy mothers after full-term delivery. Colostrum, supernatants, and cell lysates of cultured colostral cells were assayed for IL-8 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Placental transfer of IgG subclasses in a Japanese population.

Background: Maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG), transferred across the placenta to the fetus during intrauterine life, is an important component of the neonatal immunological defence mechanisms against infection. There is controversy with respect to differences in placental transfer of the different IgG subclasses, and no definite data are available on a Japanese population. Therefore, we investigated placental transfer of IgG subclasses in a Japanese population.