Gyermekkori gastroenteritisekben szerepet játszó vírusok molekuláris epidemiológiai vizsgálata = Molecular epidemiology of viruses in childhood gastroenteritis

A "Gyermekkori gastroenteritisekben szerepet játszó vírusok molekuláris epidemiológiai vizsgálata" című OTKA pályázatunkkal az volt a célunk, hogy azonosítsuk és jellemezzük a hasmenéses megbetegedések kialakításáért felelős vírusokat. Vizsgálatainkban molekuláris módszereket (vírus RNS eletroforézis, PCR és reverz-transzkripció-PCR) alkalmaztunk. Kutatásaink lefedték a már jól ismert és a gyermekkori hasmenéses kórképekben fontos szerepet játszó vírusokat (A csoportú rotavírusok, enterális adenovírusok, norovírusok) éppúgy, mint a ritka enterális vírusokat (C csoportú rotavírusok) és számos régről ismert illetve újonnan felfedezett vírust is (pl. picobirnavírus, HAdV-52, nodavírus, astrovírus), mely utóbbiak etiológiai szerepe egyelőre nem tisztázott. A gyakori vírusok molekuláris epidemiológiai vizsgálata komplex járványügyi képet és nagy (geno)típus gazdagságot mutatott; az újonnan leírt potenciális enterális kórokozók hazai jelenlétére azonban eddig nem találtunk bizonyítékot. A vizsgálatok további folytatását a virális gastroenteritisek közegészségügyi jelentősége és a megelőzésükre irányuló törekvések indokolják. | The primary aim of our OTKA research proposal entitled "Molecular epidemiology of viruses in childhood gastroenteritis" was to identify and characterize viruses which play a role in acute dehydrating diarrhea. To achieve our aims, we utilized a variety of molecular methods, such as polyacryamide gelelectrophoresis of genomic viral RNA, and, virus-specific PCR and reverse transcription-PCR assays. Our study covered both common enteric viruses (such as group A rotaviruses, enteric adenoviruses and noroviruses), rare enteric viruses (group C rotaviruses), as well as a number of known or newly described enteric viruses (eg, picobirnavirus, HAdV-52, nodavirus, or a novel astrovirus), some of which are not definitively associated with acute diarrhea. Detection and characterization of the medically important enteric viruses revealed a complex epidemiologic profile, and considerable genetic heterogeneity at the nuceic acid sequence level. Thus far, there is no evidence of circulation of the putative enteric pathogens in Hungary. Continued epidemiologic monitoring of enteric viruses is important for public health as this information facilitates the design of effective and appropriate prevention measures

EuroRotaNet--European rotavirus strain surveillance network established with Hungarian participation

Group A rotaviruses are the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis worldwide. The incidence and distribution of group A rotavirus sero/genotypes varies between geographical areas during a rotavirus season, and from one season to the next. In addition, cocirculation of genetically diverse multitypic rotaviruses and of intratypic variants in any one place and time is common. Assuming widespread use of rotavirus vaccine in the near future, comprehensive surveillance of natural rotavirus infections is vital. EuroRotaNet has been established in order to gather comprehensive information on the rotavirus types co-circulating throughout Europe. The main objectives of the network are to (i) develop methods and algorithms for effective rotavirus strain typing and characterisation, (ii) describe in detail the molecular epidemiology of rotavirus infections in Europe, (iii) monitor the effectiveness of current genotyping methods and respond to changes associated with genetic drift and shift, and (iv) monitor the emergence and spread of novel rotavirus strains within Europe. This infrastructure may serve as a platform for future surveillance activities and nested studies for evaluating the effectiveness of a rotavirus vaccine in the general population. Studies to monitor the reduction in disease associated with common rotavirus types, the possible vaccine-induced emergence of antibody escape mutants of genotypes other than those included in the vaccine and of reassortment between vaccine and naturally circulating wildtype strains are required

Validated methods for assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis in rheumatology

Rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other types of arthritides and connective tissue diseases, is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis, and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The early signs of cardiovascular disease therefore need to be recognized in patients with these conditions so that effective cardiovascular protection can be introduced. This Review provides an overview of validated techniques that are currently available to determine subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatic conditions. Techniques for early assessment of endothelial dysfunction include brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation and laser Doppler flowmetry. Coronary circulation can be assessed by measuring coronary flow reserve using CT, MRI or PET based techniques. The standard indicators of arterial stiffness are pulse-wave velocity and the augmentation index. Carotid atherosclerosis is determined by the common carotid intima–media thickness (ccIMT) measurement or by the assessment of plaques and plaque areas. The combination of ccIMT with plaque assessment is likely to increase the predictive value of this approach. The potential use of a multimarker approach to increase the diagnostic and prognostic value of these clinical assessments is also discussed