Relationship between RANTES Polymorphisms and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis in a Japanese Infant Population

SUMMARY: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most important virus associated with bronchiolitis in infants and young children. The regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted protein (RANTES, also known as CCL5) appears to be a key player in the etiology of RSV-infected airway inflammation. In this study, we genotyped three single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the RANTES gene: -403G/A, -28C/G, and In1.1T/C in 59 infants with severe RSV bronchiolitis and 201 control subjects. The frequencies of the -403G/A ＋ A/A, -28C/G ＋ G/G, and In1.1T/C ＋ C/C genotypes were significantly lower in patients with severe RSV bronchiolitis than in control subjects, and the frequencies of the -403A, -28G, and In1.1C alleles were significantly lower in RSV patients than in control subjects. The present results suggest that RANTES polymorphisms may confer risk for severe RSV bronchiolitis. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most important pathogen causing lower respiratory tract infection in infants and young children (1-3). Bronchiolitis is an important disease in infancy and early childhood, and the development of severe bronchiolitis is closely related to RSV infection. Previous studies have implicated cellular immunity in airway inflammation after RSV infection (4,5). Multiple proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines released by alveolar macrophages and epithelial cells are involved in the activation of cellular immunity after RSV infection (6). Regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted protein (RANTES, also known as CCL5) is a chemokine that attracts monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and memory T lymphocytes (7-11). RANTES is generated by macrophages, CD8

Epizootiological survey of Trichinella spp. infection in carnivores, rodents and insectivores in Hokkaido, Japan.

In order to evaluate the present epidemiological situation of Trichinella infection in wild animals in Hokkaido, Japan, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) , brown bears (Ursus arctos) , martens (Martes melampus), rodents and insectivores captured in Hokkaido were examined for muscle larvae by the artificial digestion method from 2000 to 2006. Foxes (44/319, 13.8%), raccoon dogs (6/77, 7.8%) and brown bears (4/126, 3.2%) were found to be infected with Trichinella larvae and all other animal species evaluated were negative. Multiplex PCR and DNA sequencing revealed that larvae from a fox captured in Otofuke, in south-eastern Hokkaido, were T. nativa, and larvae from 27 animals including 21 foxes, 2 raccoon dogs and 4 brown bears captured in western Hokkaido were Trichinella T9

The use of tetracycline in anthelmintic baits to assess baiting rate and drug efficacy against Echinococcus multilocularis in foxes.

Anthelmintic (praziquantel) baiting of wild red foxes against Echinococcus multilocularis infection was studied in a highly epizootic suburban area of Otaru, Hokkaido (the northern island of Japan) during the summer and autumn in the years 1999-2004. Acceptance of baits containing the biomarker tetracycline (TC) was evaluated. The prevalence of E. multilocularis infection in foxes before baiting (1999-2000) was 58% (88/153), whereas in the fourth year of bait distribution year (2004), it decreased to 11% (5/45). Analysis of TC marking in the teeth of foxes showed that 39% (77/195) of those captured after baiting were estimated to have consumed baits in the year of capture. Importantly, more juvenile (56%, 49/87) than adult foxes (26%, 28/108) were marked, indicating efficient baiting of juveniles, which tended to have a higher worm burden of E. multilocularis. Of 77 marked foxes, E. multilocularis and Alaria alata (monitored as the second indicator species of deworming) were not detected in 70 (90%) and 76 (99%) foxes, respectively. The results suggest effective deworming by bait consumption. However, it was also demonstrated that 9% of the marked foxes were infected or re-infected after bait consumption, suggesting high infection pressure and the importance of frequent baiting

Lymphadenitis caused by Purpureocillium lilacinum in a patient with CARD9 deficiency

We hereby make the first report of a case of mycosis caused by Purpureocillium lilacinum in CARD9 deficiency. A 40-year-old woman complained of lymph node swellings in the left cervical area. She also had chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC), and was found to have CARD9 deficiency. Lymphadenitis by P. lilacinum was confirmed. The diagnosis was difficult, as culturing the biopsy specimen at a cautiously selected temperature (25 °C) and genetic analysis were both required. Oral administration of voriconazole improved her lymphadenopathy

Maternal Intake of Natto, a Japan's Traditional Fermented Soybean Food, during Pregnancy and the Risk of Eczema in Japanese Babies

Background: There are reports that the maternal diet during pregnancy may affect development of babies' eczema. We sought to investigate the association between the maternal diet during pregnancy and the risk of eczema in infancy in Japan. Methods: A birth cohort was set up at 2 hospitals in Chiba city. Dietary habits concerning fish, butter, margarine, yogurt and natto during pregnancy was obtained from mothers just after delivery. The intake frequencies of these foods were classified into four groups: 1) daily, 2) 2-3 times a week, 3) once a week and 4) once a month or less. Diagnosis of eczema at 6 months of age was made by the presence of an itchy rash that persisted more than two months. Results: Valid data on 650 mother-baby pairs were obtained. No relationship between frequencies of the maternal intake of fish, margarine and yogurt during pregnancy and the onset rate of the babies' eczema were observed. For butter consumption, the incidence of babies' eczema was significantly higher in the group with daily intake than in those with an intake 2-3 times a week or less (p=0.044). For natto, incidence of babies' eczema was significantly lower in the group with everyday intake than those eating it 2-3 times a week or less (p=0.020). Conclusions: High frequency intake of natto during pregnancy possibly reduces the incidence of eczema in children at 6 months of age