Journal of clinical virology : the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology
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The orf virus of sheep and goats is one of several zoonotic parapoxviruses. In the ovine/caprine host it causes contagious ecthyma (contagious pustular dermatitis, scabby mouth), but in humans it normally causes solitary or clustered orf lesions, typically on hands, arms or face. In addition to disease in the animals, the virus can be quite a nuisance as an occupational hazard in farmers and butchers. Clinical diagnosis is often possible, but laboratory diagnosis is sometimes necessary. For virus isolation, primary ovine or bovine cells, not routinely present, are needed. Serological methods exist, but electron microscopy is the most commonly used method. ⋯ A robust PCR was developed, with very small inter-run variation. All specificity demands were met, and the sensitivity seems to be good or excellent. All negative specificity controls from cell cultures and non-orf viruses were negative. Twenty-two (95.7%) of 23 scab or swab specimens with suspected orf etiology were orf PCR positive. Five of eight skin specimens from sheep heads from the abattoir were positive, and all 11 swab specimens from asymptomatic sheep were negative. Electron microscopy demonstrated orf-like particles in orf-PCR positive specimens. This PCR seems to be suitable as a diagnostic test for orf in humans, but asymptomatic virus shedding in sheep or goats may complicate veterinary applications of the assay.
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Little is known on the participation of immunoglobulin isotypes and subclasses in the pathogenesis of the severe disease caused by the pandemic influenza virus (influenza A(H1N1)pdm09). ⋯ Our results support a central role of IgM in preventing uncontrolled inflammatory response and mortality in severe pandemic influenza. Early assessment of IgM could contribute to guide clinical decisions in these patients.
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Severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) due to human adenoviruses (HAdVs) in immunocompetent adults has raised concerns. ⋯ Our identification of severe respiratory illness due to adenovirus, especially type 11 may highlight the need for rapid diagnosis and improved surveillance, which may assist with targeted development of antiviral agents or type-specific vaccines.
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Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) can be used at the point-of-care and are often the only influenza tests readily available in outpatient facilities. ⋯ Clinicians in outpatient facilities often relied on RIDT findings to aid in making antiviral treatment decisions; however their treatment practices were not always consistent with CDC guidelines. The use of RIDTs and antiviral medicines were influenced by the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.