The sensitivity and the specificity of two new commercial reagent tests, an indirect fluorescent antibody test (FAT) with a mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) RSV antigen detection kit, were determined by a comparison of results from these tests with those of tissue culture isolation and an indirect FAT with bovine polyclonal antibody (BPA). Of 251 nasal aspirates from infants with suspected RSV infection, positive results were found for 99 (39%) by the FAT-MAb, 93 (37%) by the FAT-BPA, and 87 (35%) by the ELISA; 69 of 240 (29%) were positive by cultures. The FAT-MAb was a more sensitive technique than cultures, with 87% sensitivity for the FAT-MAb and 84% for the ELISA. It was also more sensitive than the FAT-BPA, with 97% sensitivity for the FAT-MAb and 85% for the ELISA. This could be caused only by the distinctive volume of suspended specimens used in these tests. Of 171 negative culture specimens, positive (but not false-positive) results were found for 18% by the FAT-MAb and for 12% by the ELISA. Inversely, 13% of 69 culture positive specimens were FAT-MAb negative and 16% were ELISA negative, emphasizing the importance of tissue cultures for the maximum recovery of RSV, as well as for detection of other respiratory viruses. The FAT-MAb and ELISA were easy to perform and interpret, thus facilitating wider use.
Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHu-EPO) in the treatment of renal anemia might predispose to an increased risk of thrombotic complications. In an attempt to comprehend the involvement of the physiologic inhibitors of coagulation in this process, we studied 2 groups of hemodialysis patients. Group I included 21 patients receiving a starting dose of 90 IU/kg/week s.c, and group II included 17 patients without rHu-EPO. The following coagulation tests were performed before rHu-EPO treatment, and after 1, 6 and 12 months: prothrombin time; activated partial fistula thromboplastin time; fibrinogen; plasminogen activity; antithrombin III activity; protein C activity; total and free protein S antigens, and C4b binding protein. Only the latter three parameters were changed in group 1 while high baseline levels of protein S antigens were found in both groups. A decrease in total and free protein S was observed within 1 month of treatment. At the 6th month total protein S returned to near pretreatment values, whereas a significant fall in free protein S (p = 0.007) was observed. All three parameters returned to near baseline values by 12 months. These results suggest that protein S activity can be altered at the beginning of EPO therapy, a change that under favoring circumstances might contribute to the thrombotic events reported during the early phase of rHu-EPO treatment.
No abstract
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations鈥揷itations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright 漏 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 馃挋 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.