Micronutrient levels and nutritional status of school children living in Northwest Ethiopia

Several micronutrients are essential for adequate growth of children. However, little information is available on multiple micronutrient status of school children in Ethiopia. The present study was designed to evaluate the relationship between multiple micronutrient levels and nutritional status among school children. In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric data, blood and stool samples were collected from 100 children at Meseret Elementary School in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia. Serum concentration of magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium and molybdenum were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Anthropometric indices of weight-for-age, height-for-age and BMI-for-age were used to estimate the children's nutritional status. Stool samples were examined by standard microscopic methods for intestinal parasites. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting and intestinal parasitoses among school children was 23%, 21%, 11% and18%, respectively. The mean serum levels of magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium and molybdenum were 2.42±0.32 (mg/dl), 15.31±2.14 (mg/dl), 328.19±148.91 (μg/dl), 191.30±50.17 (μg/dl), 86.40±42.40 (μg/dl), 6.32±2.59 (μg/dl), and 0.23±0.15 (μg/dl), respectively. Selenium deficiency, zinc deficiency and magnesium deficiency occurred in 62%, 47%, and 2% of the school children, respectively. Height-for-age showed significant positive correlation with the levels of copper and molybdenum (p = 0.01) and with the levels of magnesium (p = 0.05). Deficiencies of selenium and zinc were high among the school children although the deficiencies were not significantly related with their nutritional status. The prevalence of both malnutrition and intestinal parasitism was not negligible. These calls for the need to undertake multicentre studies in various parts of the country to substantiate the data obtained in the present study so that appropriate and beneficial strategies for micronutrient supplementation and interventions on nutritional deficiencies can be planned.


Serum zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, and magnesium levels in pregnant and non-pregnant women in gondar, northwest ethiopia

Pregnant women in developing countries are vulnerable to multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Studies assessing serum levels of the micronutrients and magnitude of their deficiencies are very scarce in African subjects. This study was aimed at determining serum levels of micronutrients in 375 pregnant (42 HIV seropositive) and 76 non-pregnant women (20 HIV seropositive) who visited the University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. Serum concentrations of zinc,copper, selenium, calcium, and magnesium were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Irrespective of HIV serostatus, pregnant women had significantly higher serum concentrations of copper and copper/zinc ratio and significantly lower magnesium compared to those in non-pregnant women (P < 0.05). Except for selenium, which was significantly lower in HIV-seropositive pregnant women (P < 0.05), the mean serum concentrations of zinc, copper, calcium, and magnesium were not significantly different between pregnant women by HIV serostatus. The prevalence of deficiency in zinc, magnesium, selenium, and calcium in the pregnant women, irrespective of their HIV serostatus, was 66.7%, 25.6%, 21.9%, and 9.3%, respectively. The magnitude of deficiency in zinc, magnesium, and selenium was significantly higher in HIV seropositive pregnant women (76.2%, 52.4%, and 45.2%) than that in HIV-seronegative pregnant women (65.5%, 22.2%, and 18.9%) and in HIV-seronegative non-pregnant women (42.9%, 8.1%, and 30.4%; P < 0.05). Deficiency in one, two, three, or four mineral elements was observed in 44.8%, 14.4%, 9.9%, and 5.1% of the pregnant women, respectively. Only 25.9% of the pregnant women and 44.7% of the non-pregnant women were not deficient in any of the micronutrients. The high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Gondar, Ethiopia warrants the need for strategies on prevention and control of the deficiencies.


Micronutrient deficiencies and anemia among preschool children in rural Vietnam

The prevalence of trace elements deficiencies, vitamin A deficiency, anemia, and their relationships were investigated in a cross sectional study involving 243 children aged from 12 to 72 months in rural Vietnam. Serum levels of copper, zinc, selenium and magnesium were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and that of retinol by high performance liquid chromatography. Hemoglobin concentration in whole blood was measured by the cyanmethemoglobin method. The prevalence of deficiencies in zinc, selenium, magnesium, and copper was 86.9%, 62.3%, 51.9%, and 1.7%, respectively. On the other hand, 55.6% were anemic and 11.3% had vitamin A deficiency. Deficiency in two or more micronutrient was found in 79.4% of the children. Parameters associated significantly with anemia were selenium deficiency (OR 2.80 95% CI 1.63-4.80, p=0.0002) and serum retinol<1.05 micromol/L (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.10-3.05, p=0.021). Magnesium deficiency (OR 3.09 95% CI 1.36-7.03) was found to be a risk factor for zinc deficiency and vice versa. The results indicate that micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent among preschool children in Vietnam. In addition, the results also demonstrate a strong relationship between selenium deficiency and anemia. Clearly, sustainable strategies are urgently required to overcome the problems in the country.

Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition


Skin sensitivity reactions to some allergens in different population groups of Ethiopian subjects

The prevalence of allergic diseases to a variety of allergens has only been studied in a few countries and it has never been studied in Ethiopia. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of skin sensitivity reactions to allergens in Ethiopian subjects. A total of 216 subjects were tested with a skin scratch test using five types of allergens and also for total and differential white blood cell counts. Positive reaction to one or more allergens was detected in 49.5% of the subjects, the most prevalent allergen being mite extract. Some 27% showed a positive reaction to multiple allergens. The mean eosinophil count was higher in the subjects reacting to at least one of the allergens compared to those with no reaction (p=0.038). The results demonstrate a high prevalence of allergic reactions to the few allergens tested. Further studies using several allergens are recommended to substantiate this finding.

International Journal of Environmental Health Research


HIV and intestinal parasites in adult TB patients in a teaching hospital in Northwest Ethiopia

The level of HIV infection and intestinal parasitoses among TB patients was assessed in a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving 257 patients in Gondar, Ethiopia. In TB patients, our study reported co-infection with HIV (52.1%) and intestinal parasites (40.9%) The high prevalence of HIV and intestinal parasites indicates an increased morbidity inTB patients and emphasized the importance of continued HIV sero-surveillance, stool analysis and treatment.


Seaweeds as a reservoir for diverse Vibrio parahaemolyticus populations in Japan

Gastroenteritis caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus has recently been associated with foods prepared with seaweeds, but little is known about the bacterium's abundance and diversity among seaweeds in coastal environment. Therefore, we determined its phenotypic and genotypic diversity in relation to its seasonal abundance in seawater and seaweed samples from three areas of Kii Channel, Japan during June 2003 to May 2004. Isolates were obtained by selective enrichment of samples and detection of V. parahaemolyticus by colony hybridization with a species-specific probe. A total of 128 isolates comprising 16 from each source in each season were characterized by serotyping and ribotyping. V. parahaemolyticus was more abundant in seaweeds (3,762 isolates) than in water samples (2,238 isolates). Twenty and 17 serotypes were found among the selected seaweed and seawater isolates, respectively. Cluster analysis revealed 19, 11, 7 and 9 ribotypes during summer, autumn, winter and spring, respectively. Seaweeds supported a diverse V. parahaemolyticus population throughout the year and thus seaweeds are a reservoir for the organism. However, V. parahaemolyticus occurrence had positive correlation with water temperature and its abundance in seaweeds was at least 50 times higher during summer than in winter.

International Journal of Food Microbiology


Seroprevalence of Syphilis and HIV-1 during Pregnancy in a Teaching Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the countries in which sexually transmitted infections are highly prevalent. However, the data needed to present a realistic picture of the infections are lacking. This study was therefore designed to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis and HIV-1 among pregnant women at the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital. A prospective cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted between March and June, 2005. Blood samples were collected from 480 pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic of the hospital. Sera were tested for syphilis using the Rapid Plasma Regain (RPR) and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) kits, and serostatus for HIV infection was checked using rapid HIV diagnostic test kits following the manufacturers' instructions. The mean (+/-SD) age of the study participants was 26.1 (+/-7.2) years. The seroprevalence of syphilis was 1%. Antibodies against HIV-1 were detected in 9.6% of the pregnant women. A higher HIV-1 prevalence (13%) was observed in the 25- to 29-year-old age group followed by the 30- to 34-year-old age group (10.2%). Only one subject (2.2%) was found to be positive for both HIV-1 and syphilis. The data indicated a relatively declined prevalence of syphilis and HIV-1 among pregnant women in an urban antenatal clinic. However, incidence and behavioral studies are required to substantiate the findings.


Molecular epidemiology of HIV type 1 in treatment-naive patients in north Ethiopia

To understand the predominant HIV subtype and drug-resistant viruses in northwest Ethiopia, isolates from 92 antiretroviral drug-naive HIV-1-infected tuberculosis patients were analyzed. Of these patients, 90 (97.8%) were found to be infected with viral subtype C. Other isolates had subtype A (1.1%) and subtype D (1.1%). No primary mutations were associated with protease inhibitor drug resistance. One case (1.1%) had the reverse-transcriptase mutation, V75I. Two patients (2.2%) had the G190A mutation, which confers resistance to the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, nevirapine. Our study demonstrates that subtype C is the major HIV-1 subtype in northwest Ethiopia. Our results also reveal that the population in the study area had been exposed to antiretrovirals and that treatment-naive patients had drug resistance mutations. Thus, our results emphasize the need for routine drug resistance monitoring in northwest Ethiopia.


Deficient serum retinol levels in HIV-infected and uninfected patients with tuberculosis in Gondar, Ethiopia


Vitamin A deficiency in patients with diarrhea and HIV infection in Ethiopia

Diarrhea, micronutrient deficiencies and HIV/AIDS are major public health problems in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was aimed to investigate serum levels of vitamin A in diarrheic patients with and without HIV co-infection compared to healthy controls. Two hundred eleven diarrheic patients (110 HIV infected), 87 apparently healthy controls and 41 asymptomatic HIV seropositive blood donors who visited the University of Gondar Hospital, in Gondar, Ethiopia were included. Stool samples were examined for enteropathogens following the standard procedures. Serum vitamin A levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Shigella species were isolated from 8.5% of the patients while intestinal parasites were detected in 32.2% without significant difference by HIV serostatus. The mean+/-SD serum vitamin A in diarrheic patients with (0.82+/-0.59 micromol/L) and without (0.84+/-0.54 micromol/L) HIV co-infection and in asymptomatic HIV infected blood donors (0.96+/-0.52 micromol/L) was significantly lower than that in healthy controls (1.52+/-0.71 micromol/L), p<0.001. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD, serum retinol < 0.70 micromol/L) was observed in 52.7% and 45.5% of diarrheic patients with and without HIV co-infection, respectively. About 13% of healthy controls and 29.3% of asymptomatic HIV infected blood donors were deficient in vitamin A. The levels of serum vitamin A were not associated with the presence of intestinal parasites or Shigella species. The findings demonstrate that VAD is a severe public health problem among diarrheic patients in Gondar, Ethiopia. Intervention programmes involving health and nutrition education and supplementation of vitamin A might help in reducing morbidity in such patients.


The HIV/tuberculosis co-infection and clinical manifestations of tuberculosis in HIV infected and uninfected adults in a teaching hospital Northwest Ethiopia

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection


Serum Levels of Trace Elements and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Adult Vietnamese

This study was aimed at assessing the serum levels of vitamin A, copper, zinc, selenium, and iron among adult Vietnamese with and without iron-deficiency anemia. Blood was collected from adult Vietnamese living in the midland of northern Vietnam. One hundred twenty-three subjects in the age range 20-60 yr were included in the study. Anemia, where the concentration of hemoglobin in whole blood is less than 120 g/L in females and 130 g/L in males, was found in 30% (37/123) of the study population. The levels of vitamin Aand selenium in the sera of anemic subjects (n = 37) were significantly lower than that in nonanemic group (n = 86). On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in the concentrations of copper and zinc between the two groups. This study was the first to show serum levels of trace elements in adult Vietnamese, providing useful baseline information for further studies.


Modulation of Oral Tolerance to Ovalbumin by Dietary Protein in Mice

This study sought to determine whether oral tolerance to ovalbumin (OVA), responsible for food allergy, is affected by different amounts of protein intake. For this, 6-wk-old BALB/c mice were fed with low protein (5%, LP), normal protein (20%, NP) and high protein (40%, HP) diets, orally given either OVA (OVA-fed) or water (Water-fed) for 4 d, and then immunized intraperitoneally twice at a 3-wk interval with alum-precipitated OVA. After the last immunization, sera were collected to measure total and OVA-specific IgE by enzyme assay (ELISA). Splenocytes were cultured and stimulated with concanavalin A (Con A), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or OVA and assayed for 3H-thymidine incorporation. The culture supernatants from their splenocytes stimulated with OVA were analyzed for interleukin (IL)-4, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and IL-12. Total IgE was significantly higher in OVA-fed HP groups as compared to NP and LP groups (p<0.05). The highest and the lowest OVA-specific IgE were observed in HP and LP diet groups, respectively (p<0.05). OVA-fed mice receiving the LP diet demonstrated significantly lower IL-4 as compared to the other two groups (p<0.05), while IFN-gamma was significantly higher in the LP compared to the HP group (p<0.05). Levels of IL-12 did not differ among the OVA-fed groups. Splenocytes of OVA-fed mice kept on the LP and HP diet showed significant impairment of proliferation to OVA as compared to the NP group (p<0.01). Proliferation against Con A was impaired in the LP group compared to the NP group (p<0.05) but not in Water-fed groups. However, it was higher against LPS in the HP than the LP group (p<0.05) both in Water-fed and OVA-fed animals. All these findings indicate that established oral tolerance to OVA is clearly affected by the amount of protein diet. They support the suggestion that dietary protein plays an important role(s) in IgE-mediated food allergies.

Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology


Antibacterial Activity of Citrus Fruit Juices against Vibrio Species

Lemon, lime and sudachi juices were tested for antibacterial activity against seven strains of Vibrio species. All juices were effective in inhibiting the growth of the Vibrio strains. Citric acid, the major organic acid in these juices, was found to be responsible for inhibiting the growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Sauce prepared from sudachi juice showed a strong bactericidal activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, whereas the sauce adjusted to higher pH values had no bacterial activity. Diluted sudachi juice or citric acid solution also had antibacterial activity independently. These results suggest that citrus fruit juices are effective in preventing infection with Vibrio species.


Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus among blood donors in Northwest Ethiopia,1995-2002

Data on age, sex, occupation, HIV serostatus and year of donation were collected from the blood donors log book of Gondar College of Medical Sciences Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, for the period between January 1995 and December 2002 and analysed. The crude HIV seroprevalence was 9.9% (1109/11,204). A declining trend in the prevalence was observed from as high as 15.7% (207/1321) in 1995 to 9.3% (123/1327) in 1999 and down to 4.3% (68/1576) in 2002. The declining trend observed in recent years is encouraging and should further be strengthened by making use of the blood bank as an entry point for HIV testing and counselling services.


Seroprevalence of Helycobacter pylori in dyspeptic patients and its relationship with ABO blood groups in a University Hospital,Northwest Ethiopia

To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) among dyspeptic patients and to assess the relationship between H pylori infection, blood group, HIV infection and life style of the patients. In a hospital-based cross-sectional study, patients attending Outpatient Department of University of Gondar Hospital were enrolled. Socio-demographic information was collected using questionnaires. Serum was analyzed for anti-H pylori IgG antibodies using a commercial kit. HIV serostatus was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blood grouping was performed by slide agglutination tests. A total of 215 dyspeptic patients were included in the study. One hundred and sixteen patients (54%) were females and 99 (46%) were males. Anti-H pylori IgG antibodies were detected in sera of 184 (85.6%) patients. The prevalence was significantly higher in patients aged 50 years and above. Twenty point five percent of the patients were found to be seropositive for HIV. No significant association was found between sex, ABO blood groups, consumption of spicy diets, socio-economic status and seropositivity for H pylori. However, alcohol consumption was significantly associated with H pylori serology. The prevalence of H pylori infection is associated with a history of alcohol intake and older age. The effect of different diet, alcohol and socioeconomic status as risk factors for H pylori infection needs further study.


Altered allergic cytokine and antibody response in mice treated with Bisphenol A

The objective of this study was to elucidate if Bisphenol A (BPA) administration modulates T helper (Th) cell component of immune responses in a mouse challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), a major food antigen. BALB/c mice, (6 weeks old, female) were orally given either OVA (OVA-fed) or water (Water-fed), immunized intraperitoneally with OVA and injected with either BPA in corn oil or the vehicle alone. After subsequent 2nd immunization, serum titers of total IgE, OVA-specific IgE, IgG, IgG1 IgG2a and ability of their splenocytes for production of interferon (IFN) -gamma, interleukin (IL) -4 and IL-12 were examined by ELISA. Lymphocyte proliferation assay against concanavalin A (Con A) or OVA was also performed for 3H-Thymidine incorporation. In Water-fed groups, treatment with BPA resulted in lower titers of total IgE (P<0.01) and higher levels IgG2a (P<0.05) followed by a higher IFN-gamma (P<0.05) and IL-12 (P<0.05) with an intact IL-4. When OVA-fed groups were examined, the compound did not change production of total and OVA-specific IgE and -IgG2a but resulted in lower production of IFN-gamma (P<0.05). Also, BPA resulted in impaired lymphocyte proliferation to Con A in Water-fed groups (P<0.05) but not in tolerated animals. The findings indicate that BPA results in augmentation of Th1 immune responses but no significant effect on an established tolerance to OVA.

The Journal of Medical Investigation : JMI


Isolation and molecular characterization of toxigenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus from the Kii Channel, Japan

Studies were conducted on the ecology of potentially pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus in three coastal areas of Kii Channel, Tokushima, Japan. Seawater and seaweed samples were collected seasonally between June 2003 and May 2004. Total and toxigenic strains of V. parahaemolyticus were isolated using most probable number culture and colony blot hybridization. Toxigenic strains were serotyped and further characterized by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and ribotyping. Six thousand strains of V. parahaemolyticus were isolated and 18 were found positive for tdh. V. parahaemolyticus were detected in all samples during summer and autumn, and from some samples during winter and spring. Among the toxigenic strains seven serotypes, five ribotypes and RAPD patterns were observed. Seven strains belonged to O3:K6 clone with identical ribotypes and RAPD patterns to that of a pandemic reference strain. The presence of toxigenic V. parahaemolyticus with pandemic potential might indicate a human health risk due to consumption of marine food sources.


Alterations in Serum Levels of Trace Elements in Tuberculosis and HIV Infections

To evaluate serum concentrations of trace elements in tuberculosis (TB) patients with or with out human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection before and after anti-TB chemotherapy. A total of 155 TB patients, 74 of which were coinfected with HIV, and 31 healthy controls from Gondar, Ethiopia. Serum levels of copper, zinc, selenium and iron were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer from all subjects at baseline and from 44 TB patients (22 with HIV coinfection) at the end of an intensive phase of anti-TB chemotherapy. Compared with the control group, the concentrations of iron, zinc and selenium were significantly lower (P<0.05) while that of copper and copper/zinc ratio was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the serum of TB patients. TB patients with HIV coinfection had significantly lower serum zinc and selenium concentrations and significantly higher copper/zinc ratio compared to that in TB patients without HIV coinfection (P<0.05). The serum concentration of zinc had significantly increased at the end of intensive phase of anti-TB chemotherapy in patients without HIV coinfection (P<0.05). An increase in serum selenium level was observed in TB patients with or without HIV coinfection after therapy. On the contrary, serum copper concentration and copper/zinc ratio declined significantly after anti-TB chemotherapy irrespective of HIV serostatus (P<0.05). The results indicate that TB patients have altered profile of trace elements in their sera. This warrants the need for further investigations so that strategies for trace elements supplementation can be planned in addition to their potential as diagnostic parameters in monitoring responses to anti-TB chemotherapy.


Serological Diversity Demonstrable by a Set of Monoclonal Antibodies to Eight Serotypes of the Mutans Streptococci

A set of monoclonal antibodies were prepared by the conventional cell fusion of myeloma cells (SP2/0-Ag14) with spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunised with whole cells of a strain of mutans streptococci. Their specificities were examined against 35 reference strains of mutans streptococci, 34 reference strains of other oral streptococci and 8 reference strains of other microorganisms often inhabiting the oral cavity. Specificity was examined by enzyme immunoassay using whole cells. A total of 52 strains, consisting of 19 strains isolated in Japan, 19 strains isolated in Italy and 14 strains isolated in England, were characterised by conventional physiological and biochemical tests and then serotyped by the use of 8 monoclonal antibodies with different specificities. They were also confirmed by guanine-plus-cytosine contents of their nucleic acid and DNA-DNA hybridisation test. The results indicated that all monoclonal antibodies are useful for identification of 8 serotypes of the mutans streptococci responsible for dental caries. They also suggest the existence of more serological varieties among mutans species.


Expression of Chemokine Receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 on CD4+ T Cells and Plasma Chemokine Levels During Treatment of Active Tuberculosis in HIV-1-Coinfected Patients

The pathogenesis of persistently elevated plasma HIV viremia in patients coinfected with tuberculosis (TB) during anti-TB treatment in Africans remains unknown. We examined the expression of chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4 on CD4+ T cells and plasma chemokine levels of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta, regulated on activation normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES), and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1alpha among TB patients with HIV coinfection during the first 2 months of anti-TB treatment. During treatment of TB, the plasma HIV-1 load and CD4+ T-cell count remained unchanged. Levels of CCR5 and CXCR4 expression on CD4+ T cells as well as plasma levels of chemokines remained persistently elevated during anti-TB treatment. Persistently elevated plasma HIV viremia also paralleled persistently elevated expressions of activated CCR5+ or CXCR4+ CD4+ T cells. These results suggest that increased expression of CCR5 and CXCR4 on an activated CD4+ T-cell population coupled with persistently elevated chemokines may provide a suitable condition for continuous replication of HIV associated with TB coinfection. This, in turn, may contribute, at least in part, to the observed persistently elevated plasma HIV viremia in coinfected patients despite anti-TB treatment.

Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes


今後の(管理)栄養士教育に必要な栄養情報処理演習の教育効果ーアンケート調査よりー

Journal of University Education Research


Seroprevalence of HIV in blood donors in Gondar


HIV and syphilis infection among elderly people in Northwest Ethiopia

The prevalence of HIV has been continually increasing both in urban and rural Ethiopia. As yet, there has been no report on the magnitude of the problem in the elderly and rural population. This study assessed the seroprevalence of HIV and syphilis infection among 706 elderly and predominantly rural subjects in Northwest Ethiopia. Socio-demographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Venous blood was collected and the serostatus of HIV and that of syphilis were checked by ELISA and RPR, respectively. The total HIV-1 seroprevalence was 5% (35/706). Sex-specific prevalences of HIV for males and females were 5.6 and 4.7% respectively. A 4.2% difference in prevalence was observed by area of residence, which was statistically significant, P = 0.018. Only 6% of subjects positive for syphilis were also positive for HIV, while 4.9% of subjects negative for syphilis were positive for HIV. The data indicates that the prevalence of HIV among elderly people in Northwest Ethiopia was high. This indicates the importance of involving the elderly in HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs.


Serotypes, Genotypes and Drug Resistance of Group A Streptococcal Strains Isolated in 1991, 2001 and 2002 in Tokushima Prefecture -Comparison after Decade-

1991年と2001年∼2002年に分離されたA群溶血性レンサ球菌の血清型，遺伝子型および薬剤耐性の比較

Sixty two strains of Group A streptococcus were isolated between August 2001 and June 2002. They were examined for T serotypes, pyrogenic exotoxin genes and resistance against antibiotics. The results were compared with those for 61 isolates of the same species collected between April and December 1991. Among the strains isolated in 1991, T4 was the dominant serotype (18 strains) followed by T12 and T1 (each 15 strains). These three serotypes represented 78.7% of the total number. In contrast, among the strains isolated in 2001 and 2002 T28 (13 strains) was the dominant serotype followed by T1 (12 strains) and T4 (7 strains). Examination of these isolates for pyrogenic exotoxin gene revealed that all carried speB and more than half of the strains isolated in 1991, 2001 and 2002 carried both speB and speC. Regarding the combination of T type and toxin genotype, out of the isolates in 1991 fifteen T4 strains were associated with B and C, eleven T12 types with B and C, and nine T1 strains with A and B, while out of the strains isolated in 2001 and 2002 eleven T28 strains were associated with B and C, six T1 strains with B and C, and both five T4 and T12 types with B and C. Sma I Pulsed-field gel electrophorasis analysis revealed that PFGE patterns of T4:spe B and C and T12:spe B and C strains in 2001 and 2002 are same as one of those in 1991, respectively. On the other hand, during the decade strains resistant to macrolide increased from 1 strain (1.6%) to 11 strains (17.7%) and those to tetracycline increased from 23 strains (37.7%) to 32 strains (41.6%). During the same period the incidence of multiple resistance increased from 9 strains (14.7%) to 14 strains (22.5%).


栄養士現場で必要とされる情報処理技術に関する調査

栄養士現場で必要とされる情報処理技術に関する調査


Serum IgE levels of tuberculosis patients in a tropical setup with high prevalence of HIV and intestinal parasitoses

Tuberculosis remains a major health problem worldwide in the era of HIV/AIDS. Co-infection with intestinal parasites has been suggested to worsen the outcome of infection by polarizing the immune response towards Th2. This study investigated serum IgE levels of 241 tuberculosis patients and compared the IgE profiles in the tuberculosis patients either with or without intestinal helminthic infection and/or HIV infection. The serum levels of IgE in tuberculosis patients before initiation of antimycobacterial chemotherapy were found to be 1722 +/- 1290 IU/ml (Mean +/- SD) in HIV seronegatives and 2366 +/- 1849 IU/ml in HIV seropositives. Further, the IgE level was significantly higher in patients coinfected with intestinal helminthes and HIV compared to those infected with helminthes or without coinfection (P < 0.05). Anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy significantly reduced serum IgE levels in HIV seronegative tuberculosis patients (P < 0.05). These findings might indicate an active role of therapy in shifting the immune response towards Th1 which is crucial for prognosis in tuberculosis patients.


Nutritional factors, parasite infection and allergy in rural and suburban Vietnamese shool children

Urban areas often have more allergy than rural areas. Dietary patterns and parasite infection have been suggested as possible related factors. This study evaluated the prevalence of allergy in school children in one rural and suburban area of Vietnam where parasite infection is common. A total of 195 children aged 9 to 13 years old completed a self-administered allergy questionnaire and provided blood and stool samples for analysis. Nutritional status, dietary intake and parasite infection were determined in all participants. Allergy was more common in girls (10.7% vs. 7.6%), suburban children (11.8% vs. 6.9%), children with weight-for-age (16.7% vs. 6.0%) and height-for-age (14.8% vs. 4.9%) in the 10th to 75th percentile compared to <3rd percentile, and in children without trichuriasis compared to light trichuriasis (12.5% vs. 9.3%), although none of these comparisons were statistically significant. Logistic regression adjusted for sex, age and area of residence revealed no association between allergy and nutritional status, food intake or parasite infection. Intake of riboflavin, however, was negatively associated with allergy (OR=0.00, 95% CI:0.00-0.65, p=0.038). In conclusion, we were unable to detect any association between allergy and nutritional status, diet, or parasite infection. However, in a population with high undernutrition and parasite infection, the prevalence of allergy was low and the extremely low intake of riboflavin was associated with a higher risk of allergy.

The Journal of Medical Investigation : JMI


Intestinal parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS and HIV seronegative individuals in a teaching hospital, Ethiopia

The magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) /AIDS patients requires careful consideration in the developing world. However, there have been very few studies addressing this issue in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection in HIV/AIDS patients at Jimma Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia, between January and February 2002. Stool specimens from HIV/AIDS patients and control groups were screened for intestinal parasitic infections using direct and formalin-ether sedimentation concentration methods. Out of 78 HIV/AIDS patients, 52.6% (41/78), and out of 26 HIV-negative individuals, 42.3% (11/26), were infected with one or more types of intestinal protozoa and/or helminthes. The parasites detected among HIV/AIDS patients included Ascaris lumbricoides (30.8%), Blastocystis spp. (14.1%), Entamoeba histolytica (10.3%), Trichuris trichiura (6.4%), Strongyloides stercoralis (5.1%), Giardia lamblia (3.8%), Schistosoma mansoni (2.5%), hookworm species (2.5%), and Taenia spp. (1.3%). Multiple infections were more common among HIV/AIDS patients. Blastocystis spp. were found to be significantly higher in HIV/AIDS patients than in controls (P < 0.05). The magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection was high both in HIV/AIDS patients and in controls. Routine examinations of stool samples for parasites would significantly benefit the HIV-infected and uninfected individuals by contributing to reduce morbidity.


CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets and immune activation markers in HIV-1 infected adults in Ethiopia


大学生の甲殻類に対するアレルギー調査

大学生の甲殻類に対するアレルギー調査


Further Evidence Regarding the Effect of Dietary Protein on Oral Tolerance against Beta-Lactoglobulin through Th1-mediated Immune Response in Mice

Oral tolerance is a potential strategy for preventing or minimizing aberrant immune responses. Although, oral tolerance has been extensively studied, to date the effects of dietary protein on the induction of oral tolerance are poorly understood. We have previously shown that restricted dietary protein induces oral tolerance to ovalbumin. This study was designed to investigate whether or not such tolerance occurs with beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) instead of ovalbumin (OVA) and if the tolerance resulting from this feeding regimen involves Th1-mediated immune response. Female BALB/c mice fed either 20% or 5% dietary protein were given 5 mg BLG or water orally for four consecutive days and then immunized intraperitoneally (ip) twice with BLG at 3-wk intervals. Oral tolerance induction was compared in BLG-fed and water-fed mice by measuring total IgE, BLG-specific antibodies, footpad reactions, splenocyte proliferation, and cytokine production. When mice were given BLG orally before ip immunization, the Th1-mediated immune responses (production of IL-2, IFN-gamma, and IgG2a) were significantly reduced, whereas the Th2-mediated immune responses (production of IL-4 and IgG1) were unchanged. The Th1-mediated immune responses were markedly down-regulated in mice fed 5% protein as compared to those in mice fed 20% protein. Moreover, the production of total IgE, BLG-specific IgE, splenocyte proliferation, and footpad reactions were more reduced in mice fed 5% protein than those in mice fed 20% protein. The present study provides evidence that dietary protein plays an important role in the induction of oral tolerance against BLG as the result of, clear down-regulation of Th1 helper activity accompanied by a reduction in IgE.

Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology


ENHANCEMENT OF ORAL TOLERANCE IN MICE BY LOW DIETARY PROTEIN AND THE MECHANISMS INVOLVED

Nutriton and Immunology in the 21st Century


Partial purification and characterization of the bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus YIT 0154

One strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus was found to produce a bacteriocin-like substance in the culture filtrate. The substance was produced in a growth-associated manner, showed heat stability at neutral and acidic pH and exhibited antibacterial activity against various species of Lactobacillus including L. acidophilus itself. The molecular weight of the substance was in the range of 6.2-95 kDa. N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis suggests that the substance may belong to class IIb bacteriocin.


Genetic studies on reference strains of mutans streptococci

Twenty four reference strains (serotype a-h) belonging to the mutans group of streptococci were compared for DNA fragment patterns of rDNA after treatment with Hind III. It was shown that Streptococcus cricetus (serotype a), S. rattus (serotype b), and S. downei (serotype h) reveals comparatively homogeneous patterns while S. mutans (serotype c, e and f) exhibits differences between the different serotypes as well as within single serotypes. S. sobrinus had an intermediary diversity. These data support the previous findings that S. mutans is heterogeneous at the serological, biochemical and genetical level.


Type II Alveolar Cells Play Roles in Macrophage-Mediated Host Innate Resistance to Pulmonary Mycobacterial Infections by Producing Proinflammatory Cytokines

Roles of type II pneumocytes in macrophage (Mphi)-mediated host resistance to pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and M. avium complex (MAC) infections were studied. Electron microscopy of the lung sections of mice given intratracheal infection indicated that the organisms invaded both Mphis and type II pneumocytes. When Mono-Mac-6 Mphis(MM6-Mphis) and A-549 type II pneumocytes (A-549 cells) were cocultivated, bacterial growth in MM6-Mphis was reduced by A-549 cell-derived soluble factors, indicating the roles of type II pneumocytes in Mphi-mediated host resistance to mycobacteria. MTB- or MAC-infected A-549 cells showed increased mitochondrial RNA expression of cytokines and surfactant proteins (SPs), in the order tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) > or = granulocyte-Mphi colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) > Mphi chemoattractant protein > or = interleukin-8 > SP-D. Anti-TNF-alpha and anti-GM-CSF antibodies attenuated A-549 cell-dependent inhibition of intramacrophage mycobacteria, indicating their crucial roles in A-549 cell-mediated potentiation of Mphi antimycobacterial activity.


Low Protein Diet Induces Oral Tolerance to Ovalbumin in Mice

The suitable development of oral tolerance against ingested dietary foods is of critical importance to escaping food allergy. Using mice as an animal model for oral tolerance against ovalbumin (OVA) as a dietary antigen, we investigated the effects of dietary protein on their immunological tolerance. Female BALB/c mice fed either a 20% or 5% protein diet were orally administered 5 mg of OVA for four consecutive days, then immunized intraperitoneally with 100 microg of OVA. The immunized group of mice were fed and treated in the same manner, except that they received orally distilled water for four consecutive days before receiving intraperitoneal immunization with the antigen. Immunization alone with OVA elevated the total IgE and induced the production of OVA-specific antibodies IgE, IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a in the sera of both the 20% and 5% protein diet groups. The oral administration of OVA to mice before intraperitoneal immunization significantly reduced the total IgE and OVA-specific antibodies in mice fed 5% protein diet, but it had hardly any effect on those in mice fed a 20% protein diet. When spleen cells from these groups of mice were cultured with OVA as a mitogen, they responded substantially to OVA in the immunized groups fed 20% and 5% protein diets and in the presensitized group fed 20% protein, but those from the presensitized group fed a 5% protein diet did not respond. Furthermore, when IL-4 was assayed in the spleen cell cultures of the 20% and 5% groups, mice in the presensitized group fed a 5% protein diet produced a significantly less amount of IL-4 than those fed a 20% protein diet. Moreover, irrelevant to the protein amount in the diet, the production of IFN-gamma from spleen cell cultures dramatically decreased in the group without presensitization and profoundly increased in the presensitized group of mice fed a 5% protein diet. These findings suggest that a low-protein diet leads to an induction of oral tolerance against dietary antigens; this appears to involve a clear down-regulation of Th2 cytokine, IL-4.


Effect of removable orthodontic appliances on oral colonisation by mutans streptococci in children

Little is known about the effect of removable orthodontic appliances on oral colonisation by mutans streptococci (MS). In the present study, the frequency of isolation and serotype distribution of MS were evaluated in two groups of children, one undergoing therapy with removable appliances and the other not subjected to any kind of orthodontic treatment, respectively. Streptococci isolated from dental plaque samples from both groups of children were identified as mutans streptococci on the basis of their morphological and biochemical properties and were then serotyped in an enzyme immuno-assay using monoclonal antibodies. The number of subjects harbouring MS in their dental plaque was statistically higher in the group of orthodontic children without caries experience (CF) in comparison with CF children of the control group (10/12, 83.3% vs. 15/44, 34%). No clear difference was observed in the distribution of the different MS serotypes between the experimental and control group: S. mutans c,f serotype was the most frequently isolated in both groups of children followed by S. mutans serotype e and S. sobrinus serotype g. Such results suggest that the use of removable appliances may lead to the creation of new retentive areas and surfaces, which favour the local adherence and growth of MS. The data obtained stress the importance of a careful monitoring of patients treated orthodontically for risk of caries development.


経口免疫寛容に及ぼす低蛋白質食の影響

経口免疫寛容に及ぼす低蛋白質食の影響


Effects of pH variation and NaCl on in vitro digestibility of cow's milk proteins in commercially available infant formulas

Allergenicity and antigenicity of food proteins are generally dependent on their heat-stability and resistance to digestive enzymes. Using the methods of SDS-PAGE and immunoblots, we assessed peptic-digestibility of major milk proteins (casein, beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin) in commercially available infant formulas in acidic pH range (pH 1.5 to 4.0), and we also investigated the effect of NaCl on peptic-digestibility of cow's milk proteins at pH 2.0. The profile of peptic-digestion of casein was similar at pH range from 1.5 to 3.5 where the intact protein of casein rapidly disappeared, whereas slow digestibility of the protein was found at pH 4.0. Beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin were digested at pH range from 1.5 to 2.5 and were almost entirely resistant to peptic digestion at over pH 3.0. In the presence of NaCl at pH 2.0, casein showed a good digestibility by pepsin similar to that in the absence of NaCl, in contrast to beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin both having their peptic-digestibility decreased in the presence of 0.2 M NaCl. As the state of the stomach in new born infants shows low amounts of secretary pepsin and out of optimum pH of peptic activity, low digestibility of beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin in cow's milk based infant formulas at over pH 3.0 is supposed to be responsible for their allergenicity.


Preparation and Epitope Mapping of Monoclonal antibodies to Mex-A Protein of Mex-A,B/ Opr-M Efflux Pump in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

China-Japan Intonational Congress of Microbiology Shanghai Symposium-2000


Expression of heat shock protein in host macrophages correlates with a protective potential against infection with Leishmania major in mice


Characterization of serotype polysaccharide antigen of group E streptococci using a monoclonal antibody

A Monoclonal antibody (MAb II-T) specific for serotypes II and V Group E streptococci (GES) was prepared by fusing myeloma cells with spleen cells of mice immunized with whole cells of a serotype II strain. MAb II-T reacted in an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) with whole cells of both serotypes and reacted in gel diffusion test with autoclaved-saline extraction of serotypes II and V. The extract was purified by DEAE-Sephadex A-25, followed by treatment with proteinase K, and further by chromatography with a Sephadex G-200 column. The purified polysaccharide (PS) antigen contained 98.6% carbohydrate and 1.4% protein, but no detectable phosphorus. In hapten inhibition tests using various sugars, D-mannosamine markedly inhibited the precipitin reaction. These results indicated that the antigenic determinant might have a structure similar to D-mannosamine.


Quantitation by enzyme immunoassay of spirosin from Lactobacillus reuteri and Escherichia coli

Three EIA methods (Direct, Indirect and Sandwich EIA) were studied to quantify spirosin in Lactobacillus reuteri and Escherichia coli cultured under various conditions in an attempt to get some insight into the function of spirosome. Both Direct and Indirect EIA were suited well for the quantitation of L. reuteri spirosin while Direct EIA was appropriate for spirosin of E. coli. Sandwich EIA could not be applied successfully in either case. By use of these methods, the amounts of spirosin produced by E. coli were determined to be 1.4, 36.2 and 46.5 micrograms per mg protein of the cell lysate under aerobic, standing and anaerobic culture conditions, respectively. Since the production profile of spirosin coincided entirely with that of alcohol dehydrogenase, these findings supported the identity of spirosin to alcohol dehydrogenase in E. coli. In the same way, L. reuteri spirosin was quantified to be 73.5 and 65.4 micrograms/ mg protein of the lysate in standing and anaerobic culture, respectively. The production pattern of spirosin did not parallel that of alcohol dehydrogenase among three strains of L. reuteri, suggesting that spirosin might not be identical to alcohol dehydrogenase.


腸チフスパラチフス, 10, 感染症中毒, 今日の治療食指針. II

腸チフスパラチフス, 10, 感染症中毒, 今日の治療食指針. II


Possible role for a polysaccharide antigen shared between Streptococcus pyogenes and S. mutans in the pathogenesis of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis

Streptococcus mutans has been shown to share a polysaccharide (PS) antigen with S. pyogenes strains isolated from patients with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN), using a monoclonal antibody f-77 reactive with the PS. To investigate the pathogenetic role of the shared PS in PSNG, experimental nephritis was induced in animals. Rats were immunized thrice with heat-killed cells of S. mutans or S. pyogenes, followed by an intravenous injection of live cells of S. pyogenes. Histologic examination showed that both animal groups had comparable degrees of diffuse proliferative nephritis characterized by immune deposits. The shared PS antigen was detected in glomeruli of all nephritic rats by immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibody f-77. Furthermore, all nephritic rats had an elevated antibody titer to the shared PS antigen. These results suggest that prior sensitization (infections such as dental caries) to S. mutans modulates immune responses to subsequent S. pyogenes infections and induces immune-complex disease (PSGN) through the shared PS antigen.

Acta Paediatrica Japonica; Overseas edition


Immunochemical analysis and localisation of a cell wall antigen of Streptococcus rattus with a specific monoclonal antibody

A monoclonal antibody specific to a cell wall antigen of Streptococcus rattus (S. rattus) was prepared after cell fusion of mouse myeloma cells to the spleen cells of mice immunized with whole cells of strain FA1. The monoclonal antibody reacted with a crude and purified polysaccharide antigen of S. rattus in precipitin reactions as well as in a solid phase enzyme assay (EIA). It also reacted in the EIA with whole cells of S. rattus strains, but did not react with any other species of the mutans group or of other oral and streptococcal species. Moreover, among many haptenic sugars and their derivatives tested, D-galactosamine and D-glucosamine strongly inhibited the reaction in a competitive enzyme immunoassay using the purified antigen and whole cells, indicating that the type-specific antigenic determinant of the organism has a structure similar to the amino group of the sugar molecules. Furthermore, immunoelectron microscopy revealed that the antigen epitopes formed an irregular fibrous structure over the entire surface of individual cells.


Chromatographic study of spirosin by use of monoclonal antibodies to spirosin of Yersinia enterocolitica


Detection of Streptococcus mutans by PCR amplification of spaP gene

Synthetic oligonucleotide primers were used in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify a sequence of the spaP gene, which encodes the surface protein antigen I/II of Streptococcus mutans. A DNA fragment of c. 192 bp was amplified from lysed S. mutans cells or isolated DNA. With S. mutans cells, the lower limit of detection was 4-40 cfu. With these primers, 13 reference and 50 clinical strains of S. mutans were identified. Amplification of the 192-bp product was not demonstrated when 41 strains of other streptococcal and non-streptococcal species were tested. The spaP gene PCR has potential for the rapid diagnosis of S. mutans infections.


Immunochemical study of polysaccharide antigen in Streptococcus sobrinus and Streptococcus downei with a cross-reactive monoclonal antibody

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology


Streptococcus mutans has a polysaccharide antigenic determinant in common with Streptococcus porcinus

In Pathogenic Streptococci:Present and Future


Incidence of mutans streptococci in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients


A cross-reactivepolysaccharide antigen between Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes

In Pathogenic Streptococci:Presentand Future


Characterization of polysaccharide antigen of Str.porcinus type by monoclonal antibody


Monoclonal autibodies to Spirosin of Yersinia enterocolitica and Analysis of the Localization of Spirosome by Use of Them

Two hybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were prepared by fusing myeloma cells (Sp2/0-Ag14) with mouse spleen cells immunized with purified spirosin from Yersinia enterocolitica SYT-11-72 (YE72). The antibodies produced by them were designated MAbs-S5 and S27. They were IgG2a and IgG1, respectively, both with kappa light chains. MAbs-S5 and S27 reacted specifically with spirosin from YE72. On Western blotting after limited proteolysis with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, YE72 spirosin revealed peptide fragments of 35 and 37 kDa reacting markedly with MAb-S5, which suggested the presence of an antigenic determinant on these fragments. By cellular fractionation of YE72 and subsequent EIA and Western blot analysis, spirosome was shown to be present in the cytoplasm of YE72.


Oral streptococci and systemic diseases-Immunological analysis of cell surface antigens by monoclonal antibodies to oral streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes-


First characterization in Italy of clinical isolates of mutans streptococci by using specific monoclonal antibodies

The aim of this investigation was to gain further insight into the prevalence of different serotypes of mutans streptococci in the Italian population by using specific monoclonal antibodies in an enzyme immunoassay. Isolates from dental plaque samples, collected from an adult population living in Pisa (Italy), were identified as mutans streptococci on the basis of their morphological and biochemical properties, and were then serotyped. The results show that 77.5% of the strains isolated belonged to serotype c or f (i.e., S. mutans), 15.9% were serotype e (i.e., S. mutans) and only two strains (1.4%) belonged to serotype g (i.e., S. sobrinus). These data are partially in agreement with other studies in Europe and in the U.S.A. The distribution pattern of the various serotypes turned out to be substantially similar among the different groups of patients, subdivided on the basis of their caries status, indicating that none of the serotypes was particularly associated with dental caries.


Immunological analysis of a cell surface antigen by monoclonal antibody f-77 in Steptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes cells

モノクロン抗体f-77によるStreptococcus mutansおよび Streptococcus pyogenes の菌体表層抗原の免疫学的解析


Epidemiological survey of Streptococcus mutans in a group of adult patients living in Pisa (Italy)

An epidemiological investigation was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in a group of 134 adult patients. Markedly higher frequency of isolation was observed in caries-active subjects than in caries-inactive or caries-free subjects, indicating a significant association between the prevalence of the microorganism and the caries status. Moreover, the presence of the microorganism appeared to have a significant association with the extent of caries experience evaluated by the DMF score. These findings are in agreement with those reported previously for school children in other areas of Italy. Isolation of S. mutans was compared among patients groups with different caries activity in relation to culture times of dental plaque samples in a transport medium (Colorimetric Broth Medium). S. mutans was most frequently isolated from caries-active subjects when the medium was incubated for 48 h after inoculation with dental plaque samples.


Effects of protein intake on immune parameters in mice surviving streptococcal infection


Serological identification of mutans Streptococci using MAbs in comparison with biochemical and DNA-DNA hybridisation techniques


単クロン抗体を用いた酵素抗体法の齲蝕活動性試験への応用(第1報)

単クロン抗体を用いた酵素抗体法の齲蝕活動性試験への応用(第1報)


モノクロン抗体を使用した酵素免疫測定法によるミュータンスレンサ球菌の迅速簡便同定法


Structural and stereospecific requirements for the nucleoside-triggered germination of Bacillus cereus spores


Dietary protein levels affecting resistance to group B streptococcal infection in mice:Nutritional status, mortality, and clinical course.Infect.Immun


Enzyme immunoassay and monoclonal antibodies for immunological studies of the mutans group of streptococci

以前開発した多糖体抗原固相化EIA法によって，ミュータンス群連鎖球菌のS. cricetusとS. downeiiに対する単クローン抗体の免疫特異性を検討したところ，得られた2種類の単クローン抗体の一方は血清型a，d及びhに共通の多糖抗原を，他方は血清型d，g及びhに共通の多糖抗原を認識するものであった．この研究において多糖体抗原固相化EIAシステムは単クローン抗体を用いた口腔連鎖球菌の同定や免疫学的研究に有用であることを実証した．


Cross-reactive polysaccharide antigens (types a, d, and h) of the mutans group of streptococci: Different molecular forms of the type as distinguishable by monoclonal antibodies

ミュータンス群連鎖球菌S. cricetusの持つ血清型a，d及びh共通抗原には単クローン抗体で識別できる複数の分子型があることを証明した．本菌種の精製多糖体抗原には分子量46，9.8及び20KDaのAgI，AgII及びAgIIIが含まれ，AgIはMAba-4，AgIIとIIIはMAba-84により識別された．いずれも構成糖はラムノース，ガラクトース，グルコースだが各々の含有比は異なり，また抗原決定基構造も微妙な違いを持つことを示した．


A comparison of competitive enzyme immunoassay and precipitin inhibition tests in the analysis of polysaccharide antigenic determinants of oral streptococci

多糖体抗原の解析に用いる迅速·簡便な競合EIA法を開発した．従来から多糖体抗原の解析に標準的に用いられている免疫沈降法及びハプテンによる免疫沈降阻害法と比べて，多糖抗原固定化プレート上での競合EIA法は簡便性に優れ所要時間も短いことを示すとともにその最適実験条件も報告した．本法は単クローン抗体のような免疫沈降能が低いプローブを用いての，他の連鎖球菌の多糖体抗原の解析にも有用であることを結論づけた．


Studies on the immunological specificity of streptococci by use of monoclonal antibodies. .Selection of EIA microtiter plates for the immunological analysis of streptococcal whole cells

モノクロン抗体を用いる連鎖球菌の免疫学的特異性に関する研究 II. 連鎖球菌全菌細胞の免疫学的解析に用いるEIAマイクロタイタープレートの選択

S. cricetusとS. sobrinus菌体を抗原とし，5社のEIAプレートの菌体固定化率を比較した結果，Corning社プレートが最も固定化効率が高い事を確認した．また，加熱，NaN3あるいはホルマリン処理をした菌体でもほぼ同一の固定化量を示し，同社プレートは菌体のEIA分析に最適である事を示した．さらに，菌体の固定化方法としては吸着乾固法が水中単純吸着法より効果的であることも示した．


Studies on the immunological specificity of streptococci by use of monoclonal antibodies. I.Selection of EIA plates and conditions for the use of polysaccharide antigens

モノクロン抗体を用いる連鎖球菌の免疫学的特異性に関する研究 I. EIAプレートの選択と多糖抗原の使用条件

酵素免疫測定法(EIA)による多糖体抗原の分析条件の検討を行った．S. cricetusとS. sobrinus由来の多糖体を抗原に用い，5社のEIAプレートについての固定化効率を比較したところ，Corning社のプレートが最も吸着力が高かった．固定化方法としては吸着乾固法のほうが水中単純吸着法より効果的であった．また一次抗体や二次抗体の結合条件も検討し，水溶性の多糖体でも物理吸着法でEIA分析が可能なことを示した．


Directional immobilization of sodium- and potassium-activated ATPase to expose its cytoplasmic part to the liquid phase on microtiter plates by wheat germ agglutinin

小麦胚芽凝集素(WGA)による糖蛋白質のEIAプレートへの固定化法を開発した．p-ベンゾキノン処理プレートへの直接的な固定化に比べ，WGAを介したNa,K-ATPaseの固定化効率は10倍以上高いことを確認した．またWGAにより固定化された酵素は基質サイトを液層側に配向して活性も保持していた．さらにWGAと親和性を持つ他の糖蛋白質でも高い固定化効率が確認され，この方法がWGA結合性糖蛋白質の有効な固定化法で有ることを証明した．

Analytical Biochemistry: Methods in the Biological Sciences


Type-specific antigen of Streptococcus rattus strains (KAY1, FA1 and BHT) II. Ultrastructural localization

特異抗血清を用い，ミュータンス群連鎖球菌S. rattusの血清型b特異的抗原の局在部位を免疫電顕法で解析した．S. rattusの全菌体及び細胞壁分画に対して血清型b特異抗血清を反応後，フェリチン標識化二次抗体で免疫標識したところ，いずれも細胞壁外部の不定型な物質に特異的なフェリチン顆粒が観察され，細胞壁上や細胞内部には顆粒が認められなかった．以上のことから血清型b特異的抗原が菌体外成分であることを形態学的に証明した．


Type-specific antigen of Streptococcus rattus strains (KAY1 and FA1). I. Characterization

ミュータンス群連鎖球菌S. rattusの血清型b特異的抗原の性状を解析した．イオン交換により得られた抗原分画の主成分は糖質と蛋白質であったが，抗原性はプロナーゼ，リパーゼ，ヌクレアーゼ処理には抵抗性を示した．また抗原を過ヨウ素酸酸化すると抗原性が失われ，免疫沈降ハプテン阻害実験の結果からも抗原にはガラクトースとグルコース残基が含まれていることが示唆された． これらを総合して，血清型b特異的抗原は糖成分であることを示した．


B-cell-mediated depression of the granulomatous response to BCG in mice

The Journal of Molecular and Cellular Immunology


高タンパク質摂取による感染抵抗力低下の機構．

高タンパク質摂取による感染抵抗力低下の機構．


Optimal protein intake estimated by the resistance to streptococcal infection and the nutritional indices in mine

Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology


Serological typing of reference strains and clinical isolates of Streptococcus mutans by agglutination reaction and/or radioimmunoassay


E-rosetting of guinea pig lymphocytes with lyophilized rabbit red cells after treatment with papain and glutaraldehyde


Immunological study of cross-reactive polysaccharide antigens(types a,d,and h)of oral streptococcus spp.with monoclonal antibodies


食事タンパク質レベルがマウスの細菌感染抵抗性に及ぼす影響

食事タンパク質レベルがマウスの細菌感染抵抗性に及ぼす影響


Monoclonal antibody to Streptococcus mutans type e cell wall polysaccharide antigen


Streptococcus mutans serotype b strain(St. rattus Coykendall): First isolation in Japan from human dental plaque


Agglutinating antibodies to serotype Streptococcus mutans:Serotype variations of Reference strains and clinical isolates

Recent Advances on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases


口腔粘膜組織内におけるIgAの局在及びその起源について

口腔粘膜組織内におけるIgAの局在及びその起源について

The Journal of the Kyushu Dental Society


画像解析に関する研究，イメージアナライザー(Luzex500)の機能と細胞生物学への応用


Aspergillus flavusのプロトプラスト生成法およびその安定性に対する各種安定剤の効果について


Lysis of streptococcus mutans with Achromopeptidase and release of osmotically fragile bodies


口腔微生物の生態学的研究 Geotrichum candidumの分節胞子形成機序に関する研究


Scanning electron microscopic studies of the extracellular polysaccharides(EP)synthesized in colonies of Streptoccus mutans:Development of EP and the effect of dextranase on them


動物の実験白血病に関する研究 1.モルモットの白血病(L2C)の一般生物学的性状と発病動物の病理像


Epithelioid granuloma induced by muramyl dipeptide in immunologically deficient rats


抗モルモットTリンパ球血清力価，特異性とTリンパ球機能に対する効果

抗モルモットTリンパ球血清力価，特異性とTリンパ球機能に対する効果


口腔微生物の生態学的研究，Ⅵ.走査型電子顕微鏡による口腔連鎖球菌の形態観察

口腔微生物の生態学的研究，Ⅵ.走査型電子顕微鏡による口腔連鎖球菌の形態観察


Anisotropic inhibition of energy transduction in oxidative phosphrylation in rat liver mitochondria by tetraphenylarsonium


Preparation of antisera specific for guinea pig B cells.


Further evidence for Non-T-Cell regulation of delayed hypersensitivity in the guinea pig

The Journal of Molecular and Cellular Immunology


Antibody production in milk serum of goats experimentally infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae.


The goat mammary gland as a model infection site for Neisseria gonorrhoeae


Type and strain variation in induction of L forms of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were inoculated onto brain heart infusion (Difco) agar supplemented with penicillin and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizer and cultivated in a candle extinction jar. L-form colonies became visible after a few days. They continued to grow and were viable for up to 38 days. The extent of inducibility of L forms of N. gonorrhoeae was examined semiquantitatively. It was found to be constant for each type and strain and to depend only slightly on the amount of penicillin added to the medium. None of the types of one strain produced L-form colonies. In another strain, avirulent types (T3, T4) showed more ability to produce L forms than virulent types (T1, T2) and no L forms were produced by the subtypes of T1 and T2-T1a and T2a. In a third strain, only T4 produced L forms. Electron microscopic studies showed that the L forms consisted of a number of membranous vesicles and a variety of cell types such as those completely lacking cell walls and those with only remnants of cell walls. The results indicate the existence of subtypes of T1 and T2 of gonococci and the intrinsic inducibility of gonococcal types and strains to produce L forms.


The fine structure of reverting L-forms of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.


Gonococcal growth factors in tissue cultures


Studies on gonococcal infection. II. Attachment and fate of gonococci in tissue-culture cells


Studies on gonococcal infection. I. Electron microscopic studies on phagocytosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by macrophages

Macrophages from mice were infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae type 1 cells, and their ultrastructure was studied by electron microscopy. The macrophages showed various stages of engulfment and digestion of gonococci 2 hr after infection. Infected macrophages seemed to develop pseudopodia for phagocytosis, and could engulf more than 30 gonococcal cells. Some engulfed bacteria appeared morphologically intact, while others appeared lysed and some structures resembling the L form of N. gonorrhoeae were also seen. These observations suggest that gonococcal cells may be able to survive intracellularly with normal or altered forms of morphology, and that macrophages containing these bacteria may disseminate gonococcal infection in man.


Colonial morphology of Neisserai gonorrhoeae


Ultrastructure of Rhodospirillum rubrum after freeze-etching


Plaque formation by herpes simplex virus in established calf kidney cells


口腔微生物の生態学的研究，3.定量的簡易プログラム染色法

口腔微生物の生態学的研究，3.定量的簡易プログラム染色法


口腔微生物の生態学的研究，4.薄層寒天培養における微生物のグラム染色法

口腔微生物の生態学的研究，4.薄層寒天培養における微生物のグラム染色法


口腔微生物の生態学的研究，5.真菌プロトプラストの再生過程からみたグラム染色機序の研究


口腔微生物の生態学的研究，2.乳酸桿菌によるヘルペスウイルスに対する生物干渉のプラック法による観察


口腔微生物の生態学的研究，1.乳酸桿菌とヘルペスウイルスの試験管内生物干渉におけるpHの要因について


Magnesium-stimulated resynthesis of osmoresistant layer by Candida albicans spheroplasts

Spheroplasts of Candida albicans could be obtained by treating cells with a snail enzyme in the presence of 0.75M MgSO4 as a stabilizer and cells could subsequently be regenerated by the thin-layer-agar plating method. The initial regeneration process was affected by stabilizers such as MgSO8 MgCl2, MnSO4, CaCl2, KCl, NaCl and sucrose. It was found that 0.68M MgSO4 was the best stabilizer. Good stabilization was also achieved in any medium with 0.5-0.75M sucrose, although stabilizing agents were in general most effecive at concentrations giving about 22 atmospheres of osmolarity. This osmolarity was lower than that used to prepare spheroplasts. Using this thin-layer plating method at least three factors were essential for resynthesis of a wall layer: (1) a carbon source, (2) a stabilizer and (3) several minerals. Nitrogen in the form of an amino acid stimulated formation of the wall layer. Relationship between these factors and osmolarity of the medium during regeneration of the wall layer is discussed.


Requirements for regeneration of yeast protoplasts and their ultrastructure during reversion

Yeasts and Yeast-like Microorganisms in Medical Science


Growth of bovine adenovirus type 3 in cells cloned from a cell line of calf kidney

The Tokushima Journal of Experimental Medicine


Rapid formation of protoplasts of Streptomyces griseoflavus and their fine structure