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Biomedical subjects

H C Huber

Publications and source records attributed to H C Huber.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

[The microbe colonization of the palatine tonsils of healthy school age children].

In 1988-1992 the tonsillar flora of 1799 children, six years of age and staying at certain kindergartens in Bavaria (Bayern), was examined. The microbiological investigations, directed at five indicator-germs showed the following results: 28.6% of the children were carriers of beta-haemolytic Streptococci, 17.4% of Enterobacteriaceae and 11.8% of Candida spp., Pseudomonadales and moulds could be found in 0.6% of the specimens.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed1991

[Vaccination in Germany--strategy, current status, deficits].

In the Federal Republic of Germany all vaccinations are voluntary. They are performed by doctors in private practice and (to a lesser extent) by the public health service. Vaccinations against diseases of major public health importance are officially recommended by the superior health authorities. The strategy of public health service to achieve high levels of immunization coverage is reported. The main impediments for successful immunization programmes are imperfect reporting and information systems on target diseases and vaccination coverage.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Simple in vitro test systems for determining the toxicity of environmental chemicals: microcultures of human lymphocytes and monoxenic ciliate cultures].

Two test methods were developed to assess (I) the cytotoxicity, (II) the environmental toxicity of chemicals. Test parameter for (I) is the growth inhibition of human T-lymphocytes stimulated by PHA (test period 6-7 days), for (II) the inhibition of cell multiplication of the ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis grown monoxenically in a chemically defined medium which contained glucose and citrate as only carbon source (test period 13-14 days). The EC50 values (mol/l) of Pb, Cd, Hg, dichlorvos, atrazine and lindane were for (I): greater than or equal to 10(-2,5), 10(-5,4), 10(-5,6), 10(-5,0), 10(-4,75) and 10(-3,95) respectively, for (II): 10(-6,72), less than or equal to 10(-6,66), 10(-7,84), 10(-3,61), 10(-3,93) and 10(-4,75) respectively. The advantages of the described bioassays are simple handling and high sensitivity.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

[The effect of air pollution on the microbial colonization of the palatine tonsils].

The prevalence of some facultatively pathogenic microorganisms in the tonsillar flora was studied in 10-years old children living in areas with different grades of air pollution during the years 1984-1986. Samples were examined for beta-hemolytic Streptococci, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., Candida spp. and molds. Colonization by these microorganisms occurred more frequently in highly polluted towns (Frankfurt and Wiesbaden) than in less polluted areas (Freiburg and Starnberg). It is supposed that alteration of immune response or other defense mechanisms induced by some environmental pollutants enhance colonization by facultatively pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed1984

[Epidemiology of hepatitis A and B and yellow fever in Zaire].

In a sero-epidemiological study, clinically healthy persons from a rural area of Zaire were tested for antibodies against hepatitis A, B and yellow fever. There was a high prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A-virus in early life: 90% of all children at the age of ten had antibodies in their sera. Similarly up to the age of 19 years almost 90% of all persons investigated were positive for hepatitis B (anti-HBc). The incidence of the hepatitis B-surface antigen in all ages was high. According to the method used, it totalled to 21% (capillary blood) or 32% (serum specimens). All these persons were asymptomatic HBsAg carriers. A carrier-rate of 20-30% is extremely high; it has been reported only in a few studies in tropical countries. 138 serum specimens from all age groups were tested for antibodies to yellow fever virus; 59 of them (43,4%) were positive. None of these persons reported a history of yellow fever; evidently they had undergone subclinical infections. Our findings show that yellow fever still is endemic in Central Africa. It may be concluded that all persons visiting Central Africa should be vaccinated against hepatitis A (passive prophylaxis), yellow fever and, if possible, against hepatitis B.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

[The pathogenesis of postvaccinal complications].

Paraspecific reactions to vaccines are -- induction of autoimmune mechanisms, -- immunosuppression, -- induction of inflammation (i.e. "reactogenicity"). These undesirable side effects of vaccination are important factors in pathogenesis of postvaccinal complications. Using the model of experimental vaccinia virus infection the paraspecific reactions could be demonstrated in several animal species. Cell mediated hypersensitivity to brain tissue antigen and basic encephalitogenic protein occurred following vaccinia infection in guinea pigs. In infected rabbits humoral anti-brain antibodies could be detected. The immune response to sheep erythrocytes in mice was tested by determining the number of plaque forming cells in the spleen after specific immunization. Vaccinia virus injected prior to or simultaneously with immunization strongly reduced the number of plaque forming cells in the spleen. The reactogenicity of bacterial and viral vaccines could be determined by means of a simple hemolytic plaque assay in mice. This assay represents the degree of enzymatic lysosomal activity of macrophages. The methods described might be useful to test the innocuity and tolerance of new vaccines.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Oral immunization against smallpox.

Attenuated vaccinia strain penetrates the mucous membranes of the oral and pharyngeal cavity; local lesions are not produced, even if high doses of attenuated virus are applied. Attenuated vaccinia virus thus offers the possibility of oral and nasal immunization against smallpox in man. Several groups of monkeys were immunized by the oral and nasal route. The subsequent challenge with virulent smallpox virus resulted in strongly mitigated clinical symptoms as compared to non-immunized controls. In the human, oral immunization with live attenuated virus was affected by the administration of virus-containing tablets. The procedures caused no untoward effect in primary vaccinees. Subsequent skin testing and conventional cutaneous vaccination resulted in accelerated takes, demonstrating successful oral pre-immunization.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed1975

[An attenuated strain of vaccinia virus (MVA). Successful intramuscular immunization against vaccinia and variola (author's transl)].

The attenuated MVA strain of vaccinia virus was previously shown to be innocuous and immunogenic at intracutaneous injection. It was therefore suggested for clinical trial. Preliminary results in human vaccinees are promising. The present experiments were initiated to study the intramuscular injection of the vaccine as a preferable route of administration. Histological examination was done in rabbits and monkeys. At the site of injection there were but minor inflammatory reactions considerably less pronounced than after the injection of commercial tetanus vaccine which was used for comparison. Intramuscular immunization with strain MVA repeated twice protected rabbits against an intravenous challenge with vaccinia strain Elstree; monkeys were protected against experimental smallpox. Intramuscular immunization with attenuated smallpox vaccine is suggested for clinical trial.

Animals↗