Biomedical subjects

J Zajkowska

Publications and source records attributed to J Zajkowska.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Concentration of interferon-inducible T cell chemoattractant and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Lyme borreliosis.

PURPOSE: Chronic inflammation in Lyme borreliosis may be sustained by aberrant inflammatory response, characterized by Th1 lymphocyte predominance, which in turn may be determined by chemokines synthesized in inflammatory focus. The aim of the study was to evaluate synthesis of chemokines: interferon-induced T cell chemoattractant (I-TAC--chemoattractant for Th1 lymphocytes), and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1) in Lyme borreliosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study group consisted of 13 patients with erythema migrans, 10 with Lyme arthritis and 6 with neuroborreliosis. Serum, as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in neuroborreliosis, was obtained before (examination 1) and during (examination 2) antibiotic treatment. Control serum was obtained from 8 healthy volunteers and control csf from 8 patients in whom meningitis and neuroborreliosis was excluded after diagnostic lumbar puncture. The samples were assayed for MCP-1 and I-TAC by ELISA. RESULTS: Serum mean I-TAC concentration in examination 1 was 73.0 pg/ml in erythema migrans, 78.9 pg/ml in Lyme arthritis and 87.3 pg/ml in neuroborreliosis (29.9 pg/ml in controls, difference significant for neuroborreliosis) and did not change significantly in examination 2. MCP-1 serum concentration was significantly increased to 497.5 pg/ml in neuroborreliosis in examination 2. I-TAC concentration in csf remained low, while MCP-1 concentration in examination 1 was increased to 589.1 pg/ml, significantly higher than simultaneously in serum. CONCLUSIONS: I-TAC synthesis is increased in Lyme borreliosis and may be a factor favoring predominance of Th1 lymphocyte subset. MCP-1 creates chemotactic gradient towards central nervous system and may contribute to csf pleocytosis in neuroborreliosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Concentrations of macrophage inflammatory proteins MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta and interleukin 8 (il-8) in lyme borreliosis.

BACKGROUND: Components of the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato ( B. burgdorferi s.l.) do not have chemotactic activity. However, B. burgdorferi s.l. causes a chemotactic response, probably by stimulating synthesis of cytokines of the chemokine family by host cells. Our aim was to confirm that the synthesis of chemokines is increased in Lyme borreliosis and that they may account for leukocyte migration, thus being involved in inflammatory response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured concentrations of chemokines: interleukin 8 (Il-8) and macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha and 1beta (MIP-1alpha, -1beta) in serum of 20 patients with erythema migrans (early localized infection, group I), of 19 patients with Lyme arthritis (chronic infection, group II), and in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 20 patients with neuroborreliosis (early disseminated infection, group III), before and after 2 weeks of antibiotic therapy (examinations 1 and 2), as well as in the sera of 12 healthy blood donors and CSF of ten patients in whom Lyme borreliosis and meningitis were excluded (control group). Interleukin 1beta (Il-1beta) level in serum and CSF and pleocytosis of CSF were assessed simultaneously. RESULTS: The mean concentrations of all studied chemokines in serum were significantly elevated in all study groups in examination 1 and decreased in examination 2. The concentration of Il-8 in serum was higher in group I and the concentration of MIP-1alpha in group III was higher in comparison with group II. Serum concentrations of all chemokines in group I and III correlated with the concentration of Il-1beta, while in group II this correlation appeared only for Il-8 in examination 2. Concentrations of all chemokines in CSF were significantly increased, but as for MIP-1alpha and 1beta they remained lower than in serum. The concentration of Il-8 in CSF was variable and reached values several fold higher than in the serum in some patients. There was no correlation between chemokine concentrations and CSF pleocytosis. CONCLUSION: The synthesis of chemokines (Il-8, MIP-1alpha and 1beta) is increased in Lyme borreliosis and, at least in the early stages of the disease, is related to the synthesis of Il-1beta. Chemokine concentrations depend on the clinical form of Lyme borreliosis, with a tendency for higher values in early infection (erythema migrans and neuroborreliosis). Of the chemokines studied, Il-8 created a chemotactic gradient towards the inflammation site, and thus might be responsible for leukocyte migration.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Proton MR spectroscopy in neuroborreliosis: a preliminary study.

We report results of a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) study in 12 patients with neuroborreliosis. We used a PRESS sequence, placing an 8 cm3 voxel in normal-appearing white matter of the frontal lobe. Peaks indicating N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), myo-inositol (mI), lipids (Lip) and lactate (Lac) were identified and ratios of NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, mI/Cr, Lip/Cr, Lac/Cr calculated. Significant increases in Cho/Cr and Lip/Cr were noted. No abnormality was found in mean NAA/Cr and Lac/Cr, but in four patients there was a decreased NAA peak; mI/Cr ratio was slightly increased. Although the spectroscopic profile in patients with neuroborreliosis seems to be nonspecific, MRS might be useful for assessing tissue damage of the central nervous system.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Chemokines in meningitis of different etiologies].

Chemokines constitute a group of cytokines with strong chemotactic activity towards different populations of leukocytes, playing significant role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory responses. The chemokines of the alpha subfamily act mainly on neutrophiles, while beta subfamily chemokines attract primarily monocytes and lymphocytes. Research conducted within the last few years suggests chemokines to be the main factors responsible for the attraction of leukocytes to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the course of both bacterial and viral meningitis. In cerebrospinal fluid from patients with meningitis of different etiologies significant concentrations of both alpha and beta chemokines were observed, which tended to decrease after the introduction of the treatment, with the relationship to the clinical improvement. It was also confirmed in in vitro experiments that the chemotactic properties of the inflammatory CSF mainly depend on the presence of chemokines. The most important chemokines in the pathophysiology of the meningitis in humans are probably interleukin 8 (IL-8), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) and INF-gamma inducible protein (IP-10). They seem to be responsible for the attraction to the cns of, respectively, neutrophiles, monocytes and activated T lymphocytes. Differences between the chemokine profiles observed in meningitides of different etiologies are to some degree relevant to coexisting differences in type and extent of pleocytosis. In future, measurements of concentrations of certain chemokines may become of some importance in diagnostics of meningitis and monitoring its clinical course.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

[Incidence of antibody detection against Toxocara canis and clinical symptoms in inhabitants of North-Eastern Poland].

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the the level of exposition of humans on Toxocara eggs in North Eastern Poland on a base of serological tests and epidemiological and clinical data. 1025 inhabitants of North Eastern region of Poland were examine to detect antibodies against Toxocara antigens. 214 (20.7%) showed presence of antibodies against Toxocara. They were mostly males (71%) and country inhabitants (58.9%). No abnormalities in laboratory tests were found among these people. Some of them had complaints like joint pains (19.6%), temporary skin rash 2.3%).

Adult↗

PubMed2001

[Tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1-beta in serum of patients with tick-borne encephalitis].

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the changes of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha serum concentrations among patients with TBE (tick-borne encephalitis) of mild and severe clinical course. The detection of cytokines was performed by immunometric assay twice before and after treatment. There was no significant changes in IL-1 beta serum concentration after treatment in both groups of patients. But concentration of TNF-alpha decreased significantly after treatment in both groups of patients. It seems that changes of TNF-alpha concentration might be helpful in evaluation of efficacy of aseptic central nervous system treatment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

[Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans in the course of old Lyme disease].

Lyme borreliosis is chronic spirochetal infection with phasic course. Lyme disease can be recognised as early or late stage of disease. A case report of patient with acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans in the course of chronic (late) Lyme borreliosis is presented. As it is described, the lack of uncognition of infection of B. burgdorferi and typical signs of erythema migrans as well as a lack of proper therapy in this time may be a reason of passing into chronic phase of the disease like ACA and Lyme arthritis.

Acrodermatitis↗

PubMed2001

[Mental disorders in Lyme disease].

From the early 90-ties there is a growing number of patients suffering from Lyme Disease all over the world, including Poland. Lyme Disease is the disorder connecting physicians of various specialties. The authors reviewed literature on mental disorders in Lyme Disease during different stages and in different types of illness. Mental disorders are part of clinical picture of the acute stage of Lyme Disease, and could also be its sequel. The most commonly found mental disorders are: encephalopathy, other cognitive disorders, mood disorders (depression), anxiety disorders and less often: psychotic disorders and eating disorders (anorexia nervosa).

Borrelia burgdorferi↗

PubMed2000

[Poisoning with botulinum neurotoxin--diagnostic difficulties].

Intoxication with botulinum neurotoxin, which occurs frequently in Poland, may cause serious diagnostic difficulties. As no assays for laboratory detection of botulinum toxin are available and the biological test on mice requires time before results are obtained, diagnosis must be based on clinical findings and patient's epidemiological history. Quick diagnosis and early administration of therapy with equine antitoxin is essential for patient's recovery. The effectiveness of antitoxin therapy is considered to be significantly reduced if the treatment is not started shortly after the onset of the disease. We describe a case of a patient in whom, because of diagnostic difficulties, antitoxin therapy was introduced with much delay. However, it proved highly efficient and lead to gradual recovery.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

[Bactericidal properties of neutrophils from peripheral blood (PMN)of patients with Lyme borreliosis].

In recent years in Poland, the interest has increased in studies about tick borne diseases, mainly Lyme borreliosis. Immune response and genotype of pathogen play an important role in the course of this disease. Phagocytic cells, especially PMN are dominant in defence mechanisms against bacterial infections. The main feature of PMN is their ability to destroy pathogenic microorganisms by phagocytosis. The aim of this study was to estimate the phagocytic activity of PMN connected with intracellular respiratory burst in patients with Lyme borreliosis. The PMN activity tests completed were: phagocytosis, spontaneous and reduced of nitrotetralizate blue test (NBT). Decreased phagocytic activity and oxygen metabolism of PMN from patients with borreliosis in comparison with values of controls were found. Normalization of these parameters after treatment was observed. Changed phagocytic activity connected with intracellular oxygen metabolism during the course of therapy was the main observation. Depression of phagocytic activity of PMN connected with oxygen metabolism can influence defence reactions in patients with Lyme borreliosis. It is suggested that changes observed are acquired and associated with Borrelia burgdorferi presence.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

[Evaluation of FcR and CR receptor expression in granulocytes and immune complex level in patients with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)].

The aim of this study was to estimate expression of FcR and CR membrane receptors of PMN and circulating immune complexes level in serum from infected patients before and after treatment. Before treatment we observed significant decrease of PMN percentage with FcR and CR receptors in comparison to control. After treatment there was increase of PMN percentage with receptors in comparison to values before treatment but it did not reach values of controls. Immune complexes level before treatment was significant higher than controls before treatment and it decreased after treatment but did not reach control level. Depression of phagocytic activity of PMN may be one of the main reasons for spreading viral infection.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[Ehrlichiosis: a tick-born infection].

Ehrlichiosis is the potentially life-threating infection. It is caused by obligate intracellular bacteria. The clinical presentations are fever, headache, myalgia, malaise, nausea, vomiting and other nonspecyfic symptoms. Some patients develop neurologic symptoms and signs. The are two distinct forms of human ehrlichiosis: human monocytic ehrlichiosis /HME/--cased by Ehrlichia chaffeensis that infects mononuclear phagocytes and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis /HGE/--caused by E. species closely related to E. phagocytophyla and E. equi and infects granulocytes. Successful treatment of these infections may depend on proper diagnosis. Appropiate diagnostic tests are still not available. This diagnisis should be considered in febrile patients with tick bites.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

[Lyme disease vaccine: hopes and concerns].

The vaccine against Lyme disease for last decade became an important issue for many researchers. Recently two groups of scientists published data of their trials carried out on humans. The vaccine which was given to volunteers consisted of recombinant outer surface protein (Osp)A. These people were observed for two years when approximately 79% of them developed resistance to Borrelia burgdorferi infection. These data were evaluated by FDA experts who recommended vaccine for approval. Main concerns of experts are: short duration of observation of vaccinated people, no possibility to vaccinate children, problematic vaccination people with undiagnosed Lyme disease. However the moment when effective and safe vaccine against Lyme disease will be available seems to approach.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

[Epidemiology of Lyme borreliosis].

In this paper basic issues concerning epidemiology of Lyme disease were presented. The role of ticks and small mammals was emphasised. An increasing prevalence of Lyme disease especially among people working in forests was pointed out.

Humans↗

PubMed1999

[Prevention of Lyme disease].

Over the last decade many researchers have turned much attention to the vaccine against Lyme disease as the only effective preventive method. Recently two groups of researchers have published data on their trials carried out on humans. The vaccine given to volunteers consisted of recombinant outer surface protein (Osp)A. A two-year observation of the persons studies revealed that 79% of them had developed resistance to Borrelia burgdorferi infection. These data were evaluated by the FDA experts who recommended the vaccine for general use with the following reservations that have to be elucidated: too short observation of vaccinated persons, no possibility to vaccinate children and the problem of vaccinating people with undiagnosed Lyme disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

[Tuberculous lymphadenitis--diagnostic difficulties].

Three cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis hospitalized in Department of Parasitology and Neuroinfection are presented. In all patients tuberculin test was positive. In 2 patients minimal lesions in lungs were present. In non patient BK in sputum was found. In microscopic picture of enlarged lymph nodes non specific inflammation granulomatosis was found but microbiological examinations were not done. In all patients the results of smears of lymph nodes pus were negative. In 2 patients culture was positive. Persistent enlarged peripheral lymphatic nodes, especially with fistula should be suspected of tuberculous etiology. Material obtained from node's biopsy should be taken to microbiological and histological examination.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

[Detection of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi among forestry workers in North-Eastern Poland].

The purpose of the study was to assess the incidence of Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies and clinical forms of Lyme borreliosis among forestry workers in north-eastern Poland. The group studied consisted of 1,466 persons (297 women and 1,169 men), aged 20-70 years. In 439 (23.81%) persons the presence of B. burgdorferi antibodies was detected in serum, in 271 (18.49%) persons active Lyme borreliosis was diagnosed and 78 (5.32%) persons were carriers of B. burgdorferi antibodies. Arthritis (43.84%) and neuroborreliosis (32.95%) were found to be the most common forms of borreliosis.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

[Changes in granulocytic receptors for FcR IgG and CR with circulating immune complexes in patients with lyme borreliosis].

This study aimed to estimate some PMN functions, involving phagocytic activity in patients with Lyme borreliosis. Decreased percentage PMN with FcR and CR receptors was observed. Increased immune complexes levels in the serum of patients before, and their normalization after treatment were found. These results indicate a depression of non-specific cellular response, which can influence the general immune system in patients with Lyme borreliosis.

Adult↗