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Biomedical subjects

R Zbinden

Publications and source records attributed to R Zbinden.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Intracellular location of Bartonella henselae cocultivated with Vero cells and used for an indirect fluorescent-antibody test.

Bartonella henselae, the major causative agent of cat scratch disease, was cocultivated with Vero cells on chamber slides and visualized by indirect immunofluorescence by using a patient serum containing specific antibodies. Confocal microscopy localized the granular B. henselae-specific fluorescence mainly around the nuclei of Vero cells. By transmission electron microscopy, these granules were identified as clusters of multiple intracellular organisms. Fixed slides with the monolayers of Vero cells with intracellular B. henselae were used for an indirect fluorescent-antibody test to investigate the seroprevalence of specific immunoglobulin G in 100 serum samples from blood donors. Seventy-four serum samples were negative; 19, 3, and 4 were positive at dilutions of 1:64, 1:128, and 1:256, respectively. In our population, a serum titer of 1:256 or greater should stimulate further investigations. Moreover, elucidation of the mechanism by which B. henselae enters the cells may help to understand the pathogenesis of cat scratch disease.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Comparison of two methods for detecting intrathecal synthesis of Borrelia burgdorferi-specific antibodies and PCR for diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis.

An indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), a commercial capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and PCR were compared for the diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis in 16 individuals. Borrelia burgdorferi-specific intrathecal immunoglobulin G was found in 10 of 16 patients by IFA and in 8 of 12 patients by capture ELISA. PCRs performed on cerebrospinal fluid samples stored at -70 degrees C were positive for one of eight children and one of four adults with intrathecal antibody production and negative for all four adults without intrathecal antibody production. For two children with facial palsy following erythema chronicum migrans, neither IFA nor capture ELISA detected specific intrathecal antibodies and PCR was also negative. We conclude that both clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters are important for the diagnosis of Lyme neuroborreliosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Recurrent pyogenic granuloma with satellitosis--a localized variant of bacillary angiomatosis?

A 27-year-old male patient had recurrent pyogenic granuloma with satellitosis. Histologically, Warthin-Starry staining of the lesions revealed clumps of dark bacilli as found in patients with bacillary angiomatosis. IgG antibodies against Bartonella (Rochalimaea) henselae were elevated as shown by an indirect immunofluorescence assay. The patient did not present an obvious risk for HIV infection or immunosuppression, and no antibodies against HIV-1 and HIV-2 were found. Recurrent pyogenic granuloma with satellitosis may be a localized variant of bacillary angiomatosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Demonstration of intrathecal antibody formation against Borrelia burgdorferi in Lyme neuroborreliosis].

Neurologic complications are common in Lyme borreliosis. In adults in particular, detection of intrathecally formed antibodies to B. burgdorferi is a decisive diagnostic criterion. As in neurosyphilis diagnosis, the specific antibody titer against B. burgdorferi in the CSF is compared with the serum titer by calculating the specific antibody indices, taking into account the disturbed blood/CSF barrier. Deriving from these specific indices, we adapt by dilution the serum IgG level to that in the CSF of the same day, thus allowing for passive diffusion of antibody through the blood/CSF barrier. Determination of the specific antibody titer by indirect immunofluorescence demonstrates intrathecal synthesis of specific antibodies against B. burgdorferi if the CSF titer is higher than in the diluted serum tested in parallel. The individual methods are presented in a group of patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

A case of laboratory acquired infection with Escherichia coli O157:H7.

A case of laboratory-acquired infection with Escherichia coli O157:H7 is presented. Evidence of the identity of the infecting strain was provided by toxin type and plasmid profiles. Because no obvious technical errors in laboratory practices could be demonstrated we conclude that the infecting dose for E. coli O157:H7 may be small. The clinical course was uncomplicated; during reconvalescence, the patient's serum recognized a unique 87 kDa band on immunoblots of the infecting strain.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1992

[3-day fever: agreement between clinical diagnosis and seroconversion of type 6 human herpesvirus (HHV-6)].

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between clinical diagnosis of exanthema subitum and seroconversion of herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6). 90 children with fever of unknown origin were investigated by 11 pediatricians in the Canton of Zürich, Switzerland, between October 1989 and June 1990. Antibodies against HHV-6 were determined at the first consultation and 2-3 weeks later. History and clinical findings were investigated and the clinical probability of the diagnosis exanthema subitum was estimated. 82 of the 90 children could be evaluated. 33 of them already had HHV-6 antibodies in their first blood sample although their history was negative concerning exanthema subitum. In 24 children exanthema subitum was proven by seroconversion. The clinical diagnosis was much more reliable at the second consultation compared to the first one. The clinical course of the disease was highly variable. Duration of fever differed widely and in some children the exanthema was atypical or even absent.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1992

Latex agglutination test for cytomegalovirus antibody screening of transplant donors. Important aspects.

In a retrospective study, false negative readings of CMV Scan results were detected. In a following prospective survey of 72 transplant donor sera, CMV Scan had a sensitivity and a negative predictive value of greater than 95%. Although CMV Scan is a rapid and useful test, a higher reliability can be achieved if results are controlled by another sensitive test or, at the least, CMV Scan is read by two different persons.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1992

A simplified agarose gel electrophoresis for rotavirus detection.

The use of agarose gel electrophoresis for rotavirus detection is a suitable routine method if simplifying modifications are introduced. Incorporation of ethidium bromide into the agarose gel permits its use for several times in the course of one week without further staining of the RNA segments. The electrophoresis chamber with a UV-light-transparent bottom is put directly onto the transilluminator and the RNA bands of the rotavirus can be visualized without manipulating the gel tray. During the winter of 1990/91, we found a good sensitivity (98%) of this method in comparison to a latex agglutination test (Slidex Rota-Kit 2, bio Mérieux).

Child↗
PubMed1991

Cytomegalovirus detection in transplant patients: comparison of different methods in a prospective survey.

In a prospective survey, all transplant patients at the hospital of the University of Zurich were screened for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. CMV infections were detected in a total of 40 of 104 transplant recipients; 31 could be diagnosed by CMV immunoglobulin M serology, 27 could be diagnosed by viremia, 11 could be diagnosed by antigenemia, and 13 could be diagnosed by the start of virus secretion. Combined application of serology and the detection of viremia showed the highest sensitivity (39 of 40 cases). Of the patients with severe clinical symptoms, six of seven had primary CMV infections caused by a positive transplant. Therefore, it is strongly indicated that patients with known risk factors should be regularly surveyed by a combination of methods.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1990

An outbreak of rotavirus infections in newborns--new aspects?

In the context of a prospective study for detection of rotavirus infections, an outbreak in neonates was observed in April 1986 at the Schweizerische Pflegerinnenschule in Zurich. Altogether, 103 neonates were investigated by means of genome gel electrophoresis for rotaviruses (HRV, human rotavirus) in the feces in the course of April 1986. Of these 103 neonates, 51 (49%) were HRV-positive and 52 (51%) were HRV-negative. Of the 51 HRV-positive neonates, 42 (82%) showed clinical symptoms, especially a typically altered pathological quality of the feces and an increased frequency of fecal passage. Vomiting and fever were observed less frequently. The pathological quality of the feces proved to be significantly correlated with the infection of rotaviruses in the neonate at risk. Besides this, reduced feeding behavior, circulatory signs and in one neonate a convulsive state of unclear etiology were also observed. This has only been rarely described up to now in rotavirus infections in neonates. This study confirms that rotavirus may cause frequently slight symptoms in neonates, but sometimes also symptoms of a clinically significant extent.

Diarrhea↗
PubMed1990

Incidence and diagnosis of rotavirus infection in neonates: results of two studies.

The present study investigates the incidence of human rotavirus excretion in neonates of two hospitals. From April 1, 1983 to March 31, 1984, rotaviruses were detected with Rotazyme in the feces of 57 (15%) of 383 neonates at the Department of Pediatrics, University of Berne, in a total in 71 (5.2%) of the 1369 stool samples tested. Of the 57 neonates with Rotazyme-positive stool samples, 53 (93%) were asymptomatic. The problems of the specificity of Rotazyme in neonatal feces and the possibility of rapid testing on neonatology wards are discussed. In a prospective study carried out in April 1986 at the "Schweizerische Pflegerinnenschule in Zurich", rotaviruses were detected with genome gel electrophoresis in the feces of 15 (63%) of 24 risk neonates in the premature baby ward and in 36 (46%) of 79 neonates from the infant nursery, in a total in 63 (34%) of the 188 stool samples tested. In this rotavirus outbreak all rotaviruses detected showed the same band pattern, and therefore had an identical electrophorotype. Symptoms and hospital hygiene aspects of this outbreak will be dealt with in subsequent papers.

Diarrhea↗
PubMed1990

Nosocomial rotavirus infections in neonates: means of prevention and control.

Fifteen out of 24 risk neonates from the premature baby ward (= 63%) and 36 of 79 healthy neonates from the infant nursery (= 46%) at a Zürich hospital were infected within a period of 29 days during a nosocomial epidemic human rotavirus (HRV) outbreak. Forty-two out of 51 of all HRV-infected babies (=82%) manifested clinical symptoms, but these could not all be attributed to an HRV infection. On average, rotavirus could be detected in infected risk neonates five days after their admission to the premature baby ward. Eleven of the 15 risk neonates were infected within 10 days after the admission of the index case. Immediately after detection of the epidemic process, specific detailed countermeasures were instituted, including hand protection and hand disinfection, individual nursing set and cohorting of already infected babies. Early institution of such measures and information of all persons responsible for treatment and care of the babies concerned are crucial for success.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed1988

Serratia plymuthica osteomyelitis following a motorcycle accident.

Serratia plymuthica was isolated from the sinus tract and from the infected bone in a case of chronic osteomyelitis following an accident of a motorcyclist. This is the second case in which S. plymuthica was a significant pathogen. Previously, a case of S. plymuthica sepsis associated with infection of a central venous catheter was described.

Accidents, Traffic↗