PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

W B Becker

Publications and source records attributed to W B Becker.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Serum antibodies to human T-cell leukaemia virus type I in different ethnic groups and in non-human primates in South Africa.

The prevalence of humoral antibodies to human T-cell leukaemia virus type I (HTLV-I) was investigated in different ethnic groups and in non-human primates in South Africa. Serum antibody levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using either disrupted whole HTLV-I or purified p24 core protein (p24 HTLV-I) as antigens. ELISA was complemented by direct radio-immunoprecipitation assays using either purified iodinated p24 HTLV-I or radiolabelled lysates of an HTLV-producing cell line as antigen followed by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the immunoprecipitates, and by immunofluorescence using the HTLV-I-producing cell line HUT-102 as antigen. Antibodies were demonstrated in 3,5% of Asians, 3,5% of blacks and 4,1% of coloureds, but not in whites, and also in 29% of vervet monkeys and 33% of baboons. We conclude that HTLV-I or closely related viruses cause widespread infection in non-human primates in South Africa and in a lower percentage of humans, including apparently healthy blood donors. We are currently isolating retroviruses from seropositive reactors and investigating the possible relevance to disease in South Africa.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Kaposi's sarcoma in a renal allograft recipient with cytomegalovirus infection. A case report.

There are increasing reports of Kaposi's sarcoma arising in immunosuppressed patients, including renal allograft recipients. Furthermore, evidence is accumulating that cytomegalovirus infection may be an aetiological factor in Kaposi's sarcoma. We report an additional case in a renal allograft recipient treated with corticosteroids, azathioprine and niridazole, who also had active cytomegalovirus infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Herpesvirus hominis oesophagitis and oesophageal stricture.

The literature on herpetic involvement of the oesophagus is reviewed and a case is described in which the presumptive clinical diagnosis of primary Herpesvirus hominis stomatitis and oesophagitis and subsequently oesophageal strictures was made. The differential diagnosis of an oesophageal lesion and its treatment are discussed.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1978

[Traumatic Herpes hominis infection during rugby (Herpes venatorum). A discussion of four cases].

Four cases of traumatic Herpesvirus hominis infection of the skin sustained during rugby are described. Attention is drawn to the importance of Herpesvirus infection of the eye, both primary and secondary, whether from self-inoculation or exogenous infection. The diagnosis must be correct so that specific treatment with idoxuridine may be considered and harmful treatment with corticosteroids may be avoided. Personal contact should be avoided during active infection. Epidemiological data show that an increasing percentage of young adults are susceptible to primary Herpesvirus infection. We are aware of undiagnosed cases and expect an increasing incidence of this type of infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

Leukaemogenesis in Down's syndrome.

Due to the fixed karyotype and documented malignancy risk in patients with Down's syndrome, recently described aetiological factors can be assigned to their proper places in a conceptual framework for leukaemogenesis in these individuals. This is a more profitable approach than those in which various types of karyotypic patterns are matched to different malignancies. It seems that viruses may play a special role, but they need interaction with other factors, most of which are present in Down's syndrome. A unifying concept which may be helpful in establishing research priorities is presented.

Child↗
PubMed1972

Disseminated Herpesvirus hominis (herpes simplex) infection: retrospective diagnosis by light and electron microscopy of paraffin wax-embedded tissues.

Disseminated Herpesvirus hominis infection had previously been reported from other parts of the world, but the disease was initially recognized at necropsy in Cape Town in 1957 (McKenzie, Hansen, and Becker, 1959).The present retrospective study established that the disease had been occurring before 1957 but that its aetiology had not been recognized. An awareness of the disease, together with an adequate knowledge of the clinical history, the morbid anatomy, and histology of the lesions, usually allows a confident diagnosis to be made.

Autopsy↗