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At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1985

Sensitivity and specificity of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis viral antibody in cattle.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed to detect bovine serum antibody to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus. The specificity of this assay in 304 bovine sera, collected from an infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus-free herd, was 100%; in sera from 62 cattle inoculated with an intranasal vaccine, its diagnostic sensitivity was 27.4% at one month and 100% at six months, postvaccination. In 303 bovine sera with standard serum neutralizing antibody titers of greater than or equal to 1:2 it showed 100% sensitivity; and in 463 random diagnostic samples, comparative tests indicated that enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detected more seropositive animals (61.6%) than the standard serum neutralizing test (49.9%). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method was considered to be technically superior as a routine diagnostic test for the detection of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis viral antibody in bovine sera.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Immunologic tools in the diagnosis of amebiasis: epidemiology in the United States.

Several immunodiagnostic tests that detect antibody to Entamoeba histolytica are now available. Such tests are useful when demonstration of the etiologic agent is difficult (as in liver abscess), when routine diagnostic tests fail to disclose the organisms (as in severe intestinal disease compromised by failure of the laboratory to identify the organism or by the patient's use of interfering substances), and as epidemiologic tools for determining the prevalence of invasive disease in populations. Knowledge of the prevalence of amebiasis in the United States is incomplete because the disease is not routinely reported. Information currently available on the prevalence of amebiasis has accumulated from studies of selected groups that include children, institutionalized persons, members of extended families, immigrants, and male homosexuals.

Amebiasis↗

PubMed2004

Importance of including Blomia tropicalis in the routine diagnosis of Venezuelan patients with persistent allergic symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Blomia tropicalis is a common mite found in the house dust of many tropical countries including Venezuela. The prevalence of skin test and specific serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E reactivity to B. tropicalis in Venezuela has not been previously evaluated. METHODS: In the present study we evaluated the skin reactivity by skin prick test and specific IgE by a multiple antigen blot assay, against B. tropicalis and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, in a group of 115 subjects who attended the Allergy Clinic of the Institute of Biomedicine, Caracas, Venezuela, and we studied possible cross reactions between similar proteins of these two mites. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients with persistent allergic respiratory symptoms showed a positive skin prick test to at least one of the mite extracts, with the frequency of positive reactions to B. tropicalis being as high as to D. pteronyssinus. Twelve patients reacted only to D. pteronyssinus and 13 different patients only to B. tropicalis. Specific IgE to each of the mite extracts was found with similar frequency, and the results coincided with the skin test reactivity. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated the importance of including B. tropicalis in routine diagnostic testing in tropical and sub-tropical situations.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

First report on sensitization to allergens of a house dust mite, Suidasia pontifica (Acari: Saproglyphidae).

A species of house dust mite, Suidasia pontifica, was recently shown to produce allergens affecting man. The species may be as important as other allergen producing mite in sensitization and causing allergic symptoms in Malaysians. Surveys conducted demonstrated that 80% of the houses surveyed were positive for this mite with densities ranged from 2 to 50 mites per gram of dust. Colonies of the species has been successfully established and materials from those colonies have been used to produce extracts for studies on sensitization to the mites. A total of 85 suspected allergic rhinitis patients were tested and 74.1% demonstrated positive reactions. Extract of this mite should be considered for routine diagnostic testing and possible immunotherapy.

Acari↗

PubMed1990

Molecular biology of bovine virus diarrhoea virus.

Our understanding of the molecular biology of bovine virus diarrhoea virus (BVDV) has greatly increased over the past several years. The development of monoclonal antibodies (MAB's) has identified a key antigen of BVDV while at the same time providing evidence for considerable variation in this protein. MAB's, particularly those directed against the p80 protein, can be developed for use in diagnostic tests while others may be useful in molecular epidemiological studies of BVDV. The successful cloning of BVDV and hog cholera virus can provide nucleic acid probes for use in routine diagnostic testing, for use in pathogenesis studies and for the detection of BVDV contamination in biological materials. With the identification of the key antigens of BVDV and its molecular cloning, the future holds the promise of vectored vaccines which can provide the efficacy of modified-live vaccines with the safety of killed vaccines. However, much work still must be done to define the significance of the antigenic variation of BVDV as it relates to providing protection for the developing fetus.

Animals↗

PubMed1982

Diagnostic value of HLA-B27 testing ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter's syndrome.

Typing for histocompatibility antigen (HLA)-B27 has been suggested as a clinically valuable diagnostic test for ankylosing spondylitis and Reiter's syndrome, although some decry its use for this purpose. Diagnoses can be made in most patients with these diseases on the basis of the history, physical examination, and roentgenographic findings. The B27 test cannot be used to screen an asymptomatic population to detect these diseases and should not be thought of as a routine diagnostic test. We present probability graphs derived from Bayes' theorem, which show that for certain patients the B27 test, when used properly, is of clinical value as an aid to diagnosis. Proper application of the B27 test in clinical medicine is discussed. The test result does not absolutely confirm or exclude the presence of these diseases; it merely provides a probability statement on their existence in the patient. The test is therefore most useful to physicians who understand the use of probability reasoning in clinical decision making.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Detection of beet necrotic yellow vein virus using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction.

A diagnostic test based on reverse transcription followed by the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was developed for the detection of beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV). A specific 500-base-pair fragment was amplified from the read-through region of the coat protein gene located on RNA-2. The viral origin of the amplified product was confirmed by sequencing, with the sequence obtained having 94.5% homology with published sequence data for BNYVV. The assay gave a sensitivity of 800 times that of a TAS-ELISA and 50 times that of an amplified TAS-ELISA method. A range of BNYVV isolates from the UK and worldwide could be detected by this test, either as mechanically inoculated Chenopodium quinoa leaves or infected sugar beet roots. Use of the assay in routine diagnostic tests allowed a reduction of time needed for the detection of Rhizomania in soils from 7 to 4 weeks.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1987

Interferon assay as a viral diagnostic test.

The early production of interferons (IFNs) following viral infection has led to their detection being investigated as a method of diagnosis of such infections. The assay described here for alpha-IFN can be completed in one day and therefore has advantages over previously used bioassays. However, because production of IFN is transient, collection of samples must be soon after the onset of illness. For this reason the assay is more useful in cases where patients are seen early after the onset of symptoms. We have been looking at several such groups; the one reported here is children admitted to a paediatric infectious disease unit. 24/34 sera where a virus was found were positive for IFN and 14/52 where no virus was isolated. Control sera and those from patients with a bacterial infection were negative for IFN. We feel that the test is useful for certain groups of patients and are continuing to assess the assay for inclusion as a routine diagnostic test.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1976

[Studies on the antibacterial activity of the combination sulfamoxole/trimethoprim (CN 3123) (author's transl)].

After giving a survey on the situation of antibiotic resistance in the region of Northern Bavaria during 1973/74 and comparing the activity of a sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) trimethoprim (TMP) combination to other commonly used antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents, the results of tests with the new combination of N1-(4,5-dimethyl-2-oxazolyl)-sulfanilamide) (sulfamoxole) and 2,4-diamino-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzyl)-pyrimidine (trimethoprim) at a ratio of 5:1 (CN 3123; Nevin, Supristol) are compared to those of tests with TMP/SMZ. This was done by correlating the inhibition zone diameters and, on the other hand, by referring to a great number of sensitivity evaluations in routine diagnostic tests. According to the size of the inhibition zone, CN 3123 showed a somewhat greater activity on Enterococcus (fecal streptococci), Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella aerogenes, whereas the TPM/SMZ combination had apparently a stronger antibacterial effect in vitro against Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and the Achromobacter-group. Analysis of sensitivity readings from routine diagnosis demonstrated accordance of CN 3123 with TMP/SMZ in 92.6% (first series) and 94.2% (second series), respectively. These results should be considered critically in view of the manifold factors which influence sensitivity tests in the agar diffusion method.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Predictive value of amniotic acetylcholinesterase analysis in the diagnosis of fetal abnormality in 3700 pregnancies.

The value of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) analysis as an adjunctive test to amniotic alpha fetoprotein (amAFP) for the diagnosis of fetal abnormality has been investigated in a series of 3785 amniotic fluid samples. Quantitative analysis of AChE performed retrospectively on a selected group of 541 amniotic fluid samples failed to discriminate between normal and open neural tube defect pregnancies. Qualitative analysis of AChE by polyacrylamide gel (PAG) electrophoresis in the same series of 541 fluids correctly identified 251 of the 255 pregnancies with open neural tube defect and 29 of the 31 pregnancies with false positive amAFP results. The failure of the test to diagnose 4 cases of open neural tube defect was probably attributable to the age and condition of the stored AF samples. Routine diagnostic testing of AChE isoenzymes in a further 3244 AF samples successfully identified all 170 cases of open neural tube defect and 20 cases with other fetal defects. Thirteen fluids gave false positive AChE results (0.4 per cent) compared to 59 of the series in which there were false positive amAFP results (1.8 per cent). Six of the 13 false positive AChE cases had AChE bands of low intensity which would not be regarded as diagnostic of fetal abnormality, and in five the AChE band may have been the result of significant blood contamination. False positive AChE results contributed to the decision to abort three apparently normal fetuses, but a normal AChE result undoubtedly helped to save a number of pregnancies with false positive amAFP results. Our experience suggests that repeating the amniocentesis may help in resolving the rare diagnostic difficulty of a positive AChE result with or without an elevated amAFP in the absence of ultrasound evidence of fetal abnormality, particularly where there is blood contamination of the amniotic fluid sample.

Abdominal Muscles↗

PubMed1997

Selective management of penetrating neck trauma based on cervical level of injury.

BACKGROUND: Selective surgical exploration of penetrating neck wounds is now the standard of care, but the safety and cost effectiveness of selective diagnostic testing remains controversial. We herein review our 18-year prospective evaluation of a progressively selective approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since 1979, 312 patients sustained penetrating trauma to the anterior neck; 75% were stabbed and 24% were shot. Zone I was penetrated in 13%, zone II in 67%, and zone III in 20%. RESULTS: In all, 105 (34%) of the patients had early exploration (16% were nontherapeutic). Of the 207 (66%) observed, 1 (0.5%) required delayed exploration. Length of stay was 8.0 days following exploration, 5.1 days following negative exploration, and 1.5 days following observation. In the last 6 years, 40% have had adjunctive testing: 69% of zone I, 15% of zone II, and 50% of zone III injuries. CONCLUSION: Selective management of penetrating neck injuries is safe and does not mandate routine diagnostic testing for asymptomatic patients with injuries in zones II and III.

Humans↗

PubMed1981

The child with a 'simple' febrile seizure. Appropriate diagnostic evaluation.

Febrile seizures are a common pediatric problem, yet there is a great deal of disagreement about the appropriate diagnostic evaluation of a child with this disorder. We reviewed the routine diagnostic tests performed on 100 consecutive children admitted with their first "simple" febrile seizure. The studies performed included lumbar puncture, measurement of blood glucose, serum calcium, serum electrolytes, and BUN levels, blood cell count, urinalysis, skull roentgenograms, and EEG. Though resulting in a significant expense, these routine investigations proved to be of little diagnostic value. Based on this experience and a review of the current literature, we concluded that diagnostic procedures should be performed only when specifically called for by the patient's condition or medical history.

Blood Cell Count↗

PubMed1986

Minimum procedures for visual electrodiagnostic testing.

A set of procedures for the electroretinogram, electrooculogram, and pattern and luminance visual evoked cortical potentials was defined by representatives from all Dutch University Eye Clinics in order to promote standardization of procedures for routine diagnostic testing. The procedures have been selected to obtain an answer to most electrodiagnostic questions of frequent occurrence with a minimum of equipment and examination time. An individual examiner may add other procedures to the proposed program to extend and diagnostic possibilities.

Electrodiagnosis↗

PubMed1987

Comparison of competitive and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for detection of bluetongue virus antibodies in serum and whole blood.

An indirect (I) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a competitive (C) ELISA, using a group-specific monoclonal antibody against bluetongue virus (BTV), are described for the detection of antibodies to BTV in cattle and sheep sera. The performance of these assays in detecting anti-BTV antibody in sequential serum samples and eluates from whole blood (WB) dried on filter paper from three calves and four sheep experimentally infected with type 10 BTV was evaluated. The C-ELISA was superior to the I-ELISA in the detection of anti-BTV antibody in the sera and WB samples from both cattle and sheep early after infection with BTV. BTV antibodies were demonstrable by C-ELISA in all the bovine and ovine sera and WB eluates by 9 days postinfection; whereas the I-ELISA results for sheep sera and WB eluates were similar, anti-BTV antibody was not detected in bovine serum and WB eluates until 26 and 14 days postinfection, respectively. While both ELISAs proved reliable, under the present test conditions involving detection of early postinfection reactions of experimentally infected animals, the C-ELISA was always as sensitive or more sensitive than the standard agar gel immunodiffusion test, the modified complement fixation test, and the plaque neutralization tests in the detection of anti-BTV antibodies. Unlike observations with the immunodiffusion test, no reaction was seen between BTV antigen and bovine epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus antiserum in either ELISA. The results suggest that either ELISA may be suitable for routine diagnostic testing and may have the potential to replace other tests for detection of anti-BTV group-specific antibodies and that the C-ELISA may have the most potential.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Cervical spine meningioma presenting as otalgia: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Cervical spine meningiomas have not been reported to present as otalgia. It is important to include otalgia in the differential diagnosis and workup, especially when more common causes of ear pain have been excluded. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old woman presented to her primary care physician with severe ear pain. She underwent routine diagnostic testing and eventually was referred to a neurologist. After conservative management failed, the patient underwent cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed a large meningioma encompassing C2-C3. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent a cervical laminectomy with complete resection of the tumor. She experienced immediate postoperative resolution of her symptoms. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates the importance of aggressive evaluation of otalgia when routine diagnostic studies are inconclusive. Cervical meningiomas are associated with significant potential morbidity and should be excluded early in the diagnostic process.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

Detection of parvovirus by DNA analysis.

DNA technology has been used to diagnose parvovirus B19 infection in clinical samples. The tests are specific and can attain a high degree of sensitivity, particularly when using PCR amplification. Over the next few years, DNA technology will become increasingly available and may be among the routine diagnostic tests in the future.

DNA Probes↗

PubMed2003

Evaluation of automated RT-PCR to accelerate the laboratory diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease virus.

Automated fluorogenic (5' nuclease probe-based) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) procedures were evaluated for the diagnosis of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) using suspensions of vesicular epithelium, heparinised or clotted blood, milk and oesophageal-pharyngeal fluid ('probang') samples from the United Kingdom (UK) 2001 epidemic and on sera from animals experimentally infected with the outbreak serotype O FMD virus strain. A MagNA Pure LC was initially programmed to automate the nucleic acid extraction and RT procedures with the PCR amplification carried out manually by fluorogenic assay in a GeneAmp 5700 Sequence Detection System. This allowed 32 samples to be tested by one person in a typical working day or 64 samples by two people within 10-12 h. The PCR amplification was later automated and a protocol developed for one person to complete a single test incorporating 96 RT-PCR results within 2 working days or for two people to do the same thing in around 12 h. The RT-PCR results were directly compared with those obtained by the routine diagnostic tests of ELISA and virus isolation in cell culture. The results on blood, probang and milk samples were in broad agreement between the three procedures but specific RT-PCR protocols for such material have to be fully optimised as perhaps have the positive-negative acceptance criteria. However, the automated RT-PCR achieved definitive diagnostic results (positive or negative) on supernatant fluids from first passage inoculated cell cultures and its sensitivity was greater than ELISA on suspensions of vesicular epithelium (ES) and at least equivalent to that of virus isolation in cell culture. The combined tests of ELISA, virus isolation in cell culture and RT-PCR might, therefore, only be required for confirmation of a first outbreak of FMD in a previously FMD-free country. Should a prolonged outbreak subsequently occur, then either ELISA plus RT-PCR or else RT-PCR alone could be used as the laboratory diagnostic tool(s). Either approach would eliminate the requirement for sample passage in cell culture and considerably advance the issue of laboratory diagnostic test results.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Cardiac troponin I should replace CKMB for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction.

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) has been reported to be a highly specific marker for cardiac injury. We investigated the performance of this assay in patients admitted to a coronary care unit for suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI), patients with extensive skeletal muscle damage, marathon runners and as a routine diagnostic test over a four week period. cTnI proved to be as sensitive a marker for AMI as creatine kinase/MB isoenzyme (CKMB) in patients admitted to the coronary care unit. In 10 patients with a proven AMI, the cTnI remained elevated from 69 to 183 h with a median time of 127 h. Cardiac troponin I had superior specificity to CKMB in patients with skeletal muscle damage. It was very useful in these patients to confirm or exclude concurrent myocardial damage. In routine diagnostic use, cTnI had greater efficiency than CKMB to classify patients as having an AMI. Consequently cTnI should replace CKMB as a marker for AMI.

Coronary Care Units↗