Search

Cytomegaloviruses are common worldwide, with variable frequency of infections. The infection in pregnancy may lead to pregnancy loss or serious sequelae for the child. To understand the risk posed by CMV in Poland we conducted cross-sectional study on women aged 15–49 basing on existing serum bank. Age dependent CMV incidence, the rates of congenital infection and sequelae were modelled from sero-prevalence, literature and demographic data. The overall anti-CMV IgG prevalence was 81.9% increasing from 74.3% in < 30 years old to 94.3% in subjects 45+ years old. The lowest incidence was estimated at the age of 15 and the highest at the age 34 (3.8 and 8.95 respec- tively/100 women/year). The estimated rate of cCMV varies from 22.4 to 37.2 per 1000 live birth depending on the assumptions made. The proportion of cases due to secondary infection ranged from 34.8% to 49.9% accordingly.

Objective: To examine the type specific seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 infections, stratified by age and gender, and associated risk factors for HSV-2 seropositivity in Poland. Methods: 2257 serum samples of individuals from 15–65 years were randomly selected from serum banks in four different geographical regions of Poland, including the Zachodnio-pomorskie, Warminsko-mazurskie, Lubelskie, and Mazowieckie districts. Type specific serum antibodies to HSV-1 and HSV-2 were detected using HerpeSelect IgG ELISA tests. Results: Overall prevalences of type specific HSV-1 and HSV-2 serum antibodies were 90.4% and 9.3%, respectively. Age standardised HSV-2 seroprevalence was higher in women (9.7%) than men (8.8%) (p = 0.06), and increased notably with age from 4% in 15–24 year olds to 12% in those aged 50–65 years. HSV-1 seroprevalence was consistently higher than HSV-2 seroprevalence in each specific age group, ranging from 74.5% in 15–24 year olds to 98.8% in 50–65 year olds. HSV-2 seroprevalence varied significantly by geographical region, with the highest prevalence in the Zachodnio-pomorskie district (12%). Significant multivariate risk factors for HSV-2 seropositivity included older age, female gender, and geographical place of residence. Conclusion: This large survey found a notably high seroprevalence of HSV-1, even among young female adolescents 15–19 years of age (80%). HSV-2 seropositivity was under 12% in all age groups surveyed in Poland, tending to be among the lowest overall HSV-2 seropositivity rates reported thus far in Europe.

Cytomegalovirus infection (CMV) is one of the most common viral infections during pregnancy and one of the most common causes of birth defects in newborns. CMV infection occurs mostly through close contact with small children who can secrete the virus in saliva and urine. Children, especially in preschool and early school can also be a source of infection with other herpesviruses. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of active infections caused by viruses from the family Herpesviridae (CMV, EBV, VZV) among members of families with children.The study included 24 families raising children aged from 2 to 18 years. From all members of the families (46 adults and 39 children) saliva samples were collected from which DNA was extracted. The isolated DNA samples were tested for the presence of CMV, EBV, VZV genetic material by nested PCR. In addition, each family carried out a survey.The presence of CMV DNA in saliva samples were detected in members of 7 families and the presence of EBV DNA were detected in members of 11 families. Total DNA of CMV was detected in 8/85 samples of saliva (9.41%), of which 1/46 adults (2.17%) and 7/39 children (17.95%) and EBV DNA was detected in 18/85 tested saliva samples (21,18%) - 13/46 samples from adults (28,26%) and 5/39 samples from children (12,82%). VZV DNA was not detected in any of the tested saliva samples. The obtained results indicate that the active, asymptomatic infections with lymphotropic herpesviruses are common and affect more than 10% (CMV) and 20% (EBV) subjects.

The increase of measles incidence in Poland was recently observed. Furthermore, the analysis of routine serological tests performed in the department of virology, NIPH-NIH revealed, that nearly half of young people (20-30 years old) have no antibodies against measles virus. The paper presents results of IgG specific for measles virus prevalence in the sera of vaccinated and unvaccinated subjects, which aimed to make the selection of groups for immunological memory research.Total of 100 persons were examined based on results of determination of the presence of IgG anti-MeV: 26 people born before and 74 born after 1972 year. From this group, 55 participants were selected for further study and divided into 3 groups (1) subjects born before 1972, unvaccinated against measles and seropositive as a result of natural infection, (2) subjects born after 1972, vaccinated against measles but seronegative or with traces ofanti-MeV IgG presence, (3) subjects born after 1972 seropositive due to vaccination. Selected persons are subject to further examinations include determination the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes profile.The level of anty-MeV IgG antibodies in subjects after natural infection was significantly higher compared to levels obtained by vaccinations. No significant differences in the immunological parameters which could influence on immune response were observed.Obtained results lead to search other factors that may affect the weak postvaccinal humoral response.

Elimination of measles is one of the priority plans of WHO. The success of this plan depends on the development of long lasting, postvaccinal immune response. The aim of this study was to present the effect of stimulation with different strains of measles virus on the expression of T-helper cell (CD4+ T) early activation markers in people with different history of measles infection and to determine the correlation between the activation and dose of virus used for stimulation. The study was conducted using material derived from two patients: one seropositive due to natural infection and one vaccinated, with traces of anti-MeV IgG antibodies. In the CD4 T helper cells, the expression of CD69 receptor and the ability of the cells to produce INF after stimulation with the vaccine-derived or wild-type strain of measles virus was determined. For antigen-specific stimulation the virus suspension containing about 100 infectious particle, its tenfold and hundredfold dilutions was used. We found that the expression of T-helper cells early activation markers depended on the strain of the measles virus used for the stimulation, type of the immune response (postvaccinal, natural infection), and in the case of CD69 expression also on the dose of the virus used for the stimulation.

To achieve measles elimination, an efficient surveillance system for rash illnesses is necessary. The aim of the present study was to ascertain which viruses, other than measles, are causing measles-like illnesses (MLIs) in Poland. Serum samples (n=278) collected from MLI cases and submitted to the National Reference Laboratory during 2006-2007 were investigated for anti-measles (MeV), rubella (RUBV), parvovirus B19 (B19V), Epstein-Barr (EBV) and herpesvirus type-6 (HHV-6) IgM presence. Age was strongly associated with MLIs etiology. In the youngest age group, 0-4 years, MeV and HHV-6 infection were prevailing, while in group of 5-9 years--RUBV and B 19V. Measles was confirmed more often in patients with high fever (p0.001) and with rash lasting longer than 5 days (p0.001). The type of rash was not significantly associated with MeV infection. Our results strongly suggest that according to WHO EURO strategic plan, Poland is close to elimination phase. High number of MLIs were caused by pathogens other than measles. Addition of anti-B 19V IgM testing to routine MLIs screening protocol may improve system performance in the more advanced stages of measles elimination.

In Poland, 200 cases of tick borne encephalitis are annually registered. It is about half of all registered cases of viral encephalitis. Immunity acquired after vaccination with TBE inactivated vaccine persists defined time dependent on number of dose of vaccine and individual features of vaccinated person. The aim of this paper was to determine the frequency of IgG antibodies against TBE virus among forestry workers from Białowieza National Park with regard to information about vaccination against TBE virus. In the group of 59 persons vaccinated against TBE virus, 54 (91.5%) had IgG antibodies against TBE virus. In the group of 32 persons (non-vaccinated or for whom the information about vaccination was not given) 26 (81.3%) were seropositive. Relationships between VE value (determining level of antibodies), age and period passed from the last dose of vaccination were analysed. Taken to account the most disadvantageous circumstances (age = 60, regression intercept minus two standard deviation) antibodies level of VE = 11 (lower limit of positive result) remains for 2,72 years from last dose of vaccine against TBE virus. This result confirm recommendation about necessity to use of complementary dose within 3-5 years, at the same time it should be considered recommendation of necessity ofrevaccination persons 60 years old or above as frequently as every 3 years.

The aim of presented paper was to compare the results of EBV tests performed using real-time PCR (LightCycler EBV Quant Kit--Roche) and "home made" nested PCR in patients with serological confirmed actual or recent EBV infection. In serum samples the presence of IgM and IgG antibody to virus capsid antigen (VCA), IgG antibody to nuclear antigen (EBNA) and early antigen (EA) was tested. Serum samples with the presence anty-VCA IgM (I Group) or with anty EA IgG and without anty-VCA IgM (II Group) were tested by PCR. Real-time PCR results were compared to nested PCR. In both PCR methods 57/60 (95%) concordant results were obtained (10 positive and 47 negative samples). In two serum samples positive result was obtained only by real-time PCR, in one serum sample only by nested PCR. EBV DNA was detected only in serum samples from I Group. Negative EBV DNA detection may be correlated to phase of infection (time after onset of disease) in which the sample was collected, as well as with fact how long EBV is presence in blood. The results indicate that real-time PCR is a reliable tool for diagnosis of primary EBV infection early in the course of disease and may serve as test of confirmation in serologically indeterminate EBV infection (doubtful cases).

The most of registered in Poland cases of encephalitis and meningitis have viral aetiology. Confirmation of viral central nervous system (CNS) infection and diagnosis of pathogenic agent is critical for therapeutic treatment, especially if antiviral chemotherapy is available. The aim of this work was analysis of routine laboratory results obtained in Laboratory of Department of Virology NIZP-PZH by examination of materials obtained from 82 medical canters in Poland in aim of CNS infection confirmation. Materials, cerebrospinal fluid (CSN) n=277, and CSN together with serum (n=452) were obtained from patients aged from 3 days to 83 years. Accordingly with the range of tests performed in Laboratory of Department of Virology NIZP-PZH, obtained samples were examinated for 11 viral infections: HSV, CMV, EBV, VZV, HHV-6, HHV-7, TBE, measles, mumps, rubella and enteroviruses. Confirmation of viral infection was obtained in 104 out of 729 tested patients (14.3%). The highest number of confirmations was obtained in case of TBE infection (18.4%) and HSV (9.2%). The methods gave the highest number of confirmations were testing of intrathecal IgG synthesis (14.4%) and presence of IgM in serum (10.3%). If test was conducted only with CSF, confirmation of viral infection was obtained in 13 cases (4.7%). In conclusions it was ascertained that testing CSF and serum samples together greatly increase possibility of etiological agent detection and a range of ordered tests (i.e. intrathecal synthesis versus PCR) should account dynamics of pathological process.

Cytomegalovirus infection is one of the main problem in immunocompromised patiens. Quantitative assessment of CMV load (viral load), rate of increase of load and determination of DNA level above which the likelihood of disease is high (viral load thresholdfor disease) have significant prognostic and therapeutic importance at transplant recipients. The aim of this work was the comparison of 3 quantitative molecular techniques and assessment the threshold for disease for each of them. The study was undertaken with 37 samples of serum and the whole from 17 renal transplant recipients. Part of samples (n=16) comes from symptomatic patients, and were taken in period of clinical symptoms demonstration. The samples ware investigated by hybridization method (HC) performed accordingly to Hybrid the Capture procedure, (r-t PCR) Amplicor test (COBAS AMPLICOR CMV the Monitor test) nd real time PCR (r-t PCR). In 21 out of 37 samples DNA CMV was detected by all 3 methods, 2 samples gave concordant negative results. The CMV DNA level measured by all 3 methods was significantly higher (p0.05; t-Student test) in samples from symptomatic patients than from asymptomatic: 4.79 versus 3.58 for HC; 3.06 versus 1.36 for PCR-Amplicor and 4.23 versus 2.88 log DNA copies/ml for r-t PCR. The threshold for disease connected with high likelihood of disease (p0.05; Fisher test) was established at 4 log for r-t PCR method, 4,61 for hybridization and 3 log DNA CMV copies/ml for PCR Amplicor.

Laboratory confirmation of EBV infection requires proper methods and schema of investigation adequate to aim of diagnostic procedure. In paper the results of routine diagnostic tests of EBV infection performed in Department of Virology NIH in 2005-2006 years was included and also, evaluation of usefulness of different laboratory methods was done. Based on results of ELISA tests 10,7% routine investigated subjects was classified as primary EBV infection, 20,1% was seronegative, 7,4% was classified as reactivation of latent infection and serological markers in 45,6% subjects pointed past EBV infection. Positive result of PCR method was obtain in 11,2% samples subjected of routine laboratory investigation. Comparison of specific and non-specific serological methods results (ELISA versus tests of heterophile antibodies) showed the high percentage of false negative results in children tested by non-specific tests. PCR results in serum samples from patients with primary infection (confirmed by serological tests) were positive in 15% cases only. Based on analyzed results it could be stated that reliable confirmation of infectious mononucleosis, as primary EBV infection, is detection of specific IgM antibodies and in case of heterophile antibodies tests the possibility of false negative results, mainly in children, must be taken into account. The most proper samples for PCR method are whole blood, sections of tissue or cells from swabs.

A spread of hantavirus infections causing hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is one of the rising epidemiological problems in the world. There is evidence that this type of viruses exists in almost all European countries. It is known that in Poland all the species of wild rodents hosting European hantaviruses are present. However, the data on hantavirus are very limited and information on incidence and prevalence of hantavirus infections among humans and animals in our country is lacking. Up to now, only one study in Poland has dealt with hantavirus infections in humans. Therefore the aim of the presented study was to show whether those infections are present in Poland and how prevalent they are. Two risk groups of hantavirus infection were investigated: group I--people with renal disorders (hospitalized patients with proteinuria and people suspected to hantavirus infection; n=30 people) and group II--healthy people employed at the universities, scientific institutions who due to their profession have contact with small rodents as well as students who captured those rodents when practicing or preparing their master theses (n=76) and forest workers (n=86). No one from the group of patients with renal disorders was positive for hantavirus Puumala IgG. Moreover, none of the forest workers had evidence of hantavirus infection. The hantavirus IgG were found only in the group of mammologists--19% persons were positive. Mammologists are an occupational subpopulation who remain in direct contact with host and/or with host excretions (virus is present in urine, feces, saliva of infected animals) and seem to be the most sensitive indicator of hantaviruses presence in environment. These results prove occurrence of hantavirus infections in Poland, however it seems that they are not very prevalent.

Serological diagnostic tests were introduced for detection of immunoresponse against to etiological agents of current infectious diseases. Interpretation criteria for those tests should eliminate unspecific reactions, cross-reactivity with related viruses as well as traces amounts of immunological response against to the past infections. In the case of past hantaviruses infections for obtaining an adequate seroepidemiological data revalidation of this tests are required. In present studies Puumala IgG results obtained in sera from healthy population had been analysed by statistical method and interpretation criteria were recalculated. Panels of 86 sera from forest workers and 47 zoologists working with small mammals were evaluated for hantavirus specific IgG (Hantavirus Puumala ELISA test). Puumala specific antibodies were detected in 7 zoologist's sera and in 5 sera gave equivocal results. All sera collected from forest's workers were negative. Statistical analysis based on negative results in forest workers group suggests that the cut off of the ELISA test suitable for diagnosis of suspected nephropathia epidemica cases is too restrictive for seroepidemiological research of hantavirus in healthy population.

The aim of the study was to assess the seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 in the Polish general population. Serum samples (n=2,500) were randomly selected from a serum bank comprising materials coming from inhabitants of all 16 polish provinces, collected by the Department of Virology in 1995-2004. Testing was performed using ELISA kits. Association of seropositive results with age, gender, residence type, and geographical location was assessed by bivariate and multivariate analyses. Of the 2,500 samples tested, 1,321 (52.9%) were seropositive for parvovirus B19. First peak of seropositive persons was observed in pre-school children, the proportion of seropositives achieving 80% among 40 year-olds. Up to 40% women of child-bearing age were established susceptible to parvoviral infection. No association between seropositivity and gender, year of sample collection, residence type and place was observed. Analysis of proportion of seropositive children aged 1, 2 and 3 by year of sample collection permitted identification of epidemic year occurrence in 1999. Results of the present study indicate that parvovirus B19 infections are widespread in Poland and are not associated with gender, residence type or geographic region. Up to 40% women of child-bearing age were established susceptible to parvovirus B19 infection, which indicates that it can constitute an important factor of miscariages, especially during epidemic years.

Background Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is found in limited endemic foci in Poland. Lack of diagnosis limits disease detection in non-endemic provinces. Methods In 2009, we enhanced TBE surveillance to confirm the location of endemic foci and inform vaccination policy. In 105 hospitals located in 11/16 provinces, we identified suspected TBE cases through admission ICD-10 codes indicating aseptic meningo-encephalitis or from specimens tested for TBE. The National Reference Laboratory confirmed cases at no cost, by testing serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid using ELISA method. We calculated TBE reported rates as the number of confirmed TBE cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Adjusting to neighbouring districts, we classified districts as non-endemic ( = 0.1 to = 1 to = 5). We compared surveillance data obtained in 2009 with 2004–2008 baseline data. Results Among 166,099 admissions, we identified 1,585 suspected TBE cases of which 256 were confirmed. Physicians reported more suspected cases among patients