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Many questions remain about the prevalence and effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in malaria-endemic African countries like Uganda, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women. We describe SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antibody responses and clinical outcomes in mother-infant dyads enrolled in malaria chemoprevention trials in Uganda. From December 2020-February 2022, among 400 unvaccinated pregnant women enrolled at 12-20 weeks gestation and followed through delivery, 128 (32%) were seronegative for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM at enrollment and delivery, 80 (20%) were infected prior to or early in pregnancy, and 192 (48%) were infected or re-infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy. We observed preferential binding of plasma IgG to Wuhan-Hu-1-like antigens in individuals seroconverting up to early 2021, and to Delta variant antigens in a subset of individuals in mid-2021. Breadth of IgG binding to all variants improved over time, consistent with affinity maturation of the antibody response in the cohort. No women experienced severe respiratory illness during the study. SARS-CoV-2 infection in early pregnancy was associated with lower median length-for-age Z-score at age 3 months compared with no infection or late pregnancy infect (-1.54 versus -0.37 and -0.51, P = 0.009). These findings suggest that pregnant Ugandan women experienced high levels of SARS-CoV-2 infection without severe respiratory illness. Variant-specific serology testing demonstrated evidence of antibody affinity maturation at the population level. Early gestational SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with transient shorter stature in early infancy. Further research should explore the significance of this finding and define targeted measures to prevent infection in pregnancy.

Point-of-care serological and direct antigen testing offers actionable insights for diagnosing challenging illnesses, empowering distributed health systems. Here, we report a POC-compatible serologic test for Lyme disease (LD), leveraging synthetic peptides specific to LD antibodies and a paper-based platform for rapid, and cost-effective diagnosis. Antigenic epitopes conserved across Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies, targeted by IgG and IgM antibodies, are selected to develop a multiplexed panel for detection of LD antibodies from patient sera. Multiple peptide epitopes, when combined synergistically with a machine learning-based diagnostic model achieve high sensitivity without sacrificing specificity. Blinded validation with 15 LD-positive and 15 negative samples shows 95.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Blind testing with the CDCs LD repository samples confirms the test accuracy, matching lab-based two-tier results, correctly differentiating between LD and look-alike diseases. This LD diagnostic test could potentially replace the cumbersome two-tier testing, improving diagnosis and enabling earlier treatment while facilitating immune monitoring and surveillance.

Scrub typhus, a vector-borne bacterial infection, is an important but neglected disease globally. Accurately characterizing the burden is challenging because of nonspecific symptoms and limited diagnostics. Prior seroepidemiology studies have struggled to find consensus cutoffs that permit comparisons of estimates across contexts and time. In this study, we present a novel approach that does not require a cutoff and instead uses information about antibody kinetics after infection to estimate seroincidence. We use data from three cohorts of scrub typhus patients in Chiang Rai, Thailand, and Vellore, India, to characterize antibody kinetics after infection and two population serosurveys in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, and Tamil Nadu, India, to estimate seroincidence. The samples were tested for IgM and IgG responses to Orientia tsutsugamushi-derived recombinant 56-kDa antigen using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. We used Bayesian hierarchical models to characterize antibody responses after scrub typhus infection and used the joint distributions of the peak antibody titers and decay rates to estimate population-level incidence rates in the cross-sectional serosurveys. Median responses persisted above an optical density (OD) of 1.8 for 23.6 months for IgG and an OD of 1 for 4.5 months for IgM. Among 18- to 29-year-olds, the seroincidence was 10 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI, 5-19) in Tamil Nadu, India, and 14 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI: 10-20) in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. When seroincidence was calculated with antibody decay ignored, the disease burden was underestimated by more than 50%. The approach can be deployed prospectively, coupled with existing serosurveys, or leverage banked samples to efficiently generate scrub typhus seroincidence estimates.

The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 caused the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerated vaccine development to prevent the spread of the virus and control the disease. Given the sustained high infectivity and evolution of SARS-CoV-2, there is an ongoing interest in developing COVID-19 serology tests to monitor population-level immunity. To address this critical need, we designed a paper-based multiplexed vertical flow assay (xVFA) using five structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2, detecting IgG and IgM antibodies to monitor changes in COVID-19 immunity levels. Our platform not only tracked longitudinal immunity levels but also categorized COVID-19 immunity into three groups: protected, unprotected, and infected, based on the levels of IgG and IgM antibodies. We operated two xVFAs in parallel to detect IgG and IgM antibodies using a total of 40 μL of human serum sample in

Oropouche virus (OROV) is an arthropod‐borne virus (arbovirus) in the Orthobunyavirus genus and Peribunyaviridae viral family that is endemic to parts of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. It has recently emerged in Cuba, and travel‐imported cases are recently being reported in the United States and Europe. Typically maintained in a sylvatic cycle between certain forest sloths, non‐human primates, birds, and mosquitoes, OROV disease outbreaks can occur in an urban cycle between certain biting midges and/or mosquitoes and humans. Clinically, approximately 60% of infections are symptomatic with an abrupt fever and non‐specific influenza‐like illness within 3 to 10 days. Many initial OROV infections can present similarly to chikungunya, dengue, and Zika virus infections. Interestingly, OROV infections can follow a biphasic course with recurrence of symptoms approximately 1 week after initial symptom onset. Concerningly, similar to Zika virus, it appears that vertical transmission of OROV may occur with potentially adverse effects on fetal development including miscarriages. Neuroinvasion of OROV occurs in animal models, and human cases of meningitis, encephalitis, and peri‐infectious Guillain‐Barré syndrome have all been reported. Diagnosis is either through detection of OROV nucleic acid, OROV immunoglobulin M, or OROV neutralizing antibodies in the serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid. No antiviral treatments are available, and there are no current vaccines. Preventing mosquito and biting midge bites is key. Neurologists should be aware of and report any potential neuroinvasive OROV disease cases to local/state/territorial health departments. ANN NEUROL 2025;97:28–33 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) with the frequency of 1 in 25000 is the "COMMON" form among the primary immunodeficiency diseases. It has a phenotype encompassing symptoms involving the lungs, gastrointestinal (GI) tract often, and joints. Symptoms are due to autoimmune and inflammatory reactions. These are seen from childhood to adult life with variable progression. Diagnostic criteria are defined now and include ruling out acquired hypogammaglobulinemia and agammaglobulinemia and include genetic testing. A higher incidence of cancer of the lymphoid or GI tract is reported. Treatment is the replacement of immunoglobulins. We report a patient with CVID with isolated GI symptoms. CVID is a less suspected, less recognized disease in India. Isolated GI symptoms in the form of diarrhea with no sinopulmonary and other organ involvement are even more, less common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of immunity (IEI) characterized by increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmunity, and/or autoinflammation. AID plays an important role in immunoglobulin class switching and somatic hypermutation. AID deficiency patients have very low or absent levels of IgG, IgA, and IgE, while IgM level is elevated. The disease is designated as type 2 hyperimmunoglobulin M syndrome (HIGM‐2). To date, around 130 patients with HIGM‐2 have been reported, none from Egypt. Methods: Four patients from three different consanguineous families with elevated serum IgM and low IgG and IgA were included in the study. After the exclusion of CD40 and/or CD40L deficiency by flow cytometry, patients' samples were tested by a panel covering 452 genes (four bases PID‐Pro) on the Illumina Miseq platform. Results: All patients suffered repeated infections since childhood. Patients 1–3 had inflammatory bowel disease‐like (IBD‐like) symptoms, while patient 4 did not have autoimmune manifestations. Patient 1 is the first HIGM‐2 patient to be reported to have renal amyloidosis as part of the autoinflammation. Patients 1–3 had the same pathogenic variant (NM_020661.4 (AID):c.406del, p.Ile136Ter), while patient 4 had another pathogenic variant (NM_020661.4 (AID):c.374G > A, p.Gly125Glu). The variant p.Ile136Ter was not reported before in any of the documented HIGM‐2 patients. Conclusion: HIGM‐2 is a rare IEI that can be overlooked; hence, patients' diagnosis is delayed. Autoimmune and autoinflammatory manifestations develop later in the disease course leading to significant morbidities. The diagnosis can be suspected after exclusion of CD40/CD40L deficiencies by flow cytometry, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by genetic testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pregnant individuals with antiphospholipid antibodies, anti-β2 glycoprotein-I domain 1 and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin antibodies are significant independent predictors of adverse pregnancy outcome. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of anti-β2 glycoprotein-I domain 1 (aD1) and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin antibodies for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in an at-risk population and to describe the relationship among aD1, antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin, lupus anticoagulant, and other antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). METHODS: Data were obtained from a prospective cohort of pregnant patients with aPL, with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n=59) or without SLE (n=106), or SLE without aPL (n=100) (PROMISSE [Predictors of Pregnancy Outcome in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome] study; NCT00198068). Levels of aD1 and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin were quantified with the QUANTA Flash and QUANTA Lite systems, respectively, in sera collected at less than 18 weeks of gestation. Adverse pregnancy outcome was defined as delivery at before 34 weeks of gestation for preeclampsia or placental insufficiency or fetal death after 12 weeks of gestation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis assessed the diagnostic properties of aD1 and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Bivariate comparisons were made between each biomarker. Multivariable regression modeling of adverse pregnancy outcomes was performed, and backward selection determined variables for a final model for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Logistic regression of lupus anticoagulant quantified the association with aD1 and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin. The rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes was described by combined results of lupus anticoagulant, aD1, and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin immunoglobulin G (IgG). RESULTS: Of 265 individuals, 45 (17.0%) experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes. Area under the curve from ROC analysis for aD1 was 0.734 (95% CI, 0.664–0.805), for antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin IgG was 0.83 (95% CI, 0.751–0.899), and for antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin immunoglobulin M (IgM) was 0.612 (95% CI, 0.520–0.703). Markers associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes were aD1 (P <.001), anticardiolipin IgG (P <.001), β2-glycoprotein I IgG (P =.003), antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin IgG (P <.001), antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin IgM (P =.03), and lupus anticoagulant (P <.001). Backward selection identified lupus anticoagulant, aD1, and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin IgG for final adverse pregnancy outcome modeling: lupus anticoagulant odds ratio (OR) 7.0 (95% CI, 3.4–14.4), aD1 OR 12.1 (95% CI, 3.64–40.2), and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin IgG OR 11.4 (95% CI, 5.2–25.2). Both aD1 and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin IgG remained significant when lupus anticoagulant was removed from the model. Both aD1 and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin IgG performed the best in ruling in adverse pregnancy outcomes. With a likelihood ratio less than 0.1, aD1 or antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin IgG performed well for ruling out adverse pregnancy outcomes. Both aD1 and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin IgG were associated with lupus anticoagulant positivity: OR 27.9 (95% CI, 12.1–64.0) if both were positive. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were highest in those with positive lupus anticoagulant, aD1, and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin IgG (47.6%). CONCLUSION: In pregnant individuals with aPL, with or without SLE, aD1 and antiphosphatidylserine–prothrombin IgG are significant independent predictors of adverse pregnancy outcomes and are strongly associated with lupus anticoagulant. Combined use may identify patients at greatest risk for severe obstetric complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A strong association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been established but the exact role of EBV in MS remains controversial. Recently, molecular mimicry between EBNA1 and specific GlialCAM, CRYAB and ANO2 peptides has been suggested as a possible pathophysiological mechanism. The aim of this study was to analyse anti-EBV antibodies in MS patients against (I) EBV lifecycle proteins, (II) putative cross-reactive peptides, and (III) during treatment. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 258 serum samples were included consisting of EBV-negative (n = 25) and EBV-positive (n = 36) controls, 192 MS samples including untreated relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) with and without relapses, secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS) patients, and 106 patients on 8 different treatment regimens. IgG and IgM antibody titers against EBV docking/fusion proteins (gp350, gh/gp42, gh/gL/gp42), immediate early antigen (BZLF1), early antigens (EA p85, EA P138, EA P54), capsid antigens (VCA P18, VCA P23, VCA gp125) and late antigens (EBNA1) were measured. Specific EBNA1 and GlialCAM, CRYAB and ANO2 peptides were synthesized and also incorporated in our custom magnetic bead based multiplex assay. Results: We observed significantly elevated IgG antibody titers in EBV-positive controls, RRMS with and without relapse, SPMS and PPMS patients for all lifecycle antigens except for several early antigens when compared to EBV-negative controls. Significantly higher IgG antibody titers were observed in RRMS patients for fusion proteins and EBNA1 peptides when compared to EBV-positive controls. An MS specific response was observed for ANO2 but not for GlialCAM or CRYAB. No significant treatment effects or a specific IgM response were detectable. Conclusion: The MS-specific, differential antibody response to EBV antigens confirms an altered immunological response to EBV in MS patients. EBV reactivation does not appear to play an important role in MS pathogenesis and no differential antibody signatures were observed between MS disease phases. The MS-specific anti-ANO2 antibody response suggests a potential role for EBNA1 as an antigenic driver, although the exact role of anti-ANO2 antibodies needs to be determined. The precise pathophysiological role of EBV in MS remains uncertain and requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr is a common traditional Chinese medicine with anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, no related studies reported the potential application effect of Gynura procumbens on meat ducks. The study aims to investigate the potential effects of Gynura procumbens extract (GPE) supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, antioxidant capacity, immunity and meat quality. Methods: A total of 480 21-day-old female healthy ducks were randomly allocated to four treatments, each treatment containing six replicates with 20 ducks per replicate. The groups received a corn-soybean basal diet supplemented with 0 mg/kg GPE (CON), 200 mg/kg GPE (GPE200), 400 mg/kg GPE (GPE400), and 600 mg/kg GPE (GPE600), respectively. The entire experiment lasted for 7 weeks. Results: The results showed that dietary supplementation with 600 mg/kg GPE significantly reduced the contents of serum urea nitrogen, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). GPE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) supplementation effectively reduced the contents of IL-2 and MDA. The levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) as well as total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) in GPE600 group dramatically elevated in comparison with the control group. Dietary GPE supplementation considerably increased the moisture content of the breast muscle. Furthermore, dietary supplementation with GPE markedly decreased the water loss rate and shear force. Discussion: With the ban of antibiotics in poultry production, traditional Chinese medicines have been widely used in livestock and poultry production due to their high efficiency and low toxicity. Gynura procumbens extract GPE as a natural plant origin contains a series of biologically active components, including flavonoids, polyphenols, saponin, tannin and terpenoid. This study indicated that dietary supplementation with GPE can increase serum total antioxidant capacity, regulate immune function and improve meat quality to some extent in meat ducks. The recommended optimal GPE level in the diet of meat ducks is 600 mg/kg according to the results in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of using the distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) instead of soybean meal on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were investigated. Four different experimental diets were prepared with isonitrogenous (43%) and isolipidic (19%) values, incorporating DDGS at levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%. Fish were weighed (18.5–20.2 g) and randomly distributed in 12 tanks (140 L water) with 22 fish in each tank. The feeding trial lasted 60 days and was conducted in triplicate. The best weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed in the DDGS20 experimental group. While viscerosomatic index (VSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) values were found to be the highest in the DDGS30 experimental group, the spleen‐somatic index (SSI) was found to be the highest in the DDGS10 experimental group (p < 0.05). It was found that the nutrient digestibility ratio values and fish meat chemical composition values of the experimental diets were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, it was analyzed that the use of DDGS protein sources in diets did not negatively affect the coloration of the experimental fish. While DDGS percentage increased in the diet, hepatocyte nucleus diameter was decreasing (p < 0.05). In the distal intestine, the DDGS10 and DDGS20 groups gave results that are more likely to be digestible, which depends on villi length. The results of the DDGS30 groups had no negative effects on both liver and distal intestine. The genes interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 8 (IL-8), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) exhibited higher fold changes when DDGS2 contribution was present in the liver, whereas the interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) gene exhibited lower fold change. Furthermore, the mean fold changes increased with the proportion of the DDGS additive in the immunoglobulin M (IgM) heavy chain and immunoglobulin T (IgT) genes but decreased in the catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) genes. TNF-α and SOD2 genes showed the lowest fold changes in the head kidney in the presence of DDGS20, whereas IL-1β and GPX1 genes exhibited the highest fold changes in the presence of DDGS10. Moreover, the utilization of feed additives extracted from DDGS in feed formulations resulted in cost reductions, thereby positively influencing the production cost per kilogram of feed. Among the trials, the incorporation of DDGS20 had the most beneficial impact on the cost per kilogram of fish due to its comparatively lower cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: COVID-19 has evolved into a seasonal coronavirus disease, characterized by prolonged infection duration and repeated infections, significantly increasing the risk of patients developing long COVID. Our research focused on the immune responses in asymptomatic and mild cases, particularly the critical factors influencing serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and their predictive value. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis on data from 1939 asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic COVID-19 patients hospitalized between September 2022 and June 2023. Spearman methods were used to test the correlation between serum IgG and age, immunoglobulin M (IgM), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nucleic acid conversion time, and BMI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent key factors influencing serum IgG levels, which were integrated and visualized in a nomogram. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to predict the model's diagnostic performance by calculating the AUC. Results: Mild patients showed higher levels of IgG, IgM, and longer nucleic acid conversion times than asymptomatic patients, and a lower proportion of them had received ≥ 3 COVID-19 vaccine doses. Serum IgG was positively correlated with serum IgM and negatively correlated with age, PCT, IL-6, and BMI. Notably, it showed a moderate negative correlation with nucleic acid conversion time (r = -0.578, P < 0.001). Logistic regression results showed that younger age, lower IL-6 levels, ≥ 3 doses of vaccine, and no comorbidities were independent predictors of serum IgG levels ≥ 21.08 g/L. We used age, IL-6 levels, vaccine doses, and comorbidities to create a nomogram for predicting serum IgG levels, with the area under the ROC curve reaching 0.772. Conclusion: Age, IL-6 levels, vaccination status, and comorbidities were independent predictors of serum IgG levels in asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 patients, facilitating risk stratification and clinical decision-making. Notably, receiving ≥3 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine was the most beneficial factor for elevated serum IgG levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study evaluated the potential of substituting fishmeal with American cockroach residue in the feed of juvenile Cyprinus carpio. Replacing up to 40% of fishmeal with American cockroach residue significantly improved growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in juvenile C. carpio. However, replacing more than 40% of fishmeal may adversely affect intestinal health. Therefore, determining the optimal replacement ratio is essential for maximizing growth and well-being in juvenile C. carpio. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets (Diet 1–Diet 5, with Diet 1 as the control) were formulated to replace 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% of fishmeal with American cockroach residue. Juvenile Cyprinus carpio (initial body weight approximately 74 g) were randomly assigned to these diets for a 10-week feeding trial. The Diet 3 group (40% replacement) showed significantly higher final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio compared to other groups. No significant differences were observed in crude protein, ash, and total amino acid content across the diets. Groups fed Diet 1 and Diet 2 exhibited higher intestinal trypsin, lipase, α-amylase, and hepatic trypsin activities. Serum triglyceride (TG) levels were highest in the Diet 5 group. Hepatic aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity was significantly lower in the Diet 3 and Diet 5 groups compared to Diet 1. Serum urea nitrogen levels followed a non-linear trend, initially increasing, then decreasing, and rising again with increasing fishmeal replacement. No significant differences were found in serum total protein (TP) levels among the dietary groups. Intestinal villus number, muscle layer thickness, villus height, villus width, and crypt depth remained consistent across groups. However, goblet cell numbers were significantly reduced at the 60% replacement level, which could impair intestinal barrier function. Diet 3 showed higher serum and hepatic total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity, while Diet 2 had the highest hepatic total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activity. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were lowest in the Diet 2 and Diet 5 groups. Immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels showed an increasing trend with higher fishmeal replacement levels. In conclusion, replacing fishmeal with American cockroach residue did not adversely affect growth performance or body composition in juvenile C. carpio. Substituting 20–40% of fishmeal with American cockroach residue enhanced antioxidant capacity and immune function in juvenile C. carpio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of berberine (BBR) on Salmonella enteritis in broiler chickens and to elucidate its mechanisms of action preliminarily. Blood samples were collected from 21- to 35-day-old Sanhuang male chicks to measure immune and biochemical indicators and to calculate the organ coefficients for the liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and thymus. The caecal microbiota was analysed through 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing, and transcriptome sequencing was conducted. Compared with the positive control group (S), the berberine-treated group (BS) presented increased serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, serum IgG levels, and total antioxidant capacity; berberine ameliorated the increase in the thymus index caused by Salmonella administration. The addition of berberine to the diet increased the abundance of beneficial bacterial genera, including Bacteroides and Lactobacillus. It also decreased the abundance of harmful bacterial genera, including Faecalibacterium and Streptococcus. Transcriptome analysis revealed that gene expression in the S and BS groups was associated with T cell selection and B cell receptor signalling pathways, which are enriched primarily in multiple immune-related signalling pathways, including the B cell receptor signalling pathway, NF- κ B signalling pathway, intestinal immune network for IgA production, asthma, and African trypanosomiasis. The significantly expressed genes included ATAD5, ERP29, MGST2, PIK3CA, and HSP90AA1. The present study demonstrated that berberine has a good therapeutic effect on Salmonella infection in chicks, as it inhibits the occurrence and development of Salmonella -induced intestinal inflammation by regulating the balance of the gut microbiota and the expression of related genes, including ATAD5, ERP29, MGST2, PIK3CA, and HSP90AA1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Streptococcus suis serotype (cps) 2 is an important bacterial pathogen in piglet nurseries and an emerging zoonotic agent without effective vaccines available. Immunoglobulin (Ig)M plays an essential role in host defense against S. suis. In mice, non-conventional B-1 cells are a major source of protective IgM against encapsulated bacterial pathogens, such as S. pneumoniae. Two IgM+CD21− B-1-like cell subpopulations, distinguishable by CD11R1 expression, were described in pigs, but their properties and functions are poorly understood. This study aimed at a first characterization of the porcine early IgM B cell response against S. suis cps 2. Methods: We analyzed the same healthy pigs, naturally colonized by different S. suis serotypes, including cps 2, at four and eight weeks of age serologically and determined the frequency of different peripheral B cell subpopulations by flow cytometry. Furthermore, we isolated conventional IgM+CD21+ B-2 cells as well as non-conventional B-1-like cell subpopulations from peripheral blood of eight-weeks-old pigs to evaluate their potential of IgM secretion in response to innate and adaptive stimuli in vitro. Results: Between the fourth and eighth week of life, a characteristic increase of S. suis cps 2-binding serum IgM antibodies, restricting bacterial growth, was observed. Moreover, we show for the first time that the significant increase of anti- S. suis serum IgM is associated with a relative increase of peripheral non-conventional IgM+CD21− B-1-like cells in vivo , particularly of the IgM+CD21− CD11R1− subpopulation. Noteworthy, sorted IgM+CD21− CD11R1− B-1-like cells from eight-weeks-old pigs spontaneously secreted IgM in vitro. In addition, both non-conventional IgM+CD21− B cell subpopulations, in contrast to conventional IgM+CD21+ B-2 cells, produced anti- S. suis IgM upon toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation underlining their innate-like characteristics. We furthermore observed that both B-1-like subpopulations secrete S. suis cps 2-binding IgM upon stimulation with T cell-associated factors with highest amounts in IgM+CD21−CD11R1− B-1-like cells even exceeding anti- S. suis IgM levels produced by B-2 cells. Conclusion: Porcine non-conventional B-1-like cells are a potent source of S. suis -binding IgM indicating a role in immunity during a critical phase of piglet rearing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoantibodies condition that impact on the thyroid gland. In this disorder, several autoantibodies play an essential role in the dysfunction of the thyroid, including the metabolism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25 VitD3)-XP, and leading to contributed to the development of related autoimmune diseases. The aim of current study to explore the important correlation between 1,25 VitD3 deficiency and specific types of autoantibodies in the patients. Materials and Methods: The current involved 150 male's patients, aged 25-50 years, who were compared with same numbers and aged of as healthy controls. Various biomarkers to thyroid gland were measured, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (T3). In additionally, anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO), thyroglobulin (TG), TSH receptor antibodies (TRAbs) and 1,25VitD3 were measured. These biomarkers were measured by the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay technique (ECL). Furthermore, the level of antibodies against VitD3, extractable nuclear antigens m immunoglobulin G4 related disease (IgG4-RD), and glycoprotein 120 were assessed by IDS-system. Results: This study indicated that blood group B was most commonly associated with HT. Moreover, the concentration of the 1,25 VitD3 was significantly lower in the patient group compared to the control, with level of 3.5 ± 0.1, 35.9 ± 0.3 ng/mL, respectively. Furthermore, an inverse positive correlation in the increased concentrations of TRAbs, TG, and TPO (r=-0.98, -0.66, -0.75) autoantibodies and the low levels of 1,25 VitD3 were detected. Likewise, a strong direct correlation (r=+0.98) was observed in the increased concentrations of both anti-TSH and anti-VitD3. Finally, IgG4-RD had a significantly positive association with the concentrations of 1,25 VitD3-XP, and TSH in patients with a highly significant difference (p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggested a significant positive correlation between increased levels of autoantibodies, antibody-related diseases, and low 1,25 VitD3 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Toxoplasma, rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections can cause malformations in the fetus, usually in the first three months of pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to examine the distribution of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) type and immunoglobulin G (IgG) type antibodies against toxoplasma, rubella and CMV in pregnant women in XXX over an 8-year period according to age groups. Methods: Pregnant women aged 15-49 years who applied to our hospital between 2015-2022 were included in this study. IgM and IgG antibodies for toxoplasma, rubella and CMV were studied with the Triturus automatic ELISA (Grifols SA, Barcelona, Spain) system and the Dia. ProDiagnostic Bioprobes (Milan, Italy) brand kit. Relationships between age groups and antibody seropositivity were investigated with the chi-square method at the p<0.05 significance level. Results: IgM and IgG positivity values were 170 (0.8%) and 4455 (35.2%) for toxoplasma, 12 (0.1%) and 8711 (91.2%) for rubella, and 133 (1.5%) for CMV and 5012 (98.7%). While there was a statistically significant difference (Χ² = 233.250, p = 0.00) in the distribution of toxoplasma IgG seropositivity according to age groups, there was no significant difference in the distribution of other antibodies. Conclusion: There was a high rate of CMV and rubella seropositivity in pregnant women in our region. Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity was found to increase with age. However, seronegativity rates were still high. For this reason, pregnant women should continue to be screened, parasite vaccinations of pets should not be neglected, and seronegative pregnant women should stay away from undercooked meat and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of Yucca saponin on the growth, immunity, and antioxidant function of broilers. A total of 1 600 one-day-old AA broilers were randomly divided into four groups, with four replicates per group and 100 broilers per replicate. The control group and the experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 were fed experimental diets supplemented with 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of Yucca saponin, respectively. The trial period was 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the weight of broilers in experimental group 2 at 42 days of age was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the average daily weight gain of broilers in experimental group 2 was significantly increased (P<0.05) from four to six weeks and from one to six weeks, while the feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the spleen and thymus indices of broilers in experimental groups 2 and 3 were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the level of immunoglobulin M (IgM) in serum was significantly increased ( P<0.05). The levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin-10 (IL-10) in serum, and Newcastle disease antibody titers in all experimental groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the IL-6 level in experimental group 2 was significantly lower than that in experimental groups 1 and 3 (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum of broilers in experimental groups 2 and 3 was significantly decreased ( P<0.05), the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the activity of catalase (CAT) was significantly enhanced (P<0.05). The activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in serum of experimental group 2 was significantly enhanced (P<0.05). The study indicates that Yucca saponin can improve the growth performance, enhance immunity and antibody levels, and strengthen antioxidant performance in AA broilers, with the optimal addition level of Yucca saponin is 100 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of the modified Sijunzi powder on the egg quality, antioxidant function, and immune function of Lion-head goose. A total of 240 twenty-four months old female Lion-head geese were randomly divided into two groups, with five replicates per group, each consisting of 24 geese. The control group was fed a basic diet, while the herbal group was fed a test diet with the addition of 3 g/kg of the modified Sijunzi powder to the basic diet. The pre-feeding period was one week and the trial period lasted for four weeks. The results showed that compared to the control group, the albumen height, yolk weight, and Haugh unit of goose eggs in herbal group were significantly increased ( P<0.05). The concentrations of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and DHA in the goose eggs were significantly increased (P<0.05). The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the yolk and serum of the herbal group was significantly enhanced ( P<0.05), and the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was extremely increased (P<0.01), while the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly reduced ( P<0.05). The total cholesterol (TC) content and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in the serum were also significantly decreased (P<0.05). The content of immunoglobulin A (IgA) was extremely increased (P<0.01), and the content of immunoglobulin M (IgM) was significantly increased (P<0.05). The study indicates that the addition of 3 g/kg modified Sijunzi powder to the diet can improve the egg quality, enhance the antioxidant capacity and immune function of Lion-head goose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of Caragana korshinskii tannins (CKT) on the growth performance, serum biochemical index, and immune function in finishing lambs fed high concentrate diet. Thirty 3-month-old Dumont crossbred male lambs were randomly divided into five treatment groups with six replicates per group and one sheep per replicate. The sheep were fed a low-concentrate diet (LC group), a high-concentrate diet (HC group), a high-concentrate diet with 0.1% CKT (HC + 0.1% CKT group), a high-concentrate diet with 0.2% CKT (HC + 0.2% CKT group), and a high-concentrate diet with 0.4% CKT (HC + 0.4% CKT group). The pre-test period was 15 days and the formal test period was 45 days. The results showed that compared with HC group, the activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in HC + 0.1% CKT and HC + 0.2% CKT groups were significantly decreased ( P<0.05), and the serum urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE) concentrations in HC + 0.1% CKT group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Serum cholesterol (TC) content in HC + 0.2% CKT group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the HC group, mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β ( IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Toll-like receptor 4 ( TLR-4), bone marrow differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) in peripheral blood lymphocytes and serum IL-1β and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were significantly decreased (P<0.05), the mRNA expression of IL-4 was significantly increased ( P<0.05) in HC + 0.1% CKT, HC + 0.2% CKT, and HC + 0.4% CKT groups. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in HC + 0.2% CKT and HC+0.4% CKT groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). The results show that the appropriate dosage of CKT can improve the immune function of lambs and alleviate the organ damage caused by high concentrate, and the appropriate supplemental level of CKT was 0.2% under the experimental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Naturally occurring human antibodies against glycans recognize and quickly eliminate infectious bacteria, viruses and aberrantly glycosylated neoplastic malignant cells, and they often initiate processes that involve the complement system. Methods. Using a printed glycan array (PGA) containing 605 glycoligands (oligo- and polysaccharides, glycopeptides), we examined which of the glycan-binding antibodies are able to activate the complement system. Using this PGA, the specificities of antibodies of the IgM and IgG classes were determined in the blood serum of healthy donors (suggested as mostly natural), and, then, using the same array, it was determined which types of the bound immunoglobulins were also showing C3 deposition. Results. It was found that about 30% of anti-glycan antibodies in human serum detected by the PGA did not activate the complement. They were mostly IgGs and directed to bacterial O-antigens; no apparent common structural motif within their target polysaccharides was found. Antibodies to blood group systems ABO and Forssman, xeno-antigens, a number of polysaccharides from various strains of S. enterica, E. coli and P. alcalifaciens, as well as small fragments of bacterial polysaccharides were recognized by complement-activating antibodies as expected. A complement-activating antibody was affinity-isolated on glycan-Sepharose from human serum, and, in the presence of the complement, it lysed red blood cells coated with the same glycan (kodecytes, where glycans expressed on biological membranes), while an isolated complement non-activating antibody did not, which confirms the validity of the solid-phase PGA results. Conclusions. Thus, ~30% of human anti-glycan antibodies lack the ability to activate the complement system. The function of the widely represented immunoglobulins that do not cause C3 deposition remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testing for immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella should include only immunoglobulin G (IgG); immunoglobulin M (IgM) testing is appropriate only if acute illness is suspected. The appropriateness of measles, mumps, and rubella IgM testing was evaluated in a national administrative dataset. Laboratory testing for measles, mumps, and rubella during 2019–2022 was analyzed in 2024 using HealthVerity administrative claims and laboratory data. IgG, IgM, and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing are described by year, demographics, and region. IgM testing was examined for appropriateness, defined as an IgM test combined with diagnostic codes indicative of acute illness. During 2019–2022, IgM testing represented a small proportion of serologic testing (measles: 3.3%, mumps: 2.4%, rubella: 2.1%) but appeared to be appropriately performed in only 15.4% of cases for measles, 32.8% of cases for mumps, and 10.2% of cases for rubella. IgM testing was more commonly performed for female patients, with the largest discrepancy seen for rubella (90.5% female vs 9.5% male). IgM for measles and mumps was more often performed appropriately for persons aged 0–19 years (37.6% and 60.1%) compared with persons aged 20–49 years (11.8% and 22.0%) and 50+ years (16.5% and 33.8%). The majority of IgM testing for measles, mumps, and rubella during this period appeared inappropriate. Clinicians and health systems could ensure that IgG testing alone is performed when evaluating for immunity through modifications to electronic medical records and commercial laboratories could ensure that providers are able to test for IgG alone when evaluating immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal involvement of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) usually presents as distal renal tubular acidosis. Proximal tubular (PT) dysfunctions in PBC were rarely reported with unclear clinicopathological characteristics and renal prognosis. We identified 11 cases of PBC with PT dysfunctions (PBC-PT). Their medical document, kidney pathology, and follow-up data were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. The 11 PBC-PT patients were mainly middle-aged (57.8 ± 5.2 years) females (81.8%). Most of them were asymptomatic PBC (7, 63.6%) with a high prevalence of elevated serum immunoglobulin M (IgM, 81.8%) and G (IgG, 54.5%) levels. In the kidney, they had a mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level of 46.54 ± 23.03 ml/min/1.73m2, and 81.8% of them had eGFR below 60 ml/min/1.73m2. They showed different degrees of PT dysfunctions, including hyperuricosuria, hypouricemia, normoglycemic glycosuria, generalized aminoaciduria, hyperphosphaturia, and hypophosphatemia. Their kidney pathology showed tubulointerstitial nephritis with lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates, brush border defects, and proximal tubulitis. After glucocorticoids treatment, the PT dysfunctions manifesting as hypophosphatemia, hypouricemia, and renal glycosuria all recovered, and the eGFR levels were improved from 43.24 ± 19.60 ml/min/1.73m2 to 55.02 ± 21.14 ml/min/1.73m2 (p = 0.028), accompanied by significant improvements of serum IgM levels (from 5.97 ± 4.55 g/L to 2.09 ± 1.48 g/L, p = 0.019). The PT dysfunctions were rare in PBC patients, and glucocorticoids treatment could benefit the improvements of eGFR and tubular functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the clinical value of peripheral blood immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) combined with ultrasonic echo parameters of substantia nigra (SN) in the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). The clinical data of 121 patients with PD (case group) in our hospital from November 2020 to November 2022 were selected for retrospective analysis, and 9 patients with poor sound transmission of temporal window were excluded. Finally, this study included 112 patients with PD and selected 108 health examination population in the same period (control group). The levels of IgG and IgM in both groups were detected, and ultrasound examination was carried out to observe the structure of SN and obtain strong echo area of SN, midbrain area and strong echo area of SN/midbrain area. The receiver operator characteristic curve of serum IgG and IgM combined with ultrasonic echo parameters of SN in the diagnosis of PD was drawn to evaluate the clinical efficacy of single diagnosis and combined diagnosis. Compared with the control group, the serum levels of IgG and IgM, strong echo area of SN, midbrain area and strong echo area of SN/midbrain area in the case group were obviously higher (P < 0.001), while the folic acid level was notably lower (P < 0.05). The AUC value, Youden index and sensitivity of combined diagnosis were higher than those of single detection. Peripheral blood IgG and IgM combined with ultrasonic echo parameters of SN have high clinical value in the diagnosis of PD, which can provide a new direction for the subsequent diagnosis of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocular toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of infectious retinochoroiditis in humans. Atypical and unilateral presentations such as papillitis without vitritis are especially challenging for diagnosis. Here, we report a case of a 17-year-old man with unilateral Toxoplasma papillitis without vitritis. Fundus examination revealed unilateral inflammation in the right optic disc and peripapillary area. Toxoplasma immunoglobulin (Ig)M titer was positive and IgG negative. During the follow-up, while the IgM titer decreased, the IgG titer increased. After possible etiologies were excluded, the patient was diagnosed with presumed Toxoplasma papillitis with a complete absence of vitritis at presentation. The patient was treated with appropriate antiparasitic agents and good response was observed without recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a reactive carbonyl compound produced through lipid peroxidation during feed storage, which poses a significant threat to fish health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary MDA on the growth rate, gastrointestinal health, and muscle quality of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). A basal diet (M0) containing 34% crude protein and 10.5% crude lipid was formulated. Each group was sprayed with malondialdehyde solution (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg, on dietary crude lipid basis; 0, 0.53, 1.07, 2.13, 4.26, and 8.52 mg/kg, on dietary basis) before feeding, respectively. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicates of 30 striped catfish (initial weight 31.38 g) per net cage. After 8 weeks, dietary inclusion of MDA regardless of level significantly depressed the growth rate and feed utilization. The extent of structural damage to the gastrointestinal tract increased progressively with increasing dietary MDA levels. The extent of damage to the intestinal biological barrier (intestinal microbial structure), chemical barrier (trypsin, lipase, amylase, and maltase activity), physical barrier (zonula occludent-2, occludin, claudin 7α, and claudin 12 relative expression), and immune barrier (contents of complement 4, complement 3, immunoglobulin M, and lysozyme activity) was dose-related to dietary MDA. Moreover, a linear decline in the activities of intestinal antioxidant enzymes (catalas, superoxide dismutase, et al.) and anti-inflammatory factor (transforming growth factor beta1, interleukin 10) relative expression was noted alongside an increase in dietary MDA content. In contrast, the relative expression levels of intestinal inflammatory factor (interleukin 8, transcription factor p65, tumor necrosis factor alpha) relative expression displayed an opposing trend. Additionally, dietary MDA exerted a linear influence on muscle color and texture characteristics. In conclusion, high doses of MDA (5–80 mg/kg) reduced the growth performance of striped catfish, attributed to linear damage to the gastrointestinal tract, a linear decrease in antioxidant function, and the occurrence of an inflammatory response. High doses of MDA (>40 mg/kg) were observed to significantly increase dorsal muscle b-value and induce muscle yellowing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated bioactive compounds in blood orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) peel (BOP) as dietary additives. An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation on the growth performance, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant capacity, and immune response of juvenile black rockfish. A total of 1260 juvenile rockfish (1.4 ± 0.01 g) were randomly distributed into seven treatment groups, each with 50 fish per circular tank. The groups were fed seven different diets containing graded levels of 0 (control, BOP0), 1 (BOP1), 2 (BOP2), 3 (BOP3), 5 (BOP5), 7 (BOP7), and 10 (BOP10) g kg−1, respectively. The BOP10 diet significantly enhanced the final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and protein retention in fish. The BOP treatments notably affected the fishes' whole-body crude protein and lipid contents. Plasma total cholesterol levels of fish fed the BOP0 and BOP1 diets were significantly higher than those fed the BOP7 and BOP10 diets. The activities of trypsin and lipase were significantly affected by dietary BOP levels. The antioxidant enzyme activity in the plasma of fish fed the BOP10 diet was significantly higher than those fed the BOP0 diet. The lysozyme activity and levels of immunoglobulin M and G in fish fed the BOP0 diet were significantly lower than those in fish fed the BOP10 diet. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of BOP at 10 g kg−1 improved the growth performance and overall health of juvenile black rockfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pathogenic infections can significantly impact the health of livestock. Traditionally, antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been used in feed to enhance growth performance and disease control. However, concerns regarding antibiotic resistance have led to the exploration of traditional herbal medicine as a natural alternative, guided by the principle of medicine-food homology. The Taguchi method was employed to optimize the culture formula for cordycepin production, an active component of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris). The influences of C. militaris supplementing solid-state fermentation (CMSSF) in feed on the growth performance and immune responses of grower pigs were evaluated in the present study. Results: The C. militaris ethanol extract (CME) displayed potent free radical scavenging activity against 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) after undergoing fermentation. Additionally, the antibacterial testing revealed that CME effectively inhibits the growth of common pig pathogens such as Glaesserella parasuis, Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus hyicus, and Streptococcus suis. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated intestinal porcine enterocyte cell line (IPEC-J2), CME significantly suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6. In addition, higher antioxidative activity was detected as indicated by elevated concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in pig serum. The levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgA, and IgG antibodies, as well as classical swine fever virus (CSFV) antibodies (S/P ratio) in serum were all increased. Growth performance of pigs fed with dietary CMSSF supplementation was improved in comparison with the control. Conclusions: Results demonstrated that CMSSF has the potential to be used as a natural growth promoter to enhance immunity, antioxidation, as well as overall health and growth performance of grower pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most persons, human parvovirus B19 (B19) causes a mild respiratory illness, but infection can result in adverse health outcomes in persons who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or who have chronic hemolytic blood disorders. During the first quarter of 2024, several European countries reported increases in B19 activity. In the United States, there is no routine surveillance for B19. To assess increases in B19 activity in the United States, trends in testing and results from two independent populations were examined: 1) the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig) M antibodies, a marker of recent infection, in clinical specimens ordered by physicians and 2) B19 nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) in pooled donor source plasma from a large commercial laboratory during 2018–2024. The proportion of IgM-positive clinical specimens reached 9.9% in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024 after remaining <1.5% during 2020–2023 and was higher than Q2 peaks in 2018 (3.8%, p<0.001) and 2019 (5.1%, p<0.001). The prevalence of B19–NAAT-positive donor pools (512 donations per pool) reached 20% in June 2024 after remaining <2% during 2020–2023 and was higher than peaks in 2018 (6.7%, p<0.001) and 2019 (7.3%, p<0.001). Considering the B19 activity increase in the United States in 2024, promotion of measures to prevent respiratory viruses and monitor for adverse B19-related outcomes by health care providers and public health authorities might reduce adverse health outcomes in pregnant persons and others at increased risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of mesangial IgM deposition in a long-term follow-up cohort of patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinicopathological data from 774 patients with primary IgAN at Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018, was conducted. Patients were categorized into end-event and non-end-event groups according to whether they reached the renal composite endpoint, defined as a ≥ 50% decline in eGFR or progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Risk factors for adverse renal outcomes were evaluated via univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. Patients were further divided into three groups on the basis of IgM deposition levels in the glomerular mesangial area: IgM-negative, low (IF < 2+), and high (IF ≥ 2+). Comparative analyses of clinical and histopathological characteristics, along with treatment regimens, were performed across these groups. Results: Compared with the IgM-negative and low-deposition groups, the high-IgM deposition group exhibited significantly lower serum albumin and eGFR levels and higher cholesterol, 24-hour urine protein, and blood immunoglobulin M levels. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified immunosuppressant use as an independent protective factor for IgAN prognosis, whereas low serum albumin, T2 lesions, and nephropathological IgM deposits were recognized as independent risk factors for the 5-year prognosis of patients with IgAN. Kaplan‒Meier survival curves revealed that patients with high IgM deposition had markedly poorer prognoses than those with negative or low IgM deposition. Conclusion: In addition to low serum albumin and T2 lesions, IgM deposition in the mesangial region has emerged as an independent risk factor for the 5-year prognosis of patients with IgAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of adding moringa polysaccharides (MOP) on the growth performance, immune function, rumen tissue morphology, and rumen microbial community in early-weaned goat kids. Twenty-one 7-day-old Leizhou male goat kids weighing (3.05 ± 0.63) kg, were randomly divided into a control group (CON group), a low-dose group (LOW group), and a high-dose group (HIG group). MOP was added to the goat kids' milk replacer (MR) at 0, 0.15, and 0.3% (on dry matter basis),fed until 60 days of age, and four goat kids in each group with body weights close to the mean of each group were selected for slaughter. The results showed that, compared to the CON group, the MOP groups significantly improved final body weight, body measurements, daily weight gain, and feed intake of the early weaned goat kids; significantly reduced the content of propionic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, and ammoniacal nitrogen; and in addition, the addition of MOP could significantly increase the height of rumen nipple, the content of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum. The HIG group significantly increased rumen pH, rumen muscularis layer thickness, rumen wall thickness, and serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin M (IgM). In conclusion, the addition of MOP positively impacted the growth performance, serum immune function, and rumen tissue morphology in early-weaned goat kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common carp (Cyprinus carpio), a major economic freshwater fish, is suffering from a variety of bacterial infectious diseases because of its high-density, factory and intensive farming patterns. Aeromonas veronii is the causative agent of high mortality in common carp, causing severe economic losses in aquaculture. However, the regulatory mechanisms involved in the response of common carp to this bacterial infection remain poorly understood. In this study, we compared mortality, blood serum LZM (Lysozyme) and IgM (Immunoglobulin M) levels and transcriptome patterns of head kidney tissues after infection with different concentrations of Aeromonas veronii. We observed that mortality increased progressively with an increasing pathogen concentration. The concentrations of blood serum LZM and IgM significantly increased after infection. A total of 13 and 925 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified after infection with low (T4) and high (T9) concentrations of bacterial suspension, respectively. KEGG and GO analyses of the DEGs highlighted multiple immune-related signaling pathways. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that 136 and 83 hub genes were related to blood serum LZM and IgM, respectively. Finally, the gene expression in the head kidney was validated via RT–qPCR to be consistent with the transcriptome. These results provide insights into the mechanisms of the immune response to infection with different concentrations of Aeromonas veronii and offer useful information for further studies on immune defense mechanisms in common carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gut microbiome dysbiosis and related immune dysfunction have been associated with the pathogenesis of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in infants with neonatal cholestasis (NC) as previously reported by us. However, the interaction of a perturbed microbiome, HCMV infection, and dysregulated immunity leading to exacerbation of disease severity has not been investigated so far. In this study, we examined the association of gut microbiome, host inflammatory and homeostatic markers that are likely to govern increased pathogenesis of NC in HCMV infected IgM positive infants (N = 15) compared to IgM negative (N = 15) individuals. Stool samples of HCMV infected infants and age-matched healthy controls (N = 10) were assessed for gut bacteria-derived metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cytokines and markers of gut barrier integrity. Data were correlated with previously determined gut microbiome composition and frequency of immune cell subsets. Finally, validation of clinical potential was undertaken by principal component analysis (PCA) of integrated data to delineate the spectrum of clinical pathology. Results: Significantly lower levels of SCFAs and elevated fecal levels of soluble inflammatory mediators were observed in IgM positive HCMV infected infants. Further, increased plasma LPS levels and markers of gut permeability, suggestive of microbial translocation due to a 'leaky gut' were observed in HCMV infected IgM positive group. PCA of integrated data revealed clearly disparate profiles representative of IgM positive, IgM negative, and uninfected healthy states. Conclusion: Our results suggest the utility of an integrated approach involving dysregulated microbiome-immune axis for gaining a better understanding of pathogenesis associated with HCMV infection in NC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although polioviruses (PVs) replicate in lymphoid tissue of both the pharynx and ileum, research on polio vaccine–induced mucosal immunity has predominantly focused on intestinal neutralizing and binding antibody levels measured in stool. Methods To investigate the extent to which routine immunization with intramuscularly injected inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) may induce nasal and pharyngeal mucosal immunity, we measured PV type-specific neutralization and immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgA, and IgM levels in nasal secretions, adenoid cell supernatants, and sera collected from 12 children, aged 2–5 years, undergoing planned adenoidectomies. All participants were routinely immunized with IPV and had no known contact with live PVs. Results PV-specific mucosal neutralization was detected in nasal and adenoid samples, mostly from children who had previously received 4 IPV doses. Across the 3 PV serotypes, both nasal (Spearman ρ ≥ 0.87, P ≤.0003 for all) and adenoid (Spearman ρ ≥ 0.57, P ≤.05 for all) neutralization titers correlated with serum neutralization titers. In this small study sample, there was insufficient evidence to determine which Ig isotype(s) was correlated with neutralization. Conclusions Our findings provide policy-relevant evidence that routine immunization with IPV may induce nasal and pharyngeal mucosal immunity. The observed correlations of nasal and pharyngeal mucosal neutralization with serum neutralization contrast with previous observations of distinct intestinal and serum responses to PV vaccines. Further research is warranted to determine which antibody isotype(s) correlate with polio vaccine–induced nasal and pharyngeal mucosal neutralizing activity and to understand the differences from intestinal mucosal immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractMonoclonal gammopathy has been reported to interfere with several laboratory measurement results. We investigated potential interference in monoclonal gammopathy on immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentrations using three different routine chemistry instruments: Alinity (Abbott Laboratories), Cobas 8000 (Roche Diagnostics) and Optilite (Binding Site) at the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark. Blood samples collected from 216 patients with known monoclonal gammopathy were analyzed on Alinity, Cobas and Optilite. Diagnoses were ascertained from clinical records. Scatter plots with Passing-Bablok regression were used to investigate associations between concentrations of IgA, IgG and IgM measured with each of the different instruments. Furthermore, comparison of IgG analyses on Alinity, Optilite and Cobas according to monoclonal IgM concentration was explored with Bland-Altman plots. A total of 81 patients were identified with IgM type monoclonal gammopathy and 8 of these patients (10%) had analytical interference as reflected by more than 25% decrease in the level of IgG measured on Alinity as compared to Optilite and Cobas. All blood samples with interference on IgG measurement using Alinity were from patients with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenströms macroglobulinemia and all of them had monoclonal IgM concentrations above 10 g/L. This study identified a source of interference from IgM monoclonal gammopathy on IgG measurement performed using Alinity. The interferences caused falsely low results of IgG which is important to recognize to ensure proper patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On April 24, 2023, the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDoH) declared a public health emergency amid concern about a possible measles outbreak given low 2-dose vaccination coverage at the time. ASDoH had received two positive measles immunoglobulin (Ig) M test results after Flag Day festivities 1 week earlier from vaccinated children. ASDoH performed active case finding, took actions to mitigate transmission, and requested technical assistance from CDC. ASDoH implemented a vaccination campaign to improve suboptimal coverage. Confirmatory molecular testing of specimens from these initial persons under investigation (PUIs) was not possible, but subsequent testing of specimens from additional PUIs by Hawaii State Laboratories Division and CDC ruled out measles. In settings with low measles prevalence, measles antibody testing results have low positive predictive value and can lead to difficulties with interpreting results. Testing for additional pathogens revealed a variety of viruses known to cause common childhood viral exanthems. Both molecular and serologic testing should be performed for all suspected measles cases. To decrease the probability of false-positive IgM results, testing should be reserved for cases that meet the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists measles case definition, especially those in persons with no evidence of immunity and with a history of recent international travel. In addition, maintaining high measles vaccination coverage can prevent future outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] The study was conducted to investigate the effect of high temperature stored soybean meal on the growth performance, immune function and intestinal barrier of broilers. [Methods] A total of 216 1-day-old healthy male Arbor Acres (AA)broilers were randomly divided into 3 groups with 6 replicates of 12 broilers each, and fed diets consisting of fresh soybean meal (control group), 14-day and 28-day high temperature stored soybean meal (storage temperature 35 ℃). The experiment lasted for 21 days. At the end of the trial period, one broiler with close to average body weight was selected and slaughtered for sampling in each replicate. [Results] Compared with control group, high temperature storage significantly increased protein carbonyl content (P<0.05)and significantly decreased the sulfhydryl content (P<0.05)of soybean meal; compared with the 14-day high temperature stored soybean meal group, 28-day high temperature stored soybean meal group had a higher carbonyl content (P<0.05)and a lower sulfhydryl content (P<0.05). Compared with control group, feeding high temperature stored soybean meal significantly reduced average body weight and daily gain (P<0.05), and increased the feed to weight ratio of broilers (P<0.05), but had no significant effect on the average daily feed intake; 28-day high temperature stored soybean meal decreased bursa of fabricius index of broilers (P<0.05). High temperature stored soybean meal groups showed thinning of the thymic cortex, blurring of the junction between cortex and medulla, and an increase in the volume and quantity of thymic corpuscles of broilers; high temperature stored soybean meal groups resulted in an increase in the infiltration area of inflammatory cells in the liver of broilers. High temperature stored soybean meal significantly reduced the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in jejunal mucosa of broilers (P<0.05), and 28-day high temperature storage soybean meal decreased immunoglobulin G (IgG)content in jejunal mucos of broilers (P<0.05). 28-day high temperature stored soybean meal reduced sIgA, IgG and IgM contents in ileum mucosa of broilers (P<0.05), whereas this effect was not observed in 14-day high temperature stored soybean meal group. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of jejunal mucosa in soybean meal high temperature storage group reduced (P<0.05), and MPO activity of ileal mucosa in the 28-day high temperature storage soybean meal group significantly reduced (P<0.05). The content of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the jejunal mucosa of 28-day high temperature storage soybean meal group reduced (P<0.05). Diamine oxidase (DAO) activity was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the serum of broilers fed with high temperature stored soybean meal, but there was no significant change in the expression of genes related to intestinal barrier integrity. [Conclusions] The result indicated that 35 ℃ high temperature storage caused protein oxidation of soybean meal, and high temperature stored soybean meal reduced growth performance during 1 to 21 days and affected the immune function and intestinal barrier integrity of broilers, with its effect degree increasing linearly with protein oxidation of stored soybean meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: New feline erythrocyte antigens (FEAs) have been described based on the presence of naturally occurring alloantibodies (NOAb), but their immunogenicity and clinical relevance are poorly understood. Hypothesis/Objectives: Describe the immunogenicity of FEA 4 after sensitizing FEA 4–negative cats lacking NOAb and characterize anti–FEA 4 alloantibodies produced, including their rate of appearance, agglutination titer, and immunoglobulin class. Animals: Nineteen healthy type A cats were blood typed for FEAs 1 to 5 to identify suitable donor‐recipient pairs for FEA 4 sensitization. Methods: Four FEA 4–negative cats were transfused with FEA 4–positive red blood cells. Using a gel column technique, posttransfusion samples were screened daily for a week, weekly for a month, and monthly thereafter for anti–FEA 4 alloantibodies. Results: Alloantibodies were not detected in the first 3 recipients despite repeated transfusions (1 and 3 additional transfusions for 2 and 1 recipients, respectively). In the 4th recipient, alloantibodies against its donor red blood cells were detected 21 days postsensitization. However, they were not directed against FEA 4, but rather against a novel FEA not yet described. The alloantibodies, named anti–FEA 6, remained detectable for >4 months after sensitization and were determined to be mostly immunoglobulin M based on sulfhydryl treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Feline erythrocyte antigen 4 does not appear to be immunogenic because repeated sensitization of 4 cats failed to produce detectable anti–FEA 4 alloantibodies. A new immunogenic antigen, named FEA 6, has been discovered, but additional studies are needed to document its clinical importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thrombotic events and adverse pregnancy outcomes, often associated with elevated antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). The 2023 ACR/EULAR criteria for APS necessitate persistent medium to high titers of aPLs for laboratory confirmation. However, the impact of persistently low‐titer aPLs in recurrent miscarriage (RM) patients remains controversial. This study aims to analyze the effect of treatment on pregnancy outcomes and maternal–fetal complications in patients with low‐titer aPLs. Methods: The study encompassed 252 pregnancies in 237 RM patients tested for aPLs at the Third Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from January 2018 to July 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on aPLs titers: 86 with low‐titer aPLs (92 pregnancies) and 151 aPLs‐negative (160 pregnancies). Of the low‐titer group, 71 received treatment, while 21 and all aPLs‐negative patients did not. Seventy‐one treated patients with low‐titer aPLs were divided into two groups. Group A (n = 15) received a standard treatment regimen that included low‐dose aspirin (LDA) and low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH). In contrast, Group B (n = 56) received a multidrug regimen, which included hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and/or glucocorticoids (GC) and/or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in addition to the standard treatment of LDA and LMWH. Pregnancy outcomes and maternal–fetal complications were subsequently compared. Results: The highest positivity rates were for aCL‐IgM (76.2% in the untreated low‐titer aPLs group and 81.7% in the treated low‐titer aPLs group), followed by aβ2GPI‐IgM (23.8% in the untreated low‐titer aPL group and 11.4% in the treated low‐titer aPLs group), and LA (5.6% in the untreated low‐titer aPLs group and 3.3% in the treated low‐titer aPLs group). Single antibody positivity was 90.5% in the untreated low‐titer aPL group and 87.3% in the treated low‐titer aPLs group, with double positivity at 9.5% in the untreated low‐titer aPLs group and 12.7% in the treated low‐titer aPLs group. No triple positivity was detected. The treated low‐titer aPLs group had more previous miscarriages (p < 0.05) and a higher ANA positivity rate (p < 0.05) than the aPLs‐negative group. Additionally, the treated low‐titer aPLs group had lower complement levels than the aPLs‐negative group. Immunoglobulin IgM levels were higher in both the untreated and treated low‐titer aPL groups compared to the aPLs‐negative group (p < 0.05). Post treatment, the live birth rate in the low‐titer group significantly exceeded that of the untreated group (67.6% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.005). The miscarriage rate was notably lower in untreated low‐titer patients compared to aPLs‐negative patients (32.4% vs. 66.7%; p = 0.005). No significant differences were observed in maternal or fetal complications between the groups. In the standard treatment group (Group A), there were 8 (53.3%) live births, whereas the multidrug treatment group (Group B) had 40 (71.4%) live births, a significantly higher rate than in the standard treatment group, although the difference lacked statistical significance. Conclusions: The study indicates that untreated RM patients with low‐titer positive aPLs have a higher recurrence of miscarriage compared to the aPLs‐negative RM group. However, recurrence significantly decreases following appropriate intervention, suggesting the benefits of treatment for RM patients with low‐titer aPLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Donor‐derived dengue infections present significant challenges to organ transplantation, particularly in endemic regions like Singapore. Although primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, dengue can also be transmitted through organ transplantation, occasionally with fatal outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes and evolution of dengue screening protocols for potential deceased donors in Singapore from 2006 to 2022. Methods: Initially, screening was done via dengue immunoglobulin M (IgM), targeting donors with specific clinical criteria (thrombocytopenia, drop in platelet count, prolonged prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time, and discretion of the transplant team), later transitioning to blood dengue reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in 2007 with similar criteria, and subsequently universal screening in 2016. In 2021, urine dengue RT‐PCR was added following a case of donor‐derived dengue infection from an aviremic but viruric donor. Results: Out of 431 potential deceased donors, 395 (91.6%) underwent dengue screening, with six (1.5%) testing positive for dengue. In 2006, three positive screens were identified: two through dengue IgM and one via blood dengue RT‐PCR; subsequent years saw one positive screen each in 2007, 2008, and 2019 via blood dengue RT‐PCR. Potential deceased donors with a positive blood dengue screen were rejected as solid organ and tissue donors. Those with negative blood dengue RT‐PCR but positive urine dengue RT‐PCR would be rejected as kidney donors, but the use of other organs and tissues was at the discretion of the transplantation team. Conclusion: The optimal screening protocol remains uncertain, but our findings suggest that a universal screening strategy utilizing both blood and urine dengue RT‐PCR could be considered in dengue‐endemic countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scrub typhus is a common rickettsial infection endemic in India and is an important cause of acute febrile illness among children. Clinical manifestations vary from mild-to-severe affecting almost all organ systems with a high fatality rate. To reduce morbidity and mortality, a high index of suspicion, timely diagnosis, and treatment are crucial. However, due to lack of awareness, low index of suspicion among clinicians, and non-specific clinical presentation which overlaps with other tropical endemic infections of India such as dengue, chikungunya, malaria, and leptospirosis, scrub typhus is often underdiagnosed in our country. Aims and Objectives: (1) To find the prevalence of scrub typhus among children presenting with fever for the last 5 days, (2) To study their clinico-demographic profiles. Materials and Methods: Blood collected from children aged 1 month to 12 years of age presenting with fever for the last 5 days were tested for scrub typhus immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters of the patients were collected. The results obtained were analyzed and interpreted. Results: Out of 865 pediatric patients presenting with fever, only 227 (26.24%) were positive for scrub typhus. Maximum cases (45.37%) were found in the age group >5-12 years. Fever was the presenting feature in all the cases. Other common presentations were hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, pain abdomen, rash, and eschar. Conclusion: Although scrub typhus is an easily treatable disease, timely diagnosis and treatment are needed to avoid complications which require a high degree of suspicion among clinicians along with a robust laboratory setup with adequate diagnostic facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The high prevalence of leptospirosis in humans is of great public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Objective: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies and the distribution of serovars in livestock breeders and farmers in Golestan province. Methods: Seventy samples of serum collected from farmers and ranchers suspected of leptospirosis were examined using an ELISA method for surveying Immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti‐leptospiria. Also from samples, DNA was extracted and PCR was performed using by primers for 16s rRNA. Demographic properties of positive patients were analysed. Results: Chi‐square statistical test shows a statistically significant difference between the gender and prevalence leptospirosis (p‐value = 0.004). Also, by examining the age, it was shown that 68.57% of patients are in the middleaged rang. According to the results obtained from the study and investigation of blood serum IgM‐and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in people suspected of leptospirosis, 3 cases of the patients had IgM higher than 11 and were known to be positive for leptospirosis. Also, by examining the IgG level of patients, 5 cases had intermediate results, and 2 cases were found to be positive for IgG. The PCR results showed that 41.42% of patients tested positive for the 16s rRNA. Conclusion: Leptospirosis is a common disease among farmers, and in Golestan province, considering traditional farming methods, it is considered an important infectious disease. Therefore, health and safety measures should be expanded to control and prevent this disease. Also, by employing mechanised agricultural methods, the prevalence of leptospirosis in this region can be significantly reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We report a rare case of acute hemolytic reactions caused by immunoglobulin (Ig)M anti-M antibody and present a literature review. Case Report A 61-year-old male patient who underwent blood transfusion developed fever, chills, soy sauce–colored urine, and changes in laboratory test results, including persistently decreased hemoglobin levels, neutrophilia, elevated lactate dehydrogenase level, acute kidney injury, mild acute liver injury, and activation of the coagulation system, indicating acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (AHTR). Antibody screening and major crossmatching results indicated weak positive at 37°C for both posttransfusion and pretransfusion sample. Subsequent serological examinations indicated the presence of IgM anti-M antibodies in plasma but the direct antiglobulin and elution tests were negative. Antibody hemolytic activity assay confirmed AHTR caused by anti-M. The transfused red blood cells were MM and the patient is NN. These signs and symptoms disappeared rapidly and required no additional interventions before discharge. Conclusion The accurate diagnosis of anti-M antibody–mediated acute hemolysis is essential for guiding treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major global health issue, with an estimated 20 million infections annually. Although polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the diagnostic gold standard due to its precision, it is expensive and technically demanding. Antibody tests offer a more practical and cost‐effective alternative, although their accuracy can vary due to factors, such as test manufacturer, antigen composition, HEV genotype, and host immune status.A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies included comparing the sensitivity and specificity of immunoglobulin M or immunoglobulin G antibody tests to PCR. Exclusion criteria were non‐PCR comparisons, sample sizes under 10, IgA or antigen tests, non‐human samples, or missing sensitivity and specificity data. Only English‐language full‐texts or abstracts were considered. Data analysis was performed using Meta‐DTA v2.1.1 and Stata 16.0.The meta‐analysis evaluated 8054 blood samples from 21 studies. Immunoglobulin M antibody tests demonstrated an overall sensitivity of 83% (95% CI 76–88) and specificity of 98% (95% CI 97–99). Immunoglobulin G tests showed a sensitivity of 74% (95% CI 62–82) and specificity of 89% (95% CI 84–93). Among manufacturers, Wantai was the most accurate for immunoglobulin M detection, whereas MP led for immunoglobulin G. Notably, test sensitivity improved when the test protein genotype aligned with the HEV genotype.This meta‐analysis confirmed that antibody assays have a good sensitivity and high specificity to detect HEV infection in situations where PCR is not feasible, highlighting their potential as a practical diagnostic tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, streptococcal disease caused by Streptococcus agalactiae is known for its high mortality rate, which severely limits the development of the tilapia breeding industry. As a third‐generation vaccine, DNA vaccines have shown great application prospects in the prevention and control of aquatic diseases, but their low immunogenicity limits their development. The combination of DNA vaccines and molecular adjuvants proved to be an effective method for inducing protective immunity. This study constructed recombinant plasmids encoding tilapia HSP70 and IL‐1β genes (pcHSP70 and pcIL‐1β) to verify their effectiveness as molecular adjuvants for S. agalactiae DNA vaccine (pcSIP) in the immunized tilapia model. The results revealed that serum‐specific IgM production, enzyme activities, and immune‐related gene expression in tilapia immunized with pcSIP plus pcHSP70 or pcIL‐1β were significantly higher than those in tilapia immunized with pcSIP alone. It is worth noting that combination with molecular adjuvants improved the immune protection of DNA vaccines, with a relative percentage survival (RPS) of 51.72% (pcSIP plus pcHSP70) and 44.83% (pcSIP plus pcIL‐1β), respectively, compared with that of pcSIP alone (24.14%). Thus, our study indicated that HSP70 and IL‐1β in tilapia are promising molecular adjuvants of the DNA vaccine in controlling S. agalactiae infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying inflammatory responses induced by vaccination can contribute to a more detailed understanding of underlying immune mechanisms in lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus). Tissue samples from lumpfish intraperitoneally immunized with a divalent oil‐adjuvanted vaccine (Aeromonas salmonicida and Vibrio salmonicida) at water temperatures of 5, 10, and 15°C were collected at 630 day degrees and 18 weeks post injection. The relative amount of secretory and membrane‐bound immunoglobulin M (IgM) gene transcripts in the head kidney was determined by qPCR. Vaccine‐induced inflammatory lesions were assessed on histological sections of abdominal pancreatic/intestinal tissue from vaccinated fish in all three temperature groups. Inflammatory cells forming dense aggregations in lesions showed proliferative activity, many of which were identified as eosinophilic‐granulocyte‐like cells. IgM+ cells were scattered in inflammatory tissue dominated by connective tissue, showing no difference in numbers between lesions from fish vaccinated at 5, 10, and 15°C. Relative gene expression analysis of secretory and membrane‐bound IgM revealed low overall expression in the head kidney of vaccinated fish at both 630 day‐degrees and 18 weeks post injection. The results of this study indicate that the vaccine stimulated prolonged local inflammatory responses at the injection site, which were not influenced by temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is a common congenital viral infection. Testing for cCMV usually begins with assessing maternal CMV serology, specifically IgM and IgG antibodies. A negative maternal CMV IgM suggests a low risk of recent maternal CMV infection, thereby suggesting a low risk of cCMV in the fetus. Consequently, cCMV is often ruled out when maternal CMV IgM is negative. Methods: In our perinatal autopsy and placental pathology database, we identified 5 cases of cCMV despite negative maternal CMV IgM results in the second trimester. Results: In all 5 cases, fetal abnormalities were first detected by ultrasound in the second trimester, prompting maternal CMV testing. Since second trimester maternal CMV IgM was negative in all cases, cCMV was considered unlikely, thus precluding further prenatal CMV testing in 4 of these cases. The diagnosis of cCMV was subsequently made through placental and/or autopsy examinations. Following this diagnosis, retrospective CMV serology and IgG avidity testing was performed on stored frozen first-trimester maternal blood samples in 3 cases. Among these, the first-trimester samples in 2 cases were IgG+, IgM+, and exhibited low IgG avidity, suggesting a primary maternal CMV infection around the time of conception. In the third case, both first and second-trimester maternal blood samples were IgG+, IgM−, and showed high IgG avidity, suggesting a non-primary maternal CMV infection (i.e., reactivation or reinfection of CMV). Conclusion: A negative maternal CMV IgM in the second trimester cannot exclude cCMV infection. While CMV IgG avidity testing and analysis of stored frozen first-trimester maternal blood samples provide valuable insights, they have limitations. CMV PCR performed on amniotic fluid is a useful prenatal diagnostic tool. For cases of unexplained fetal abnormalities or death, autopsy and placental examination are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) in the population of over 50-year-olds is approximately 3% and increases with age. The association between MG and neuropathy has been of interest for several years, but the causal relationship has not yet been clarified. Methods: For 682 patients who visited the Department of Neurology and requested tests for MG work-up, we retrospectively collected demographic and clinical information, such as age, gender, diagnosis, and neurologic and laboratory test results, from their medical records. Results: Out of a total of 682 patients who were suspected of neuropathy and tested for monoclonal gammopathy (MG), twelve (1.76%) showed MG on their serum protein electrophoresis. The most common form was IgM-κ with five patients, followed by IgG-κ, IgG-λ, and biclonal IgG-λ and IgA-κ. The results of the immunoglobulin quantitation test and free light chain assay showed that involved M-protein values in these patients were increased. Some patients were positive for anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG) antibody, anti-GD1b IgM antibody, anti-GM1 IgG & IgM antibody, and anti-cardiolipin IgM antibody. Also, some had antinuclear antibody (ANA) or antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA). Conclusions: In the future, it is necessary to investigate the pathogenic relationship between M-protein and autoantibodies in patients with neuropathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glycosylation of IgG plays a critical role during human severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, activating immune cells and inducing cytokine production. However, the role of IgM N-glycosylation has not been studied during human acute viral infection. The analysis of IgM N-glycosylation from healthy controls and hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients reveals increased high-mannose and sialylation that correlates with COVID-19 severity. These trends are confirmed within SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin N-glycan profiles. Moreover, the degree of total IgM mannosylation and sialylation correlate significantly with markers of disease severity. We link the changes of IgM N-glycosylation with the expression of Golgi glycosyltransferases. Lastly, we observe antigen-specific IgM antibody-dependent complement deposition is elevated in severe COVID-19 patients and modulated by exoglycosidase digestion. Taken together, this work links the IgM N-glycosylation with COVID-19 severity and highlights the need to understand IgM glycosylation and downstream immune function during human disease.

Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease in humans. In small rodents, the natural reservoir species of this spirochete, infections lead to only modest disease manifestations, despite causing persistence infection. Although B cell responses are central for controlling bacterial tissue burden and disease manifestations, they lack classical aspects of T-dependent responses, such as sustained IgG affinity maturation and longevity, corresponding with a rapid collapse of germinal centers. Instead, the Ab response is characterized by strong and ongoing secretion of IgM, whose origins and impact on protective immunity to B. burgdorferi remain unknown. In this article, we demonstrate that B. burgdorferi infection-induced IgM in mice was produced continuously, mainly by conventional B, not B-1 cells, in a T-independent manner. Although IgM was passively protective and restricted early bacteremia, its production had no effects on bacterial dissemination into solid tissues, nor did it affect Borrelia tissue burden. The latter was controlled by the induction of bactericidal IgG, as shown comparing infections in wild type mice with those of mice lacking exclusively secreted IgM-/-, all class-switched Abs via deletion of aicda (AID-/-), and all secreted Abs (secreted IgM-/- × AID-/-). Consistent with the notion that B. burgdorferi infection drives production of IgM over more tissue-penetrable IgG, we demonstrated increased short- and long-term IgM Ab responses also to a coadministered, unrelated Ag. Thus, the continued production of IgM may explain the absence of B. burgdorferi in the blood.