The human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is often associated with airway obstruction and is suspected to induce bronchial hyperreactivity. Interactions of viral proteins with cellular components may be responsible for epithelial damage leading to bronchial hyperreactivity. In this study, we describe the localization of the 14.7-kD nonstructural protein 2 (NS2) in RSV-infected cells. The detection of NS2 was performed using antipeptide antibodies elicited against amino acids 109-123 of the predicted sequence of the NS2 protein. By using recombinant NS2, we could clearly demonstrate the specificity of the antipeptide antibodies. With this defined tool, NS2 could be first detected in infected HEp-2 cells at 10 h p.i. subsequently to the detection of N protein. In double-staining experiments, colocalization of NS2, P protein and N protein was demonstrated. The antipeptide antibodies recognized the NS2 protein in the sediment of RSV-infected HEp-2 cells lysed with RIPA buffer at 48 h p.i. The results agree with the reported interaction of RSV with cytoskeletal intermediate filaments. These interactions may implicate essential cellular functions suspected to induce bronchial hyperreactivity.

43 serum specimens, positive for HCV antibodies by means of an HCV-screening fest, were analysed in four hepatitis C supplementary assays: HCV EIA supplemental assay, Wellcozyme western blot, Line immuno assay and Matrix dot immuno assay. Additional a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was applied to hepatitis-Cvirus RNA detection in the serum samples. The supplementary tests confirmed 63%, 81% f 92%, 94% ofthe results achieved by the screening assay. Only 50% ofthe tested samples showed identical results in all four supplementary tests. In 56% ofthe sera HCVspecific RNA was detected: A correlation between the antibody reactivitypatterns in the supplementary test and the RT-PCR results could not be seen.

Zusammenfassung: Mit Hilfe von molekularbiologischen Methoden wurden 88 Blutproben von Schwangeren auf Anwesenheit von Toxoplasma gondii spezifischer Nukleinsäure untersucht Seronegative und IgG-positive/IgM-negative Patientinnen waren stets im molekularbiologischen Direktnachweis negativ. Bei Patientinnen mit einer serologisch diagnostizierten Toxoplasmose konnte immer auch T. gondü spezifische Nukleinsäure in den Blutproben nachgewiesen werden. In den Fällen, bei denen mittels serologischer Testung einer Serumprobe,sofort keine eindeutige Aussage bezüglich eines Vorliegens einer akuten T. gondii Infektion möglich war, wurde in ca. 1/3 der Proben spezifische Nukleinsäure nachgewiesen. Auf Basis dieser Untersuchungsergebnisse wurde ein Ablaufschema einer Toxoplasmose Stufendiagnostik für die Schwangerschaftsvorsorge entwickelt. Seh lüsselwörter: Toxoplasmose -Schwangerschaftsvorsorge -Nukleinsäurenachweis -PolymeraseKettenreaktion Summary:Using DNA-amplification methods, 88 blood samples ofpregnant women were screened for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii specific nucleic acid. In seronegative and IgGpositive/IgM-negative patients specific DNA could never be found. Samples from women with an acute toxoplasmosis always reacted positive in the DNA amplification test. In about 1/3 of the blood samples which could not be classified at once by serological testing, toxoplasma specific DNA was detected. Based on these data, a scheme for toxoplasmosis screening during pregnancy is presented.