A MALDI-TOF MS database for fast identification of Vibrio spp. potentially pathogenic to marine mollusks

In mollusk aquaculture, a large number of Vibrio species are considered major pathogens. Conventional methods based on DNA amplification and sequencing used to accurately identify Vibrio species are unsuitable for monitoring programs because they are time-consuming and expensive. The aim of this study was, therefore, to develop the MALDI-TOF MS method in order to establish a rapid identification technique for a large panel of Vibrio species. We created the EnviBase containing 120 main spectra projections (MSP) of the Vibrio species that are potentially responsible for mollusk diseases, comprising 25 species: V. aestuarianus, V. cortegadensis, V. tapetis and species belonging to the Coralliilyticus, Harveyi, Mediterranei, and Orientalis clades. Each MSP was constructed by the merger of raw spectra obtained from three different media and generated by three collaborating laboratories to increase the diversity of the conditions and thus obtain a good technique robustness. Perfect discrimination was obtained with all of the MSP created for the Vibrio species and even for very closely related species as V. europaeus and V. bivalvicida. The new EnviBase library was validated through a blind test on 100 Vibrio strains performed by our three collaborators who used the direct transfer and protein extraction methods. The majority of the Vibrio strains were successfully identified with the newly created EnviBase by the three laboratories for both protocol methods. This study documents the first development of a freely accessible database exclusively devoted to Vibrio found in marine environments, taking into account the high diversity of this genus. KEY POINTS: • Development of a MALDI-TOF MS database to quickly affiliate Vibrio species. • Increase of the reactivity when faced with Vibrio associated with mollusk diseases. • Validation of MALDI-TOF MS as routine diagnostic tool.

Management of adverse skin reactions to anticancer agents: The Gustave Roussy Institute experience

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Background: Anticancer therapies are associated with various and multiple cutaneous side effects frequently impacting patients’ quality of life and sometimes impairing treatment continuation. Some new skin syndromes and their potential relationship with drug efficacy have been the subject of hundreds of publications over the last few years. Methods: All physicians in our institution were informed by mail about the creation of a weekly consultation and the availability of an emergency call number specifically devoted to the management of adverse cutaneous reactions to anticancer agents. Patients could be referred to us from our institute or from other french institutes. All cutaneous side effects were recorded. Type, severity, and duration of symptoms were described. Imputability of the drugs was evaluated according to semiological, chronological and bibliographical criteria. Results: Over a 4 months period, 215 visits have been performed for a total of 128 patients. 169 events were reported among which 123 were considered to be imputable to the drugs. Several new cutaneous side effects were identified. Hiring a beautician and a pedicure for aesthetic complaints or hand foot skin reactions has been necessary in several cases. Causative agents were mostly targeted therapies (76.4%). Topical (n=132) or systemic treatments (n=45) were prescribed. Temporary dose reduction or treatment interruption was recommended in 18 cases (10.6%). This pilot experience was highly appreciated by both patients and physicians. It was consolidated as a permanent organization at the frontier between oncology and dermatology with the creation of an adapted case report form (CRF). Conclusions: There is a real need for dermatological management of skin side effects in a cancer institute, especially if early trials testing new agents are performed. Dedicated collaboration between oncologists and dermatologists should be promoted as well as the creation of a global skin-oriented CRF in order to facilitate international collaborations and to evaluate the impact of this dermatological management on compliance to treatment.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Generation of monoclonal antibodies against HILDA/LIF and their use in the quantitative assay of the cytokine

An adoptive transfer immunization/fusion protocol in mice has been successfully used to raise a series of monoclonal antibodies directed against the Human Interleukin for DA-1a (HILDA)/Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) cytokine. These antibodies which were raised using recombinant HILDA/LIF purified from conditioned medium of transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells also react with natural HILDA/LIF from the HSB2 T lymphoma cell line and unglycosylated HILDA/LIF produced in E. coli. They define four separate epitopes, one of which is involved in receptor binding and induction of biological activity. A sensitive sandwich immunoradiometric assay which is linear up to 5 ng/ml HILDA/LIF and can detect as low as 25 pg/ml of the cytokine has been developed.