The prevalence of anti-rubella antibodies in women of childbearing age in Poland

Congenital rubella is a clinically serious problem, which is due to maternal infection with rubella virus during the first trimester of pregnancy. It may result in spontaneous abortion or in fetal infection leading to fetal birth defect. Maternal anti-rubella antibodies have a protective effect and they may prevent congenital rubella. Vaccination of 13-year-old girls in Poland was introduced in 1989. Vaccination coverage is above 95%. The presence of anti-rubella antibodies in maternal blood >15 IU/ml is indicative for immunity to rubella. Thus, the aim of the study was the evaluation of anti-rubella antibody levels in women 15-30 years old. Samples of that sera were collected from six provinces in Poland. We have observed the decrease of anti-rubella antibody titer together with increasing age of tested women. Among 1289 investigated women 135 [10.5%] did not have protective levels of anti-rubella antibodies. We have noticed large decline in protective anti-rubella antibodies in young women (19-22 years of age), who are just entering their prime childbearing years.

[Characteristics of Lactobacillus strains contained in pharmaceuticals]

The aim of the study was to characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) which are components of drugs administered orally in cases of intestinal disturbances, or antibiotic--related diarrhea. Biochemical properties, growth behavior, bile tolerance, and survival at low pH of six LAB strains (four strains L. rhamnosus and two L. acidophilus) were studied. The survival at low pH was determined in MRS broth (Difco) acidified to pH 1; 2; 3; and 4. Bile tolerance was tested on MRS broth with 0.3% oxgall (Difco). Between tested strains differences in ability to grow at low pH and survival in bile were observed. Only 0.01% inoculum of all examined strains survived at pH 1. Differences between strains in survival at low pH (pH 2 and pH 3) and tolerance of bile were observed. However, after 2 h incubation at pH 4, 100% of strains stayed alive. Examined strains demonstrated good 3% bile tolerance. All strains met the criteria for probiotic strains: ability to survive at pH 3 and in the presence of bile.

[Use of electrophoresis in polyacrylomide gel (SDS_PAGE) for evaluating IgG structure--the main component of human intravenous immunoglobulin]

For the assessment of the structure of IgG particles in the immunoglobulin preparation for intravenous use (Bioglobulin) electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE) was applied in place of filtration on Sephadex G-200 gel. The method serves for determination of the molecular weight of polypeptide chains under conditions of reduction. The method is rapid, sensitive and of high resolution. Six batches of the preparation were examined finding that IgG monomers and dimers accounted for over 90%, with IgG aggregates about 3% and degradation products about 1%. The obtained values comply with the recommendation of the WHO and requirements in the latest edition of Europea Pharmacopaes.

[Distribution of IgG subclasses and their biological activity in bioglobulin]

Preparations of human immunoglobulin for intravenous use (IVIG) should contain proper percentage of IgG subclasses, corresponding to physiological proportions with preserved activity of antibodies. The amounts of IgG subclasses were determined using the radial immunodiffusion technique against to the WHO reference serum 67/97. It appears that variations are observed among the different lots and manufacturers of the various formulations of IVIG available in Poland. Although some of these differences are not statistically significant, significant differences in subclass concentrations were found between formulation of IVIG, with Bioglobulina being lower in IgG1 and higher in IgG2 and Endobulin having a lower per cent of IgG3. The study was aimed at establishment of activity values against diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and Streptococcus group B (GBS). IgG antibodies to tetanus and diphtheria toxoid antigens were predominantly of the IgG1 and IgG2 isotype. IgG4 subclass, was present in smaller proportion and IgG3 fractions was absent. Antibodies to GBS were only IgG2 and IgG1 isotypes. Basing on obtained results it can be stated that in spite of the imbalance between the amounts of IgG1 and IgG2 in Bioglobulina, the activity which was determined in subclasses is comparable with that of other IVIGs.

[Synergistic action of penicillin and immunoglobulin for intravenous (IVIG) use]

Combined effects of intravenous immunoglobulin and antibiotic in killing bacteria are of interest with extending clinical use of IGIV. Since the agents differ in antibacterial activity exerted by each of them, and their influence on the other, it is difficult to evaluate the combined effect in vitro. In our experiments the titer of antibody, and the killing of B Streptococcus type 090R, phagocytosis by chemiluminescence were examined in opsonic mixture. This mixture consist of IVIG, fresh serum, and neutrophils plus penicillin or without. The effect of combined IVIG and penicillin was higher than the effects of separate activities on bacteria. This observations suggest that the combination of IVIG and penicillin potentially useful in the treatment of GBS infection in some cases.