This proposal represents a transition from an emphasis on the epidemiology and diagnosis of B19 infections to the use of molecular techniques to address specific problems in the pathogenesis of human parvovirus infection. In preliminary work, recombinant B19 capsid proteins have been cloned and expressed in a baculovirus system. These can now serve as a renewable source of antigen for assays of B19 antibodies. Umbilical cord mononuclear cells have also been investigated as a convenient source of erythroid progenitor cells for a B19 neutralization assay. These methods will now be used to test sera of women infected with B19 during pregnancy for antibody responses to B19. Such information regarding factors that effect intrauterine transmission of the virus will have an important impact on the design and strategy of a B19 vaccine.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) (K08)
Project #
1K08AI001199-01A1
Application #
2057332
Study Section
Microbiology and Infectious Diseases B Subcommittee (MID)
Project Start
1994-09-30
Project End
1997-08-31
Budget Start
1994-09-30
Budget End
1995-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1994
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Virginia Commonwealth University
Department
Pediatrics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Richmond
State
VA
Country
United States
Zip Code
23298
Ragni, M V; Koch, W C; Jordan, J A (1996) Parvovirus B19 infection in patients with hemophilia. Transfusion 36:238-41