http://repub.eur.nl/res/aut/4097/ List of Publications en http://repub.eur.nl/static-eur/img/logo.png http://repub.eur.nl http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/3597/ 1997-01-01T00:00:00Z The decline of maternal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) specific serum antibodies was studied in 45 children during the first 6 months of life, using a virus neutralization assay and competition ELISAs measuring fusion protein and glycoprotein specific antibodies. In all children RSV neutralizing antibodies were demonstrated at birth, with titers ranging from 33 to 1382. The calculated mean half life of these antibodies was 26 days. Furthermore, in a group of 38 children with suspected RSV infection, all younger than 6 months of age on admission, the diagnostic value of serological assays was evaluated. In 32 children RSV infection was confirmed by virus isolation, direct immune fluorescence and RT-PCR. In 7 patients of this group a significant titer rise in virus neutralization assay was demonstrated. Six additional RSV infected children could be identified by showing the presence of RSV-specific IgM or IgA serum antibodies or by showing an increase in fusion protein or glycoprotein specific antibodies. All serological tests together identified 13 (41%) of the 32 RSV infected patients. It is concluded that in children of this age group, which represent the majority of patients hospitalized with RSV infections, serological assays not only have a limited diagnostic value but are of limited value for sero-epidemiological studies. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/5817/ 1988-01-01T00:00:00Z Letter http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/37429/ 1983-09-21T00:00:00Z Leukaemia, literally "white blood", is the most common type of malignancy in childhood (Birch et al., 1980). The clinical features are caused by abnormal proliferation of one or more of the blood-forming cellular elements. The immature malignant cells usually disturb normal haematopoiesis and often invade other organs or tissues. Since the 'seventies the survival of children with leukaemia, especially acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL), has improved and cure can be obtained in approximately 50% of the paediatric patients with ALL (Finkel, 1976; van der Does-van den Berg, 1980). Therefore morbidity rather than mortality data are needed for epidemiological studies on aetiological factors of childhood leukaemia. The impetus for this study was a suggestion originating in Germany, that childhood leukaemia occurs more frequently in children who lived near nuclear plants. In the Dutch Parliament questions were asked about the possible relation between proximity to nuclear plants and the development of leukaemia. In The Netherlands there are three such nuclear plants. The Dutch Childhood Leukaemia Study Group (DCLSG), in a letter to the Minister of Public Health and Environmental Hygiene, offered to initiate a study on environmental factors in childhood leukaemia, since this group maintains a morbidity register of childhood leukaemia from 1972 onwards. Subsequently the Ministry established a grant for this study (Persbericht Ministerie van Volksgezondheid en Milieuhygiene, 1979). In view of the specific nature of the study, the Institute of Epide~iology of the Erasmus University Rotterdam, was asked to cooperate.