Other research

Kawasaki Disease Research Program

Jane Burns, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine

This program is a joint collaboration between the medical school's Department of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital of San Diego. Among the areas under research: "missed KD" diagnoses in young adults, the mechanism of IVIG therapy in KD and development of a diagnostic screening test. For more details on the program, go to its Web site: http://www-pediatrics.ucsd.edu/research/disease/kdresrc.htm

This study examines how the absence of certain antibodies contributes as a risk factor for Kawasaki Syndrome. It postulates that the deficiency of antibodies to two superantigens -- a variant staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST-KS) and/or streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin C (SPEC) -- increases susceptibility.

It seeks to link the isolation of toxin-producing bacteria with elements of immune activation in acute Kawasaki Syndrome.

It examines how T cells are stimulated in Kawasaki patients with coronary artery disease.

It studies the different immunologic properties between TSST-KS and the variant causing Toxic Shock Syndrome.

For more information go to National Institutes of Health Web site

Background on this research is provided in the National Jewish Center's 1993 annual report. (Be forewarned: This file takes a while to load up.) Go to National Jewish Center annual report

Hypothesis: Either an RNA or DNA virus causes Kawasaki Syndrome. The proposal:

Isolate, amplify and clone viral nucleic acid from the serum of acute Kawasaki Syndrome patients.

Detect viral antigens in Kawasaki tissues through a screening process.

Express viral antigens in Kawasaki tissues.

For more information, go to National Institutes of Health Web site

More information on Dr. Rowley and her Kawasaki research is available at Loyola University Medical Center

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