R.H. Whitehead

Bio: R.H. Whitehead is an academic researcher from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. The author has contributed to research in topics: Polyarthritis & Ross River virus. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 10 publications receiving 510 citations.

Studies of the epidemiology of arthropod-borne virus infections at Mitchell River Mission, Cape York Peninsula, North Queensland. IV. Arbovirus infections of mosquitoes and mammals, 1967-1969.

Abstract: 19 strains of 6 viruses (Kunjin, Kokobera, MRM3929, Koongol, Kowanyama and MRM3630) were isolated from 40,508 mosquitoes collected on 8 occasions from March 1963 to November 1966, at Mitchell River Mission in Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Isolation rates were lower than in earlier collections in the same area, varied markedly between years, and were very low in each dry season (October–November) when only 4 strains were isolated, all from Anopheline mosquitoes. One virus isolated, Kowanyama, appears to be unrelated to all agents with which it has been compared; one, MRM3630, is related to but easily distinguishable from Mapputta virus; one, MRM3929, was previously isolated from a bird from the same area, but the isolation reported is the first from mosquitoes. Serological tests of children and domestic fowls gave supporting evidence of the occurrence of infections with Group B arboviruses, and also demonstrated infections with Sindbis and Ross River virus. The findings do not indicate the mode of survival of arboviruses in the markedly seasonal environment in this area.

A survey of antibody to 10 arboviruses (Koongol group, Mapputta group and ungrouped) isolated in Queensland

Abstract: HI responses were found to low titre to Koongol and Wongal viruses in sera from cattle, wallabies, wild birds, bandicoots and domestic fowls, but could rarely be confirmed by neutralization test and are considered of uncertain significance. Neutralization tests indicated infection of wallabies, kangaroos and large domestic animals by Mapputta, Trubanaman and Kowanyama viruses over a wide area, and of wallabies and kangaroos less frequently by Eubenangee virus. Corriparta virus was neutralized by sera from man, cattle, wild and domestic birds, wallabies, kangaroos and horses. MRM4059 (isolated from reptiles), C5502 and Upolu (isolated from Ornithodorus ticks) were not neutralized by sera from any birds or mammals tested, but MRM4059 virus was neutralized by some blood samples from the skink Ablepharus boutonii virgatus . Human sera, especially from Aborigines on settlements near the Gulf of Carpentaria, neutralized Corriparta, Trubanaman and Kowanyama viruses. Various limitations in the available serological techniques are discussed, and further studies are suggested to detect any disease associated with infections demonstrated in man or domestic animals.

Segmental necrotising glomerulonephritis with antineutrophil antibody: possible arbovirus aetiology?

Abstract: 1 Doll R. Mortality from lung cancer in asbestos workers. Br J Ind Med 1955;12 :81-6. 2 Knox JF, Doll RS, Hill ID. Cohort analysis of changes in incidence of bronchial carcinoma in a textile asbestos factory. Ann NY Acad Sci 1965;132:526-35. 3 Knox JF, Holmes S, Doll R, Hill ID. Mortality from lung cancer and other causes among workers in an asbestos textile factory. BrJf Ind Med 1968 ;25 :293-303. 4 Peto J, Doll R, Howard SV, Kinlen LJ, Lewinsohn HC. A mortality study among workers in an English asbestos factory. Br 7 Ind Med 1977 ;34:169-73. 5 Peto J. The incidence of pleural mesothelioma in chrysotile asbestos textile workers. In: Wagner JC, ed. Biological effects of mineral fibres. Lyons: International Agency for Research into Cancer, 1980:703-11. (Scientific Publications No 30.) 6 British Occupational Hygiene Society. Hygiene standards for chrysotile asbestos dust. Ann Occup Hyg 1968;11:47-69. 7 Berry G, Gilson JC, Holmes S, Lewinsohn HC, Roach SA. Asbestosis: a study of dose-response relationships in an asbestos factory. Br J Ind Med 1979;36:98-112. 8 Berry G, Lewinsohn HC. Dose-response relationships for asbestosrelated disease: implications for hygiene standards. Part I-morbidity. Ann NY Acad Sci 1979;330:185-94. 9 Peto J. The hygiene standard for chrysotile asbestos. Lancet 1978;i: 484-9. 1 Health and Safety Executive. Asbestos-final report of the advisory committee. Vols 1 and 2. London: HMSO, 1979. 1 Pooley FD, Clark NJ. Quantitative assessment of inorganic fibrous particulates in dust samples with an analytical transmission electron microscope. Ann Occup Hyg 1979;22:253-71. 12 Jones JSP, Pooley FD, Clark NJ, et al. The pathology and mineral content of lungs in cases of mesothelioma in the United Kingdom in 1976. In: Wagner JC, ed. Biological effects of mineral fibres. Lyons: International Agency for Research into Cancer, 1980:187-99. (Scientific Publications No 30.) 13 Wagner JC, Pooley FD, Berry G, et al. A pathological and mineralogical study of asbestos-related deaths in the United Kingdom in 1977. In: Walton WH, ed. Ann Occup Hyg (Inhaled particles V) (in press). lo Jones JSP, Smith PG, Pooley FD, et al. The consequences of exposure to asbestos dust in a wartime gas-mask factory. In: Wagner JC, ed. Biological effects of mineral fibres. Lyons: International Agency for Research into Cancer, 1980:637-53. (Scientific Publications No 30.)

Insect Seasonality: Why?

Abstract: Etude comparative de la duree des differents stades de developpement en fonction des saisons en zone tropicale et en zone temperee

Ross River Virus Transmission, Infection, and Disease: a Cross-Disciplinary Review

Abstract: Ross River virus (RRV) is a fascinating, important arbovirus that is endemic and enzootic in Australia and Papua New Guinea and was epidemic in the South Pacific in 1979 and 1980. Infection with RRV may cause disease in humans, typically presenting as peripheral polyarthralgia or arthritis, sometimes with fever and rash. RRV disease notifications in Australia average 5,000 per year. The first well-described outbreak occurred in 1928. During World War II there were more outbreaks, and the name epidemic polyarthritis was applied. During a 1956 outbreak, epidemic polyarthritis was linked serologically to a group A arbovirus (Alphavirus). The virus was subsequently isolated from Aedes vigilax mosquitoes in 1963 and then from epidemic polyarthritis patients. We review the literature on the evolutionary biology of RRV, immune response to infection, pathogenesis, serologic diagnosis, disease manifestations, the extraordinary variety of vertebrate hosts, mosquito vectors, and transmission cycles, antibody prevalence, epidemiology of asymptomatic and symptomatic human infection, infection risks, and public health impact. RRV arthritis is due to joint infection, and treatment is currently based on empirical anti-inflammatory regimens. Further research on pathogenesis may improve understanding of the natural history of this disease and lead to new treatment strategies. The burden of morbidity is considerable, and the virus could spread to other countries. To justify and design preventive programs, we need accurate data on economic costs and better understanding of transmission and behavioral and environmental risks.