BMC Infectious Diseases via MedWorm.com

A large, population-based study of age-related associations between vaginal pH and human papillomavirus infection

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We examined vaginal pH and the risk of HPV infection, cytological abnormalities, and C. trachomatis infection. Methods: Our study included 9,165 women aged 18-97 at enrollment with a total of 28,915 visits (mean length of follow-up = 3.4 years). Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate the relationship between vaginal pH and HPV infection (both overall and single versus multiple types) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), the cytomorphic manifestation of HPV infection. The relationship between enrollment vaginal pH and C. trachomatis infection was assessed by logistic regression. Results were stratified by age at visit. Results: Detection of HPV was positively associated with vaginal pH, mainly in women (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Group B streptococcal carriage, serotype distribution and antibiotic susceptibilities in pregnant women at the time of delivery in a refugee population on the Thai - Myanmar border

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: GBS carriage is not uncommon in pregnant women living on the Thai-Myanmar border with a large range of serotypes represented. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Is a single dose of meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine sufficient for protection? Experience from the Netherlands

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

DiscussionSince 2001, the MenC conjugate vaccine has been implemented in the Netherlands by offering a single dose to all children aged 14 months. Prior to the introduction of the vaccine into the national immunisation programme, a catch-up vaccination campaign was initiated in which a single dose of the MenC conjugate vaccine was offered to all children aged from 14 months up to and including 18 years. Since then, there has been no report of any case of MenC disease among immunocompetent vaccinees. Administration of a single dose of MenC conjugate vaccine after infancy could be beneficial considering the already complex immunisation schedules with large numbers of vaccinations in the first year of life. The present paper deals with the advantages and critical aspects of a single dose of t...

Measurement of the plasma levels of antibodies against the polymorphic vaccine candidate apical membrane antigen 1 in a malaria-exposed population

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The current data shows that levels of naturally acquired antigen-specific antibodies, especially in infants and young children, are dependent on the antigenic allele used for measurement. This may be relevant to the interpretation of antibody titre data from measurements against single PfAMA1 alleles, especially in studies involving infants and young children who have experienced fewer infections. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Clinical features and risk factors for severe and critical pregnant women with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza infection in China

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Severe hypoxemia and higher BMI on admission were associated with adverse outcomes for pregnant women. Preterm delivery was a risk factor for neonatal death among pregnant women with pH1N1 influenza infection. NIV may be useful in selected pregnant women without septic shock. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Influenza vaccination of healthcare workers in acute-care hospitals: a case-control study of its effect on hospital-acquired influenza among patients

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our observational study indicates a shielding effect of more than 35% of vaccinated HCW on HAI among patients in acute-care units. Investigations, such as controlled clinical trials, are needed to validate the benefits of HCW vaccination on HAI incidence in patients. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Inter-rater agreement in the assessment of abnormal chest X-ray findings for tuberculosis between two Asian countries

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: CXR findings were inconsistent between the raters with different backgrounds. High inter-rater agreement is a component necessary for an optimal CXR coding system, particularly in international studies. An analysis of reading results and a thorough discussion to achieve a consensus would be necessary to achieve further consistency and high quality of reading. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome from Penicillium marneffei in an HIV-infected child: A case report and review of literature

BMC Infectious Diseases — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

BackgroundsDisseminated Penicillium marneffei infection is one of the most common HIV-related opportunistic infections in Southeast Asia. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a complication related to antiretroviral therapy (ART)-induced immune restoration. The aim of this report is to present a case of HIV-infected child who developed an unmasking type of IRIS caused by disseminated P. marneffei infection after ART initiation.Case presentationA 14-year-old Thai HIV-infected girl presented with high-grade fever, multiple painful ulcerated oral lesions, generalized non-pruritic erythrematous skin papules and nodules with central umbilication, and multiple swollen, warm, and tender joints 8 weeks after ART initiation. At that time, her CD4+ cell count was 7.2% or 39 cells/mm...

Infection control management of patients with suspected highly infectious diseases in emergency departments: data from a survey in 41 facilities in 14 European countries

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Preparedness level for the safe and appropriate management of HIDs is partially adequate in the surveyed EDs and MADs. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

TNF-alpha promoter polymorphism: A factor contributing to the different immunological and clinical phenotypes in Japanese encephalitis

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: TNF- alpha -308G/A has been shown to be associated with elevated TNF- alpha transcriptional activity. On the other hand, polymorphism at position -863C/A in the promoter region has been reported to be associated with reduced TNF- alpha promoter activity and lower plasma TNF levels. As per the literature search, this is the first study to identify the role of TNF- alpha promoter in JE infection. Our results show that subjects with -308A and -863C alleles are more vulnerable to the severe form of JE infection. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Deficiency in immunity to poliovirus type 3: A lurking danger?

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Immunity to PV3 is insufficient in our cohort. Due to increasing globalization and worldwide tourism, the danger of polio-outbreaks is not averted - even not in developed countries, such as Germany. Therefore, vaccination remains necessary. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Prediction of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (CIN2+) using HPV DNA testing after a diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) in Catalonia, Spain.

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Triage of ASC-US with hrHPV testing showed a high sensitivity for the detection of CIN2+ and a high negative predictive value after 3 years of follow-up. The results of this study are in line with the current guidelines for triage of women with ASC-US in the target age range of 25-65. Non adherence to guidelines will lead to unnecessary medical interventions. Further investigation is needed to improve specificity of ASC-US triage. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

The role of facemasks and hand hygiene in the prevention of influenza transmission in households: results from a cluster randomised trial; Berlin, Germany, 2009-2011.

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Results suggest that household transmission of influenza can be reduced by the use of NPI, such as facemasks and intensified hand hygiene, when implemented early and used diligently. Concerns about acceptability and tolerability of the interventions should not be a reason against their recommendation.The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT00833885). (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Emergence of new leptospiral serovars in American Samoa - ascertainment or ecological change?

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our findings might indicate artefactual emergence (where serovars were long established but previously undetected), but we believe the evidence is more in favour of true emergence (a result of ecological change). Possibilities include changes in interactions between humans and the environment; introduction of serovars through transport of animals; evolution in distribution and/or abundance of animal reservoirs; and environmental changes that favour transmission of particular serovars.Future research should explore the impact of ecological change on leptospirosis transmission dynamics and serovar emergence, and investigate how such new knowledge might better target environmental monitoring for disease control at a public health level. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Establishment of a leptospirosis model in guinea pigs using an epicutaneous inoculations route

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Intact keratinocyte layer is a very efficient barrier against leptospires, and intact skin can prevent the infiltration of leptosipres to the host. Leptospires can penetrate abraded skin and quickly establish a systemic infection by crossing tissue barriers. We have successfully established a novel leptospirosis guinea pig model through epicutaneous inoculations route, which replicates a natural course of infection and appears to be an alternative way to investigate the pathogenesis of leptospirosis, especially in terms of early stage of host-pathogen interactions. This novel model may also be advantageous for studies of the mechanisms involved in cutaneous barriers and epidermal interactions with this organism. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Treatment outcomes in HIV-infected adolescents attending a community-based antiretroviral therapy clinic in South Africa.

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Very few data are available on treatment outcomes of adolescents living with HIV infection (whether perinatally acquired or sexually acquired) in sub-Saharan Africa. The present study therefore compared the treatment outcomes in adolescents with those of young adults at a public sector community-based ART programme in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: Treatment outcomes of adolescents (9-19 years) were compared with those of young adults (20-28 years), enrolled in a prospective cohort between September 2002 and June 2009. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess outcomes and determine associations with age, while adjusting for potential confounders. The treatment outcomes were mortality, loss to follow-up (LTFU), immunological response, viro...

Physician experience and rates of plasma HIV-1 RNA suppression among illicit drug users: An observational study

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In this setting of universal HIV/AIDS care, illicit drug users with more experienced physicians exhibited faster rates of plasma viral load suppression. These findings argue for specialized services to help optimize HIV treatment outcomes among this population. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Granulomatous hepatitis due to Bartonella henselae infection in an immunocompetent patient

BMC Infectious Diseases — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The diagnosis of hepatic bartonellosis is exceedingly difficult to establish and requires a high degree of clinical suspicion. Recently developed, PCR-based approaches may be required in select patients to make the diagnosis. The optimal antimicrobial therapy for hepatic bartonellosis has not been established, and close follow-up is needed to ensure successful eradication of the infection.KeywordsGranulomatous hepatitis, Bartonella henselae, Diagnosis, Treatment (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Renal function in HIV-infected children and adolescents treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and protease inhibitors

BMC Infectious Diseases — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Renal function decrease and hypophosphatemia occur over time in HIV infected children and adolescents on ART. The association with co-administration of TDF and PI appears weak, and further studies are warranted. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Mass drug administration significantly reduces infection of Schistosoma mansoni and hookworm in school children in the national control program in Sierra Leone

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Significant reduction in S. mansoni and hookworm infection was achieved by this first round MDA in school-going children in Sierra Leone. This reduction in infection burden can potentially contribute to a reduction of morbidity, such as anaemia, in these children. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Drug resistance mutations and heteroresistance detected using the GenoType MTBDRplus assay and their implication for treatment outcomes in patients from Mumbai, India

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The use of the assay to rapidly diagnose MDR could guide simultaneous first- and second-line DST, and reduce the delay in administering appropriate regimens. Furthermore, detection of heteroresistance could prevent inaccurate "cured" treatment outcomes documented through smear microscopy and permit more sensitive detection of neonascent resistance. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Potential of novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection phase-dependent antigens in the diagnosis of TB disease in a high burden setting

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: IFN-gamma responses to TB rpfs show promise as TB diagnostic candidates and should be evaluated further for discrimination between M.tb infection states. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Hepatitis A among men who have sex with men in Barcelona, 1989-2010: insufficient control and need for new approaches

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Annual incidences remain high among MSM without tendency to decrease. More strategies which effectively reach the whole MSM community are needed. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Differing clinical characteristics between influenza strains among young healthy adults in the tropics

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study aims to determine the clinical differences between circulating influenza strains in a young healthy adult population in the tropics. Methods: A febrile respiratory illness (FRI) (fever[greater than or equal to] 37.5 degrees centigrade with cough and/or sore throat) surveillance program was started in 4 large military camps in Singapore on May 2009. Personnel with FRI who visited the camp clinics from 11 May 2009 to 25 June 2010 were recruited. Nasal washes and interviewer-administered questionnaires on demographic information and clinical features were obtained from consenting participants. All personnel who tested positive for influenza were included in the study. Overall symptom load was quantified by counting the symptoms or signs, and differences between strains evaluated us...

Effects of adenosine A2A receptor activation and alanyl-glutamine in Clostridium difficile toxin-induced ileitis in rabbits and cecitis in mice

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Combination therapy with an adenosine A2A receptor agonist and alanyl-glutamine is effective in reversing C. difficile toxin A-induced epithelial injury, inflammation, secretion and apoptosis in animals and has therapeutic potential for the management of C. difficile infection. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

HIV patients treated with low-dose prednisolone exhibit lower immune activation than untreated patients

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Patients treated with low-dose prednisolone display significantly lower general immune activation than untreated patients. Further longitudinal studies are required to assess whether treatment with low-dose prednisolone translates into differences in HIV disease progression. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Soluble RAGE as a severity marker in community acquired pneumonia associated sepsis

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The association of elevated sRAGE with a fatal outcome suggests that it may have an independent causal effect in CAP. SOFA scores were the only clinical factor with the ability to identify surviving and ARDS patients. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

A quick and cost effective method for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study indicates that the BU-LAMP assay could be suitable for early disease diagnosis and application in low-resource health facilities. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Epidemiology of respiratory viral infections in two long-term refugee camps in Kenya, 2007-2010

BMC Infectious Diseases — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Refugees are at risk for poor outcomes from acute respiratory infections (ARI) because of overcrowding, suboptimal living conditions, and malnutrition. We implemented surveillance for respiratory viruses in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps in Kenya to characterize their role in the epidemiology of ARI among refugees. Methods: From 1 September 2007 through 31 August 2010, we obtained nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) specimens from patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and tested them by RT-PCR for adenovirus (AdV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), parainfluenza viruses (PIV), and influenza A and B viruses. Definitions for ILI and SARI were adapted from those of the World Health Organizati...

R-848 triggers the expression of TLR7/8 and suppresses HIV replication in monocytes

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that the TLR7 and TLR8 triggering can suppress HIV replication in monocytes and lead to postpone HIV disease progression, thereby offering novel targets for immunomodulatory therapy. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Placental malaria is associated with attenuated CD4 T-cell responses to tuberculin PPD 12 months after BCG vaccination

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Placental malaria was associated with reduced immune responses 12 months after immune challenge in infants apparently healthy at birth. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Predictors of the development of myocarditis or acute renal failure in patients with leptospirosis: An observational study

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study shows that out of clinical and laboratory variables, only oliguria, jaundice and arrhythmia are strong predictors of development of acute renal failure or myocarditis in patients with leptospirosis presented to Teaching Hospital of Kandy, Sri Lanka. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Klebsiella pneumoniae related community-acquired acute lower respiratory infections in Cambodia: Clinical characteristics and treatment

BMC Infectious Diseases — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: KP ALRI in Cambodia has high fatality rate, are more frequently found in women, and should be considered in diabetic patients. The extremely high frequency of ESBL-producing strains in the study is alarming in the context of uncontrolled antibiotic consumption and in absence of microbiology capacity in most public-sector hospitals. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Definition and characterization of localised meningitis epidemics in Burkina Faso: a longitudinal retrospective study

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This definition of localised epidemics a the health centre level will be useful for risk factor and modelling studies to understand the meningitis belt phenomenon and help documenting vaccine impact against epidemic meningitis where no widespread laboratory surveillance exists for quantifying disease reduction after vaccination. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

High content live cell imaging for the discovery of new antimalarial marine natural products

BMC Infectious Diseases — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Collectively, our results show that high-content live cell-imaging (HCLCI) can be used to screen chemical libraries and identify parasite specific inhibitors with limited host cytotoxic effects. All together we provide new leads for the discovery of novel antimalarials. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Intracardiac left atrial tuberculoma in an eleven-month-old infant: case report

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Although unusual, involvement of endocardium in disseminated tuberculosis should be kept in mind. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Influenza A/H1N1 septic shock in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first case to report severe septic shock from influenza A/H1N1 virus, without overt pulmonary involvement. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Ebola haemorrhagic fever outbreak in Masindi District, Uganda: outbreak description and lessons learned

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Large scale transmission in the community beyond the index family was prevented by early case identification and isolation as well as quarantine imposed by the community. The high number of occupational EHF after implementing barrier nursing points at the need to strengthen training and supervision of local HCWs. The difference in CFP before and after reinforcing the response team together with observations on the ward suggest a critical role for intensive supportive treatment. Collecting high quality clinical data is a priority for future outbreaks in order to identify the best possible FHF treatment regime under field conditions. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Timeliness of contact tracing among flight passengers for influenza A/H1N1 2009

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: CT for influenza A/H1N1 2009 among flight passengers was not successful for timely provision of prophylaxis. CT had little additional value for alerting passengers for disease symptoms, as this information already was provided during and after the flight. Public health authorities should take into account patient delays in seeking medical advise and laboratory confirmation in relation to maximum time to provide postexposure prophylaxis when deciding to install contact tracing measures. International standardization of CT guidelines is recommended. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

The definition of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders: are we overestimating the real prevalence?

BMC Infectious Diseases — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Magnus Gisslen and colleagues discuss the potential overestimation of asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI) in HIV patients, arguing that the current definition could lead to a high false-positive rate. This debate is discussed further by Carlo Torti and colleagues in BMC Medicine. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Stability and Infectivity of Novel Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Virus In blood-derived matrices under Different Storage Conditions

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These data indicate that encapsidated viral RNA was stable overall in all three liquid matrices at room temperature or 4 degreesC although it was most stable in PBS; virus infectivity in buffy coats at 4 degreesC decayed in a time dependent manner while it remained unchanged in plasma. These findings have implications for storage, handling and transport of blood derived samples from influenza patients for epidemiological and laboratory investigations. It should be noted that there is little known about influenza viremia, and whether influenza viruses can be transmitted by blood or blood derived samples. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Multi-centre evaluation of the speed-oligo Mycobacteria assay for differentiation of Mycobacterium spp. in clinical isolates

BMC Infectious Diseases — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Speed-oligo Mycobacteria assay was proved a rapid and easy-to-perform alternative to conventional line-probe assays. The assay showed excellent sensitivity with regard to identification of genus Mycobacterium and species/complexes covered by the test. However, due to its relatively limited spectrum of taxa, a varying proportion of NTM may not be identified by the assay in daily diagnostics demanding further analyses. The only significant shortcoming in terms of specificity was the misidentification of the clinically relevant species M. marinum. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Risk Factors for Default from Tuberculosis Treatment in HIV-Infected Individuals in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil: a prospective cohort study.

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The results point to the need for more specific actions, aiming to reduce the default from TB treatment in males, younger adults with low education, smokers and people with CD4 T-cellcounts (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Epidemiological Characteristics of Varicella from 2000 to 2008 and the impact of nationwide immunization in Taiwan

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Varicella has an important impact on public health. Starting in 2004 in Taiwan, nationwide free varicella vaccinations were given to 1-year-old children. Methods: Our study investigated the epidemiological characteristics of varicella from 2000 to 2008, and assessed the change of varicella epidemiology after the mass varicella immunization. ICD-9-CM codes related to varicella or chickenpox (052, 052.1, 052.2, 052.7, 052.8, 052.9) were analyzed for all young people under 20 years of age through the National Health Insurance database of Taiwan from 2000 to 2008. Results: Case numbers of varicella or chickenpox significantly declined after the nationwide immunization in 2004. Winter, particularly January, was the epidemic season of varicella. We found a significant post-vaccinatio...

Excess mortality related to seasonal influenza and extreme temperatures in Denmark, 1994-2010

BMC Infectious Diseases — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: It is doable to model influenza-related mortality based on data on all-cause mortality and ILI, data that are easily obtainable in many countries and less subject to bias and subjective interpretation than cause-of-death data. Further work is needed to understand the variations in mortality observed across seasons and in particular the impact of vaccinationagainst influenza. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Latent tuberculosis infection,tuberculin skin test conversion and vitamin D status in contacts of tuberculosis patients: a cross-sectional and case-control study.

BMC Infectious Diseases — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Deficient serum vitamin D levels have been associated with incidence of tuberculosis (TB), and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). However, to our knowledge, no studies on vitamin D status and tuberculin skin test (TST) conversion have been published to date. The aim of this study was to estimate the associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D) status with LTBI prevalence and TST conversion in contacts of active TB in Castellon (Spain). Methods: The study was designed in two phases: cross-sectional and case-control. From November 2009 to October 2010, contacts of 42 TB patients (36 pulmonary, and 6 extra-pulmonary) were studied in order to screen for TB. LTBI and TST conversion cases were defined following TST, clinical, analytic and radiographic examinations. Serum 2...

Successful management of cryptococcosis of the bilateral adrenal glands and liver by unilateral adrenalectomy with antifungal agents: a case report