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Introduction@#Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita (EBA) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease which presents in the skin and mucous membranes. The decrease in anchoring fibrils in the basement membrane zone causes separation of the epidermis from the dermis, resulting in its blistering presentation. The treatment plan will depend on the severity of the disease. The first-line treatment for mild EBA includes topical corticosteroids and immunomodulators such as dapsone and colchicine; while severe cases of EBA may be given intravenous immunoglobulins, systemic steroids, and immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and cyclophosphamide. @*Case Report@#This is a case of a 50-year-old Filipino male who presented with a 2-year history of vesicles and tense bullae which evolved into papules, plaques and erosions with scarring and milia formation on the scalp and trauma-prone areas of the trunk and extremities. Clinical examination revealed multiple, well-defined, irregularly shaped erythematous papules and plaques with crusts, scales, erosions, pearl-like milia and scarring on the chest, back, upper, and lower extremities. The oral mucosa was moist with some ulcers on the tongue. Histopathologic examination using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain revealed the absence of the epidermis with retention of dermal papillae suggestive of subepidermal clefting. Further examination with direct immunofluorescence (DIF) revealed monoclonal immunoglobulin (IgG) deposits demonstrating an intense linear fluorescent band at the dermoepidermal junction, consistent with Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita. Overall, the combined administration of prednisone, azathioprine, and colchicine resulted only in transient and incomplete resolution of lesions in this case of EBA.@*Conclusion@#The management of EBA is mostly supportive with the goal of minimizing complications. Combination treatments using steroids, colchicine, and azathioprine have been reported with various results. Its management remains challenging as most cases are refractory to treatment.
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Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita , Azathioprine , Colchicine , PrednisoneABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the distribution of respiratory viruses in the throat swabs from children with respiratory tract infection in Shenyang and provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of clinical diseases. Methods A total of 756 children with respiratory tract infection who were admitted to Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University in Shenyang from February 2018 to May 2018 were enrolled in this study. The antigens of influenza virus A ( INF￣A),influenza virus B ( INF￣B),adenovirus (ADV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),and parainfluenza virus types I,Ⅱ,andⅢ(PIV￣Ⅰ,PIV￣Ⅱand PIV￣Ⅲ) in nasopharyngeal swabs were detected by direct immunofluorescence. Results Of all the 756 throat swabs from hospitalized children,214 ( 28. 31%) had positive virus detection results. RSV ( 11. 38%) had the highest detection rate in single￣positive cases,accounting for 47. 78% of single positive cases. In mixed virus infection,RSV combined with other viral infections accounted for 73. 53% of mixed virus infections, and RSV was the main pathogen found in the study population. Analysis of the detection rate of virus infection re￣lated with age and gender showed that the younger the age,the higher the detection rate(χ2 ＝14. 216,P＝0. 007). The detection rate of patients younger than 6 months was 39. 73% and RSV was the mostly detected pathogen (75. 86%). The detection rate of male patients was 30. 07%,which was higher than that of female patients with 25. 99%(χ2 ＝3. 982,P＝0. 046),and RSV infection and mixed infection were the major. There was no significant difference in virus detection rates between patients with different clinical diagnoses. Conclusion RSV is the main pathogen during spring from February 2018 to May 2018 in Shenyang. The virus detection rate of patients younger than 6 months is higher and RSV is the mostly detected pathogen.
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Introduction: Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous diasease that is often diagnosed on the basis of clinical &/or histopathologic findings. However, it has some characteristic direct immunofluorescence (DIF) findings that can help in diagnosing confusing cases.Aim:We analyzed DIF findings in skin biopsy in LP compared to histopathology. Materials & methods: A skin biopsy of lesion was taken from 15 cases of LP(13 classic LP & 2 LP pigmentosus) & subjected to histopathology & DIF examination. Results:The sensitivity of histopathology and DIF was found to be 100% & 93.3% respectivelyfor the diagnosis of LP & LPP.
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Objective To investigate the epidemic situation of children with respiratory viruses in zhongs-han ,Guangdong to provide evidence for the diagnosis of respiratory virus infections in children .Methods 55 240 cases were collected in a hospital from November 25 ,2011 to September 30 ,2016 ,Influenza virus(IFA , IFB) ,parainfluenza virus (PIV1 ,PIV2 ,PIV3) ,respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and adenovirus (ADV) were detected by direct immunofluorescent ,and analyzed the results .Results The positive rate of virus infection in 55 240 children was 23 .25%,of which RSV 53 .75%,IFA 13 .83%,ADV10 .81%,PIV3 10 .77%,IFB 6 .49%, PIV1 2 .37%,PIV2 1 .14% and mixed infection 0 .84% .There were statistical significance between male and female (P＜0 .05) .The positive rates of virus infection in children 0- ≤1 years and 1- ≤3 years were higher than those in the other age groups ,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0 .05) .The positive rate of RSV was higher in both age groups (71 .92%,46 .23%) The positive rate of these 7 viruses infection in winter and spring was higher than that in summer and autumn ,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0 .05) , and the positive rate of RSV was the highest .The positive rate of these 7 viruses patients with bronchitis was higher than that of the other patients ,the difference was statistically significant (P＜0 .05) and in 108 patients with mixed infections ,the most cases was patients with RSV (90 cases) .Conclusion The main pathogen is RSV .The infection rate of children under 3 years old is the highest .Winter and spring are the high incidence of respiratory virus infection in children in Guangdong zhongshan district .
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Objective Based on the screening of respiratory viruses in children with respiratory tract infection in Maoming,the viral pathogens in children with respiratory tract infection were investigated,the epidemic trend of children with respiratory tract infection in the region was grasped,so as to provide the basis for the disease diagnosis of children with respiratory tract infection.Methods With direct immunofluorescence,7 common respiratory viruses in nasopharyngeal secretions were detected in 13 148 patients with respiratory infection in our hospital,including adenovirus (ADV),respiratory syncytial virus (RSV),influenza virus A (FLUA),influenza virus B FLUB) and parainfluenza (PIV).Results In 13 148 cases,the respiratory virus positive were found in 3 308 cases,the total positive rate was 25.16％,the positive detection rate of RSV was the highest (17.39 ％),and the detection rate of respiratory virus has obvious seasonal characteristics,with the highest detection rate in the first quarter,and mainly concentrated in the population under the age of three.Conclusion RSV was the first of the 7 common respiratory viruses detected,and the virus infection was associated with age and season.
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Objetivo: Obtener la concordancia de técnicas diagnósticas y confirmar el diagnóstico de los casos probables de tos ferina captados por inmunofluorescencia directa (IFD) durante un brote en 2013 en el departamento de Antioquia. Materiales y métodos: Se analizaron los datos demográficos, clínicos, epidemiológicos y de resultados de laboratorio de casos probables de tos ferina confirmados por IFD en un pico de tos ferina en 2013 en el departamento de Antioquia. Las muestras de aspirado nasofaríngeo y suero fueron recolectadas y recibidas entre los periodos epidemiológicos IV - VII de 2013. Todos los pacientes confirmados por IFD fueron confirmados por PCR o ELISA. El análisis de concordancia se realizó por índice kappa. Resultados: De las 180 muestras procesadas en el LSP de Antioquia, 134 (74%) fueron positivas por la técnica de IFD, de las cuales se confirmaron por PCR 109 muestras con 24 (22%) positivas para B. parapertussis , 3 (2,8%) para B. pertussis , 17 (15,6%) para Bordetella spp. y 18 (16,5%) con infección mixta por B. pertussis y B. parapertussis . De 81 casos que se confirmaron por ELISA, 31 (38,3%) fueron positivos. En el municipio de La Estrella la edad media de los casos confirmados fue de 6,6 años y la mediana de 3 años (rango: 2-4 años). Con respecto a los casos del municipio de Medellín, la edad media fue de 28,7 años y la mediana de 25 años (rango: 12-42 años). En su mayoría, en los síntomas no hubo diferencias significativas, excepto para la tos paroxística entre los casos confirmados de B. parapertussis y B. pertussis (p = <0,04) del municipio de La Estrella. De acuerdo con el índice kappa, los resultados mostraron una fuerza de concordancia pobre y sin grado de acuerdo con los resultados de las pruebas de PCR y ELISA comparados con IFD, índice kappa: (IFD/PCR: K = 0,0944) y (IFD/ELISA: K = - 0,4533). Conclusiones: Durante este análisis, en el 2013 la población de Antioquia fue afectada por la circulación de B. parapertussis y B. pertussis en población adolescente y adulta en Medellín y en la población de 2-4 años en La Estrella. Actualmente, la PCR y la ELISA son las técnicas adecuadas para el diagnóstico de tos ferina. La IFD por su subjetividad y baja concordancia se encuentra en desuso.
Objective: To determine the correlation between diagnostic techniques and to confirm the diagnosis of probable cases of whooping cough captured by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) during an outbreak in 2013 in the department of Antioquia. Materials and methods: We analysed the demographic, clinical, and epidemiological data and the laboratory results of probable cases of whooping cough confirmed by DIF at a peak of whooping cough in 2013 in the department of Antioquia. The nasopharyngeal aspirate and serum samples were collected and received between the epidemiological periods IV - VII of 2013. All patients confirmed by DIF were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The analysis of agreement was performed using the kappa index. Results: Of the 180 samples processed in the public health laboratory of Antioquia, 134 (74%) were positive using the DIF technique of which 109 samples were confirmed by PCR, with 24 (22%)samples positive for B. parapertussis , 3 (2.8%) for B. pertussis , 17 (15.6%) for Bordetella spp. and18 (16.5%) for mixed infection by B. pertussis and B. parapertussis . Of the 81 cases confirmed by ELISA, 31 (38.3%) were positive. In the municipality of La Estrella, the mean age of the confirmed cases was 6.6 years, and the median was 3 years (range, 2-4 years). For the municipality of Medellin, the mean age was 28.7 years, and the median was 25 years (range, 12-42 years). For most of the symptoms, there were no significant differences, except for paroxysmal cough among the confirmed cases of B. parapertussis and B. pertussis ( p = <.04) in the municipality of La Estrella. According to the kappa index, the results showed poor correlation strength and no agreement with the results of the PCR and ELISA tests compared with DIF, kappa index: (DIF/PCR: K = 0.0944) and (DIF/ELISA: K = - 0.4533). Conclusions: During this analysis in 2013, Antioquia was affected by the circulation of B. parapertussis and B. pertussis in the adolescent and adult population in Medellin and the 2-4 year-old population in La Estrella. Currently, PCR and ELISA are the recommended techniques for diagnosing whooping cough. Due to its subjectivity and low correlation, DIF is in disuse.
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Humans , Bordetella pertussis/pathogenicity , Whooping Cough , Bordetella parapertussis/pathogenicityABSTRACT
Introduction: Tzanck Test (TT) is a sensitive method applicable to mucocutaneous lesions. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) for Simplex Herpes Virus (HSV) is now a simple, no routine clinical laboratory practice, allows to differentiate the types of virus. Objectives: To evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity of Tzanck test vs DIF for herpetic lesions, and to know its usefulness as a complementary diagnostic tool to clinical skin lesions in patients with erosive, vesicular, bullous and pustular lesions. Materials and Methods: The TT was carried out in 157 lesion patient’s samples admitted to the Laboratory of Cytology of our Hospital from 1 January 2010 until 30 December 2014. Smears were stained with Giemsa and in parallel we performed DIF for HSV-1, HSV-2 and Varicella Zoster over 112 samples. Results: Of the total samples, 40 (25%) were unsatisfactory for cytodiagnosis. The TT was positive in 60 samples (38%), of which 55 (35%) showed cytopathic effect for Herpes virus, 2 (1.6%) samples showed characteristic inclusion bodies of Molluscum contagiosum infection (Henderson-Paterson bodies), 1 (0.6%) sample showed acantholytic cells typical of Pemphigus Vulgaris, 1 (0.6%) showed morphological characteristics of Incontinentia Pigmenti and 1 (0.6%) presented immature cells of lymphoid appearance. 64 samples were positive by DIF and 58 by TT for HSV. Specificity and sensitivity for TT were 100% and 88% respectively. Conclusion: The TT should be appreciated as a useful tool in the diagnosis of skin lesions by the rapid implementation and their ease interpretation, as well as being affordable and accessible for most cytology laboratories.
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Objective To study the direct immunofluorescence method for rapidly detecting influenza A virus antigen and its clinical application .Methods The inpatients with clinically diagnosed acute respiratory tract infection were selected .Two hundred samples were collected and divided into two groups :the winter and spring epidemic seasons children group and the summer and au‐tumn non‐epidemic seasons children group ,100 cases in each group .The US D3 Ultra influenza A virus antigen detection reagent was used .The fluorescence labeled monoclonal antibody was adopted to detect influenza A virus antigen in the patients with cold . Results During the winter and spring seasons of influenza prevalence ,8 cases of 100 detected cases were positive with the positive rate of 8% ;during the summer and autumn seasons of non‐influenza prevalence ,2 cases of 100 cases were positive with positive rate of 2% ,the difference in the positive rate between the two groups had statistical significance(P<0 .05) .Conclusion Applying the direct immunofluorescence method for rapidly detecting influenza A virus antigen is an economical ,efficient ,rapid and specific detec‐tion method ,and can guide clinical rapid diagnosis and rational medication .
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BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid is made based on clinical, histologic, and immunofluorescence features. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors that may affect the positivity and intensity of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) in patients with bullous pemphigoid. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 41 cases of bullous pemphigoid at Ilsan Paik Hospital between January 2008 and December 2014. We investigated the positivity of DIF, immunofluorescence intensity of C3, age, sex, biopsy sites, extent of disease, duration of disease, and the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of 41 (65.9%) cases had positive DIF results for either IgG or C3, and 14 of 41 (34.1%) had negative DIF results for both IgG and C3. Twenty-one cases (51.2%) of IgG and 25 cases (61.0%) of C3 had characteristic linear C3 deposition on the dermo-epidermal junction. Disease duration influenced DIF positivity (p<0.05). Although a higher positive rate of DIF was observed in biopsy specimens taken from the upper extremities than in those from other sites, the difference was not statistically significant. Sex, age, extent of disease, and the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration were not significantly associated with the positivity of DIF. There was no relationship between fluorescence intensity of C3 and the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the long duration of disease (more than 10 days) may increase the positivity of DIF. Age, sex, biopsy site, extent of disease, and the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration had no influence on DIF positivity.
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Humans , Biopsy , Diagnosis , Fluorescence , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct , Immunoglobulin G , Pemphigoid, Bullous , Retrospective Studies , Upper ExtremityABSTRACT
The direct immunofluorescence (DIF) of skin in conjunction with histopathology gives the best diagnostic yield. It is invaluable in confirming the diagnosis of small vessel vasculitides and bullous lesions of the skin and can be used as an additional tool to pinpoint the diagnosis of systemic and localized autoimmune diseases involving the skin. This study was undertaken to analyze the strength of DIF vis‑à‑vis histopathology in the diagnosis of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and at the same time to elaborate the specific immunofluorescence findings in the lesions of DLE. The clinical profile and cutaneous lesions of 75 patients with DLE are described. DIF was positive in 68% and histopathology in 60% of cases. The most common immunoreactant was IgG at the dermoepidermal junction, followed by IgM and IgA. A conclusive diagnosis of DLE could be achieved satisfactorily in 64 cases (85%) by a combination of the two techniques.
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Purpose] To detect respiratory virus antigen by direct immunofluorescence method and provide evidence for early diagnosis of children with viral infection of the respiratory tract disease.[Methods] Select 398 cases of respiratory tract infection in hospitalized children, pharynx in exfoliated cells in respiratory syncytial virus by direct immunofluorescence(RSV), adenovirus(ADV), influenza virus type A(IFVA),influenza virus type B(IFVB), parainfluenza virus type 1(PIV1), parainfluenza virus type 2(PIV2) and parainflue-Nza virus type 3(PIV3) of 7 common viral antigens were detected, and carried on statistics analysis.[Results] In 398 cases of children with respiratory tract infection, 91 cases were positive, the positive rate was 22.86%. The highest for respiratory syncytial virus in 37 cases(40.66%) followed by parainfluenza virus type 3 in 19 cases(20.88%), influenza virus type B in 14 cases(15.38%); The positive rates of acute tonsillitis, capillary bronchitis, pneumonia, acute bronchitis and upper respiratory were 46.67%(14/30),40.00%(20/50), 26.67%(40/150), 18.42%(7/38), 7.69%(10/130) respectively; With the growth of age, the respiratory tract virus infection rate gradually decreased(P<0.05), one year old the viral infection rate was 76.92%;it occurred in the winter season of respiratory tract infection in children .[Conclusion] The main virus in children with acute respiratory infection in the local area is RSV. Virus infection decreases with the increase of age, treatment should be careful in the use of antibiotics.
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The diagnostic value of RT-PCR and hemi-nested RT-PCR (hnRT-PCR) was compared in brain samples of dogs presenting neurological signs compatible with canine distemper. Samples of central nervous system (CNS) were collected from 68 dogs and tested by direct immunofluorescence test (RFID) and, independent of the results, they were stored at -20°C for at least three years. They were submitted to the RT-PCR and hnRT-PCR techniques aiming to determine the gene responsible for the viral nucleoprotein decoding. Fifty-nine samples were positive for RIFD, 40 for RT-PCR (Kappa = 0.358) and 54 for hnRT-PCR (Kappa = 0.740). All nine RIFD negative samples were also negative for RT-PCR and hnRT-PCR. In spite of the storage duration and proper sample conditions, the estimated accordance between hnRT-PCR and RIFD demonstrated that hnRT-PCR technique can be applied in retrospective studies...
Foi comparado o valor diagnóstico das técnicas de RT-PCR e heminested RT-PCR (hnRT-PCR) em amostras de cérebro de cães com sintomatologia nervosa compatível com cinomose. Fragmentos do sistema nervoso central (SNC) colhidos de 68 animais foram testados pela Imunofluorescência direta (IFD) e, independentemente do resultado, foram armazenados a -20°C por pelo menos três anos. Após esse período, foram submetidos a RT-PCR e a hnRT-PCR com oligonucleotídeos iniciadores direcionados ao gene codificador da nucleoproteína N. As proporções de resultados positivos/examinados foram: 59/68 para a IFD, 40/68 para a RT-PCR (Kappa = 0,358) e 54/68 quando associada à heminested PCR (Kappa = 0,740). Houve nove resultados negativos nas três técnicas empregadas. Os resultados do coeficiente Kappa entre a IFD e hnRT-PCR demonstram que apesar das condições de armazenamento, a hnRT-PCR pode ser utilizada em estudos retrospectivos...
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Animals , Dogs , Distemper/diagnosis , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary , Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary , Fluorescent Antibody Technique/veterinary , Oligonucleotides , Retrospective Studies , /methods , Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological/veterinaryABSTRACT
Objective To explore the viral etiology of acute respiratory tract infections in Nanping area .Methods A total of 3 572 patients ,suffered from acute respiratory tract infections from December 2012 to December 2014 were enrolled in the study .Sev‐en common respiratory viruses were detected by direct immunofluorescence assay ,including influenza A virus(IA) ,influenza B virus (IB) ,adenovirus (ADV) ,respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) ,arainfluenza type Ⅰ (P1) ,arainfluenza type Ⅱ (P2) ,arainfluenza typeⅢ (P3) .Results In total 3 572 samples ,509 samples were virus positive (14 .25% ) .Among them ,507 positive samples were single virus infections and 7 positive samples were double virus infections .RSV infection(9 .38% ) ,P3 infection(2 .32% ) and IA infection (1 .09% ) rates were the top three .Conclusion RSV was the main viral pathogen among 7 common respiratory viruses with obvious seasonal periodicity .Children′s immunity is low and need to prevent respiratory viral infections .
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En muchas enfermedades dermatológicas se presentan ampollas, pero no todas son de etiología autoinmune. Para el estudio de las enfermedades ampollosas se deben tener en cuenta las manifestaciones clínicas, la historia de cómo y cuándo empezaron las ampollas, las características epidemiológicas e histológicas (por ejemplo, el nivel de la piel en el que se producen las ampollas) y la presencia o no de infiltrados inflamatorios. Para corroborar la etiología autoinmune de la enfermedad ampollosa es importante contar con los resultados de pruebas como la inmunofluorescencia directa e indirecta, el inmunoblotting, el ensayo inmunoenzimático (ELISA), la inmunoprecipitación y la microscopía electrónica. La información sobre los títulos séricos de autoanticuerpos ayuda a orientar mejor el tratamiento inmunosupresor.
Blisters may appear in many dermatological diseases, but they are not necessarily of autoimmune etiology. For the study of blistering diseases, it is necessary to take into account the clinical aspects, the history of when and how blisters appeared, the epidemiological and histological information (for instance, the skin level at which blisters are located), and whether inflammatory infiltrates are present. In order to corroborate the autoimmune etiology of blisters, it is important to have the results of confirmatory tests such as direct and indirect immunofluorescence, immune blotting, enzyme-linked immune-assay (ELISA), immune precipitation, and electronic microscopy. Information on autoantibodies serum titers may help to conduct a more precise immunosuppressive therapy.
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Humans , Autoimmune Diseases/etiology , Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous/immunology , Pemphigus/diagnosis , Pemphigus/etiologyABSTRACT
Los virus son la principal causa de infecciones respiratorias agudas. Para la detección de los virus respiratorios se emplea la Inmunofluorescencia directa (IFD). Objetivos: Describir los resultados de las IFD positivas según edad de los pacientes y estacionalidad y determinar el porcentaje de positividad. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se incluyeron todas las IFD realizadas en pacientes <15 años en el Hospital de Niños de Viña del Mar entre enero 2012 y noviembre 2013. Resultados: Se realizaron 32015 IFD en 9012 pacientes en ambos años. El virus más frecuente es el Virus Respiratorio Sincicial (VRS) (51 por ciento 2012, 63 porciento 2013), obteniendo un mayor número de casos en pacientes menores de 1año. El Adenovirus (ADV) ocupa el segundo lugar con una incidencia uniforme a lo largo del año. Se observó una disminución de los casos de Influenza A y B desde el año 2012 al 2013. El porcentaje de positividad global de los exámenes es muy bajo (4,25 por ciento 2012 y 3,19 por ciento 2013). El VRS alcanza la mayor positividad en invierno (31,8 por ciento 2012 y24,7 por ciento 2013) y llega al 0 por ciento durante el verano. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados se asemejan a la epidemiología nacional principalmente en la distribución de los virus según edad y estacionalidad. El virus más frecuentemente encontrado es el VRS. Hubo menos casos de Influenza A durante el 2013 en comparación con los resultados en el país. Existe una solicitud aumentada de exámenes lo que lleva a un porcentaje de positividad muy bajo...
The main cause of acute respiratory infections is viral. The direct immunofluorescence (IF) is used in the detection of respiratory viruses. Objectives: To describe the results of positive IF in relationship to the patient´s age and seasonality and to determine the percentage of positive results. Material and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study that includes all IF performed in patients <15 years old in a private clinic in the V region from January 2012 to November 2013. Results: 32015 IF were conducted in 9012 patients during both years. The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common virus (51 percent 2012, 63 percent 2013), obtaining a larger number of cases in patients under the age of 1. The second most common virus is Adenovirus (ADV) with a uniform incidence during the year. A decrease in cases of Influenza A and B was observed from 2012 to 2013. The percent positivity of the tests is very low (4.25 percent and 3.19 percent 2012 2013). The RSV positive testing is higher during the winter (31.8 percent and 24.7 percent 2012 2013) and 0 percent during the summer. Conclusions: Our results are similar to the ones obtained by the national epidemiology in terms of age and season relationship. The RSV is the most common virus. There were fewer cases of influenza A in 2013 compared with results in the country. Due to high demand in IF testing, a very low percentage of positive results is observed...
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Humans , Infant , Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/diagnosis , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/epidemiology , Age Distribution , Adenoviridae/isolation & purification , Chile , Cross-Sectional Studies , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Adenoviridae Infections/diagnosis , Adenoviridae Infections/epidemiology , Seasons , Sensitivity and Specificity , Respiratory Syncytial Viruses/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
La asociación EPOC- neumocitosis está descrita y existe la necesidad de optimizar la diferenciación entre enfermedad y colonización. Demostrar la presencia del Pneumocistys Jirovecci, como patógeno y/o colonizador. Estudio descriptivo, analítico, de cohorte de pacientes con diagnóstico de EPOC del Hospital General del Oeste (Caracas, Venezuela) durante el periodo de abril julio 2012 con seguimiento hasta julio de 2013 y aplicación de la técnica de inmunofluorescencia directa (IFD) y/o PCR anidada (PCRa) en muestra de esputo (espontáneo inducido) durante los periodos asintomáticos o durante la exacerbación del EPOC en seguimiento de un año. Se incluyeron 20 pacientes en el reclutamiento, con seguimiento al primer control de 5 pacientes; de estos solo 2 cumplieron la medición de esputo. Para la tercera evaluación una paciente había fallecido y la otra no cumplió con el seguimiento. Se demostró IFI+ en 10% de los reclutados, todos con clínica de exacerbación de la EPOC. La PCRa se demostró en 45%, 2 con exacerbación y el resto sin exacerbación. De los dos pacientes de seguimiento, una fue positiva para PCRa y no tenía exacerbación, la otra negativa por ambos métodos. Se demostró infección por Pj en los pacientes con EPOC exacerbado a través de IFI y la PCRa señala su positividad en infección pero también en aquellos sin infección o exacerbación documentando así la colonización y potencial fuente de infección para neumocistosis. Se demostró infección por Pj en paciente con exacerbación y colonización a través de la evidencia del genoma del hongo en pacientes sin exacerbación.
Pneumocistosis and COPD association is described and there is a need to differenciate between disease and colonization. To document the presence of Pnemocistys jirovecci as pathogenic or colonizer by direct immunofluoresencence technique (DIF) and/or nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) in sputum (spontaneous-induced) during asymptomatic periods or exacerbation of COPD during a year of follow-up. This is a a descriptive, analytic cohort of patients with COPD of the Hospital General del Oeste (Caracas, Venezuela) . They were studied during April - July 2012, with follow-up until July 2013. 20 patients were included. The first control follow up was in 5 patients with only two measures of IFI - PCRa. For the third evaluation one patient had died and the other did not comply with control. IFI + was demonstrated in 10 % of the recruits, all had COPD, exacerbation. PCRa + was demonstrated in 45%, 2 with exacerbation and all other without exacerbation. From the two followed patients one was positive for PCRn and had no exacerbation, the other was negative by both methods. Pj infection was demonstrated in patients with exacerbated COPD by IFI+ and the PCRa positivity in infection but also in those without infection or exacerbation documenting the colonization and potential source of infection for Pj. Pj infection wasdiagnosed in patients with exacerbation COPD and colonization through the evidence of the genome of the fungus in patients without exacerbation.
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Humans , Male , Female , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Pneumocystis/diagnosis , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The optimal management of cutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections requires rapid and accurate diagnostic methods. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is known to be rapid and sensitive, but fresh samples are needed to ensure accuracy. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the usefulness of DIF and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients with HSV and VZV infections. METHODS: From January 2012 to August 2013, a total of 134 patients (53 patients with HSV and 81 patients with VZV) were included in this study. Tissue smears were collected from the base of fresh vesicular lesions, and each IF slide was stained with an FITC-conjugated VZV-specific and HSV-specific monoclonal antibody. Viral DNA amplification by PCR was also examined. We compared the positivity rates of DIF and PCR according to virus type and skin lesion duration. RESULTS: The overall positivity rate of PCR (94.0%) was higher than that of DIF (79.1%), and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). DIF was positive in 67.9% and 86.4% of HSV and VZV cases, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant p<0.0001). The positivity rate of DIF decreased in skin lesions older than 7 days; however, PCR showed no significant differences in positivity rates according to skin lesion duration. CONCLUSION: DIF is a rapid and discriminating test for early lesions of HSV and VZV. PCR is an especially sensitive test for old lesions, and aids in making a definitive diagnosis when combined with DIF.
Subject(s)
Humans , Diagnosis , DNA, Viral , Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct , Herpes Simplex , Herpesvirus 3, Human , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Simplexvirus , SkinABSTRACT
Background: Dexamethasone cyclophosphamide pulse (DCP) therapy is an established mode of treatment for pemphigus in India. Aims: To assess the therapeutic benefit of additional DCPs (phase II, consolidation phase) versus immediate oral cyclophosphamide, usually used in phase III (maintenance phase), after initial DCP therapy (phase I) and to assess which laboratory test (DIF or ELISA) will reflect the clinical relapse best. Methods: Nineteen newly recruited patients of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) received monthly DCPs in phase I and were then randomized into two groups. Group A (10 patients) received monthly DCPs for nine months and Group B (nine patients) received only oral cyclophosphamide for nine months. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were tested before starting DCP regimen, and at 0,3,6,9 months after randomization. Results: Clinical relapse by the end of follow-up period occurred in only one patient in each group. In these cases, DIF became (again) positive before the relapse. No statistically significant difference between the two groups was found at three, six and nine months by ELISA indices and DIF grading. Conclusion: Although the DCP regimen is the standard therapy for pemphigus in India, we found no difference in the clinical outcome between patients receiving nine DCPs in phase II and patients shifted directly from phase I to III. Periodic testing using DIF and Dsg ELISA were found to be useful to monitor disease activity and predict a relapse. Further large scale studies are required to assess if patients can be shifted directly from phase I to III and maintained only on oral cyclophosphamide.
Subject(s)
Administration, Oral , Adolescent , Adult , Cyclophosphamide/administration & dosage , Dexamethasone/administration & dosage , Drug Therapy, Combination , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Female , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Humans , India , Male , Middle Aged , Pemphigus/drug therapy , Pulse Therapy, Drug/methods , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an acquired sub-epidermal immune-mediated blistering disease associated with a humoral and cellular response directed against self-antigens. Childhood BP is uncommon with only
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Infant , Autoantigens , Basement Membrane , Blister , Cicatrix , Histamine H1 Antagonists , Immunoglobulin A , Immunoglobulin G , Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis , Pemphigoid, Bullous , PruritusABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Ocular infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is a major public health problem in densely populated countries like India. The true prevalence of such infections is uncertain due to insufficient data available from India. The aim of this study was to do a retrospective analysis of C. trachomatis eye infections in patients attending the outpatient department of Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, over a period of 12 years. Methods: From 1997 to 2008, the Chlamydia laboratory received conjunctival swabs from 1281 consecutive patients for C. trachomatis detection after thorough clinical examination. Specimens were subjected to direct fluorescent antigen detection assay using monoclonal antibody based commercial kit to detect the presence of C. trachomatis antigen. Results: Antigen positivity varied between 22-28 per cent. Children below 11 yr and people above the age of 60 yr showed comparatively higher antigen positivity (25.7 and 27.8%, respectively). As compared to males significantly (P<0.05) higher number of females in the age group of 31-60 yr were positive for C. trachomatis antigen. Patients with the clinical diagnosis of follicular/allergic conjunctivitis and trachoma showed higher rate of antigen positivity. Interpretation & conclusions: Northern India having dry and arid climatic conditions in most parts of the year was considered in the past as one of the trachoma hyper-endemic foci. The study indicated that laboratory proven C. trachomatis eye infection still persisted in this part of the country throughout the study period of 12 years.