[Clinical features of rotavirus infections: influence of child age on clinical manifestations]

The aim of the present study was to describe clinical features of rotavirus infections in children and to compare the observed symptoms according to the age of the patients. Clinical files of 278 rotavirus-positive children under 5 years of age were retrospectively examined. The presence of group A rotavirus antigens in stool samples collected from children was detected by direct sandwich enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay. Pearson's correlation tests were used to determine the relationship between each clinical sign noticed and patients' age. Among the 278 rotavirus-positive children, 93.9% presented with diarrhea, 79.1% vomiting, 71.6% fever, 37.4% respiratory troubles, and 33.1% neurological signs. Intravenous rehydration was needed for 59.7% of the children. The comparison of clinical signs according to the age showed that diarrhea [p = 0.001], vomiting [p = 0.007], fever [p = 0.045], respiratory troubles [p = 0.01] and dehydration [p<0.001] were significantly more frequent in infants of 1 to 24 months old. The severity of rotavirus illness seems to be directly influenced by child's age. Interestingly, infants of 1 to 5 years old often presented with disease as severe as babies of 6 to 24 months old

[ cas de meningite tuberculeuse chez un enfant vaccine]

The tuberculous meningitis stays dangerous because of its high lethality and frequent severe neurological permanent repercussions. Its prognosis is directly in relation with the precocity of its diagnosis. Well, this diagnosis is often difficult. In this work, we report a case of tuberculous meningitis in children aged 13, who is properly vaccinated. The diagnosis was made on clinical and radiological and was confirmed by late positive cultures of CSF on Lowenstein-Jensen highlighting Mycobacterium bovis BCG. TB treatment and steroids were initiated, followed by an improvement in general condition. Unfortunately, a relapse was observed after one year. The occurrence of TB meningitis in our patient leaves have two hypotheses: either an immune deviciency or ineffectiveness of the BCG vaccine. Indeed, the standard rate of immunoglobulins and the absence of recurrent infections were ruled out a deficit of humoral immunity. The study of lymphocyte markers by immunophenotyping excluded an abnormal number and distribution of T lymphocytes. An abnormality of cell proliferation was also excluded given the normal response to various antigens and mitognes. The study of the functionality of the polymorphonuclear neutrophils was normal. These normal immunological explorations showed that our patient has no immune deficiency. Several studies show that there is a genetic susceptibility to tuberculosis and it is polygenic. Hence the study of molecular genetic to research of mutations has been proposed. Others studies have highlighted the protective efficacy of BCG vaccination in children and bring into question the role of revaccination

[Staphylococcus aureus skin infections: a hospital study]

Staphylococcus skin infections [SSI] are common. The emergence methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSM is a growing concern. our study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and bacteriological features of SSI in a hospital department. This was a prospective study performed in the Dermatology and Bacteriology department of the La Rabta Hospital during a period of three months [February-April 2008, Were included all cases presenting with a primary SSI. For each patient wee collected epidemiological, clinical, bacteriological and therapeutic features. Twenty-five patients were included in the study concerning 15 men and 10 women, with a mean age of 47 years. Clinical exam revealed a unique lesion in 52%of cases. The abscess was the predominant clinical form [40%]. The bacteriological study isolated a Staphylococcus aureus in the lesion in 40%of cases and in the other sites of staphylococcus portage in 24%of cases. 32%of patients had MRSA. Dermatologists are increasingly faced with cutaneous infections caused by MRSA. Bacterial samples should be taken routinely and probabilistic antibiotic therapy for MRSA instituted in severe infections

[Targeted delivery of antibiotics: development and therapeutic application]

Targeting delivery of drugs has a great developed during last years thanks to the emergence of new galenic forms. These submicronic systems are able to pilot drugs into the organism and to modulate their intracellular distribution. This article shows the evolution of these new administration systems and their application in the treatment of infectious illnesses