The French Military influenza surveillance system (MISS): overview of epidemiological and virological results during four influenza seasons--2008-2012.

QUESTION UNDER STUDY: Influenza is a viral infection caused by a pathogen with considerable ability for genetic mutation, which is responsible for seasonal outbreaks as well as pandemics. This article presents the results of epidemiological and virological monitoring of four successive influenza outbreaks in the French armed forces, for the period 2008 to 2012. METHODS: The main events monitored were acute respiratory infection (ARI). Weekly incidence rates were calculated by relating cases to the number of servicepersons monitored. RESULTS: In continental France, the incidence rates for ARI and for medical consultation attributable to influenza were highest during the pandemic and decreased to reach their lowest values in 2010­2011 and 2011­2012. In terms of virological results, the 2008­2009 outbreak was mainly due to the A(H3N2) virus, while the 2009­2010 pandemic and the following season saw the emergence of the A(H1N1) pdm09 strain. The last season 2011­2012 was characterised by a predominant circulation of A(H3N2) viruses. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some limitations, the MISS represents a good source of information about influenza in young people. Virological results are compatible with those reported by most other influenza surveillance networks, but could be improved by a better knowledge of the other respiratory viruses in circulation in the military community.

Septic nonunions of lower limb long bones: don't neglect Propionibacterium acnes!

We report 3 clinical cases of septic nonunions of lower limb long bones in which the pathogenicity of Propionibacterium acnes was retained after several weeks of poor outcome. The patients had fractures that were treated by internal fixation, without initially suspected infection. The diagnosis of delayed union coincided with the onset of treatment. Support was performed in 2 steps, allowing for the collection of several deep samples that were referred for microbiological analysis. Molecular techniques for microbiological investigation were performed on perioperative samples and were not contributive. The detection of P acnes, which was identified after several days of incubation, prompted us to consider the role of this bacterium. The presence of P acnes is regularly interpreted as contamination of samples during collection or handling in the laboratory. A multidisciplinary decision to make the diagnosis of surgical site infection with P acnes and specific antibiotic treatment for several months led to consolidation in all the patients. The ability of bacteria of the genus Propionibacterium to cause insidious surgical site infections should not be underestimated, and more extensive sample incubation is essential to diagnose such infections.

[Dermatitis and arthropods (Anobium punctatum and Cimex lectularius) in summer: three case reports]. / Dermatites et arthropodes (Anobium punctatum et Cimex lectularius) en période estivale : à propos de trois cas.

We report three cases of pruritic dermatitis with erythematous maculopapules, having a similar clinical presentation, in summer, and caused by two different arthropods. In wandering diagnosis since sometimes several months, patients have made entomologic investigations in their home. Two of three samples, have shown an infestation by Anobium punctatum, the common furniture beetle, a xylophagous beetle (usually harmless for human). It may be parasited by Pyemotes ventricosus, a mite known since the 19th century to cause this type of hurt. The third sample contained Cimex lectularius or bedbug, haematophagous insect, classically looked for in endemic zone.

Acinetobacter parvus bacteraemia community-acquired.

Clinicians are generally familiar with Acinetobacter baumannii as an aetiological agent of serious nosocomial infections in intensive care units. Other Acinetobacter species can also be responsible for life-threatening sepsis. Here, we report about a bacteraemia caused by Acinetobacter parvus, community-acquired, identified with a 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry system.

Assessment of the SD Bioline Ag MPT64 Rapid™ and the MGIT™ TBc identification tests for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Successful control of tuberculosis relies on the rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Few chromatographic lateral flow assays for the discrimination of the M. tuberculosis complex were developed from culture media. We compared the values of 2 assays to assess their place in diagnosis of tuberculosis. We conclude of their efficiency and relevance to supplant the conventional methods.