Host defence against Candida albicans and the role of pattern-recognition receptors.

Recognition of Candida albicans is mediated by several classes of pattern-recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors and C-type lectin receptors. Cell wall components of C. albicans, interact with the pattern-recognition receptors, which are expressed by different cells, primarily antigen-presenting cells. This review aims to discuss the different pattern-recognition receptors responsible for recognition of special structures of C. albicans, which are known to activate intracellular signals that finally lead to directed and efficient host defence.

Predicting treatment outcome in cervical diseases using liquid-based cytology, dynamic HPV genotyping and DNA cytometry.

BACKGROUND: In this study, our prospective experience with a multimodal follow-up protocol is summarized, with special emphasis on predicting the treatment outcome of cervical diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Liquid-based cytology samples (ThinPrep) from 209 women exhibiting the whole spectrum of human papilloma virus (HPV)-related cervical diseases were investigated by cytology, PCR-based HPV genotyping and DNA cytometry pre-surgery. The first control cytology and type-specific HPV tests were performed at 3 months post-surgery. RESULTS: The success rate of surgery was 95% in eradicating high-grade cervical disease and 90% in eliminating the baseline HPV genotype. Treatment failure was significantly correlated with baseline cytology (p=0.011), resection margin status (p=0.016) and HPV positivity at 3 months post-surgery (p=0.04). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that type-specific persistent HPV infection (p=0.028), baseline cytology (p=0.039) and histology (p=0.065) were independent predictors of residual cervical neoplasias. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that our multimodal surveillance protocol may help to individually assess the anticipated clinical outcome of cervical diseases post-surgery.