Genomic-wide analysis approach revealed genomic similarity for environmental Mexican S. Oranienburg genomes.

As the human population grows, an increase in food trade is needed. This elevates the risk of epidemiological outbreaks. One of the prevalent pathogens associated with food production in Mexico has been Salmonella Oranienburg. Effective surveillance systems require microbial genetic knowledge. The objective of this work is to describe the genetic composition of Mexican S. Oranienburg genomes. For that, 53 strains from different environmental sources were isolated and sequenced. Additionally, 109 S. Oranienburg genomes were downloaded. Bioinformatic analyses were used to explore the clonal complex and genomic relatedness. A major clonal group formed by ST23 was identified comprising four STs. 202 SNPs were found the maximum difference among isolates. Virulence genes for host invasion and colonization as rpoS, fimbria type 1, and, T3SS were found common for all isolates. This study suggests that Mexican S. Oranienburg strains are potential pathogens circulating continuously in the region between host and non-host environments.

Bacteriophage applications for fresh produce food safety.

Foodborne illnesses, mainly bacteria, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pathogenic bacteria are involved in almost every step within the fresh produce chain compromising the companies' food safety programs and generating an ascending number of foodborne outbreaks in various regions of the world. Recently, bacteriophages return to the status of biocontrol agents. These bacteria-killing viruses are able to reduce or eliminate pathogenic bacterial load from raw and ready to eat foods. Phages are efficient, strain specific, easy to isolate and manipulate, and for that reasons, they have been used in pre and post harvest processes alone or mixed with antimicrobial agents for biocontrolling pathogenic bacteria. In this review, we focused on the feasibility of using lytic bacteriophage on fresh fruits and vegetables industry, considering challenges and perspectives mainly at industrial production level (packinghouses, supermarkets), where high volume of phage preparations and consequently high costs may be required.

Biomechanical response of the CNS is associated with frailty in NPH-suspected patients.

Frailty is known to predict dementia. However, its link with neurodegenerative alterations of the central nervous system (CNS) is not well understood at present. We investigated the association between the biomechanical response of the CNS and frailty in older adults suspected of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) presenting with markers of multiple co-existing pathologies. The biomechanical response of the CNS was characterized by the CNS elastance coefficient inferred from phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging and intracranial pressure monitoring during a lumbar infusion test. Frailty was assessed with an index of health deficit accumulation. We found a significant association between the CNS elastance coefficient and frailty, with an effect size comparable to that between frailty and age, the latter being the strongest known risk factor for frailty. Results were independent of CSF dynamics, showing that they are not specific to the NPH neuropathological condition. The CNS biomechanical characterization may help to understand how frailty is related to neurodegeneration and detect the shift from normal to pathological brain ageing.

Nascent teichoic acids insertion into the cell wall directs the localization and activity of the major pneumococcal autolysin LytA.

The bacterial cell wall is in part composed of the peptidoglycan (PG) layer that maintains the cell shape and sustains the basic cellular processes of growth and division. The cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria also carries teichoic acids (TAs). In this work, we investigated how TAs contribute to the structuration of the PG network through the modulation of PG hydrolytic enzymes in the context of the Gram-positive Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium. Pneumococcal TAs are decorated by phosphorylcholine residues which serve as anchors for the Choline-Binding Proteins, some of them acting as PG hydrolases, like the major autolysin LytA. Their binding is non covalent and reversible, a property that allows easy manipulation of the system. In this work, we show that the release of LytA occurs independently from its amidase activity. Furthermore, LytA fused to GFP was expressed in pneumococcal cells and showed different localization patterns according to the growth phase. Importantly, we demonstrate that TAs modulate the enzymatic activity of LytA since a low level of TAs present at the cell surface triggers LytA sensitivity in growing pneumococcal cells. We previously developed a method to label nascent TAs in live cells revealing that the insertion of TAs into the cell wall occurs at the mid-cell. In conclusion, we demonstrate that nascent TAs inserted in the cell wall at the division site are the specific receptors of LytA, tuning in this way the positioning of LytA at the appropriate place at the cell surface.

Síndrome metabólico y riesgo cardiovascular en mujeres posmenopáusicas de una institución de primer nivel de Envigado (Colombia) / Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women attending a primary health center in Envigado, Colombia

Objetivo Comparar la prevalencia de síndrome metabólico (SM) según los criterios IDF y NCEP/ATPIII, además de estimar el riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes posmenopáusicas y sus factores asociados. Material y métodos Estudio cross-sectional en 224 mujeres posmenopáusicas ≥ 45 años. Se determinaron parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio de SM por IDF y NCPE/ATPIII. El riesgo cardiovascular se estimó por la escala de Framingham de riesgo global a 10 años y por la clasificación propuesta por la AHA. Resultados La edad promedio de las mujeres evaluadas fue 59 años (DE: 8,36); la mitad llevaban ≥ 10 años desde la FUM (RIQ: 5-18); 62,9% tenían sobrepeso u obesidad. La prevalencia de SM por IDF fue 57,1% (IC 95%: 50,38-63,71) vs. 37,5% (IC 95%: 31,14-44,19) por NCEP/ATPIII. En 46% de las mujeres, el riesgo cardiovascular por Framingham fue ≥ 10% mientras que 76,8% estaban clasificadas en riesgo o alto riesgo de acuerdo con la AHA. En el análisis multivariado, los factores más fuertemente asociados a SM por IDF fueron: obesidad (OR 5,05; IC 95%: 2,18-11,69) y edad ≥ 65 años (OR 2,75; IC 95%: 1,34-5,64) y para riesgo cardiovascular: presión arterial (OR 11,58; IC 95%: 4,81-27,86), HDL bajo (OR 16,63: IC 95%: 5,96-46,37) y edad ≥ 55 años (OR 4,5; IC 95%: 1,90-10,67).Conclusión Los criterios para el diagnóstico de SM por IDF y para la estimación del riesgo cardiovascular por AHA permiten identificar una mayor proporción de mujeres en riesgo

Objective To compare the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women by applying the IDF and the NCEP/ATPIII criteria and to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women and associated risk factors. Material and methods A cross-sectional study of 224 women aged ≥45 years was carried out following IDF and NCEP/ATPIII guidelines. Cardiovascular risk was estimated using Framingham projections of 10-year absolute cardiovascular disease risk and AHA cardiovascular disease risk assessment. Results Among evaluated women, the mean age was 59 years (SD 8.36 years). Half of the women had had their last menstrual period >10 years previously, from the FUM (RIQ: 5-18). A total of 62.9% were overweight or obese. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 57.1% according to the IDF criteria (IC 95%: 50.4-63.7) vs. 37.5% according to the NCEP/ATPIII criteria (IC 95%: 31.1-44.2). Framingham score was >10% in 46% of the women. According to AHA criteria, 76.8% were at risk, or at high risk, for cardiovascular disease. In the multivariate analysis, the factors most strongly associated with metabolic syndrome according to IDF criteria were obesity (OR 5.05; IC 95%: 2.18-11.69) and age >65 years (OR 2.75; IC 95% 1.34-5.64). The factors most strongly associated with cardiovascular risk were hypertension (OR 11.58; IC 95%: 4.81-27.86), low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 16.63; IC 95%: 5.96-46.37), and age >55 years (OR 4.5; IC 95%: 1.90-10.67).Conclusion The joint application of the IDF criteria for metabolic syndrome and the AHA criteria for cardiovascular disease risk assessment is useful to identify a greater number of women at risk

Irrigation water quality and the benefits of implementing good agricultural practices during tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) production.

The implementation of good agricultural practices (GAP) from irrigation water to the tomato packaging process enhances the safety of fresh produce and its value throughout the food chain. The aim of the present study was to show that fresh produce farms that apply and enforce GAP could reduce the presence of Salmonella in finished produce. Samples were collected biweekly from six packing houses from the central region of Sinaloa, México, for the isolation of Salmonella spp by the ISO 6579:2002 method, and the isolated strains were serotyped and genotyped by the Kauffmman-White scheme and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), respectively. Salmonella strains were detected in 13 (36.1 %) irrigation water samples, while only two tomato samples were positive (5.5 %). Eight different serotypes were identified in irrigation water, and Salmonella Oranienburg (34 %) was the most prevalent; however, only Salmonella Agona and Salmonella Weltevreden were present on tomatoes. Salmonella Oranienburg was the most widely dispersed and variable serotype, with 10 different PFGE profiles. Salmonella Weltevreden was isolated from both types of samples, albeit with distinct genetic profiles, implying that the sources of contamination differ. These results confirm the utility of implementing good agricultural practices to reduce Salmonella contamination in irrigation water and the packaging process.

Detection of pathogenic micro-organisms on children's hands and toys during play.

AIMS: This study aimed to determine if the children's leisure activities impact the presence of pathogens on their hands and toys. METHODS & RESULTS: To assess the microbiological hazard in playground areas, a pilot study that included 12 children was conducted. We then conducted an intervention study; children's hands and toys were washed before playing. Faecal coliforms, pathogenic bacteria and Giardia lamblia were quantified by membrane filtration, selective media and flotation techniques, respectively; rotavirus, hepatitis A and rhinovirus by RT-PCR. Pilot study results revealed faecal contamination on children's hands and toys after playing on sidewalks and in public parks. Pathogenic bacteria, hepatitis A and G. lamblia on children's hands were also found. In the intervention study, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were found on children's hands at concentrations up to 2·5 × 10(4) and 1 × 10(4) CFU hands(-1), respectively. E. coli and Kl. pneumoniae were detected on toys (2·4 × 10(3) and 2·7 × 10(4) CFU toy(-1), respectively). Salmonella spp, Serratia spp and G. lamblia cysts were also present on toys. CONCLUSION: Children's play activities influence microbial presence on hands and toys; the transfer seems to occur in both ways. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Control strategy needs to be implemented to protect children from infectious diseases.

Impact of prescribed cleaning and disinfectant use on microbial contamination in the home.

AIMS: To identify and quantify the presence of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, hepatitis A and norovirus in households and to assess the effect of chlorine and quaternary ammonium-based disinfectants following a prescribed use. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eleven sites distributed in kitchen, bathroom, pet and children's areas of two groups of 30 homes each: (i) a nonprescribed disinfectant user group and (ii) a disinfectant protocol user group. During the 6-week study, samples were collected once a week except for week one when sample collection occurred immediately before and after disinfectant application to evaluate the disinfectant protocol. The concentration and occurrence of bacteria were less in the households with prescribed use of disinfectants. The greatest reductions were for E. coli (99%) and Staph. aureus (99·9999%), respectively. Only two samples were positive for HAV, while norovirus was absent. Disinfection protocols resulted in a significant (P < 0·05) microbial reduction in all areas of the homes tested compared to homes not using a prescribed protocol. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that disinfectant product application under specific protocol is necessary to achieve greater microbial reductions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Prescribed protocols constitute an important tool to reduce the occurrence of potential disease-causing micro-organisms in households.

Mechanical performance of electron-beam-irradiated UHMWPE in vacuum and in air.

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) was modified by a 5-MeV energy electron beam at different temperatures before, during, and after irradiation, both in air and in high vacuum. Wear resistance, hardness, and tensile strength of irradiated polyethylene were compared with those of untreated one. Physical analyses (like infrared spectroscopy and calorimetric analysis) were carried out to investigate about the changes in the material induced by irradiation. Experimental results suggested that structural changes (double bonds, crosslinks, and oxidized species formation) occur in the polymer depending on the environmental conditions of the irradiation. Mechanical behavior is related to the structural modifications. A temperature of 110 degrees C before, during, and after the in vacuum irradiation of UHMWPE produces a high amount of crosslinks and improves polymeric tensile and wear resistance, compared to that of the untreated material.

Electron beam irradiated UHMWPE: degrading action of air and hyaluronic acid.

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, both pure and electron beam irradiated, was exposed to air and hyaluronic acid. Physical and mechanical analyses were performed in order to check the polymeric change due to the treatment. Pure UHMWPE, in fact, was modified by the hyaluronic acid that plasticizes the polymer. The electron irradiation cross links the chains and prevents their sliding in acid presence. A low irradiation dose is preferable rather than an high one. Low doses induce low amount of free radicals, witch react with oxygen and hyaluronic acid inducing low polymer degrade maintaining the initial mechanical performance. High doses degrade significantly the polymer properties.100 kGy irradiation in air can be applicable on the polyethylene as well as a compromise between the low mechanical performance improving and the material degradation.

Comportameinto de la disección aórtica / Evolution of aortic dissection

Las manifestaciones clínicas de la disección aórtica aguda dependen de las variaciones del flujo sanguíneo en el canal sanguíneo y la extensión de la oclusión periférica o central de la arteria. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal empleando como universo a todos los pacientes egresados con el diagnóstico de disección aórtica del Hospital Provincial “Saturnino Lora” de Santiago de Cuba en el periodo de enero del 2000 a octubre del 2005 con el objetivo de conocer el comportamiento de esta entidad hallando como resultado que la disección aórtica predominó en pacientes de 58 años, del sexo masculino y la raza negra ; la estadía promedio para esta enfermedad fue de 21 días, el antecedente personal de hipertensión arterial fue encontrado en un gran porcentaje de los casos; los síntomas y signos predominantes fueron el dolor torácico, y los propios de la hipertensión arterial y la insuficiencia aórtica, los métodos diagnósticos mas empleados fueron el ecocardiograma transtorácico, el ultrasonido abdominal, la aortografía y la tomografía axial computarizada, las disecciones aórticas más frecuentes fueron agudas y los tipo I y II que comienzan en la aorta ascendente (AU)

The clinical manifestations of the acute aortic dissection depend on the variations of the sanguineous flow in the sanguineous channel and the extension of the peripheral or central occlusion of the artery. A cross-sectional descriptive study was made using like universe to all the patients withdrawn with the diagnosis of aortic dissection of Dark-brown the Provincial Hospital “ Saturnine ” of Santiago of Cuba in the period of January of the 2000 to October of the 2005 with the objective to know the behavior this organization finding like result that the aortic dissection predominated in patients of 58 years, masculine sex and the black race; the average for this disease was of 21 days, the personal antecedent of arterial hypertension was found in a great percentage of the cases; the predominant symptoms and signs were the thoracic pain, and own of the arterial hypertension and the aortic insufficiency, the methods diagnoses but used were transesophageal echocardiography, the abdominal ultrasound, the aortography and the computed tomography, the more frequent aortic dissections were acute and the type I and II that begins in the ascending aorta (AU)

Diagnóstico y manejo perinatal del linfangioma gigante de cuello / Perinatal diagnosis and treatment of giant lymphangioma of the neck

Con el avance de la ecografía prenatal, se diagnostican muchas anomalías congénitas, lo que permite planificar un tratamiento temprano. Las linfagiomas son la lesión cogénita benigna más común de todas las malformaciones encontradas por ecografía prenatal, en algunas ocasiones asociadas a otras malformaciones y/o con cariotipo anormal. La gravedad de los linfangiomas se basa en el tipo, la localización, la extensión y la infiltración a otras estructuras. El tratamiento quirúrgico es el más aceptado, con el objetivo principal de lograr la resección completa, sin causar daño a las estructuras anexas y, aunque hay otras alternativas de tratamiento, creemos que se debe individualizar la mejor opción según la localización e infiltración del linfangioma a otras estructuras, motivo de nuestra revisión

With the advances in prenatal ultrasound, most congenital malformations can be diagnosed prior to birth, allowing for the planning of early treatment. Lymphangiomas are the most common benign congenital lesions observed with this technique. In some cases, they are associated with other malformations or chromosomal anomalies. The seriousness of a lymphangioma depends on the type, location, extension and whether or not others structures are involved. The most widespread therapeutic option is surgery, the objective of which is the complete resection of the lesion without damaging adjacent structures. Although there are other treatment options, we think that the choice of the approach depends on each patient, on the site of the lymphangioma and on the involvement of other structures. We discuss these aspects in the present review

Mechanical behavior of quartz fiber reinforced epoxy resins for teeth restoration.

In this work composite materials, based on quartz fibers and epoxy resins, were employed with the aim to restore damaged teeth. The composite materials were chosen because they show biomechanical features very similar to that of the dentine, the main constituent of the tooth. Extracted teeth were rebuilt with two different restorative procedures: in the first, the composite material was pre-formed in a conical trunk shape abutment (PA) and then bonded to a fiber quartz post with a dental bonder. In the second rebuilt system the abutment was prepared by cross linking the resin on the fiber quartz post with a halogen lamp (CRA). The restored teeth were then mechanically tested and observed with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with the aim to study the interaction between the reconstructive materials. Wetting and roughness measurements were also carried out in order to study the interface adhesion between the post and the abutments. Characterization analysis evidenced that the CRA restorative procedure improves the adhesion between the substitutive materials and shows higher fracture strength than the PA ones. Anyway both the rebuilt systems are able to support the masticator load. An explanation of the interfacial post-abutment interaction phenomenon is discussed.

Serum lamivudine levels in the presence of a lamivudine-resistant HBV mutant.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Lamivudine efficiently inhibits hepatitis B virus replication and has been used to treat hepatitis B virus recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation. Although effective, its use is hampered by viral breakthrough due to the appearance of hepatitis B virus drug-resistant strains. Aims of this work were to evaluate the inter- and intra-individual variations of lamivudine serum levels and the effects on the drug levels of the lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus mutant infection. METHODS: Serum lamivudine concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Polymerase chain reaction analysis and sequencing analysis of the reverse transcriptase area of the polymerase was performed on each sample using specific primers. A polymerase chain reaction-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to differentiate between wild-type hepatitis B virus and lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus strain. RESULTS: Lamivudine serum levels presented minor inter- and intra-individual fluctuations along time, with an important increase at the time of the hepatitis flare-up due to the hepatitis B virus mutant presence. When the wild-type hepatitis B virus briefly reappeared as a mixed population, the titre of lamivudine dropped to below the detection level. CONCLUSIONS: While lamivudine serum levels appears stable when the anti-viral efficacy is fully achieved, important fluctuations are present according to the type of viral population, with a considerable decrease possibly due to the presence of the wild-type virus.

Study of hardness and roughness modification in explanted joint components.

The significant wear of the UHMWPE bearings of explanted knee prostheses is produced mainly by micrometric debris ("third-body" wear) that diffuse toward the mobile metal-polymer interface. Here debris is crushed during the movement producing scratches in the metal and in the polymeric surfaces. Mechanical stress and the biological effects change the physical polymeric properties. In order to evaluate the area of UHMWE bearings submitted to high load stresses, in this work physical investigations are performed on the explanted knee prosthesis. Particularly, the roughness profile analysis (RPA) and the micro-hardness measurements (MHM) resulted suitable for the localisation of the mechanical and biological wear area. In the stressed zone, surface treatments could be applied in order to improve the mechanical resistance of the polymeric material. Particularly, the ion implantation with heavy ions is proposed to enhance the polymeric wear resistance. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDX) and Infrared absorption spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques were also applied and results discussed.

Chromosomal constraints in Gram-positive bacteria revealed by artificial inversions.

We used artificial chromosome inversions to investigate the chromosomal constraints that preserve genome organization in the Gram-positive bacterium Lactococcus lactis. Large inversions, 80-1260 kb in length, disturbing the symmetry of the origin and terminus of the replication axis to various extents, were constructed using the site-specific Cre-loxP recombination system. These inversions were all mechanistically feasible and fell into various classes according to stability and effect on cell fitness. The L. lactis chromosome supports only to some extent unbalance in length of its replication arms. The location of detrimental inversions allowed identification of two constrained chromosomal regions: a large domain covering one fifth of the genome that encompasses the origin of replication (Ori domain), and a smaller domain located at the opposite of the chromosome (Ter domain).

Antiviral activity of amantadine in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide problem of public health. Epidemiological studies have shown a significant higher prevalence of infection in the elderly. Amantadine is an antiviral agent active against the influenza A virus that has been used in cases of chronic hepatitis C. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antiviral activity and the safety of amantadine (200 mg daily for 6 months) in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: The study group consisted of 23 consecutive patients over 65 years suffering from chronic hepatitis C. Aminotransferase (ALT) levels were tested at baseline, at 15 days and then monthly until the end of therapy. HCV genotype was determined at baseline. A quantitative HCV-RNA measurement was performed at baseline, at 15 days and at the 1st, 3rd and 6th month of treatment. RESULTS: 13 males and 10 females were enrolled (mean age 70.1 +/- 3.4 years; range: 65-75). The mean ALT levels did not change significantly during therapy except in 1 patient subsequently returned normal. The HCV-RNA remained detectable in all patients, but a significant difference in response was observed in patients infected by genotype 1b. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the antiviral activity of amantadine against HCV, mainly for genotype 1b with initial high viral load. No consistent effects on aminotransferases were observed.

Clearance kinetics of hepatitis C virus under different antiviral therapies.

Interferon alpha (IFN) has been the standard treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Using the kinetic curves of viral clearance, this study compared three treatment regimes based on IFN alone or in combination with Amantadine or Ribavirin to determine the mechanisms of action and the most suitable way to use these drugs. The early clearance kinetics of HCV were studied in 22 patients with chronic hepatitis C under different antiviral treatments: IFN 3 MU daily (7 pts); IFN 3 MU daily plus Amantadine 200 mg (7 pts); and IFN 3 MU daily plus Ribavirin 1-1.2 gr (8 pts), for 6 months. HCV-RNA was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively on serial samples. The HCV-RNA decay curves suggested a different behaviour of viral clearance induced by the three treatments. While no significant differences were present in the first 6 hours, between 6 to 12 hours Ribavirin induced a rapid decline in the viral load. Amantadine seemed to accelerate it in the third phase (12 to 30 hours) and to provoke a more pronounced viral decline when compared to IFN alone (P < 0.05) or to IFN plus Ribavirin (P < 0.025) (baseline to 30 hours). Thus, while IFN remains the principal antiviral drug, Amantadine upholds the viral decline. Ribavirin, although synergistic with IFN, does not seem to improve the IFN effect during the earliest phase of treatment but probably supports the effects of IFN later on. A new dynamic approach to HCV treatment can therefore be developed.

Hepatitis G virus infection in intravenous drug users with or without human immunodeficiency virus infection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the HGV infection prevalence in a group of intravenous drug users with or without human immunodeficiency virus coinfection. METHODOLOGY: We studied 57 patients (48 males and 9 females) who were either previous or still ongoing intravenous drug users. Thirty-seven patients were HIV+ve, 55 patients were anti-HCV+ve and 3 patients were HBsAg chronic carriers. Patient sera were tested for HGV-RNA, anti-E2, qualitative and quantitative HCV-RNA as well as for HCV genotypes. Moreover, the ALT level was checked in the serum sample of each patient. RESULTS: We found a high prevalence (35/57; 61.4%) of HGV infection in our patients. HGV-RNA was detected in 16 out of the 57 intravenous drug users (28%). In particular HGV-RNA was positive in 12 out of the 37 HIV+ve patients (32.4%) and in 4 out of the 20 HIV-ve patients (20%). Anti-E2 were detected in 19 out of the 57 patients (33.3%) with greater prevalence among HIV-ve subjects (12/20; 60%) compared to HIV+ve group (7/37; 18.9%). This resulting difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). All HGV-RNA+ve/anti-E2+ve patients were anti-HCV/HCV-RNA+ve and none of our patients were anti-E2+ve/HGV-RNA+ve at the same time. Significant differences were not found between HGV-RNA+ve and HGV-RNA-ve patients as far as clinical and virological data are concerned. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HGV infection in intravenous drug users proved to be high especially in the HIV+ve group. Moreover HGV was associated with HCV in all our cases. The actual clinical impact of HGV infection remains unclear since HGV does not seems to influence the biochemical, virological or histological alterations caused by HCV infection.