Acquired qnrVC1 and blaNDM-1 resistance markers in an international high-risk Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST773 clone.

A multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa PS1 isolated from urine clinical sample was investigated in this study. The strain exhibited resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, ceftazidime but it was susceptible to colistin. Analysis of whole-genome sequencing data by ResFinder detected various resistance determinants including qnrVC1 and blaNDM-1. The multiresistant P. aeruginosa isolate belonged to ST773 high-risk clone. The qnrVC1 and blaNDM-1 determinants were incorporated into different integrons. Expression of blaNDM-1 was fourfold and qnrVC1 was twofold increased, compared to that of rpsL housekeeping gene. Mutations in gyrA Thr83Leu and parC Ser87Leu were detected and additionally qnrVC1 expression indicates protective effect of QnrVC1 pentapeptid protein on gyrase and topoisomerase. High-risk P. aeruginosa clones integrate various carbapenemase and other resistance determinants into their genomes that facilitates further dissemination of multiresistance among clinical isolates. We report blaNDM-1 and qnrVC1 genes in P. aeruginosa ST773 international high-risk clone.

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir + dasabuvir + ribavirin in HCV genotype 1 infected patients who failed previous protease inhibitor therapy.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Combination of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir + dasabuvir ± ribavirin (3DDA±RBV) therapy is shown to be effective in HCV genotype 1 (GT1) infected patients. However, sparse data exist in patients who failed previous boceprevir or telaprevir based therapies. Real life efficacy and safety of this combination were evaluated in HCV GT1b infected patients (mostly cirrhotics) with compensated liver disease who failed previous boceprevir or telaprevir based therapies more than a year before. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of previous protease inhibitor failure patients, treated with 3DAA+RBV for 12 weeks (GT1b and/or non-cirrhotics) or 24 weeks (non-GT1b cirrhotics), were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Population characteristics: boceprevir/telaprevir-failure: 82/45, GT1b: 117, cirrhotic: 111 (87.4%). SVR12/24 was observed in 103/105 patients (98.1%) of those who reached either time point. Four SAEs reported: one death due to myocardial infarction, another due to recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after achieving SVR12, two hospitalizations (elevation of transaminases, pneumonia). Grade ≥ 3 AEs or laboratory abnormalities were reported in < 10% of patients; they were transient in all patients. No early discontinuation of drugs due to SAE has been reported. CONCLUSIONS: One year after previous failure of boceprevir or telaprevir based therapy, 12 weeks of 3DAA+RBV combination in HCV GT1b infected patients is similarly effective and safe as in those with no previous HCV therapy, even in the presence of cirrhosis. These findings might be of particular interest in settings where alternative therapies for such patients are not available or not affordable.

[Screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow up of hepatitis C virus related liver disease. National consensus guideline in Hungary from 22 September 2017]. / A hepatitis C-vírus-fertozés szurése, diagnosztikája, antivirális terápiája, kezelés utáni gondozása. Magyar konszenzusajánlás. Érvényes: 2017. szeptember 22-tol.

The treatment of hepatitis C is based on a national consensus guideline updated six-monthly according to local availability and affordability of approved therapies through a transparent allocation system in Hungary. This updated guideline incorporates some special new aspects, including recommendations for screening, diagnostics, use and allocation of novel direct acting antiviral agents. The indication of therapy in patients with no contraindication is based on the demonstration of viral replication with consequent inflammation and/or fibrosis in the liver. Non-invasive methods (elastographies and biochemical methods) are preferred for liver fibrosis staging. The budget allocated for these patients is limited. Interferon-based or interferon-free therapies are available for the treatment. Due to their limited success rate as well as to their (sometimes severe) side-effects, the mandatory use of interferon-based therapies as first line treatment can not be accepted from the professional point of view. However, they can be used as optional therapy in treatment-naïve patients with mild disease. As of interferon-free therapies, priority is given to those with urgent need based on a pre-defined scoring system reflecting mainly the stage of the liver disease, but considering also additional factors, i.e., hepatic decompensation, other complications, activity and progression of liver disease, risk of transmission and other special issues. Approved treatments are restricted to the most cost-effective combinations based on the cost per sustained virological response value in different patient categories with consensus amongst treating physicians, the National Health Insurance Fund of Hungary and patients' organizations. Interferon-free treatments and shorter therapy durations are preferred. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(Suppl 1): 3-23.

[Diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis B and D. National consensus guideline in Hungary from 22 September 2017]. / A hepatitis B- és D-vírus-fertozés diagnosztikája, antivirális kezelése. Magyar konszenzusajánlás. Érvényes: 2017. szeptember 22-tol.

Diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus infection mean for the patient to be able to maintain working capacity, to increase quality of life, to prevent cancer, and to prolong life expectancy, while the society benefits from eliminating the chances of further transmission of the viruses, and decreasing the overall costs of serious complications. The guideline delineates the treatment algorithms from 22 September 2017 set by a consensus meeting of physicians involved in the treatment of these diseases. The prevalence of HBV infection in the Hungarian general population is 0,5-0,7%. The indications of treatment are based upon viral examinations (including viral nucleic acid determination), determinations of disease activity and stage (including biochemical, pathologic, and/or non-invasive methods), and excluding contraindications. To avoid unnecessary side effects and for a cost-effective approach, the guideline stresses the importance of quick and detailed virologic evaluations, the applicability of transient elastography as an acceptable alternative of liver biopsy in this regard as well as the relevance of appropriate consistent follow-up schedule for viral response during therapy. The first choice of therapy in chronic HBV infection can be pegylated interferon for 48 weeks or continuous entecavir or tenofovir therapy. The latter two must be continued for at least 12 months after hepatitis B surface antigen seroconversion. Lamivudine is no longer the first choice; patients currently taking lamivudine must switch if the response is inadequate. Appropriate treatment of patients taking immunosuppressive medications is highly recommended. Pegylated interferon based therapy is recommended for the treatment of concomitant hepatitis D infection. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(Suppl 1): 24-37.

[Screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow up of hepatitis C virus related liver disease. National consensus guideline in Hungary from 15 October 2016]. / A hepatitis C-vírus-fertozés szurése, diagnosztikája, antivirális terápiája, kezelés utáni gondozása. Magyar konszenzusajánlás. Érvényes: 2016. október 15-tol.

Treatment of hepatitis C is based on a national consensus guideline updated six-monthly according to local availability and affordability of approved therapies through a transparent allocation system in Hungary. This updated guideline incorporates some special new aspects, including recommendations for screening, diagnostics, use and allocation of novel direct acting antiviral agents. Indication of therapy in patients with no contraindication is based on demonstration of viral replication with consequent inflammation and/or fibrosis in the liver. Non-invasive methods (elastographies and biochemical methods) are preferred for liver fibrosis staging. The budget allocated for these patients is limited. Therefore, expensive novel direct acting antiviral combinations as first line treatment are reimbursed only, if the freely available, but less effective and more toxic pegylated interferon plus ribavirin dual therapy deemed to prone high chance of adverse events and/or low chance of cure. Priority is given to those with urgent need based on a pre-defined scoring system reflecting mainly the stage of the liver disease, but considering also additional factors, i.e., hepatic decompensation, other complications, activity and progression of liver disease, risk of transmission and other special issues. Approved treatments are restricted to the most cost-effective combinations based on the cost per sustained virological response value in different patient categories with consensus amongst treating physicians, the National Health Insurance Fund and patient's organizations. Interferon-free treatments and shorter therapy durations are preferred. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(Suppl. 1), 3-22.

[Diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis B and D. National consensus guideline in Hungary from 15 October 2016]. / A hepatitis B- és D-vírus-fertozés diagnosztikája, antivirális kezelése. Magyar konszenzusajánlás. Érvényes: 2016. október 15-tol.

Diagnosis and treatment of HBV/HDV infection means for the patient to be able to maintain working capacity, to increase quality of life, to prevent cancer, and to prolong life expectancy, while society benefits from eliminating the chances of further transmission of the viruses, and decreasing the overall costs of serious complications. The guideline delineates the treatment algorithms for 2017 set by a consensus meeting of physicians involved in the treatment of these diseases. The prevalence of HBV infection in the Hungarian general population is 0.5-0.7%. The indications of treatment is based upon viral examinations (including viral nucleic acid determination), determinations of disease activity and stage (including biochemical, pathologic, and/or non-invasive methods), and excluding contraindications. To avoid unnecessary side effects and for cost-effective approach the guideline stresses the importance of quick and detailed virologic evaluations, the applicability of elastography as an acceptable alternative of liver biopsy in this regard, as well as the relevance of appropriate consistent follow up schedule for viral response during therapy. The first choice of therapy in chronic hepatitis B infection can be pegylated interferon for 48 weeks or continuous entecavir or tenofovir therapy. The latter two must be continued for at least 12 months after hepatitis B surface antigen seroconversion. Adefovir dipivoxil is recommended mainly in combination therapy. Lamivudine is no longer a first choice; patients currently taking lamivudine must switch if response is inadequate. Appropriate treatment of patients taking immunosuppressive medications is highly recommended. Pegylated interferon based therapy is recommended for the treatment of concomitant hepatitis D infection. Orv. Hetil., 2017, 158(Suppl. 1) 23-35.

Change in autoantibody and cytokine responses during the evolution of neuromyelitis optica in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)-systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) association is a rare condition characterized by multiple autoantibodies. OBJECTIVE: To examine if, during the evolution of NMO, anti-AQP4 responses are part of polyclonal B cell activation, and if T cell responses contribute. METHODS: In 19 samples of six patients who developed NMO during SLE, we examined the correlation of AQP4-IgG1 and IgM with (i) anti-MOG IgG and IgM, (ii) anti-nuclear, anti-nucleosome and anti-dsDNA IgG antibodies, (iii) cytokines and chemokines in the serum and (iv) longitudinal relation to NMO relapses/remission. RESULTS: AQP4-IgG1 was present 1-2-5 years before the first NMO relapse. During relapse, AQP4-IgG1, ANA, anti-dsDNA and anti-nucleosome antibodies were elevated. Anti-MOG IgG/IgM and AQP4-IgM antibodies were not detected. AQP4-IgG1 antibodies correlated with concentration of anti-nucleosome, IFN-γ,interferon-gamma-induced CCL10/IP-10 and CCL17/TARC (p<0.05, respectively). CCL17/TARC correlated with levels of anti-nucleosome and anti-dsDNA (p<0.05, respectively). Compared to healthy subjects, concentration of IFN-γ and CCL17/TARC was higher in NMO/SLE (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: AQP4-IgG1 antibodies are present in the sera years before the first NMO attack in patients with SLE; elevation of anti-AQP4 is part of a polyclonal B cell response during NMO relapses; in spite of multiple autoantibodies in the serum, MOG antibodies were not present; Th1 responses accompany autoantibody responses in NMO/SLE.

New therapeutic options for HCV in Central Europe.

New therapeutic options became available in 2015 in the European Union. We present the availability of interferon-free regimens with direct acting antivirals (DAA) in four Central European countries - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia - which despite similar historical, geographical and economic situations demonstrate different systems for access to anti-HCV (hepatitis C virus) medication. Treatment of patients in the Czech Republic was based in 2015 on an exceptional individual reimbursement procedure, but regular reimbursement procedures are expected in 2016. In Hungary the decision for treatment is balanced against budget limitations and the national Priority Index system reflecting stage of liver disease, activity of the disease and predictive factors. A reimbursed interferon (IFN)-free therapeutic program for all genotypes, without restrictions related to hepatic fibrosis and treatment history, is already available in Poland. In Slovakia patients with advanced fibrosis are currently selected for possible IFN-free therapy in 2016.

A hepatitis B- és D-vírus-fertozés diagnosztikája, antivirális kezelése. Magyar konszenzusajánlás. Érvényes: 2015. szeptember 12-tol.

Diagnosis and treatment of HBV/HDV infection means for the patient to be able to maintain working capacity, to increase quality of life, to prevent cancer, and to prolong life expectancy, while society benefits from eliminating the chances of further transmission of the viruses, and decreasing the overall costs of serious complications. The guideline delineates the treatment algorithms for 2016 set by a consensus meeting of physicians involved in the treatment of these diseases. The prevalence of HBV infection in the Hungarian general population is 0.5-0.7%. The indications of treatment is based upon viral examinations (including viral nucleic acid determination), determinations of disease activity and stage (including biochemical, pathologic, and/or non-invasive methods), and excluding contraindications. To avoid unnecessary side effects and for cost-effective approach the guideline stresses the importance of quick and detailed virologic evaluations, the applicability of elastography as an acceptable alternative of liver biopsy in this regard, as well as the relevance of appropriate consistent follow up schedule for viral response during therapy. The first choice of therapy in chronic hepatitis B infection can be pegylated interferon for 48 weeks or continuous ente- cavir or tenofovir therapy. The latter two must be continued for at least 12 months after hepatitis B surface antigen seroconversion. Adefovir dipivoxil is recommended mainly in combination therapy. Lamivudine is no longer a first choice; patients currently taking lamivudine must switch if response is inadequate. Appropriate treatment of patients taking immunosuppressive medications is highly recommended. Pegylated interferon based therapy is recommended for the treatment of concomitant hepatitis D infection. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(Suppl. 2) 25-36.

Hepatitis C-vírus-fertozés: diagnosztika, antivirális terápia, kezelés utáni gondozás. Magyar konszenzusajánlás. Érvényes: 2015. szeptember 12-tol.

Approximately 70.000 people are infected with hepatitis C virus in Hungary, more than half of whom are not aware of their infection. From the point of infected individuals early recognition and effective treatment of related liver injury may prevent consequent advanced liver diseases and complications (liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer) and can increase work productivity and life expectancy on one hand. From socioeconomic aspect, this could also prevent further spread of the virus as well as reduce substantially long term financial burden of related morbidity. Available since 2003 in Hungary, pegylated interferon + ribavirin dual therapy can clear the virus in 40-45% of previously not treated (naïve), and in 5-21% of previous treatment-failure patients. Addition of a direct acting first generation protease inhibitor drug (boceprevir or telaprevir) to the dual therapy increases the chance of sustained virologic response to 63-75% and 59-66%, respectively. These two protease inhibitors are available and financed for a segment of Hungarian patients since May 2013. Between 2013 and February 2015, other direct acting antiviral interferon-free combination therapies have been registered for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, with a potential efficacy over 90% and typical short duration of 8-12 weeks. Indication of therapy includes exclusion of contraindications to the drugs and demonstration of viral replication with consequent liver injury, i.e., inflammation and or fibrosis in the liver. Non-invasive methods (eleastography and biochemical methods) are accepted and preferred for staging liver damage (fibrosis). For initiation of treatment accurate and timely molecular biology tests are mandatory. Eligibility for treatment is a subject of individual central medical review. Due to budget limitations tharpy is covered only for a proportion of patients by the National Health Insurance Fund. Priority is given to those with urgent need based on a Hungarian Priority Index system reflecting primarily the stage of liver disease, and considering also additional factors, i.e., activity and progression of liver disease, predictive factors of treatment and other special issues. Approved treatments are restricted to the most cost-effective combinations based on the cost per sustained virologic response value in different patient categories with consensus between professional organizations, National Health Insurance Fund and patient organizations. More expensive therapies might be available upon co-financing by the patient or a third party. Interferon-free treatments and shorter therapy durations preferred as much as financially feasible. A separate budget is allocated to cover interferon-free treatments for the most-in-need interferon ineligible/intolerant patients, and for those who have no more interferon-based therapy option. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(Suppl. 2), 3-24.

Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of hepatitis C virus related liver disease. Hungarian national consensus guideline.

Approximately 70,000 people are infected with hepatitis C virus in Hungary, and more than half of them are not aware of their infection. From the point of infected individuals early recognition and effective treatment of related liver injury may prevent consequent advanced liver diseases and complications (liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer) and can increase work productivity and life expectancy. From a socioeconomic aspect, this could also prevent further spread of the virus as well as reduce substantially long term financial burden of related morbidity. Pegylated interferon + ribavirin dual therapy, which is available in Hungary since 2003, can clear the virus in 40-45% of previously not treated (naïve), and in 5-21% of previous treatment-failure patients. Addition of a direct acting first generation protease inhibitor drug (boceprevir or telaprevir) to the dual therapy increases the chance of sustained viral response to 63-75% and 59-66%, respectively. These two protease inhibitors are available and financed for a segment of Hungarian patients since May 2013. Between 2013 and February 2015, other direct acting antiviral interferon-free combination therapies have been registered for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, with a potential efficacy over 90% and typical short duration of 8-12 weeks. Indication of therapy includes exclusion of contraindications to the drugs and demonstration of viral replication with consequent liver injury, i.e., inflammation and / or fibrosis in the liver. Non-invasive methods (elastography and biochemical methods) are accepted and preferred for staging liver damage (fibrosis). For initiation of treatment as well as for on-treatment decisions, accurate and timely molecular biology tests are mandatory. Eligibility for treatment is a subject of individual central medical review. Due to budget limitations therapy is covered only for a proportion of patients by the National Health Insurance Fund. Priority is given to those with urgent need based on a Hungarian Priority Index system reflecting primarily the stage of liver disease, and considering also additional factors, i.e., activity and progression of liver disease, predictive factors of treatment and other special issues. Approved treatments are restricted to the most cost-effective combinations based on the cost per sustained viral response value in different patient categories with consensus between professional organizations, National Health Insurance Fund and patient organizations. More expensive therapies might be available upon co-financing by the patient or a third party. Interferon-free treatments and shorter therapy durations preferred as much as financially feasible. A separate budget is allocated to cover interferon-free treatments for the most-in-need interferon ineligible/intolerant patients, and for those who have no more interferon-based therapy option. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(Suppl. 1), 3-23.

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis B and D. Hungarian national consensus guideline.

Diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B and D virus infections mean that the patient is able to maintain working capacity, increase quality of life, prevent cancer, and prolong life expectancy, while the society benefits from eliminating the chances of further transmission of the viruses, and decreasing the overall costs of serious complications. The guideline delineates the treatment algorithms for 2015, which is agreed on a consensus meeting of specialists involved in the treatment of the above diseases. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in the Hungarian general population is 0.5-0.7%. The indications of treatment is based upon viral examinations (including viral nucleic acid determination), determinations of disease activity and stage (including biochemical, pathologic, and/or non-invasive methods), and excluding contraindications. To avoid unnecessary side effects and for cost-effective approach the guideline emphasizes the importance of quick and detailed virologic evaluations, the applicability of transient elastography as an acceptable alternative of liver biopsy in this regard, as well as the relevance of appropriate consistent follow up schedule for viral response during therapy. The first choice of therapy in chronic hepatitis B infection can be pegylated interferon for 48 weeks or continuous entecavir or tenofovir therapy. The latter two must be continued for at least 12 months after hepatitis B surface antigen seroconversion. Adefovir dipivoxil is recommended mainly in combination therapy. Lamivudine is no longer a first choice; patients currently taking lamivudine must switch if response is inadequate. Appropriate treatment of patients taking immunosuppressive medications is highly recommended. Pegylated interferon based therapy is recommended for the treatment of concomitant hepatitis D infection. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(Suppl. 1), 25-35.

[Hepatitis C: diagnosis, anti-viral therapy, after-care. Hungarian consensus guideline]. / Hepatitis C-vírus-fertozés: diagnosztika, antivirális terápia, kezelés utáni gondozás. Magyar konszenzusajánlás.

Approximately 70,000 people are infected with hepatitis C virus in Hungary, and more than half of them are not aware of their infection. From the point of infected individuals early recognition and effective treatment of related liver injury may prevent consequent advanced liver diseases and complications (liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer) and can increase work productivity and life expectancy. Furthermore, these could from prevent further spread of the virus as well as reduce substantially long term financial burden of related morbidity, as a socioeconomic aspect. Pegylated interferon + ribavirin dual therapy, which is available in Hungary since 2003, can clear the virus in 40-45% of previously not treated (naïve), and in 5-21% of previous treatment-failure patients. Addition of a direct acting first generation protease inhibitor drug (boceprevir or telaprevir) to the dual therapy increases the chance of sustained viral response to 63-75% and 59-66%, respectively. These two protease inhibitors are available and financed for a segment of Hungarian patients since May 2013. Between 2013 and February 2015, other direct acting antivirals and interferon-free combination therapies have been registered for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C with a potential efficacy over 90% and typically with a short duration of 8-12 weeks. Indication of therapy includes exclusion of contraindications to the drugs and demonstration of viral replication with consequent liver injury, i.e., inflammation and/or fibrosis in the liver. Non-invasive methods (elastography and biochemical methods) are accepted and preferred for staging liver damage (fibrosis). For initiation of treatment accurate and timely molecular biology tests are mandatory. Eligibility for treatment is a subject of individual central medical review. Due to budget limitations therapy is covered only for a proportion of patients by the National Health Insurance Fund. Priority is given to those with urgent need based on a Hungarian Priority Index system reflecting primarily the stage of liver disease, and considering also additional factors, i.e., activity and progression of liver disease, predictive factors of treatment and other special issues. Approved treatments are restricted to the most cost-effective combinations based on the cost per sustained viral response value in different patient categories with consensus between professional organizations, National Health Insurance Fund and patient organizations. More expensive therapies might be available upon co-financing by the patient or a third party. Interferon-free treatments and shorter therapy durations preferred as much as financially feasible. A separate budget is allocated to cover interferon-free treatments for the most-in-need interferon ineligible/intolerant patients, and for those who have no more interferon-based therapy option.

Efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin in community acquired pneumonia: a prospective, multicenter, observational study (CAPRIVI).

BACKGROUND: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality worldwide. Management of CAP for many patients requires rapid initiation of empirical antibiotic treatment, based on the spectrum of activity of available antimicrobial agents and evidence on local antibiotic resistance. Few data exist on the severity profile and treatment of hospitalized CAP patients in Eastern and Central Europe and the Middle East, in particular on use of moxifloxacin (Avelox®), which is approved in these regions. METHODS: CAPRIVI (Community Acquired Pneumonia: tReatment wIth AVelox® in hospItalized patients) was a prospective observational study in 12 countries: Croatia, France, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, and Macedonia. Patients aged >18 years were treated with moxifloxacin 400 mg daily following hospitalization with a CAP diagnosis. In addition to efficacy and safety outcomes, data were collected on patient history and disease severity measured by CRB-65 score. RESULTS: 2733 patients were enrolled. A low severity index (i.e., CRB-65 score <2) was reported in 87.5% of CAP patients assessed (n=1847), an unexpectedly high proportion for hospitalized patients. Moxifloxacin administered for a mean of 10.0 days (range: 2.0 to 39.0 days) was highly effective: 96.7% of patients in the efficacy population (n=2152) improved and 93.2% were cured of infection during the study. Severity of infection changed from "moderate" or "severe" in 91.8% of patients at baseline to "no infection" or "mild" in 95.5% at last visit. In the safety population (n=2595), 127 (4.9%) patients had treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and 40 (1.54%) patients had serious TEAEs; none of these 40 patients died. The safety results were consistent with the known profile of moxifloxacin. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and safety profiles of moxifloxacin at the recommended dose of 400 mg daily are characterized in this large observational study of hospitalized CAP patients from Eastern and Central Europe and the Middle East. The high response rate in this study, which included patients with a range of disease severities, suggests that treatment with broader-spectrum drugs such as moxifloxacin is appropriate for patients with CAP who are managed in hospital. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00987792.

[Pneumococcal meningitis in a pregnant woman]. / Pneumococcus meningitis várandósság során.

Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening disease. The incidence of meningitis is about 2.6-6 cases per 100.000 adults per year in developed countries. The most common causative microorganisms are Sreptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis. A 33-year-old multigravida, at 24 week of gestation was admitted to the hospital because of ear pain, haedache, fever and confusion. Lumbal puncture was performed and cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed signs of bacterial meningitis. Latex agglutination test was positive for S. pneumoniae, Gram-positive diplococci have seen under microscope and later cultivation verified S. pneumoniae as the causative agent. After ceftriaxon, dexamethasone administration and treatment in intensive care unit, left side mastoidectomy was performed since cranial computed tomography showed acut exacerbation of chronic mastoiditis on the left side. After extubation, mobilisation and 14 days antibiotic treatment the patient, who had residual hearing loss on the left side, was discharged from the hospital. During the treatment the foetal parameters were normal. The patient at 39 week of gestation gave birth to a healthy infant. Forty-eight case reports have been published in this topic around the world until April, 2012. The most common causative agents were S. pneumoniae and Listeria monocytogenes. Because of the little amount of data, it is hard to appreciate the actual incidence and prognosis of this life-threatening illness both for mother and infant. As far as we know this is the first published case report of meningitis during pregnancy in Hungary. By this article we would like to draw attention to the importance of teamwork, of prevention of brain abscess formation and of the removal of the infection's focus.

[Importance of the case of coronavirus-associated severe acute respiratory syndrome detected in Hungary in 2005]. / Miért aktuális 2013-ban a súlyos akut respirációs szindrómát okozó coronavírus-fertozés 2005-ben Magyarországon igazolt esete?

Ten years have elapsed since the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak, which resulted in more than 8000 cases worldwide with more than 700 deaths. Recently, a new coronavirus, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus emerged, causing serious respiratory cases and death. By the end of August 2013, 108 cases including 50 deaths were reported. The authors discuss a coronavirus-associated severe acute respiratory syndrome, which was detected in Hungary in 2005 and highlight its significance in 2013. In 2005 the patient was hospitalized and all relevant clinical and microbiological tests were performed. Based on the IgG antibody positivity of the serum samples, the patient was diagnosed as having severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in the past. The time and source of the infection remained unknown. The condition of the patient improved and he was discharged from the hospital. The case raises the possibility of infections in Hungary imported from remote areas of the world and the importance of thorough examination of patients with severe respiratory syndrome with unknown etiology.

[The efficacy and safety of acenocoumarol and warfarin therapy in patients with lower limb deep vein thrombosis]. / Az acenocumarol és a warfarin hatásossága és biztonságossága alsó végtagi mélyvénás trombózis kezelésében.

UNLABELLED: Only few studies are available on the comparison of the efficacy and safety of the acenocoumarol and warfarin. The authors treated patients with deep vein thrombosis according to latest recommendations using D-dimer measurements and duplex ultrasound exams. AIMS: To examine the efficacy and safety of the two anticoagulants in patients with lower limb deep vein thrombosis. METHODS: The authors included 100 consecutive patients with lower limb dee deep vein thrombosis. The patients were treated with acenocoumarol or warfarin in doses to achieve INR values between 2 and 3.5 for six months. After 6 months the authors performed physical examination, D-dimer measurements and ultrasound exams, and determined the rate of unchanged thrombotic process, as well as the rate of complete and incomplete recanalisations. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the number of INR determinations during treatment between the two groups (acenocoumarol group 442, warfarin group 416). The INR values were in the therapeutic range in 71.2% and 75.4% of patients in the acenocoumarol and warfarin groups, respectively. Dose adjustment was necessary in 129 and 84 times in the acenocoumarol and warfarin groups, respectively (p = 0.0025). The therapy was optimally effective (INR value was within the therapeutic range throughout the treatment period) in 46% and 52% of patients in the acenocoumarol and warfarin groups, respectively. The thrombotic vein was completely recanalised in 91.9% of patients treated optimally, and only 80.4% of patients treated not optimally. There were 3 minor bleedings in the acenocoumarol and 4 minor bleedings in the warfarin groups, while one major bleedings occurred in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The INR values were more stable in the warfarin group than in the acenocumarole group. In both groups the rate of complete vein recanalization was related to the rate of optimally stable INR values within the therapeutic range.

Imported PER-1 producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, PER-1 producing Acinetobacter baumanii and VIM-2-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in Hungary.

INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumanii are important nosocomial pathogens with wide intrinsic resistance. However, due to the dissemination of the acquired resistance mechanisms, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and metallo beta-lactamase (MBL) production, multidrug resistant strains have been isolated more often. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a Hungarian tourist, who was initially hospitalized in Egypt and later transferred to Hungary. On the day of admission PER-1-producing P. aeruginosa, PER-1 producing A. baumannii, SHV-5-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and VIM-2-producing P. aeruginosa isolates were subcultured from the patient's samples in Hungary. Comparing the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns of the P. aeruginosa strains from the patient to the P. aeruginosa strains occurring in this hospital, we can state that the PER-1-producing P. aeruginosa and VIM-2-producing P. aeruginosa had external origin. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of PER-1-producing P. aeruginosa,and PER-1-producing A. baumanii strains in Hungary. This case highlights the importance of spreading of the beta-lactamase-mediated resistance mechanisms between countries and continents, showing the importance of careful screening and the isolation of patients arriving from a different country.