The genetic variability of hepatitis B virus subgenotype F1b precore/core gene is related to the outcome of the acute infection.

AIM: To assess the association of viral and host genetic variability with the outcome of acute infection with hepatitis B virus subgenotype F1b (HBV/F1b). METHODS: The cohort consisted of 26 patients with acute HBV/F1b infection who exhibit different outcomes: spontaneous resolution (n = 10), progression to chronic hepatitis (n = 10) and acute liver failure (n = 6). HLA SNPs (rs3077, rs9277542, rs2856718 and rs7453920) were determined. The S gene and core promoter/precore/core region were direct sequenced, and this latter region was also ultra-deep sequenced. Mean number of mutations, mutation rate, Shannon entropy, positive selection sites and mutational patterns of quasispecies were compared between groups. RESULTS: HLA SNPs were associated with spontaneous resolution or progression to chronic hepatitis, but not with the development of acute liver failure. The mean number of mutations in the S gene was similar among the three groups. Patients with spontaneous resolution had the lowest number of mutations, mutation rates and Shannon entropy values in the precore/core compared to the other two groups. Ten positive selection sites mapped on HLA-restricted epitopes were related to progression to chronic hepatitis and acute liver failure. Mutations T1753C, A1762T, G1764A, C1766T, T1768A G1896A, G2092T and T2107C were associated with acute liver failure and progression to chronic hepatitis. CONCLUSION: Highly heterogeneous and complex HBV precore/core carrying specific point mutations, combined with the host HLA background, were associated with a worse clinical outcome of acute HBV/F1b infection.

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir ± ribavirin is safe and effective in HCV-infected patients in a real-life cohort from Latin America.

Information about the use of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir ± ribavirin (OBV/PTV/r/DSV ± RBV) in real-clinical practice in Latin America is scarce. We aimed to confirm safety and effectiveness of OBV/PTV/r/DSV ± RBV therapy in real-world setting. We analyzed a cohort of patients with genotype 1 infection treated with OBV/PTV/r/DSV ± RBV. Data on demographics, clinical features, safety, and virological response were retrospectively collected from 21 centers in Latin America. A total of 96 patients received OBV/PTV/r/DSV, associated with RBV in 68% of the cases. Most were genotype 1b (80%), 56 (58%) had cirrhosis, and 45 (47%) failed prior HCV treatment. Adverse events occurred in 62% of patients. The most common adverse events were pruritus (21%), hyperbilirubinemia (17%), and asthenia (17%). Five patients discontinued therapy prematurely due to hepatic decompensation, three of them were Child-Pugh B at baseline and one patient died due to multi-organ failure. Follow up HCV-RNA 12 weeks after completion of therapy was evaluated in all the patients and sustained virologic response rate was 97%. No virologic breakthrough was detected. Our study confirms that OBV/PTV/r/DSV treatment is highly effective in patients with chronic HCV without cirrhosis or with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis in non-European populations. Adverse events were often mild and rarely led to treatment discontinuation except for patients with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis or with previous history of hepatic decompensation. These results can support the development of public strategies to expand the access of OBV/PTV/r + DSV and other DAAs combinations in order to reduce the burden of HCV infection in our region.

Economic Burden of Herpes Zoster ("culebrilla") in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster (HZ) is characterized by debilitating pain and blistering dermatomal rash. The most common complication of HZ is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a persistent pain that can substantially affect patients' quality of life. HZ has significant impact on patients' lives with considerable implications for healthcare systems and society. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and medical costs associated with HZ in Latin America. METHOD: We conducted a pooled-analysis of three prospective cohort studies of HZ patients ≥50 years of age in Argentina (n=96); Brazil (n=145) and Mexico (n=142). Patients were recruited at different time-points during their HZ episode and were followed for six months. The incidence of PHN was defined as a worst ZBPI pain score of ≥3, persisting or appearing more than 90 days after the onset of rash. Work effectiveness was measured on a 100-point Likert scale where 100 was described as completely effective (able to work like before HZ began) and 0 as not effective at all. Direct costs included costs due to use of antiviral medications and all medical services used to treat HZ. Indirect cost was based on foregone earnings from patients due to work loss and presenteeism, and work loss by family caretakers. One-way sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the impact on total costs. All costs are reported in 2015 USD currency. RESULTS: 383 HZ patients were included and PHN incidence was 38.6%. The most commonly used resources were visits to the doctor's office (79.1% of patients), the emergency room (48.8%) and a specialist (37.9%); hospitalization was reported for 5.7% of patients. The overall direct cost per case was $763.19 USD, indirect cost was $701.40, for a total of $1,464.59 per HZ episode in Latin America. Total cost associated with HZ in patients with PHN was markedly higher compared to patients without PHN ($2,001.13 vs. $867.72, respectively) with indirect costs accounting for the most part of this difference. The sensitivity analysis was generally robust to changes in the assumptions made. CONCLUSION: HZ and its sequelae impose a substantial economic burden in Latin America which is expected to rise as the population ages and the number of HZ cases increases. The results support the need for early intervention, preventative strategies and improved disease management to reduce the HZ-associated disease burden in Latin America.

Dolor, calidad de vida relacionada con la salud y utilización de servicios médicos asociados al herpes zoster en Argentina / Herpes zoster-associated pain, health-related quality of life, and healthcare utilization in Argentina

El herpes zoster (HZ) es causado por reactivación del virus varicela-zoster latente. Se caracteriza por exantema vesicular unilateral, neuri-tis aguda y neuralgia posherpética. Aún hay escasos datos sobre el do-lor asociado al HZ (DAZ), su repercusión en la calidad de vida (CdV) y la utilización de recursos sanitarios (URS) asociada en Argentina. En este estudio prospectivo, observacio-nal, de una cohorte, realizado en 3 centros argenti-nos se valuó la carga de morbilidad asociada al HZ en Argentina en contextos clínicos reales. Los pa-cientes fueron enrolados en diversos momentos du-rante un episodio herpético, y seguidos activamen-te los días 14, 21, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 y 180. Hubo 96 enrolados(edad 70±10,7 años; tiempo desde el inicio del exantema 16±16,9 días[media±DE]). El puntaje del peor dolor (media±DE) disminuyó de 5,5±3,1 en el enrolamiento a 0,2±0,7 a los 180 días de seguimiento. El puntaje del cuestionario de cali-dad de vida EQ-5D (media±DE) disminuyó significa-tivamente de 0,8±0,1 antes del inicio del exantema a 0,6±0,2 tras su inicio (P<0,001), con mejoría gra-dual de la CdV durante 180 días (0,9±0,1), hasta un puntaje similar al previo al inicio del exantema. La URS más frecuente fueron visitas al consultorio mé-dico (96,9%). La gran mayoría de pacientes compró medicamentos recetados (95,8%) y de venta sin receta (83,3%) para los episodios herpéticos. El DAZ estuvo asociado a gran carga de morbili-dad, deterioro de CdV, aumento de URS y costos asociados en Argenti-na. Esto subraya la importancia de estrategias de intervención precoz o prevención para disminuir la carga de morbilidad asociada al HZ

Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by re-activation of latent varicella zoster virus and is characterized by unilateral, vesicular cutaneous eruptions, acute neuritis, and post-herpetic neuralgia. To date, data on HZ associated pain (ZAP) and its impact on quality of life (QoL) and associated healthcare resource utilization use (HCRU) in Argentina is scarce. This study assessed the burden of illness associated with HZ in Argentina in a real-life clinical setting. This was a prospective, observational, single-cohort study conducted in 3 sites across Argentina. Patients were enrolled at various time points during the course of a zoster episode and were actively followed on days 14, 21, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180. There were 96 HZ patients enrolled with a mean±SD age and time since rash onset of 70±10. 7 years and 16±16. 9 days, respectively. Mean±SD worst pain score decreased from 5. 5±3. 1 at enrollment to 0. 2±0.7 at 180 days of follow-up. The mean±SD EQ-5D score significantly decreased from 0. 8±0. 1 before rash onset to 0. 6±0. 2 after rash onset (P <0.001) followed by gradual improvement in QoL over 180 days (0. 9±0.) reaching a similar score to that prior to rash onset. The most common HCRU was visits to the doctor's office with 96.9%. The vast majority of patients purchased prescription medications (95.8%) and over-the-counter medications (83.3%) for HZ episodes. ZAP was found to be associated with severe burden of illness, impaired QoL, increased HCRU, and associated cost in Argentina; highlighting the importance of early intervention or prevention strategies to reduce HZ-associated disease burden

Descripción de hallazgos virológicos inusuales en hepatitis C aguda / Unusual virologic findings in acute hepatitis C

La hepatitis C aguda es asintomática o inespecífica en un 80 % de los casos, por lo que su diagnóstico suele pasar inadvertido, con escasas descripciones de evolución y manejo en la literatura. El clearance es-pontáneo se produce sólo en el 20 %, ocurriendo en general, dentro de las 12 semanas desde la infección. Las guías clínicas recomiendan un mínimo de seguimiento de 12-16 semanas antes de considerar tra-tamiento antiviral. Se describen dos casos de nuestra consulta donde se logró detectar la recaída virológica, al extender el tiempo de segui-miento

Acute hepatitis C is a diagnostic challenge because it is asymptomatic or non specific in more than 80% of cases. There is limited data on the literature, because of its low incidence. Spontaneous clearance is observed only in 20% of cases, generally within the first 12 weeks. Clinical guidelines, recommend to wait at least 12-16 weeks before considering antiviral treatment. In the following cases at our consultation, we managed to diagnose the viral breakthrough by extending the follow-up period.

[Inter-society consensus for the management of respiratory infections: acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Consenso Intersociedades para el manejo de infecciones respiratorias: bronquitis aguda y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica.

The Argentine Society for Infectious Diseases and other national societies issued updated practical guidelines for the management of acute bronchitis (AB) and reactivations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with the aim of promoting rational use of diagnostic and therapeutic resources. AB is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial airways which affects adults and children without underlying pulmonary disease. It is usually caused by a virus. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings after community acquired pneumonia has been ruled out. Treatment of AB is mainly symptomatic. Antibiotics should be used in immune-compromised hosts, patients with chronic respiratory or cardiac diseases and in the elderly with co-morbidities. Reactivation of COPD is defined as an acute change in the patient's baseline clinical situation beyond normal day to day variations, with an increase in dyspnea, sputum production and/or sputum purulence, warranting a change in medication. An increase in one symptom is considered a mild exacerbation, two as moderate, and the presence of three symptoms is considered a severe exacerbation. An infectious agent can be isolated in sputum in 50 to 75% of COPD reactivations. Moderate and severe episodes must be treated with antibiotics, amoxicillin/ beta-lactamase inhibitor, macrolides and fluoroquinolones are first choice drugs.

Consenso Intersociedades para el manejo de infecciones respiratorias: bronquitis aguda y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / [Inter-society consensus for the management of respiratory infections: acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

The Argentine Society for Infectious Diseases and other national societies issued updated practical guidelines for the management of acute bronchitis (AB) and reactivations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with the aim of promoting rational use of diagnostic and therapeutic resources. AB is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial airways which affects adults and children without underlying pulmonary disease. It is usually caused by a virus. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings after community acquired pneumonia has been ruled out. Treatment of AB is mainly symptomatic. Antibiotics should be used in immune-compromised hosts, patients with chronic respiratory or cardiac diseases and in the elderly with co-morbidities. Reactivation of COPD is defined as an acute change in the patient’s baseline clinical situation beyond normal day to day variations, with an increase in dyspnea, sputum production and/or sputum purulence, warranting a change in medication. An increase in one symptom is considered a mild exacerbation, two as moderate, and the presence of three symptoms is considered a severe exacerbation. An infectious agent can be isolated in sputum in 50 to 75

of COPD reactivations. Moderate and severe episodes must be treated with antibiotics, amoxicillin/ beta-lactamase inhibitor, macrolides and fluoroquinolones are first choice drugs.

Consenso Intersociedades para el manejo de infecciones respiratorias: bronquitis aguda y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. / [Inter-society consensus for the management of respiratory infections: acute bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

The Argentine Society for Infectious Diseases and other national societies issued updated practical guidelines for the management of acute bronchitis (AB) and reactivations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with the aim of promoting rational use of diagnostic and therapeutic resources. AB is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial airways which affects adults and children without underlying pulmonary disease. It is usually caused by a virus. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings after community acquired pneumonia has been ruled out. Treatment of AB is mainly symptomatic. Antibiotics should be used in immune-compromised hosts, patients with chronic respiratory or cardiac diseases and in the elderly with co-morbidities. Reactivation of COPD is defined as an acute change in the patients baseline clinical situation beyond normal day to day variations, with an increase in dyspnea, sputum production and/or sputum purulence, warranting a change in medication. An increase in one symptom is considered a mild exacerbation, two as moderate, and the presence of three symptoms is considered a severe exacerbation. An infectious agent can be isolated in sputum in 50 to 75

of COPD reactivations. Moderate and severe episodes must be treated with antibiotics, amoxicillin/ beta-lactamase inhibitor, macrolides and fluoroquinolones are first choice drugs.

[Consensus guidelines for the management of upper respiratory tract infections]. / Consenso sobre diagnóstico y tratamiento de infecciones de vías respiratorias altas.

Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common source of antibiotic prescriptions. Acute pharyngitis is caused mainly by viruses, viral cases can be distinguished from acute streptococcal pharyngitis using Centor clinical epidemiological criteria, by rapid antigen tests or throat culture. Treatment of choice for streptococcal infection is penicillin V given in two daily doses. In children, acute otitis media (AOM) is the infection for which antibiotics are most often prescribed. Predominant causative pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae non-type b and Moraxella catarrhalis. Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination and otoscopic exam. Antibiotic treatment should be initiated promptly in all children<2 years of age, and in older children presenting bilateral AOM, otorrhoea, co-morbidities or severe illness. In Argentina, amoxicillin is the drug of choice given the low penicillin resistance rates for S. pneumoniae. In children who fail amoxicillin therapy, amoxicillin/clavulanate provides better coverage against beta-lactamase producing H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis. Rhinosinusitis is caused mainly by viruses, secondary bacterial complication occurs in less than 5% of cases. Diagnosis is based on physical examination and additional studies are not usually required. Acute bacterial sinusitis is caused by the same pathogens that cause AOM and amoxicillin is the drug of choice.

Consenso sobre diagnóstico y tratamiento de infecciones de vías respiratorias altas / Consensus guidelines for the management of upper respiratory tract infections

Las infecciones respiratorias altas son la primera causa de prescripción de antibióticos. La faringitis aguda es de origen viral en la mayoría de los casos; los episodios virales pueden diferenciarse de los de origen bacteriano producidos por Streptococcus pyogenes por criterios clínico-epidemiológicos (criterios de Centor), por pruebas diagnósticas rápidas o por el cultivo de fauces. Cuando la etiología es estreptocócica, la droga de elección es penicilina V (cada 12 horas). La otitis media aguda (OMA) es una de las causas más frecuentes de prescripción de antibióticos en niños. Los patógenos principales son Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae no tipable y Moraxella catarrhalis. Los antecedentes, la evaluación clínica junto con la otoscopía permiten establecer el diagnóstico. En niños menores de 2 años se recomienda tratamiento antibiótico precoz al igual que en niños mayores de 2 años con otitis bilateral, otorrea, presencia de comorbilidad o cuadro clínico grave. En la Argentina, debido a los bajos niveles de resistencia de S. pneumoniae a penicilina la droga de elección es amoxicilina; ante falta de respuesta al tratamiento puede utilizarse amoxicilina/clavulánico para cubrir cepas de H. influenzae y de M. catarrhalis productoras de betalactamasas. Las rinosinusitis son virales en la mayoría de los casos y menos del 5% se complican con sinusitis bacteriana. El diagnóstico es clínico y en general no se requieren estudios complementarios. Los patógenos bacterianos implicados son los mismos que causan OMA, por esta razón también se recomienda la amoxicilina como droga de elección.

Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common source of antibiotic prescriptions. Acute pharyngitis is caused mainly by viruses, viral cases can be distinguished from acute streptococcal pharyngitis using Centor clinical epidemiological criteria, by rapid antigen tests or throat culture. Treatment of choice for streptococcal infection is penicillin V given in two daily doses. In children, acute otitis media (AOM) is the infection for which antibiotics are most often prescribed. Predominant causative pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae non-type b and Moraxella catarrhalis. Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination and otoscopic exam. Antibiotic treatment should be initiated promptly in all children < 2 years of age, and in older children presenting bilateral AOM, otorrhoea, co-morbidities or severe illness. In Argentina, amoxicillin is the drug of choice given the low penicillin resistance rates for S. pneumoniae. In children who fail amoxicillin therapy, amoxicillin/clavulanate provides better coverage against beta-lactamase producing H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis. Rhinosinusitis is caused mainly by viruses, secondary bacterial complication occurs in less than 5% of cases. Diagnosis is based on physical examination and additional studies are not usually required. Acute bacterial sinusitis is caused by the same pathogens that cause AOM and amoxicillin is the drug of choice.

Consenso sobre diagnóstico y tratamiento de infecciones de vías respiratorias altas / Consensus guidelines for the management of upper respiratory tract infections

Las infecciones respiratorias altas son la primera causa de prescripción de antibióticos. La faringitis aguda es de origen viral en la mayoría de los casos; los episodios virales pueden diferenciarse de los de origen bacteriano producidos por Streptococcus pyogenes por criterios clínico-epidemiológicos (criterios de Centor), por pruebas diagnósticas rápidas o por el cultivo de fauces. Cuando la etiología es estreptocócica, la droga de elección es penicilina V (cada 12 horas). La otitis media aguda (OMA) es una de las causas más frecuentes de prescripción de antibióticos en niños. Los patógenos principales son Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae no tipable y Moraxella catarrhalis. Los antecedentes, la evaluación clínica junto con la otoscopía permiten establecer el diagnóstico. En niños menores de 2 años se recomienda tratamiento antibiótico precoz al igual que en niños mayores de 2 años con otitis bilateral, otorrea, presencia de comorbilidad o cuadro clínico grave. En la Argentina, debido a los bajos niveles de resistencia de S. pneumoniae a penicilina la droga de elección es amoxicilina; ante falta de respuesta al tratamiento puede utilizarse amoxicilina/clavulánico para cubrir cepas de H. influenzae y de M. catarrhalis productoras de betalactamasas. Las rinosinusitis son virales en la mayoría de los casos y menos del 5% se complican con sinusitis bacteriana. El diagnóstico es clínico y en general no se requieren estudios complementarios. Los patógenos bacterianos implicados son los mismos que causan OMA, por esta razón también se recomienda la amoxicilina como droga de elección.(AU)

Upper respiratory tract infections are the most common source of antibiotic prescriptions. Acute pharyngitis is caused mainly by viruses, viral cases can be distinguished from acute streptococcal pharyngitis using Centor clinical epidemiological criteria, by rapid antigen tests or throat culture. Treatment of choice for streptococcal infection is penicillin V given in two daily doses. In children, acute otitis media (AOM) is the infection for which antibiotics are most often prescribed. Predominant causative pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae non-type b and Moraxella catarrhalis. Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination and otoscopic exam. Antibiotic treatment should be initiated promptly in all children < 2 years of age, and in older children presenting bilateral AOM, otorrhoea, co-morbidities or severe illness. In Argentina, amoxicillin is the drug of choice given the low penicillin resistance rates for S. pneumoniae. In children who fail amoxicillin therapy, amoxicillin/clavulanate provides better coverage against beta-lactamase producing H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis. Rhinosinusitis is caused mainly by viruses, secondary bacterial complication occurs in less than 5% of cases. Diagnosis is based on physical examination and additional studies are not usually required. Acute bacterial sinusitis is caused by the same pathogens that cause AOM and amoxicillin is the drug of choice.(AU)

[Clinical and epidemiological aspects of herpes zoster]. / Herpes zoster. Epidemiología y clínica.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a public health problem worldwide. Although, there is paucity of data of this disease from South American countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and epidemiological aspects of HZ in a population of patients from South America. We underwent a retrospective analysis of clinical charts of an infectious diseases reference center (period: 2000-2005). Univariate analysis was performed to assess variables related to post herpetic neuralgia (PHN). From a total of 302 cases, 62% were in women. The median age was 57 years: 16.1% of the patients had a predisposing condition for the development of HZ. Most frequent dermatomes involved were: thoracic, ophthalmic and lumbar; 93.5% of the patients received antiviral drugs and 94% complementary medications. The most frequent complication was PHN and was related with age over 50 years. Clinical and epidemiological aspects of HZ and the frequency of complications in our population were similar to data from developed countries.

Herpes zoster: Epidemiología y clínica / Clinical and epidemiological aspects of Herpes zoster

El herpes zoster (HZ) constituye una enfermedad de distribución mundial; sin embargo, existen es casos datos comunicados sobre la misma en países de Latinoamérica. Con el objetivo de evaluar aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos de esta enfermedad en nuestra población, realizamos un análisis retrospectivo de historias clínicas de un centro privado de referencia en enfermedades infecciosas en Buenos Aires, Argentina (período: 2000-2005). Se realizó un análisis estadístico univariado para evaluar los factores asociados a neuralgia posherpética en este grupo de pacientes. Sobre un total de 302 casos evaluables, el 62% correspondieron a mujeres. La mediana de edad fue de 57 años. El 16.1% de los pacientes presentó condiciones predisponentes al desarrollo de zoster. Las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron la torácica, oftálmica y lumbosacra. El 7.75% presentó compromiso de más de dos metámeras. El 94% de los pacientes recibió medicación antiviral, siendo el aciclovir la droga más utilizada. El 94% recibió alguna medicación coadyuvante (antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, antineuríticos, corticoides). La complicación más frecuente fue la neuralgia posherpética (12%) y se encontró estadísticamente asociada a edad mayor de 50 años.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a public health problem worldwide. Although, there is paucity of data of this disease from South American countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and epidemiological aspects of HZ in a population of patients from South America. We underwent a retrospective analysis of clinical charts of an infectious diseases reference center (period: 2000-2005). Univariate analysis was performed to assess variables related to post herpetic neuralgia (PHN). From a total of 302 cases, 62% were in women. The median age was 57 years; 16.1% of the patients had a predisposing condition for the development of HZ. Most frequent dermatomes involved were: thoracic, ophthalmic and lumbar; 93.5% of the patients received antiviral drugs and 94% complementary medications. The most frequent complication was PHN and was related with age over 50 years. Clinical and epidemiological aspects of HZ and the frequency of complications in our population were similar to data from developed countries.

Epidemiology and burden of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia in Australia, Asia and South America.

Following the development of a herpes zoster vaccine and the successful introduction of widespread varicella vaccination in the USA, many countries are considering similar vaccination programmes. However, before implementing such programmes, it is important to describe the regional baselines of varicella and herpes zoster epidemiology, both to aid the design of vaccination strategies and to observe trends after the introduction of vaccination. In many areas of the world, this information is difficult to gather, and the epidemiology of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia in these regions is poorly understood. In Australia, available national data sources of varicella and herpes zoster, including serological data, provide reliable estimates of disease and reveal similar rates of incidence and complications to those in Europe and the USA. However, the average age of infection in Australia is higher than in Europe and in the USA. Epidemiological data from Asia and South America are scarce. Unexpectedly for tropical countries, the incidences of herpes zoster in Asia and South America also appear to be comparable with those in Europe and the USA, despite the delayed acquisition of varicella-zoster virus infection in Asia. In Brazil, there is some evidence for higher than expected incidence rates for herpes zoster in young adults. The epidemiology of herpes zoster in Asia and South America suggests that recommendations on treatment and prevention from Europe and the USA may be relevant to these countries.

[Cytomegalovirus infection with hepatic involvement in immunocompetent adults]. / Infección por citomegalovirus con compromiso hepático en adultos inmunocompetentes.

We retrospectively evaluated 73 immunocompetent adult patients assisted at our Infectious Diseases Clinic between March 1999 and March 2004 who presented fever and asthenia, mild to moderate increase of transaminases and serological findings compatible with recent cytomegalovirus infection. We excluded patients with a history of transfusions, drug abuse, immunodeficiencies, preexistent hepatic impairment or serological findings compatible with acute hepatitis A, B and C (HAV, HBV, HCV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The laboratory diagnosis of recent cytomegalovirus infection was made by especific IgM detection (ELISA) or a significant increase of specific IgG. The most frequent symptoms were fever (85%) and asthenia (83%), followed by cephalea (25%), splenomegaly (20%), adenomegalies (22%), pharyngitis (25%), myalgias (25%) and hepatomegaly (19%). All the patients showed moderate increase of transaminases and lymphomonocytosis (73/73). In average, ALT was increased by 6 fold and AST by 3.5 fold. The clinical characteristics that differentiate CMV infection from Epstein-Barr infection are the lesser frequency of adenomegalies and pharyngitis in the former. The differential diagnosis of CMV infection with hepatic involvement from acute hepatitis A and B, is based on the absence of jaundice, the lower elevation of transaminases, the intense lymphomonocytosis and the presence of specific IgM against CMV that are characteristic of CMV infection. In conclusion, in previously healthy young adults with fever, intense asthenia, lymphomonocytosis and moderate increase in transaminases levels, cytomegalovirus infection should be investigated.

Infeccion por citomegalovirus con compromiso hepatico en adultos inmunocompetentes / Cytomegalovirus infection with hepatic involvement in immunocompetent adults

Evaluamos retrospectivamente a 73 adultos inmunocompetentes que consultaron entre marzo de 1999 y marzo de 2004 a un centro infectológico ambulatorio por fiebre y astenia, con elevación discreta de las transaminasas y serología compatible con infección reciente por citomegalovirus (CMV). Excluimos a pacientes con antecedentes de transfusiones, adicciones e inmunodeficiencias, así como aquellos con alteraciones hepáticas preexistentes o con serología compatible con infección aguda por hepatitis A, B, C (VHA, VHB, VHC) o virus Epstein Barr (VEB). El diagnóstico de infección reciente por citomegalovirus se efectuó mediante la detección de IgM específica (ELISA de captura), seroconversión o aumento cuádruple del título de IgG específica, en presencia de un cuadro clínico compatible. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fiebre (85%) y astenia (83%), cefalea (25%), esplenomegalia (20%), adenomegalia (22%), faringitis (25%), mialgia (25%) y hepatomegalia (19 %). Se encontró elevación discreta de transaminasas y linfomonocitosis en todos los pacientes (73/73). La elevación promedio de GPT fue de 6 veces y la de GOT fue de 3.5 veces su valor límite. Las características clínicas que diferencian la infección por CMV de la infección por VEB son la menor frecuencia de poliadenopatías y faringitis en la primera. El diagnóstico diferencial de la infección por CMV con compromise hepático con las hepatitis A y B agudas se basa en la ausencia de ictericia, la menor elevación de las transaminasas, la linfomonocitosis intensa y la presencia de IgM específica que caracterizan a la infección por CMV. En conclusión, ante un paciente joven, previamente sano, con fiebre, astenia intensa, linfomonocitosis y elevación discreta de transaminasas, es importante investigar infección por citomegalovirus.

We retrospectivelyevaluated 73 immunocompetent adult patients assisted at our Infectious Diseases Clinic betweenMarch 1999 and March 2004 who presented fever and asthenia, mild to moderate increase of transaminasesand serological findings compatible with recent cytomegalovirus infection. We excluded patients with a history oftransfusions, drug abuse, immunodeficiencies, preexistent hepatic impairment or serological findings compatible with acute hepatitis A, B and C (HAV, HBV, HCV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV). The laboratory diagnosis ofrecent cytomegalovirus infection was made by especific IgM detection (ELISA) or a significant increase of specific IgG. The most frequent symptoms were fever (85%) and asthenia (83%), followed by cephalea (25%), splenomegaly (20%), adenomegalies (22%), pharyngitis (25%), myalgias (25%) and hepatomegaly (19%). All the patients showed moderate increase of transaminases and lymphomonocytosis (73/73). In average, ALT wasincreased by 6 fold and AST by 3.5 fold. The clinical characteristics that differentiate CMV infection from Epstein-Barr infection are the lesser frequency of adenomegalies and pharyngitis in the former. The differential diagnosisof CMV infection with hepatic involvement from acute hepatitis A and B, is based on the absence of jaundice,the lower elevation of transaminases, the intense lymphomonocytosis and the presence of specific IgMagainst CMV that are characteristic of CMV infection. In conclusion, in previously healthy young adults with fever, intense asthenia, lymphomonocytosis and moderate increase in transaminases levels, cytomegalovirus infectionshould be investigated.

Infeccion por citomegalovirus con compromiso hepatico en adultos inmunocompetentes / Cytomegalovirus infection with hepatic involvement in immunocompetent adults

Evaluamos retrospectivamente a 73 adultos inmunocompetentes que consultaron entre marzo de 1999 y marzo de 2004 a un centro infectológico ambulatorio por fiebre y astenia, con elevación discreta de las transaminasas y serología compatible con infección reciente por citomegalovirus (CMV). Excluimos a pacientes con antecedentes de transfusiones, adicciones e inmunodeficiencias, así como aquellos con alteraciones hepáticas preexistentes o con serología compatible con infección aguda por hepatitis A, B, C (VHA, VHB, VHC) o virus Epstein Barr (VEB). El diagnóstico de infección reciente por citomegalovirus se efectuó mediante la detección de IgM específica (ELISA de captura), seroconversión o aumento cuádruple del título de IgG específica, en presencia de un cuadro clínico compatible. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fiebre (85%) y astenia (83%), cefalea (25%), esplenomegalia (20%), adenomegalia (22%), faringitis (25%), mialgia (25%) y hepatomegalia (19 %). Se encontró elevación discreta de transaminasas y linfomonocitosis en todos los pacientes (73/73). La elevación promedio de GPT fue de 6 veces y la de GOT fue de 3.5 veces su valor límite. Las características clínicas que diferencian la infección por CMV de la infección por VEB son la menor frecuencia de poliadenopatías y faringitis en la primera. El diagnóstico diferencial de la infección por CMV con compromise hepático con las hepatitis A y B agudas se basa en la ausencia de ictericia, la menor elevación de las transaminasas, la linfomonocitosis intensa y la presencia de IgM específica que caracterizan a la infección por CMV. En conclusión, ante un paciente joven, previamente sano, con fiebre, astenia intensa, linfomonocitosis y elevación discreta de transaminasas, es importante investigar infección por citomegalovirus.(AU)

We retrospectivelyevaluated 73 immunocompetent adult patients assisted at our Infectious Diseases Clinic betweenMarch 1999 and March 2004 who presented fever and asthenia, mild to moderate increase of transaminasesand serological findings compatible with recent cytomegalovirus infection. We excluded patients with a history oftransfusions, drug abuse, immunodeficiencies, preexistent hepatic impairment or serological findings compatible with acute hepatitis A, B and C (HAV, HBV, HCV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV). The laboratory diagnosis ofrecent cytomegalovirus infection was made by especific IgM detection (ELISA) or a significant increase of specific IgG. The most frequent symptoms were fever (85%) and asthenia (83%), followed by cephalea (25%), splenomegaly (20%), adenomegalies (22%), pharyngitis (25%), myalgias (25%) and hepatomegaly (19%). All the patients showed moderate increase of transaminases and lymphomonocytosis (73/73). In average, ALT wasincreased by 6 fold and AST by 3.5 fold. The clinical characteristics that differentiate CMV infection from Epstein-Barr infection are the lesser frequency of adenomegalies and pharyngitis in the former. The differential diagnosisof CMV infection with hepatic involvement from acute hepatitis A and B, is based on the absence of jaundice,the lower elevation of transaminases, the intense lymphomonocytosis and the presence of specific IgMagainst CMV that are characteristic of CMV infection. In conclusion, in previously healthy young adults with fever, intense asthenia, lymphomonocytosis and moderate increase in transaminases levels, cytomegalovirus infectionshould be investigated.(AU)

Infeccion por citomegalovirus con compromiso hepatico en adultos inmunocompetentes / Cytomegalovirus infection with hepatic involvement in immunocompetent adults

Evaluamos retrospectivamente a 73 adultos inmunocompetentes que consultaron entre marzo de 1999 y marzo de 2004 a un centro infectológico ambulatorio por fiebre y astenia, con elevación discreta de las transaminasas y serología compatible con infección reciente por citomegalovirus (CMV). Excluimos a pacientes con antecedentes de transfusiones, adicciones e inmunodeficiencias, así como aquellos con alteraciones hepáticas preexistentes o con serología compatible con infección aguda por hepatitis A, B, C (VHA, VHB, VHC) o virus Epstein Barr (VEB). El diagnóstico de infección reciente por citomegalovirus se efectuó mediante la detección de IgM específica (ELISA de captura), seroconversión o aumento cuádruple del título de IgG específica, en presencia de un cuadro clínico compatible. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fiebre (85%) y astenia (83%), cefalea (25%), esplenomegalia (20%), adenomegalia (22%), faringitis (25%), mialgia (25%) y hepatomegalia (19 %). Se encontró elevación discreta de transaminasas y linfomonocitosis en todos los pacientes (73/73). La elevación promedio de GPT fue de 6 veces y la de GOT fue de 3.5 veces su valor límite. Las características clínicas que diferencian la infección por CMV de la infección por VEB son la menor frecuencia de poliadenopatías y faringitis en la primera. El diagnóstico diferencial de la infección por CMV con compromise hepático con las hepatitis A y B agudas se basa en la ausencia de ictericia, la menor elevación de las transaminasas, la linfomonocitosis intensa y la presencia de IgM específica que caracterizan a la infección por CMV. En conclusión, ante un paciente joven, previamente sano, con fiebre, astenia intensa, linfomonocitosis y elevación discreta de transaminasas, es importante investigar infección por citomegalovirus.(AU)

We retrospectivelyevaluated 73 immunocompetent adult patients assisted at our Infectious Diseases Clinic betweenMarch 1999 and March 2004 who presented fever and asthenia, mild to moderate increase of transaminasesand serological findings compatible with recent cytomegalovirus infection. We excluded patients with a history oftransfusions, drug abuse, immunodeficiencies, preexistent hepatic impairment or serological findings compatible with acute hepatitis A, B and C (HAV, HBV, HCV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV). The laboratory diagnosis ofrecent cytomegalovirus infection was made by especific IgM detection (ELISA) or a significant increase of specific IgG. The most frequent symptoms were fever (85%) and asthenia (83%), followed by cephalea (25%), splenomegaly (20%), adenomegalies (22%), pharyngitis (25%), myalgias (25%) and hepatomegaly (19%). All the patients showed moderate increase of transaminases and lymphomonocytosis (73/73). In average, ALT wasincreased by 6 fold and AST by 3.5 fold. The clinical characteristics that differentiate CMV infection from Epstein-Barr infection are the lesser frequency of adenomegalies and pharyngitis in the former. The differential diagnosisof CMV infection with hepatic involvement from acute hepatitis A and B, is based on the absence of jaundice,the lower elevation of transaminases, the intense lymphomonocytosis and the presence of specific IgMagainst CMV that are characteristic of CMV infection. In conclusion, in previously healthy young adults with fever, intense asthenia, lymphomonocytosis and moderate increase in transaminases levels, cytomegalovirus infectionshould be investigated.(AU)