Out-of-Hospital screening for HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis in a vulnerable population, a public health challenge.

We explored rates of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis C virus and Syphilis in a vulnerable population (mostly intravenous drug users, sex workers and homeless people) and focused on factors associated with failure to return for results (FTR) and with having a false perception (FP) of Immunization against HBV. We performed a prospective multicenter observational study in nine mobile (Out-of-Hospital) areas of screening located in Paris from 1 January 2014 through 31 December 2014. A total of 341 patients were recruited. The proportion of FTR for results was 38.75%. In multivariate analysis, unemployment was significantly associated with FTR (OR = 4.29; IC = [1.12; 16.39]), as well as having been screened in the past (OR = 4.32, IC = [1.70; 10.97]); 18.03% of patients had a FP of an Immunization against HBV. In multivariate analysis, having one's own place of residence protected against FP (OR = 0.33, [0.12; 0.95]), while being screened in the past enhanced the risk of FP (OR = 3.28, IC = [1.06; 10.11]). The rate of FTR is a problem and use of currently available technologies, such as phone texting, might be a partial solution in conjunction with rapid tests for diagnosis. In addition, more information and comprehension of the results should be provided together with specific anti-HBV vaccination campaigns targeting these specific populations.

Treatment of limbic encephalitis with anti-glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) antibodies.

We report a 72-year-old patient who developed acute limbic encephalitis initially considered of uncertain aetiology. Detailed information on clinical presentation, MRI appearance, antibody levels, cognitive impairment assessment, treatment and evolution of the patient is reported here. Since the early 2000s, many antibodies implied in central nervous system autoimmune disorders have been identified. Anti-glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) antibodies have been recently identified as associated with limbic encephalitis, as was the case in our patient.

Severe transaminitis after interferon-ribavirin therapy in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients: influence of a sustained HCV response.

Chronic hepatitis C is an independent risk factor for severe drug hepatotoxicity. Successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C may modulate drug hepatotoxicity, as it is associated with a decline in hepatic enzyme release and halts fibrosis progression in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. The aim of this study was to determine biological and/or clinical determinants of alanine aminotransferase and/or aspartate aminotransferase elevation (>five-fold above the upper limit of normal in patients with normal baseline levels or >3.5-fold increase from baseline in those with increased baseline levels) in a large prospective cohort of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients on HAART who had previously been treated for HCV infection. Median follow-up exceeded five years. Cox proportional hazards models were used. At baseline, 248 patients had been receiving antiretroviral therapy for a mean of 6.3 (± 3.2) years. Seventy-one patients (29%) had a sustained HCV viral response (SVR). During follow-up, 66 patients (26.6%) received a second course of HCV therapy and 29 (44%) of them had an SVR. Severe transaminitis occurred in 64 patients (26%). In multivariate analysis, no SVR (HR 33.33, 95% CI 4.54-222, P = 0.001) and stavudine-based therapy (HR 2.11, 95% CI 1.12-3.99, P = 0.018) remained significantly associated with severe transaminitis. A SVR to anti-HCV therapy is thus associated with a markedly reduced risk of severe transaminitis during antiretroviral therapy. Treatment of HCV infection should therefore be a priority in HIV-coinfected patients. Stavudine is associated with an increased risk of severe transaminitis.

[Imported cases of dengue fever diagnosed in metropolitan France, from January 2001 to December 2006]. / Dengue d'importation diagnostiquée en France métropolitaine, janvier 2001-décembre 2006.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue fever is the main emerging vector-borne disease worldwide. It was estimated that 40% of the world population is at risk. A potential vector (Aedes albopictus) is present in four French departments of the southeast area of metropolitan France. METHOD: The authors tried to document the number of imported cases of dengue diagnosed from 2001 to 2006, inclusive, as well as their main features. RESULTS: Between 12 and 28 cases of imported dengue were diagnosed every month during that period (eight to 18 cases per month except for years 2001-2002 during which an important dengue epidemic was documented in the French West Indies). Nearly 40% of the cases were imported between June and September during which the vector is active in the metropolitan area. CONCLUSION: This data underlines the strong and close link between the endemic zones of the French territory (French West Indies and Guyana) and the risk of imported cases to metropolitan France. The identification of this "importation track" entails strengthening the system for detecting and managing imported dengue cases in metropolitan France when a dengue epidemic is detected in the French West Indies.