Criptococosis meníngea asociada al SIDA: análisis de los pacientes varones HIV (+) con criptococosis meníngea internados en la Sala 11 del Hospital Francisco J Muñiz / Meningeal cryptococcosis: associated AIDS

La criptococosis es una micosis sistémica oportunista con distribución universal causada por una levadura capsulada, el Cryptococcus neoformans (C neoformans). El C neoformans infecta al hombre y a animales susceptibles por vía inhalatoria, provocando en huéspedes inmunocompetentes una primoinfección asintomática. Crece preferentemente en ambientes ricos con componentes nitrogenados, principalmente a partir de las excretas desecadas de las palomas que son ricas en nitrógeno y creatinina, con alto contenido en sales y pH alcalino, cualidades que facilitan la supervivencia del hongo. La diseminación hematógena del agente causal provoca múltiples localizaciones, las cuales se hacen clínicamente evidentes en pacientes con deterioro de la inmunidad mediada por células. A partir de la eclosión del SIDA se produjo un aumento significativo del número de casos, transformándose esta última condición en la causa predisponente más importante de esta micosis. La mayoría de los pacientes con SIDA y criptococosis del SNC presentan signos y síntomas de meningitis o meningoencefalitis subagudas como cefalea, fiebre, parálisis de nervios craneales, letargo, coma o amnesia de varias semanas de evolución. La anfotericina B es el pilar terapéutico del tratamiento. En nuestro estudio analizamos las características demográficas, epidemiológicas, clínicas, el líquido cefalorraquídeo, el diagnóstico micológico y el tratamiento empleado en los pacientes hospitalizados en Sala 11 con diagnóstico de criptococosis meníngea. En la criptococosis meníngea asociada al SIDA el diagnóstico puede realizarse por el análisis de distintos tipos de especímenes biológicos, siendo los principales el examen microscópico directo del LCR con tinción de tinta china y el cultivo.(AU)

Cryptococcosis is a fungal opportunistic infection systemic who has universal distribution, caused by capsulated yeast, Cryptococcus neoformans. C neoformans infects humans and susceptible animals by inhalation, causing an asymptomatic primary infection in immunocompetent hosts. It grows preferentially in rich environments with nitrogen components, mainly from dried excreta of pigeons that are rich in nitrogen and creatinine, with a high salt content and alkaline pH, qualities which facilitate the survival of the fungus. Haematogenous dissemination of the causative agent leads to multiple locations, which are clinically evident in patients with impairment of cell-mediated immunity. Since the emergence of AIDS, it was a significant increase in the number of cases, who becomes in the most important predisposing cause of this mycosis. Most patients with AIDS and CNS cryptococcosis have signs and symptoms of subacute meningitis or meningoencephalitis as headache, fever, cranial nerve palsy, lethargy, coma or amnesia of several weeks of evolution. Amphotericin B therapy is the mainstay of treatment. We analyzed the demographic, epidemiological, clinical, cerebrospinal fluid, mycological diagnosis and treatment used for hospitalized patients in the unit 11 of the Infectious Disease Hospital Muñiz with the diagnosis of meningeal cryptococcosis. In meningeal cryptococcosis associated with AIDS, the diagnosis can be performed by the analysis of different types of biological specimens, mainly direct microscopic examination of CSF with India ink staining and culture.(AU)

Criptococosis meníngea asociada al SIDA. Análisis de los pacientes varones HIV (+) con criptococosis meníngea internados en la Sala 11 del Hospital Francisco J Muñiz / Meningeal cryptococcosis. Associated AIDS

La criptococosis es una micosis sistémica oportunista con distribución universal causada por una levadura capsulada. El Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans). C. neoformans infecta al hombre y a animales susceptibles por vía inhalatoria, provocando en huéspedes inmunocompetentes una primoinfección asintomática. Crece preferentemente en ambientes ricos con componentes nitrogenados, principalmente a partir de las excretas desecadas de las palomas que son ricas en nitrógeno y creatinina, con alto contenido en sales y pH alcalino, cualidades que facilitan la supervivencia del hongo. La diseminación hematógena del agente causal provoca múltiples localizaciones, las cuales se hacen clínicamente evidentes en pacientes con deterioro de la inmunidad mediada por células. A partir de la eclosión del SIDA se produjo un aumento significativo del número de casos, transformándose esta última condición en la causa predisponente más importante de esta micosis. La mayoría de los pacientes con SIDA y criptococosis del SNC presentan signos y síntomas de meningitis o meningoencefalitis subagudas como cefalea, fiebre, parálisis de nervios craneales, letargo, coma o amnesia de varias semanas de evolución. La anfotericina B es el pilar terapéutico del tratamiento. En nuestro estudio analizamos las características demográficas, epidemiológicas, clínicas, el líquido cefalorraquídeo, el diagnóstico micológico y el tratamiento empleado en los pacientes hospitalizados en Sala 11 con diagnóstico de criptococosis meníngea. En la criptococosis meníngea asociada al SIDA, el diagnóstico puede realizarse por el análisis de distintos tipos de especímenes biológicos, siendo los principales el examen microscópico directo del LCR con tinción de tinta china y el cultivo. (AU)

Cryptococcosis is a fungal opportunistic infection systemic who has universal distribution, caused by capsulated yeast, Cryptococcus neoformans. C. neoformans infects humans and susceptible animals by inhalation, causing an asymptomatic primary infection in immunocompetent hosts. It grows preterentially in rich environments with nitrogen components, mainly from dried excreta of pigeons that are rich in nitrogen and creatinine, with a high salt content and alkaline pH, qualities which facilitate the survival of the fungus. Haematogenous dissemination of the causative agent leads to multiple locations, which are clinically evident in patients with impairment of cell-mediated immunity. Since the emergence of AIDS, it was a significant in crease in the number of cases, who becomes in the most important predisposing cause of this mycosis. Most patients with AIDS and CNS cryptococcosis have signs and symptoms of subacute meningitis or meningoencephalitis as headache, fever, cranial nerve palsy, lethargy, coma or amnesia of several weeks of evolution. Amphotericin B therapy is the mainstay of treatment. We analyzed the demographic, epidemiological, clinical, cerebrospinal fluid, mycological diagnosis and treatment used for hospitalized patients in the unit 11 of the Infectious Disease Hospital Muñiz with the diagnosis of meningeal cryptococcosis. In meningeal cryptococcosis associated with AIDS, the diagnosis can be performed by the analysis of different types of biological specimens, mainly direct microscopic examination of CSF with India ink staining and culture. (AU)

Criptococosis meníngea asociada al SIDA. Análisis de los pacientes varones HIV (+) con criptococosis meníngea internados en la Sala 11 del Hospital Francisco J Muñiz / Meningeal cryptococcosis associated with AIDS. Analysis of male HIV (+) patients with internal meningeal cryptococcosis in Room 11 of Francisco J Muñiz Hospital

La criptococosis es una micosis sistémica oportunista con distribución universal causada por una levadura capsulada. El Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans). C. neoformans infecta al hombre y a animales susceptibles por vía inhalatoria, provocando en huéspedes inmunocompetentes una primoinfección asintomática. Crece preferentemente en ambientes ricos con componentes nitrogenados, principalmente a partir de las excretas desecadas de las palomas que son ricas en nitrógeno y creatinina, con alto contenido en sales y pH alcalino, cualidades que facilitan la supervivencia del hongo. La diseminación hematógena del agente causal provoca múltiples localizaciones, las cuales se hacen clínicamente evidentes en pacientes con deterioro de la inmunidad mediada por células. A partir de la eclosión del SIDA se produjo un aumento significativo del número de casos, transformándose esta última condición en la causa predisponente más importante de esta micosis. La mayoría de los pacientes con SIDA y criptococosis del SNC presentan signos y síntomas de meningitis o meningoencefalitis subagudas como cefalea, fiebre, parálisis de nervios craneales, letargo, coma o amnesia de varias semanas de evolución. La anfotericina B es el pilar terapéutico del tratamiento. En nuestro estudio analizamos las características demográficas, epidemiológicas, clínicas, el líquido cefalorraquídeo, el diagnóstico micológico y el tratamiento empleado en los pacientes hospitalizados en Sala 11 con diagnóstico de criptococosis meníngea. En la criptococosis meníngea asociada al SIDA, el diagnóstico puede realizarse por el análisis de distintos tipos de especímenes biológicos, siendo los principales el examen microscópico directo del LCR con tinción de tinta china y el cultivo.

Cryptococcosis is a fungal opportunistic infection systemic who has universal distribution, caused by capsulated yeast, Cryptococcus neoformans. C. neoformans infects humans and susceptible animals by inhalation, causing an asymptomatic primary infection in immunocompetent hosts. It grows preterentially in rich environments with nitrogen components, mainly from dried excreta of pigeons that are rich in nitrogen and creatinine, with a high salt content and alkaline pH, qualities which facilitate the survival of the fungus. Haematogenous dissemination of the causative agent leads to multiple locations, which are clinically evident in patients with impairment of cell-mediated immunity. Since the emergence of AIDS, it was a significant in crease in the number of cases, who becomes in the most important predisposing cause of this mycosis. Most patients with AIDS and CNS cryptococcosis have signs and symptoms of subacute meningitis or meningoencephalitis as headache, fever, cranial nerve palsy, lethargy, coma or amnesia of several weeks of evolution. Amphotericin B therapy is the mainstay of treatment. We analyzed the demographic, epidemiological, clinical, cerebrospinal fluid, mycological diagnosis and treatment used for hospitalized patients in the unit 11 of the Infectious Disease Hospital Muñiz with the diagnosis of meningeal cryptococcosis. In meningeal cryptococcosis associated with AIDS, the diagnosis can be performed by the analysis of different types of biological specimens, mainly direct microscopic examination of CSF with India ink staining and culture.

[Directly observed anti-retroviral therapy amongst female inmates]. / Terapia antirretroviral directamente observada en mujeres privadas de libertad.

OBJECTIVES: It is considered that the gold standard for success in HAART is adherence. To improve adherence amongst inmates with HIV-AIDS, the use of directly observed treatment (DOT) is proposed using the tuberculosis treatment model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: HIV positive female patients with ARVT criteria who voluntarily participated were used for the study. The initial and final CD4 cell count and HIV viral load were the principal data used for assessment purposes. RESULTS: 52 women with an average age of 34 years were studied, with an average HIV infection time span of between 1 and 20 years. Initial CD4 cell count of <100 copies/mL in 16 patients (30.7%) and an equivalent final count in 4 patients (7.6%) were found. Initial undetectable viral loads were not found in any patient, while final undetectable viral loads were found in 33 (63.4%). 21% of patients had opportunistic infections. The most important of these was tuberculosis, followed by HCV co-infection. The most frequently used ARVT schedule was two NRTI with one NNTRI. CONCLUSIONS: The application of DOT strategy to ARVT was effective amongst our patients, as shown by the increase in CD4 counts and the increased number of patients with reductions in viral loads to undetectable levels. While it is a tool that is not easy to use for cases of chronic treatment, we do consider it to be useful for prison inmates.

Terapia antirretroviral directamente observada en mujeres privadas de libertad / Directly observed anti-retroviral therapy amongst female inmates

Objetivos: La adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral de alta eficacia (TARV) se considera el gold standard para el éxitodel mismo. Para mejorar la adherencia en persona privadas de libertad viviendo con VIH-Sida, se propuso la utilizacióndel tratamiento directamente observado tomando el modelo para el tratamiento de la tuberculosis.Material y métodos: se incluyeron las mujeres VIH positivas con criterios de TARV que voluntariamente decidieronparticipar. Los datos principales a evaluar fueron control inicial y final de CD4 y carga viral para VIH.Resultados: estudiamos 52 mujeres, edad promedio 34 años, entre 1 y 20 años de infección VIH. CD4 menor a 100 cél/mlinicial en 16 pacientes (30.7%) y final en 4 pacientes (7.6%). Carga viral indetectable inicial en ninguna paciente y final en 33pacientes (63.4%) 21 % con infecciones oportunistas, principal tuberculosis. 17% coinfectadas con HCV. El esquema de TARVmás utilizado fue 2 INTR más 1 INNTR.Conclusiones: La estrategia DOT aplicada al TARV fue efectiva en nuestras pacientes, evidenciado por el aumento delos CD4 y el mayor número de pacientes con disminución de la carga viral hasta permanecer indetectables. Si bien es difícilde implementar en tratamientos crónicos consideramos que es una herramienta útil para personas privadas de libertad(AU)

Objectives: It is considered that the gold standard for success in HAART is adherence. To improve adherence amongstinmates with HIV-AIDS, the use of directly observed treatment (DOT) is proposed using the tuberculosis treatment model.Material and methods: HIV positive female patients with ARVT criteria who voluntarily participated were used for thestudy. The initial and final CD4 cell count and HIV viral load were the principal data used for assessment purposes.Results: 52 women with an average age of 34 years were studied, with an average HIV infection time span of between1 and 20 years. Initial CD4 cell count of <100 copies/mL in 16 patients (30.7%) and an equivalent final count in 4 patients(7.6%) were found. Initial undetectable viral loads were not found in any patient, while final undetectable viral loads werefound in 33 (63.4%). 21% of patients had opportunistic infections. The most important of these was tuberculosis, followedby HCV co-infection. The most frequently used ARVT schedule was two NRTI with one NNTRI.Conclusions: The application of DOT strategy to ARVT was effective amongst our patients, as shown by the increasein CD4 counts and the increased number of patients with reductions in viral loads to undetectable levels. While it is a toolthat is not easy to use for cases of chronic treatment, we do consider it to be useful for prison inmates(AU)

Influence of polymeric enteral nutrition supplemented with different doses of glutamine on gut permeability in critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of glutamine-supplemented polymeric enteral formulas on the recovery of gut-permeability abnormalities in critically ill patients. METHODS: Twenty-three patients were randomized to receive a conventional casein-based enteral formula (ADN), ADN plus glutamine in a dose of 0.15 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) or ADN plus 0.30 g x kg(-1) x d(-1) of glutamine for 8 d. The lactulose mannitol permeability test (L/M) was performed at baseline and at the end of the study. Nineteen healthy volunteers served as controls for the L/M test. RESULTS: An increase in permeability compared with control subjects was observed in patients at baseline (mean +/- standard error of the mean; L/M ratio: 0.11 +/- 0.03 and 0.025 +/- 0.004, respectively; P < 0.02). The L/M ratio improved after the period of enteral nutrition as a whole (initial L/M: 0.11 +/- 0.03, final L/M: 0.061 +/- 0.01; P < 0.03), but no difference was found between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Even though polymeric enteral nutrition was associated with a significant improvement in the L/M ratio, glutamine supplementation did not show a specific influence in improving recovery of gut permeability in critically ill patients.

[Transcranial cytokine gradient and intestinal permeability in acute severe brain injury]. / Gradiente transcraneana de citoquinas y permeabilidad intestinal en la injuria cerebral aguda severa.

BACKGROUND: Acute brain injury is associated with a bimodal hypermetabolic state probably caused by cytokine secretion and high hormone and catecholamine concentrations. In a first stage, the brain would produce these substances and afterwards, another production source, most probably the splanchnic territory, would perpetuate the hypermetabolic state. AIM: To investigate the cytokine production source and to assess intestinal permeability in acute brain injury in the absence of cerebral ischemia and systemic oxygen deficit. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Arterial systemic and cerebral venous bulbar interleukin 1 beta and interleukin 6 levels were measured during the first seven days of evolution in 15 patients with acute brain injury. Serum lactate, the oxygen/lactate ratio, gastric intramucosal pH and intestinal permeability using the lactulose/mannitol test were also assessed in the same period. RESULTS: High arterial and venous interleukin 1 beta and interleukin 6 levels were detected. A positive gradient for interleukin 6 levels was detected throughout the study period with normal intramucosal pH, lactate and oxygen/lactate ratio. There was also an early impairment of intestinal permeability in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: High arterial and venous cytokine concentrations were detected in patients with acute brain injury. The positive gradient for interleukin 6 suggests a brain origin for this cytokine. Intestinal permeability is also altered in these patients.

Gut mucosal atrophy after a short enteral fasting period in critically ill patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of gut mucosal atrophy and changes in mucosal permeability in critically ill patients after a short fasting period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen critically ill patients underwent a period of enteral fasting of at least 4 days (mean 7.8 days). We took the following measurements the day before initiating enteral nutrition: indirect calorimetry, serum albumin, prealbumin, and lymphocyte count. We also performed a duodenal endoscopic biopsy with histopathological and mucosal morphometric analysis including villus height and crypt depth. The lactulose-mannitol test was performed to assess gut permeability. A total of 28 healthy volunteers served as controls for duodenal biopsy or lactulose-mannitol test. Clinical data, such as length of fasting, severity score, and previous parenteral nutritional support, were recorded. RESULTS: We found gut mucosal atrophy, expressed as a decrease in villus height and crypt depth, in patients compared with controls. The patients also exhibited an abnormal lactulose-mannitol test. Morphometric changes did not correlate with permeability. Further, we found no correlation between the results of the lactulose-mannitol test and of mucosal morphometry with clinical data. CONCLUSIONS: We found that a short period of enteral fasting was associated with significant duodenal mucosal atrophy and abnormal gut permeability in critically ill patients.

Toxoplasmosis y Chagas. Seroprevalencia en embarazadas en el Hospital Municipal Ramos Mejía / Toxoplasmosis and Chagas. Serological prevalence in pregnancy in the Ramos Mejia Municipal Hospital

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la seroprevalencia del Chagas y de la Toxoplasmosis en mujeres embarazadas. Se estudiaron 290 mujeres en un período de 3 meses que fueron controladas durante su embarazo en la Maternidad del Hospital Ramos Mejia de la ciudad de Buenos Aires. La detección de toxoplasmosis y de Chagas fue realizado midiendo en todas las pacientes inmunoglobulina G y M, por métodos de inmunofluorescencia y hemoaglutinación indirecta. La seroprevalencia de toxoplasmosis fue de 39.31 por ciento de las cuales 2.63 por ciento presentaron infección aguda y fueron tratadas durante el embarazo. La seroprevalencia de Chagas fue de 9.66 por ciento. Concluimos que este estudio nos muestra la importancia de estas enfermedades en la población embarazada y el control que hay que tener sobre ellas

Toxoplasmosis y Chagas. Seroprevalencia en embarazadas en el Hospital Municipal Ramos Mejía / Toxoplasmosis and Chagas. Serological prevalence in pregnancy in the Ramos Mejia Municipal Hospital

El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la seroprevalencia del Chagas y de la Toxoplasmosis en mujeres embarazadas. Se estudiaron 290 mujeres en un período de 3 meses que fueron controladas durante su embarazo en la Maternidad del Hospital Ramos Mejia de la ciudad de Buenos Aires. La detección de toxoplasmosis y de Chagas fue realizado midiendo en todas las pacientes inmunoglobulina G y M, por métodos de inmunofluorescencia y hemoaglutinación indirecta. La seroprevalencia de toxoplasmosis fue de 39.31 por ciento de las cuales 2.63 por ciento presentaron infección aguda y fueron tratadas durante el embarazo. La seroprevalencia de Chagas fue de 9.66 por ciento. Concluimos que este estudio nos muestra la importancia de estas enfermedades en la población embarazada y el control que hay que tener sobre ellas

Poliartritis como manifestación de infección por virus C de la hepatitis: presentación de dos casos clínicos / Hepatitis virus C infection presenting as a polyarthritis: report of two cases

Several diseases have been associated with hepatitis C virus infections, including rheumatologic, hematologic and neoplastic disorders. We report two women, aged 57 and 39 years old whom the initial presentation of hepatitis C virus infection was an arthritis resembling rheumatoid arthritis. Laboratory work up revealed abnormal liver function tests, stimulating the search for hepatitis C virus infection, having both patients positive ELISA tests. Detection of this agent is extremely important when selecting a therapy for the articular disease, since several drugs used in the treatment of rheumatic disorders are potentially hepatotoxic and immunosuppression is risky in the setting of a viral hepatitis

HIV-1, HIV-2, HTLV-I/II and STD among female prostitutes in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

To determine the prevalence of HIV-1 and HTLV-I/II among female prostitutes from different areas of the city of Buenos Aires, we studied serum samples from 237 individuals (mean age: 25; range 17 to 39). Prostitutes were recruited from 16 different Buenos Aires locations with different economical status. Information on sexual behaviour, health and socioeconomic conditions was collected through a questionnaire. HIV-1 and HTLV-I/II antibodies (ab) were tested by ELISA (Abbott) and Particle agglutination (Fujirebio, Tokyo) respectively. Positive results were confirmed by immunofluorescence assay. Samples that were positive for HIV-1 antibodies were also tested for p24 antigen (Abbott). VDRL for syphilis was performed in all samples. Fifteen (6.3%) out of the 237 individuals were positive for HIV-1 antibodies. Moreover, 2 (0.8%) HIV-1 seropositive prostitutes were also positive for HTLV-I/II antibodies and for HIV p24-Ag. Even though PCR for HTLV-I/II was not performed, titration by IFA in these two samples suggests HTLV-I. Our serologic results indicate a relatively high HIV-1 infection among prostitutes working in Buenos Aires. As we previously mentioned for other risk groups, we found an association between HTLV-I/II and HIV-1 infection in this particular group. Although we did not find any significant difference between HIV-1 seropositivity and the variables analyzed through the questionnaire, the prevalence of HIV-1 infection was higher in prostitutes working in mask brothels ('sauna or massage houses') as compared with hotel or street prostitutes.

PIP: Serum samples from 237 female prostitutes of mean age 25 years recruited from 16 different Buenos Aires locations of differing economic status were studied to determine the prevalence of HIV-1 and HTLV-I/II in the subpopulation. The participants, aged 17-39 years, also provided data on their sex behavior, health, and socioeconomic conditions. The presence of HIV-1 and HTLV-I/II antibodies was assessed using ELISA and particle agglutination, respectively, with positive results confirmed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). HIV-1-seropositive samples were also tested for p24 antigen. VDRL for syphilis performed upon all samples found 13.2% to have serological evidence of infection. All women had been treated for frequently occurring sexually transmitted diseases. 15 women tested seropositive for infection with HIV-1. Two HIV-1 seropositive prostitutes were also positive for HTLV-I/II antibodies and HIV p24-Ag. PCR for HTLV-I/II was not performed, but titration by IFA suggests HTLV-I. The study's serologic results indicate a relatively high prevalence of HIV-1 infection among prostitutes working in Buenos Aires. The prevalence of HIV-1 infection was higher among prostitutes working in mask brothels such as saunas and massage houses than among hotel and street prostitutes.

Prevalence of hepatitis C in health care workers investigated by 2nd generation enzyme-linked and line immunoassays.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in health-care workers (HCW). Sera from 439 unselected HCW were assessed for anti-HCV by 2nd generation enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and anti-HBc by ELISA. Anti-HCV (+) sera were evaluated by line immunoassay (LIA) (LiaTeK, Organon). Anti-HCV proved positive by ELISA in 12 (2.73%) subjects, 6 of whom were reactive by LIA, one was indeterminate and 5 non reactive. The prevalence of anti-HCV confirmed by LIA was 1.59% (7 subjects). Positive anti-HCV results with an ELISA ratio greater than 3 were LIA reactive in 6/6 as compared with 5 LIA non reactive with an ELISA ratio less than 2, while in the indeterminate serum the ratio was 2.5. No differences in age, profession, seniority, history of hepatitis or transfusions were found between anti-HCV (+) and (-) subjects, but females predominate significantly. The areas of higher risk were hemodialysis, obstetrics, surgery and intensive care. Anti-HBc was (+) in 85.7% (6/7) of the anti-HCV (+) subjects. Follow-up of anti-HCV (+) subjects showed raised alaninoaminotransferase levels in 4 cases, while liver biopsies in 3 disclosed cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis and chronic persistent hepatitis. The anti-HCV prevalence in HCW is low compared with other risk groups perhaps due to the peculiar epidemiological features of HCV. In low risk groups for HCV infection a positive ELISA result with a ratio lower than 3 should be confirmed by more specific tests.

Prevalence of hepatitis C in health care workers investigated by 2nd generation enzyme-linked and line immunoassays.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in health-care workers (HCW). Sera from 439 unselected HCW were assessed for anti-HCV by 2nd generation enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and anti-HBc by ELISA. Anti-HCV (+) sera were evaluated by line immunoassay (LIA) (LiaTeK, Organon). Anti-HCV proved positive by ELISA in 12 (2.73

) subjects, 6 of whom were reactive by LIA, one was indeterminate and 5 non reactive. The prevalence of anti-HCV confirmed by LIA was 1.59

(7 subjects). Positive anti-HCV results with an ELISA ratio greater than 3 were LIA reactive in 6/6 as compared with 5 LIA non reactive with an ELISA ratio less than 2, while in the indeterminate serum the ratio was 2.5. No differences in age, profession, seniority, history of hepatitis or transfusions were found between anti-HCV (+) and (-) subjects, but females predominate significantly. The areas of higher risk were hemodialysis, obstetrics, surgery and intensive care. Anti-HBc was (+) in 85.7

(6/7) of the anti-HCV (+) subjects. Follow-up of anti-HCV (+) subjects showed raised alaninoaminotransferase levels in 4 cases, while liver biopsies in 3 disclosed cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis and chronic persistent hepatitis. The anti-HCV prevalence in HCW is low compared with other risk groups perhaps due to the peculiar epidemiological features of HCV. In low risk groups for HCV infection a positive ELISA result with a ratio lower than 3 should be confirmed by more specific tests.

Prevalence of hepatitis C in health care workers investigated by 2nd generation enzyme-linked and line immunoassays

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in health-care workers (HCW). Sera from 439 unselected HCW were assessed for anti-HCV by 2nd generation enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and anti-HBc by ELISA. Anti-HCV (+) sera were evaluated by line immunoassay (LIA) (LiaTeK, Organon). Anti-HCV proved positive by ELISA in 12 (2.73

) subjects, 6 of whom were reactive by LIA, one was indeterminate and 5 non reactive. The prevalence of anti-HCV confirmed by LIA was 1.59

(7 subjects). Positive anti-HCV results with an ELISA ratio greater than 3 were LIA reactive in 6/6 as compared with 5 LIA non reactive with an ELISA ratio less than 2, while in the indeterminate serum the ratio was 2.5. No differences in age, profession, seniority, history of hepatitis or transfusions were found between anti-HCV (+) and (-) subjects, but females predominate significantly. The areas of higher risk were hemodialysis, obstetrics, surgery and intensive care. Anti-HBc was (+) in 85.7

(6/7) of the anti-HCV (+) subjects. Follow-up of anti-HCV (+) subjects showed raised alaninoaminotransferase levels in 4 cases, while liver biopsies in 3 disclosed cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis and chronic persistent hepatitis. The anti-HCV prevalence in HCW is low compared with other risk groups perhaps due to the peculiar epidemiological features of HCV. In low risk groups for HCV infection a positive ELISA result with a ratio lower than 3 should be confirmed by more specific tests.

Enfermedades de transmisión sexual / Sexual transmitted diseases

Consiste en un rotafolio que sirve como elemento de apoyo para programas de control de enfermedades de transmisión sexual con fines educativos para la prevención y diseminación de su incidencia

Enfermedades de transmisión sexual / Sexual transmitted diseases

Consiste en un rotafolio que sirve como elemento de apoyo para programas de control de enfermedades de transmisión sexual con fines educativos para la prevención y diseminación de su incidencia