Differentiation of Cryptococcus neoformans varieties and Cryptococcus gattii using CAP59-based loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification.

Members of the Cryptococcus species complex (C. neoformans and C. gattii) are opportunistic pathogens responsible for frequently fatal cases of meningoencephalitis. These yeasts have been classified into five serotypes. Serotypes A and D are assigned to C. neoformans var. grubii and C. neoformans var. neoformans, respectively, Serotype AD strains are hybrids and serotype B and C strains are considered to belong to the related but distinct species C. gattii. Previous studies have identified 'serotype-associated' alleles of several genes in the Cryptococcus species complex. We developed a loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification method using CAP59 allele-specific primers to identify the serotypes A, D and B/C of the Cryptococcus species complex.

[Middle ear adenoma: report of two cases and review of the literature]. / Adénome bénin de l'oreille moyenne: a propos de deux cas.

INTRODUCTION: Middle ear adenoma is an uncommon tumor. We report two cases and review the relevant literature concerning this rare entity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two patients with a middle ear adenoma were operated on in our department. Pre- and postoperative data concerning clinical examination, audiometry, and radiology were obtained. Information concerning intraoperative observations and the pathological examination were also gathered. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of middle ear adenomas is based on clinical, radiological, and pathological confrontation. The microscopic examination should be combined with histochemical and immuno-histochemical methods in order to evidence the glandular and neuroendocrin components of these lesions. CONCLUSION: Today, classified as a benign epithelial tumor, the middle ear adenoma is associated with an excellent prognosis provided total excision.