慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者诱导痰中α-防御素1—3含量与病情程度的相关性研究

目的探讨慢性阻塞性肺疾病急性加重期（AECOPD）患者治疗前后诱导痰中α-防御素1-3（HNP1—3）含量、中性粒细胞比例（N％）与肺功能及血气分析结果的相关性,以探讨HNP1—3在COPD发病机制中的可能作用。方法收集AECOPD患者42例（根据肺功能检测结果分为轻度组11例、中度组13例、重度组18例）治疗前后及20例急性支气管炎痊愈者（对照组）的诱导痰,分别进行痰中性粒细胞计数并计算其百分比,用ELISA方法检测诱导痰中HNP1—3的含量;测定各观察对象治疗前后的血气分析及肺功能,分析HNP1—3含量与N％、肺功能和血气分析的相关性。结果COPD患者诱导痰中HNP1-3水平、N％、PaCO2随病情严重程度的增加而增高（P〈0．01）,并明显高于对照组（P〈0．01）,FEV,％pred、FEV,／FVC、PaO2随病情严重程度的增加而降低（P〈0．01）,明显低于对照组（P〈0．01）。三组患者诱导痰中HNP1—3含量分别与N％呈显著正相关（r=0．887～0．973,P值均〈0．01）,与FEV,Yoopred、FEV,／FVC、Pa02分别呈显著负相关（r=0．721～0．973,P值均〈0．01）。经治疗一周后,轻度、中度、重度患者FEV,Voopred、FEV1／FVC、PaO2明显增高,诱导痰中HNP1—3含量、N％明显降低。结论HNPl—3参与了COPD炎症的过程,此过程与中性粒细胞有关。痰中HNPl3含量可作为COPD患者病情严重程度的指标,并有助于判断预后。     

呼吸道感染后咳嗽与咳嗽变异性哮喘痰炎症细胞和气道反应性特点及其意义

目的探讨呼吸道感染后咳嗽与咳嗽变异性哮喘患者痰炎症细胞的特点及其临床意义。方法收集呼吸道感染后咳嗽（Ⅰ组,22例）和咳嗽变异性哮喘（Ⅱ组,24例）患者痰或高渗盐水诱导痰,作瑞氏染色后细胞涂片,并在显微镜下细胞分类计数,测定其通气功能和乙酰甲胆硷吸入测定气道反应性。结果Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组痰液炎症细胞总数分别为8．22×10^9／L和8．94×10^9／L,两组比较无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;而Ⅰ组嗜酸细胞和中性粒细胞的中位数分别为0．20％、5．88％,与Ⅱ组比较,两种细胞（分别为9．62％、2．48％）的组间比较差异均有显著性（P〈0．01）。Ⅱ组的气道反应性（支气管激发试验阳性100％,其PC20为1．24g／L）明显高于Ⅰ组（支气管激发试验阳性16．7％,且其PC10较高,为4．85g／L,P〈0．01）。咳嗽变异性哮喘组痰液嗜酸细胞与气道反应性指标PC10成呈显著负相关（r=-0．56,P〈0．01）。结论呼吸道感染后咳嗽与咳嗽变异性哮喘痰炎症细胞特点不同,痰中炎症细胞检查和气道反应性测定,可作为鉴别呼吸道感染后咳嗽与咳嗽变异性哮喘的一项参考指标。     

吸烟对轻度支气管哮喘患者吸入激素疗效的影响

目的　观察吸烟对轻度支气管哮喘患者吸入激素疗效的影响。方法　对不吸烟 (1 8例 )及吸烟 (1 7例 )的支气管哮喘患者每日吸入二丙酸倍氯米松 5 0 0μg治疗 4周 ,治疗前后进行肺功能测定及气道反应性试验 ,用药过程中监测呼气峰流速 (peak expiratory flow,PEF)。结果　不吸烟组患者治疗后的清晨 PEF、睡前 PEF、FEV1 %及气道反应性均较治疗前改善 (P<0 .0 5 )。而吸烟组患者在治疗前后上述指标却变化不大 (P>0 .0 5 )。结论　吸烟能明显减弱支气管哮喘患者吸入激素的疗效 ,支气管哮喘患者应积极戒烟以取得较好的疗效     

吸烟对支气管哮喘患者吸入糖皮质激素治疗的影响

目的 探讨吸烟对支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)患者临床症状、肺功能及气道炎症的影响,以及对激素治疗的敏感性.方法 选取2009年12月至2011年1月门诊就诊的40例慢性持续期哮喘患者,根据是否吸烟分为吸烟组(15例)和非吸烟组(23例).所有患者给予糖皮质激素(布地奈德)吸入治疗,必要时可吸入β2受体激动剂.发放哮喘日记卡及峰流速仪.记录治疗前及治疗28 d后哮喘症状评分、哮喘控制测试(ACT)评分、肺功能、晨间及夜间最高呼气流速(PEF),诱导痰中嗜酸粒细胞及中性粒细胞百分比,并测定痰液中白介素8(IL 8)及嗜酸粒细胞趋化因子(eotaxin)水平.结果 两组患者治疗前除性别构成外,年龄、病程、ACT评分、肺功能指标差异均无统计学意义.两组患者治疗后ACT评分(F=39.991,P＜0.05)、FEV1％ pred(F=56.075,P＜0.05)、PEF％ pred(F=53.535,P＜0.05),嗜酸粒细胞百分比(F=15.271,P＜0.05)及eotaxm(F=24.172,P＜0.05)水平均较治疗前有明显改善,哮喘症状评分显著降低(P ＜0.05).其中非吸烟组以上指标的改善程度均优于吸烟组(P＜0.05).结论 吸烟降低了哮喘患者对ICS治疗的反应性.对吸烟的哮喘患者,治疗可能需要特殊调整.     

支气管哮喘患者诱导痰中血管内皮生长因子水平的变化及意义

选择哮喘患者63例（其中哮喘急性发作期组33例，哮喘缓解期组30例）及健康对照组22例。测定三组肺功能，对诱导痰进行炎症细胞分类计数，测定诱导痰上清液中血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）水平，并分析VEGF与嗜酸粒细胞、肺功能之间的相关性。结果哮喘急性发作期组诱导痰中嗜酸粒细胞数、VEGF水平为1．8（0．7-2．9）&#215;10^9／L、（4．8&#177;1．1）μg／L，哮喘缓解期组为0．8（0．3—1．3）&#215;10^9／L、（2．1&#177;40．6）μg/L，健康对照组为0．0（0．0—0．1）&#215;10^9／L、（0．9&#177;0．2）μg/L。三组诱导痰中嗜酸粒细胞数、VEGF水平比较差异有统计学意义（P均〈0．05）；哮喘患者诱导痰中VEGF水平与痰中嗜酸粒细胞数呈正相关（r=0．52，P〈0．01），与FEV。占预计值百分比、FEV1／FVC呈负相关（r=-0．41、-0．56，P均〈0．01）。认为哮喘患者肺组织中VEGF表达上调可能参与了哮喘发生、发展的过程。     

哮喘患者诱导痰中IL-17A、IL-8及MMP-9水平变化及糖皮质激素对其的影响

目的探讨哮喘患者气道炎症特点及糖皮质激素的作用机制。方法将33例哮喘患者（哮喘组）按病情程度分为轻、中度19例及重度14例,予规范吸入糖皮质激素治疗4周,行诱导痰炎性细胞分类并计数,采用ELISA法检测痰上清液炎性介质白细胞介素-17A（IL-17A）、IL-8、基质金属蛋白酶-9（MMP-9）水平,并与15例查体健康者（对照组）进行比较。对诱导痰细胞分类、1秒钟用力呼气量占预计值百分比（FEVl％）及炎性介质水平进行相关分析。结果重度哮喘者诱导痰中性粒细胞、嗜酸性粒细胞比值及上清液IL-17A、IL-8、MMP-9水平显著高于对照组及轻、中度者;轻-中度者除MMP-9无显著升高外,余各指标均显著高于对照组（P均〈0．01）。诱导痰中性粒细胞及嗜酸性粒细胞比值与FEV1％呈显著负相关;中性粒细胞比值与IL-8、MMP-9呈正相关;IL-17A水平与中性粒细胞比值、IL-8呈正相关。糖皮质激素治疗后重度者中性粒细胞、嗜酸性粒细胞比值及MMP-9水平仍显著高于轻-中度者。结论中性粒细胞浸润性气道炎症是重度持续性哮喘的重要特征;IL-17A、IL-8与MMP-9可能在其中发挥重要作用。吸入糖皮质激素能抑制炎症细胞的趋化效应,阻止炎症释放,稳定细胞溶酶体膜,减轻组织损伤。     

吸烟对支气管哮喘患者糖皮质激素治疗的影响

目的通过本实验进一步探讨吸烟对支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)患者气道炎症的影响,了解吸烟哮喘患者对激素治疗的敏感性。方法选取35例慢性持续期哮喘患者,根据是否吸烟,分为吸烟组14例和非吸烟组21例。所有患者给予吸入糖皮质激素(ICS)治疗,必要时可吸入β2受体激动剂,发放哮喘日记卡及峰流速仪。分别记录治疗前及治疗28d后哮喘症状评分、哮喘控制测试(ACTTM)评分;第一秒用力呼气容积占预计值百分比(FEV1占预计值%)、第一秒用力呼气容积占用力肺活量百分比(FEV1/FVC%)、最大呼气流速占预计值百分比(PEF占预计值%)、每日晨间及夜间PEF;诱导痰中嗜酸粒细胞及中性粒细胞百分比并测定痰液中白介素8(IL-8)及嗜酸粒细胞趋化因子(eotaxin)水平。结果两组患者ICS治疗后ACTTM评分有明显改善,组间ACTTM评分比较差异具有统计学意义(t=5.542,P<0.05)。治疗后两组哮喘患者肺功能均有改善,组间比较FEV1占预计值%(t=4.740,P<0.05)、PEF占预计值%(t=5.190,P<0.05)差异有统计学意义。两组患者ICS治疗后组内比较嗜酸粒细胞百分比、eotaxin水平差异均有统计学意义。中性粒细胞百分比治疗前、后差异无统计学意义。治疗后组间比较中性粒细胞(t=7.707,P<0.05)、IL-8水平(t=4.557,P<0.05)、嗜酸粒细胞百分比(t=4.740,P<0.05)及eotaxin水平(t=2.064,P<0.05)差异均有统计学意义。结论两组患者ICS治疗28d后,其临床症状、肺功能及痰中炎性介质均有改善,但吸烟组改善程度较非吸烟组差。吸烟组哮喘患者诱导痰中中性粒细胞及IL-8水平高于非吸烟组哮喘患者,而嗜酸粒细胞及eotaxin水平低于后者。     

苏黄止咳胶囊和阿奇霉素对支气管舒张剂治疗无效的咳嗽变异性哮喘患者中性粒细胞及白细胞介素-8水平的影响

目的探讨苏黄止咳胶囊和阿奇霉素对支气管舒张剂治疗无效的咳嗽变异性哮喘(CVA)患者气道内中性粒细胞和白细胞介素(IL)-8水平的影响。方法选择40例支气管舒张剂治疗无效的CVA患者,随机分为治疗组(n=20)和对照组(n=20),2组患者入组前24 h均记录咳嗽症状评分,检测诱导痰中白细胞中性粒细胞计数及IL-8水平,治疗组口服苏黄止咳胶囊和阿奇霉素,联合吸入信必可都保(布地奈德160μg+福莫特罗4.5μg)。对照组只吸入信必可都保(布地奈德320μg+福莫特罗9.0μg),4 w后再次测定咳嗽症状评分及诱导痰中中性粒细胞计数和IL-8的水平。结果治疗组和对照组患者治疗前咳嗽症状积分、诱导痰中中性粒细胞百分比及IL-8水平无统计学差异(P0.05);治疗后治疗组患者的诱导痰中中性粒细胞百分比、IL-8水平及咳嗽症状积分较治疗前降低(P0.05);对照组上述3项指标虽有所下降,但不及治疗组明显,组间差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论苏黄止咳胶囊和阿奇霉素可以降低支气管舒张剂治疗无效CVA患者气道中的中性粒细胞和IL-8水平,联合小剂量信必可都保的疗效明显优于大剂量吸入信必可都保。     

嗜酸性粒细胞性支气管炎发病机制中过敏原作用的探讨

对26例嗜酸性粒细胞性支气管炎（EB）患者行吸入性过敏原皮内试验、诱导痰细胞学检查;免疫组化法检测12例EB患者气道黏膜及黏膜下层组织中淋巴细胞亚群CD3、CD4、CD8及髓过氧化物酶（MPO）阳性细胞;以10例哮喘和15例健康查体者的诱导痰细胞学为对照;以早期周围型肺癌和哮喘患者各10例的气道黏膜免疫组化为病理对照。结果23例EB患者对过敏原有阳性反应;EB和哮喘患者诱导痰中的细胞总数（TCC）、嗜酸性粒细胞计数（Eos）均显著高于健康查体者（P〈0．05）;EB患者的中性粒细胞计数（Neu）高于哮喘和健康查体者（P〈0．05）;EB和哮喘患者的CD3、CD4、CD8、MPO阳性细胞高于肺癌对照组（P〈0．05）;EB患者MPO阳性细胞高于哮喘患者（P〈0．05）;过敏原反应分级与TCC、Eos、Neu以及CD3、CD4、MPO阳性细胞呈正相关（P〈0．05）,与CD8无相关性（P〉0．05）。认为吸入性过敏原可能通过激活气道组织中的T淋巴细胞,造成嗜酸性粒细胞或伴有中性粒细胞浸润为主的慢性气道炎症。     

支气管哮喘和慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者诱导痰中基质金属蛋白酶及其抑制剂与气道炎症及气流受限

目的探讨支气管哮喘（简称哮喘）和慢性阻塞性肺疾病（COPD）患者诱导痰中基质金属蛋白酶9（MMP-9）和基质金属蛋白酶抑制剂1（TIMP-1）的水平及其与炎性细胞数、肺功能的关系。方法分别选择14例缓解期哮喘患者（哮喘组）、12例稳定期COPD患者（COPD组）和10名健康对照者（健康对照组）进行肺功能测定和用诱导痰检查方法对痰炎性细胞进行分类计数，并用酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）法测定诱导痰上清液中自细胞介素4（IL-4）、MMP-9和TIMP-1浓度。结果哮喘组患者诱导痰中嗜酸粒细胞、中性粒细胞分别为0．181±0．067、0．30±0．07，健康对照组为0．007±0．005、0．26±0．06，COPD组为0．042±0．017、0．50±0．10，3组细胞间比较差异有统计学意义（F值分别为4．32、4．13，P均〈0．05）。哮喘组、COPD组、健康对照组间诱导痰中IL-4浓度分别为（19±7）×10^-3／L、（14±6）×10^-3g／L、（11±4）×10^-3g／L，3组诱导痰中IL-4浓度比较差异无统计学意义（F=1．56，P均〉0．05），且分别与嗜酸粒细胞、中性粒细胞和第一秒用力呼气容积占预计值百分比（FEV1占预计值％）无相关（r分别为0．33、0．11、0．19、0．25、0．39、0．40、0．21、0．35、0．17，P均〉0．05）。哮喘组和COPD组诱导痰中MMP-9、TIMP-1浓度分别为（15．9±6．0）g／L、（13．4±5．1）g／L、（19．8±8．5）g／L、（16．7±7．6）g／L，健康对照组分别为（1．8±1．1）g／L、（1．3±0．9）g／L，两组MMP-9、TIMP-1浓度比较差异有统计学意义（F值分别为2．99、4．22，P均〈0．05）。哮喘组MMP-9浓度与嗜酸粒细胞呈正相关（r=0．71，P〈0．05）；COPD组MMP-9浓度与中性粒细胞呈正相关（r=0．59，P〈0．05），但与FEV。占预计值％和第一秒用力呼气容秽用力肺活量（FEV1／FVC）无相关（r分别为0．22、0．16、0．25、0．30，P均〉0．05）。哮喘组和COPD组TIMP．1浓度均与嗜酸粒细胞和中性粒细胞无相关（r分别为0．27、0．31、0．20、0．35，P均〉0．05），但与FEV。占预计值％呈负相关（r分别为-0．58、-0．62，P均〈0．05）。哮喘组和COPD组诱导痰中MMP-9／TIMP-1比值分别为0．8±0．7、0．8±0．6，两组比较差异无统计学意义（F=1．78，P〉0．05），但与健康对照组（1．5±0．6）比较差异有统计学意义（F=3．70，P〈0．05），且与FEV1占预计值％呈正相关（r分别为0．56、0．61，P均〈0．05）。结论哮喘组和COPD组患者诱导痰中MMP-9／TIMP-1比值的失衡与气道炎症和气流受限有关，这种失衡在哮喘和COPD细胞外基质的重塑和气流受限的发病机制中发挥重要作用。     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Changes in connexin43, the gap junction protein of astrocytes, during development of the rat pineal gland

Abstract: The abundance of gap junctions between rat pineal astrocytes formed by connexin43 (Cx43) was studied during development. Levels and distribution of Cx43 were measured by immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence, respectively. The amount of Cx43 in cells located within the gland was low until about the 7th postnatal day and increased to adult values between the 14th and 21st days postpartum. Although astrocytes, recognized by their vimentin immunoreactivity, were scarce before birth, they were abundant by the 7th postnatal day suggesting that the low levels of Cx43 found at this age corresponded to a low expression of this protein. Localization of the immunoreactivity to Cx43 and vimentin showed a close correlation, indicating that mature or immature pineal astrocytes form gap junctions made of Cx43. Since Cx43 levels attained their adult values at about the time the innervation and the functional state of the gland reached maturity (2–3 weeks after birth), it is proposed that astrocyte gap junctions are involved in the function of the adult rat pineal gland.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Presence of immunoreactive growth hormone and prolactin in the ovine pineal gland

Abstract: The use of antisera raised against bovine growth hormone (GH) and ovine prolactin (PRL) enabled the detection of related immunoreactive (ir) sequences of proteins in ovine pineal tissue. The isolation of PRL-like ir-material was accomplished using a 0.25 M ammonium sulphate (pH 5.5) extraction followed by ethanol precipitation, whereas the resulting 2.0 M ammonium sulphate (pH 7.0) precipitate contained a GH-like immunoreactivity. Gel chromatography of the GH-like immunoreactivity (Sephadex G-100) indicated the presence of several GH-like fragments ranging in the M_r range of 7,000 to 55,000. Analyses of the PRL-like ir-material found in pineal tissue on HPLC using a TSK 545-DEAE column led to the resolution into a single peak of immunoreactivity. A single peak of activity was also observed following chromatofocusing and hydrophobic interaction chromatography of the ir-peak from the TSK 545-DEAE column. The PRL-like ir-material inhibited the binding of [¹²⁵I]ovine PRL-S14 to anti-ovine PRL antibodies without showing an affinity for binding to anti-rat PRL or anti-bovine GH antibodies. Scatchard analysis of the binding of pineal PRL-like ir-material and pituitary ovine PRL-S14 to liver membranes from day-20 pregnant rats revealed similar affinity constants (K_a of 4.7 ± 0.2 × 10⁹ M^-1). In addition, the replication of Nb 2 Node rat lymphoma cells was stimulated by pineal PRL-like ir-material, an effect known to be specific for lactogenic hormones. The pineal PRL-like immunoreactivity appeared on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels as a single major band of M_r 24,000. The functional status of PRL-and GH-like ir-material in the ovine pineal remains to be determined, but evidence is presented that the overall protein synthesis rate of the rat pineal responded to circulating concentrations of PRL.     

Microbiology of human immunodeficiency virus anorectal disease

PURPOSE: Individuals who are seropositive for the human immunodeficiency virus are at high risk for opportunistic infection and anorectal disorders. Little prospective information is available regarding anorectal pathogens in these patients. METHODS: One hundred sixty-three HIV-seropositive patients presented to the colorectal clinic between 1989 and 1992. Forty-seven (29 percent) patients were thought to have an infectious process and were prospectively studied using a standardized multiculture protocol. RESULTS: Mean age was 33 (range, 19–59) years. All were male; high-risk behavior accounted for 87 percent of HIV transmissions. Presenting complaints included anorectal pain (79 percent), pus per anum (28 percent), and blood per anum (26 percent). Examination revealed perianal tenderness (60 percent), condyloma (38 percent), perianal ulcers (38 percent), and anal fissures (34 percent). Sixty-six sets of cultures were performed; 28 patients had one set, 15 had two sets, and 4 had three sets. Thirty-two of these 47 patients (68 percent) had positive cultures including herpes (50 percent), cytomegalovirus (25 percent),Neisseria gonorrhoeae (16 percent), chlamydia (16 percent), acidfast bacilli (2 percent), and others (9 percent). Six of 32 patients with positive cultures had more than one organism cultured. Sixteen (50 percent) patients with positive cultures were treated medically, 8 (25 percent) were treated surgically and 8 (25 percent) were treated with both modalities. Sixty-one procedures were performed on 17 patients for condylomata. Eighteen patients had 20 procedures for abscesses, 50 percent of whom had positive cultures for other than common bowel flora; all improved. Fourteen patients underwent 33 procedures for perianal fistulas.Mycobacterium fortuitum was cultured from one patient who required 13 procedures for abscesses and fistulas. Forty-five (96 percent) patients were followed for an average of 12.5 months ±2.9 SEM (range, 1–94 months). Symptoms were improved or resolved in 22 of 32 (69 percent) patients with positive cultures and in 11 of 13 (84 percent) with negative cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Specific pathogens may often be identified in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patients with anorectal disorders if aggressively sought. Although patients without specific pathogens identified may be expected to improve with planned empiric treatment, positive identification allows more directed therapy.