Bacterial meningitis in Yaoundé (Cameroon) in 1999-2000

All cephalo-spinal fluid (CSF) samples sent to the Yaoundé Pasteur Centre in Cameroon, between July 1999 and June 2000, were cultured and tested for soluble antigens. The percentage of positive samples was 10.4%. The main etiological agents detected were Streptococcus pneumoniae (56.2%), Haemophilus influenzae (18.5%) et Neisseria meningitidis (13.4%). Most of these cases of bacterial meningitis were children (86.7%). The susceptibility of the isolates to antibiotics was investigated. The streptococci and meningococci were mostly susceptible to beta-lactams, but the Gram-negative bacteria were not. Combinations of amino-penicillin and aminoside or chloramphenicol continue to be effective, as are third generation cephalosporins used alone. Meningococci appear to have emerged during the year 1999/2000, with 23 such isolates identified, of which 17 were serogroup A, subtype P1-9, clone III-1, which was responsible for the second pandemic. It should also be noted that 4 strains of N. meningitidis of serogroup W135 were isolated in Yaoundé.     

Microfungi in cultivated fields in Eskişehir provience (Turkey)

The soil microfungi flora was investigated in four locations of Eski?ehir (Turkey). 56 soil samples were seasonaly collected from 14 stations in the areas of Karacah?yük, Bah?ecik, OGU I, and OGU II. A total of 110 species belonging to 32 genera were encountered including Absidia, Acremonium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Beauveria, Botryoderma, Chaetomium, Chrysosporium, Cladosporium, Eupenicillium, Eurotium, Fusarium, Geotrichum, Gliocladium, Gonytrichum, Metarrhizium, Mucor, Myrothecium, Paecilomyces, Penicillium, Phoma, Plectosphaerella, Rhizoctania, Rhizopus, Scopulariopsis, Septonema, Stachybotrys, Trichocladium, Trichoderma, Ulocladium, Verticillium, and Wardomyces. Twenty five species were more frequent (all locations) while twenty seven species were rare (only one sample). Mainly, Acremonium kiliense, Aspergillus ochraceus, A. terricola var. americanus, A. versicolor, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, Gliocladium roseum, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. corylophum, P. expansum, P. griseofulvum, P. implicatum, P. restrictum, and Stachybotrys chartarum were the most common and abundant microfungi in all locations. Five species Aspergillus subsessilis, A. terreus var. africanus, Eupenicillium egyptiacum, Paecilomyces ramosus, and Penicillium novae-zeelandiae are likely to be newly recorded for Turkey. The microfungi number in Eski?ehir soils was between 25,000-234,000 CFU/g (mean value at 126,375 CFU/g).     

Die Malariabekämpfung in Brioni (Istrien)

Ohne ZusammenfassungHierzu Taf. I.     

Severe malaria in native adults in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)

Our retrospective study carried out from 1985 to 1998 in the Unit of Infectious Diseases in Abidjan aimed at describing the epidemiological, clinical and prognosis features of severe malaria among native adults. Within 14 years, we have listed 274 cases of severe malaria for 54 098 hospitalizations (0.5%). 164 men and 110 women were recorded (sex-ratio = 1.5), aged of 33 years (16-86), among them 48% were HIV positive. 23% of the patients had already received an antimalarial treatment. The main clinical presentation was cerebral malaria (78%). The other manifestations were respiratory symptoms (13%), kidney failure (11%), anaemia (11%), macroscopic haemoglobinuria (6%), hypoglycaemia (9%), cardiovascular shock (4%). The average parasite load in blood was 27 222 plasmodium/microl (25 000 - 180200). The treatment used was quinine IV (172 patients), and arthemeter (102 patients). The outcome was favourable in 232 cases (84%) and 42 patients died. Prognosis factors identified were age > 65 years, Glasgow coma score < 7, convulsions, cardio-vascular shock, macroscopic haemoglobinuria. HIV infection has not been identified as a pejorative factor Our results confirm that severe malaria in native adult is a reality in tropical area. This study shows how difficult it is to have an adequate care management regarding this pathology in our context.     

Die synergistische Wirkung von Isonicotinsäurehydrazid (INH) und Sulfonamid (in vitro-Versuche)

Zusammenfassung Außer Tb-Bakterien gegenüber sind die INH-Präparate Neoteben, Rimifon und Nevin allen anderen untersuchten Keimarten praktisch wirkungslos. Gegen Aristamid sind die verwandten Keime unterschiedlich sensibel, während die kombinierte Anwendung von INH und Aristamid eine mehr oder weniger ausgeprägte synergistische Wirkung auslöst.Die Kombination von INH- und Aristamid hat gegen den Tb-Stamm H 37 Rv und einen Stamm des Typus bovinus einen ausgeprägten synergistischen Effekt.     

Filarial nematode (order: Spirurida) surveillance in urban habitats,in the city of Pécs (Hungary)

Parasitology Research - As part of the seasonal mosquito control activities in the city of Pécs (Baranya County, Hungary), a total of 1123 adult female mosquitoes belonging to 18 species...     

Seasonal variations in acute toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in the Rhône-Alpes region (France)

To search for seasonal variations we analysed data on 1998 acute toxoplasmic infections diagnosed between 1988 and 2009 in pregnant women. Two distinctive transmission profiles were observed: one in rural areas, which was strongly influenced by seasons with significantly fewer infections in the first half of the year but maximal risks at the end of summer and end of autumn, and a stable urban distribution with only moderate peaks. Further studies on individual risks and environmental and climatic factors are needed to understand what prevention message should be given to susceptible pregnant women.     

Coaxil (tianeptine) in the treatment of depression in Parkinson’s disease

An open, non-comparative clinical study was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of tianeptine (Coaxil) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). A total of 18 patients with PD were used whose clinical state increased moderately severe and more profound depression (assessed on the Hamilton and Beck scales). After three months of treatment, depression on the Hamilton depression scale was decreased by 34% and on the Beck scale by 31% compared with baseline data (_p < 0.05). Improvements in mental status were noted in 14 of 18 patients (77%); eight patients (44%) showed more than 50% reductions on the Hamilton scale. Analysis of the structure of depressive symptomatology showed that improvement occurred because of decreases in anxiety and the severity of somatoform symptoms and, to a lesser extent, in melancholy and sleep disturbance. There was no significant change in apathy. The decrease in the severity of depression was accompanied by an improvement in the quality of life. The efficacy of Coaxil was greater in patients with less marked depressive and motor symptoms, shorter durations of illness, and less marked cognitive impairments. Coaxil was well tolerated by the patients. The data obtained here provide grounds for recommending the use of Coaxil in the treatment of depression in PD. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii imeni S. S. Korsakova, Vol. 106, No. 3, pp. 20–25, March, 2006.     

Chemokine (C–X–C motif) ligand (CXCL)10 in autoimmune diseases

(C–X–C motif) ligand (CXCL)10 (CXCL10) belongs to the ELR⁻ CXC subfamily chemokine. CXCL10 exerts its function through binding to chemokine (C–X–C motif) receptor 3 (CXCR3), a seven trans-membrane receptor coupled to G proteins. CXCL10 and its receptor, CXCR3, appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, organ specific (such as type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroiditis, Graves' disease and ophthalmopathy), or systemic (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed cryoglobulinemia, Sjögren syndrome, or systemic sclerosis).The secretion of CXCL10 by cluster of differentiation (CD)4 +, CD8 +, natural killer (NK) and NK-T cells is dependent on interferon (IFN)-γ, which is itself mediated by the interleukin-12 cytokine family. Under the influence of IFN-γ, CXCL10 is secreted by several cell types including endothelial cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, thyrocytes, preadipocytes, etc. Determination of high level of CXCL10 in peripheral fluids is therefore a marker of host immune response, especially T helper (Th)1 orientated T-cells. In tissues, recruited Th1 lymphocytes may be responsible for enhanced IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α production, which in turn stimulates CXCL10 secretion from a variety of cells, therefore creating an amplification feedback loop, and perpetuating the autoimmune process.Further studies are needed to investigate interactions between chemokines and cytokines in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and to evaluate whether CXCL10 is a novel therapeutic target in various autoimmune diseases.     

Hemodialysis (HD) versus peritoneal dialysis (PD): latent overhydration in PD patients?

Data on the difference in fluid status between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are scarce. Bio-electrical impedance analysis (BIA) is able to detect total body water (TBW) and its distribution in intracellular (ICW) and extracellular water (ECW). Echographic determination of the diameter of the inferior caval vein (VCD) provides information about the intravascular space (IVS). Nineteen PD-patients and 20 HD-patients in stable clinical condition were studied. In HD-patients a significant decrease in VCD, mean arterial pressure (MAP), TBW and ECW was noted due to ultrafiltration. Both ratios of VCD to ICW/ECW and of VCD to ECW/TBW decreased. No significant differences were found in these variables between PD-patients and HD-patients before HD. In both patient groups the measured variables pointed towards overhydration and the increased ratios both of VCD to ICW/ECW and VCD to ECW/TBW towards the storage of surplus of fluid in the intravascular space. It can be concluded that both PD-patients and HD-patients before HD have a surplus of fluid in the extracellular compartment, predominantly stored in the intravascular space.     

Selective dysmegakaryopoiesis in thrombocytopenic dogs (1996–2002)

Dysplastic megakaryocytes, in conjunction with dyserythropoiesis or dysgranulopoiesis, have been reported in canine myelodysplastic syndromes and in dysmyelopoiesis associated with various disease conditions. However, only a few cases of dysmegakaryopoiesis without accompanying dyserythropoiesis or dysgranulopoiesis have been reported. The purpose of this report was retrospectively to identify dogs with dysmegakaryopoiesis and determine if they were associated with disease conditions or treatments. Bone marrow reports were reviewed over a 6-year period. Dysmegakaryopoiesis was identified in 37 of 559 (6.6%) bone marrow reports. Dysmegakaryopoiesis, without accompanying dyserythropoiesis or dysgranulopoiesis, was identified in 17 (3.0%) dogs. Associated diseases included immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (n=5), immune-mediated thrombocytopenia and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (n=2), lymphosarcoma (n=2), multiple myeloma (n=1), megakaryoblastic leukemia (n=2), disseminated mast cell tumor (n=1), granulocytic ehrlichiosis (n=1), myelofibrosis (n=1), and pure red cell aplasia (n=1). One dog had moderate thrombocytopenia that persisted for more than 2 years with no evidence of associated disease. Dysmegakaryopoiesis without accompanying dyserythropoiesis or dysgranulopoiesis was associated with the same spectrum of diseases as other types of dysmyelopoiesis. Therefore, there is no reason to identify dysmegakaryopoiesis as a distinct entity. However, it is important to identify dysmegakaryopoiesis associated with megakaryoblastic leukemia.     

Epidemiological transition in Easter Island (1914–1996)

This study describes the mortality patterns during the present century (1914–1996) and investigates the epidemiological transition in a single community, Easter Island (Rapanui), the geographically most isolated inhabited island. Mortality patterns were reconstructed from civil records and included deaths of all island residents. The mean annual number of deaths is 9.3. A steady decline in the mortality rate linked to rapid modernization is the most relevant general trait. Although a small mortality crisis was detected in 9 years of the period studied, there was no significant seasonality in the deaths, possibly due to little climatic variation. The most serious sanitary problem was leprosy, endemic on the island from the end of the 19^th century. Sanitary improvements, on one hand, and the effective breakdown of isolation, on the other, brought about the eradication of leprosy and the beginning of an epidemiological transition. In the latter years of the study, there was an increasing prevalence of degenerative diseases, connected, in part, with changes in the age structure of the population caused by the decline of mortality. A correspondence analysis shows the relationships between causes of death and age, and makes clear the different incidence of disease by age. The infant mortality rates were lower than in the Chilean population. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 12:371–381, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) cardiac scintigraphy in α-synucleinopathies

Cardiac meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake on ¹²³I-MIBG cardiac scintigraphy is reduced in patients with Lewy body disease such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and pure autonomic failure, and has been reported to be useful for differentiating PD from other parkinsonian syndromes, as well as DLB from Alzheimer disease (AD). Postmortem studies have shown that the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive nerve fibers of the heart was decreased in pathologically-confirmed Lewy body disease, supporting the findings of reduced cardiac MIBG uptake in Lewy body diseases. Now, reduced cardiac MIBG uptake can be a potential biomarker for the presence of Lewy bodies in the nervous system. ¹²³I-MIBG cardiac scintigraphy can allow us to determine the presence of Lewy bodies.     

Die Trombiculinae (Acari,Trombiculidae) in Österreich

Ohne ZusammenfassungMit 34 TextabbildungenVorliegende Studie ist ein Teil einer Habilitationsschrift, welche an der Philosophischen Fakultät der Karl-Franzens-Universität zu Graz angenommen wurde.     

From Genotypes of Immunoglobulin Constant Heavy G Chains (Fcγ) (GM) Genes (IGHG) to Phenotypes in Childhood Asthma

Background: IgE-mediated allergy is associated with immunoglobulin heavy constant G chain (Fcγ) (GM) genes (IGHG) on chromosome 14q32.3. Investigation of the alternative GM allotypes of γ3, γ1 and γ2 chains has disclosed new structural and functional IgG subclasses and B-cell variants, with possible effects on childhood asthma. Objective: To investigate different IGHG (GM) gene complexes in a childhood asthma population for allergy parameters. Methods: IGHG alleles and correlated allotypic (allelic) IgG subclass levels were analyzed with a sensitive indirect competitive ELISA in 10-year-old children with bronchial asthma. Individual IGHG diplotype-, genotype- and haplotype-related B cells were compared for allelic IgG subclass levels, IgE sensitization, IgE, IgA and IgM levels, and numbers of peripheral blood eosinophils and lymphocytes. Results: The group with homozygous IGHG*bfn/*bfn (B1/B1 cells) demonstrated low IgG1*f levels (p < 0.001) but increased IgG2*n levels (p < 0.001) together with increasd IgE and IGHG2*n gene dose-dependent IgE sensitization (atopic phenotype). The IGHG*bf-n/*bf-n (B2/B2 cells) demonstrated low IgG1*f (p < 0.05) and IgG2*-n (p < 0.001) and the IGHG*ga-n/*ga-n (B4/B4 cells) low IgG1*a (p < 0.001) and IgG2*-n (p < 0.02) together with low IgE sensitization (non-atopic phenotype). B*(bfn) (B1) and B*(bf-n) (B2) demonstrated increased numbers of peripheral blood eosinophils, compared to B*(gan) (B4) cells, which demonstrated increased peripheral blood CD8 lymphocytes instead. Conclusion: IGHG diplotypes present different phenotypes in childhood asthma. The IGHG2*n dose relationship to IgE sensitization and increased IgG2*n levels in IgE sensitized are risk markers for IgE-mediated asthma. The opposite IGHG2*-n presents non-IgE-mediated asthma and IgG subclass deficiencies.     

Pathologisch-anatomisches aus der Scharlach- und Diphtherie-Mischepidemie in Tallinn (Dorpat)-Reval (Estland) 1926–1927

Ohne ZusammenfassungAus dem Laboratorium des Tallinn-Revaler Zentralkrankenhauses [Krankenhaus-direktor: Dr.E. Soonets; Laboratoriumsvorstand: Dr.R. Stankievitcz].