原发性胆汁性肝硬化自身抗体特征及其对药物治疗的反应

目的研究原发性胆汁性肝硬化（primary biliary cirrhosis,PBC）患者抗线粒体抗体（antimitochondrial antibody,AMA）、抗线粒体抗体M2亚型（AMA-M2）、抗GP210抗体和抗SP100抗体的临床相关性及对药物治疗的反应。方法82例初诊未治疗的PBC患者随机分为熊去氧胆酸（ursodeoxycholic acid,UDCA）（U组,28例）、UDCA联合泼尼松龙（UP组,27例）、UDCA联合硫唑嘌呤（azathioprine,AZP）（UA组,27例）3组,治疗前观察各组患者的AMA、AMA-M2、抗GP210抗体和抗SP100抗体,治疗后3、6个月复查AMA、AMA-M2。治疗前24例患者行肝穿刺检查获得标本,按组织学特点对其进行分期。结果PBC患者AMA滴度、AMA-M2水平与其临床症状、肝生化指标、肝脏病理改变无关,AMA与IgM呈正相关（P=0.046）。三种治疗方案对AMA、AMA-M2水平无影响。抗GP210抗体阳性患者比阴性患者病情重,治疗6个月时的肝脏生化指标缓解率低（P=0.012）。抗SP100抗体阳性与阴性PBC患者的临床症状、肝脏生化指标、IgM无差异。结论AMA、AMA-M2及抗SP100抗体对PBC患者有诊断意义,但其水平与病情无关,不受药物治疗影响,也不影响药物疗效。抗GP210抗体阳性PBC患者病情重,肝脏生化指标缓解率低。     

83例原发性胆汁性肝硬化的临床分析

目的探讨原发性胆汁性肝硬化(PBC)的临床特点及肝脏组织学病理特征。方法回顾性分析83例PBC患者的病例资料。结果 83例PBC患者男女比例约为7︰76。临床表现依次为乏力、纳差、黄疸、脾脏肿大、腹水、皮肤瘙痒、干燥综合征及肝脏肿大。血清碱性磷酸酶(ALP)和γ-谷氨酰转肽酶(GGT)水平分别为(330.58±255.03)U/L和(255.58±234.65)U/L。抗线粒体抗体(AMA)和抗-线粒体抗体M2亚型(AMA-M2)阳性率分别为88%和71.1%。21例PBC患者肝组织病理检查提示小胆管改变最为突出。Ⅰ、Ⅱ期和Ⅲ、Ⅳ期两组患者病程及总胆红素水平差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 PBC好发于女性,临床表现缺乏特异性,血清ALP及GGT水平明显升高,自身抗体AMA和AMA-M2阳性为主要特征,病程和总胆红素水平与肝组织学进展有关。     

抗线粒体抗体阴性原发性胆汁性肝硬化患者的临床、生化和病理学特点

目的 分析抗线粒体抗体（AMA）阴性的原发性胆汁性肝硬化（PBC）患者的临床、生化和病理学特点.方法 76例PBC患者,将间接免疫荧光法测定AMA及酶联免疫吸附法检测AMA-M2均为阳性的患者归为AMA阳性组,均为阴性的为AMA阴性组.观察两组临床表现;检测血清学和免疫学指标,如血清总胆红素（TBil）、直接胆红素（DBil）、丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）、天冬氨酸转氨酶（AST）、碱性磷酸酶（ALP）、γ-谷氨酰转移酶（GGT）、球蛋白（GLO）、免疫球蛋白（IgG、IgM、IgA）、抗核抗体（ANA）、抗平滑肌抗体（SMA）、抗线粒体抗体（AMA）、抗可溶性酸性磷酸化核蛋白抗体（sp100）及抗核孔膜糖蛋白抗体（gp210）;行肝穿刺肝组织学检查,并进行比较.结果 76例PBC患者中,AMA阴性15例,占19.7％.AMA阴性组与AMA阳性组临床表现、肝功能各项指标、病理分期及组织学表现上比较P均＞0.05.AMA阴性组、AMA阳性组IgG中位数分别为1 780、1 590 mg/L,IgM中位数分别为384.0、481.5 mg/L,GLO中位数分别为39、42 g/L,两组比较P均＜0.05.AMA阴性组、AMA阳性组ANA阳性率分别为93.3％、23.0％,SMA阳性率分别为20.0％、1.6％,sp100阳性率分别为33.3％、24.6％,gp210阳性率分别为40.0％、29.5％,两组ANA、SMA阳性率比较P均＜0.05,但两组sp100、gp210阳性率比较P均＞0.05.结论 AMA阴性PBC的临床表现、肝功能和病理学特点与AMA阳性PBC相似,但IgG水平和SMA、ANA阳性率较高,IgM和GLO水平较低.     

AMA-M2抗体、gp210抗体和sp100抗体对原发性胆汁性胆管炎的诊断的价值探讨

[目的]探讨AMA-M2抗体、抗gp210和sp100抗体的检测对原发性胆汁性胆管炎(PBC)的诊断价值和意义。[方法]采取免疫印迹法检测62例PBC患者以及64例非PBC患者的抗线粒体抗体M2亚型(AMA-M2)、抗gp210及sp100抗体,分别计算这3种抗体的阳性率以及对PBC诊断的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值。[结果]62例PBC患者中,AMA-M2、抗gp210、sp100抗体的阳性率分别为75.8%、41.9%和19.4%,与非PBC组的阳性率比较差异有统计学意义;AMA-M2、抗gp210、sp100抗体诊断PBC的敏感性分别为:75.8%、41.9%和19.4%,特异性分别为:89.1%、95.3%和95.3%。AMA-M2阴性的PBC患者共15例,其中10例(66.7%)gp210抗体阳性,7例(46.7%)sp100抗体阳性。[结论]AMA-M2、抗gp210以及sp100抗体对PBC有高度的特异性。抗gp210以及sp100抗体对PBC的诊断尤其是AMA-M2阴性患者具有重要意义。     

18例无症状期原发性胆汁性肝硬化诊断特点分析

背景：原发性胆汁性肝硬化（PBC）进展缓慢,从无症状至出现症状,时间可长达数年。无症状期PBC临床表现缺乏特异性,诊断较为困难。目的：总结无症状期PBC的诊断特点。方法：纳入18例无症状期PBC患者,检测并分析其一般情况、临床、生化、病毒学、免疫学、影像学和组织学表现。结果：18例无症状期PBC患者中男2例,女16例,确诊时平均年龄47.8岁。无临床和生化异常,仅抗线粒体抗体M2亚型（AMA-M2）阳性者9例;因肝功能异常,主要是碱性磷酸酶（ALP）、γ-谷氨酰转肽酶（GGT）升高而就诊者9例,确诊时间平均8.9个月。11例（61.1%）患者AMA-M2阳性,3例gp210抗体阳性,2例SP100抗体阳性。所有患者肝穿刺病理学检查均为Ι、Ⅱ期PBC表现。结论：无症状期PBC女性多见,可仅表现为AMA-M2和（或）gp210、SP100抗体阳性,以及ALP/GGT升高。对中老年人群特别是女性,筛查肝功能和自身免疫性肝病抗体以及完善肝脏组织学检查有助于早期诊断PBC。     

IgG、IgM抗体在自身免疫性肝病的表达研究

目的研究原发性胆汁性肝硬化(PBC)及自身免疫性肝炎(AIH)的病理特点,寻找有效的病理诊断指标。方法选择2006年-2012年昆明医科大学病理教研室肝穿刺活检病例,从中筛选病理诊断为原发性胆汁性肝硬化(PBC)血清检测AMA-M2阳性病例30例、AMA-M2阴性病例17例和自身免疫性肝炎病例20例。采用免疫组化方法检测肝组织内IgG、IgM的表达情况。结果免疫组化检测显示IgM、IgG阳性颗粒主要分布于肝脏门管区浆细胞胞浆内,PBC AMA-M2阳性组、PBC AMA-M2阴性组、AIH组3组内IgM、IgG阳性细胞数相比差异均有统计学意义(P均0.05)。PBC患者肝脏门管区浆细胞内主要表达IgM,AIH患者肝脏门管区浆细胞内主要表达IgG;PBC AMA-M2阳性组与AMA-M2阴性组相比,AMA-M2阳性的PBC患者肝脏门管区IgM、IgG表达阳性细胞数比AMA-M2阴性的PBC患者高,IgM、IgG阳性细胞数差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 PBC患者肝脏门管区浆细胞内主要表达IgM,AIH患者肝脏门管区浆细胞内主要表达IgG,肝组织中IgM和IgG的检测及分析有助于PBC和AIH的诊断,且AMA-M2阳性的PBC患者肝脏门管区IgM、IgG阳性表达比AMA-M2阴性的PBC患者高。     

抗线粒体抗体M2亚型IgG和IgA在原发性胆汁性肝硬化诊断中的作用

目的 评价以新型天然M2抗原和BPO融合蛋白M2-3E(BPO)为靶抗原的酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法(抗-M2-3E ELISA)检测抗线粒体抗体M2亚型(AMA-M2)IgG和IgA抗体在原发性胆汁性肝硬化(PBC)诊断中的敏感性、特异性以及其临床意义.方法 分别用间接免疫荧光法(IFL)、以丙酮酸脱氢酶复合体为靶抗原的ELISA法(抗-PDC ELlSA),抗-M2-3E ELISA法检测107例PBC患者,87例疾病对照患者和26名健康体检者的AMA-M2 IgG和(或)IgA抗体.检测ALT,AST,总胆红素、白蛋白、Y-谷氨酰转肽酶、碱性磷酸酶、血清肌酐、IgG、IgM及IgA.对于符合正态分布的计量数据采用t检验,不符合正态分布者采用秩和检验. 结果 107例PBC患者抗-M2-3E ELISA法AMA-M2 IgG的检出率(90.6%)高于IFL法(81.3%)和抗-PDCELISA法(72.9%),t值分别为4.32和6.03,P值均<0.05.抗M2-3E ELISA法检测AMA-M2 IgA的检出率为55.1%,特异性为97.2%,而总体AMA-M2 IgG和(或)IgA的检出率为92.5%,特异性为95.2%.20例IFL检测AMA-M2 IgG为阴性的PBC患者中,抗-M2-3E ELISA法检出率为45%,AMA-M2 IgG和(或)IgA的检出率为55%,抗-M2-3E ELISA可以在超过一半的IFL阴性的患者中检出AMA-M2 IgG和(或)IgA.AMA-M2 IgG呈阳性的患者(97例)比呈阴性的患者(10例)有更加严重的组织学变化和更高的IgG,IgM和碱性磷酸酶水平.结论 抗-M2-3E ELISA法具有比IFL和抗-PDC ELISA法更高的敏感性和特异性,可作为第一轮AMA-M2的筛查.AMA-M2 IgG阳性可能说明该PBC患者有更加严重的疾病,但是AMA-M2 IgG和IgA都不能单独用于诊断PBC.     

抗线粒体抗体阴性原发性胆汁性肝硬化患者的临床及病理学特点

目的 分析抗线粒体抗体(AMA)阴性的原发性胆汁性肝硬化(PBC)患者临床及病理学特点.方法 对208例PBC患者的临床及病理学资料进行分析,并将AMA阴性PBC患者与典型PBC和自身免疫性肝炎(AIH)患者进行比较.非正态连续变量的比较使用Mann Whitney U检验,分类资料构成比的比较使用Chi-Square检验.结果 208例PBC患者中,AMA阴性者30例,占14.4%.AMA/AMA-M2阳性PBC和AMA阴性PBC患者在一般情况,临床表现、体征、肝功能(ALT、AST,碱性磷酸酶、γ-谷氨酰转移酶和总胆红素)和肝组织学表现上的差异均无统计学意义(P值均>0.05).AMA/AMA-M2阳性PBC组患者γ-球蛋白、IgG、IgM和IgA明显升高,中位数(P25,P75)分别为8.6(6.6,10.9)g/L,16.8(13.7,19.4)g/L、3.6(2.7,5.4)g/L和2.9(2.2,3.8)g/L,与AMA阴性组[分别为7.1(5.6,7.9)g/L、14.1(11.3,17.6)g/L、2.7(1.9,4.5)g/L和2.1(1.5,3.4)g/L]相比,差异有统计学意义(Z值分别为-2.088、-2.177、-2.372和-2.764,P值均<0.05);两组间总胆固醇差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).AMA阴性PBC患者中,29例(96.7%)呈抗核抗体(ANA)阳性,其中胞质颗粒型14例(48.3%)、核膜型8例(27.6%)、着丝点型6例(20.7%)、均质型1例(3.4%).与AIH患者比较,AMA阴性PBC患者以胆汁淤积表现为主,碱性磷酸酶、γ-谷氨酰转移酶、IgM和胆固醇水平均较AIH组明显升高(P值均<0.05),而血清AST,IgG和IgA水平低于AIH患者(P值均<0.05).结论 在以胆汁淤积表现为主,IgM和胆固醇水平升高、ANA为非均质型为主要表现的患者中,AMA虽阴性仍需考虑PBC的可能.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the clinical and pathological features of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients with negative anti-mitochondria antibody (AMA). Methods Two hundreds and eight PBC patients were enrolled. The clinical and histological data of the negative AMA cases were compared with the AMA/AMA-M2 positive cases. Results 30 out of the 208 cases (14.4%) were AMA negative patients in our study. The general status, biochemical tests and histological findings between the two groups had no significant difference (P> 0.05). The γ -globulin, IgG, IgM and IgA levels of AMA/AMA-M2 positive PBC patients were higher than that of the AMA negative cases (P < 0.05). The abnormal rate of cholesterol in AMA negative PBC patients was 65.4% as compared to 50.4% in AMA/AMA-M2 positive cases, no significant difference existed between (P > 0.05). Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) was observed in 29 (96.7%) AMA negative PBC patients, including 14 (48.3%) with granular pattern, 8 (27.6%) with nuclear membrane pattern, 6 (20.7%) with kinetochore pattern and 1 (3.4%) with homogeneous pattern. AMA negative PBC patients had elevated serum ALP, GGT, IgM and cholesterol levels, and decreased serum AST, IgG and IgA levels as compared with that of autoimmune hepatitis patients (P < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion In cholestatic patients with elevated IgM and cholesterol levels, ANA positive with non-homogeneous pattern, the diagnosis of PBC should be suspected, albeit AMA negative. The clinical, biochemcial and histological features of the AMA negative PBC patients were similar to classic PBC patients, but quite different from autoimmune hepatitis.     

原发性胆汁性肝硬化患者临床与病理学资料分析

目的分析原发性胆汁性肝硬化患者的临床与病理学特征,以提高对该病的诊断和治疗的认识。方法分析37例PBC患者的一般情况、临床表现、生化指标、免疫学指标、肝组织病理学检查、影像学检查、治疗与转归等。结果本组37例患者中女性33例,男性4例,男女之比为1:7.5,确诊时平均年龄为58.00±6.34岁;最常见的症状为乏力(89.10%)。所有患者碱性磷酸酶及谷氨酰转肽酶明显增高,分别为452.73±190.00U/L和328.92±179.90U/L,20例(54.05%)患者血清总胆红素升高;32例AMA-M2阳性,23例ANA阳性,9例抗gp210阳性,8例抗-sp100阳性。20例肝穿刺病理检查,符合Ⅰ期为5例,Ⅱ期9例,Ⅲ期5例,Ⅳ期1例。结论 PBC好发于中老年女性,长期乏力,血清ALP、GGT、TBIL及IgM水平升高,AMA-M2/抗gp210/抗-sp100阳性有助于诊断。     

20例原发性胆汁性肝硬化自身抗体和免疫功能分析

背景:一般认为血清抗线粒体抗体M2亚型(AMA-M2)阳性是诊断原发性胆汁性肝硬化(PBC)的必备标准,但仍存在一定比例的AMA-M2阴性PBC患者。因此,了解PBC患者的自身抗体谱和免疫功能有助于PBC的诊断。目的:分析PBC患者的自身抗体和免疫功能,探讨其对PBC的诊断价值。方法:连续纳入确诊的PBC患者20例,以免疫印迹法检测肝特异性自身抗体,以间接免疫荧光法检测肝非特异性自身抗体,以免疫散射比浊法检测免疫球蛋白和补体;13例患者行肝穿刺活检组织病理学检查。结果:本组PBC患者女性多于男性(17:3),年龄39～75岁,平均57.2岁±2.1岁。肝特异性自身抗体中AMA-M2阳性最为多见(40%),其次为核点蛋白SP100抗体(15%)、肝肾微粒体1型(LKM-1)抗体(15%)、GP210抗体(10%)和肝细胞溶质抗原Ⅰ型(LC-1)抗体(10%);肝非特异性自身抗体以抗核抗体(ANA)检出率最高(70%);IgA、IgM和IgG升高者均占50%。结论:自身抗体,尤其是血清AMA-M2阳性是诊断PBC的重要依据之一,但多种蛋白在PBC病程中均有表达,且临床上有相当比例的AMA-M2阴性PBC患者。其他肝特异性自身抗体,如SP100抗体、GP210抗体等以及临床特点和肝穿刺活检对AMA-M2阴性PBC的诊断有重要价值。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.