Pathogenicity of acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 1 from an immunodeficient child

Sequential isolates of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) from a child with severe combined immunodeficiency were examined for sensitivity to acyclovir. Early intravenous courses of acyclovir resulted in dramatic clinical improvement and were associated with the isolation of sensitive strains of HSV-1 (ID50[dose inhibiting 50% of control plaques], 0.010-0.106 microgram/ml), whereas later recurrences following intravenous, oral, and ophthalmic therapy were characterized by low-grade chronic lesions (ID50, 1.04-9.43 microgram/ml) that were unresponsive to acyclovir despite serum levels of up to 10.45 microgram/ml. Diminished sensitivity was associated with reduced viral thymidine kinase activity, and linked resistance with idoxuridine was detected in the isolates from the patient's eye. Intracerebral and cutaneous snout inoculation of a resistant isolate into BALB/c, hairless, and athymic nude mice revealed a 100- to 1,000-fold decrease in virulence as compared with an early sensitive isolate. Acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 can emerge in certain clinical settings but may be associated with diminished virulence.     

Effect of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases on fertility and pregnancy

Zum Thema Die chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen (CED) Morbus Crohn und Colitis ulcerosa treten bei den meisten Patienten im jungen Erwachsenenalter auf, d. h. zu einer Zeit, in der die Lebensplanung im Allgemeinen und die Familienplanung mit Kinderwunsch und Schwangerschaft im Besonderen für die Betroffenen von gro?er Bedeutung sind. Viele, wenn natürlich auch nicht alle Patienten mit CED ?u?ern Kinderwunsch. Abgesehen von pers?nlichen Entscheidungen und Lebensumst?nden kann dies negativ durch betreuende ?rzte oder das soziale Umfeld beeinflusst werden, die wegen der Schwere der Erkrankung oder aber auch aus Unkenntnis über die im Allgemeinen günstige Prognose einer Schwangerschaft bei Patientinnen mit CED von Kindern abraten. Die im Folgenden dargestellten Aspekte sind daher für die Betreuung von CED-Patienten mit Kinderwunsch wichtig und werden auch von den Patienten selbst h?ufig angesprochen. Dr. Jutta Keller Abt. für Innere Medizin, Israelitisches Krankenhaus, Orchideenstieg 14, 22297 Hamburg, E-Mail: keller@ik-h.de     

Experience with the intraterine device in the Programa de Planificacion Familiar de la Secretaria de Salubridad y Asistencia 1973-1974]

The present study explores the experience obtained with the Lippes Loops C and D in the family planning program of the Secretaria de Salubridad y Asistencia (Ministry of Health) of Mexico. The patterns observed are sufficiently similar to those reported for the majority of other countries for which data are available that it would appear that no special conditions affecting use of this method exist in Mexico. The study is viewed as having utility for practicing physicians as it provides information on relative frequency of temporary and definitive use terminations, relative frequency of method failure, expulsion, withdrawals for various reasons, and the specific groups of women most disposed to each type of event. The variables studied in this representative sample of acceptors are duration of method use, number of pregnancies prior to acceptance, number of children living, age, and educational level. (author's)     

Morphometric proof of function-related aging

In a new book of W. Frolkis and co-workers there is emphasized the dependence of aging processes on the cell functions. Besides always demonstrable universal mechanisms each kind of cell shows its specific aging in dependence on its function. This is the case in different tissues and organs too. We show that in muscle tissues, in the comparison of the kidney with the submaxillary gland and in the appearance of collagen type I and III in the anterior and middle part of the human vocal cord.