Neonatal Infection Due to Haemophilus Influenzae Biotype IV

Summary: Neonatal infection due to Haemophilus influenzae has several clinical similarities to infection by the more common Streptococcus agalactiae (Strep group B). A high frequency of H. influenzae biotype IV in association with genital, maternal and neonatal infections has been reported in the literature, suggesting this biotype has an affinity for the female genital tract. Cefotaxime should be considered as part of the treatment regimen when this organism is suspected because of the emerging resistance of H. influenzae to ampicillin. We present a case of H, influenzae biotype IV infection in a premature (32 weeks) neonate.     

Opportunistic Listeria pericardial effusion

A case is described of pericardial effusion due to Listeria monocytogenes infection in a woman with advanced carcinoma of the cervix, rheumatoid arthritis and on corticosteroid therapy. Focal infection with listeria in immunocompromised adults has a high mortality unless promptly diagnosed. The correct diagnosis may have been made if an unexplained pericardial effusion had been tapped.     

The role of protein phosphorylation in beta amyloid toxicity

Recent evidence suggests that amyloid beta protein (Aβ) mediates the neurotoxicity observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Little is known, however, about the cytotoxic pathway leading to nerve cell death. Using a rat brain cell line which is sensitive to Aβ, it is shown that a 50–60 kDa protein becomes more phosphorylated when cells are exposed to Aβ. Several kinase and phosphatase inhibitors block both the increase in phosphorylation of the 50–60 kDa protein and Aβ toxicity. In contrast, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor blocks toxicity at a step which is distinct from the phosphorylation of this protein. Aβ also causes a general increase in overall phosphatase activity. It is therefore likely that a protein phosphorylation cascade is involved in Aβ toxicity.     

Acne fulminans (acute febrile ulcerative conglobate acne) treated with isotretinoin: a case report

A 16-year-old boy was treated for acne fulminans (AF) with isotretinoin when the acute inflammatory stage had been suppressed with oral corticosteroids. From our experience of this case and from our review of the literature, we recommend that isotretinoin should be withheld during the acute, inflammatory phase of AF in order to prevent exacerbation of the condition.