Diagnostic Value of Positive Findings of Toxoplasma gondii-Specific Immunoglobulin M Serum Antibody in Uveitis Patients to Confirm Ocular Toxoplasmosis

Purpose: To assess the value of positive immunoglobulin (Ig) M serum antibody (Ab) findings in uveitis patients.

Methods: We reviewed medical records of patients who had a positive serological test for Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgM Ab. Their clinical data, including history, demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, clinical findings, treatment outcomes, and recurrences, were reviewed retrospectively.

Results: Of 2919 uveitis patients who underwent a serological test for suspected ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), 18 presented with positive Ig M results. All 18 patients (100.0% specificity) were clinically diagnosed with OT. None had any retinochoroidal scar at the initial visit, indicating the OT was a recent and primary infection. However, 15 patients (83.3%) had no history suspected to account for the Toxoplasma transmission.

Conclusions: The T. gondii IgM serum Ab is a specific biomarker for diagnosis of primary OT. Epidemiological studies are warranted to investigate the non-classic transmission routes of T. gondii in OT.     

Helicobacter pylori and oral pathology:Relationship with the gastric infection

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)has been found in the oral cavity and stomach,and its infection is one of the most frequent worldwide.We reviewed the literature and conducted a Topic Highlight,which identified studies reporting an association between H.pylori-infection in the oral cavity and H.pylori-positive stomach bacterium.This work was designed to determine whether H.pylori is the etiologic agent in periodontal disease,recurrent aphthous stomatitis(RAS),squamous cell carcinoma,burning and halitosis.Record selection focused on the highest quality studies and meta-analyses.We selected 48 articles reporting on the association between saliva and plaque and H.pylori-infection.In order to assess periodontal disease data,we included 12 clinical trials and 1 meta-analysis.We evaluated 13 published articles that addressed the potential association with RAS,and 6 with squamous cell carcinoma.Fourteen publications focused on our questions on burning and halitosis.There is a close relation between H.pylori infection in the oral cavity and the stomach.The mouth is the first extra-gastric reservoir.Regarding the role of H.pylori in the etiology of squamous cell carcinoma,no evidence is still available.     

济南市手足口病重症病例危险因素的病例对照研究

目的 探讨济南市手足口病重症病例发病的危险因素,为早期识别重症病例,降低手足口病重症病例的发生提供科学依据。 方法 采用病例对照研究方法,病例组为86例手足口病重症病例,对照组为86例手足口病轻症病例,用问卷调查收集病例组和对照组的社会人口学特征、接触史、就诊史、临床症状、实验室诊断等信息,对重症病例危险因素分析采用单因素和多因素非条件logistic回归分析。 结果 单因素结果显示发病到就诊日期、初诊单位类型为村级、患儿出现发热、足部皮疹、口腔疱疹、臀部皮疹、咳嗽、呕吐、有病例接触史、EV71阳性在两组间差异有统计学意义。多因素非条件Logistic回归分析结果显示,患儿出现发热(OR=89.38)、口腔疱疹(OR=22.28)、臀部皮疹(OR=234.81)、呕吐(OR=23.90)、有病例接触史(OR=31.48)和EV71阳性(OR=71.65)是手足口病重症病例发病的危险因素。 结论 早期识别发热、口腔疱疹、臀部皮疹、呕吐等症状的患儿,对降低手足口病重症病例的发生具有一定的参考意义。提高EV71手足口病疫苗的接种率,可降低由EV71导致的重症手足口病病例的发生率。     

重复住院呼吸道病毒感染患儿病因及临床特征

目的探讨重复住院呼吸道病毒感染患儿的临床特征,以更好地指导呼吸道病毒感染的诊断和治疗。方法通过对重复住院患儿(观察组)和一次住院患儿临床资料、发病特征、病毒感染等进行统计学分析,总结重复住院患儿的主要临床特征。结果观察组和对照组在临床基本资料和病毒检出方面并无统计学差异(P>0.05)。在主要临床症状上,观察组和对照组在发热、流涕、咳嗽、咳痰和呼吸困难等方面无统计学差异(P>0.05),但是在喘息和腹泻方面有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论喘息和腹泻是呼吸道病毒感染患儿重复住院的主要参考症状。如患儿存在上述症状,要采取更有针对性的治疗,以提升治疗效果。     

A randomized controlled trial of a homeopathic syrup in the treatment of cold symptoms in young children

BackgroundThere is little evidence that the decongestant, antihistamine, or cough suppressant medications commonly used to treat cold symptoms in preschool children are effective. One option for treating cold symptoms in young children is with homeopathy. This study was conducted to determine if a homeopathic syrup was effective in treating cold symptoms in preschool children.MethodsChildren 2–5 years old diagnosed with an upper respiratory tract infection were randomized to receive a commercial homeopathic cold syrup or placebo. Parents administered the study medication as needed for 3 days. The primary outcome was change in symptoms one hour after each dose. Parents also assessed the severity of each of the symptoms of runny nose, cough, congestion and sneezing at baseline and twice daily for 3 days, using a 4-point rating scale. A composite cold score was calculated by combining the values for each of the four symptoms.ResultsAmong 261 eligible participants, data on 957 doses of study medication in 154 children were analyzed. There was no significant difference in improvement one hour after the dose for any symptom between the two groups. Analysis of twice daily data on the severity of cold symptoms compared to baseline values found that improvements in sneezing, cough and the composite cold score were significantly greater at both the first and second assessments among those receiving the cold syrup compared to placebo recipients.ConclusionThe homeopathic syrup appeared to be effective in reducing the severity of cold symptoms in the first day after beginning treatment.     

Mycobacterium abscessus Complex – a Particular Challenge in the Setting of Lung Transplantation

Mycobacterium abscessus complex is an emerging pathogen in lung transplant candidates and recipients. M. abscessus complex is widespread in the environment and can cause pulmonary, skin and soft tissue, and disseminated infection, particularly in lung transplant recipients. It is innately resistant to many antibiotics making it difficult to treat. Herein we describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of M. abscessus with an emphasis on lung transplant candidates and recipients. We also outline the areas where data are lacking and the areas where further research is urgently needed.