CD39 is involved in mediating suppression by Mycobacterium bovis BCG‐activated human CD8+CD39+ regulatory T cells

Regulatory T (Treg) cells can balance normal tissue homeostasis by limiting inflammatory tissue damage, e.g. during pathogen infection, but on the other hand can also limit protective immunity induced during natural infection or following vaccination. Because most studies have focused on the role of CD4⁺ Treg cells, relatively little is known about the phenotype and function of CD8⁺ Treg cells, particularly in infectious diseases. Here, we describe for the first time the expression of CD39 (E‐NTPDase1) on Mycobacterium‐activated human CD8⁺ T cells. These CD8⁺CD39⁺ T cells significantly co‐expressed the Treg markers CD25, Foxp3, lymphocyte activation gene‐3 (LAG‐3), and CC chemokine ligand 4 (CCL4), and suppressed the proliferative response of antigen‐specific CD4⁺ T helper‐1 (Th1) cells. Pharmacological or antibody mediated blocking of CD39 function resulted in partial reversal of suppression. These data identify CD39 as a novel marker of human regulatory CD8⁺ T cells and indicate that CD39 is functionally involved in suppression by CD8⁺ Treg cells.     

Biliary ascariasis combined with a villous tumor of the papilla. Diagnostic and therapeutic value of endoscopy

A 64-year-old man admitted for cholangitis presented with an ascaris lumbricoides in the biliary duct and a villous tumor of the ampulla of Vater. ERCP revealed the parasite as a "rail-like" linear defect in the main bile duct, and permitted its extraction. The ampullary tumor was repeatedly ablated with a snare and finally surgically removed because of suspicion of malignancy. This is the first report on such an association.     

Treatment of pseudocysts in acute pancreatitis. Retrospective study of 45 patients]

A total of 55 pancreatic pseudocysts in 45 patients with acute pancreatitis were managed between 1980 and 1990. Six patients were managed conservatively with resolution of pseudocysts in 5 patients. All pancreatic pseudocysts that disappeared were smaller than 35 mm. CT or ultrasound-guided aspiration were performed in 26 patients with a morbidity rate of 5%. Nine among 21 patients (42%) who were initially treated by percutaneous puncture were definitively cured: all pseudocysts were smaller than 55 mm. Nine patients were managed by long-term percutaneous drainage: 3 minor complications occurred and in 7 patients, no other treatment was necessary even for large pseudocysts. Endoscopic cystoenterostomy was performed in 12 patients. Only 15 pseudocysts (27%) bulged into the digestive wall, mainly of the stomach. Three complications (following 2 cystogastrostomies) occurred and one patient died after endoscopic cystogastrostomy. In 7 patients (58%), no other treatment was necessary even for large pancreatic pseudocysts. Surgery was required in 13 patients but only 4 patients underwent surgery as primary treatment. One major complication occurred and one patient died. Percutaneous drainage and endoscopic cystoenterostomy when technically feasible, are effective treatments of pancreatic pseudocysts complicating acute pancreatitis.     

Investigating the genetic diversity of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto with new microsatellites

Parasitology Research - Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution caused by the larval stage of the Cestode parasite Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Due to the...     

Percutaneous treatment of hydatid cysts under sonographic guidance

Nine patients (five males, four females) with 14 hydatid cysts were treated with albendazole and percutaneous drainage under sonographic guidance. All but two cysts were hepatic. The average cyst diameter was 81.5 mm (range: 42–180 mm). There were eight type 1 cysts, two type 2, three type 3, and a single type 4. Type 1 and 2 cysts were treated by needle aspiration, type 3 and 4 by needle decompression and catheter drainage. The residual cavity was irrigated with 30% hypertonic saline and injected with absolute alcohol. Biliary fistulization contraindicated alcohol use. All cysts were successfully treated. A single episode of reversible anaphylaxis was encountered. Serial sonographic examinations revealed residual cavities ranging from 10 to 35 mm in diameter. No new cysts were noted during an average follow-up of 9.6 months. The mean hospital stay was 48 hr. Percutaneous drainage of hydatid cysts is a relatively safe and cost-effective procedure.