ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Psoriasis occurs with at least undiminished frequency in HIV infected individuals. The behaviour of psoriasis in HIV disease is of interest, both in terms of pathogenesis and therapy, because of the background of profound immunodysregulation. It is paradoxical that, while drugs that target T lymphocytes are effective in psoriasis, the condition should be exacerbated by HIV infection. Antiretroviral therapy may improve psoriasis in tandem with improvement in the overall clinical and virological condition of the patient. The aetiopathogenesis of psoriasis is unknown but genetic and environmental factors are thought to be involved. There are controversial issues regarding the immunological basis of psoriasis and the role of CD4+versus CD8+T lymphocytes. Current opinion favours an autoimmune basis for psoriasis, although the precipitating activating signal(s) within psoriatic plaques remains unknown. The immunodysregulation resulting from HIV infection may trigger psoriasis in those genetically predisposed by the Cw*0602 allele. Since CD8+T cells recognize antigen in the context of class I molecules, the identification of a human leucocyte antigen class I association in HIV-associated psoriasis strengthens the argument for an important role for CD8+T lymphocytes in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. HLA-Cw*0602 could act as a cross-reactive target for cytotoxic T lymphocytes responding to processed peptides from microorganisms. Human retrovirus-5 is a recently described, partially characterized retrovirus and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriatic arthropathy but not psoriasis.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Buruli ulcer (Mycobacterium ulcerans) is an emerging disease. The mode of transmission is still unknown.Mycobacterium ulceranshas been detected (by polymerase chain reaction) in water and water insects. Extensive surgery is still the main treatment. Recognition and excision - of the early nodular stage - is effective. The toxin, a polyketide, causes immunosuppression with potent inhibition of monocytes, T cells and nuclear factor κ-B activation.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Anthrax vaccination has become a ‘hot’ topic. On the one hand, fears that Iraq holds secret caches of anthrax-based weaponry, that other countries may be developing or may have developed similar devices, or that hard-line groups may make their own anthrax-based devices for bioterrorist attacks have focused official attention on the need for means of protection, principally, though, for the military. On the other hand, the unsolved issues of the Gulf War illnesses have left elements of doubt in the minds of some as to the possible role of anthrax (among other) vaccines in this syndrome, and have drawn attention to the shortage of pre-clinical, clinical, pharmacological and safety data on the existing UK and US anthrax vaccines. In the middle are those hotly debating the US and Canadian policies of mandatory anthrax immunization for military personnel or, in the case of the UK policy of voluntary immunization, simply voting with their feet. Compounding matters have been the publicized failures of the US vaccine production facility and the less publicized UK problems of supply. Meanwhile, those in genuine at-risk occupations are left unsure whether, if they can get the vaccine at all, they really want it. Despite two decades of elegant science aimed at formulating alternative vaccines to overcome all the problems of efficacy, safety and supply, such an alternative is at least five years away, and the current status is that we must live with the old vaccines or not vaccinate.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Fusariumspecies are ubiquitous and may be found in the soil, air and on plants.Fusariumspecies can cause mycotoxicosis in humans following ingestion of food that has been colonized by the fungal organism. In humans,Fusariumspecies can also cause disease that is localized, focally invasive or disseminated. The pathogen generally affects immunocompromised individuals with infection of immunocompetent persons being rarely reported. Localized infection includes septic arthritis, endophthalmitis, osteomyelitis, cystitis and brain abscess. In these situations relatively good response may be expected following appropriate surgery and oral antifungal therapy. Disseminated infection occurs when two or more noncontiguous sites are involved. Over eighty cases have been reported, many of which had a hematologic malignancy including neutropenia. The species most commonly involved includeFusarium solani,Fusarium oxysporum, andFusarium moniliforme(also termedF. verticillioides). The diagnosis ofFusariuminfection may be made on histopathology, gram stain, mycology, blood culture, or serology. Portals of entry of disseminated infection include the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and cutaneous sites.The skin can be an important and an early clue to diagnosis since cutaneous lesions may be observed at an early stage of the disease and in about seventy-five cases of disseminatedFusariuminfection. Typical skin lesions may be painful red or violaceous nodules, the center of which often becomes ulcerated and covered by a black eschar. The multiple necrotizing lesions are often observed on the trunk and the extremities. Onychomycosis most commonly due toF. oxysporumorF. solanihas been reported. The onychomycosis may be of several types: distal and lateral subungual (DLSO), white superficial (WSO), and proximal subungual (PSO). In proximal subungual onychomycosis there may be associated leukonychia and/or periungual inflammation. Patients withFusariumonychomycosis have been cured following therapy with itraconazole, terbinafine, ciclopirox olamine lacquer, or topical antifungal agent. In other instances nail avulsion plus antifungal therapy has been successful. In patients with hematologic malignancy or bone marrow transplant, who may experience prolonged or severe neutropenia during the course of therapy, the skin and nails should be carefully examined and consideration given to treating potential infection sites that may serve as portals for systemic dissemination. When disseminatedFusariuminfection is present therapy with antifungal agents has generally been disappointing with the chances of a successful resolution being enhanced if the neutropenia can be corrected in a timely manner.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

From an almost unknown disease 15 years ago,Penicillium marneffeihas emerged to become one of the most common opportunistic fungal pathogens among HIV-infected patients in the endemic area of southern China and northern Thailand. The mode of infection is primarily airborne, with the reticuloendothelial system as the main target. Penicilliosis is a fatal disease and systemic antifungals are the mainstay of therapy. Direct and mycological examinations are sufficient to make a diagnosis and to differentiateP. marneffeifrom other opportunistic fungi, although advances in serodiagnosis may potentially enhance understanding of the pathogenesis and identification of early asymptomatic cases.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Head lice is an old problem that won't go away. Infestation with the head lousePediculus capitisis still common in school-aged children. The majority of information about this condition is based on anecdotal evidence. There is a definite need for the standardization of detection methods for diagnosis and epidemiological purposes, and for properly designed trials to ascertain the effectiveness of the different treatment methods available.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Although we have witnessed a dramatic increase in the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in respiratory pathogens over the past few years, resistance has infrequently been associated with clinical failures. However, as the prevalence and degree of resistance increases in the β-lactams and the fluoroquinolones, newly approved for respiratory infections, failures are likely to occur.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Tuberculosis remains one of the leading infectious disease killers globally. A significant reservoir of infected individuals and disease activity remains, particularly in the countries of the world which have the least economic resources to treat latent and active disease. This has set the stage, over the decades, for the development of multi-drug resistant isolates now easily spread around the world with increased trans-national migration.Tuberculosis treatment and control requires a global approach with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) overseeing National Tuberculosis Control Programs and seeking financial support from governmental as well as non-governmental sources. Directly Observed Therapy Short Course (DOTS) and DOTS Plus remain the cornerstones in the treatment of drug sensitive and drug resistant diseases respectively.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID