ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

In the past few years significant progress in the area of phagocyte biology has been made in unravelling the mechanism of phagocytosis. In this review we discuss the characteristics and functions of complement and Fc receptors and the role they play as bridges between humoral and cellular immunity. We focus on the function of these receptors in a comprehensive way and propose a novel model to explain the integration of various signals for the optimal functioning of phagocytic cells.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Septic shock is a complicated syndrome in which pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory processes are dynamically interconnected and regulated. Central to these processes is the monocyte, which produces large quantities of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the presence of bacterial products. During the course of sepsis, the production of compensatory anti-inflammatory mechanisms may deactivate monocytes and lead to a stated paralysis. This situation is in fact similar but not identical to that known as tolerance, in which normal monocytes prechallenged with lipopolysaccharide do not respond to a second challenge of lipopolysaccharide. Here, we review some of the cellular mechanisms that may lead to monocyte deactivation and discuss the clinical implications they may have.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The systemic manifestations of severe invasive group A streptococcal infections, such as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, are mediated by an overwhelming inflammatory response induced by streptococcal superantigens and other virulence factors. The high mortality rates associated with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome demonstrate a need for better therapy in these diseases. Novel strategies to attenuate or prevent streptococcal toxic shock syndrome at different stages of illness have been proposed. The most promising therapies include agents that by various mechanisms attenuate the inflammatory response or the action of streptococcal toxins/superantigens, or both.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Hepatitis C virus commonly causes chronic liver disease. Chronicity as a result of the failure of T-cell-mediated immunity, liver damage caused by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and the evolution of genetic diversity characterize hepatitis C infection. Progression, typically silent, is determined by sex, age, alcohol and immune status. Interferon and ribavirin are effective in the substantial minority of patients with less advanced fibrosis and lower hepatitis C viral loads.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Evidence continues to accumulate to support a role for Chlamydia pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and in particular, coronary heart disease. In an analysis of 18 seroepidemiological studies, individuals with high-liter antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae have at least a twofold or larger odds ratio for coronary heart disease compared with seronegative individuals. In addition, viable Chlamydia pneumoniae has been cultured directly from atherosclerotic tissue, and has been demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, and electron microscopy in nearly 50% of atheromatous lesions, but in only 5% of control samples. Chlamydia pneumoniae has been shown to infect and reproduce in vitro in human smooth muscle cells, coronary artery endothelial cells, and macrophages, and has been shown to induce procoagulant activity and platelet adhesion factors known to contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, Chlamydia pneumoniae has been identified in atherosclerotic tissue in two experimental animal models. Finally, two pilot antibiotic trials of post-myocardial infarction patients receiving antibiotics effective against Chlamydia pneumoniae have demonstrated a fivefold reduction in cardiovascular events compared with those patients receiving placebo. Although a causal effect has not been proved, the relationship between Chlamydia pneumoniae and atherosclerosis continues to grow and to stimulate more definitive Studies.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Recent advances in tickborne infections have generally served to reiterate existing clinical truisms: most tickborne infections must be diagnosed on clinical grounds alone, because laboratory testing is rarely useful in early illness; the usual presumptive therapy for treatable tickborne infections is doxycycline, which may be used even in childhood; except in very young infants, most tickborne infections are tolerated by children, whose outcome is generally benign.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Ten years ago Scott Halstead published a seminal review outlining the challenge to science provided by dengue. Our review summarizes recent efforts to meet this challenge and discusses the potential practical implications of basic research. One major long-term goal is the development of a vaccine, and several different strategies are currently being advanced. Clinical studies on dengue continue to help physicians make rational choices in disease management.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Most publications on the subject of group B streptococcus since December 1996 have concentrated on supporting and to some degree extending our existing knowledge of the epidemiology of group B streptococcus and of intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis, which is the only approach available for reducing the incidence of group B streptococcal infection. Of greatest importance clinically are the reviews and studies on intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis, which continue to show that this is a worthwhile intervention as it significantly reduces the incidence of early onset group B streptococcal sepsis. The best approach to the detection of carriage is also covered, as is the changing epidemiology as a result of the implementation of intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis in some centres. Finally, the prospect of a vaccine is discussed.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:1998

数据来源: OVID