ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Many factors influence the decision of a precursor T helper cell to become either a type 1 or type 2 cell. These comprise pathogen-defined factors such as the nature and quantity of the pathogen, the route of infection, the influence of immunomodulatory components and of concomitant infections, as well as host-defined factors including genetic predisposition, the number of responding T cells, the major histocompatibility complex haplotype of the individual, the nature of the antigen presenting cells involved and the cytokine environment of the T cells during and following activation. Understanding how such factors influence immune class regulation is fundamental to understanding the pathology of infectious diseases.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Treatment ofClostridium difficileinfection with metronidazole or vancomycin is successful in the majority of cases, but relapse occurs in 15% to 20% of patients, and in some the infection can remain chronic for months or years. The use of non-antibiotic therapies for this infection is theoretically attractive, as they would enable the normal colonic microflora to be reconstituted which is a requirement for permanent eradication of this pathogen. Over the past decade a number of non-antibiotic approaches to eliminate or neutralizeC. difficileor its toxins have been proposed, including probiotic therapy with non-pathogenic microorganisms and several forms of immunotherapy. These alternative approaches are in their infancy, but initial reports appear to support efficacy against this stubborn infection.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Interleukin-10 is the most potent anti-inflammatory cytokine yet identified. It has multiple actions affecting the innate immune system as well as humoral and cellular immune responses. It occupies a pivotal role in the regulation of the immune response to microbial pathogens in health and disease. Knowledge gained in the molecular biology of IL-10 and its complex immune effects in experimental infection models are leading to new insights into therapeutic manipulation of IL-10 in patients with systemic inflammatory diseases.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Teeth are coated with a biofilm that contains periodontal pathogens. Pathogens express virulence factors which enable them to invade and replicate within epithelial cells and to invade the underlying connective tissue. This stimulates production of prostaglandins and cytokines that induce tissue loss. In addition, these bacteria have the potential to modulate the course of systemic diseases such as atherosclerosis and to contribute to low birthweight and preterm labor.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Phagocytosis and bacterial killing are the primary functions of macrophages. Among the mechanisms involved in the phagocytic process, cytokines, especially those of T-helper 1 profile, appear to influence considerably the internalization and the intracellular fate of the pathogen within the macrophage. In particular, the evidence for a cooperation of cytokines with antibiotics in intracellular infection could provide new therapeutic approaches to intracellular infectious diseases in the future.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Newborns and young infants are at increased risk of severe or prolonged infections. Recent advances in our understanding of the host immune response in this age group, coupled with the development of molecular genetic tools, have paved the way for a new generation of preventive vaccines.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Measures to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1 are discussed according to the presumed timing of transmission. Long course antiretrovirals can substantially decrease intrauterine transmission. Antiretrovirals and caesarean section reduce vertical transmission by preventing intrapartum transmission; but caesarean section is unsuitable for most developing countries. Short and very short course antiretrovirals have an efficacy rate of about 50% in non-breastfeeding populations compared with just under 40% at 6 months and between 23 and 30% at 15-24 months in breastfeeding women. The latter is due to the fact that postnatal transmission occurs as long as breastfeeding continues. Breastfeeding accounts for a third to a half of overall transmission. Exclusive rather than mixed breastfeeding appears to diminish the risk of transmission, and HIV-infected women who choose to breastfeed should be advised to give breastmilk exclusively for a maximum of 5-6 months.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Sepsis is an important cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. Improving the outcome of pediatric sepsis requires diverse efforts, including prevention, early recognition, improvements in early management and transport, and physiology-directed care. Awareness that septic shock represents a pathophysiologic host response to infection has prompted investigation of immune mediators and coagulation factors as potential targets for anti-sepsis therapies. Advancements thus far include: the potential prevention of neonatal sepsis with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor; recognition of clindamycin as a potential inhibitor of endotoxin release; improved outcome from meningococcal disease in children treated with bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (rBPI21); and improved outcome from sepsis in premature infants treated with pentoxifylline. Further randomized controlled studies of immunomodulatory agents are indicated and a few are in progress. Current studies on genetic propensities in cytokine and coagulation protein expression may explain variability in patient outcomes and eventually lead to genomics-based therapeutics.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The present review is a brief discussion of some of the important new developments that have been reported relating to bacterial and viral infections of the central nervous system. For many of these conditions, certain issues remain unresolved, including what is the best diagnostic approach, what is the optimum treatment and how best to prevent such conditions. The development of improved surveillance, more effective vaccines and a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of these diseases all offer great potential benefits. The hope is that these advances, when they come, will be affordable to those who need them most.

ISSN:0951-7375    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID