A case of Strongyloides Stercoralis induced duodenitis and pancreatitis.

Strongyloidiasis is endemic in tropical and sub-tropical regions however cases of strongyloidiasis have been reported in temperate climates. Corticosteroid use, immunosuppression, infection with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV1), and chronic alcohol use are the most common and well-established risk factors for strongyloidiasis. Due to Strongyloides stercoralis characteristic features of hyperinfection and dissemination, it can potentially cause a lethal infection in an immunocompromised individual. Strongyloidiasis is predominantly asymptomatic, however some unusual manifestations of strongyloidiasis include duodenal obstruction, ileus, reactive arthritis, ascites, hepatic lesions, and pancreatitis. Here we present a case of a 47-year-old-St. Lucian female who was found to have duodenitis and pancreatitis secondary to Strongyloides stercoralis in the setting of underlying HTLV-1 infection and chronic alcohol use.

Knowledge, attitude and practice towards periodontal diseases among gynaecologists: a pilot study.

Disorders relating to short gestation and low birth weight are among the leading causes of death and disability in infants. About 25% of pre-term low birth weight (PLBW) cases occur without even a suspected risk factor. Of all PLBW cases, 18.2% may be attributable to periodontitis (Offenbacher et al. 1996 ). Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the views and knowledge of gynaecologist's on association between periodontal disease and pre-term low birth weight and their willingness to advise their patients to seek dental treatment.

Differential expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19 and net proliferative rate of gingival keratinocytes in oral epithelium in periodontal health and disease.

BACKGROUND: The effects of periodontal disease on the oral gingival epithelium (OGE) have not been documented fully because they may not be as dramatic as those seen on the junctional epithelium. The aim of this study was to estimate the changes occurring in the OGE with respect to its proliferation and E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19 (K19) expression during pocket formation. METHODS: Gingival samples were collected from 17 periodontally healthy subjects and 18 subjects with chronic periodontitis. K19 and E-cadherin levels were analyzed immunohistochemically. The net proliferative rate was calculated as the difference between the proliferative rate and the apoptotic rate as determined by immunohistochemical analysis of Ki-67 and p53, respectively. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the net proliferative rate of the OGE during pocket formation (periodontitis group, 220.90+/-46.85; healthy group, 107.60+/-25.86; P<0.001). There was a significant reduction in E-cadherin expression (periodontitis group, 0.837+/-0.428; healthy group, 1.846+/-0.555) and a significant increase in K19 expression during pocket formation (periodontitis group, 1.45+/-0.686; healthy group, 0.533+/-0.410). CONCLUSION: OGE appears to undergo significant changes in proliferation and differentiation during pocket formation that do not seem to be restricted to proteolytic destruction by the invading microorganisms.