A new era of therapy for hepatitis C virus infection.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Previous treatments with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection resulted in significant adverse events and low cure rates, even with the addition of first-generation protease inhibitors. The standard of care for chronic HCV infection changed dramatically in 2013 with the approval of second-generation direct-acting antivirals, which led the way for IFN-free combination regimens. RECENT FINDINGS: All-oral combinations of direct-acting antivirals, with or without ribavirin, have shown high efficacy and are well tolerated in patients with the predominant genotypes, advanced fibrosis stages, and HIV co-infection. New fixed-dose co-formulations of direct-acting antivirals have allowed simpler regimens with shorter treatment durations and low rates of discontinuation, but are associated with substantial costs. SUMMARY: Since 2013, all-oral, IFN-free regimens with direct-acting antivirals have quickly become the mainstay of treatment for HCV infection as they provide high rates of sustained virologic response with a relatively short duration of treatment and low side-effect profile.

Central Nervous System Histoplasmosis in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) by Histoplasma capsulatum in AIDS is uncommon and not easily recognized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CNS histoplasmosis cases from our institution were identified by a retrospective chart review from 2004-2014. A thorough literature search was performed for additional cases and their characteristics were compared. Clinical findings, treatment and outcomes are discussed. RESULTS: A total of 5 cases from our institution were identified. They had a clinical presentation that included classic signs of meningitis, often with evidence of disseminated involvement, and was typically severe with important neurological impairment. These cases were treated with antifungal agents, including a lipid amphotericin B formulation and azole drugs, but eventually 3 experienced nonresolution of their disease likely because of lack of adherence to therapy and died from their infection. The clinical presentation, treatment and outcome of these cases did not significantly differ from cases found in the review of the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians practicing in endemic areas should be aware of this rare but serious form of histoplasmosis. The recognition of 5 cases of CNS histoplasmosis in AIDS patients from a single institution suggests that histoplasmosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of the CNS complications of AIDS.