Neurological and neuromuscular manifestations in patients with West Nile neuroinvasive disease, Belgrade area, Serbia, season 2022.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to describe neurological manifestations and functional outcome at discharge in patients with West Nile neuroinvasive disease. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled inpatients treated in the University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Belgrade, Serbia, from 1 June until 31 October 2022. Functional outcome at discharge was assessed using modified Rankin scale. RESULTS: Among the 135 analyzed patients, encephalitis, meningitis and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) were present in 114 (84.6%), 20 (14.8%), and 21 (15.6%), respectively. Quadriparesis/quadriplegia and monoparesis were the most frequent forms of AFP, present in 9 (6.7%) and 6 (4.4%) patients, respectively. Fourty-five (33.3%) patients had cerebellitis, 80 (59.3%) had rhombencephalitis, and 5 (3.7%) exhibited Parkinsonism. Ataxia and wide-based gait were present in 79 (58.5%) patients each. Fifty-one (37.8%) patients had tremor (41 (30.3%) had postural and/or kinetic tremor, 10 (7.4%) had resting tremor). Glasgow coma score (GCS) ≤ 8 and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation developed in 39 (28.9%), and 33 (24.4%) patients, respectively. Quadriparesis was a risk factor for prolonged ventilator support (29.5 ± 16.8 vs. 12.4 ± 8.7 days, p = 0.001). At discharge, one patient with monoparesis recovered full muscle strength, whereas 8 patients with AFP were functionally dependent. Twenty-nine (21.5%) patients died. All of the succumbed had encephalitis, and 7 had quadriparesis. Ataxia, tremor and cognitive deficit persisted in 18 (16.9%), 15 (14.2%), and 22 (16.3%) patients at discharge, respectively. Age, malignancy, coronary disease, quadriparesis, mechanical ventilation, GCS ≤ 8 and healthcare-associated infections were risk factors for death (p = 0.001; p = 0.019; p = 0.004; p = 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively).

Effectiveness of the Treatment of Rhinogenic Headache Caused by Intranasal Contact.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of headache caused by contact points (CPs) between the nasal septum and inferior or middle turbinate. METHODS: The research was designed as a prospective clinical case-series study. The patients with CP headaches were offered to choose between 2 treatment options, surgery and medical treatment. Two groups of surgically treated patients (surgery groups 1 and 2, depending on whether there is a contact between nasal septum and inferior turbinate or middle turbinate) were evaluated and compared for headache intensity and frequency. Headache intensity was measured using a visual analog scale value from 0 to 10; the frequency of headache was expressed as the number of days during 1 month with a headache (before surgery, 1 month, and 6 months after surgery). A comparison was also made between surgically and nonsurgically treated patients. RESULTS: We found more intensive and frequent headache in patients who had CP between the nasal septum and the middle turbinate (P = .038 and P = .003, respectively). A significant reduction in headache intensity and frequency was found in both groups of surgically treated patients 6 months after surgery; however, this reduction was more significant in patients with mucosal contact between nasal septum and middle turbinate. The nonsurgical treatment made a significant reduction of headache intensity and frequency at 1-month follow-up (P = .012 and P = .031, respectively), but not at 6-month follow-up (P = .114 and P = .088, respectively). CONCLUSION: Surgery gave a statistically significant reduction in the intensity and frequency of headache, which was assessed 6 months after surgery. Surgery was found as superior to nonsurgical treatment in the therapy of CP headache.

Anatomic study of septocutaneous system of the human fetuses' lower leg: peroneal artery.

The septocutaneous system of the lower leg perforating blood vessels consists of a vascular basis of fasciocutaneous flaps. This system is of particular importance when designing distally based fasciocutaneous flaps that are the 'workhorse' in reconstructing the distal third of the lower leg and foot. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive, clear and conclusive overview of the lower-leg septocutaneous system of skin blood supply in fetal age. Dissection was conducted on 20 fetuses of both sexes and gestational age from 20 to 28 weeks. The focus was on the vascular anatomy of peroneal artery and its septocutaneous (fasciocutaneous) perforating arterial vessels. Cluster analysis was applied to the obtained data. A total of 212 perforating arterial vessels were identified for peroneal artery. The average number of perforating arterial vessels was 5.32 (ranging from 4 to 7). Based on cluster analysis, perforating blood vessels were more likely to be found at certain lower-leg levels ('safe levels of finding perforators'). The presence of septocutaneous system of perforating blood vessels and reliability of their localization even in the fetal period allows for the application of these findings in the lower leg reconstructions in children of early age.

Predictors of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus spp. Intestinal Carriage among High-Risk Patients in University Hospitals in Serbia.

The predictors of intestinal carriage of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (VRE) among high-risk patients in the counties of the Southeast Europe Region are insufficiently investigated, yet they could be of key importance in infection control. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors associated with fecal VRE colonization among high-risk inpatients in university hospitals in Serbia. The study comprised 268 inpatients from three university hospitals. Data on patient demographics and clinical characteristics, length of hospital stay, therapy, and procedures were obtained from medical records. Chi-squared tests and univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. Compared to the hemodialysis departments, stay in the geriatric departments, ICUs, and haemato-oncology departments increased the risk for VRE colonization 7.6, 5.4, and 5.5 times, respectively. Compared to inpatients who were hospitalized 48 h before stool sampling for VRE isolation, inpatients hospitalized 3-7, 8-15, and longer than 16 days before sampling had 5.0-, 4.7-, and 6.6-fold higher risk for VRE colonization, respectively. The use of cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones increased the risk for VRE colonization by 2.2 and 1.9 times, respectively. The age ≥ 65 years increased the risk for VRE colonization 2.3 times. In comparison to the University Clinical Centre of Serbia, the hospital stays at Zemun and Zvezdara University Medical Centres were identified as a protector factors. The obtained results could be valuable in predicting the fecal VRE colonization status at patient admission and consequent implementation of infection control measures targeting at-risk inpatients where VRE screening is not routinely performed.

New cases of human dirofilariosis on the Balkan Peninsula - "Masked intruders" uncovered by a surgeon.

Dirofilaria spp. nematodes are accidental parasites of humans causing mild to serious, superficial or visceral infections. Superficial dirofilariosis is rather common in Europe and is typically manifested as subcutaneous form. Herein we report 46 new cases of human dirofilariosis (19 patients with subcutaneous, 18 patients with ocular, 4 patients wih genital, 2 patients with submucosal, 2 patients with pulmonary and 1 patient with intramuscular form of infection) that were recorded from the beginning of 2015 to May 2021 on the Balkan Peninsula with a goal to update the prevalence of this parasitosis and point out potential problems in diagnosis and treatment. Besides, given the high possibility of misinterpretation as tumor, our second aim was to encourage the inclusion of this pathogen in the differential diagnosis of subcutaneous nodules. Although quite common forms, subcutaneous and ocular dirofilariosis can be very often misdiagnosed in clinical practice due to the absence of specific clinical manifestations. Therefore, raising awareness of clinicians about this zoonosis is needed as well as closer collaboration between physicians and veterinarians.

Embolization for gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with pancreatitis: Report of two cases and literature review.

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is rare but potentially fatal complication of pancreatitis. Early diagnosis and timely radiologic intervention are crucial for survival as when untreated the mortality of these patients is high. We present two patients, one with chronic pancreatitis and one with acute pancreatitis, both complicated with severe upper GI tract bleeding. Patients were successfully treated with transcatheter embolization after initial endoscopic hemostasis failed. The advances in endovascular devices and embolization materials and increased number of experienced interventional radiologists have increased the importance of angiographic embolization procedures as a safe minimally invasive therapeutic method of achieving successful hemostasis associated with the low incidence of complications. Due to its advantages over surgery, it should be considered treatment of choice in patients with upper GI bleeding refractory to endoscopy.

Reliability and Versatility of Reverse Sural Island Neurofasciocutaneous Leg Flaps.

BACKGROUND: Distally based sural neurofasciocutaneous (NFC) flaps are a commonly used method for foot and ankle reconstruction given that they are much simpler and, at the same time, still efficient alternative to perforator flaps and free style free flaps. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the reliability and versatility of reverse sural island NFC flaps as a powerful and efficient method that can be used for repair of lower leg skin defects. This method does not require microsurgical facilities or extensive training. METHODOLOGY: Patients with soft tissue defects of the distal third of the leg and ankle region received reverse sural island NFC flaps. Inclusion criteria included an absence of damage to the sural neurovascular axis or communicating perforators, absence of peripheral vascular disease, and the presence of soft tissue defects deep enough to expose tendon or bone. Patients were assessed for flap (defect) size, pedicle length and location of defects, postoperative flap survival rates, and complications. Donor sites were closed directly or skin grafted. RESULTS: Of 24 consecutive patient (20 male; 4 female), all flaps except 1 (4.16%), survived, although partial necrosis was observed in 2 patients (8.33%). The overall major complication rate was 12.50%. Epidermolysis was noted in 1 patient (4.16%). Three cases of transient venous congestion resolved without additional complications. The overall minor complication rate was 16.66%. Minimal complications were associated with healing of donor sites. CONCLUSIONS: Reverse sural island NFC flaps provide adequate and aesthetically very acceptable coverage of soft tissue defects of the distal lower leg and proximal foot with no functional impairment.

Investigation of a healthcare-associated Candida tropicalis candidiasis cluster in a haematology unit and a systematic review of nosocomial outbreaks.

BACKGROUND: Non-albicans Candida spp. are an emerging cause of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections, associated with high mortality due to the challenges in diagnosis and delayed treatment. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate a cluster of healthcare-associated invasive candidiasis caused by C tropicalis and review the literature of healthcare-associated outbreaks or clusters caused by C tropicalis. METHODS: An investigation was performed to determine clinical presentation, treatment outcomes and the factors contributing to C tropicalis candidemia occurrence. We searched the Medline database via PubMed and Ovid using the keywords of "Candida tropicalis" combined with "outbreak" or "clustering" or "clusters," and we limited the search to studies conducted from January 1989 to January 2019. RESULTS: We report two related cases of C tropicalis candidemia among patients with AML following a period of neutropenia, who had erythematous skin rash as a first manifesting sign of candidiasis. C tropicalis was isolated from blood and skin cultures of both patients, which were identical by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis typing. Our systematic review of outbreaks caused by C tropicalis suggests that (a) most reported outbreaks have occurred in neonatal and adult ICUs; (b) patients who receive total parenteral therapy, antibiotics and those who have indwelling catheters and recent surgery are at high risk of infection; and (c) environmental and healthcare personnel surveillance suggest that cross-contamination is a major risk factor. CONCLUSION: Control of nosocomial outbreaks caused by C tropicalis should include better infection control measures, education of healthcare professionals especially working in adult and neonatal intensive care and haematology units.

Management of Orbital Complications of Acute Rhinosinusitis in Pediatric Patients: A 15-Year Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: The major clinical dilemma managing acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) in pediatric population is distinguishing uncomplicated rhinosinusitis from a complicated bacterial ARS and orbital complications, the latter requiring antimicrobials and surgical intervention. However, factors associated with severe orbital complications and the optimum management strategy remains controversial. The objectives of this study were to characterize the clinical outcomes of children with orbital complications of ARS and to identify risk factors associated with disease severity. METHODS: This retrospective cohort analysis evaluated the clinical outcomes of 61 children admitted for orbital complications between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2017. Descriptive statistics were performed to examine the demographics and clinical findings. We compared groups using Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and χ for categorical variables. RESULTS: Although two-thirds of children had received prehospital antibiotics, half of the cohort presented with post-septal orbital complications. While 83% of isolates obtained from the same patients were susceptible to the prehospital antibiotics given, the majority of those who received prehospital antibiotics nevertheless required surgical intervention. We observed significant association between the age of presentation and disease severity. Children >5 years of age presented with more severe orbital complications despite prehospital antibiotics and were more likely to require surgical intervention (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, stage II/III orbital complications at presentation and older age were the most important determinants of medical treatment failure. Early referral to eye, nose and throat (ENT) should be considered for children >5 years with ARS due to worse orbital complications despite prehospital antibiotics.

The sequence analysis of Epstein-Barr virus EBNA1 gene: could viral screening markers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma be identified?

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been identified as a group 1 carcinogenic agent, particularly for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The sequence diversity of EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) reflects region-restricted polymorphisms, which may be associated with the development of certain malignancies. The aims of the present study were to evaluate EBV EBNA1 gene polymorphisms circulating in NPC, infectious mononucleosis, and isolates from patients with transplanted organs to determine if EBNA1 sequence specificities are useful as viral biomarkers for NPC. Forty biopsies of undifferentiated carcinoma of nasopharyngeal type (UCNT), 31 plasma samples from patients with mononucleosis syndrome, and 16 plasma samples from patients after renal transplantation were tested in this study. The EBNA1 gene was amplified by nested PCR. Further investigation included sequencing, phylogenetic, and statistical evaluations. Eighty-seven sequences were identified as one of the four EBNA1 subtypes, P-Ala, P-Thr, V-Val, and V-Ala, with further classification into ten subvariants. Of these, P-Thr-sv-1 and P-Thr-sv-3 have never been identified in Europe, while V-Val-sv-1 was newly discovered. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the distribution of EBNA1 P-Thr subvariants between the three groups of patients, with noticeable clustering of P-Thr-sv-5 in NPC isolates (p < 0.001). EBV EBNA1 showed no sequence specificity in primary infection. This research revealed a newly discovered EBNA1 subvariant. Importantly, EBNA1 P-Thr-sv-5 showed carcinoma-specific EBNA1 variability. Thus, identification of this subvariant should be considered as a viral screening marker for NPC or UCNT.

Study toward resolving the controversy over the definition of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.

Dysbiosis of the microbiome on the airway mucosa leads to the development of chronic inflammatory and allergic disorders. The aim of this study was to consider the potential diagnostic criteria for allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) and nonallergic fungal rhinosinusitis (FRS), and the role of fungal presence in an environment for the development of AFRS. In this study, 136 patients were divided into two groups: patients with positive specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) and fungal finding (AFRS group), and patients with negative sIgE and positive fungal finding (FRS group). The study design included: anamnesis data, sIgE, eosinophil count and skin-prick test, rhinology and computerized tomography (CT) observation and mycological finding. Our results showed: (i) the prevalence in Serbia is: AFRS 1.3%, FRS 2.8%; (ii) 30.4% patients with sIgE+ had more often severe and recurrent chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) (P = .005) and the presence of polyps (P = .025); (iii) 46.4% patients with sIgE+ had positive fungi on the sinonasal mucosa and were considered as AFRS; (iv) patients with AFRS had more frequent asthma (P = .024) and chronicity of CRS >10 years (P = .000). The persistent fungal presence and prolonged duration of CRS could be a silent threat for the progression of inflammation and development of FRS. Lavage with hypertonic-NaCl should be included in the everyday hygiene routine in an effort to decrease fungal load and antigenic exposure. The presence of allergological parameters and better response to corticosteroid therapy in AFRS patients should be considered as crucial diagnostic criteria for AFRS.

FIB-4 and APRI scores for predicting severe fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C - a developing country's perspective in DAA era.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection leads to progressive fibrosis making fibrosis staging necessary in the evaluation of such patients. Different fibrosis scores are emerging as possible non-invasive alternatives for liver biopsy. The Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) and AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) scores are the most widely used and the most extensively tested. This study aims to determine if it was possible to accurately use these to identify patients that are unlikely to have severe fibrosis. METHODOLOGY: One hundred and forty-two patients with chronic hepatitis C infection who underwent liver biopsy since January 1st 2014 until May 31st 2017 at the Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Belgrade were analyzed. The FIB-4 and APRI scores were calculated for each patient and compared to histologically determined fibrosis stage. RESULTS: A comprehensive statistical analysis was conducted in order to compare patients with and without severe fibrosis and to evaluate the accuracy of the fibrosis scores. Patients with non-severe fibrosis were younger, had higher platelet counts and lower transaminase levels. FIB-4 had an AUC of 0.875 and the APRI score had an AUC of 0.861. No patients with severe fibrosis or cirrhosis had a FIB-4 lower than 1.08. FIB-4 was superior to APRI in identifying patients with severe fibrosis in the study cohort. CONCLUSION: FIB-4 was superior to APRI in the recognition of severe fibrosis. FIB-4 may prove very useful in identifying patients without advanced liver disease, especially if other non-invasive methods are inaccessible.

The relationship between causative microorganisms and cardiac lesions caused by infective endocarditis: New perspectives from the contemporary cohort of patients.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of infective endocarditis (IE) is changing. More aggressive forms with multiple IE cardiac lesions have become more frequent. This study sought to explore the relationship between contemporary causative microorganisms and IE cardiac lesions and to analyze the impact of multiple lesions on treatment choice. METHODS: In 246 patients hospitalized for IE between 2008 and 2015, cardiac lesions caused by IE were analyzed by echocardiography, classified according to the 2015 European Society of Cardiology guidelines and correlated with microbiological data. We defined a new parameter, the Echo IE Sum, to summarize all IE cardiac lesions in a single patient, enabling comprehensive comparisons between different etiologies and treatment strategies. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus was associated with the development of large vegetation (OR 2.442; 95% CI 1.220-4.889; p=0.012), non-HACEK bacteria with large vegetation (OR 13.662; 95% CI 2.801-66.639; p=0.001), perivalvular abscess or perivalvular pseudoaneurysm (OR 5.283; 95% CI 1.069-26.096; p=0.041), and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) with leaflet abscess or aneurysm (OR 3.451; 95% CI 1.285-9.266, p=0.014), and perivalvular abscess or perivalvular pseudoaneurysm (OR 4.290; 95% CI 1.583-11.627; p=0.004). The Echo IE Sum significantly differed between different etiologies (p<0.001), with the highest value in non-HACEK and the lowest in streptococcal endocarditis. Patients operated for IE had a significantly higher Echo IE Sum vs those who were medically treated (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: None of the IE cardiac lesions is microorganism-specific. However, more severe lesions were caused by S. aureus, CoNS, and non-HACEK bacteria. The highest propensity to develop multiple lesions was shown by the non-HACEK group. Higher Echo IE Sum in patients sent to surgery emphasized the importance of multiple IE cardiac lesions on treatment choice and potential usage of Echo IE Sum in patient management.

Subacute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis as a rare cause of pneumothorax in immunocompetent patient: brief report.

Subacute invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) represents a form of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis which affects immunocompetent individuals or mildly immunocompromised persons with underlying pulmonary disease. Pneumothorax can be a rare complication of subacute IPA due to a leakage of air from an air-filled lung cavitation into the pleural space. Herein, we report rare and unusual case of pneumothorax in a patient with pulmonary cavity infection. A 40-year-old woman was admitted to thoracic surgery due to complete pneumothorax of the left lung. She was active smoker with untreated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). After thoracic drainage multiple cavity forms in the both lungs were noticed. Galactomannan antigen was positive in bronchoalveolar lavage as well as culture of Aspergillus fumigatus. Antifungal treatment by voriconazole was started and continued during 6 months with a favorable outcome. This case highlights that subacute IPA is a diagnose that should be considered in patients with end-stage COPD, low body mass index, or patient who developed pneumothorax. The results of our case show that voriconazole is a safe and effective treatment as primary or salvage therapy in subacute forms of IPA, irrespective of the immunological status of the patients.

Complications of chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis: review of published case reports

ABSTRACT Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA), a form of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), affects immunocompetent or mildly immunocompromised persons with underlying pulmonary disease. These conditions are associated with high morbidity and mortality and often require long-term antifungal treatment. The long-term prognosis for patients with CNPA and the potential complications of CNPA have not been well documented. The aim of this study was to review published papers that report cases of CNPA complications and to highlight risk factors for development of CNPA. The complications in conjunction associated with CNPA are as follows: pseudomembranous necrotizing tracheobronchial aspergillosis, ankylosing spondylarthritis, pulmonary silicosis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease, superinfection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and and pneumothorax. The diagnosis of CNPA is still a challenge. Culture and histologic examinations of bronchoscopically identified tracheobronchial mucus plugs and necrotic material should be performed in all immunocompromised individuals, even when the radiographic findings are unchanged. Early detection of intraluminal growth of Aspergillus and prompt antifungal therapy may facilitate the management of these patients and prevent development of complications.

Analysis of the Variability of Epstein-Barr Virus Genes in Infectious Mononucleosis: Investigation of the Potential Correlation with Biochemical Parameters of Hepatic Involvement.

BACKGROUND: Primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is usually asymptomatic, although at times it results in the benign lymphoproliferative disease, infectious mononucleosis (IM), during which almost half of patients develop hepatitis. The aims of the present study are to evaluate polymorphisms of EBV genes circulating in IM isolates from this geographic region and to investigate the correlation of viral sequence patterns with the available IM biochemical parameters. METHODS: The study included plasma samples from 128 IM patients. The genes EBNA2, LMP1, and EBNA1 were amplified using nested-PCR. EBNA2 genotyping was performed by visualization of PCR products using gel electrophoresis. Investigation of LMP1 and EBNA1 included sequence, phylogenetic, and statistical analyses. RESULTS: The presence of EBV DNA in plasma samples showed correlation with patients' necessity for hospitalization (p=0.034). The majority of EBV isolates was genotype 1. LMP1 variability showed 4 known variants, and two new deletions (27-bp and 147-bp). Of the 3 analyzed attributes of LMP1 isolates, the number of 33-bp repeats less than the reference 4.5 was the only one that absolutely correlated with the elevated levels of transaminases. EBNA1 variability was presented by prototype subtypes. A particular combination of EBNA2, LMP1, and EBNA1 polymorphisms, deleted LMP1/P-thr and non-deleted LMP1/P-ala, as well as genotype 1/ 4.5 33-bp LMP1 repeats or genotype 2/ 4.5 33-bp LMP1 repeats showed correlation with elevated AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine transaminase). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study which identified the association between EBV variability and biochemical parameters in IM patients. These results showed a possibility for the identification of hepatic related diagnostic EBV markers.

HUMAN SUBCUTANEOUS DIROFILARIASIS - CASE REPORT.

INTRODUCTION: Human dirofilariasis is a zoonotic disease caused by Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis. It usually presents as a nodular lesion in the lung, subcutaneous tissues or eyes. In animals, dirofilariasis is a very common disease with serious cardiovascular and respiratory manifestations. If adequate therapy is not given at the beginning ofthe disease, dirofilariasis can lead to animal death. On the contrary, human dirofilariasis is frequently mild, sporadic and asymptomatic disease. Complications in humans are very rare. In Europe, human dirofilariasis is a very rare zoonotic disease even in endemic areas such as Italy, Spain and the Mediterranean. CASE REPORT: The authors reported the case of a 43-year-old male with a subcutaneous nodule caused by Dirofilaria repens. The patient who lives in Budva, Montenegro, had a nodule in the right-hand side of the anterior abdominal walljust below the sternum with maximum diameter of 3 cm. His health condition was good and all laboratory analyses were normal. The lesion was surgically removed and the histopathological examination confirmed the parasitic infection by Dirofilaria repens. After surgical excision, the patient was treated with dual antimicrobial therapy (100 mg doxycycline per os twice a day for 28 days and 200 mg albendazole per os twice a day for 10 days). CONCLUSION: It is very difficult to make the diagnosis of a subcutaneous nodule. The difficulties arise in the differential diagnosis because subcutaneous nodules are suspected to be malignant neoplasm or other pathologies such as tuberculosis, fungal infections, sebaceous cysts, hamartomas, abscesses, and so on. Although human dirofilariasis is a rare disease, the number of reported cases has recently been increasing worldwide.

Comparative analysis of autodermal graft and polypropylene mesh use in large incisional hernia defects reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Large defects of the abdominal wall caused by incisional hernia still represent a challenging problem in plastic, reconstructive, and abdominal surgery. For their successful tension-free repair a proper selection of reconstructive material is essential. In the last decades, the use of synthetic meshes was dominant while biological autodermal grafts were rarely used. The aim of the study was to comparatively analyse efficacy and safety of autodermal graft and polypropylene mesh in surgical treatment of large abdominal wall defects. METHODS: This prospective comparative clinical study enroled 40 patients surgically treated for large incisional hernia repair in a 10-year period. The patients were divided into two equal groups consisting of 20 subjects and treated either by biological autodermal graft or by synthetic polypropylene mesh. The surgical techniques of reconstruction, duration of surgery, the occurrence of early, minor, and major (severe) and delyed complications and hospital stay were analysed. The average follow-up took 2 years. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics of patients and in size of defects were not found. The surgical technique of reconstruction with an autodermal graft was more complicated. The duration of surgery in patients treated with autodermal grafts was significantly longer. There was no statistically significant difference regarding occurrence of early, minor postoperative complications and hospital stay in our study. Two severe complications were registered in the synthetic mesh group: intestinal obstruction and enterocutaneous fistula. The recurrence rate was 10% in the autodermal graft group and 15% in the group with a synthetic mesh. CONCLUSION: Tension-free repair of large incisional hernia with autodermal grafts was unjustly neglected despite the fact that it is safe and effective. It can be applied in all cases where synthetic mesh are not indicated (presence of infection, immunodeficient patients, after radiotherapy). They are especially important in war surgery and in lack of funds when commercial grafts cannot be purchased.

A rare case of Candida parapsilosis endocarditis in a young healthy woman--case report.

UNLABELLED: Disseminated fungal infections are still rare conditions, mostly caused by Candida spp. during immunosuppression. Infection of immunocompetent individuals is uncommon. Endocarditis is a rare manifestation during candidaemia, mostly in patients with prosthetic valves. Affection of previously unaltered valves is uncommon. CASE PRESENTATION: We presented a case of a young, previously healthy female patient with endocarditis, caused by Candida parapsilosis. The initial symptom, fever, was present four months before hospital admittance. She was febrile without other symptoms and during observation in a local hospital. After her condition deteriorated, she was transferred to the Institute for infectious and tropical diseases, Belgrade. Clinical findings on admission include petechial skin rash and moderate hepatosplenomegaly. Newly developed systolic murmur was noted, and Candida parapsilosis was isolated in multiple blood cultures. Echocardiography revealed 15 × 14 mm vegetations on the right aortic vellum. She was treated with antifungal drugs (fluconasole, liposomal amphotericin B), and the affected valve was successfully replaced. The same strain of Candida parapsilosis was isolated from the intraoperative material of the valve. There were no markers of immunosuppression or other conditions which could affect the immune system. CONCLUSION: After a prolonged period of treatment she was successfully cured, and she received a long-term intermittent suppressive fluconasole therapy for the time being.