Unravelling the clinical heterogeneity of undefined recurrent fever over time in the European registries on Autoinflammation.

BACKGROUND: Systemic autoinflammatory disorders (SAIDs) represent a growing spectrum of diseases characterized by dysregulation of the innate immune system. The most common pediatric autoinflammatory fever syndrome, Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, Adenitis (PFAPA), has well defined clinical diagnostic criteria, but there is a subset of patients who do not meet these criteria and are classified as undefined autoinflammatory diseases (uAID). This project, endorsed by PRES, supported by the EMERGE fellowship program, aimed to analyze the evolution of symptoms in recurrent fevers without molecular diagnosis in the context of undifferentiated AIDs, focusing on PFAPA and syndrome of undifferentiated recurrent fever (SURF), using data from European AID registries. METHODS: Data of patients with PFAPA, SURF and uSAID were collected from 3 registries including detailed epidemiological, demographic and clinical data, results of the genetic testing and additional laboratory investigations with retrospective application of the modified Marshall and PRINTO/Eurofever classification criteria on the cohort of PFAPA patients and preliminary SURF criteria on uSAID/SURF patients. RESULTS: Clinical presentation of PFAPA is variable and some patients did not fit the conventional PFAPA criteria and exhibit different symptoms. Some patients did not meet the criteria for either PFAPA or SURF, highlighting the heterogeneity within these groups. The study also explored potential overlaps between PFAPA and SURF/uAID, revealing that some patients exhibited symptoms characteristic of both conditions, emphasizing the need for more precise classification criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with recurrent fevers without molecular diagnoses represent a clinically heterogeneous group. Improved classification criteria are needed for both PFAPA and SURF/uAID to accurately identify and manage these patients, ultimately improving clinical outcomes.

Comparison of treatment modalities for non-tuberculous mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis in children.

PURPOSE: We aim to compare the different treatment modalities of non-tuberculous cervicofacial lymphadenitis in children, by means of a retrospective study conducted in the University Hospitals of Leuven of patients treated between 2012 and 2022. METHODS: For this retrospective cohort study, data were collected and pseudonimised from 52 patients with non-tuberculous cervicofacial lymphadenitis, who were treated in our hospital between January 2012 and December 2022, either conservatively, antibiotically, surgically, or with a combination of these options. We only included patients who were considered immunocompetent. All of the included patients were below 10 years at time of treatment. We collected data regarding time to resolution and adverse effects, i.e., skin discoloration, excessive scar formation, fistula formation, persistence of adenopathies after treatment, need for additional treatment, facial nerve paresis/paralysis, or systemic side-effects due to antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: The mean time to resolution (in days) when looking at primary treatments, was shortest in partial excisions (16), followed by complete excisions (19), antibiotic therapy (129), incision and drainage (153), curettage (240), and finally conservative management (280). Taking into account isolated treatments (i.e., both primary and adjuvant), we also observed consistently faster time to resolution in surgical and antibiotic treatments when compared to conservative treatment. Antibiotic therapy (p = 0.003), incision and drainage (p = 0,004) were associated with a significantly higher need for adjuvant treatment. Curettage was associated with a higher incidence of fistula formation (p = 0,006) and higher number of adjuvant treatments (p = 0,002). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a faster resolution of nontuberculous mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis in children when treated surgically, more specifically when treated with partial or complete lymph node excision. Antibiotic treatment also leads to faster resolution than conservative management. There was a low rate of complications, and no permanent facial nerve damage was reported.

Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Cervicofacial Lymphadenitis in Children-10-Year Experience in a Tertiary Pediatric Center.

BACKGROUND: Lymphadenitis is the most common manifestation of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection in children. We describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of NTM lymphadenitis, determine diagnostic yield from tissue sampling, and review management and outcomes. METHODS: This was a 10-year retrospective review of children aged 0-16 years diagnosed with NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis who were seen in a pediatric infectious disease clinic in a tertiary public hospital. Data relating to patient demographics, clinical features, surgical and antimicrobial treatment, complications, and outcomes were retrieved from patients' electronic medical records and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 48 episodes of NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis in 45 children (17 males and 28 females). Of these episodes, 43.7% manifested as a unilateral single node, mostly parotid (39.6%) and submandibular (29.2%). All patients underwent diagnostic fine-needle aspiration or surgery. Surgical excision more frequently yielded positive histological findings (P = .016). NTM was identified in 22/48 episodes (45.8%) via culture or molecular sequencing. Mycobacterium abscessus was most commonly found (47.8%). Thirty-eight children (79.2%) received antibiotics. Outcomes in 43 episodes revealed full resolution in 69.8%, while 25.6% had de novo disease and 4.6% experienced recurrence at the same site. Overlying skin changes and multiple or bilateral nodal diseases were significantly associated with de novo disease or recurrence (P = .034 and .084, respectively). Complications occurred in 11/70 (15.7%) procedures. Antibiotic-associated adverse effects occurred in 14/38 (36.8%) episodes. CONCLUSIONS: NTM lymphadenitis remains a challenging condition. More aggressive management with surgical excision and antibiotics is recommended for those with overlying skin changes and extensive nodal disease.

First study on molecular epidemiology of caseous lymphadenitis in slaughtered sheep and goats in Duhok Province, Iraq.

Background: Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic suppurative bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudotuberculosis) affecting superficial and internal lymph nodes and internal organs of small ruminants. Aims: Through the use of molecular methods, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CLA and its contributing factors as well as the degree of genetic diversity and epidemiological relationships among C. pseudotuberculosis isolates from slaughtered sheep and goats in various districts of Duhok Province, Iraq. Methods: A total of 18,836 carcasses (15,775 sheep and 3,061 goats) were inspected by veterinarians at slaughterhouses [Duhok-Sumel (2,453 sheep + 627 goats), Zakho (6,000 sheep), Bardarash (1,117 sheep + 379 goats), Amedi (413 sheep + 178 goats) and Akre (5,792 sheep + 1,877 goats)] in Duhok Province for detection the prevalence rate of CLA using molecular techniques. Results: The prevalence of the disease was 0.94% and 1.93% in sheep and goats, respectively. Sheep in Duhok-Sumel and goats in Amedi were at a higher risk of infection than the animals in another location, with a prevalence rate of 4.31% and 6.18%, respectively. Sheep and goats of older age were more susceptible. Females were more susceptible than males in all districts except Duhok-Sumel where the reverse was true. ERIC-PCR analysis grouped the bacterial isolates into 11 different genotypes. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree of partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of C. pseudotuberculosis revealed no divergent sequences discovered in this study. Conclusion: A strict control program needs to be applied to reduce the entrance of pathogen from neighboring countries.

A retrospective analysis of 1019 cases of tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis in a rural setup in 20 years.

BACKGROUND: This article is to review cervical lymphadenitis due to tuberculosis (TB), their presentation, their aetiology, the methods used to diagnose them, the treatment modalities offered and the response to treatment. METHODS: 1019 patients were diagnosed and treated for TB of the lymph nodes of the neck from 1st November 2001 to 31st August 2020 at a tertiary ENT hospital, Nadiad, Gujarat, India. Study consisted about 61% males and 39% females with the mean age being 37.3 years. RESULT: Commonest factor or habit among those diagnosed for tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis was consumption of unpasteurized milk. HIV and diabetes were the most common co-morbid conditions found with this disease. Swelling in the neck was most common clinical feature followed by loss of weight, formation of abscess, fever and fistula. Rifampicin resistance was found in 1.5% of patients among those tested for the same. CONCLUSION: The most commonly affected site for extra pulmonary TB is posterior triangle of neck than the anterior triangle. Patients with HIV and diabetes are at higher risk for the same. Testing for drug susceptibility has to be done due to increased resistant of drugs for extra pulmonary TB. GeneXpert and histopathological examination are important for its confirmation.

Incidence of lymphadenitis following Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination in north Indian children.

INTRODUCTION: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination is given as a part of the national immunization schedule in India and its most common complication is BCG lymphadenitis. The reported incidence of BCG lymphadenitis ranges from 0.1 to 9.9% in various studies. In our country, though most babies get BCG vaccination during the neonatal period, the incidence of BCG lymphadenitis is not studied well. AIMS: To study the incidence of lymphadenitis following BCG vaccination at tertiary care hospital in North India. METHODS: It was a prospective longitudinal observational study. All newborns weighing ≥1.5 kg at birth without any significant illness who received BCG vaccination at our institute were enrolled and followed up for 16 weeks after vaccination. Babies were examined at 6, 10 and 14 weeks for the development of lymphadenopathy. Meta-analysis of studies evaluating incidence of BCG adenitis in children was also performed. RESULTS: Out of 817 babies vaccinated during the enrolment period, 605 babies could be followed up till 16.2 ± 0.9 weeks post BCG vaccination. One case of BCG lymphadenitis was detected at 14 weeks. Thus, the observed incidence of BCG lymphadenitis was 0.16% (95% CI of 0.004%-0.92%). Meta-analysis of 21 studies showed mean incidence estimate of 0.336% (95% CI: 0.315%-0.358%) using fixed effect model whereas random effect model showed mean incidence of 4.45% (95% CI: 3.02%-6.15%). CONCLUSION: The lower incidence of lymphadenitis in our study can probably be attributed to a less immunogenic vaccine (Danish 1331), proper technique, experience of the vaccinator and good storage facilities available at our institute.

Challenges in the diagnosis of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis syndrome in developing countries-A decade of experience from North India.

Background: Reports of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome from developing countries are sparse. Recognizing PFAPA is often challenging in these regions due to a higher incidence of infectious illnesses and significant resource constraints. Herein, we present our experience from North India regarding the diagnosis and management of PFAPA syndrome. Methods: We reviewed cases of non-monogenic periodic fever syndrome diagnosed at our center from January 2011 to December 2021. A total of 17 children who fulfilled the Marshall criteria for PFAPA syndrome were included. Data regarding basic clinical features, treatment/outcome, and performance of the recently proposed Eurofever/PRINTO and Takeuchi criteria were analyzed. Results: Besides recurrent fever, the triad of oral aphthae, pharyngitis, and adenitis was noted in only 18% of patients. Episodes of exudative pharyngitis/tonsillitis were documented in 24%. These figures were lower than the values reported from developed countries. The Takeuchi and Eurofever/PRINTO criteria were fulfilled in 76% and 71% cases, respectively. In addition to antipyretics and supportive care, intermittent steroid therapy was the main treatment modality used. Additional treatment with colchicine (n = 3) and thalidomide (n = 1) was used successfully in a few patients. Before the diagnosis of PFAPA, all patients had received multiple courses of antimicrobials (without microbiological confirmation). These included multiple courses of antibacterials for fever, pharyngotonsillitis, and/or cervical adenitis in all patients and antivirals for fever and aphthous stomatitis in a patient. Empiric antitubercular therapy had also been administered in two patients. Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients with PFAPA seem to remain undiagnosed in the Indian subcontinent. Increased awareness and improvement in basic healthcare facilities are crucial in enhancing the recognition of PFAPA, which would eliminate the unprecedented scale of undesirable antimicrobial use in such children.

Epidemiology and clinical features of PFAPA: a retrospective cohort study of 336 patients in western Sweden.

BACKGROUND: Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is generally regarded as the most common autoinflammatory disease, but the epidemiology of the disease is largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to estimate the annual incidence and describe the clinical features of PFAPA in a large cohort from western Sweden. METHODS: The study retrospectively included children < 18 years of age diagnosed with PFAPA between 2006 and 2017 at three hospitals: NU Hospital Group, Skaraborg Hospital and Queen Silvia Children's Hospital. Patients were identified by searching for relevant diagnostic ICD-10 codes in the comprehensive electronic medical records and data were retrieved by reviewing case records. To estimate incidence, patients with symptom onset from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2016, were included. Population data for the study area during this period were retrieved from Statistics Sweden. RESULTS: In this study, 336 patients with PFAPA were identified. Of these, 156 (46%) were girls and 180 (54%) were boys. Almost 90% of the children with PFAPA (291 patients) experienced their first symptoms before the age of 5 years and fewer than 3% presented at ages above 10 years. Pharyngitis was the most common symptom during febrile episodes, followed by cervical adenitis and aphthous stomatitis. Fourteen percent of the patients displayed atypical features, of which skin rash was the most common. To calculate incidence, 251 patients with symptom onset during the study period were identified. The mean annual incidence was estimated at 0.86/10,000 for children < 18 years of age and 2.6/10,000 for children < 5 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds to the understanding of the epidemiology of PFAPA syndrome by presenting incidence rates based on a large cohort and in different age groups in a population-based setting. It also shows the distribution of age of onset of PFAPA, with a peak in 1-year-olds and waning at older ages. Signs and symptoms of PFAPA syndrome were similar in children with symptom onset before vs. after 5 years of age.

Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis syndrome: Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes - a single center study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is an autoinflammatory disease occurring in children. Although PFAPA is the most common periodic fever syndrome found in children, there are only a few studies defining the clinical characteristics and the efficacy of treatment strategies among Japanese children. This study aimed to clarify the demographic characteristics and clinical features of patients with PFAPA syndrome and to evaluate treatment efficacy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features of children with PFAPA who visited Saitama Children's Medical Center between January and December 2019. We also evaluated treatment strategies and their efficacy; abortive treatment with corticosteroids, prophylaxis with cimetidine or colchicine, and surgical management with tonsillectomy. RESULTS: A total of 100 Japanese children (61% male) with PFAPA were included. Median age of onset was 3 years, median duration of fever episodes was 5 days, and median interval between episodes was 4 weeks. The symptoms (frequencies) were pharyngitis (89%), exudate on tonsils (71%), cervical adenitis (50%), and aphthous stomatitis (49%). Approximately 37% of patients took prednisolone for aborting fever attacks, showing a 100% response; 93% were treated with cimetidine, showing an 79.6% response, and 18% were treated with colchicine, showing a 66.7% response. Only one patient underwent tonsillectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Among Japanese children with PFAPA, 28% of them were ≥5 years with a male predominance. Pharyngitis is the most frequent symptom associated with fever. Cimetidine is suitable for initial therapy because of its safety and efficacy.

Cytopathological and bacteriological studies on caseous lymphadenitis in cattle slaughtered at Bishoftu municipal abattoir, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic bacterial infectious disease that affects cattle, shoats, and other domestic and wild ruminants. METHODS: A purposive cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 cattle with enlarged lymph nodes to investigate CLA using cytopathological and bacteriological techniques from cattle slaughtered at Bishoftu municipal abattoir. RESULTS: From a total of 30 cattle subjected to clinical and post-mortem examinations, only one bull was found to be infected with a rare case of CLA in Bishoftu municipal abattoir, Ethiopia. Enlargement of the pre-scapular lymph node was the only clinical finding during ante-mortem inspection of the bull. The gross pathological lesion showed a pre-scapular lymph node with a caseo-necrotic dystrophic calcification that was accompanied by a rough texture and white to grayish hue. Histopathologically, the lymph node was characterized by central liquefactive necrosis that was surrounded by coagulative necrosis containing multiple foci of mineralization, infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and mononuclear immature fibrosis containing inflammatory cells and also with some sort of a thick layer of mature fibrosis that defines the magnitude of the lesion. Cytologically, multi-lobulated (intact and degenerated) neutrophils, a few reactive lymphocytes, macrophages and some crenated histocytes have been recognized. The bacterial culture of the sample revealed small, white cream, dry, waxy colonies with a narrow area of ß-haemolysis. The isolate of the sample was a Gram-positive cocci-bacilli that was arranged in a Chinese pattern on Gram staining, and catalase and urease were positive in the biochemical analysis of this organism, which was able to ferment glucose and maltose but not trehalose and xylose. CONCLUSIONS: The present investigation indicated that CLA was prevalent as sporadic cases among cattle slaughtered in Bishoftu municipal abattoir. Thus, effective preventive and control measures, such as good sanitation and hygiene, should be followed during meat inspection.

[Estimation of economic burden of bacillus Calmette-Guérin lymphadenitis in Shandong Province based on compensation for abnormal reaction to vaccination].

Objective: To investigate the economic burden of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) lymphadenitis in Shandong Province. Methods: From May 2011 to December 2019, 304 patients applying for the province-level compensation of BCG lymphadenitis was selected from Shandong Province in this study. The basic situation, vaccination, outpatient (inpatient) records, cost and relevant information of those patients were collected to calculate the direct economic burden (including direct medical costs and direct non-medical costs), indirect economic burden and total economic burden. Comparison of the difference of economic burden of cases with different characteristics was taken. Results: The M(Q1,Q3) of age of BCG lymphadenitis patients was 3 (2, 4) months, among which 239 cases (78.6%) were male, 71 cases (23.4%) had lymphadenopathy, and 227 cases (74.7%) underwent surgery.The number of outpatient only, inpatient only and outpatient then inpatient was 25.7% (78 cases), 7.2% (22 cases) and 67.1% (204 cases), respectively. The M(Q1,Q3) of direct, indirect and total economic burden of single case after discount was 9 910 (5 713, 16 074), 2 081 (1 547, 3 122) and 12 262 (7 694, 18 571) yuan, respectively.The direct medical expenses accounted for 89.4% of the direct economic burden, the direct economic burden accounted for 84.9% of the total economic burden, the total economic burden of 80.0% cases accounted for only about 20.0% of the compensation amount, and the total economic burden of only 2.3% cases accounted for more than 60.0% of the compensation amount.The direct, indirect and total economic burden of patients with inpatient only and outpatient then inpatient was higher than that of patients with outpatient only; the direct, indirect and total economic burden of patients with operation was higher than that of patients with non-operation; the direct and total economic burden of patients with unulcerated lymph node was higher than that of patients with ulcerated lymph node(all P values<0.05). Conclusion: The economic burden of BCG lymphadenitis cases in Shandong Province is influenced by the mode of diagnosis and treatment, with direct medical expenses as the predominant component.

Epidemiological characteristics and trends of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin lymphadenitis in Shanghai, China from 2010 to 2019.

Although the administration of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is generally safe, lymphadenitis, the most common complication of BCG vaccination, can occur. Here, we describe the epidemiological characteristics and incidence trends of BCG lymphadenitis in Shanghai, China, among a population with a high burden of tuberculosis. A total of 56 cases of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) after BCG vaccination were reported in Shanghai, including 51 cases of BCG lymphadenitis (91.07%), from 2010 to 2019. The general incidence of BCG lymphadenitis was 173 per 1,000,000 doses in Shanghai from 2010 to 2019. A nonsignificant increase of 58.81% per year was observed between 2010 and 2012 (t = 0.93; p = .40), followed by a significant decline of 28.00% per year from 2012 to 2019 (t = -4.27; p < .01). Seven batches of BCG vaccines triggered three or more BCG lymphadenitis cases, for 27 (52.94%) cases in total. We identified two patients with immunodeficiency of chronic granulomatous disease, one of whom died four years later after BCG vaccination and another of whom was still being treated after two transplants. The average total care cost of the 47 recovered cases was 11,336 RMB (range: 2,637-33,861 RMB). Due to the high burden of BCG lymphadenitis, especially in children with immunodeficiency, it is suggested that government departments should strengthen healthcare provider training, assign specific nurses to perform BCG vaccination, monitor vaccinated individuals actively and timely detect abnormal signals so as to reduce the incidence of BCG lymphadenitis.

Epidemiological, bacteriological and molecular studies on caseous lymphadenitis in sheep of Dakhlia, Egypt.

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic and insidious disease that mainly affects small ruminants and caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis (C. pseudotuberculosis). The aims of this research were to identify C. pseudotuberculosis by PCR from pyogenic lesions, to study the phylogenetic analysis of C. pseudotuberculosis and to detect the prevalence based on the detected superficial lesions of CLA in Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Out of 3471 clinically examined animals, 129 (3.71%) animals were affected with CLA. The isolation rate of C. pseudotuberculosis in abscess of sheep was 45.74% (59/129). Out of 129 samples examined by PCR assay, 63 (48.83%) were positive phospholipase D (PLD) indicated at fragment size 203 bp. This is the first phylogenetic analysis study of C. pseudotuberculosis isolate in Egypt which was isolated from infected sheep. Nucleotide sequence identity data demonstrated that C. pseudotuberculosis PLD gene (MW187942) Dakahlia share homology 99.01%, 98.83 and 98.48% with Zagazig, Egypt (MN867024), Tamil nadu, India (MG720636) and Sudan (MG692441), respectively. In conclusion, this study provided information on the molecular detection and phylogeny of C. pseudotuberculosis in Egypt. Findings of this study can be conducted in other CLA endemic countries with similar animal breeding practices in the Middle East and developing countries.

Estimation of economic burden of bacillus Calmette-Guérin lymphadenitis in Shandong Province based on compensation for abnormal reaction to vaccination / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the economic burden of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) lymphadenitis in Shandong Province. Methods: From May 2011 to December 2019, 304 patients applying for the province-level compensation of BCG lymphadenitis was selected from Shandong Province in this study. The basic situation, vaccination, outpatient (inpatient) records, cost and relevant information of those patients were collected to calculate the direct economic burden (including direct medical costs and direct non-medical costs), indirect economic burden and total economic burden. Comparison of the difference of economic burden of cases with different characteristics was taken. Results: The M(Q1,Q3) of age of BCG lymphadenitis patients was 3 (2, 4) months, among which 239 cases (78.6%) were male, 71 cases (23.4%) had lymphadenopathy, and 227 cases (74.7%) underwent surgery.The number of outpatient only, inpatient only and outpatient then inpatient was 25.7% (78 cases), 7.2% (22 cases) and 67.1% (204 cases), respectively. The M(Q1,Q3) of direct, indirect and total economic burden of single case after discount was 9 910 (5 713, 16 074), 2 081 (1 547, 3 122) and 12 262 (7 694, 18 571) yuan, respectively.The direct medical expenses accounted for 89.4% of the direct economic burden, the direct economic burden accounted for 84.9% of the total economic burden, the total economic burden of 80.0% cases accounted for only about 20.0% of the compensation amount, and the total economic burden of only 2.3% cases accounted for more than 60.0% of the compensation amount.The direct, indirect and total economic burden of patients with inpatient only and outpatient then inpatient was higher than that of patients with outpatient only; the direct, indirect and total economic burden of patients with operation was higher than that of patients with non-operation; the direct and total economic burden of patients with unulcerated lymph node was higher than that of patients with ulcerated lymph node(all P values<0.05). Conclusion: The economic burden of BCG lymphadenitis cases in Shandong Province is influenced by the mode of diagnosis and treatment, with direct medical expenses as the predominant component.

Direct Relationship between Interleukin-10 Gene Polymorphism and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Complicated by Direct Acting Antiviral Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the correlation between the genotyping of interleukin-10 (IL-10 polymorphism rs 1800871) and the incidence hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) treated with direct acting antivirals (DAAs). METHOD: For 200 patients with HCV infection who completed DAA treatment and followed up for 1 year, IL-10 polymorphism SNP(-819) rs 1800871 analysis was conducted via real time polymerase chain reaction. During the follow-up period, 100 patients who developed HCC were selected and compared with 100 patients who did not develop any complications. RESULTS: The studied patients were divided into two groups according to the incidence of complications after completion of DAA treatments. During the follow-up, 100 patients with HCV infection who developed HCC were selected and compared with 100 patients with HCV infection who did not develop any complications (positive control group). For the HCC group (n = 100), the mean age was 58.1 ± 6.4 years, with 92.7% being male and 7.3% being female; 91% had cirrhosis, 10% had lymphadenitis, 75% had splenomegaly, and 17% had ascites. In the positive control group (n = 100), mean age was 46.3 ± 9.4 years, with 68% being male and 32% being female; 20% had cirrhosis, 12% had splenomegaly, and 4.2% had ascites. The results demonstrated that sofosbuvir (SOF) + daclatasvir + ribavirin regimen was the most prevalent drug treatment for patients with HCC (72%), while SOF + Simeprevir was the most safe treatment for HCV infection among patients with HCC (2%). CT genotype was the most common genotype in the HCC group (56%), among different drug regimen (67.8%). T allele was the most prevalent in HCC group (61%), while the C allele was the least prevalent (39%). CONCLUSION: IL-10 genotyping may help in selecting the safest and most accurate drug regimen according to the safest genotype response relationship and follow-up of genotype resistance.

Tuberculosis Lymphadenitis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Co-infections among Lymphadenitis Patients in Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are among the major health problems in Ethiopia. This study assessed the proportion of tuberculosis lymphadenitis (TBLN), HIV infection and their co-infection among TBLN presumptive individuals at the selected hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution based cross sectional study was carried out. Data on demographic and clinical variables were collected with standardized questionnaire. Microbiological culture was done on specimen obtained by fine needle aspirates. The HIV status was determined by rapid anti-HIV antibody test. Data was entered and scrutinized using SPSS version 20 statistical packages. A stepwise logistic regression model was used. The result was considered as statistically significant at P<0. 05. RESULTS: A total of 381 lymphadenitis patients were included in the study. The overall prevalence of TBLN and HIV were at 250(65.6%) and 9(2.4%), respectively and their co-infection was at 6(2.4%). Based on the cytological examination, 301(79.0%) of them were diagnosed as TBLN. The age group, (P=0.01) and residency, (P=0.01) were found significantly associated with TBLN. Similarly, unsafe sex was also statistically significant for HIV infection (P=0.007). CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis lymphadenitis is the leading cause of TB and lymphadenitis in the region. However, TBLN-HIV coinfection was promisingly low. High rate of discrepancy was noticed between cytological and culture results. Hence, the TBLN diagnostic criteria shall pursue revision.

Pathology, bacteriology and molecular studies on caseous lymphadenitis in Camelus dromedarius in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2015-2020.

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) or pseudotuberculosis is a chronic zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, which affects livestock and humans. This study aimed to describe the pathology, bacteriology and confirm the identity of the pathogen by 16S rRNA gene sequencing in Camelus dromedarius. A total of 12 camels with suspected CLA in three regions of Abu Dhabi Emirate (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra), United Arab Emirate (UAE) were subjected to clinical and postmortem examinations from January 2015 to December 2020. Clinically, camels were emaciated and showed the presence of external caseous abscesses suggestive of CLA. Postmortem examination showed multiple abscesses of variable sizes with caseous material encapsulated by fibrous tissue in the liver, lungs, muscle, and lymph nodes. Following clinical and postmortem examination, blood, pus and different tissue samples were collected for subsequent analysis. Histopathological examination of all organs stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) indicated a central caseo-necrotic core that was admixed with bacterial colonies and infiltration of chronic inflammatory cells, surrounded by a pyogenic membrane, and an outer fibrous connective tissue capsule. Bacterial culture identified the isolates of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biotype ovis strain, and these isolates were shown to be sensitive to all antibiotics tested (penicillin, ampicillin, Co-trimoxazole, enrofloxacin and tetracycline). Moreover, the identity of the isolates was confirmed by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene which showed a 100% identity to Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence clearly differentiates Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis from other species of Corynebacterium. Briefly, this study provided the basic information for infection of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in Camels and will help in controlling of this pathogen in the region.

Children and Adults with PFAPA Syndrome: Similarities and Divergences in a Real-Life Clinical Setting.

INTRODUCTION: Analogies or differences of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome in children and adults are barely known. The aim of our study was to compare the overall characteristics of a large cohort of patients, both children and adults, diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome. METHODS: In the last decade, we identified 120 children and 63 adults with periodically recurring fevers, who fulfilled the criteria for PFAPA diagnosis. The two subcohorts were analyzed according to demographic features, clinical manifestations, laboratory data, and responses to therapies. RESULTS: The mean age of onset was 2.4 ± 1.5 and 19.7 ± 10.3 years, respectively, in children and adults, while attacks occurred every 3.8 ± 0.8 and every 4.3 ± 2.3 weeks, respectively, in children and adults. A higher prevalence of exudative pharyngitis was observed in children (58.8%), and the majority of children had only two cardinal signs during flares. In adults, there was a higher interpersonal variability of the intercritical periods. Inflammatory markers measured during non-febrile periods were normal in children but altered in the totality of adults during febrile periods. A strong efficacy of corticosteroids in controlling the pediatric syndrome was observed, but response rates to steroids were less brilliant in adults. Colchicine and interleukin-1 inhibitors were used in the management of the steroid-resistant adult syndrome. Conversely, tonsillectomy was performed in a very low number of children, but was effective in 60.7% of adults when treated after 16 years. The mean age of disappearance of PFAPA symptoms has been 6.4 ± 2.4 years in children, while only 27% of adults have shown a complete drug-free symptom regression. CONCLUSIONS: A linear conformity of the PFAPA syndrome has been observed between pediatric and adult patients. PFAPA symptoms tended to disappear with no sequelae in 94.1% of children, while the disease was still active in almost 3/4 of adults at the time of our assessment.

Caseous lymphadenitis outbreak in a small ruminant herd.

BACKGROUND: Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis that affects small ruminants worldwide. AIM: The objective of this case report is to describe an outbreak of CLA that occurred at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, in the summer of 2019 and the management strategies employed therein to contain the spread. METHODS: After careful physical screening, blood serum samples from the entire herd (n = 218 sheep, n = 32 goats) were tested using the synergistic hemolysis inhibition test to reveal antibodies present. RESULTS: Animals with titer counts above 1:64 and/or containing CLA lesions were isolated and culled (n = 33 sheep,n = 4 goats) within 2 weeks of testing. Female sheep (n = 160) had higher titer counts and were culled at a much higher rate than male sheep (n = 58) (20% vs. 1.72%), whereas male goats (n = 9) more often had high titer counts and were culled as opposed to female goats (n = 23) (33.33% vs. 4.35%). CONCLUSION: Vaccines were administered to the remainder of the herd following culling. Additional management strategies were employed, the outcome of which was a zero recurrence through August 2021.