[Molecular phylogeny and genetic variability of echovirus 30 based on the analysis of the 3' end of the VP1 gene]. / Phylogénie moléculaire et variabilité génétique des échovirus 30 basées sur l'analyse de la région 3' terminale du gène VP1.

Echovirus 30 represent one of the most frequently isolated enterovirus serotype, incriminated in various pathologies, essentially aseptic meningitis. Several works studied the molecular epidemiology of these viruses. By analysing a region of 260 nucleotides situated in the end of the VP1 gene (region regrouping the majority of the sequences of the Echovirus 30), we proposed to realise a synthesis work which regroup the main epidemiological studies on the Echovirus 30. We established a phylogenetic profile of 87 Echovirus strains geographically distinct and isolated during a half a century (1957-2003). The phylogentic tree permitted to distinguish 2 genogroups which the nucleotide divergence exceeds 20%. The 2 genogroups also present internal subdivisions named genotypes which the nucleotide divergence is more than 15%. Finally, we noted phylogenetic regroupings within a same genotype. The general profile of the phylogenetic tree is characterised by a distribution of the Echovirus 30 strains in the time independently of their geographically isolation, which reveals a genetic evolution of these viruses related to their high genetic plasticity and the rapid circulation from a geographic area to another.

[Severe forms of liver involvement in visceral leishmaniasis. Apropos of 7 cases]. / Les formes sévères d'atteinte hépatique au cours de la leishmaniose viscérale. A propos de 7 cas.

In a series of 180 cases of Kala-azar, hepatic involvement was found in 16 patients. The authors report 7 cases of severe hepatitis with cytolysis, cholestasis and liver failure. These patients presented with high triglyceride, low cholesterol and low alpha-lipoprotein blood levels. The authors suggest that an activation of the mononuclear phagocyte system might explain these abnormalities.

[Pseudotumoral lambda chain pulmonary amyloidosis]. / Amylose pulmonaire pseudo-tumorale à chaîne lambda.

A case is described of primary multi-nodular pulmonary amyloidosis which was "pseudotumoral" and its progress had been under observation for eight years. Protein analysis revealed that it was a monoclonal light chain and there was no evidence of myeloma. It appears to be of a local pathology and is of the same type as amyloid tumors of the bronchi.