Enhancing the interferon-γ release assay through omission of nil and mitogen values.

PURPOSE: To address the limited utility of the interferon (IFN)-γ release assay (IGRA) caused by its variability and inconsistency. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was based on data obtained between 2011 and 2019. QuantiFERON-TB Gold-In-Tube was used to measure IFN-γ levels in nil, tuberculosis (TB) antigen, and mitogen tubes. RESULTS: Of 9,378 cases, 431 had active TB. The non-TB group comprised 1,513 IGRA-positive, 7,202 IGRA-negative, and 232 IGRA-indeterminate cases. Nil-tube IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in the active TB group (median = 0.18 IU/mL; interquartile range: 0.09-0.45 IU/mL) than in the IGRA-positive non-TB (0.11 IU/mL; 0.06-0.23 IU/mL) and IGRA-negative non-TB (0.09 IU/mL; 0.05-0.15 IU/mL) groups (P < 0.0001). From receiver operating characteristic analysis, TB antigen tube IFN-γ levels had higher diagnostic utility for active TB than TB antigen minus nil values. In a logistic regression analysis, active TB was the main driver of higher nil values. In the active TB group, after reclassifying the results based on a TB antigen tube IFN-γ level of 0.48 IU/mL, 14/36 cases with negative results and 15/19 cases with indeterminate results became positive, while 1/376 cases with positive results became negative. Overall, the sensitivity for detecting active TB improved from 87.2 to 93.7%. CONCLUSION: The results of our comprehensive assessment can aid in IGRA interpretation. Since nil values are governed by TB infection rather than reflecting background noise, TB antigen tube IFN-γ levels should be used without subtracting nil values. Despite indeterminate results, TB antigen tube IFN-γ levels can be informative.

Effect of ferritin, INR, and D-dimer immunological parameters levels as predictors of COVID-19 mortality: A strong prediction with the decision trees.

Background and objective: A hyperinflammatory environment is thought to be the distinctive characteristic of COVID-19 infection and an important mediator of morbidity. This study aimed to determine the effect of other immunological parameter levels, especially ferritin, as a predictor of COVID-19 mortality via decision-trees analysis. Material and method: This is a retrospective study evaluating a total of 2568 patients who died (n = 232) and recovered (n = 2336) from COVID-19 in August and December 2021. Immunological laboratory data were compared between two groups that died and recovered from patients with COVID-19. In addition, decision trees from machine learning models were used to evaluate the performance of immunological parameters in the mortality of the COVID-19 disease. Results: Non-surviving from COVID-19 had 1.75 times higher ferritin, 10.7 times higher CRP, 2.4 times higher D-dimer, 1.14 times higher international-normalized-ratio (INR), 1.1 times higher Fibrinogen, 22.9 times higher procalcitonin, 3.35 times higher troponin, 2.77 mm/h times higher erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate (ESR), 1.13sec times longer prothrombin time (PT) when compared surviving patients. In addition, our interpretable decision tree, which was constructed with only the cut-off values of ferritin, INR, and D-dimer, correctly predicted 99.7% of surviving patients and 92.7% of non-surviving patients. Conclusions: This study perfectly predicted the mortality of COVID-19 with our interpretable decision tree constructed with INR and D-dimer, especially ferritin. For this reason, we think that it may be important to include ferritin, INR, and D-dimer parameters and their cut-off values in the scoring systems to be planned for COVID-19 mortality.

Diagnostic Role and Methods of Detection of Cardiac Troponins: An Opinion from Historical and Current Points of View.

The laboratory methods for the determination of cardiac troponins (cTnI, cTnT) used nowadays are extremely diverse, which has a significant impact on our understanding of the biology and diagnostic the value of cTnI and cTnT as biomarkers. The main classification of methods for the determination of cTnI and cTnT is based on the sensitivity of the immunoassay. Low- and moderately sensitive detection methods are known to be relatively less sensitive, which leads to a relatively late confirmation of cardiomyocyte death. Due to the new highly sensitive methods used to determine cTnI and cTnT, designated as a highly or ultrasensitive immunoassays (hs-TnT and hs-TnT), we received new, revised data about the biology of cardiac troponin molecules. In particular, it became clear that they can be considered products of normal myocardium metabolism since hs-TnT and hs-TnT are detected in almost all healthy patients. It also turned out that hs-TnT and hs-TnT differ by gender (in men, troponin concentration in the blood is higher than in women), age (in elderly patients, the levels of troponins are higher than in young ones) and circadian cycles (morning concentrations of troponins are higher than in the evening). A large variety of methods for determining cTnI and cTnT, differing in their diagnostic capabilities, creates the need for tests to perform an unbiased assessment of the analytical characteristics of each method. This review focuses on the most pressing issues related to the discussion of the biological characteristics of cardiac troponin and the analytical characteristics of troponin immunoassays from a historical and contemporary point of view.

Herpes Zoster Duplex Bilateralis After Trauma Induced Emotional Dysregulation: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is usually distributed on one side of the body; HZ duplex bilateralis is very rare with only 0.1% of all HZ cases. The occurrence of HZ duplex bilateralis is associated with abnormal immune function. In this report, we present a case of a 47-year-old woman who had no major health issues developed HZ duplex bilateralis after an adverse life event and extreme depression one month ago. HZ related symptoms were controlled after patient received antiviral, analgesic, and nerve-nourishing treatment in our hospital.

Laboratory testing techniques for monkeypox virus / 中华皮肤科杂志

Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease caused by monkeypox virus infection. Monkeypox has become a public health emergency of international concern, since it first spread widely in many regions outside Africa in 2022. Accurate and effective detection methods are particularly important for the diagnosis and screening of monkeypox virus infection. This review summarizes laboratory testing techniques for monkeypox virus in recent years, and compares principles and detection performance of microscopy, culture, nucleic acid testing and immunological methods.

Metaanálisis de la validez del inmunodiagnóstico del virus linfotrópico de células T humanas i/ii en bancos de sangre, 2000-2018 / Meta-analysis regarding the validity of the immunodiagnosis of human T-cell lymphotropic virus I/II in blood banks, 2000-2018 / Meta-análise da validade do imunodiagnóstico do vírus linfotrópico de células t humanas I/II em bancos de sangue, 2000-2018

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la validez del inmunodiagnóstico del htlv i/ii en bancos de sangre, con base en estudios publicados en la literatura científica. Metodología: Se efectuó un metaanálisis de pruebas diagnósticas siguiendo la guía prisma y las recomendaciones de Cochrane. Se evaluó la calidad metodológica con quadas y se garantizó la reproducibilidad y la exhaustividad. Se realizó también un análisis de efectos aleatorios para la sensibilidad, la especificidad, los cocientes de probabilidad, la razón de momios diagnóstica y la curva característica operativa del receptor (roc) con sus intervalos de confianza (ic) del 95 %. Resultados: Se tamizaron 4604 estudios, de los cuales solo tres cumplieron el protocolo. Se evaluaron 548 infectados con htlv i/ii y 6643 sanos. El inmunodiagnóstico de htlv i/ii presentó una sensibilidad del 99 % (ic95 % = 98,0-99,0), especificidad del 100 % (ic95 % = 99,9-100), cocientes de probabilidad positivo de 315,8 (ic95 % = 128,2-778,5) y negativo de 0,02 (ic95 % = 0,01-0,04), razón de momios diagnóstica de 24373 (ic95 % = 6864-86545) y área bajo la curva roc del 99,9 %. Conclusión: Se dispone de pocos estudios en este campo del inmunodiagnóstico htlv i/ii. El elevado número de sujetos analizados evidenció alta validez del inmunodiagnóstico, lo que resulta determinante para garantizar la inocuidad de las unidades de sangre, la detección de portadores asintomáticos, la disminución de la transmisión y el inicio de tratamiento.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the validity of the immunodiagnosis of htlv i/ii in blood banks, based on studies published in the scientific literature. Methodology: A meta-analysis of diagnostic tests was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane recommendations. The methodological quality was evaluated with QUADAS, and reproducibility and completeness were guaranteed. A random effects analysis was also performed with respect to sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratio, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) with their 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Results: 4,604 studies were screened, of which only three complied with the protocol. 548 subjects infected with HTLV I/II and 6,643 healthy subjects were evaluated. The immunodiagnosis of HTLV I/II had a sensitivity of 99 % (95 % CI = 98.0-99.0), a specificity of 100 % (95 % CI = 99.9-100), a positive likelihood ratio of 315.8 (95 % CI = 128.2-778.5) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.02 (95 % CI = 0.01-0.04), a diagnostic odds ratio of 24,373 (95 % CI = 6,864-86,545), and an area under the ROC curve of 99.9 %. Conclusion: Few studies are available in the field of HTLV I/II immunodiagnosis. The high number of subjects analyzed showed high validity of the immunodiagnosis, which is decisive to guarantee the safety of the blood units, the detection of asymptomatic carriers, the decrease in transmission, and the start of treatment.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a validade do imunodiagnóstico do HTLV I/II nos bancos de sangue, baseados nos estudos publicados na literatura científica. Metodologia: Foi realizada uma meta-análise de testes diagnósticos seguindo a guia PRISMA e as recomendações de Cochrane. Foi avaliada a qualidade metodológica com QUADAS e garantiu-se a reprodutibilidade e a integridade. Realizou-se também uma análise de efeitos aleatórios para a sensibilidade, a especificidade, os quocientes de probabilidade, a razão de probabilidade diagnóstica e a Curva Característica de Operação do Receptor (Curva ROC) com seus Intervalos de Confiança (IC) de 95%. Resultados: Foram selecionados 4604 estudos, dos quais somente 3 cumpriram com o protocolo. Foram avaliados 548 infectados com o vírus HTLV I/II e 6.643 saudáveis. O imunodiagnóstico de HTLV I/II apresentou uma sensibilidade de 99% (IC95% = 98,0-99,0), especificidade de 100% (IC95%= 99,9-100), quocientes de probalidade positiva de 315,8 (IC95% = 128,2-778,5) e negativo de 0,02 (IC95% = 0,01-0,04), razão de probabilidade diagnóstica de 24373 (IC95% = 6864-86545) e área sob a curva ROC de 99,9%. Conclusão: São poucos os estudos disponíveis neste campo do imunodiagnóstico HTLV I/II. O elevado número de pessoas analisadas evidenciou alta validade do imunodiagnóstico, o que é decisivo para garantir a inocuidade das unidades de sangue, a detecção de portadores assintomáticos, a diminuição da transmissão e o início do tratamento.

Suspected systemic rheumatic diseases in patients presenting with cytopenias.

Cytopenias may herald or concur with the onset of various systemic rheumatic diseases. Accordingly, patients with reduced blood cell counts are often referred for possible underlying autoimmune disease. Initial evaluation aims to exclude nonrheumatic causes such as drug toxicity, infections, or hematological/myelopoiesis disorders. Patient interview and physical examination are critical to unravel features related to or suggestive of rheumatic disease. Based on the clinical scenario, targeted immunological testing may provide additional diagnostic insights. Yet, not all patients may present with full-fledged, criteria-classified disease at early stages. Accordingly, physicians should have a high index of suspicion for individuals who present with a combination of immune/inflammatory cytopenia(s) and relevant clinical (e.g., synovitis) and/or serological manifestations, even if these are few in number or nonspecific (e.g., ANA). Ongoing studies in preclinical or early autoimmunity cohorts could lead to the discovery of diagnostic biomarkers applicable also to patients with cytopenias and suspected rheumatic disease.

The Role of Molecular Tests in the Diagnosis of Disseminated Histoplasmosis.

Histoplasmosis is an emerging fungal disease, with global distribution. The disseminated form of the disease is a more severe infection, generally associated with AIDS. Classic diagnostic methods for histoplasmosis consist of microscopy, culture, and histopathology. More recently, the importance of Histoplasma antigen detection has dominated the literature on histoplasmosis diagnosis, but the relevance of molecular assays has not been as much studied. Here we describe the results of a systematic literature review focusing on studies that mainly compared immunological techniques (Histoplasma urine antigen detection) with molecular tests for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis. In addition to the review of comparative studies using such diagnostic techniques, the literature on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests in patients with disseminated histoplasmosis is also summarized. Two studies reported the comparison between immunological and molecular methods applied simultaneously for the diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis. PCR demonstrates a satisfactory performance assisting in the detection of Histoplasma spp. DNA in clinical samples.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in a blood bank of Medellín-Colombia, 2005-2018 / Seroprevalencia del virus de la hepatitis c en un banco de sangre de medellín-colombia, 2005-2018

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la seroprevalencia del virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) en donantes de un banco de sangre de Medellín- Colombia en el periodo 2005-2018 e identificar sus factores asociados. Se realizó un estudio ecológico mixto con 166603 sujetos. La descripción se realizó con frecuencias, series de tiempo con las seroprevalencias y sus intervalos de confianza del 95 %. Se estimaron razones de odds crudas y ajustadas mediante regresión logística binaria en SPSS 25.0®. La seroprevalencia fue 0,567 % (IC 95 % = 0,53-0,60) con una endemia baja y estable desde el 2010. Los únicos factores que presentaron diferencias estadísticas en la seroprevalencia fueron el grupo etario y la frecuencia de donación, con una infección 23 % mayor en los donantes con edad mayor de 40 años (frente a las personas con edad entre 18-40), y 94 % mayor en los donantes de primera vez, en comparación con quienes donan a repetición . Se concluye que en Medellín los niveles endémicos del VHC han sido estables y bajos en la última década, evidenciando la importancia de la vigilancia epidemiológica que realizan los bancos de sangre. La menor prevalencia en la última década hace suponer una exposición diferencial al virus en función de la generación a la que se pertenece, de manera que el efecto de cohorte de nacimiento debe ser investigada en estudios posteriores.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in donors of a Medellín-Colombia blood bank in the 2005-2018 period and to identify its associated factors. A mixed ecological study was conducted with 166603 donors. The description was made with frequencies, time series with seroprevalences and their 95 % confidence intervals. Odds ratios were estimated raw and adjusted by binary logistic regression in SPSS 25.0®. The seroprevalence was 0.567 % (95 % CI = 0.53-0.60) with a low and stable endemicity since 2010. The only factors that presented statistical differences in seroprevalence were the age group and the frequency of donation, with an infection 23 % higher in donors aged over 40 years (compared to people aged 18-40), and 94 % higher in first-time donors, compared to repeat ones. It is concluded that in Medellín the endemic levels of HCV have been stable and low in the last decade, evidencing the importance of the epidemiological surveillance carried out by blood banks. The lower prevalence in the last decade suggests a differential exposure to the virus depending on the generation to which it belongs, so that the birth cohort effect that should be studied in later research.

Meta-analyses of the validity and performance of screening tests for Hepatitis C Virus in the blood banks, 2000-2018 / Metaanálisis de la validez y el desempeño de las pruebas de tamización del virus de la hepatitis c en bancos de sangre, 2000-2018

RESUMEN Este estudio evaluó la validez y desempeño del inmunodiagnóstico del virus de la hepatitis C (VHC), con base en estudios publicados en la literatura científica mundial. Se diseñó y validó un protocolo de búsqueda y selección de investigaciones en las fases de la guía PRISMA, se analizaron los parámetros de sensibilidad, especificidad, cocientes de probabilidad, razón de odds y curva ROC, en MetaDisc. Se tamizaron 4602 estudios, de los cuales sólo 545 se realizaron en bancos de sangre y 18 evaluaron la validez diagnóstica de las pruebas para el VHC. La mayoría de los estudios fueron de Europa y Asia, con un 78 % basados en determinación de anticuerpos. Los estudios con detección de anticuerpos se realizaron en 21 483 donantes sanos y 3 145 infectados en quienes se halló una sensibilidad de 97,8 % (IC 95 % = 97,3 - 98,2), especificidad 99,0 % (IC 95 % = 98,9 - 99,2), cociente de probabilidad positivo 75,4 (IC 95 % = 27,2 - 209,2) y negativo de 0,02 (IC 95 % = 0,01 - 0,07) y área bajo la curva de 99,8 %. Se concluye que la detección de anticuerpos presenta excelente validez, desempeño y utilidad diagnóstica para la detección del VHC en donantes de sangre y población general.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the validity and performance of the immunodiagnosis of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), based on studies published in the worldwide scientific literature. A search and selection research protocol was designed and validated in the phases of the PRISMA guide, the parameters of sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, odds ratio, and ROC curve were analyzed in MetaDisc. 4602 studies were screened, of which only 545 were performed in blood banks and 18 evaluated the diagnostic validity of the tests for HCV. Most studies were from Europe and Asia, with 78 % based on antibody determination. Studies with antibody detection were carried out in 21483 healthy donors and 3145 infected patients in whom a sensitivity of 97.8 % (95 % CI = 97.3 - 98.2) was found, 99.0 % specificity (95 % CI = 98.9 - 99.2), positive likelihood ratio 75.4 (95 % CI = 27.2 - 209.2) and negative of 0.02 (95% CI = 0.01 - 0.07) and area under the curve 99.8 %. It is concluded that the detection of antibodies presents excellent validity, performance, and diagnostic utility for the detection of HCV in blood donors and the general population.

Pru p 7 sensitization is a predominant cause of severe, cypress pollen-associated peach allergy.

BACKGROUND: Peach is a common elicitor of food allergic reactions. Peach-induced immediate reactions may occur as benign pollen-food syndromes, usually due to birch pollen-related PR-10 cross-reactivity in temperate climates, and as potentially severe primary food allergies, predominantly related to nsLTP Pru p 3 in Mediterranean regions. The newly described peach allergen Pru p 7 has gained recent attention as a potential peach allergy severity marker. Sensitization to Pru p 7 and its allergenic homologues of the gibberellin-regulated protein family occurs in areas with high Cupressaceae tree pollen exposure. OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the distribution, clinical characteristics and molecular associations of Pru p 7 sensitization among subjects with suspected peach allergy in different regions of France. METHODS: Subjects with suspected peach allergy (n = 316) were included. Diagnostic work-up was performed according to current guidelines, including open food challenge when required. IgE antibody measurements and competition experiments were performed using the ImmunoCAP assay platform. RESULTS: Sensitization to Pru p 7 was present in 171 (54%) of all subjects in the study and in 123 of 198 (62%) diagnosed as peach allergic, more than half of whom were sensitized to no other peach allergen. Frequency and magnitude of Pru p 7 sensitization were associated with the presence of peach allergy, the clinical severity of peach-induced allergic reactions and the level of cypress pollen exposure. Cypress pollen extract completely outcompeted IgE binding to Pru p 7. Pru p 7 was extremely potent in basophil activation tests. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A subtype of Cupressaceae pollinosis, characterized by Pru p 7 sensitization, can be an underlying cause of severe peach allergy.

Rapid Antigen Detection Test for Diagnosis of Bacterial Pharyngitis / 대한내과학회지

Pharyngitis is a prevalent disease of the upper respiratory tract that requires treatment with an antibiotic. Group A streptococci (GAS) are the most frequent etiologic agents of bacterial pharyngitis. Because GAS are susceptible to penicillin, routine antibiotic susceptibility testing is not needed. Generally, patients with bacterial pharyngitis have high fever, cervical lymphadenopathy and tenderness, and tonsillar exudative discharge without symptoms of the common cold (e.g., cough, rhinorrhea, and sneezing). However, differentiating bacterial pharyngitis from viral pharyngitis based only on their clinical manifestations is problematic. Therefore, a bacterial culture or a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) is required for the diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis. Although bacterial culture is the gold standard for diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis, its accuracy is affected by the technical expertise of the technician, and there is a delay of 1–2 days before the results become available. In contrast, the sensitivity of RADT has increased to over 90%, making them suitable for screening purposes. The result of a RADT is available within 5–10 minutes, obviating the need for a second visit to obtain the results of culture. Use of a RADT would enable the optimal antibiotic to be administered earlier, reducing the overuse of antibiotics.

Specific features of immune complexes in patients with sarcoidosis and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Clinical and radiological features of tuberculosis and sarcoidosis are quite overlapping, and therefore, a diagnostic dilemma often persists. There are no commonly accepted criteria for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis due to the lack of data on the etiology of the disease. The exclusion of tuberculosis in every patient with suspected sarcoidosis is a mandatory stage of diagnosis, especially in countries with a high burden of tuberculosis. A prospective study was conducted with two groups of patients: group I (n = 50)-patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis established according to standard criteria; group II (n = 28)-patients with pulmonary tuberculosis with bacterial excretion. The control group (n = 24) was presented by healthy subjects. The examination complex included x-ray, bacteriological, immunological (Mantoux test with 2 TE, TB.SPOT test), and histological methods. All patients and healthy subjects were assessed for immune complexes with the use of the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method and adding of "healthy lung tissue extract" antigens and specific tuberculosis antigens ESAT-6 and SFP-10 in vitro. Significant differences were found in determining specific immune complexes in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Registration of specific immune complex formation with "healthy lung tissue extract" in 100% cases may indicate the autoimmune nature of sarcoidosis. The absence of the immune complex formation in response to ESAT-6/SFP-10 antigens can be used for the differential diagnosis of two diseases. The diagnostic significance of the DLS method was 100% for sarcoidosis and 92.2% for tuberculosis. The data obtained in the study allows not only understanding the etiology of sarcoidosis, but also obtaining new criteria for the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and pulmonary sarcoidosis.

New guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of neurocysticercosis: a difficult proposal for patients in endemic countries.

INTRODUCTION: Recent guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment for neurocysticercosis (NC) from the Infectious Disease Society of America/American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene were developed to be used in the United States and Canada, where only a small fraction of NC cases occur. Areas covered: The paper discusses the strengths and weakness of the proposed guidelines. Expert commentary: Although these new guidelines bring much needed attention to a neglected parasitic disease, some of the recommendations made are based on insufficient and/or inadequate evidence. The authors only recommend one specific immunological assay for use in the diagnosis of NC, when evidence clearly supports other options. The authors strongly recommend dual-anthelminthic for patients with multiple active parenchymal cysts on the basis of one clinical trial that was stopped early. The authors recommend surgical removal of cysts in the fourth ventricle and long-term treatment for subarachnoid NC despite their own admission that there is little evidence to support these recommendations. We propose that clinicians should approach some of the recommendations in the new guidelines with caution and call for the establishment of gold-standard guidelines that can be used and adapted for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with NC worldwide.

Neurocysticercosis: the good, the bad, and the missing.

INTRODUCTION: Neurocysticercosis (NC) is a neglected disease that contributes substantially to neurological morbidity/mortality in lower-income countries and increasingly among high-income countries due to migration. Many advances have been made in understanding NC, but unanswered questions remain Areas covered: This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, immunology, diagnosis, treatment, and eradication of NC. Expert commentary: The global NC prevalence remains unknown and needs proper ascertainment. Further understanding of the pathophysiology of extraparenchymally located cysts is needed to improve management. The role of inflammation, which is required for parasite death and reabsorption, but may lead to severe complications, must be better understood. Valid screening tools including immunological and molecular tests need to be developed to reduce the reliance on neuroimaging which is not usually accessible in endemic areas. Prognosis for people with parenchymal NC is generally good after treatment, but there are no sufficiently powered randomized trials evaluating antiparasitic treatment for extraparenchymal NC. Most people with seizures do not develop epilepsy. Overemphasizing NC as the main cause of epilepsy could increase stigmatization with potential medico/social implications. Several tools for prevention and control of taeniasis/cysticercosis are available, but strategies to eradicate NC must be created with the involvement of all stakeholders.

Prevalence of markers of HIV infection among febrile adults and children in Bo, Sierra Leone, 2012-2013.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence of HIV among febrile patients seeking care in Mercy Hospital, Bo, Sierra Leone, in 2012-2013. RESULTS: A total of 1207 febrile persons were tested for HIV with Determine™ and SD Bioline rapid diagnostic tests kits that detect the presence of HIV antibodies and HIV p24 antigens. The overall prevalence of HIV among the tested patients was 8.9%, which is considerably higher than the < 2% prevalence of HIV reported previously in the general population. While these results are not sufficient to prove a causal relationship, the obtained data imply that HIV positive individuals may be more likely to suffer from febrile infectious diseases than individuals without HIV infection. Increasing the availability and use of HIV testing services will allow antiretroviral therapy to be accessed in a timely manner and improve health status among people living with HIV.

Review on the immunological and molecular diagnosis of neosporosis (years 2011-2016).

Neosporosis, caused by the apicomplexan protozoan Neospora caninum, is a disease which affects a wide range of mammalian hosts (mainly cattle and dogs). N. caninum infection is considered the major cause of livestock abortions worldwide, and therefore is responsible for great losses in the industry. Because there are no effective treatments or vaccines, diagnosis is essential for pathogen control. Studies of N. caninum mechanisms of pathogenesis have led to the identification of new antigens, including NcSRS2, NcSAG1, Ncp40, NcSUB1, NcMIC10, and NcGRAs; and a variety of molecular and immunological assays, based on these molecules, have been proposed to detect N. caninum in tissues or serum samples. We report advances achieved in the last five years in neosporosis control, based on the immunological and molecular diagnostic tests.

Interferon-gamma release assay versus tuberculin skin test for latent tuberculosis infection among HIV patients in Brazil

Abstract Setting Patients HIV+ attending in a reference clinic, Southern Brazil. Objective To compare the interferon-gamma-release assay (IGRA – QuantiFERON® TB Gold In-Tube) with the tuberculin skin test (TST – PPD-Rt 23) for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in patients with HIV. Design Cohort study. Patients were simultaneously submitted to the TST and blood collection for the IGRA. Results A total of 140 subjects were included. Nine (6.4%) were IGRA+/TST+, 12 (8.6%) were IGRA+/TST−, 4 (3%) were IGRA−/TST+, and 115 (82%) IGRA−/TST−. There was poor agreement between tests (kappa = 0.2), and no correlation between these results and CD4+ T lymphocyte counts. During follow-up, one patient with negative results on both tests died from sepsis, and another with discordant results (IGRA+/TST−) exhibited TST seroconversion. Compared to the TST, IGRA showed a sensitivity and specificity of 69% and 90%, respectively. The IGRA detected 8% more positive results than the TST. All patients were followed up for 2 years. Conclusion The higher accuracy of the IGRA would result in LTBI treatments being administered to patients who would have otherwise been overlooked, decreasing the number of active tuberculosis cases. The long-term survival of HIV carriers requires further evaluation.