New Human Immunodeficiency Virus Diagnosis Independently Associated With Rectal Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in Men Who Have Sex With Men.

BACKGROUND: Rectal sexually transmitted infections (STI) have been associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis, but inferring a causal association requires disentangling them from receptive anal intercourse (RAI). METHODS: We conducted a stratified case-control study by frequency matching 4 controls to each case within year using clinical data from men who have sex with men (MSM) attending the Seattle STD Clinic 2001 to 2014. Cases were MSM with a new HIV diagnosis and negative HIV test at 12 months or less. Controls were HIV-negative MSM. All included men had rectal STI testing, tested negative for syphilis, and had complete sexual behavior data. We categorized men by RAI: (1) none; (2) condoms for all RAI; (3) condomless RAI only with HIV-negative partners; and (4) condomless RAI with HIV-positive or unknown-status partners. We created 3 logistic regression models: (1) 3 univariate models of concurrent rectal gonorrhea, rectal chlamydia, and rectal STI in 12 months or less with new HIV diagnosis; (2) those 3 infections, plus age, race, year, number of sexual partners in 2 months or less, and methamphetamine use; and (3) model 2 with RAI categories. We calculated the population attributable risk of rectal STI on HIV diagnoses. RESULTS: Among 176 cases and 704 controls, rectal gonorrhea, chlamydia and rectal STI in 12 months or less were associated with HIV diagnosis. The magnitude of these associations attenuated in the second model, but persisted in model 3 (gonorrhea: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-3.8; chlamydia: aOR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.5-4.3; prior STI: aOR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.5-6.2). One in 7 HIV diagnoses can be attributed to rectal STI. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal STI are independently associated with HIV acquisition. These findings support the hypothesis that rectal STI play a biologically mediated causal role in HIV acquisition and support screening/treatment of STI for HIV prevention.

Características clínicas asociadas a colitis eosinofílica en lactantes con rectorragia persistente / Clinical features of Eosinophilic Colitis in infants with persistent rectal bleeding

The most common presentation of cow's milk protein allergy (CMP) in infants is known as eosinophilic colitis (EC). The aim of this study is to evaluate EC characteristics in infants evaluated with colonoscopy due to the presence of rectorrhagia. Patients and Methods: A retrospective case-control study. Left-sided colonoscopy records of infants with persistent rectal bleeding, conducted between January 2006 and March 2011, were reviewed. The cases corresponded to infants with rectal biopsy compatible with EC and controls with negative biopsy. Telephone questionnaires to parents were conducted, evaluating personal and family history. Results: Complete records were obtained in 61 (79%) of the 77 procedures. 33 (54%) of them were males. Examination average age was 6.3 ± 5.9 months. 25 (41%) patients had EC on their histology. Between cases and controls, no significant difference in gestational age, birth weight and gender, only regarding age at the time of rectal bleeding, were observed. There was also no difference in personal history regarding obstructive bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis or other food allergies. Those who received artificial feeding did not presented greater risk of EC. The most common symptoms in the cases did not differ significantly from the controls. Conclusions: The prevalence of EC in the children studied was 40.9%. Our results show that there are groups of patients with persistent rectal bleeding in which there is no personal or family history that helps diagnosing EC. An endoscopic study could be considered in these patients to establish a correct diagnosis of this condition, avoid unnecessary diets and not to delay the detection of other diseases.

En lactantes, la forma de presentación más común de la alergia a la proteína de la leche de vaca (PLV) es la colitis eosinofílica (CE). El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar características clínicas asociadas a CE en lactantes evaluados con colonoscopía por la presencia de rectorragia. Pacientes y Método: Estudio caso-control, retrospectivo. Se revisaron registros de colonoscopía izquierda de lactantes con rectorragia persistente, realizadas entre Enero 2006 y Marzo 2011. Casos fueron lactantes con rectorragia y biopsia compatible con CE y controles aquellos con biopsia negativa. Se realizó un cuestionario vía telefónica a los padres, evaluándose antecedentes personales y familiares. Resultados: En 61 (79%) de 77 procedimientos se obtuvo registros completos. 33 (54%) eran hombres. Edad promedio del examen fue 6,3 ± 5,9 meses. 25 (41%) pacientes presentaron CE en la histología. Sin diferencia significativa en edad gestacional, peso de nacimiento ni sexo, pero si en edad de presentación de la rectorragia, entre casos y controles. Tampoco hubo diferencia en antecedentes personales de bronquitis obstructivas, rinitis alérgica, ni antecedentes familiares de asma, rinitis alérgica u otras alergias alimentarias. Quienes recibieron lactancia artificial no tuvieron mayor riesgo de CE. Los síntomas más frecuentes en los casos no se diferenciaron significativamente de los controles. Conclusión: La prevalencia de CE en los niños estudiados fue de 40,9%. Nuestros resultados muestran que hay grupos de pacientes con rectorragia persistente en los cuales no existen antecedentes de la historia familiar ni personal que permitan establecer el diagnóstico de CE. Es en estos pacientes en los cuales podría considerarse el estudio endoscópico para establecer un correcto diagnóstico de esta patología, evitar dietas innecesarias y no retrasar la detección de otras enfermedades.

[Clinical features of Eosinophilic Colitis in infants with persistent rectal bleeding]. / Características clínicas asociadas a colitis eosinofílica en lactantes con rectorragia persistente.

UNLABELLED: The most common presentation of cow's milk protein allergy (CMP) in infants is known as eosinophilic colitis (EC). The aim of this study is to evaluate EC characteristics in infants evaluated with colonoscopy due to the presence of rectorrhagia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control study. Left-sided colonoscopy records of infants with persistent rectal bleeding, conducted between January 2006 and March 2011, were reviewed. The cases corresponded to infants with rectal biopsy compatible with EC and controls with negative biopsy. Telephone questionnaires to parents were conducted, evaluating personal and family history. RESULTS: Complete records were obtained in 61 (79%) of the 77 procedures. 33 (54%) of them were males. Examination average age was 6.3 ± 5.9 months. 25 (41%) patients had EC on their histology. Between cases and controls, no significant difference in gestational age, birth weight and gender, only regarding age at the time of rectal bleeding, were observed. There was also no difference in personal history regarding obstructive bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis or other food allergies. Those who received artificial feeding did not presented greater risk of EC. The most common symptoms in the cases did not differ significantly from the controls. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of EC in the children studied was 40.9%. Our results show that there are groups of patients with persistent rectal bleeding in which there is no personal or family history that helps diagnosing EC. An endoscopic study could be considered in these patients to establish a correct diagnosis of this condition, avoid unnecessary diets and not to delay the detection of other diseases.

Markedly increased expression of interleukin-8 in the colorectal mucosa of inflammatory colorectal polyps in miniature dachshunds.

Inflammatory colorectal polyps (ICRPs) in miniature dachshunds were recently recognized as a major cause of large bowel diarrhea in this dog breed in Japan. ICRPs are characterized by the formation of multiple small polyps and/or space-occupying large polyps in the colorectal area and are thought to be a novel form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To explore key mediators in the pathogenesis of ICRPs, we analyzed several pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-12p35, IL-12/23p40, and IL-23p19) mRNA expressions in colorectal polyps in ICRP dogs by quantitative PCR. Among these cytokines, IL-8 mRNA expression was markedly up-regulated in large polyps. To examine IL-8 protein expression, we analyzed IL-8 protein level and its location in colorectal mucosal specimens of ICRP dogs by ELISA and immunofluorescence microscopy. IL-8 protein was significantly increased in large polyps and serum in dogs with ICRPs compared to controls. By immunofluorescence microscopy, IL-8 was only localized in macrophages, but not in mucosal epithelial cells or neutrophils. IL-8-positive macrophages were significantly increased in large polyps compared to controls. These results suggest that IL-8 is produced mainly by macrophages and may induce neutrophil infiltration in the colorectal area of ICRP dogs.

Cutting edge: novel vaccination modality provides significant protection against mucosal infection by highly pathogenic simian immunodeficiency virus.

Vaccine-induced protection against infection by HIV or highly pathogenic and virulent SIV strains has been limited. In a proof-of-concept study, we show that a novel vaccine approach significantly protects rhesus macaques from mucosal infection by the highly pathogenic strain SIVmac251. We vaccinated three cohorts of 12 macaques each with live, irradiated vaccine cells secreting the modified endoplasmic reticulum chaperone gp96-Ig. Cohort 1 was vaccinated with cells secreting gp96(SIV)Ig carrying SIV peptides. In addition, Cohort 2 received recombinant envelope protein SIV-gp120. Cohort 3 was injected with cells secreting gp96-Ig (no SIV Ags) vaccines. Cohort 2 was protected from infection. After seven rectal challenges with highly pathogenic SIVmac251, the hazard ratio was 0.27, corresponding to a highly significant, 73% reduced risk for viral acquisition. The apparent success of the novel vaccine modality recommends further study.

Endometriosis-associated nerve fibers, peritoneal fluid cytokine concentrations, and pain in endometriotic lesions from different locations.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between endometriotic lesions with associated nerve fibers with both pain and peritoneal fluid (PF) cytokine concentrations based on lesion location. DESIGN: An observational study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Premenopausal women undergoing laparoscopy. INTERVENTION(S): The pain experienced by patients was recorded before surgery and ectopic endometrial tissue excised and matching PF collected during laparoscopy. Immunohistochemistry was performed on endometriotic tissue sections to identify nerve fibers and PF cytokine concentrations determined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The pain experienced by women with endometriosis, the lesion locations, and the prevalence and proximity of nerve fibers to endometriotic lesions, as well as the PF concentrations of multiple cytokines. RESULT(S): Lesions from the rectovaginal septum were significantly more likely to be associated with a nerve fiber and report more menstrual pain than lesions from other regions. The PF glycodelin concentrations were also significantly higher in samples with an endometriotic-associated nerve. In peritoneal endometriotic lesions significantly more menstrual pain was reported when endometriotic lesions were associated with nerve fibers, although no difference was observed between the cytokine concentrations. Ovarian endometriotic lesions were rarely associated with nerve fibers. CONCLUSION(S): The presence of endometriosis-associated nerve fibers appear to be related to both the pain experienced by women with endometriosis and the concentration of PF cytokines; however, this association varies with the lesion location.

The humoral response after laparoscopic versus open colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The local and systemic humoral response after colorectal surgery is thought to affect postoperative recovery. It is commonly claimed that laparoscopic surgery elicits a diminished inflammatory response than equivalent open surgery. Despite these claims, the evidence is conflicting. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the results from randomized controlled clinical trials comparing the humoral response associated with laparoscopic versus open colorectal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A high-sensitivity search was conducted independently by two of the authors with no language restriction. Studies were identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL/CCTR), Cochrane Library, Medline (January 1966 to January 2009), PubMed (1950 to January 2009), and Embase (1947 to January 2009). Relevant meeting abstracts and reference lists were manually searched. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager ver. 5.0. RESULTS: Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly higher serum IL-6 on d 1 after open colorectal resection for neoplasia (n = 97) compared with laparoscopic resection (n = 76, P = 0.0008) without significant heterogeneity. Data for plasma IL-6 were heterogeneous, with no apparent difference between groups. No other significant differences were identified, and there were not enough data on local peritoneal humoral factors to allow meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: Open colorectal resection for neoplasia is associated with higher postoperative serum levels of IL-6 on d 1 than equivalent laparoscopic surgery. The aetiology and clinical significance of this finding is uncertain, and further studies are required to elucidate any differences in the local humoral response which may be more clinically relevant in surgery for this indication.

Anorectal Epstein-Barr virus infection mimicking Hodgkin lymphoma in an immunocompetent man.

Anorectal Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is rare, mainly described in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients with exceptional cases reported in immunocompetents. We report the case of a middle age HIV male, presenting with intestinal occlusion. Rectosigmoidoscopy showed multiple anorectal nodular and ulceronecrotic masses. The biopsy specimens revealed a diffuse polymorphous inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria, associated with CD30, CD20, CD3, CD15, and ALK1 scattered large Hodgkin and/or Reed Sternberg -like cells stained by LMP1 antibody and EBER. A diagnosis of EBV-associated atypical lymphoproliferative disease mimicking HL was made. These lesions remained stable for 2 years without treatment then disappeared leaving a mucosal scar. A later control biopsy showed a condylomatous lesion, without lymphoid lesion, suggesting a sexually acquired infection. Eight years later, the complete resolution of the lesion without any treatment is a strong argument against a malignant lymphoid process and raises doubts as to the reality of isolated anorectal HL in immunocompetent participants.

Direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin-B-immobilized fiber columns improves septic hypotension and reduces inflammatory mediators in septic patients with colorectal perforation.

PURPOSE: Although some studies have reported favorable effects of direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin-B-immobilized fiber columns (PMX) for the treatment of septic shock, few studies have demonstrated the efficacy of PMX in studies with a uniform case definition and without any other blood purification techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients with severe sepsis or septic shock secondary to colorectal perforation were treated with PMX. Hemodynamic alterations and plasma concentrations of endotoxin, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were evaluated following PMX treatment. RESULTS: We observed a significant reduction in plasma endotoxin in the nonsurvivors immediately after PMX treatment compared to before treatment. Systolic blood pressure was markedly increased and circulating levels of IL-1beta, IL-1Ra, and IL-8 were significantly reduced during a 2-h interval of PMX. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested that PMX treatment appears to adsorb endotoxin and also modulates circulating cytokine during a 2-h interval of direct hemoperfusion in septic patients with such condition.

HIV-1 pathogenesis differs in rectosigmoid and tonsillar tissues infected ex vivo with CCR5- and CXCR4-tropic HIV-1.

Gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) has been identified as the primary target of HIV-1 infection. To investigate why GALT is especially vulnerable to HIV-1, and to determine whether the selective transmission of CCR5-using viral variants (R5) in vivo is the result of a greater susceptibility of GALT to this viral variant, we performed comparative studies of CXCR4-using (X4) and R5 HIV-1 infections of human lymphoid (tonsillar) and rectosigmoid tissues ex vivo under controlled laboratory conditions. We found that the relative level of R5 replication in rectosigmoid tissue is much greater than in tonsillar tissue. This difference is associated with the expression of the CCR5 co-receptor on approximately 70% of CD4 T cells in rectosigmoid tissue, whereas in tonsillar tissue it is expressed on fewer than 15% of CD4 T cells. Furthermore, tonsillar tissue responds to X4 HIV-1 infection by upregulating the secretion of CC-chemokines, providing a potential CCR5 blockade and further resistance to R5 infection, whereas gut tissue failed to increase such innate immune responses. Our results show that rectosigmoid tissue is more prone than tonsillar lymphoid tissue to R5 HIV-1 infection, primarily because of the high prevalence and availability of R5 cell targets and reduced chemokine blockade. The majority of CD4 T cells express CXCR4, however, and X4 HIV-1 readily replicates in both tissues, suggesting that although the differential expression of co-receptors contributes to the GALT vulnerability to R5 HIV-1, it alone cannot account for the selective R5 infection of the rectal mucosa in vivo.

Rectal bleeding in infancy: clinical, allergological, and microbiological examination.

OBJECTIVE: Rectal bleeding is an alarming symptom and requires additional investigation. In infants it has been explained mainly by hypersensitivity. In addition to dietary antigens, intraluminal microbial agents challenge the immature gut mucosa. Although controlled in the mature gut, these antigens may induce inflammation in the developing gastrointestinal tract. The objectives of this study were to evaluate prospectively the clinical course of rectal bleeding and evaluate the impact of cow's milk allergy and aberrant gut microbiota on the condition. Because withdrawal of cow's milk antigens from the infants' diet is used as a first treatment without evidence of its efficacy, we also aimed to asses the effect of a cow's milk-elimination diet on the duration of rectal bleeding. METHODS: The study involved 40 consecutive infants (mean age: 2.7 months) with visible rectal bleeding during a 2-year period at the Tampere University Hospital Department of Pediatrics. Most of the infants (68%) were fully breastfed. At enrollment the infants were randomly allocated to receive a cow's milk-elimination diet (n = 19) or continue their previous diet (n = 21) for 1 month. Findings of colonoscopy, fecal bacterial culture, fluorescence in situ hybridization of selected gut genera, specific detection of fecal enteroviruses, rotaviruses, and adenoviruses, fecal electron microscopy for viruses, and mucosal electron microscopy for viruses were assessed. During each visit the severity of atopic eczema, if any, was assessed according to the SCORAD method. In evaluating the extent of sensitization, serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE and skin-prick tests for cow's milk, egg, and wheat were studied. Cow's milk allergy was diagnosed by elimination and provocation testing. Five patients were hospitalized; all others were treated on an outpatient basis. The follow-up visits were scheduled 1 month later and at the age of 1 year. Sixty-four healthy reference infants were selected as controls according to the following criteria: age and timing of fecal sampling being identical to within 1 month. RESULTS: Altogether, 32 (80%) infants manifested bloody stools during follow-up (mean [range]: 2.1 [1-15] per day). The mean number of days with rectal bleeding on follow-up was 6. Typically, bloody stools occurred irregularly, for which reason the mean time to the last occurrence of rectal bleeding was 24 (range: 1-85) days from admission. Atopic eczema at presentation or during follow-up was diagnosed in 38% of the infants. Increased specific IgE concentrations or a positive skin-prick test were uncommon. The growth of the infants was normal on admission and during follow-up. Colonoscopy revealed typically focal mucosal erythema and aphthous ulcerations. The mucosa appeared normal in less than half of the patients. No anorectal fissures or colonic polyps were found. Light microscopy revealed that the overall architecture of the mucosa was well maintained. Acute inflammation or postinflammatory state and focal infiltration of eosinophils in the lamina propria were the most common abnormalities. A cow's milk-elimination diet did not affect the duration of rectal bleeding. Cow's milk allergy was diagnosed in 7 (18%) patients. Virus-particle aggregates were found in the microvillus layer of the colon epithelium in 8 cases. The surface epithelium of the virus-positive colon biopsy specimens regularly showed degenerative changes in the microvillus layer and epithelial cells. Electron microscopy study of the colon biopsies disclosed virus particles (30 nm in diameter) on the surface of epithelial cells. Virus particles or RNA were present in feces in only a minority of the patients. All fecal cultures were negative for Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia. Campylobacter jejuni was found in the feces of 1 patient, and fecal cultures were positive for Clostridium difficile in 4 patients, Staphylococcus aureus in 8 patients, and yeast in 2 patients. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that at the time of admission the total numbers of bacteria and the numbers of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in feces were lower in the patients compared with controls. The fecal concentrations of microbes characterized in this study (Bacteroides, bifidobacteria, Clostridium, lactobacilli, and enterococci) did not differ significantly between the time of admission and the second visit in the patients or controls. At the age of 1 year, 7 patients still suffered from cow's milk allergy, 5 of whom also suffered from multiple food allergies. Atopic eczema and histopathologically confirmed inflammation of the colonic mucosa at presentation were associated with persistence of cow's milk allergy at the age of 1 year. No patients exhibited gastrointestinal complaints or visible blood in stools. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal bleeding in infants is generally a benign and self-limiting disorder. Bloody stools occurred irregularly for only a few days during the following months. As in a previous report, most infants were exclusively breastfed. In the majority of the patients the cause of the condition remains unknown. An association with viruses can be seen in some patients. The microbes that commonly lead to bloody diarrhea in older children and adults, Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia, were absent in the present material. The low bifidobacterial numbers in fecal samples may indicate a significant aberrance that may provide a target for probiotic intervention to normalize gut microbiota. The gut microbiota overall seemed stable, because the numbers of major groups of microbiota tested did not change significantly between the time of admission and after 1 month. Cow's milk allergy among these patients is more uncommon than previously believed. Cow's milk challenge is thus essential in infants who become symptom-free during a cow's milk-free diet to reduce the number of false-positive cow's milk-allergy diagnoses.

Multilocular colorectal tuberculosis and hypogammaglobulinemia.

We present the case of a young male patient admitted for weight loss, diarrhea and rectal bleeding. The patient belonged to a low social class and had associated hypogammaglobulinemia. The endoscopy revealed different localized ulcerations of he rectum and a stenosis. By barium enema and hydrosonography multiple stenotic lesions were observed. The pathological examinations detected lesions suggestive for intestinal tuberculosis. A specific therapy led to the improvement of his general state and to the disappearance of diarrhea and rectal bleeding.

Transfer of interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 in patients with severe inflammatory bowel disease of the rectum.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises the two disorders ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Although the etiology is still unclear, initiation and aggravation of the inflammatory processes seem to be due to a massive local mucosal immune response. An increased number of greatly activated macrophages seems to contribute to the onset of IBD by expressing upregulated costimulatory molecules (e.g., CD80/CD86) and a cytokine profile favouring a type I proinflammatory response. The release of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) by naive T lymphocytes predominantly stimulates cytotoxic T lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells and increases the antigen-presenting potential of all these cell types. Opposite this proinflammatory immune reaction a compensatory type II antiinflammatory response has been suggested in the inflamed mucosa, involving mainly interleukin 4 and interleukin 10. Both cytokines are able to down-regulate inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 1 and favor a humoral immune response. The main goal of this clinical trial is the local liposome-mediated gene transfer of these two antiinflammatory cytokines, interleukin 4 and interleukin 10, in patients with severe IBD of the rectum. This local administration of antiinflammatory cytokines will avoid toxic systemic side effects, prevents blocking of the beneficial effects of proinflammatory cytokines, e.g., TNF-alpha in other tissue compartments and increases the local concentration of interleukin 4 and interleukin 10 over a prolonged period of time. The combined effects of IL-4 and IL-10 have been shown to shift the Th1/Th2 cell activation in favor of a Th2 immune response which seems to be essential for fighting against the inflammation and ultimative healing.

Colorectal Kaposi's sarcoma in an HIV-negative male in association with ulcerative rectocolitis: a case report.

A rare case and the first reported in Italy of a classic form of colorectal Kaposi's sarcoma, associated with ulcerative rectocolitis, is presented. Following a total proctocolectomy, the patient was disease-free at four years. Some epidemiological risk factors such as sex, age, place of birth and both advanced malaria and immunodepressive therapies have also been evaluated. Thus far, only five similar cases have been reported in the literature. However, the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic features of this form of Kaposi's sarcoma must still be investigated.

Cervical secretions in pregnant women colonized rectally with group B streptococci have high levels of antibodies to serotype III polysaccharide capsular antigen and protein R.

Group B streptococci (GBS) colonizing the female genital tract will often infect newborn infants during delivery. In 200 pregnant women studied, 14% were colonized with GBS in the cervix, 12% in the rectum, and 9% in both cervix and rectum. We have previously reported that antibody levels to GBS serotypes Ia, II, and III in sera and cervical secretions were increased in women colonized in the rectum and/or cervix, when analyzed by a whole-cell ELISA. Here, we report the levels of antibodies to GBS serotype III capsular polysaccharide antigen (CPS III) and to protein antigen R4, which are present in most GBS III strains. Compared to culture-negative women, the group of women colonized rectally had markedly elevated levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG antibodies in cervical secretions to both CPS III and protein R4 (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). In sera, the corresponding differences between culture-negative and culture-positive women were less pronounced, or not present. In contrast to antibody levels to whole-cell GBS, antibody levels to CPS III and protein R4 in cervical secretions were not significantly increased in women colonized only in the cervix, except that IgA antibodies to protein R4 were slightly elevated (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that capsular type-specific polysaccharides and protein R4 in a mucosal vaccine might induce protective antibodies against GBS colonization of the uterine cervix.

A randomized controlled study of the effect of bedside leucocyte depletion on the immunosuppressive effect of whole blood transfusion in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

In a randomized study the effect of whole blood transfusion versus bedside leucocyte-depleted blood transfusion on lymphocyte proliferation, CD4+:CD8+ ratio, and levels of soluble interleukin 2 receptor (sIL-2R) and interleukin (IL) 6, as well as on the development of postoperative wound infection and intra-abdominal abscess, was assessed in 60 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Transfusion with whole blood induced a significant decrease in lymphocyte proliferation and CD4+ :CD8+ ratio (P < 0.01) as well as a significant increase in sIL-2R and IL-6 levels (P < 0.01). Furthermore, transfusion with whole blood was accompanied by a significant increase in postoperative infectious complications (P < 0.01). In patients transfused with leucocyte-depleted blood only slight and transient changes were observed, which were not significantly different from those observed in non-transfused patients.

Anorectal abscesses in immunosuppressed patients.

The results of surgery in 14 immunosuppressed patients with 17 anorectal abscesses are presented. Abscess incision was followed by almost immediate relief of pain. Healing was obtained in 15 cases, but two patients died of causes unrelated to surgery. Symptoms, therapeutic possibilities and prognosis are discussed. The authors conclude that surgery should be performed in all cases to prevent development of septicemia. Fluctuation should not be awaited, but surgery should be minimized if granulocyte and platelet counts are low. Each patient must be managed individually, according to the nature of malignant disease, general state of health and degree of immunosuppression. Antibiotic cover is important, and primary closure of the abscess cavity should never be attempted.

Comparison of CA 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in the serum of patients with colorectal diseases.

The serum levels of CA 19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were determined in 37 patients with benign colorectal diseases and in 111 patients with newly discovered colorectal carcinomas or clinically verified relapses. In cancer patients, the CA 19-9 level ranged from normal (0-37 U ml-1) to 77,500 U ml-1 whereas all samples but one from patients with benign colorectal diseases had a normal value. CA 19-9 was increased in 46% and 45% of patients with an advanced (Dukes C or D) carcinoma or a verified recidive, respectively. Only one out of 26 patients (4%) with a localized (Dukes A or B) carcinoma displayed an elevated CA 19-9 level (greater than 37 U ml-1). No clear correlation was found between the CA 19-9 and CEA levels. The sensitivity of the CA 19-9 test (36%) was poorer than that of the CEA assay (69%), but the new test was markedly more specific (97% vs 70%) than the CEA assay.

HLA B8 and granuloma formation in Crohn's disease.

In a retrospective survey, patients with Crohn's disease who were HLA B8 were found to have significantly fewer granulomas in rectal biopsies (p less than 0.002) and in resected bowel specimens (p less than 0.02) than non-HLA B8 patients. No statistically significant difference was found between HLA B12 and non-B12 patients. This in vivo evidence of differing immune response capabilities between HLA B8 and non-HLA B8 individuals is compatible with previously reported in vitro studies. Despite these differences, the clinical manifestations and disease course of the two groups of patients was similar, suggesting that neither the presence of HLA B8 nor the development of granuloma directly influence the course of Crohn's disease.