Newcastle disease virus: Detection and characterization by PCR of recent German isolates differing in pathogenicity.

The fusion (F) protein plays an important role in determining the virulence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains. A reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is described which amplifies a 362 bp fragment encompassing the region of the F protein most important for pathogenicity. A specific PCR product was obtained independent of strain, pathogenicity and host of origin.

Efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected children participating in Thailand's National Access to Antiretroviral Program.

Background: Programs for access to antiretroviral treatment were only recently implemented in developing countries. This study aimed to describe the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children in Thailand's National Access to Antiretroviral Program for People Living with HIV/AIDS.

Methods: From August 2002 to July 2003, a total of 107 children were enrolled in the study.

Monitoring and educational feedback to improve the compliance of tattooists and body piercers with infection control standards: a randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: Blood-borne viruses, which present a grim health and economic burden for both developed and developing countries, can be transmitted through tattooing and piercing. Limited data exist concerning intervention strategies for increasing skin penetration operators' compliance with infection control standards. We evaluated the efficacy and acceptability of an educational feedback intervention for tattooists and piercers.

Infection control practices among tattooists and body piercers in Sydney, Australia.

Background: Tattooing and body piercing have a long history, and both have become increasingly fashionable worldwide. There is an association between tattooing/body piercing and hepatitis B and C infections.

Method: We undertook an observational study to examine the prevalence and predictors of infection control practices among tattooists and body piercers in Sydney, Australia.

Skin penetration operators' knowledge and attitudes towards infection control.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of owners/managers of commercial skin-penetration premises regarding infection control.

Methods: A telephone survey was conducted with a randomly selected sample of 874 owners/managers.

Results: Participants appeared to lack knowledge of essential infection-control practices.