The use of bacterial DNA from saliva for the detection of GAS pharyngitis.

Background: Acute tonsillitis is a very common medical condition. Despite different methods of detection, all tests are based on GAS sampling using a throat swab. However, obtaining the swab can elicit vomiting and is often accompanied by fear and apprehension in children.

Bacteremia and "Endotipsitis" following transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting.

Aim: To identify all cases of bacteremia and suspected endotipsitis after Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting (TIPS) at our institution and to determine risk factors for their occurrence.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of all patients who underwent TIPS in our institution between 1996 and 2009. Data included: indications for TIPS, underlying liver disease, demographics, positive blood cultures after TIPS, microbiological characteristics, treatment and outcome.