The burden and cost of ambulatory cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis in central Israel.

Background: While the burden of rotavirus infection with regard to hospitalizations has been extensively investigated, there are sparse data on the cost and impact of this infection on the ambulatory part of the health system in Israel.

Objectives: To investigate the burden of rotavirus infection on the ambulatory system in Israel.

Methods: Infants younger than 3 years examined for acute gastrointestinal symptoms in four pediatric clinics had their stool tested for rotavirus.

Analysis of the interleukin-12/interferon-gamma pathway in children with non-tuberculous mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis.

Genetic defects along the interleukin (IL)-12/interferon (IFN)-gamma pathway have been found in patients with mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) caused by live BCG vaccine or non-tuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) species, highlighting the crucial role of this axis in human immunity to Mycobacterium. The aims of this study were to characterize healthy children presenting with cervical lymphadenitis caused by NTM and to investigate their IL-12/IFN-gamma pathway. Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and pathological findings were reviewed retrospectively.