Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Spain: molecular epidemiology and utility of different typing methods.

In a point-prevalence study performed in 145 Spanish hospitals in 2006, we collected 463 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus in a single day. Of these, 135 (29.2%) were methicillin (meticillin)-resistant S.

Value of the HLA-B*5701 allele to predict abacavir hypersensitivity in Spaniards.

The use of abacavir (ABC) may be associated with a hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) that requires discontinuation of the drug. The HLA-B*5701 allele has been linked to this HSR. Information on the strength of this association across distinct geographic regions and ethnicities is scarce.

Hepatotoxicity of antiretroviral drugs is reduced after successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C in HIV-infected patients.

Background: The risk of liver toxicity during antiretroviral drug use in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients increases in the presence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It is unknown whether sustained HCV clearance after interferon (IFN)-based therapy might reduce this complication.

Methods: The incidence of severe elevations in liver enzyme levels during antiretroviral therapy was retrospectively analyzed in a group of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients after completion of a full course of IFN-based therapy.

Outbreak of syphilis, but not of acute hepatitis C, among HIV-infected homosexual men in Madrid.

Background: Clustered cases of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, frequently accompanied by sexually transmitted diseases, have recently been reported among men who have sex with men (MSM) in several European cities.

Method: We performed a retrospective record of cases of syphilis in a large cohort of HIV-infected individuals on regular follow-up in Madrid, Spain. HCV testing was carried out in all of them.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B or C in HIV-infected patients with dual viral hepatitis.

Dual chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are recognized in 3%-5% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. More severe liver disease is seen in these patients. Viral interference may account for the fact that replication of one virus generally predominates over replication of the other.

Sustained virological response following HCV therapy is associated with non-progression of liver fibrosis in HCV/HIV-coinfected patients.

Background: Chronic hepatitis C leads to progressive liver fibrosis, which is accelerated in HIV-coinfected patients. Unfortunately, hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy provides sustained virological response (SVR) to only 40% of coinfected patients. Little is known about the regression of hepatic fibrosis in treated patients.

Liver fibrosis in HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis B extensively exposed to antiretroviral therapy with anti-HBV activity.

Purpose: The extent and predictors of liver fibrosis were examined in a HIV/HBVcoinfected cohort with extensive exposure to anti-HBV active HAART.

Method: Liver fibrosis was measured using transient elastography.

Results: Thirty-seven patients of a median age of 43 were included in the study.