Rapid detection of enterovirus in cerebrospinal fluid by a fully-automated PCR assay is associated with improved management of aseptic meningitis in adult patients.

Background: Enterovirus (EV) is the most frequent cause of aseptic meningitis (AM). Lack of microbiological documentation results in unnecessary antimicrobial therapy and hospitalization.

Objectives: To assess the impact of rapid EV detection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by a fully-automated PCR (GeneXpert EV assay, GXEA) on the management of AM.

Pneumocephalus and pneumococcal meningitis after thoracic surgery.

A 62-year-old man with adenocarcinoma underwent complete resection with a right upper lobectomy and en-bloc resection of the chest wall, with metallic clips applied to the vertebral nerve roots. A sudden deterioration in neurological status occurred due to pneumocephalus and ascending bacterial meningitis resulting from a subarachnoid-pleural fistula. The neurological status normalized after thoracoplasty and ceftriaxone treatment.

[Infectious diseases].

In 2008, several publications have highlighted the role of climate change and globalization on the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Studies have shown the extension towards Europe of diseases such as Crimea-Congo fever (Kosovo, Turkey and Bulgaria), leismaniosis (Cyprus) and chikungunya virus infection (Italy). The article also contains comments on Plasmodium knowlesi, a newly identified cause of severe malaria in humans, as well as an update on human transmission of the H5NI avian influenza virus.

Immunogenicity and safety of yellow fever vaccination for 102 HIV-infected patients.

Background: Yellow fever vaccine (17DV) has been investigated incompletely in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, and adequate immunogenicity and safety are of concern in this population.

Methods: In the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, we identified 102 patients who received 17DV while they were HIV infected. We analyzed neutralization titers (NTs) after 17DV administration using the plaque reduction neutralization test.

Candida arteritis in patients who have not received organ transplants: case report and review of the literature.

Fungal arteritis is a rare entity, associated with significant morbidity and mortality, that typically involves graft arteries in solid organ transplant recipients. Here, we report the first case of Candida carotid arteritis and review 22 other cases of Candida arteritis reported since 1966 in patients who have not received transplants. Most patients had serious underlying conditions.

High prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in HIV-infected persons.

Background: Atherosclerosis has been assessed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons by using various methods. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has not been evaluated, however. We studied the cross-sectional prevalence of lower limb PAD in an HIV-infected population.

Frequency of gynecologic follow-up and cervical cancer screening in the Swiss HIV cohort study.

Background: According to current recommendations, HIV-infected women should have at least 1 gynecologic examination per year.

Objectives: To analyze factors associated with frequency of gynecologic follow-up and cervical cancer screening among HIV-infected women followed in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS).

Methods: Half-yearly questionnaires between April 2001 and December 2004.