The cellular immunological responses of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting compared with those of patients undergoing valve replacement.

Objective: Major surgical intervention such as cardiac surgery has been shown to have profound effects on the immune system. We conducted a prospective study comparing the effects of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) versus isolated valve surgery.

Methods: Blood samples were drawn from 59 patients undergoing either elective CABG or elective isolated valve replacement surgery.

[Vibrio vulnificus infection outside of the fish ponds in northern Israel: acquisition in the "Einot Tzukim" springs near the Dead Sea].

Vibrio vulnificus is a Gram-negative bacterium that may cause severe skin and systemic infection after exposure of open wounds to contaminated water, especially in patients with underlying disease such as immune-deficiency, iron overload or end stage liver or renal disease. The V. vulnificus infection has been reported in Israel almost exclusively after exposure to Tilapia fish cultivated in fresh water fish ponds in northern Israel.