Case report: lymphogranuloma venereum proctitis-from rapid screening to molecular confirmation of a masked sexually transmitted disease.

Proctitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis L2b can manifest with very mild, nonspecific symptoms, and appropriate diagnostic evaluation is crucial. The case report demonstrates that rapid screening test, detection of specific antibodies in serum, and direct pathogen identification by PCR performed on tissue sample or rectal swab allow successful diagnosis of the still emerging sexually transmitted disease among homosexual patients.

Prospective study of viral clearance and CD4(+) T-cell response in acute hepatitis C primary infection and reinfection.

Background: The outcome of acute hepatitis C is determined by early host-virus interactions, particularly involving the antiviral T-cell response.

Objectives: To identify early prognostic markers of spontaneous resolution of acute hepatitis C by performing a comprehensive analysis of viral and immunological factors during the natural course of acute HCV infection and reinfection.

Study Design: 20 patients were investigated prospectively during acute HC or confirmed reinfection and 18 of them during follow up after spontaneous or treatment-induced elimination of the virus and resolution of the disease.