Novel influenza A (H1N1) infection vs. common influenza-like illness: a prospective study.

Background: On June 11th, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. Data regarding the clinical characteristics and course of this viral infectious disease are still being assessed. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the possible differences in clinical course and outcome between H1N1-positive [H1N1(+)] and negative [H1N1(-)] patients.

Early alterations of the innate and adaptive immune statuses in sepsis according to the type of underlying infection.

Introduction: Although major changes of the immune system have been described in sepsis, it has never been studied whether these may differ in relation to the type of underlying infection or not. This was studied for the first time.

Methods: The statuses of the innate and adaptive immune systems were prospectively compared in 505 patients.