Serum IgE measurement and detection of food allergy in pediatric patients with eosinophilic esophagitis.

Background: Although associated allergies are common and the mechanism may include long-term exposure to allergens, measurement of serum specific IgE levels has not been studied in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis (EE).

Objective: To compare the results of serum IgE testing, patch testing, and epicutaneous skin testing to measure allergic sensitization in pediatric patients with EE.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 53 pediatric patients with EE, relevant history was obtained by questionnaire, and patch testing to foods was performed.

The novel fibrinogen-binding protein FbsB promotes Streptococcus agalactiae invasion into epithelial cells.

Streptococcus agalactiae is a major cause of bacterial sepsis and meningitis in human newborns. The interaction of S. agalactiae with host proteins and the entry into host cells thereby represent important virulence traits of these bacteria.

Analysis of RogB-controlled virulence mechanisms and gene repression in Streptococcus agalactiae.

Streptococcus agalactiae is the leading cause of bacterial sepsis and meningitis in neonates and also the causative agent of different serious infections in immunocompromised adults. The wide range of diseases that are caused by S. agalactiae suggests regulatory mechanisms that control the formation of specific virulence factors in these bacteria.