Clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetic patients who were hospitalised with 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 infection.

Objectives: To describe demographic and clinical data and outcomes of severe cases of 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 (pH1N1) infections for persons with diabetes.

Methods: We selected all person with diabetes (N = 252) among severe laboratory confirmed cases reported to the Spanish Surveillance System for detection of pH1N1 from June through December, 2009. One patient without diabetes matched by age and sex was selected.

[Poliomyelitis eradication initiative. Search for and control of wild poliovirus stored at Spanish laboratories].

Introduction: An initiative to achieve global eradication of poliomyelitis was proposed in 1988. Since then, World Health Organization (WHO) efforts have been focused on reaching and maintaining high vaccination coverage and on implementing effective surveillance systems. Additionally, since 1998 the WHO has urged health authorities from countries over the world to locate and control the wild polioviruses stored in laboratories as well as potentially infectious materials that could contain these viruses or originate them under particular circumstances.

[Laboratory diagnosis of pertussis. Role of serology].

Culture is the reference method for the diagnosis of infection by Bordetella pertussis. Nevertheless, delayed sample collection and previous antibiotic treatment can limit culture sensitivity. In principle, direct immunofluorescence provides immediate diagnosis.