[Evaluation of three laboratory methods diagnostic sensitivity in influenza A infection: RIDT, DFA and DFA with cytocentrifugation versus RT-PCR].

Introduction: The specific diagnosis of influenza A infection makes it possible to control its spread, decreases the unnecessary use of antibiotics, clinical procedures and laboratory test, and allows early recognition of outbreaks. Different technologies are currently available in Chile for this purpose.

Objective: The study presented here compares the sensitivity for influenza A virus detection of immunocromatography (RIDT), direct fluorescent antibodies-DFA and DFA with cytocentrifugation against the gold standard, RT-PCR.

Characterization of mycobacteria from a major Brazilian outbreak suggests that revision of the taxonomic status of members of the Mycobacterium chelonae-M. abscessus group is needed.

An outbreak of postsurgical infections caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria has been ongoing in Brazil since 2004. The degrees of similarity of the rpoB and hsp65 sequences from the clinical isolates and the corresponding sequences from both the Mycobacterium massiliense and the M. bolletii type strains were above the accepted limit for interspecies variability, leading to conflicting identification results.

Congenital brachymetatarsia: three cases.

We report on three cases with congenital brachymetatarsia, one with bilateral affectation, together with the results of a lengthening of the short metatarsal bones by progressive axial distraction using an external minifixator. The method proved to be easy to implement, permitting immediate functionality of the ankle and early load bearing. The immediate results (cosmetic) and later findings (functional) were excellent in all three cases.

Migration of Kirschner wires into the mediastinum after stabilization of sterno-clavicular lesions. A report of two cases.

The authors describe two cases of intrathoracic migration of Kirschner wires used for fixation of unstable Allman grade III sternoclavicular dislocation. The wires continue their migration after 10 years despite the risk and the need to treat such complications.