Small intestinal immunopathology and GI-associated antibody formation in hereditary alpha-tryptasemia.

Background: Hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HαT) is characterized by elevated basal serum tryptase due to increased copies of the TPSAB1 gene. Individuals with HαT frequently present with multisystem complaints, including anaphylaxis and seemingly functional gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.

Objective: We sought to determine the prevalence of HαT in an irritable bowel syndrome cohort and associated immunologic characteristics that may distinguish patients with HαT from patients without HαT.

Neutrophils From Patients With Invasive Candidiasis Are Inhibited by Biofilms.

Invasive candidiasis frequently involves medical device placement. On the surfaces of these devices, can form biofilms and proliferate in adherent layers of fungal cells surrounded by a protective extracellular matrix. Due in part to this extracellular matrix, biofilms resist host defenses and antifungal drugs.