Safety of treatment of latent tuberculosis infection in compensated cirrhotic patients during transplant candidacy period.

Background: Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection with isoniazid (INH) or rifampin (RIF) is controversial in liver transplant candidates due to potential hepatotoxicity. In this study, treatment of latent tuberculosis during transplant candidacy period is explored, and relevant literature is reviewed.

Methods: Liver transplant candidates with latent tuberculosis infection by positive tuberculin skin test (>5 mm) were prospectively enrolled and treated with 9 months of INH or 4 months of RIF, and were monitored monthly for their liver enzyme profiles, adverse effects, compliance, and completion rate.

Persistence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection detected by polymerase chain reaction in untreated patients.

Background: Prior studies have used Chlamydia trachomatis culture methods to demonstrate both persistence and spontaneous clearance of genital C trachomatis infection.

Objective: To further assess the issue of persistence and spontaneous clearance of C trachomatis infection, untreated men and women were evaluated with repeated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

Methods: Ninety four untreated patients with a prior positive C trachomatis PCR test returning to the Denver Metro Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic were retested by PCR.