Fatal Disseminated Kaposi's Sarcoma in Two Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection.

BACKGROUND Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a common condition in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In these patients, the occurrence of KS is reduced by treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Fatal and disseminated KS is presented in two patients with HIV/AIDS.

Assessment of a two-step nucleic acid amplification assay for detection of Neisseria meningitidis followed by capsular genogrouping.

Immediate prevention of meningococcal disease relies in part on the prompt treatment with antibiotics of household and other close contacts of cases; however intervention with effective vaccination relies on identification of serogroup-causing strains. Parenteral antibiotic for patient with suspected meningococcal disease before hospital admission is currently recommended. Laboratory standard methods are hindered by failure to detect bacteria by this medical approach to improve patient prognosis.

Diagnosis of Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the gene for pneumolysin.

Diagnosis of bacterial meningitis has long been based on classical methods of Gram stain, serological tests, and culture of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The performance of these methods, especially culture and direct smear is thwarted by failure to detect bacteria following administration of antimicrobial agents and reluctance to performance lumbar punctures at admission. Indeed, patients with meningitis frequently receive antibiotics orally or by injection before the diagnosis is suspected or established Thus an alternative method has become necessary to help clinicians and epidemiologists to management and control of bacterial meningitis.