[Clinical characteristics of Lyme disease].

Clinical characteristics of Lyme disease were analysed in 22 patients. Erythema migrans was found in 20 (91%), arthralgia in 18 (81%), neuralgia in 8 (36%), encephalitis in 3 (13%), carditis in 2 (9%) and arthritis in 2 (9%) patients. The positive antibody titer was found in 14 (63%) patients.

[Changes in thyroid hormone levels in patients with acute viral hepatitis].

In 10 patients with acute viral hepatitis A or B the dynamics of the concentrations of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4), triiodothyroxine (T3) and their coefficient T3/T4, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in all phases of hepatitis have been studied. In acute phase and in the fully developed clinical picture of the diseases, the increased T4 values and decreased values of T3, T3/T4 coefficient and TSH were found. These changes are explained by the slowed down deiodinization of T3 and T4 in hepatocytes as well as by the disturbed secretion of the thyroid hormone in hepatitis and they could be of some value in diagnosis and prognosis.

[Importance and diagnosis of Epstein-Barr virus infection].

The 103 serum samples have been examined for the presence of the specific antibodies against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): IgG and IgM antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA), antibodies to nuclear antigen (EBNA) and antibodies to early antigen (EA). Sixty nine studied sera belonged to patients with suspected infective mononucleosis (IM) while other sera were sent with the diagnosis which could be associated with EBV infections. The results obtained have suggested the necessity of examinations of EBV markers in all states suspected of EBV infection.

[Appearance of hepatitis B in a family environment].

The study comprised 20 families with total of 83 members of whom 45 with hepatitis B. The selection was made of families with at least two members diseased which was the most common case, the marital couples being in question. Of other families, three families had three members and one family four members with hepatitis B virus infection.