Comparison of time to negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 between young and elderly among asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 patients: a cohort study from a national containment center.

Objective: We aimed to study the relationship between age and time to negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with asymptomatic and mild forms of COVID-19.

Methods: We conducted a cohort study including all patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from the national COVID-19 containment center of Tunisia. Patients were subdivided into two cohorts: (under 60 years) and (over 60 years) and were followed up until PCR negativization.

COVID-19 during pregnancy: case report and literature review.

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia pandemic, caused by the newly discovered coronavirus is a serious public health emergency and a highly infectious disease. Evidence to date suggests that there are groups of people who are at a higher risk of getting severe COVID-19 disease such as pregnant women and their fetuses. We reported 4 cases of pregnant women with COVID-19 admitted in the national containment center, Tunisia (3 imported cases and one local case).

Effect of vitamin D supplementation versus placebo on recovery delay among COVID-19 Tunisian patients: a randomized-controlled clinical trial.

Introduction: The present study aimed to determine the impact of vitamin D supplementation (VDs) on recovery delay among COVID-19 patients.

Methods: We performed a randomized controlled clinical trial at the national COVID-19 containment center in Monastir (Tunisia), from May to August 2020. Simple randomization was done in a 1:1 allocation ratio.

Twice-Daily Oral Zinc in the Treatment of Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

Background: Zinc supplementation has been considered a potential therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to examine zinc efficacy in adult patients with COVID-19 infection.

Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial.

Factors associated with a prolonged negative conversion of viral RNA in patients with COVID-19.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the factors influencing the delay in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA negative conversion.

Methods: A cohort study was conducted that included patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted to the Tunisian national containment center. Follow-up consisted of a weekly RT-PCR test.

[Off label uses of tigecycline].

Introduction: Tigecycline is a relatively new antibiotic that have very limited valid indications. When no other alternative is available, this drug is widely used off label with promising results. The objective of this study is to summarize the different off label uses of tigecycline so that we can decide when and how to prescribe it in the absence of guidelines.

Mediterranean spotted fever as a cause of septic shock.

Mediterranean spotted fever is a generally benign disease but with the potential of serious manifestations. We report a case of Mediterranean spotted fever in a 56-year-old woman, with pet dog exposure, who presented with a septic shock pattern. Based on clinical symptoms, history, and laboratory results, the diagnosis of Mediterranean spotted fever was suspected and the outcome was favorable with doxycycline treatment.

A four-year survey (2011-2014) of West Nile virus infection in humans, mosquitoes and birds, including the 2012 meningoencephalitis outbreak in Tunisia.

A West Nile virus (WNV) outbreak occurred in Tunisia between mid-July and December 2012. To assess the epidemiological features of the WNV transmission cycle, human cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with suspected cases (n = 79), Culex pipiens mosquitoes (n = 583) and serum specimens from domestic and migratory birds (n = 70) were collected for 4 years (2011-2014) in the Tunisian Sahel region. Viral testing was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Hospitalizations for communicable diseases in a developing country: prevalence and trends-Monastir, Tunisia, 2002-2013.

Background: In spite of the epidemiological transition, communicable diseases remain a public health problem and represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the crude and standardized prevalence rates of hospitalizations for communicable disease (HCD) and to assess trends in HCD by age and sex at a university hospital in Tunisia over a period of 12 years (2002-2013).

Methods: All cases of HCD from 2002 to 2013 in the university hospital departments were included.

Unusual presentation of severely disseminated and rapidly progressive hydatic cyst: Malignant hydatidosis.

The infection caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus leads to the development of hydatic disease. It is the most frequent mediterranean parasitic infection that commonly affects the liver and rarely involves multiple organs. Herein, we report an exceptional and confusing presentation of hepatopulmonary and splenic hydatidosis due to Echinococcus granulosus that caused diagnostic problems occuring in a 70-year-old man, treated with chemotherapy, with favorable outcome.

Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of murine typhus in central Tunisia.

Objective: Murine typhus is an endemic zoonosis. It is difficult to diagnose because of its non-specific clinical manifestations. Our objective was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and treatment features of murine typhus.

[Bartonella quintana meningoencephalitis in an immunocompetent: rare case].

Introduction: Bartonella quintana (Bq) is responsible of various clinical pictures. Neuromeningeal complications are rarely reported.

Case: A 20-year-old woman was admitted for fever, headache lasting for 5 days.

[Macrophage activation syndrome: rare complication of murine typhus].

Introduction: Typhi is one of the rickettsial species endemic in the Mediterranean countries and is associated with the zoonotic infection of murine typhus, which may have a complicated course especially in adult patients. The association with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) has rarely been reported in the medical literature.

Case Report: We describe a case of murine typhus in a diabetic woman complicated with MAS, who was effectively treated with cyclin and parenteral immunoglobulin.

Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis: five cases.

Introduction And Objective: Mucormycosis is an invasive fungal infection usually observed in immunocompromised patients. Mucormycosis is rapidly fatal without an early diagnosis and treatment. We report five patients of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis and a literature review.

[Tuberculosis of finger bones: three cases].

Tuberculosis dactylis is exceptional. We report tuberculous dactylitis in three women who were 51, 44, and 62-year-old, respectively. The diagnosis was suspected on chronic and insidious clinical presentation, and confirmed by histology.

Hypersensitivity syndrome induced by anticonvulsants: possible cross-reactivity between carbamazepine and lamotrigine.

A 14-year-old male presents with erythroderma and fever 44 days after carbamazepine intake. Laboratory exams show eosinophilia and elevated liver enzymes, and thoracic imaging reveals interstitial pneumonitis. All symptoms disappear after carbamazepine withdrawal.

Ocular manifestations associated with murine typhus.

Aims: To characterise and analyse ocular manifestations associated with acute murine typhus (MT), an infectious disease caused by Rickettsia typhi.

Methods: Nine consecutive patients (18 eyes) with serologically confirmed MT at the acute stage were enrolled in this prospective, non-comparative study. All patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination, including dilated biomicroscopic fundus examination, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography.