An intervention programme for the management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in France.

As shown in a previous study, the outcome of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in France is not satisfactory (41% success rate). To improve the management and outcome of patients with MDR-TB, a prospective intervention study was carried out in 1998-1999 by National Reference Centre (NRC) staff. NRC staff contacted (i) the microbiologists reporting MDR-TB patients in order to offer second-line drug testing and (ii) physicians to help tailor treatment regimens based on World Health Organization guidelines.

Significance of Aspergillus fumigatus isolation from respiratory specimens of nongranulocytopenic patients.

The aim of this study was to determine the significance of isolation of Aspergillus fumigatus from cultures of respiratory specimens in nongranulocytopenic patients. The medical records of patients with respiratory specimens positive for Aspergillus fumigatus who were admitted to an adult pneumology ward were reviewed during a 2-year period. A total of 80 respiratory specimens from 76 patients yielded Aspergillus fumigatus.

[Impact of Chlamydia pneumoniae infections on asthma].

Unlabelled: VIRUSES AND BACTERIA: The fact that the airways are exposed to a large number of infectious agents could explain the frequency of respiratory infections and their causal effect in bronchial inflammation. Viruses are most often the causal agent, but the frequency of bacterial infections make them potential candidates in certain respiratory diseases. Chlamydia are particularly important due to their capacity to provoke immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation.

[Cytomegalovirus enteritis in AIDS. 2 cases].

Background: It is uncommon for manifestations of cytomegalovirus infection to be limited to the small bowel in AIDS patients.

Case Reports: Two HIV-positive patients developed cytomegalovirus infection involving the small bowel with no other visceral localization. Recurrences were frequent despite medical therapy.