Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-obtained bile culture in acute cholangitis: retrospective analysis of bile cultures and risk factors in a tertiary care center.

Background: Collection of bile aspirate during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is essential to identify pathogens responsible for acute cholangitis. Limited data are available on the risk factors for the presence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in bile.

Methods: We conducted this retrospective, single-center study to assess the prevalence and susceptibility rates of bacteria in bile cultures, and the risk factors for the presence of pathogens, MDRO, and fungi in bile.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of Toll-like receptors and susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the best-studied family of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), whose task is to rapidly recognize evolutionarily conserved structures on the invading microorganisms. Through binding to these patterns, TLRs trigger a number of proinflammatory and anti-microbial responses, playing a key role in the first line of defence against the pathogens also promoting adaptive immunity responses. Growing amounts of data suggest that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the various human TLR proteins are associated with altered susceptibility to infection.

Treatment of viral conjunctivitis with antiviral drugs.

Viral conjunctivitis is one of the most common disorders observed in ophthalmic emergency departments, yet no established treatment exists. Lately, antiviral medications have been introduced into clinical practice; however, a systematic review focusing on their use and effectiveness in the treatment of viral conjunctivitis has not been previously reported. We systemically reviewed the literature to identify studies where antiviral drugs were used to treat viral conjunctivitis.

Preterm birth due to maternal infection: Causative pathogens and modes of prevention.

Preterm birth represents a major problem for modern obstetrics due to its increasing frequency and the accompanying socioeconomic impact. Although several maternal characteristics related to preterm birth have been identified, the etiology in most cases remains inadequately understood. Various microorganisms have been linked to the pathogenesis of preterm birth.