TTV viral load as a marker for immune reconstitution after initiation of HAART in HIV-infected patients.

Purpose: To investigate whether TT virus (TTV) viral load may be used as a surrogate marker for functional immune reconstitution in HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Method: Fifteen protease inhibitor-naïve HIV-infected patients were included in a longitudinal study. From each patient, three serum samples taken before HAART initiation and three samples taken during HAART were analyzed.

[Institutional scabies].

We describe an outbreak of scabies affecting 13 patients and staff members in a geriatric ward. The difficulties of diagnosis and treatment are discussed, and it is suggested that the local hygiene unit should be involved immediately if institutional scabies is suspected.

[Scabies].

The aim of this review is to draw attention to the fact that scabies still causes clinical problems and gives rise to epidemics in hospitals and institutions. We describe the clinical aspects of ordinary and crusted scabies and newer diagnostic methods, such as epiluminescence microscopy and PCR. The current treatment of scabies in Denmark is mentioned, and the importance of simultaneous preventative treatment of household contacts and hygienic measures in the surroundings is emphasised.