Disability due to rheumatic diseases in the city of Junín, Argentina.

The aim of the study is to analyze the characteristics of patients with rheumatic diseases applying for a Disability Certificate (DC). Every application for DC filed by patients of 16 years of age and older in the Health Secretariat of Junin, between 2012 and 2016, was analyzed regarding age, gender, rheumatic disease as the cause of disability, employment status, and health insurance coverage. Applications were examined as per two elements: inflammatory articular or systemic disease (IASD) versus degenerative diseases, regional or generalized pain syndromes (non-IASD).

Hepatic and extra-hepatic sequelae, and prevalence of viral hepatitis C infection estimated from routine data in at-risk groups.

Background: Concerns about the hepatitis C virus (HCV) are due to the high risk of chronic liver disease and poor treatment efficacy. Synthesizing evidence from multiple data sources is becoming widely used to estimate HCV-infection prevalence. This paper aims to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection, and the hepatic and extrahepatic sequelae in at-risk groups, using routinely collected data in the Lazio region, Italy.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and increase of type 4 in central Italy: an update and report of a new method of HCV genotyping.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping is very useful for identifying the patients (type 1 and 4) that need more aggressive management. In recent years, genotype 4 has shown spread in different parts of Europe. The aim of this study was to update on the prevalence of HCV genotypes of 288 patients in Central Italy, to analyze the possible increase of genotype 4 and to evaluate a new simple genotyping method.

The impact of the Catholic Jubilee in 2000 on infectious diseases. A case-control study of giardiasis, Rome, Italy 2000-2001.

Mass gatherings are believed to increase the transmission of infectious diseases although surveillance systems have shown a low impact. The Catholic Jubilee was held in Rome, Italy in 2000. We conducted a case-control study to analyse the risk factors of giardiasis among residents.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in central Italy.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) exposure is due mainly to infected human blood. Most people with acute HCV infection are unable to clear the virus leading to chronic infection that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV genotyping is very useful to optimize the therapy because it helps to identify the patients that need a more aggressive management (e.