Ascaris lumbricoides-induced suppression of total and specific IgE responses in atopic subjects is interleukin 10-independent and associated with an increase of CD25(+) cells.

Ascaris presence in humans has been associated with high levels of blood eosinophils and serum IgE. This study was designed to address the influence of Ascaris infection on allergic and inflammatory parameters of atopic subjects. A cross-sectional design was used, and atopic individuals to be assessed were divided into 3 groups including Ascaris-infected, anti-Ascaris IgG-positive (seropositive), and control subjects.

Phenotypic and genotypic evaluation of slime production by conventional and molecular microbiological techniques.

Twenty-nine staphylococcal isolates from different clinical samples were tested for slime production: phenotypic characterization was carried out using Christensen test (tube test) and Congo red agar plate test (CRA plate test), while the presence and expression of icaA and icaD genes were evaluated by real-time PCR. In 79.3% of studied strains there was a concordance between slime production and presence of icaA and icaD genes, and between lack of slime production and absence of both or only one of the tested genes.

An unusual case of brain abscess by Gemella morbillorum.

A case of deep brain abscess by Gemella morbillorum is described. Due to high fever, lethargy, severe headache, and the risk of intraventricular rupture of the suppurative lesion, a CT-guided stereotactic aspiration of the abscess was successfully performed. The patient responded well to a 6-week course of meropenem, metronidazole, and fluconazole.