Effectiveness of ivermectin-based multidrug therapy in severely hypoxic, ambulatory COVID-19 patients.

Ivermectin is a safe, inexpensive and effective early COVID-19 treatment validated in 20+ random, controlled trials. Having developed combination therapies for , the authors present a highly effective COVID-19 therapeutic combination, stemming from clinical observations. In 24 COVID-19 subjects refusing hospitalization with high-risk features, hypoxia and untreated moderate to severe symptoms averaging 9 days, the authors administered this novel combination of ivermectin, doxycycline, zinc and vitamins D and C.

Clinical and economic impact of "triple therapy" for Helicobacter pylori eradication on peptic ulcer disease in Australia.

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection has had a major impact on the global health of billions of people. Triple therapy was extensively used in Australia by 1986 for H pylori eradication after its discovery in 1984 and was critical in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this infection.

Aims: This study analyzed hospital admission, mortality, and therapeutic data to determine the economic and clinical impact that antibiotic triple therapy had on peptic ulcer disease (PUD) in Australia.

An Oral Whole-Cell Killed Nontypeable Immunotherapeutic For The Prevention Of Acute Exacerbations Of Chronic Airway Disease.

In subjects with chronic bronchitis, protection against acute bronchitis following oral administration of a whole-cell killed nontypeable (NTHi) preparation was demonstrated in the mid-1980s. Subsequently, studies aiming to validate clinical efficacy of this oral treatment were complicated by a number of factors, including the modification of clinical definitions, the implications of which were not recognized at that time. The objective of this review is to integrate our pre-clinical and clinical research in this field conducted over the past 30 years to demonstrate the evolution of the idea of communication between mucosal surfaces through the common mucosal immune system and the development of an effective oral NTHi immunotherapy.

Fecal microbiota transplantation as a new therapy: from Clostridioides difficile infection to inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and colon cancer.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) represents the most effective means of therapeutically manipulating the gastrointestinal microbiome. Originally employed as a treatment of last-resort in patients with life-threatening Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), FMT gained widespread acceptance during the CDI epidemic, where it achieved resolution rates approaching 100%. Following our newfound appreciation for the role of the gut microbiome in both health and disease and owing to FMT's unique mechanism/s of action, FMT is rapidly advancing as an effective treatment for a number of conditions in which the gastrointestinal microbiome is thought to play a role.

Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review for clinicians.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the lower airways of COPD patients, bacterial infection is a common phenomenon and Haemophilus influenzae is the most commonly identified bacteria. Haemophilus influenzae is divided into typeable and nontypeable (NTHi) strains based on the presence or absence of a polysaccharide capsule.

Haemophilus influenzae and smoking-related obstructive airways disease.

Background: Intralumenal bacteria play a critical role in the pathogenesis of acute infective episodes and airway inflammation. Antigens from colonizing bacteria such as nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) may contribute to chronic lung disease through an immediate hypersensitivity response. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of specific NTHi-IgE antibodies in subjects with chronic bronchitis (CB) and COPD who had smoked.

Acute exacerbations in COPD and their control with oral immunization with non-typeable haemophilus influenzae.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) a term based on the demonstration of irreversible airways obstruction, introduced to unify a range of chronic progressive diseases of the airways consequent upon inhalation of toxins. While disease is initiated and progressed by inhaled toxins, an additional pathway of damage has emerged, with particular relevance to acute exacerbations. Exacerbations of disease due to an increase in the level of intrabronchial inflammation have taken on a new significance as their role in determining both acute and chronic outcomes is better understood.

Probiotics--industry myth or a practical reality?

Probiotics are "bacteria that are good for you' evolving out of the food industry, without quality data or a framework in which to function. This review asks three questions, the answers to which dictate the level of success that probiotics have had in moving into the medical model. How do they work? Evidence is summarised to show that (at least) certain bacteria activate Peyer's patch T cells to drive the common mucosal system via toll-like receptors on antigen presenting cells.

Variation of salivary immunoglobulins in exercising and sedentary populations.

Purpose: This study examined the nature of the variability in salivary immunoglobulin and albumin concentrations within an individual, between individuals, and between populations with differing levels of habitual physical activity.

Methods: Fourteen elite swimmers, and 21 active and 18 sedentary individuals provided 12 saliva samples over a 30-d period. Group classifications were based on interviews, anthropometric measurements, and physical activity records.

Mucosal immune responses to infections in infants with acute life threatening events classified as 'near-miss' sudden infant death syndrome.

This study examined the hypothesis that dysregulation of mucosal immune responses to respiratory infections is a critical event, which could be causal in respiratory arrest of some previously healthy infants. To examine this hypothesis, a prospective study was undertaken of infants presenting to the emergency department of a major teaching hospital with acute life threatening events (ALTE) of unknown cause and classified as "near-miss" SIDS. Salivary immunoglobulin concentrations were measured on admission and again after 14 days.

Valtrex therapy for Epstein-Barr virus reactivation and upper respiratory symptoms in elite runners.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the effectiveness of prophylactic administration of the antiviral agent Valtrex for control of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and upper respiratory symptoms in elite distance runners.

Methods: Twenty elite male distance runners were randomized into a 4-month double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial. Saliva samples were collected weekly and mucosal immune status assessed by measurement of secretory IgA (SIgA) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Innate versus adaptive immunity in Candida albicans infection.

Candida albicans is a common opportunistic pathogen, causing both superficial and systemic infection. Clinical observations indicate that mucocutaneous infections are commonly associated with defective cell-mediated immune responses, whereas systemic infection is more frequently seen in patients with deficiencies in neutrophil number or function. Analysis of mechanisms of host resistance against gastrointestinal and oral infection in mouse models has demonstrated an absolute dependence on CD4(+) T cells, although clearance also involves phagocytic cells.

Helicobacter pylori in intensive care: why we should be interested.

Helicobacter pylori is estimated to infect over 50% of the world's population, the majority of whom are asymptomatic. Although most research to date has focused on local gastroduodenal disease manifestations, the potential impact of H. pylori infection and the associated chronic active inflammation on systemic disease processes is now being explored.

Trends in mucosal immunity in Antarctica during six Australian winter expeditions.

The mucosal immune status of Australian Antarctic personnel was monitored during six wintering expeditions at two Australian Antarctic Research Stations, Casey in 1992, 1993, 1994, and Mawson in 1992, 1995, 1996. Salivary immunoglobulin and albumin levels were examined for differences between stations and expeditions, and for monthly changes over the expedition year. Salivary IgA and IgM concentrations were on average higher for the 1993 Casey expeditioners, and all salivary protein levels were lower for 1996 Mawson expeditioners compared to levels of the other expeditions.

Epstein-Barr virus reactivation and upper-respiratory illness in elite swimmers.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between latent viral shedding of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in saliva, upper-respiratory illness, and mucosal immune suppression in a cohort of highly trained swimmers undertaking intensive training.

Methods: Saliva was collected before selected training sessions from 14 elite male swimmers during a 30-d period of intensive training. Prior infection with EBV was determined by EBV antibody serology.