Immunity and morbidity in schistosomiasis japonicum infection.

Schistosomiasis japonica differs significantly from Schistosoma mansoni infection in several epidemiologic, immunologic, and operational characteristics for control. Because of numerous nonhuman hosts, transmission remains high despite aggressive case finding and treatment of human cases. Diagnosis of infection using the Kato-Katz stool technique is less sensitive and specific in this than in other species of human schistosomes, making case finding and treatment a less effective approach to control.

Schistosomiasis japonica in the Philippines: the long-term impact of population-based chemotherapy on infection, transmission, and morbidity.

The long-term impact of annual case-finding and chemotherapy with praziquantel on schistosomiasis japonica was examined in an 8-year longitudinal study in the Philippines. The prevalence, incidence, and intensity of infection and schistosome-induced hepatomegaly significantly decreased within 3-4 years of treatment and then stabilized despite continual population-based chemotherapy. Hepatomegaly rapidly developed in acutely infected persons, with 82% of subjects developing hepatic enlargement within 2 years of reinfection.

Activity of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein-bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein fusion peptide in an experimental model of Pseudomonas sepsis.

A chimeric protein consisting of the N-terminal domain of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and the C-terminal domain of bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein demonstrated a dose-dependent survival benefit (P = 0.001) and reduced endotoxin levels (P < 0.01) in neutropenic rats with Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis.

Outbreak of multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium with transferable vanB class vancomycin resistance.

Enterococcus faecium strains resistant to ampicillin, high levels of gentamicin, and vancomycin but susceptible to teicoplanin (vanB class vancomycin resistance) were recovered from 37 patients during an outbreak involving a 250-bed university-affiliated hospital. Three isolates with vancomycin MICs ranging from 8 to 256 micrograms/ml all hybridized with a vanB probe. Restriction endonuclease analysis of chromosomal and plasmid DNA suggested that all isolates tested were derived from a single clone.

Efficacy of anti-endotoxin monoclonal antibody E5 alone or in combination with ciprofloxacin in neutropenic rats with Pseudomonas sepsis.

Pathogen-free rats were rendered neutropenic, given oral feedings of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 12.4.4, then monitored for fever.

Epidemiology of tuberculosis in Rhode Island.

The increase in the reported cases of tuberculosis in Rhode Island from 1985 to 1991 has been striking. This rise has occurred at a faster rate than that for the United States overall. Although the HIV epidemic is largely to blame for the resurgence of tuberculosis nationwide, its impact on tuberculosis locally has been muted.

Malaria in travelers in Rhode Island: a review of 26 cases.

Purpose: We reviewed our experience with malaria in two community hospitals in Rhode Island from 1986 to 1990.

Results: Twenty-six patients with malaria were identified. Fifteen patients were immigrants who had acquired malaria while visiting their country of origin, particularly West Africa.

Travel to developing countries: pre-departure medical advice.

Travelers to developing countries are at risk of contracting tropical infectious diseases that they or their physicians may be unfamiliar with. Proper pre-travel counsel should be given concerning general health risks that may be encountered abroad, immunizations, malaria prophylaxis and prevention and treatment of traveler's diarrhea. In Rhode Island, expert advice may be obtained at the Traveler's Clinics at the Miriam Hospital in Providence (401-274-3700 or 331-8500, ext.