[Anti-rabies measures by the Infectious Disease Prevention Service at the "La Sapienza" University of Rome in the years 2005-2007].

Antirabies service activities of the Infectious Diseases Prophylaxis Centre of the Sapienza University of Rome during the period 2005-2007. Authors analyzed data, of antirabies activity, from 3206 patients treated at the Infectious Diseases Prophylaxis Centre of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" during the period 2005-2007 Dogs were responsible for most bites (92.1%).

Measurement of the sensitivity of different commercial assays in the diagnosis of CMV infection in pregnancy.

To evaluate the performance of different commercial assays for the detection of recent cytomegalovirus (CMV) in pregnancy, the sensitivity and specificity of assays for CMV-specific IgM antibodies were compared. Routine specimens from pregnant women were screened for CMV IgM using the Abbott AxSYM assay. Sera that were reactive according to AxSYM were further tested for IgM by other commercial assays.

[Role of sonography in the evaluation of parotid gland in HIV+ children undergone highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)].

Purpose: To evaluate the role of sonography (US) in the evaluation of parotid gland alterations in HIV+ children, in order to show their presence, severity, specificity, relationship with clinical and laboratory data and sensitivity to new drugs.

Material And Methods: From June 2000 to December 2000 twenty-two consecutive HIV+ children (12 males and 10 females, mean age 9.7) undergoing HAART were prospectively examined with US.

HPV and intraepithelial neoplasia recurrent lesions of the lower genital tract: assessment of the immune system.

Objective: To evaluate the immune state in patients with genital relapse HPV and intraepithelial lesions of the lower genital tract.

Method: Forty-three patients were selected. Twenty-one were affected by recurrent HPV infection either alone or combined with intraepithelial neoplasia treated by laser surgery, and 22 had been previously-treated and clinically cured without recurrence during a follow-up from 18 to 24 months.

Acetyl-carnitine deficiency in AIDS patients with neurotoxicity on treatment with antiretroviral nucleoside analogues.

Objective: A severe dose limiting axonal peripheral neuropathy may develop in subjects on treatment with the nucleoside analogues didanosine (ddl), zalcitabine (ddC), and stavudine (d4T). The impairment of mitrochondrial DNA synthesis is crucial to the pathogenesis of this disorder although other mechanisms have not been ruled out. The depletion of acetyl-carnitine, which regulates the metabolism and function of peripheral nerves could contribute to the neurotoxicity of these compounds.