HBV shows different levels of adaptation to HLA class I-associated selection pressure correlating with markers of replication.

Background & Aims: Immune responses by CD8 T cells are essential for control of HBV replication. Although selection of escape mutations in CD8 T cell epitopes has been previously described in HBV infection, its overall influence on HBV sequence diversity and correlation with markers of HBV replication remain unclear.

Methods: Whole-genome sequencing was applied to HBV isolates from 532 patients with chronic HBV infection and high-resolution HLA class I genotyping.

Trajectories and predictive significance of inflammatory parameters for clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients treated with tocilizumab.

Purpose: The IL-6 receptor inhibitor tocilizumab reduces mortality and morbidity in severe cases of COVID-19 through its effects on hyperinflammation and was approved as adjuvant therapy. Since tocilizumab changes the levels of inflammatory markers, we aimed to describe these changes in patients treated with tocilizumab, analyse their value in predicting death and bacterial superinfection and determine their influence on mortality rates.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 76 patients who were treated with tocilizumab for severe COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 was conducted.

Dynamics of Virological and Clinical Response Parameters of Bulevirtide Treatment for Hepatitis D: Real-World Data.

Background And Aims: The entry inhibitor bulevirtide represents the first specific treatment for hepatitis-D virus (HDV)-infected patients. In clinical trials, around 80% of patients achieve normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with about 60% virological response after 1 year, but little is known about the dynamics of responses and clinical predictors of treatment outcomes. We report our single-center data from 15 patients and describe response dynamics, clinical outcomes, and predictive factors for treatment response.

Early combination therapy of COVID-19 in high-risk patients.

Purpose: Prolonged shedding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been observed in immunocompromised hosts. Early monotherapy with direct-acting antivirals or monoclonal antibodies, as recommended by the international guidelines, does not prevent this with certainty. Dual therapies may therefore have a synergistic effect.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-how common and how severe is it as a complication of malaria? Retrospective case series and review of the literature.

Background: Infection-associated secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is a potentially life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition caused by various infectious diseases. Malaria has rarely been described as trigger. The aim of this study is to collect data on frequency, clinical spectrum, and outcome of sHLH induced by malaria.

Quantitative analysis of different respiratory specimens on two automated test systems for detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.

Molecular testing of SARS-CoV-2 RNA is essential during the pandemic. Here, we compared the results of different respiratory specimens including anterior nasal swabs, pharyngeal swabs, saliva swabs, and gargle lavage samples to nasopharyngeal swabs on two automated SARS-CoV-2 test systems. Samples were collected and tested simultaneously from a total of 36 hospitalized symptomatic COVID-19 patients.

Rapid Selection of Sotrovimab Escape Variants in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Omicron-Infected Immunocompromised Patients.

Background: Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are predominantly less effective against Omicron variants. Immunocompromised patients often experience prolonged viral shedding, resulting in an increased risk of viral escape.

Methods: In an observational, prospective cohort, 57 patients infected with Omicron variants who received sotrovimab alone or in combination with remdesivir were followed.

Prevalence of among asymptomatic HIV-positive and negative individuals in Central Ethiopia and efficacy of eradication therapy.

Objectives: is a widespread pathogen and major contributor to dyspeptic disease and gastric cancer. Although the interaction between HIV and infection is not well investigated, previous studies have suggested a decreased prevalence of and limited efficacy of eradication therapy in HIV-positive individuals. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of infection according to HIV status and analyze the efficacy of eradication therapy in Ethiopia.

Multicentric Castleman's disease in HIV patients: a single-center cohort diagnosed from 2008 to 2018.

Purpose: Castleman's disease (CD) is a well-established entity but there is a lack of available data regarding the management and therapy of HIV- and HHV-8-positive multicentric CD (MCD). We provide our own single-center experience with HIV-associated MCD.

Methods: We performed a retrospective, descriptive study on a cohort of patients with MCD, diagnosed and admitted to the infectious diseases or intensive care unit in the University Hospital Düsseldorf between 2008 and 2018.

Comparison of Three Cellular Assays to Predict the Course of CMV Infection in Liver Transplant Recipients.

To estimate protection from (CMV) replication after solid organ transplantation, CMV serology has been considered insufficient and thus CMV immunity is increasingly assessed by cellular in vitro methods. We compared two commercially available IFN-γ ELISpot assays (T-Track CMV and T-SPOT) and an IFN-γ ELISA (QuantiFERON-CMV). Currently, there is no study comparing these three assays.

T-Track-CMV and QuantiFERON-CMV assays for prediction of protection from CMV reactivation in kidney transplant recipients.

Background: Assays detecting CMV-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) may support the current management of CMV infection in solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients, by allowing a better risk assessment and adjusting antiviral treatment.

Objectives: The primary endpoint was the performance of two tests measuring CMV-specific interferon-gamma production, both approved for commercial use in clinical settings. Secondarily, we determined a cut-off for the cellular immune response, which protects against CMV reactivation/infection.

Actinomyces graevenitzii pulmonary abscess mimicking tuberculosis in a healthy young man.

Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare disease that is often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis or lung cancer. Actinomyces graevenitzii is a relatively new recognized Actinomyces species isolated from various clinical samples. The authors report a case of pulmonary actinomycosis caused by A graevenitzii.

Trends in hepatitis C virus infection therapy: protease inhibitors a step forward in the era of direct acting antivirals.

The standard of care for the treatment of HCV infected patients was until 2011 the association peginterferon-ribavirin with a sustained virologic response of 50%. In 2011 another class of antivirals was approved by the FDA and EMEA--the HCV-NS3 protease inhibitors. Two molecules are now available: boceprevir and telaprevir.

Acute pericarditis due to pegylated interferon alpha therapy for chronic HCV hepatitis - case report.

Background: Cardio toxicity due to interferon therapy was reported only in small case series or case reports. The most frequent cardiac adverse effects related to interferon are arrhythmias and ischemic manifestations. The cardiomyopathy and pericarditis are rare but can be life threatening.