Staphylococcus aureus-derived lipoteichoic acid induces temporary T-cell paralysis independent of Toll-like receptor 2.

Background: The interplay between microbes and surface organs, such as the skin, shapes a complex immune system with several checks and balances. The first-line defense is mediated by innate immune pathways leading to inflammation. In the second phase specific T cells invade the infected organ, amplifying inflammation and defense.

Toll-like receptor 2 ligands promote chronic atopic dermatitis through IL-4-mediated suppression of IL-10.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a T cell-mediated inflammatory skin disease, with TH2 cells initiating acute flares. This inflamed skin is immediately colonized with Staphylococcus aureus, which provides potent Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 ligands. However, the effect of TLR2 ligands on the development of TH2-mediated AD inflammation remains unclear.

Assessment of psychological aspects during systemic provocation tests in patients with pseudoallergic drug reactions.

Background: Basic mechanisms of pseudoallergic drug reactions as well as a possible role of the psyche are currently unknown.

Objective: Examination of psychological status and reactions during diagnostic provocation tests in patients with previous pseudoallergic reactions to drugs.

Subjects And Methods: Ten inpatients, admitted for provocation tests, were studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled setting, with inventories of anxiety and depression being measured at baseline and psychological reactions and symptoms being recorded daily by patients and the attending physician.

Biological false-positive tests comprise a high proportion of Venereal Disease Research Laboratory reactions in an analysis of 300,000 sera.

This retrospective study on syphilis screening at the sexually transmitted infection (STI) unit of a University Department emphasizes the necessity of a treponemal-specific test as the appropriate screening test. The Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test for syphilis screening may, under certain circumstances, yield positive results in patients not infected with Treponema pallidum, a phenomenon referred to as biological false-positive (BFP) VDRL test. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of BFP tests in a large sample of sera.

[Alopecia areata universalis and disseminated mollusca contagiosa in atopic dermatitis. Hair re-growth during treatment with interferon gamma--therapeutic effect or coincidence?].

A 35-year-old woman presented with severe recalcitrant atopic dermatitis, in association with disseminated mollusca contagiosa and alopecia areata universalis. After several weeks of systemic interferon gamma, which was administered subcutaneously,the viral infection cleared and, surprisingly, four weeks after starting treatment hair re-growth was observed. Complete remission of alopecia areata was documented few weeks later and persists.