Detection of human norovirus in intestinal biopsies from immunocompromised transplant patients.

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) can often cause chronic infections in solid organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients. Based on histopathological changes observed during HuNoV infections, the intestine is the presumed site of virus replication in patients; however, the cell types infected by HuNoVs remain unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize histopathological changes during HuNoV infection and to determine the cell types that may be permissive for HuNoV replication in transplant patients.

Impact of peri-transplant vancomycin and fluoroquinolone administration on rates of bacteremia in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients: a 12-year single institution study.

Background: We analyzed the effect of peri-transplant prophylaxis on the epidemiology of bacteremia in a 12-year contemporary cohort of allogeneic HSCT recipients at our center.

Methods: This was an observational study of 1052 consecutive adult HSCT from 2000 to 2011. Formal prophylaxis with vancomycin only, fluoroquinolone (FQ) only, or vancomycin + FQ was implemented in 2006.

Prevalence and risk factors of acquiring Strongyloides stercoralis infection among patients attending a tertiary hospital in Thailand.

Objectives: We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for Strongyloides stercoralis infection in adult patients attending Siriraj Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Thailand.

Methods: A case-control study was carried out between July 2008 and April 2010. Case and control were identified from 6022 patients for whom results of faecal examination were available.

Isolated intradural-extramedullary spinal cysticercosis: a case report.

Spinal cysticercosis is an uncommon manifestation of neurocysticercosis (NCC). We present a case of isolated lumbar intradural-extramedullary NCC. The patient was treated successfully with the surgical removal of the cyst.

Serum procalcitonin in diagnosis of bacteremia.

Objective: To (a) determine the diagnostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) in differentiating sepsis with or without bacteremia, (b) evaluate the correlation of PCT levels to severity of sepsis, (c) establish the prognostic value in predicting the outcome of sepsis and (d) evaluate the correlation among different assays.

Material And Method: A prospective study was carried out from August through November 2007. Blood for PCT levels and culture were drawn simultaneously.

Fulminating influenza pneumonia in the elderly: a case demonstration.

An 82-year-old male Bangkokian with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, end-stage renal disease, and coronary artery disease for many years, was hospitalized due to deterioration of a 3-day influenza-like-illness with one-day chest oppression and respiratory failure. At the emergency room, oxygen saturation was 79% on room air Chest X-ray revealed bilateral diffuse pulmonary infiltrates. He was intubated and hemodialysis was initiated.

Comparison of clinical features and survival between cryptococcosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative patients.

Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening fungal infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients and also occurs frequently in HIV-negative patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients with cryptococcosis. Clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcomes for 149 HIV-positive and 29 HIV-negative patients were compared.

Cryptococcal meningoradiculitis: an atypical presentation after initiation of antiretroviral therapy.

Atypical presentations of cryptococcal infection have been described as clinical manifestations of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in HIV-infected patients following commence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The authors describe a patient presenting with cryptococcal meningoradiculitis two weeks after initiation of ART. In patients with advanced HIV disease, immune reconstitution induced by ART can precipitate onset of atypical clinical manifestations in those patients with latent cryptococcal infection of the central nervous system.

Impact of antiretroviral therapy on the relapse of cryptococcosis and survival of HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal infection.

Background: Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection with morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients. Impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the relapse of cryptococcosis and survival of HIV-infected patients with cryptococcosis has not been well established.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of HIV-infected patients with cryptococcosis during 1997-2005 was conducted.