Detection of influenza antigen with rapid antibody-based tests after intranasal influenza vaccination (FluMist).

Rapid tests for influenza antigen detection are frequently used, but it is not known how receipt of intranasal influenza vaccine affects results of these tests. We tested healthy adults who received either intranasal or intramuscular influenza vaccine. Of the 14 intranasal vaccine recipients, 7 (50%) had a direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA) result and 2 (14%) had an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) result that was positive for influenza antigen within 7 days after vaccination.

Combination antiviral therapy for ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus infection in solid-organ transplant recipients.

The resistance of cytomegalovirus (CMV) to ganciclovir is a factor in therapeutic failure and disease progression. The clinical significance of such resistance in solid-organ transplantation has not been completely established. Six patients who developed persistent infection due to ganciclovir-resistant CMV were treated with a combination of ganciclovir (50% of the therapeutic dose) and a daily dose of intravenous foscarnet that gradually increased to a maximum of 125 mg/kg.

Routine culture of stool specimens for Yersinia enterocolitica is not a cost-effective procedure.

Cefsulodin-Irgasin-novobiocin (CIN) agar was used to isolate Yersinia enterocolitica from 3,622 stool specimens received in our laboratory during a 1-year period. Seven specimens (0.2%) yielded Y.

Comparison of a new, rapid enzyme immunoassay with a latex agglutination test for qualitative detection of rubella antibodies.

A total of 450 sera were tested for rubella virus antibodies by using a new, rapid enzyme immunoassay, SUDS Rubella. The results were compared with those obtained by using the Rubascan test, a well-established latex agglutination method. The sensitivity of the SUDS Rubella was 99.

Thyroid function and chronic hepatosplenic schistosomiasis: peripheral conversion of thyroxine to 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and pituitary-thyroid relationship.

The relationship between chronic hepatosplenic schistosomiaisis (CHES) and circulating thyroid hormones as well as the TSH response to TRH were investigated in 41 hospitalized CHES patients and compared to those in 11 patients with non-CHES cirrhosis with severe hepatic failure. CHES patients were subdivided into 3 groups depending on the severity of parenchymal dysfunction, based upon a composite clinical and laboratory index. Angiographic and hemodynamic studies of CHES patients revealed altered hepatic arteriograms, suggesting a decreased arterial blood flow associated with an increased venous blood flow from the portal system.