Comparison of hepatitis C virus testing recommendations in high-income countries

AIM To investigate hepatitis C virus(HCV) testing recommendations from the United States and other high-income countries.METHODS A comprehensive search for current HCV testing recommendations from the top quartile of United Nations Human Development Index(HDI) countries(very high HDI) was performed using Google and reviewed from May 1-October 30, 2014 and re-reviewed April 1-October 2, 2017. RESULTS Of the 51 countries identified, 16 had HCV testing recom-mendations from a government body or recommendations issued collaboratively between a government and a medical organization. Of these 16 countries, 15 had HCV testing recommendations that were primarily risk-based and highlight behaviors, exposures, and conditions that are associated with HCV transmission in that region. In addition to risk-based testing, the HCV Guidance Panel(United States) incorporates recommendations for aone-time test for individuals born during 1945-1965(the birth cohort) without prior ascertainment of risk into their guidance. In addition to the United States, six other countries either have an age-based testing recommendation or recommend one-time testing for all adults independent of risk factors typical of the region. CONCLUSION This review affirmed the similarities of the HCV Guidance Panel's guidance with those of recommendations from very high HDI countries.

Effect of Human Insulin on the Formation of Catheter-Associated <i>E. coli</i>Biofilms

Biofilm formation is essential for the survival and growth of Escherichia coli?in catheter-associated infections. Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus can excrete insulin and/or glucose in their urine. This population also has an increased incidence of urinary tract infections. The focus of this study was to determine if the composition of Foley catheter material affects biofilm formation by E. coli in a model system for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Rubber (lubricious-coated), silicon-coated, silver-coated and nitrofurazone-coated catheter segments (5 mm;n = 6) were tested. Catheter segments were added to E. coli ATCC25922 (104 CFU/ml, final concentration) in artificial urine alone, or with insulin (40 μU/ml) and/or glucose (0.1%). After incubation (18 h, 37?C, in air and anaerobically) the level of catheter-associated biofilm was determined by crystal violet staining (Abs550nm). Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA with post-hoc analysis (Tukey). Neither nitrofurazone-coated nor silver-coated catheters supported the formation of E. coli biofilm, regardless of growth condition tested. In contrast, under aerobic biofilm formation on silicon catheters was significantly higher (p E. coli controls. Biofilm formation was also significantly increased