Norovirus Infection and Histo-blood Group Antigens in Children Hospitalized with Diarrhea in Lulong and Chenzhou in China

Norovirus （NOV） is a pathogen that commonly causes viral diarrhea in children. Studies indicate that NoV recognizes human histo-blood group antigens （HBGAs） as cell attachment factors. In order to explore the correlation between of NoV infection and HBGAs, a cross-sectional study was conducted in children less than five years old who were hospitalized with diarrhea in two areas of China between November 2014 and February 2015. Of the paired stool and saliva samples taken from 424 children,

Invasive group B streptococcal infection in a patient with post splenectomy for hypersplenism secondary to liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension

BACKGROUND:Splenectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis(LC)is expected to become more common owing to its efficacy on portal hemodynamics.In this report we describe an alarming case of group B streptococcus(GBS)infection after splenectomy in a patient with LC.METHODS:A 72-year-old woman with a history of LC was admitted to our emergency department because of respiratory failure.The patient had received left lateral segmentectomy of the liver and splenectomy three months before admission.Pulmonary examination revealed significant wheezing during inspiration and expiration,but no crackles and stridor.Chest radiography and CT showed no infiltrates.A presumptive diagnosis of bronchial asthma caused by upper respiratory infection was made.Four days after admission,GBS infection was confirmed by blood culture and penicillin G was administered.Antibiotics were given intravenously for a total of 12 days.RESULTS:The patient was discharged on the 12th day after admission.CONCLUSIONS:Although efficacy of splenectomy in patients with LC has been reported,immune status should be evaluated for a longer period.Patients who have undergone splenectomy are highly susceptible to bacteria;moreover,LC itself is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with sepsis.Since prophylaxis against GBS has not been established,immediate action should be taken.Emergency physicians should be aware of invasive GBS infection in the context of the critical risk factors related to splenectomy and LC,particularly the expected increase of splenectomy performed in LC patients.

The role of myeloid cells in prevention and control of group A streptococcal infections

Group A Streptococcus(GAS;Streptococcus pyogenes)is one of the most versatile bacteria among human pathogens.Non-invasive GAS infections can cause common diseases,such as pharyngitis and impetigo.Severe invasive GAS infections can lead to rapid progressive and life-threatening manifestations,including necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome with high mortality rates ranging from 30%to 70%.Therefore,GAS is also known as"killer microbes"or"flesh-eating bacteria".During severe invasive GAS infections,anti-bacterial immunity is impeded by attenuation of the cellular components of innate immune responses.However,this loss of protection is compensated for by interferon-γ-producing immature myeloid cells,which are recruited upon severe invasive GAS infections in mouse models.In this review,we discuss and summarize the current knowledge on the role of interferon-γ-producing myeloid cells and other myeloid cells in the prevention and control of severe invasive GAS infections.

Knowledge &Utilization of Long Lasting Impregnated Nets among Housewives in Al Moneera City and Al Koozi Villages, Hodieda Governorate, Republic of Yemen 2007

Malaria is considered as one of the main health problem in the Republic of Yemen. In February 2006 National Malaria Control Program started freely distribution of Long Lasting Impregnated Nets (LLINs) for vulnerable groups to malaria infection (pregnant women and children under 5 years). After one year of distribution, there is a need to measure the use rate among vulnerable groups and explore factors affecting their use. The aim of the study was to investigate the use rate of long lasting impregnated nets among children under five years and pregnant women in Al Moneera city and Al Koozi villages of Hodieda governorate. Methodology: Cross section study with multistage sample, Random selection of one urban and one rural locality. 768 housewives were interviewed, proportionally allocated sample according to the number of vulnerable groups in each locality. Systematic random sample to select households. Results: The use rate of LLINs for vulnerable groups was 74.3% CI (71.2 - 77.4). There was no statistically significant association between the use of LLINs and residence, also with ages of housewives, occupation, type of house, but there is strong statistically significant association between use of LLINs and having correct information about how to use and to take care of them P value < 0.001, also with educational status of housewives;P value 0.03 and educational status of fathers;P value 0.01. (84%) have correct information about how to use and take care of LLINs and the main source of information was health workers who distributed them. Only 13.4% realized pregnant women as a vulnerable group to malaria infection while about 77.9% realized children as a vulnerable group to malaria infection. The main reason of LLINs use (84.8%) was protection from nuisance of insects. Conclusion and recommendations: There is shortage in the information about the protective effect of LLINs from malaria infection and the main reason of using them is protection from nuisance of insects. There is a need to increase health awareness about the role of LLINs in malaria prevention.