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Chronic Viral Diseases (chronic + viral_disease)
Selected AbstractsReview article: chronic viral infection in the anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy era in inflammatory bowel diseaseALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 1 2010M. J. SHALE Summary Background, Anti-Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy is now well established in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and the risk of opportunistic infection is recognized. However, specific considerations regarding screening, detection, prevention and treatment of chronic viral infections in the context of anti-TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel disease are not widely adopted in practice. Aim, To provide a detailed and comprehensive review of the relevance of chronic viral infections in the context of anti-TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel disease. Methods, Literature search was conducted using Medline, Pubmed and Embase using the terms viral infection, hepatitis, herpes, CMV, EBV, HPV, anti-TNF, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol and etanercept. Hepatitis B and C and HIV had the largest literature associated and these have been summarized in Tables. Results, Particular risks are associated with the use of anti-TNF drugs in patients with hepatitis B infection, in whom reactivation is common unless anti-viral prophylaxis is used. Reactivation of herpes zoster is the most common viral problem associated with anti-TNF treatment, and may be particularly severe. Primary varicella infection may present with atypical features in patients on anti-TNF. Conclusion, Appreciation of risks of chronic viral disease associated with anti-TNF therapy may permit early recognition, prophylaxis and treatment. [source] Prevention and treatment of hepatitis C in injection drug usersHEPATOLOGY, Issue 5B 2002Brian R. Edlin 3180 18th St. Injection drug users constitute the largest group of persons infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States, and most new infections occur in drug users. Controlling hepatitis C in the U.S. population, therefore, will require developing, testing, and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies for persons who inject drugs. Fortunately, a substantial body of research and clinical experience exists on the prevention and management of chronic viral diseases among injection drug users. The need to implement interventions to stop the spread of HCV among drug users is critical. The capacity of substance-use treatment programs need to be expanded to accommodate all who want and need treatment. Physicians and pharmacists should be educated in how to provide access to sterile syringes and to teach safe injection techniques, both of which are lifesaving interventions. The treatment of hepatitis C in drug users requires an interdisciplinary approach that brings together expertise in treating hepatitis and caring for drug users. Treatment decisions should be made individually by patients with their physicians, based on a balanced assessment of risks and benefits and the patient's personal values. Physicians should carefully assess, monitor, and support adherence and mental health in all patients, regardless of whether drug use is known or suspected. Research is needed to better understand how best to prevent and treat hepatitis C in substance users. In the meantime, substantial progress can be made if existing knowledge and resources are brought to bear. [source] Interleukin-10 in viral diseases and cancer: exiting the labyrinth?IMMUNOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 1 2004Alain P. Vicari Summary:, Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is unique among cytokines, as it is considered both as a potent immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive factor. This complex biology has been particularly challenging when trying to define the useful or harmful role of IL-10 in chronic viral diseases and cancer. In the present review, we emphasize how these multiple roles define IL-10 as an adaptive molecule, constantly tuning the host response against dangerous and resourceful pathogens. [source] Impact of chronic viral diseases on semen parametersANDROLOGIA, Issue 2 2010F. Lorusso Summary The aim of this study was to assess the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C (HCV) and B (HBV) virus infection on semen parameters. Semen samples were obtained from 27 HCV, 34 HIV, 30 HBV and 41 HCV-HIV-seropositive patients and compared with those of a control population of healthy seronegative subjects. Tests for detection of HIV, HCV and HBV were performed on seminal samples. The sperm concentration was significantly decreased in HCV- and HBV-seropositive males compared to that of controls (P < 0.001). The mean sperm motility (a + b) was significantly decreased in HCV- and HBV-seropositive (P < 0.001) and in HCV-HIV-seropositive subjects (P < 0.05) compared to that of controls. The sperm viability was significantly lower in HCV- and HBV-seropositive men than in controls (P < 0.001). The normal morphology was significantly reduced in HCV-seropositive and HBV-seropositive men (P < 0.05) with respect to that of controls (P < 0.05). The sperm concentration after sperm wash was significantly higher in controls than in HCV-, HIV-, HBV- and HIV-HCV-seropositive men (P < 0.001). We can conclude that HBV- and HCV-infected men have a significantly impaired sperm quality compared with that of controls. The reason for the better sperm quality in our series of HIV- and HCV-HIV-infected men is still under debate. Further investigations in a larger case series are warranted. [source] | ||||||||||