Search

Injection drug use is increasingly an important route of HIV transmission in Romania (from 1.5% of the newly diagnosed cases prior to 2010 to 31% in 2013). In this study we investigated the viral characteristics and relationships in newly HIV infected persons who inject drugs in Bucharest, Romania.ResultsHIV-1 pol sequencing, followed by phylogenetic and clustering analysis was performed on blood from 37 injecting drug users (IDUs) newly diagnosed with HIV infection. While HIV subtype F1, the dominant strain in Romania since 1990, remains prevalent, new subtypes were found including G, B, B/G and B/F recombinants. Overall, 27 of the available sequences (72.9%) clustered with at least one other. Network and phylogenetic analysis revealed tight monophyletic clusters for both subtypes F and G, with short genetic distances between sequences, suggesting recent numerous acute to acute transmissions or single burst-type episodes. No transmitted drug-resistance mutations were identified. Greater immunosuppression was present in subjects forming the subtype G cluster, possibly indicating a faster rate of progression associated with this subtype.ConclusionsThe recent increasing numbers of IDU related HIV transmissions in Bucharest, has resulted in closely-knit transmission networks that maychange the genetic profile of the local HIV epidemic.

Introduction. Although SARS-CoV-2 infection is more common in adults, many cases have been reported in the pediatric population. Case presentation. An 8-month-old infant from twin pregnancy, confirmed with COVID-19, is hospitalized with nasal obstruction, serous rhinorrhea, rare cough and watery stools. The epidemiological link is known, both the parents and the maternal grandparents of the infant being confirmed with COVID-19. Biologically, he presented with thrombocytosis and discrete inflammatory syndrome, and the lung radiograph did not show any lesions. At the same time, the twin sister was hospitalized, who presented a similar symptomatology, with a negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, but the lung radiograph showed specific lesions of COVID-19. During hospitalization, 2 more SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests were performed, but with negative results. The evolution of the twins was favorable under symptomatic treatment, respectively antibiotic and symptomatic treatment. Conclusion. SARS-CoV-2 infection may be asymptomatic, especially in infants and newborns, and has a lower prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the medical world in many ways regarding diagnosis troubles and therapeutic options. In this paper, we will present three cases of patients from different age groups, in which we identified specific ways of evolution, from both clinically and laboratory data point of view. We used a critical evolution risk estimation calculator at admission and compared the results with the subsequent evolution of patients. From the analysis of the presented cases, we found persistent organic damage that will require their long-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about the manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection is constantly enriching as more reports of the disease appear. Anosmia, which had not been linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection at the beginning of the pandemic outbreak, later became, through evidence, an important symptom of the disease. In the presented paper we studied the correlation between this symptom and the complex pathological context of patients. Using statistical analysis we demonstrated that anosmia can be considered an independent predictor for the extended period of hospitalization in patients in the study group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. In the history of his usage, by the 1850`s, Lithium was first used for the treatment of the gout. As mania and melancholia were included in the same diagnostic group, Lithium started to be used for the treatment of mental disorders. Nowadays, Lithium is still used in the bipolar disorder and as adjuvant in depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and for the control of child aggressiveness. Methods and objective. Reporting a case of Lithium Intoxication in a patient with infection and chronic treatment with Lithium Carbonate. Objectives. Reporting a case of Lithium Intoxication in a patient with streptococcal angina infection and chronic treatment with Lithium Carbonate. Conclusion. Lithium intoxication may be rare in medical practice because of rare usage of Lithium therapy and strict monitorization of serum concentration. In this case, the tonsillar infectious accompanied by fever, impossibility of proper oral hydration and impairment of renal functions were the initial trigger of the pathological mechanism of intoxication syndrome. Secondary, the excretion of Lithium decreased and the low serum volume led to high blood concentration of Lithium. Later on, the gastrointenstinal impairment which appeared slowly added to the vicious circle which involved hydration, excretion and serum concentration of Lithium producing and intoxication syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]