BACKGROUND The alpha-defensin test has been previously demonstrated to be highly accurate in the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI), nearly matching the Musculoskeletal Infection Society definition for PJI. However, the relationship between alpha-defensin levels and differing infecting organism has not yet been investigated. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES The purpose of this study is to descri...

Understanding the pathophysiology of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)– infected population with access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) has become an important focus of recent research. CHD is, in fact, an emerging complication for individuals infected with HIV and presents a challenge for physicians involved in the care of HIV-infected patients. Cardiovascu...

Skull base osteomyelitis may develop as a complication of paranasal sinusitis or other regional infectious process or as an unfortunate sequelae of iatrogenic injury or trauma. Afflicted patients generally have some form of systemic immunocompromise, most often diabetes, or a history of external beam radiotherapy for a head and neck malignancy with the radiation portal encompassing the area of ...

elevated, but these subsequently resolved. A lung biopsy was considered but was felt to be inappropriate in view of clinical and radiological (HRCT) response to anti-TB therapy. Anti-TB therapy was continued for 6 months and at a year’s follow-up, symptoms, radiological changes and elevated inflammatory markers have not recurred. Miliary TB is an uncommon, potentially lethal presentation of myc...

The case of posterior column involvement in Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) reported by Inoue et al (1) is interesting and important. Although central nervous system involvement was reported in MFS, the posterior column lesion due to inflammatory pathogenesis is worthy of debate in terms of differential diagnosis on radiology and prognosis. The main point is whether the posterior column involvemen...

Twenty-five patients with spinal epidural abscess were treated at the University of Western Ontario hospitals between July 1980 and July 1990. There were eighteen males (72%) and seven females (28%), with a median age of 60 years. Concurrent illness resulting in immunocompromise was present in 60%. Eleven presented with complete myelopathy, thirteen had limb weakness, and one had no neurologica...

The package inserts of live viral vaccines include immunodeficiency as a contraindication. Nevertheless, patients with mild forms of immunodeficiency may benefit from vaccination. No published guidelines exist for the administration of these vaccines specifically to patients with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. This syndrome is also sometimes called DiGeorge syndrome and is associated wit...

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing unabated and advent of influenza season, public health authorities have emphasised that vaccination is paramount importance.1Jaklevic MC Flu urged during pandemic.JAMA. 2020; 324: 926-927Crossref PubMed Scopus (27) Google Scholar Vaccination can reduce severity infection prevent hospitalisations,1Jaklevic which might help to conserve already strained health...