The spectrum of activity of levofloxacin was initially determined against 29 strains belonging to 16 species of atypical mycobacteria by measuring radiometric MICs. Levofloxacin MICs were 1 to 2 dilutions lower compared with those obtained for ofloxacin and 8 to 64 dilutions lower compared with those obtained for its D-isomer. Levofloxacin MICs were below its peak level in serum (5.5 micrograms...

Overcoming the resistance of tumours to chemotherapy, often due to downregulation of Bax and Bak, represents a significant clinical challenge. It is therefore important to identify novel apoptosis inducers that bypass Bax and Bak. Potassium channels are emerging as oncological targets and a crucial role of mitochondrial Kv1.3 in apoptosis has been demonstrated. Here we report for the first time...

BACKGROUND Treatment of multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-tuberculosis) is challenging because commonly used second-line drugs are poorly efficacious and highly toxic. Although World Health Organization group 5 drugs are not recommended for routine use because of unclear activity, some may have untapped potential as more efficacious or better tolerated alternati...

Ashy dermatosis is a rare condition, of unknown aetiology, in which mucous membranes are typically spared. The authors report the case of a 57-year-old female with a history of asymptomatic gray-bluish macules located on the trunk and oral mucosa. There were no relief changes on examination. Skin biopsies from the oral mucosa and trunk were performed and both were compatible with ashy dermatosi...

We examined the generation of active oxygens (O2-, H2O2, and OH X ) and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and monocytes from 14 leprotic patients manifesting a bacillary index above 2.2. Patients with disease of more than 4 years in duration showed significantly enhanced SOD activity and a decrease in O2- and OH X production. The antileprotic agent, ...

BACKGROUND Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAC) causes progressive lung disease. Recommended treatment regimens include a macrolide and a rifamycin, but drug intolerance and relapse after treatment is completed often limit successful therapy. METHODS Consecutive individuals referred for treatment of MAC lung disease were treated with a regimen that included either clarithromycin, 500 mg b...

BACKGROUND Cheilitis granulomatosa and Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome are both rare and benign diseases. Because of their granulomatous character, a relationship to Crohn's disease has been suggested. Furthermore, because of their unknown aetiology, treatment is difficult, and evaluation of response is hampered by the natural tendency to spontaneous resolution and recurrence. OBJECTIVES AND ME...

OBJECTIVE To compare the occurrence, duration and severity of ENL in leprosy patients treated with either 12 or 24 months of standard multi-drug therapy (MDT). MATERIALS AND METHODS STUDY POPULATION 296 patients treated with MDT for 2 years, between 1985 and 1992 and followed up as part of a relapse study; and 293 patients, treated between 1998 and 2004, with MDT for 1 year and also follow...

Ofloxacin(OFLX) is often applied today as a substitution drug of MDT for drug resistance to dapsone, rifampicin or clofazimine. However, OFLX resistance is also becoming a great concern. Low and/or irregular administration are considered to be the major causes of OFLX resistance. OFLX should be used as a combined therapy, and minimal daily dose of 400 mg of OFLX or 200-300 mg of levofloxacin is...