International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Nov 2007
ReviewPrevention of herpes zoster and its painful and debilitating complications.
Reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus in sensory neurons to cause herpes zoster (shingles) is common in adults 50 years of age and older; half of adults experience an episode by age 85 years. Herpes zoster is attributable to the progressive decline in the VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity that occurs with aging or other conditions that cause immune compromise. Herpes zoster and complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), can have a substantial negative impact on quality of life. ⋯ Herpes zoster and PHN represent a substantial burden in terms of suffering and associated costs. Immunization of older adults is a good option to prevent herpes zoster and PHN.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Nov 2007
The medical management of central nervous system infections in Uganda and the potential impact of an algorithm-based approach to improve outcomes.
In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV has increased the spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) infections. The etiological diagnosis is often difficult. Mortality from CNS infections is higher in sub-Saharan Africa compared to Western countries. This study examines the medical management of CNS infections in Uganda. We also propose a clinical algorithm to manage CNS infections in an effective, systematic, and resource-efficient manner. ⋯ CNS infections are complex and difficult to diagnose and treat in Uganda, and are associated with high in-hospital mortality. A clinical algorithm may significantly decrease the time to diagnose and treat CNS infections in a resource-limited setting.