International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Mar 2008
ReviewWeb-based HIV/AIDS behavioral surveillance among men who have sex with men: potential and challenges.
With more men who have sex with men (MSM) seeking sexual partners through the Internet, the Internet has been characterized as a newly emerging risk environment for HIV transmission. Meanwhile, the flourishing of gay websites provides a good opportunity for health professionals to conduct systematic HIV/AIDS behavioral surveillance among MSM. Effective methods to recruit online MSM users have been developed, and online surveys have suggested many practical advantages over surveys in the traditional gay community. Although surveys among MSM via the Internet have a few limitations and risks, online surveillance can still be viewed as a feasible and convenient approach, especially in countries where the HIV/AIDS epidemic is concentrated in high-risk populations and where the conducting of such surveillance in traditional gay venues is difficult.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Mar 2008
Eight years of hepatitis B vaccination in Colombia with a recombinant vaccine: factors influencing hepatitis B virus infection and effectiveness.
To evaluate the effectiveness of a recombinant hepatitis B vaccine used in endemic areas of Colombia, as well as risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and carriage after vaccine introduction. ⋯ The recombinant Cuban hepatitis B vaccine has contributed to the reduction of the infection in this highly endemic area, though further efforts are required to improve timely vaccination for children at high risk.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Jan 2008
Risk factors for nosocomial imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections.
To identify the risk factors for nosocomial imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (IRAB) infections. ⋯ Our results suggest that the nosocomial occurrence of IRAB is strongly related to an ICU stay and duration of hospital stay, and that IRAB occurrence may be favored by the selection pressure of previously used antibiotics.
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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.