The Journal of infectious diseases
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We evaluated the potential for avian-to-human transmission of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7N1 and LPAI H7N3 viruses that were responsible for several outbreaks of influenza in poultry in Italy between 1999 and 2003. A serological survey of poultry workers was conducted by use of a combination of methods. Evidence of anti-H7 antibodies was observed in 3.8% of serum samples collected from poultry workers during the period in 2003 when LPAI H7N3 virus was circulating. These findings highlight the need for surveillance in people occupationally exposed to avian influenza viruses, so that they can be monitored for the risk of avian-to-human transmission during outbreaks of avian influenza caused by both LPAI and HPAI viruses.
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Editorial Comment
Transmission of avian influenza viruses to and between humans.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A prospective assessment of valganciclovir for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection and disease in transplant recipients.
We assessed valganciclovir for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in organ-transplant recipients. Virologic and clinical outcomes were compared with those in matched historical control individuals. Thirty-two patients (23 with symptomatic disease) received valganciclovir, and 32 patients received intravenous (iv) ganciclovir. ⋯ The change from baseline viral load by day 7 and day 14 of therapy was similar in both arms. Two patients treated with valganciclovir required a switch to iv ganciclovir, because of a lack of response. Valganciclovir is useful for the treatment of CMV infection and disease in selected organ-transplant recipients.