Adverse events (AEs) are common after lymphatic filariasis treatment, and pose a major challenge for elimination programs. We identified cytokine profiles associated with posttreatment AEs, and showed that AEs were associated with increases in filarial DNA and antigen in plasma.

Study DesignRetrospective review of patients who had pyogenic discitis and were managed surgically.PurposeTo analyze the bacteriology, pathology, management and outcome of pyogenic discitis of the lumbar region treated surgically.Overview of LiteratureSurgical management of pyogenic discitis is still an infrequently used modality of treatment.MethodsA total of 42 patients comprised of 33 males and 9 females who had pyogenic discitis with a mean age of 51.61 years (range, 16-75 years) were included in this study. All the cases were confirmed as having pyogenic discitis by pus culture report and histopathological examination. The mean follow-up period was 41.9 months.ResultsDebridement and posterior lumbar interbody fusion with autologous iliac bone graft was done in all cases. Thirteen (30.95%) patients had other medical co-morbidities. Five cases had a previous operation of the spine, and three cases had a history of vertebral fracture. Three patients were operated for gynaecological problems, and four cases had a history of urological surgery. L4-5 level was the most frequent site of pyogenic discitis. The most common bacterium isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Radiologically good fusion was seen in the majority of patients.ConclusionsPyogenic discitis should be suspected in people having pain and local tenderness in the spinal region with a rise in inflammatory parameters in blood. The most common bacterium was S. aureus, but there were still a greater number of patients infected with other types of bacteria. Therefore, antibiotics therapy should be started only after isolating the bacteria and making the culture sensitivity report.

Plasma selenium concentrations were within the normal range for the background population and were not associated with subclinical vascular disease in HIV-infected adults on contemporary ART. The association between current PI use and higher selenium may have implications for ART allocation, especially in resource-limited countries. Also, it appears that statin therapy may increase selenium concentrations; however, larger studies are necessary to confirm this finding. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01218802.

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