We report the findings of the study of 4185 food samples and 958 environmental samples collected in Italy in the period 1990-1999 and tested for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. The strains isolated were biochemically and serologically characterised. We found a fairly high percentage of L. monocytogenes contamination in food (12.8%), whereas the level of contamination was lower in the environment (environment and work surfaces in food processing plants) (6.1%). Serotyping showed a prevalence of a few serotypes (i.e., 1/2a, 1/2b, 1/2c and 4b), which were the same as those found in clinical samples collected during outbreaks and from sporadic cases of listeriosis reported in Italy in the period considered. The geographical distribution of the strains of L. monocytogenes isolated from food samples is very similar to that of the clinical strains.
Primary hypothyroidism is a common clinical condition. Ascites caused by hypothyroidism is rare. So its diagnosis is often delayed and patients frequently receive unnecessary procedures such as liver biopsies and exploratory laparotomies. We report a male person of 58 years with hypothyroidism with ascites who responded well with thyroid hormone replacement therapy with complete resolution of ascites. Analyses of ascites from patients in this condition usually shows exudative ascites with high protein (>2.5 g/dL) and SAAG < 1.1 gm/dl. High index of suspicion is required to reach at such diagnosis. Though it is a rare but prognosis is excellent with replacement therapy. Key words: Ascites, Hypothyroidism. doi: 10.3329/jom.v10i2.2828 J MEDICINE 2009; 10 : 121-123
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