Negative Serological Tests Research Articles

SARS-CoV-2 infection and the risk of depressive symptoms: a retrospective longitudinal study from the population-based CONSTANCES cohort.

Should COVID-19 have a direct impact on the risk of depression, it would suggest specific pathways for prevention and treatment. In this retrospective population-based study, we aimed to examine the association of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection with depressive symptoms, distinguishing self-reported v. biologically confirmed COVID-19. 32 007 participants from the SAPRIS survey nested in the French CONSTANCES cohort were included. COVID-19 was measured as followed: ad hoc serologic testing, self-reported PCR or serology positive test results, and self-reported COVID-19. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center of Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). Outcomes were depressive symptoms (total CES-D score, its four dimensions, and clinically significant depressive symptoms) and exposure was prior COVID-19 (no COVID-19/self-reported unconfirmed COVID-19/biologically confirmed COVID-19). In comparison to participants without COVID-19, participants with self-reported unconfirmed COVID-19 and biologically confirmed COVID-19 had higher CES-D scores (β for one interquartile range increase [95% CI]: 0.15 [0.08-0.22] and 0.09 [0.05-0.13], respectively) and somatic complaints dimension scores (0.15 [0.09-0.21] and 0.10 [0.07-0.13]). Only those with self-reported but unconfirmed COVID-19 had higher depressed affect dimension scores (0.08 [0.01-0.14]). Accounting for ad hoc serologic testing only, the CES-D score and the somatic complaints dimension were only associated with the combination of self-reported COVID-19 and negative serology test results. The association between COVID-19 and depressive symptoms was merely driven by somatic symptoms of depression and did not follow a gradient consistent with the hypothesis of a direct impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the risk of depression.

Hidatidosis esplénica única

Hydatid disease is an endemic parasitosis in Argentina. The liver and lungs are the organs more commonly affected, but isolated splenic involvement is rare. The aim of this study is to report two cases of isolated splenic hydatid disease. The diagnosis was suspected by epidemiology and imaging tests. The serologic tests were negative in both cases. Surgical management was decided and both patients underwent laparoscopic total splenectomy. This disease should be suspected in endemic areas in the presence of splenic cysts despite negative serologic tests. Total splenectomy prevents local recurrence and complications associated with the residual cavity. The laparoscopic approach is preferred as it results in a shorter length of hospital stay and fewer abdominal wall complications.

Hematuria Due to Possible Histoplasma-Associated Urinary Bladder Pseudotumor With Negative Serologic and Urine Antigen Testing

Abstract Histoplasma capsulatum is a ubiquitous dimorphic fungus causing multiple infectious syndromes, ranging from subclinical to severe disseminated disease. We present an unusual case of hematuria due to pedunculated urinary bladder mass in an immunocompetent host. Although the gold standard for diagnosis of histoplasmosis is through demonstration of characteristic yeast forms on histopathologic examination of infected tissue, or observation of typical mycelial growth in culture of clinical specimens, investigational multiplex polymerase chain reaction of formalinized tissue was helpful in this case due to conflicting serologic testing, equivocal morphologic findings on histopathologic examination and, surprisingly, a negative urine Histoplasma antigen despite anatomically proximal location within the urinary bladder. Although antigen immunoassay and serology are commonly used proxy diagnostics in Histoplasma-associated disease, varying performance characteristics in certain disease states, such as cases of locally proliferative infection mimicking neoplastic growth similar to this report, may lead to elusive diagnosis.

Incidence of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine symptomatic breakthrough infections during Omicron circulation in adults with or without infection prior to vaccination

ObjectivesCOVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections were frequently reported during circulation of the Omicron variant. The ANRS|MIE CoviCompareP study investigated these infections in adults vaccinated and boosted with BNT162b2 [Pfizer-BioNTech] and with/without SARS-CoV-2 infection before vaccination. MethodsIn the first half of 2021, healthy adults (aged 18–45, 65–74 and 75 or older) received either one dose of BNT162b2 (n = 120) if they had a documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection at least five months previously, or two doses (n = 147) if they had no history confirmed by negative serological tests. A first booster dose was administered at least 6 months after the primary vaccination, and a second booster dose, if any, was reported in the database. Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against the European (D614G) strain and the Omicron BA.1 variant were assessed up to 28 days after the first booster dose. A case-control analysis was performed for the 252 participants who were followed up in 2022, during the Omicron waves. ResultsFrom January to October 2022, 78/252 (31%) had a documented symptomatic breakthrough infection after full vaccination: 21/117 (18%) in those who had been infected before vaccination vs. 57/135 (42%) in those who had not. In a multivariate logistic regression model, factors associated with a lower risk of breakthrough infection were older age, a higher number of booster doses, and higher levels of Omicron BA.1 NAb titers in adults with infection before vaccination, but not in those without prior infection. ConclusionOur results highlight the need to consider immune markers of protection in association with infection and vaccination history.

IgA Nephropathy and Remitting Seronegative Symmetrical Synovitis with Pitting Edema (RS3PE): A Case Report

AbstractIgA nephropathy (IgAN) remains the most frequent glomerular disease worldwide, with a broad spectrum of clinical and histological presentations. It has been associated with many secondary causes. The remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome is an autoimmune disorder characterized by swelling in the extremities and negative autoimmune serological tests. The primary treatment for this condition involves the use of immunosuppressive therapy. Although several triggers have been identified, the exact cause of this condition is still unknown. We report a case of a 53-year-old man who presented with acute exacerbation of chronic kidney disease, whose etiological study revealed advanced IgAN, associated with pleural and pericardial effusions. Even with volume optimization and dialysis intensification, the pericardial effusion worsened, despite the resolving pleural effusion. Upper arm arthralgias were developed afterward. An extensive study ruled out other causes and the hypothesis of RS3PE syndrome was considered. Glucocorticoid (GC) therapy was instituted for 6 months with clinical improvement and no recurrence at 2 years follow-up. The complexity of this case shows the importance of considering a wider diagnosis for the complaints of arthralgias and volume overload, reinforcing the importance of clinical awareness for other concurrent conditions, whose treatment may be lifesaving.

CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS ON SYPHILIS AMONG MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN

Purpose of the study: To investigate demographics, prevalence, risk factors and the different clinical forms and symptoms of syphilis in men who have sex with men (MSM). Material/Methods: 50 MSM with syphilis were registered at the Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology in the city of Pleven, Bulgaria, for the period 2008-2022. The diagnosis was confirmed by serological tests. Patients were distributed by their socio-demographic status. Risk factors and sexual behavior were studied, as well as clinical symptoms and co-morbidities of syphilis. Results: Of 50 MSM patients the most affected is the age between 20-29 years (54%). 34% of them are university graduates, 88% abused alcohol, nicotine and drugs in combination, 70% had sexual contacts with a casual partner, 26% of them had HIV co-infection. Secondary and early latent syphilis are the most common clinical forms of the disease (34%). The typical symptoms of primary and secondary syphilis were clinically manifested, 34% of them are localized in the genital. There is a significant correlation of the clinical form with the localization of the skin-mucosal lesions (p < 0.001). Antibiotic therapy is effective and leads to negative serological test results by the end of the second year of treatment. Conclusions: For 15 years (2008-2022), the number of registered MSM with syphilis in the Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology in Pleven increased after 2016 especialy in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results are close to the published data on the problem in the scientific literature for the last 10 years.

Mortality Predictors in Patients with Cardiovascular Involvement by COVID-19

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 is a new coronavirus responsible for one of the most evident diseases today, COVID-19, registering approximately 419,000 deaths until 2020. Some risk factors for infection and mortality must be assessed in clinical and research scenarios, such as the presence of cardiovascular diseases, with clinical and laboratory alterations. Objective: Our study aims to analyze the association between clinical and laboratory data and in-hospital mortality in patients with cardiovascular involvement by COVID-19 in Brazil. Method: This is a retrospective, observational, single-center cohort study. The sample consisted of patients admitted to a reference hospital from July 2020 to April 2021. We included patients over 18 years of age, hospitalized with COVID-19 infection, who developed heart involvement identified by clinical or laboratory findings. Patients who were pregnant or had negative serological tests for COVID-19 were excluded. Clinical variables such as gender, age, comorbidities, medications used during hospitalization, chest computed-tomography findings, need for intensive care unit, need for mechanical ventilation, and need for intravenous vasoactive drugs were analyzed. The laboratory variables analyzed were: troponin, NT-proBNP and D-dimer levels. The endpoint of the study was in-hospital death. Statistical analysis of the collected data was performed using Pearson's Chi-square test, Student's T test; p values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: 139 patients were included, and 30 (21.58%) patients died during hospitalization. The group that evolved to death, compared to the discharge group, was older (71 vs 65 years; p = 0.03), had more pleural effusion on chest computed-tomography (36% vs 17%; p = 0.023), had higher troponin levels (40% vs 20%; p = 0.02), more need for intensive care (83% vs 52%; p = 0.002), orotracheal intubation (83% vs 26%; p = 0.001), use of norepinephrine (76% vs 18%; p = 0.001), use of dobutamine (16% vs 4%; p = 0.023), and use of unfractioned heparin (46% vs 21%; p = 0.005). Conclusion: Advanced age was significantly associated with in-hospital death. In radiological patterns, despite the high incidence of ground-glass opacities, pleural effusion was the only finding associated with mortality. Increased troponin levels, but not NT-proBNP or D-dimer, was associated with in-hospital mortality. The need for norepinephrine and dobutamine, in addition to Intensive Care Unit admission and orotracheal Intubation, were also more frequent in the group that presented death during hospitalization, as wells as the use of unfractionated heparin rather than enoxaparin.

Estudio de esógafo en pacientes chagásicos de Córdoba, Argentina. Histológico- inmunohistoquímico, y de tiempo de evacuación

With the purpose of lo establish the sta- tus of the oesophagus with respect to chagasic aendemia in subjects of the central rural zone of Argentine, we seurch the esophagic evacuation duration-time by means of a radiologic standardized test which studied the ingcstcd barium transit as well us the caliber of a given oesophagus. 87 chagasic subjects from rural zones of Cordoba and Santiago del Estero, Argentina , were studied. AlI had severa positive serological test for Chagas' infection.As controls 120 similar studies performed in subjects with negative serological tests for Chagas were considered. Besides, anhistopathologic study on samples of oesophagus of four cases of chagasic patients deceased by different causes, and selected at random were performed, regarding the plexus of Auerbach and the muscle layers.

Efficacy and safety of long-acting cabotegravir compared with daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine to prevent HIV infection in cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men 1 year after study unblinding: a secondary analysis of the phase 2b and 3 HPTN 083 randomised controlled trial

Injectable cabotegravir was superior to daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine for HIV prevention in two clinical trials. Both trials had the primary aim of establishing the HIV prevention efficacy of long-acting injectable cabotegravir pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) compared with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine daily oral PrEP. Long-acting PrEP was associated with diagnostic delays and integrase strand-transfer inhibitor (INSTI) resistance. This report presents findings from the first unblinded year of the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 083 study. The HPTN 083 randomised controlled trial enrolled HIV-uninfected cisgender men and transgender women at elevated HIV risk who have sex with men, from 43 clinical research sites in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the USA. Inclusion criteria included: a negative HIV serological test at the screening and study entry, undetectable HIV RNA levels within 14 days of study entry, age 18 years or older, overall good health as determined by clinical and laboratory evaluations, and a creatinine clearance of 60 mL/min or higher. Participants were randomly allocated to receive long-acting injectable cabotegravir or daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine PrEP. After study unblinding, participants remained on their original regimen awaiting an extension study. HIV infections were characterised retrospectively at a central laboratory. Here we report the secondary analysis of efficacy and safety for the first unblinded year. The primary outcome was incident HIV infection. Efficacy analyses were done on the modified intention-to-treat population using a Cox regression model. Adverse events were compared across treatment groups and time periods (blinded vs unblinded). This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02720094. Of the 4488 participants who contributed person-time to the blinded analysis, 3290 contributed person-time to the first unblinded year analysis between May 15, 2020, and May 14, 2021. Updated HIV incidence in the blinded phase was 0·41 per 100 person-years for long-acting injectable cabotegravir PrEP and 1·29 per 100 person-years for daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine PrEP (hazard ratio [HR] 0·31 [95% CI 0·17-0·58], p=0·0003). HIV incidence in the first unblinded year was 0·82 per 100 person-years for long-acting PrEP and 2·27 per 100 person-years for daily oral PrEP (HR 0·35 [0·18-0·69], p=0·002). Adherence to both study products decreased after study unblinding. Additional infections in the long-acting PrEP group included two with on-time injections; three with one or more delayed injections; two detected with long-acting PrEP reinitiation; and 11 more than 6 months after their last injection. Infection within 6 months of cabotegravir exposure was associated with diagnostic delays and INSTI resistance. Adverse events were generally consistent with previous reports; incident hypertension in the long-acting PrEP group requires further investigation. Long-acting injectable cabotegravir PrEP retained high efficacy for HIV prevention in men and transgender women who have sex with men during the first year of open-label follow-up, with a near-identical HR for HIV risk reduction between long-acting injectable cabotegravir and daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine PrEP during the first year after unblinding compared with the blinded period. Extended follow-up further defined the risk period for diagnostic delays and emergence of INSTI resistance. Division of AIDS at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, ViiV Healthcare, and Gilead Sciences.

New Prognostic Parameter of West Nile Virus: Platelet Distribution Width.

Background: West Nile virus (WNV) infection is a viral disease caused by arboviruses. It can cause epidemics of febrile diseases and meningoencephalitis, especially at the end of the summer season. In this study, we aimed to determine the risk factors of WNV encephalitis with a case-control study of the patients followed in our clinic. Materials and Methods: Among the patients who applied to our hospital with sudden onset fever, headache, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, maculopapular rash, viral meningitis, or encephalitis findings in late summer and early autumn, those diagnosed with positive WNV PCR and antibody tests were defined as WNV cases. In the same date range, patients with clinically compatible but negative serological and PCR tests for WNV in our hospital were considered as the control group. Results: WNV infection was diagnosed in 26 of 48 patients who were examined with a preliminary diagnosis of WNV infection, and the other 22 patients were considered as the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, 1-h erythrocyte sedimentation rate, alkaline phosphatase, platelet, and platelet distribution width (PDW). PDW >17.85% indicated WNV infection with 82% sensitivity and 91% specificity. PDW percentage >17.85 increased the risk of WNV infection by 6.1 times. The power of the study was calculated as 83%. Conclusion: The most common findings in WNV cases were fever and confusion. WNV infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with fever and confusion in September and October in settlements on the migration route of birds. The percentage of PDW in whole blood examination can guide the differential diagnosis of WNV cases.

Comparison of the Characteristics of Brucella Patients Diagnosed With Blood Culture Positivity and/or Serology.

The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the clinical, laboratory, and treatment response characteristics of patients diagnosed with positive culture or serology. In this way, we wanted to assess the validity of serological diagnosis. The study was designed as a retrospective cross-sectional study between January 2010 and 2020. Patients with clinical and laboratory findings of acute/subacute brucellosis, patients with positive serological tests, and patients with growth of Brucella spp. in blood culture were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups:Group 1 - Wright agglutination test result ≥ 1/160 andBrucellaspp. growth in blood culture;Group 2 - Wright agglutination test result ≥ 1/160 and no growth in blood culture; and Group 3 - Brucellaspp. growth in blood culture and negative serological test. These three groups were retrospectively evaluated for clinical features, laboratory parameters, areas of involvement, treatment options, and treatment response. We identified 294 patients diagnosed with brucellosis. Blood cultures were obtained from all patients, and Brucella spp. was detected in 40 patients (13.6%). There were 35 patients in Group 1, 254 patients in Group 2, and five patients in Group 3. When examining patients with symptoms, only fever showed a difference between the groups, which was significantly higher in Group 1. Laboratory investigations of the C-reactive protein(CRP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels of the patients showed significant differences between the groups; these parameters were significantly higher in Group 1. No significant difference was found in terms of treatment response and prognosis between patients with and without blood culture growth who were clinically compatible with acute/subacute brucellosis as diagnosed by serological methods. Therefore, serological tests are reliable methods for the diagnosis of brucellosis in cases where blood culture is inconclusive.

Vasculitic Neuropathy Associated with Pembrolizumab

Immune-related neuromuscular complications due to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely reported. However, cases involving vasculitic neuropathy (VN) are rare. We report a case of pembrolizumab-associated VN, confirmed by nerve biopsy, presenting as mononeuritis multiplex with erythematous skin lesions. Based on negative serological tests for other causes of vasculitis and temporal relationship with ICI treatment, vasculitis was suspected to be associated with pembrolizumab. VN should be considered in patients with progressive neurological symptoms and skin lesions after receiving ICI therapy.

Prevalence and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses among healthcare workers (June 2020-November 2021).

To assess SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthcare workers (HCW) with sampling in June and October 2020 and April and November 2021. Observational and prospective study in 2455 HCW with serum sampling. Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and occupational, social and health risk factors were assessed at each time point. Seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 in HCW increased from 11.8% in June 2020 to 28.4% in November 2021. Of those with a positive test in June 2020, 92.1% remained with a positive test, 6.7% had an indeterminate test and 1.1% had a negative test in November 2021. Non-diagnosed carriers represented 28.6% in June 2020 and 14.6% in November 2021. Nurses and nursing assistants showed the highest prevalence of seropositivity. Close contact (at home or in the hospital) with Covid-19 cases without protection and working in the frontline were the main risk factors. A total of 88.8% HCW were vaccinated, all with a positive serological response in April 2021, but levels of antibodies decreased about 65%, and two vaccinated persons presented a negative serological test against spike protein in November 2021. Levels of spike antibodies were higher in those vaccinated with Moderna compared with Pfizer and the percentage of antibody reduction was higher with Pfizer vaccine. This study shows that seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCW doubled that of the general population and that protection both at the workplace and in the socio-familial field was associated with a lower risk of infection, which stabilized after vaccination.

Paracoccidioidomycosis cases by Paracoccidioides lutzii in southeastern Brazil.

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic fungal disease caused by the thermodimorphic fungi Paracoccidioides spp. Their distribution is highly variable. Paracoccidioides lutzii is predominantly found in North and Middle-West Brazil and Ecuador. This study evaluated the clinicopathological characteristics of 10 patients diagnosed with PCM caused by P. lutzii in a reference center located in southeastern Brazil. Double immunodiffusion assay (DID) was used to investigate 35 patients' sera with negative serology for P. brasiliensis against a P. lutzii CFA (cell-free antigen). Out of the 35 retested patients, 10 (28.6%) were positive for P. lutzii CFA. Four patients did not report any displacement to P. lutzii endemic areas. Our results reinforce the importance of using different antigens when testing patients with clinical manifestations of PCM and negative serological tests for P. brasiliensis, primarily in cases of the report of displacement to or former residence in P. lutzii endemic regions. The availability of tests for different Paracoccidioides species antigens is fundamental for reaching an adequate diagnosis, patient follow-up, and definition of prognosis.

Immune Reconstitution in Late-Presenting HIV-Positive a Case with Idiopathic Liver Cirrhosis and Ischemic Brain Stroke

SummaryA patient diagnosed with late-presenting HIV infection [CD4 count 86 cells/mm3, viral load (VL) 95 000 copies RNA/mL], treated with DRV/c 800/150 mg (Rezolsta®) and TDF/FTC 200/245 mg, was hospitalized with ischemic brain stroke, confirmed by CT scan and MRI. Motor functions quickly recovered, but nausea, abdominal heaviness, ascites, and hepatosplenomegaly appeared. Laboratory investigations revealed anaemia, thrombocytopenia, normal transaminases, increased GGT and negative serological tests for HBV and HCV and she was diagnosed with Gastroenterologists diagnosed liver cirrhosis. After 20 days of hospital treatment, the patient recovered from the stroke and ascites but with persisting anaemia and thrombocytopenia. Liver cirrhosis had been confirmed, and relevant treatment had been administered. Six months later, an MRI of the brain revealed an improved image. Follow-up showed stabilized somatic and neurologic status, improved laboratory parameters, stable T-helper count and undetectable viral load (VL). ART regimen continued with Raltegravir 400 mg (Isentress®) 2×1 tablet/24 h, TDF/FTC 200/245 mg 1 tablet/24 h. Three months later, the patient continued her treatment continued abroad. The increased access to precise diagnosis and treatment with improved adherence has transformed the HIV-infection into a manageable chronic health condition, even in complicated cases.

ОПЫТ ЛЕЧЕНИЯ ЭХИНОКОККОЗА ПЕЧЕНИ

Background. Liver echinococcosis is a parasitic liver disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The choice of surgical strategy for this pathology remains challenging. Objective. To analyze the received surgical outcomes in patients with liver echinococcosis. Material and methods. From 2012 to 2022, 27 patients with liver echinococcosis were treated in “Grodno University Clinic”. All patients underwent an extensive diagnostic evaluation that included a complex of laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods as well as surgery. Results. All the patients underwent resections, including laparoscopic ones (25.9%). No post-operative complications and fatal outcomes were recorded. Conclusions. Patients with liver echinococcosis should be referred to specialized regional or republican hospitals. It is necessary that patients should undergo CT of the abdominal and chest cavities as well of the brain in search for additional foci. Preference should be given to minimally invasive surgical techniques. Negative serology test to echinococcosis does not rule out the presence of a parasite-induced lesions in a patient. The technique of total vascular isolation during surgery is preferable for resection of liver cysts with invasive growth into nearby large vessels.

Toxoplasma Lymphadenopathy: A Comparative Diagnostic Assessment of Clinical, Serological and Histopathological Findings.

Toxoplasma Gondii (TG) is a zoonotic protozoan with extensive symptomatology. Toxoplasmic lymphadenopathy is considered an affirmative sign and is proved by a biopsy of the enlarged nodule. This study was conducted to compare the clinical, serological, and histopathological findings for the diagnosis of toxoplasmic lymphadenopathy. This study involved biopsy examinations from twelve cases with TG lymphadenopathy. ELISA serological tests were performed for TG specific IgM and IgG immunoglobulins. PCR was done to ratify the results obtained by ELISA. The ages of the patients ranged from 15 to 48 years (mean=27.8). Most of the cases are male n=8(66.7%), while female n=4(33.3%). The asthenia was not only the most frequent clinical presentation (83.3%), but it also last longer. All cases had a positive biopsy. Eight (67.7%) cases revealed seropositivity. Two of them had positive PCR in those who were positive IgM, suggesting that the infection was acute. Six (50%) cases revealed positive IgG tests, while those with negative serology were 4(33.3%). The site of lymph nodes involvement had been assessed and mostly cervical (91.6%). The histopathological results yielded 100% positive findings, thus biopsy was very important in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of lymph nodes enlargement. The chronic phase of toxoplasmosis does not show the protozoa in the blood causing an absent DNA band for amplification of the PCR cycles, which could explain the lack of bands particular for TG. A negative serological test does not exclude toxoplasmic lymphadenitis, especially in immune-compromised patients.

Comparison of the Polymerase Chain Reaction Method with Serological Tests in the Diagnosis of Human Brucellosis

Background: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with different clinical symptoms. Its early diagnosis is essential to prevent severe complications. Due to the limitations of serological diagnostic methods, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method has become important in the diagnosis of the disease. Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate the PCR method in patients with suspected brucellosis and compare it with serological tests. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 90 febrile patients with clinical features of brucellosis who were examined by an infectious disease specialist. A total of 90 serum samples were collected from the suspected brucellosis patients admitted to the hospital and were analyzed by serological (Rose Bengal) and PCR tests. Then, each method's results were recorded and compared with each other. Results: According to serological test results, 45 samples were negative, and 45 were positive. Then, among the serology-positive patients, all had positive PCR results. However, 40 out of 45 patients had a positive PCR test in serology-negative patients. According to this study, the sensitivity of PCR in diagnosing human brucellosis with the serology-positive test is 100%, and with the negative serology test is 88.9%. Therefore, the sensitivity of PCR is higher than that of serology tests in patients, which was 50% in this study. Conclusions: The PCR test can be a valuable diagnostic method for patients with negative serologic test results.

Cardiac Hydatid Disease with Palpitations as the Only Presenting Complaint: The Egg in the Nest.

Isolated cardiac hydatid disease is rare and accounts for only 0.5-2% of cases among infected patients.Cardiac hydatidosis may present with a wide variety of clinical manifestations ranging from no symptoms to sudden death; palpitations may be the only complaint.Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for cardiac hydatid disease to avoid high-risk complications.

Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Outcomes of Gestation in Women with and Without Brucella Infection.

Maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications of brucellosis in pregnant women are probably higher than those in the general population. This comparative study aimed to survey the mentioned complications in pregnant women with positive and negative Brucella serologic tests. This is a prospective cohort study. In this study, 2160 pregnant women residing in the rural area of Hamadan province were screened for Brucella infection by agglutination test. Then, 106 (4.90%) pregnant women with a positive test (exposed group) were compared with 210 subjects (non-exposed group) who were randomly selected from more than 2000 pregnant women with a negative serological test in terms of maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes from October 2018 to March 2020. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software at a 95% confidence level. The mean age of mothers in both exposed and unexposed groups was 27.84±6.13 and 38.71±6.85 years, respectively. Past medical history of brucellosis, animal contact, and the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products were reported to be 14 (13.2%), 63 (59.4%), and 82 (77.4%), respectively, in the exposed group. The mentioned measures were 3 (1.5%), 109 (51.9%), and 54 (26.9%) in the unexposed group, respectively. Among exposed and unexposed groups, the incidence of abortion was 9 (8.6%) and 5 (2.4%) with P=0.005, intrauterine fetal death was 2 (1.9%) and zero with P=0.211, low birth weight was 10 (10.6%) and 7 (3.4%) with P=0.012, and premature birth was 15 (15.2%) and 18 (8.8%) with P=0.066, respectively. Brucella infection in pregnant women appears to be associated with the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and premature birth.