The CSF level of AMPH-B was <= 0.05 mu g/ml on day 8. Therefore, L-AMB was switched to fosfluconazole. The CSF level of FLCZ was sufficient Immunology & Inflammation inhibitor (22.6 mu g/ml) on day 25, but there was a decrease in glucose and the fungus could still be detected in CSF smears. Consequently, FLCZ was switched to VRCZ. On day 47, CSF level of VRCZ was 1.97 mu g/ml, exceeding its MIC, so treatment was continued. On day 77, the patient was generally lucid, and CSF smears did not detect any fungi. The patient was
then transferred for rehabilitation. On day 84, voriconazole was discontinued, with no evidence of fungal recurrence.”
“Purpose of review
We provide evidence for the role of de-novo development of immune responses to self-antigens in the posttransplant period and its possible induction by alloimmunity in the pathogenesis of chronic rejection following lung, heart and kidney transplantation. The present review details recent findings for the two distinct yet interdependent immune processes in the immunopathogenesis
of chronic rejection.
Recent findings
The contribution of both humoral and cell-mediated alloimmune responses against mismatched donor histocompatibility antigens (HLA) in the pathogenesis of chronic rejection is well established. Recent studies have focused on development of immune responses to self-antigens during the posttransplant period and its correlation with chronic rejection. These self-antigens include myosin and VX770 vimentin in cardiac, K-alpha-1-tubulin and collagen-V in
lung and angiotensin II type 1 receptor, collagen-IV and VI in kidney transplants. During the posttransplant period, the development of immune responses to self-antigens is facilitated by induction of a distinct subset of autoreactive T-helper cells referred to as Th17 cells.
Summary
Following organ transplantation, tissue injury and remodeling inflicted by antibodies (Abs) to HLA antigens is conducive to develop autoimmunity. Abs to HLA and self-antigens are detectable in the serum of transplant recipients who develop chronic rejection. Anti-HLA Abs are often present transiently but precede the development of Abs to self-antigens.”
“Adenovirus pneumonias are reported relatively commonly in pediatric or immunocompromised patients, but the clinical presentation of adenovirus BIIB057 datasheet pneumonia in immunocompetent hosts is not well known. We treated an immunocompetent 42-year-old man with mild adenovirus pneumonia following pharyngitis and conjunctivitis. Diagnosis was established on the basis of chest radiologic findings, detection of adenovirus type 7 DNA by PCR assay in material obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and a greater than fourfold rise in adenovirus-specific antibody titers during the course of illness. The patient’s self-limiting symptoms improved within 2 weeks, and chest radiologic findings improved within 4 weeks. PCR assay of material obtained by BAL was useful for the rapid diagnosis of adenovirus pneumonia.