Arthritis through Geologic Time and its Environmental Implications

The geometric increase in prevalence of spondyloarthropathy through geologic and again in recent times was considered a possible indication of an as yet unknown organismal benefit. Spondyloarthropathy is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sacroiliac or zygapophyseal joint erosions or fusion or vertebral bridging through the anulus fibrosus. First observed as isolated occurrencesin the Cretaceous, prevalences as high as 50% were noted in the North AmericanPaleocene. 

The affected groups in the Paleocene were evolutionary dead ends, a fate that could even be potentially attributed to this disease.The disease surfaced again in the North American Eocene in two evolutionary lines (Equidae and Rhinoceridae) and demonstrated increased population penetrance over geologic time. Now we find the identical scenario in Europe and Asia. Paleocene occurrence has been documented in a single individual from Asia, a member of the same family afflicted in the North American Eocene. Read more...............

Prevalence of Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6) in Patients with Hemodialysis

Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6) is a virus which especially causes infection in CD4+ T lymphocytes and ranks among the herpes group that is widely seen all over the world. It is reported that more than half of the adults in developed countries and 80-100% of the population in developing countries is infected with this virus. HHV-6 infection is generally asymptomatic in healthy individuals. 

While it may cause infectious mononucleosis-like syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome in adults, it is the causative agent of sixth disease (exanthema subitum) in children. As it can stay in the latent phase, reactivation may cause severe diseases with primary or secondary infections in immunocompromised patients. The virus especially causes infection in CD4+ T lymphocytes and staysin the latent phase in the lymphoid tissue. 

The main modes of transmission of HHV-6 are body secretions such as infected saliva but it can be transmitted with blood and blood products that are infected with the virus. Therefore, it is thought that immunocompromised hemodialysis patients who have multiple blood transfusions due to various reasons and who collectively use devices like hemodialysis machines are in the risk group for HHV-6 infection. Read more.........................

Presence of Anti-Protozoan activity in Pomegranate

Blastocystisspp is protozoan parasites that inhibit the intestinal tract of human beings. Many anti protozoan agents such as metronidazole are used to fight against it, Later it should be treated with nitazoxanide. The anti-microbial properties of microorganism are serious problem to treat the infectious diseases. As anti-bacterial drugs are having side effects, plant extracts are now a source for new treatment. Rats with Blastocystis spp were treated with Pomegranate peel extract to check the anti-protozoanactivity. This study observed lowered shedding of cysts, which was very close to that of nitazoxanide treatment. Therefore Pomegranate peel extract can be used as alternative for anti Blastocystis drugs.

The development of drug resistance against commonly used treatment has necessitated a search for new therapeutic agents from other sources. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the use of plant materials as an alternative method to control pathogenic microorganisms. Plant extracts have shown to be effective against resistant pathogens.Herbal medicine or phytomedicine is now attracting the world’s attention as it enhances the health of the body systems without adverse side effects, especially the immune system that protect against pathogens. Read more...........

Pyrexia of Unknown Origin "Misleading First Impressions"

48 year old foundry worker from Kumta district, Karnataka (India) presented with 3 weeks history of fever, body ache, cough, weight loss (10 kg) and anorexia. Recently detected to have type 2 DM. No significant illness in the past. No history of any recent travel outside the district. O/E Temp 101.F, PR 112/min, RR-22/min BP 100/70 mm Hg Toxic looking. No pallor, icterus, clubbing, lymphadenopathy, skin lesions. Sparse crepitations heard over right lung base. Mild hepatomegaly present. No focal neurological deficit. With the above findings provisional diagnosis of

• Pneumonia

• Tuberculosis

• Enteric fever

• Brucellosis was made.

Materials and Methods:

Day-1:

TLC – 15,400/cu mm with neutrophilia, ESR – 140 mm/hr, RBS - 247 mg%, HIV, HbsAg, HCV status was negative. Tests for Dengue, Malaria, Typhoid, Leptospira, Brucella was negative. USG abdomen showed hepatomegaly and ECHO showed no vegetations. Blood and urine cultures were sent which were awaited, started on broad spectrum antibiotics in view of probable right lower lobe pneumonia.

Day-2:

Impression: tuberculosis/malignancy: Bronchoscopy showed only inflammatory cells, no endobronchial lesion, bronchial washings sent for gram stain, C&S, AFB.

Day-3:

He developed sudden onset of flaccid paraplegia with absent sensation below T8 level and urinary retention. Now the possibilties of acute myelitis, Spinal Abscess or Potts spine were considered.  Read more......