OBJECTIVES: Our recent studies showed that in children in the Batumi region, Georgia, underdiagnosis of asthma is 65%, and that not all children with known asthma had a history of allergic disorders. So, we decided to assess the association of known diagnosis of paediatric asthma with asthma-like symptoms and non-respiratory allergic symptoms and diseases using questionnaire-derived data provided by respiratory health survey. METHODS: Subjects of the cross-sectional population-based study were 3,239 urban and 2,113 rural children aged 5-17 years whose respiratory status was assessed using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. For children with a known diagnosis of asthma, the occurrence of respiratory symptoms suggestive of asthmatic tendency and of allergic symptoms and diseases was measured and statistical association of known asthma with the respiratory and allergic symptoms was expressed as odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Respiratory and all allergic symptoms and diseases, except for eczema, were statistically significantly (p < 0.05) more prevalent in children with asthma than in children without asthma. Based on the distribution of asthma vis-à-vis asthmatic tendency without or with allergic symptoms and allergic diseases the following odds ratios expressing likelihood of asthma were obtained: for asthmatic tendency: OR = 18.09 (95% CI: 11.82-27.68), for any allergic symptom: OR = 6.85 (95% CI: 4.69-10.02), for any allergic disease: OR = 10.75 (95% CI: 7.36-15.70), for asthmatic tendency with coexisting any allergic symptom: OR = 18.94 (95% CI: 12.96-27.68), for asthmatic tendency with coexisting any allergic disease: OR = 25.65 (95% CI: 17.47-37.67), and for asthmatic tendency with coexisting any allergic symptom and allergic disease: OR = 27.02 (95% CI: 18.18-40.15). CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the view that in epidemiological setting questionnaire-based studies on asthma seems to more readily identify cases in children with more severe clinical presentation of the disease and with coexisting allergic disorders, perhaps reflecting diagnostic practices of consulting paediatricians.

• MeSH
• alergie * epidemiologie   MeSH
• bronchiální astma * epidemiologie   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• průřezové studie MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Georgia MeSH

Two amoeboid organisms of the genera Sappinia Dangeard, 1896 and Rosculus Hawes, 1963 were identified in a sample containing king penguin guano. This sample, collected in the Subantarctic, enlarges the list of fecal habitats known for the presence of coprophilic amoebae. The two organisms were co-isolated and subcultured for over 6 mo, with continuous efforts being invested to separate each one from the mixed culture. In the mixed culture, Rosculus cells were fast growing, tolerated changes in culturing conditions, formed cysts, and evidently were attracted by Sappinia trophozoites. The separation of the Rosculus strain was accomplished, whereas the Sappinia strain remained intermixed with inseparable Rosculus cells. Sappinia cell populations were sensitive to changes in culturing conditions; they improved with reduction of Rosculus cells in the mixed culture. Thick-walled cysts, reportedly formed by Sappinia species, were not seen. The ultrastructure of both organisms was congruent with the currently accepted generic characteristics; however, some details were remarkable at the species level. Combined with the results of phylogenetic analyses, our findings indicate that the ultrastructure of the glycocalyx and the presence/absence of the Golgi apparatus in differential diagnoses of Sappinia species require a critical re-evaluation.

• MeSH
• Amoebozoa klasifikace   genetika   izolace a purifikace   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• Cercozoa klasifikace   genetika   izolace a purifikace   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• ekosystém MeSH
• feces parazitologie   MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• Spheniscidae parazitologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Georgia MeSH

• MeSH
• financování zdravotní péče MeSH
• reforma zdravotní péče MeSH
• zdravotní péče - plánování MeSH
• Publikační typ
• zprávy MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Georgia MeSH

• Konspekt
• Veřejné zdraví a hygiena
• NLK Obory
• veřejné zdravotnictví
• NLK Publikační typ
• publikace WHO

BACKGROUND: Out of 20 spirochete species from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) complex recognized to date some are considered to have a limited distribution, while others are worldwide dispersed. Among those are Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.) and Borrelia bissettii which are distributed both in North America and in Europe. While B. burgdorferi s.s. is recognized as a cause of Lyme borreliosis worldwide, involvement of B. bissettii in human Lyme disease was not so definite yet. FINDINGS: Multilocus sequence typing of spirochete isolates originating from residents of Georgia and Florida, USA, revealed the presence of two Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto strains highly similar to those from endemic Lyme borreliosis regions of the northeastern United States, and an unusual strain that differed from any previously described in Europe or North America. Based on phylogenetic analysis of eight chromosomally located housekeeping genes divergent strain clustered between Borrelia bissettii and Borrelia carolinensis, two species from the B.burgdorferi s.l. complex, widely distributed among the multiple hosts and vector ticks in the southeastern United States. The genetic distance analysis showed a close relationship of the diverged strain to B. bissettii. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we present the analysis of the first North American human originated live spirochete strain that revealed close relatedness to B. bissettii. The potential of B. bissettii to cause human disease, even if it is infrequent, is of importance for clinicians due to the extensive range of its geographic distribution.

• MeSH
• Borrelia burgdorferi komplex MeSH
• Borrelia burgdorferi MeSH
• Borrelia klasifikace   genetika   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• esenciální geny MeSH
• genotyp MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• lymeská nemoc diagnóza   mikrobiologie   MeSH
• molekulární sekvence - údaje MeSH
• multilokusová sekvenční typizace * MeSH
• sekvenční analýza DNA MeSH
• shluková analýza MeSH
• Spirochaetales MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Florida MeSH
• Georgia MeSH

• MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• elektrokardiografie MeSH
• incidence MeSH
• kardiochirurgické výkony škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• komorová tachykardie diagnóza   epidemiologie   etiologie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• míra přežití trendy   MeSH
• mortalita v nemocnicích trendy   MeSH
• následné studie MeSH
• odds ratio MeSH
• pooperační komplikace MeSH
• prevalence MeSH
• prognóza MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• komentáře MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Georgia MeSH

The objective of this paper is to review experience in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV in Georgia. BACKGROUND: PMTCT is one of the strategic priorities in Georgia. The first case of HIV infection in pregnant women was reported in 1999. Starting 2005 the National Programme on PMTCT became operational. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred sixteen HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centers operate throughout the country at antenatal clinics. According to the National PMTCT protocol, all first time attending pregnant women are offered Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). Testing on HIV/AIDS is based on identification of HIV antibodies by screening method and all positive results are referred to the Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center (IDACIRC) for the further investigation (confirmation by Western Blot assay) and further management. Data collection was made retrospectively, using information from IDACIRC National HIV/AIDS Data Base, VRF for the period 1999-2007. RESULTS: Prevalence of HIV among pregnant women availing VCT services in 2006 was 0.03%. As of December, 2007 total 69 pregnancies of 64 women were registered at the IDACIRC. Fifty eight women (90.6%) acquired infection through heterosexual contact. None of the HIV positive women reported intravenous injection of illicit drugs. The majority of the HIV infected pregnant women had one sexual partner (90.6%). Of children delivered by 51 positive partners 41(80%) were infected through injecting drugs intravenously and 10 (20%) persons through heterosexual contacts. Throughout the period 1999-2007 14 pregnant women received PMTCT services only partially. In 2 cases children were HIV-infected. In 12 pregnancies women received AZT in about the 28th week of pregnancy. No case of HIV transmission to child was recorded in this group. In 32 cases pregnant women received full prophylaxis therapy and all children were negative for HIV infection. Among 6 pregnant women admitted at IDACIRC later than the 28th week of pregnancy only 1 child was infected. As of December 2007, 5 women are still pregnant. Three of them receive antiretroviral drugs (ARV) prophylaxis with AZT+3TC+SQV/r. Two women are under 28 weeks of gestational age. CONCLUSION: Over the last several years the national response to AIDS in Georgia achieved significant progress. The provision of comprehensive packages of PMTCT services in Georgia has been shown to minimize the risk of vertical transmission. As described above none of the women completing full course of ARV prophylaxis, combined with appropriate infant feeding, transmitted HIV to their children. PMTCT programmes are indisputably the main entry point not only for HIV related care and treatment for women, but also for other comprehensive care and prevention.

• MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• HIV infekce farmakoterapie   prevence a kontrola   přenos   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• novorozenecký screening MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• revize kvality lékařské péče MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• vertikální přenos infekce MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Georgia MeSH

The geopolitical uniqueness of the regional, socioeconomic situation and the existence of territories outside the control of the national government have facilitated the spread of drug use in Georgia. A special problem is injection of opiates, in particular heroin and Subutex (buprenorphine). It has been established that among registered HIV infected individuals the main route of transmission is injecting drug use. Although the prevalence of HIV among IDUs (injecting drug user) is only 1-3%, the high number of IDUs, and the high prevalence of hepatitis C in this population creates high risk of dramatic spread of HIV in Georgia. Beginning at the end of 2005, the GFATM (Global Fund against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria) supported methadone substitution programmes in Georgia. At present, three programmes are functioning. At the same time, they involve 230 patients altogether. The studies carried out by the Research Institute on Addiction, with the aim to control the efficacy of pilot programmes have revealed a dramatic improvement of psychophysical state of patients, with very high rate of resocialization and decriminalization, significant diminishment of drug-related risky behaviour. Obtained results indicate high efficiency of methadone substitution programmes in Georgia, as an important tool both for treatment of opioid dependence and harm reduction. In order to obtain a more significant impact on public health substitution therapy programmes have to be further expanded.

• MeSH
• hepatitida C MeSH
• HIV infekce etiologie   prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• intravenózní abúzus drog komplikace   rehabilitace   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• methadon aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• narkotika aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• poruchy spojené s užíváním psychoaktivních látek rehabilitace   MeSH
• psychologie MeSH
• snížení rizika poškození MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Georgia MeSH

• MeSH
• dějiny 18. století * MeSH
• dějiny 19. století * MeSH
• lékaři * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dějiny 18. století * MeSH
• dějiny 19. století * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• biografie MeSH
• časopisecké články MeSH
• historické články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Československo MeSH
• Georgia MeSH