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Tst, Quantiferon-tb Gold test and t-spot.Tb test for detecting latent tuberculosis infection in patients with rheumatic disease prior to anti-tnf therapy

Introduction Influenza subtypes vary by clinical, radiological, and prognostic courses and may go along with viral pneumonia. We aimed to identify clinical, radiological, and prognostic aspects of influenza epidemic during years 2016-2017. Materials and Methods Influenza cases reported to the Public Health Directorate in our city was assessed retrospectively. Clinical, radiological, and prognostic parameters were compared based on influenza subtypes. Result We analyzed samples from 197 cases with suspected influenza. Mean age of the subjects was 51.17 ± 26.74. We found influenza A/H1N1, influenza A/H3N2, and influenza B in 59 (30.0%), 29 (14.7%), and 3 (1.5%) cases, respectively. Comorbidity was present in 48 (24.4%) cases. Most common radiological finding was interstitial pattern. Seventy-one and 79 per cent of H1N1 and H3N2 cases were influenza pneumonia, respectively. The prevalence of overall mortality was 5.5% with a predominance in H1N1 over H3N2. Influenza vaccination had been performed in 6.8% and 3.4% of H1N1 and H3N2 cases, respectively. We detected no mortality in any vaccinated patient. We identified 6 pregnant women, 2 of which ended up with preterm birth, and another one with abortion. Conclusions Often manifested as lower respiratory tract infection, influenza may cause epidemics with increased mortality rate. Influenza should be suspected when interstitial pattern was seen on radiological images. H1N1 cases course worse. Since the prognosis is better in vaccinated patients, seasonal influenza vaccination among the community needs to be elevated. In addition, protective measures like vaccination should be taken in pregnancy to avoid preterm delivery or abortion.

Can Allergen Specific Immunotherapy Induce Familial Mediterranean Fever Attacks

Meandros Med Dent J Allergen-specific immunotherapy is a treatment aimed to reduce allergic symptoms and need for medication use after exposure to specific allergens. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only curative treatment that can change the natural course of allergic diseases. Although, allergen-specific immunotherapy is quite effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and insect bites, serious treatment-related side effects may still occur. Since allergen-specific immunotherapy can cause changes in the immune system, it is theoretically possible that it can also affect immune system mediated inflammatory diseases such as autoimmune diseases. This is the first case report of an occurrence of Familial Mediterranean fever attacks during allergen-specific immunotherapy.