A case report of fungemia due to <em>Kodamea ohmeri</em>

Kodamea ohmeri is an unusual and emerging fungal pathogen that can cause life threatening infections in humans, particularly in patients with compromised immunity. We report a case of K. ohmeri fungemia leading to sepsis that was successfully treated with amphotericin B therapy. </p

Association of IL-4 (− 590 C/T) and IL-6 (− 174 G/C) gene polymorphism in South Indian CKD patients

Abstract Aim The present study was undertaken to examine the role of IL-4 (− 590 C/T) (rs2243250) and IL-6 (− 174G/C) (rs1800795) polymorphism and the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-6 in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods The IL-4 (− 590C/T) and IL-6 (− 174 G/C) polymorphisms were genotyped in 132 CKD patients and 161 controls using PCR–RFLP. Serum IL-4 and IL-6 quantifications were performed by ELISA. Results Significant susceptible associations of CT genotype (OR = 4.56; p < 1.84 × 10–9) and T allele (OR = 1.56; p < 0.010) of IL-4 (− 590C/T) and CC genotype (OR = 2.63; p < 0.032) of IL-6 (− 174G/C) were observed for CKD. The CC genotype (OR = 0.27; p < 9.314 × 10–7) and C allele (OR = 0.63; p < 0.010) of IL-4 (− 590 C/T) revealed strong protective associations. Five-fold increased levels were observed for both IL-6 (p < 0.0001) and IL-4 (p < 0.0043) cytokines in CKD patients than the controls. The IL-4 serum levels (pg/ml) increased significantly in patients with CT and TT genotypes of IL-4 (− 590 C/T) than the controls (6.18 ± 1.80 vs. 3.33 ± 0.48 and 6.14 ± 1.96 vs. 3.21 ± 0.56 respectively). For IL-6 (− 174 G/C) polymorphism, the patients with CC genotype (6.50 ± 1.30 vs. 3.49 ± 1.39) revealed with higher IL-6 serum levels followed by GC genotype (5.00 ± 1.91 vs. 4.01 ± 1.74). Conclusion The genotypes of IL-4 (590 C/T) and IL-6 (174 G/C) polymorphisms contribute differential susceptibility in south Indian CKD patients. A fivefold increased serum levels of IL-4 (anti-inflammatory) and IL-6 (pro- and anti-inflammatory) cytokines were documented in CKD patients. There observed an opposite trend in disease association for these two cytokines and associated SNPs with CKD in south India

Woodfordia Fruticosa: Traditional Uses and Recent Findings

Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz of the family Lythraceae is a plant of tropical and subtropical region with a long history of medicinal use. A wide range of chemical compounds including tannins (especially those of macrocyclic hydrolysable class), flavonoids, anthraquinone glycosides, and polyphenols have been isolated from this species in recent times. Extracts and metabolites of this plant, particularly those from flowers and leaves, possess useful pharmacological activities. A comprehensive account of the chemical constituents and the biological activities is presented and a critical appraisal of the ethnopharmacological issues is included in view of the many recent findings of importance on this plant

Sex-specific innate immune selection of HIV-1 in utero is associated with increased female susceptibility to infection

Female children and adults typically generate more efficacious immune responses to vaccines and infections than age-matched males, but also suffer greater immunopathology and autoimmune disease. We here describe, in a cohort of > 170 in utero HIV-infected infants from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, fetal immune sex differences resulting in a 1.5–2-fold increased female susceptibility to intrauterine HIV infection. Viruses transmitted to females have lower replicative capacity (p = 0.0005) and are more type I interferon-resistant (p = 0.007) than those transmitted to males. Cord blood cells from females of HIV-uninfected sex-discordant twins are more activated (p = 0.01) and more susceptible to HIV infection in vitro (p = 0.03). Sex differences in outcome include superior maintenance of aviraemia among males (p = 0.007) that is not explained by differential antiretroviral therapy adherence. These data demonstrate sex-specific innate immune selection of HIV associated with increased female susceptibility to in utero infection and enhanced functional cure potential among infected males