Molecular identification of adenoviruses associated with respiratory infection in Egypt from 2003 to 2010.

BACKGROUND: Human adenoviruses of species B, C, and E (HAdV-B, -C, -E) are frequent causative agents of acute respiratory infections worldwide. As part of a surveillance program aimed at identifying the etiology of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Egypt, we characterized 105 adenovirus isolates from clinical samples collected between 2003 and 2010. METHODS: Identification of the isolates as HAdV was accomplished by an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and confirmed by a set of species and type specific polymerase chain reactions (PCR). RESULTS: Of the 105 isolates, 42% were identified as belonging to HAdV-B, 60% as HAdV-C, and 1% as HAdV-E. We identified a total of six co-infections by PCR, of which five were HAdV-B/HAdV-C co-infections, and one was a co-infection of two HAdV-C types: HAdV-5/HAdV-6. Molecular typing by PCR enabled the identification of eight genotypes of human adenoviruses; HAdV-3 (n = 22), HAdV-7 (n = 14), HAdV-11 (n = 8), HAdV-1 (n = 22), HAdV-2 (20), HAdV-5 (n = 15), HAdV-6 (n = 3) and HAdV-4 (n = 1). The most abundant species in the characterized collection of isolates was HAdV-C, which is concordant with existing data for worldwide epidemiology of HAdV respiratory infections. CONCLUSIONS: We identified three species, HAdV-B, -C and -E, among patients with ILI over the course of 7 years in Egypt, with at least eight diverse types circulating

Sexual dysfunctions in male schizophrenia patients

Background: Sexuality involves a complex interaction of biological, cultural, and developmental factors. Growing awareness of sexual dysfunctions in schizophrenia, as well as the adverse effects of psychotropic drugs (i.e., drugs affecting the mind and brain), have led to attempts to use different kinds of treatments to manage sexual dysfunction in these patients. The aim of this study is to investigate clinical factors underlying sexual dysfunction, especially highlighting clinical data in schizophrenia patients associated with sexual and erectile dysfunction, in order to improve clinical treatment. Methods: The male version of the Sexual Behavioral Questionnaire was applied to 214 schizophrenia patients. Of those patients, the Arabic version of the Marital Satisfaction Inventory and the International Index of Erectile Function was given to married patients, while their wives were given the Woman Abuse Scale. Results: 84.2% of the patients were dissatisfied with their sexual life. A negative correlation was found between sexual enjoyment and age. About 35% (n=33) of the patients receiving mixed treatment and 40% (n=21) of patients who are on typical antipsychotic treatment were dissatisfied with their sexual life (p=0.002, 0.05). A nonsignificant difference in sexual satisfaction was found in patients on atypical antipsychotics. Significant differences are found regarding mild erectile dysfunction, sudden onset of erectile dysfunction, erectile dysfunction with their partner only, and the presence of morning erection (p=0.05, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.05, respectively). Significant positive correlations were found between receiving mixed drugs with mild erectile dysfunction and sudden onset of erectile function (p=0.005, r=0.87 and p=0.01, r=0.081, respectively); these results were not found with atypical antipsychotics. Significant differences were found between patients with mild erectile dysfunction and their dissatisfaction with their financial issues (p=0.04). Significant differences were also found between married patients receiving mixed treatment and their wives who experienced physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction in schizophrenia should be carefully diagnosed and treated. This study shows significant correlations between sexual dysfunction and receiving typical antipsychotics and mixed medications. The use of atypical antipsychotics was associated with fewer sexual problems in male patients with schizophrenia