Persistent bacterial infections: the interface of the pathogen and the host immune system

Persistent bacterial infections involving Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. typhi) and Helicobacter pylori pose significant public-health problems. Multidrug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis and S. typhi are on the increase, and M. tuberculosis and S. typhi infections are often associated with HIV infection. This review discusses the strategies used by these bacteria during persistent infections that allow them to colonize specific sites in the host and evade immune surveillance. The nature of the host immune response to this type of infection and the balance between clearance of the pathogen and avoidance of damage to host tissues are also discussed

The interconnections between maternal and newborn health--evidence and implications for policy

The past decade has witnessed increasing global attention and political support for maternal, newborn and child health. Despite this increased attention, actual progress has been slow and sporadic: coverage of key maternal and newborn health interventions remains low and there are wide disparities in access to care, within and across countries. Strategies for improving maternal and newborn health are closely linked, and can be delivered most effectively through a continuum of care approach. While these interventions are largely known, there is little information on which interventions have a positive health impact for both women and newborns. This supplement identifies the interventions during the preconception, pregnancy, intrapartum and postnatal periods found to have a positive, synergistic effect on maternal and neonatal outcomes. These interventions are then grouped into packages of care for delivery at the community, health center or hospital levels