A Large Outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease at a Flower Show, the Netherlands, 1999

In 1999, an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease affected many visitors to a flower show in the Netherlands. To identify the source of the outbreak, we performed an environmental investigation, as well as a case-control study among visitors and a serologic cohort study among exhibitors to measure exposure to possible sources. Of 77,061 visitors, 188 became ill (133 confirmed and 55 probable cases), for an attack rate of 0.23% for visitors and 0.61% for exhibitors. Two whirlpool spas in halls 3 and 4 of the exhibition and a sprinkler in hall 8 were culture positive for Legionella pneumophila. One of three genotypes found in both whirlpool spas was identical to the isolates from 28 of 29 culture-positive patients. Persons who paused at the whirlpool spa in hall 3 were at increased risk for becoming ill. This study illustrates that whirlpool spas may be an important health hazard if disinfection fails

A fatal pseudo-tumour: disseminated basidiobolomycosis

BACKGROUND: Basidiobolomycosis is a rare disease caused by the fungus Basidiobolus ranarum, member of the class Zygomycetes, order Entomophthorales, found worldwide. Usually basidiobolomycosis is a subcutaneous infection but rarely gastrointestinal manifestations have been described; 13 adults and 10 children and a few retroperitoneal or pulmonary cases. In gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis the colon is most frequently involved, usually presenting with subacute mild abdominal pain. In contrast to children only very few described adult patients had hepatic masses. Definitive diagnosis requires culture, serological testing can be helpful. The fungal morphology and the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon are characteristic histological features. There are no prominent risk factors. Usually surgery and prolonged antifungal therapy are required. CASE PRESENTATION: A 61 year old man presented with progressive left abdominal pain and constipation since a few months. Colonoscopy showed an obstructing tumour in the descending colon, and a hemicolectomy was performed. Histology showed inflammation, possibly caused by a fungal or parasitic infection, without definite identification of an organism. A few weeks postoperatively a CT scan made because of abdominal discomfort, revealed a livermass (6 cm). Treatment with metronidazole, directed against an amoebic liver abscess, was unsuccessful. He developed a marked eosinophilia (27.7%). A liver biopsy was performed and the patient was referred to a university hospital. A repeated CT scan showed a livermass of 9 cm diameter. Review of colon and liver biopsy samples showed extensive necrosis and histiocytes, multinucleated giant cells and numerous eosinophils. Grocott stained sections contained unusually large hyphae surrounded by strongly eosinophilic material in haematoxylin and eosin stained sections (Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon). A presumptive diagnosis of Basidiobolus spp. infection was made and treated with amphotericin B (Itraconazol contra-indicated because of renal insufficiency). A few days later the patient died of a septic shock. After autopsy Basidiobolus ranarum was cultured from liver, gallbladder and colon. CONCLUSION: Our patient died of gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis with an obstructing colon tumour and a large hepatic mass. This was a rare presentation of basidiobolomycosis and the second fatal case described worldwide

High Incidence of Asymptomatic Syphilis in HIV-Infected MSM Justifies Routine Screening

Background: Recently, the incidence of syphilis has risen, mainly among men having sex with men (MSM), many of whom are coinfected with HIV. Current guidelines recommend at least yearly syphilis testing in this group. In this study, we assessed the yield of routine syphilis screening in outpatient HIV-patients. Methods: From March through June 2003, syphilis serology was routinely performed in HIV-infected patients visiting our outpatient clinic. Serology was repeated six months later. Positive test results of the first episode were compared to historical test results (retrospective analysis). Test results of the second episode were compared to test results from the first episode (prospective analysis). Case records of all patients with a new infection were reviewed for symptomatic disease or testing because or syphilis contacts, versus asymptomatic disease. Results: In the retrospective analysis, 1,105 patients were included. In 68 patients, 81 syphilis infections were identified, of which 33% asymptomatic. 77/81 infections were acquired between 2000 and 24103, resulting in a total incidence of 2.7/100 person years (PY) of follow-up, and 0.9/100 PY for asymptomatic disease. In MSM, the incidence rate was 4.6/100 and 1.5/100 PY respectively. In the prospective analysis 1,010 patients were included. Seventeen patients, all MSM, had a new or recurrent syphilis infection, of whom 4 asymptomatic, accounting for a total event rate of 3.5/100 PY. In MSM, the event rate was 6.2/100 PY, with an incidence of asymptomatic disease of 1.4/100 PY. Conclusion: Routine screening for syphilis identifies significant numbers of asymptomatic syphilis infection in HIV-infected MS

Cryptococcal breast abscess

A cryptococcal abscess of the breast is uncommon and may mimic a neoplastic lesion. We describe a patient with an isolated cryptococcal infection of the breast, which was treated with oral fluconazole in combination with surgical excision. With the exception of diabetes mellitus type II, no underlying predisposing illness was identifie

UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) BMC Infectious Diseases A fatal pseudo-tumour: disseminated basidiobolomycosis

General rights It is not permitted to download or to forward/distribute the text or part of it without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), other than for strictly personal, individual use, unless the work is under an open content license (like Creative Commons). Disclaimer/Complaints regulations If you believe that digital publication of certain material infringes any of your rights or (privacy) interests, please let the Library know, stating your reasons. In case of a legitimate complaint, the Library will make the material inaccessible and/or remove it from the website. Please Ask the Library: https://uba.uva.nl/en/contact, or a letter to: Library of the University of Amsterdam, Secretariat, Singel 425, 1012 WP Amsterdam, The Netherlands. You will be contacted as soon as possible. Abstract Background: Basidiobolomycosis is a rare disease caused by the fungus Basidiobolus ranarum, member of the class Zygomycetes, order Entomophthorales, found worldwide. Usually basidiobolomycosis is a subcutaneous infection but rarely gastrointestinal manifestations have been described; 13 adults and 10 children and a few retroperitoneal or pulmonary cases. In gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis the colon is most frequently involved, usually presenting with subacute mild abdominal pain. In contrast to children only very few described adult patients had hepatic masses. Definitive diagnosis requires culture, serological testing can be helpful. The fungal morphology and the Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon are characteristic histological features. There are no prominent risk factors. Usually surgery and prolonged antifungal therapy are required

Метод «шесть шляп мышления» как один из приемов обучения дискуссии (на примере преподавания гуманитарных дисциплин)

Секция 7 «Инновационные технологии в обучении иностранным языкам