The Authors describe a case of a post rubella encephalitis in a six year old child complicated by severe haemorrhagic episodes due to a duodenal stress ulcer. Despite H2 receptors antagonist therapy, surgery has been required to control the repeated bleeding episodes.

Child↗

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[Specific IgA against multiple antigens as expression of immunologic deregulation in HIV-positive children].

B-cell dysfunction in HIV-infected children is reflected by hypergammaglobulinemia and high levels of serum IgA. Little is known about antibody specificity since only a small portion of serum IgA appears to be directed against HIV proteins. In the present study the specificity of IgA antibodies against food, inhalant, bacterial and fungi antigens were evaluated in a population of HIV infected children. ELISA method was used for antibody testing. Our results show that in 84.6% of patients IgA against at least one food antigen are present. IgA against inhalant allergens were present in most of HIV-infected children but in none of controls. As for anti-tetanus toxoid antigens and anti-fungi antigens, though present in higher percentage in patients, specific IgA were found also in healthy children. If a gastrointestinal dysfunction might be supposed as the cause of presence of anti-food antigen IgA, it is difficult to consider this factor as the cause of presence of specific IgA directed against different antigens. It is possible to postulate that an immunologic dysregulation based on an imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cells or on higher levels of IL-5 and/or IL-6 may lead to a misfunction of B cell and consequently to hypergammaglobulinemia with high IgA levels.

Antibody Specificity↗

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[AIDS in childhood].

Since its first report in 1981, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has attracted great interest among clinicians. Pediatric cases of AIDS were reported only two years later. Recently a review of the literature revealed about 300 pediatric patients with AIDS who are now tabulated separately by the Centers for Disease Control of Atlanta. The classification of the pediatric AIDS is based on epidemiologic, immunologic and virologic data. Subjects at risk include infants born to intravenous drug-addicted mothers and infants who have received blood transfusions or blood products. The diagnosis of pediatric AIDS may be established in a patient who has a polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia and T-cell immunodeficiency associated with antibody to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or isolation of retrovirus.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

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[Preventive measures against HIV infection].

The principle form of AIDS transmission are well known: sexually, blood and blood products, vertical transmission and in order to prevent HIV infections one must avoid these modes of transmission. Much has done to make more secure blood and blood products used for transfusions. It is furthermore, advised to those who must utilize intravenous drugs to employ the use of disposable syringes and more precisely, not to use the syringes of other persons. It is far more difficult to advise regarding the prevention of transmission of the virus through sexual contact, or to attempt to modify the sexual habits of certain categories of persons. Clearly, women with HIV infections should avoid pregnancy. Particular precautionary measures must be taken by those assisting patients with AIDS or HIV infections, thus avoiding infecting themselves and other patients.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

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