Obstructed intestine as a reservoir for systemic infection

Article Abstract:

Following intestinal obstruction, the motility (movement) of the intestine and its ability to absorb and secrete substances is altered. The intestine contains large amounts of bacteria, which do not normally escape to other organs or to the blood stream. However, it may be that an obstructed intestine can transmit bacteria to nearby organs and the general circulation. This hypothesis was tested using mice. The mice underwent true or sham ligation (tying off) of the intestine; the sham procedure involved all steps in the surgery except for the actual ligation. It was shown that the bacteria from the intestine traveled to the lymph nodes of the abdomen within six hours of the surgically caused intestinal obstruction. After 24 hours, the bacteria had spread to the liver, spleen and blood stream. This movement of bacteria rarely occurred in the mice in whom sham ligation had been performed, indicating that the trauma of surgery was not the cause of the bacterial migration. It is concluded that the movement of bacteria that follows intestinal obstruction may be caused by a change in the ecology of the normal intestinal flora. This can lead to intestinal overgrowth with certain enteric bacteria and subsequent damage to the mucosa of the intestine. For intestinal injury to occur, it appears that both mechanical obstruction and bacterial overgrowth must be present. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Infection, Intestines, Bacterial infections, Intestinal obstruction

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Vulvodynia and selective IgA deficiency. Case reports

Article Abstract:

Vulvodynia is a condition that causes severe itching and burning sensations in the vulva, the external female genital organs located near the opening of the vagina. This article describes the case reports of two women with vulvodynia. Neither woman was taking any form of medication, and there were no signs of urinary tract infections, liver or kidney disorders, or abnormal hormone levels. Tissue samples taken from the vulva were analyzed and were normal in both cases. Both women had a history of recurrent respiratory or nasal infections. Samples of blood, saliva and vaginal fluid were examined and, in both cases, were found to have a deficiency of immunoglobulin A (IgA), one of the most common immunological deficiencies. This deficiency is estimated to affect 1 out of every 300 to 3,000 people, depending on race and geographical region. In some cases, it does not cause any symptoms, but in others, it causes recurrent respiratory tract infections, digestion problems, and arthritis. Although the exact cause of vulvodynia is unknown, IgA deficiency may be an important factor. A deficiency in IgA may favor the development of infections or cause an allergic response that might lead to vulvodynia. It is suggested that women with vulvodynia be tested for IgA deficiency. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement, Vulvar diseases, Immunoglobulin A

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Protracted enteric cryptosporidial infection in selective immunoglobulin A and saccharomyces opsonin deficiencies

Article Abstract:

Infection with cryptosporidia, a parasitic organism, is a common cause of diarrhea in adults. Normally, the infection is of short duration, but can persist in individuals with incompetent immune function, and is frequently found in patients with AIDS. A case is reported of a 56-year-old woman who suffered intermittent diarrhea and abdominal pain after a visit to Tunisia. Accompanying travelers also developed similar illnesses which resolved within two weeks, but this woman had recurrent bouts for 16 months. Cryptosporidia were found in a rectal biopsy specimen, but the patient had no risk factors for AIDS. Further tests showed that she was deficient in one subtype of antibodies, immunoglobulin A, and also in a type of opsonin (a blood substance which facilitates clearance of alien particles) that clears fungi. The patient's symptoms resolved spontaneously, as is common in this infection. The study emphasizes the importance of obtaining rectal biopsies in cases of chronic diarrhea, and of investigating immune function in cases of prolonged cryptosporidial infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Cryptosporidiosis, Parasitic diseases, Immunologic diseases

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