Tuberculosis

In Spain every year 10,000 new cases are detected tuberculosis, which placed Spain among European Union countries with higher prevalence, together with Portugal. The latest data show that between 30% and 50% of cases occur in people born in other countries.

Experts say the key to eradicating tuberculosis is based on early diagnosis and proper treatment to prevent new cases prevention. The study of people who have been in contact with TB patients is essential to break the chain of transmission of the disease. On the other hand, is very important for people with infectious tuberculosis are kept isolated for about 2-4 weeks until the treatment takes effect and prevent the transmission of the disease.

“But right now, but try to follow these procedures are not done systematically, causing many patients are diagnosed very late and delay appropriate treatment. Also not done routinely contact tracing. We believe that if part of the health budget was directed to TB control could reduce the number of patients and Spain would each year 10,000 new cases and would be among the countries with the highest incidence in Europe, “continued Dr. Ruiz Manzano , who also wanted to remember that the poorest countries are those with a greater number of infected people: the 18 poorest countries in the world are those who receive 80% of patients.

“TB treatment could be much shorter if the authorities of the health budget increased research and monitoring of patients” wanted to highlight Dr. Juan Ruiz Manzano.

Still, there have been many developments over the investigation of tuberculosis, the most recent is the use of molecular biology applied to both the diagnosis (allows better detection of infection with the tuberculin skin test) and the treatment (to study the resistance of Bacillus quickly which makes the correct treatment given).

Transmissible and silent infection with hepatitis B (HBV) is still largely under diagnosed and inadequately treated. An intolerable situation when we know that effective treatments exist.

Patients who are unaware …

HBV is spread through sexual contact or blood or from mother to child. In the adult, in 90% of cases, it is removed from the body naturally, leaving only the stigma of living in its path, that is to say, the antibodies identified by serology. But with one in ten patients, hepatitis B is evolving towards a chronic form. Worldwide, approximately 350 million people are affected by chronic hepatitis B, with a particularly high prevalence in Africa, Asia and parts of Latin America.

In France, 280 821 persons are affected by chronic hepatitis B infection. More than half of people infected with hepatitis B are unaware they are infected. For we may be carrying the virus, and therefore invalid, and not suffer any symptoms.

Dramatic consequences

The problem is that the disease remains silent for many years. “The patient with chronic hepatitis B or C does not feel any symptoms for years or even decades, until the stage of life-threatening complications,” explains Professor Marcellin (Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy). These complications are fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The hepatitis B is the second most identified cause of cancer death after tobacco. In France, each year 1 000 to 1 500 people die of HBV infection. In addition, chronic HBV carriers unaware of their status have a significant risk to health personnel and others who may be exposed to their body fluids (blood, sexual secretions). Testing is therefore essential for people at risk.

Should I go get tested?

You have a history – even ancient – repeated hospitalizations you have undergone major surgery, invasive tests (biopsie..) Hospitalization or care for heavy, you have to have tattoos or piercings (especially if done in poor hygiene), you have been transfused before 1992, you have used drugs by injection or snorting, your mother was a carrier of the virus at the time of your birth, your partner or a member of your immediate family is affected by HBV, you went to jail, you’ve done acupuncture sessions, you were born in a region where hepatitis is common (Asia, Africa …)? If you answered yes to even one of these questions, you’ve been infected. It is important to go get tested. A simple blood test is enough. Prescribed by your doctor, the test is supported 100% by Social Security. You can also go into a consultation and free anonymous testing (CDAG).

We must never forget that the sooner the infection is detected, more support is effective. Failing to cure hepatitis B, it is possible to control with drugs active and well tolerated. Over two thirds of infected patients have their disease stabilized thanks to current treatments. And new molecules under development should improve the chances of success. So do not be afraid of you get tested!

According to the Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin of May 19, 2009 (Institute of Health Surveillance) over 500 000 people are carriers of chronic viral hepatitis (232 hepatitis C 000, 281 000 hepatitis B) and nearly 50% do not know and not yet detected. More than 250 000 people living in France with a virus that can potentially destroy their livers.

Without screening, these chronic infections can go completely unnoticed (very few symptoms except fatigue) and lead to severe liver failure or liver cancer, for which no therapeutic use, including transplant is possible.

Over 250 000 people live in France without knowing it, with a bomb in the liver, while there are effective treatments! Viral hepatitis is responsible for 10 times more deaths in France that HIV / AIDS, “says SOS and hepatitis. In addition there are 5000 new infections per year for hepatitis C and 2500 for hepatitis B. Yet , treatment against hepatitis C can cure (viral suppression) in 50% of cases and treatment against hepatitis B can block the virus in more than 80% of cases.

Hepatitis SOS request therefore a generalization of the proposed systematic screening of viral hepatitis, primarily among older transfused, pregnant women, drug users, prisoners, persons of foreign origin residing in France and also those starting a cancer chemotherapy.

This implies, by association, a release of funds by the Ministry of Health to develop a training policy and provision of screening at health care facilities that host populations mentioned above. This implies also the High Health Authority to catch up on the validation of algorithms for detection of hepatitis B and to extend its recommendations to encourage screening for viral hepatitis. Finally, Social Security would pay 100% screening test for hepatitis B.

Very painful genital mycoses represent 20% of examinations performed by laboratories.

Symptoms

If a fungal infection often goes undetected in women, it is less dramatic in men. Categorized as:

Vaginal yeast infection: As the microbial composition of the vaginal environment is in perfect balance in healthy women, it can be disrupted by various factors. Some fungi can then proliferate, especially the species Candida. Itching, burning, vaginal candidiasis … These white or very unpleasant genital mycoses can be treated systemically (capsules or tablets) or topical (vaginal tablets, pessaries or creams).

Balanitis glans: A fungal infection can cause inflammation of the glans and the furrow between the glans and foreskin. The management depends on the diagnosis, based on the appearance of lesions (patches, erosions, erythema …) and the characterization of the infection. Attention balanitis glans is often overlooked sign of diabetes.
Causes and Consequences

Causes and Consequences

The genital mycoses are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Thus, generally referred to candidiasis. These diseases are caused by the growth of fungi that are normally found in small quantities. Taking advantage of favorable conditions for their development (changes in vaginal secretions, antibiotics, uncontrolled diabetes …), this fungus will multiply in large numbers causing redness, swelling of lips or the acorn, secrete a whitish, severe itching … Outside these inconveniences, fungi do not cause serious complications.