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Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) remain a leading cause of global mortality and morbidity. Nearly 70% of children between the ages of one and four years and 90% of infants with respiratory illness are hospitalized. The causative agents of nearly 80% of ARIs are viruses. In Bulgaria, according to a study by the National Center of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, in 82% and 70% of the cases of children with bronchiolitis and pneumonia, respectively, viral causative agents have been proven. This manuscript presents advanced methods for microbiological testing from respiratory specimens, with an accent on multiplex PCR and mass-spectrometry. These methods are a practical diagnostic approach, as they allow quick etiological diagnosis of ARIs in childhood (especially those caused by viruses and difficult-to-cultivate bacteria), detection of co-infections, rapid appointment of appropriate treatment and timely infection control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medical radiation exposure during diagnostic and interventional procedures affects over 90% of the human made radiation dose. Cardiac catheterizations are a widely used method for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases, which are a major cause of death in European countries and the United States. Vertebroplasty and transpedicular screw fixations are minimally invasive procedures applied in cases of vertebral compression or fracture. These medical procedures are guided under fluoroscopic control. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the cytogenetic effects of ionizing radiation in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients underwent cardiac catheterization or minimally invasive spine surgery. Dicentrics, chromosomal fragments and total number of aberrations frequency was estimated in peripheral blood lymphocytes of 42 patients before and after interventional radiological procedures. 19 of them underwent coronary angiography and 23 - spinal surgery. A group of 19 healthy individuals from the population were used as a control to compare chromosomal aberrations levels with those in patients group before medical procedure. Our results show that chromosomal aberrations frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients before the medical procedure is comparable to the same biomarkers evaluated in healthy individuals. The number of chromosomal fragments and the total number of chromosomal aberrations in the patients increased significantly after the both medical procedures (p<0.01). The frequency of dicentrics shows statistically significant increase after cardiac catheterization (p<0.05), however, after spinal stabilization, there was enhancement of dicentrics frequency but without statistical significance (p>0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From being nearly identical to death sentence 40 years ago, HIV infection has transformed into a manageable disease. Introducing highly effective combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 1996 and a recent recommendation to start regardless of CD4 count led to significant reduction of HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. Coupled with preexposure prophylaxis for those at high risk, АRТ offers an opportunity for substantially limiting the epidemic. The goal of this historical 4-decade-long journey to end the global HIV epidemic, however, can be reached only when a safe and effective vaccine is available. Moreover, research, advocacy, human solidarity and political support have to address the inequalities and remaining implementation challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HVB), frequent in endemic countries, accounts for about 40-50% of chronic HBV infections worldwide. Therefore, blocking the transmission is a significant step toward eliminating hepatitis B. The study presented a case of a successfully prophylactic baby girl born to a mother with chronic HBV infection diagnosed during pregnancy. She was prescribed antiviral therapy in the last trimester. The child was followed-up by the authors, proving her protection against HBV. In addition, we collected epidemiological data from family household contacts. The results revealed the source of the infection - the grandmother of the baby with chronic HBV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no other remarkable advancement in clinical medicine as the discovery of antimicrobial chemotherapy. Few people know that wars were the impetus for its discovery. Domagk discovered the first synthetic preparation from the group of sulfonamides. They were used effectively for treatment about a decade before penicillin became available for mass use. Before Domagk's work, the concept that chemicals could cure bacterial infections seemed unrealistic and untenable. By proving that it is possible, he contributed to the well-being of humanity. There is no more remarkable impact on human health and life than antimicrobial therapy, and Domagk marks the beginning of a new era in medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persons with HIV are at a higher risk for acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) than the general population due to shared modes of transmission. They are significantly more likely to develop and die from sequelae of chronic HBV infection. Early vaccination is key to achieving HBV protective immunity, but response rates are lower. Strategies to augment initial response and improve long-term immunity include reinforced vaccination regiments with 3 and 4 double-dose vaccine schedules. Early vaccination when CD4 > 350 cells/μl with low viral load has been improved initial response. Annual booster is needed if anti-HBs decrease < 10 IU/l. Here we presented a patient timely diagnosed with HIV which enable us to successfully vaccine him with the development of ideal vaccine immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the large measles outbreak in Bulgaria, 2009-2011, vaccination coverage has remained unsatisfactory. In this study we presented characteristic of measles cases in Plovdiv region in 2017. All measles cases admitted to University Hospital, Plovdiv, were included. Confirmation was made by detection of specific IgM and/оr nucleic acid. Overall, 141 measles cases were hospitalized between 15 March and 9 July 2017 of which 137 were laboratory confirmed and 4 were probable. They comprised 85,45% out of 165 cases in the country. The median age was 5 ±14,5 years (2 mo-55 years). In total, 115 (81,56 %) were children. The majority (88,65%) were from a minority background. The transmission had occurred in the community (117) and hospital settings (24). Totally, 52 (36,88%) were unvaccinated, including 36 infants aged <13 months ( age not eligible for vaccination), another 50 (35,46%) had received 1 vaccine dose and 17 (12,6%) 2 doses, for the remaining 22 (15,6%) vaccination status was unknown. Genotype B3 of the virus was identified. One death occurred in a 9- month-old child. Тhe remaining cases recovered completely.To achieve measles elimination, immunization adjusted strategies should be directed at Roma community, with broader involvement of health mediators. Vaccination campaign targeting all infants aged six months and older would probably curtail the outbreak sooner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]