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OBJECTIVES: There is limited information on the prevalence of and risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among HIV-1-infected patients in the UK. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among an ethnically diverse cohort of HIV-infected patients in south London, and to extrapolate from these data the number of co-infected patients in the UK. METHODS: A total of 1017 HIV-1-infected patients who had attended King's College Hospital HIV clinic between September 2000 and August 2002 were screened for HCV antibody using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positive results were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or recombinant immunoblot assay. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were obtained from the local computerized database and medical records. We applied our HCV prevalence rates in the different HIV transmission groups to the estimated number of HIV-infected persons in these groups in the UK, to obtain a national estimate of the level of HIV-HCV co-infection. RESULTS: Of the 1017 HIV-1-infected patients, 407 (40%) were white men, 158 (15.5%) were black African men, 268 (26.3%) were black African women, and 61 (6%) and 26 (2.6%) were black Caribbean men and women, respectively. Heterosexual exposure was the most common route of HIV acquisition (53.5%), followed by men having sex with men (36.9%), and current or previous injecting drug use (IDU) (7.2%). The overall prevalence of HCV co-infection was 90/1017 (8.9%), but this varied substantially according to route of transmission, from 82.2% among those with a history of IDU (which accounted for 67% of all HCV infections), to 31.8% in those who had received blood products, to 3.5% and 1.8% in those with homosexually and heterosexually acquired infection, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified several independent risk factors for HCV infection: a history of IDU [odds ratio (OR) = 107.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 38.5-298.4], having received blood products (OR = 16.5; 95% CI = 5.1-53.7), and either being from a white ethnic group (OR = 4.3; 95% CI = 1.5-12.0) or being born in Southern Europe (OR = 6.7; 95% CI = 1.5-30.7). Based on the 35,473 known HIV-1-infected persons in the UK and the 10 997 estimated to be unaware of their status, we projected that there are at least 4136 HIV-HCV co-infected individuals in the UK and 979 who are unaware of their status. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 9% of our cohort was HIV-HCV co-infected. The prevalence was highest among intravenous drug users (82%), who accounted for most of our HCV cases, and lowest among heterosexual men and women from sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean [< 2%]. Our estimate that a significant number of co-infected persons may be unaware of their HIV and HCV status, highlights an urgent need to increase the uptake of HCV and HIV testing, particularly among injecting drug users, to reduce the risk of onward transmission.

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OBJECTIVES: To compare the rate of hepatic fibrosis progression in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-HCV coinfected patients, and to identify factors that may influence fibrosis progression. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 153 HCV infected and 55 HCV-HIV coinfected patients were identified from two London hospitals. Eligible patients had known dates of HCV acquisition, were HCV-RNA positive, and had undergone a liver biopsy, which was graded using the Ishak score. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with fibrosis progression rate and the development of advanced fibrosis (stages 3 and 4). RESULTS: The estimated median fibrosis progression rate was 0.17 units/year (interquartile range (IQR) 0.10-0.25) in HIV-HCV coinfected and 0.13 (IQR 0.07-0.17) in HCV monoinfected patients (p=0.01), equating to an estimated time from HCV infection to cirrhosis of 23 and 32 years, respectively. Older age at infection (p<0.001), HIV positivity (p=0.019), higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (p=0.039), and higher inflammatory activity (p<0.001) on first biopsy were all independently associated with more rapid fibrosis progression. ALT was correlated with histological index (r=0.35, p<0.001). A CD4 cell count < or =250 x 10(6)/l was independently associated with advanced liver fibrosis (odds ratio 5.36 (95% confidence interval 1.26-22.79)) and was also correlated with a higher histological index (r=-0.42, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: HIV infection modifies the natural history of HCV by accelerating the rate of fibrosis progression by 1.4 fold, and the development of advanced fibrosis threefold. A low CD4 cell count was independently associated with advanced disease and correlated with higher histological index, which suggests that early antiretroviral therapy may be of benefit in slowing HCV progression in coinfected patients.

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Varicella is a common contagious infection in childhood with increasing incidence in adults. Pneumonia, although rare, is the most serious complication that commonly affects adults. Over the last two decades there have been major advances in the understanding of Varicella infections, management and prevention. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, pulmonary manifestation, morbidity, long-term clinical consequences and current state of management of Varicella pneumonia in adults. Prevention and other disease-modifying therapy are also discussed.

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BACKGROUND: The epidemiology and management of liver abscess (LA) have evolved over time. AIM: To examine our experience over 10 years in a UK teaching centre. DESIGN: Retrospective review of patient records. METHODS: We reviewed the records of all patients aged >16 years discharged from Royal Hallamshire Hospital with a diagnosis of LA between April 1988 and December 1999. RESULTS: There were 69 patients with LA (65 pyogenic, 4 amoebic), giving a crude annual incidence rate of 2.3/100,000/year (18.15/100,000 hospital admissions). Median age was 64 years. Single lesions were found in 41 patients, multiple lesions in 28. Pre-admission, patients were symptomatic for a median 14 days, with the most common symptoms and signs being fever and abdominal pain/tenderness. Pathogens were identified in 74% and predisposing aetiology in 92% of those undergoing investigation. Spread of infection to the liver via the portal venous system was the commonest route of infection (46%), most frequently in patients aged >/=60 years (p=0.019). Abdominal ultrasound (US) was diagnostic for LA in >90% of cases. Treatment with anti-microbial therapy plus interventional radiology was optimal. The case fatality rate was 12.3%, mainly from associated underlying pathology. DISCUSSION: LA is commonly associated with underlying gastrointestinal pathology. Seeking out this underlying aetiology is an integral part of management. We recommend US as the first-line diagnostic tool with guided intervention plus antibiotic(s) as first-line treatment. Prognosis depends chiefly on the underlying pathology.

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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as the cause of the second major epidemic of viral infection after human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) within the past two decades, and coinfection of HIV and HCV represents a growing problem for the future. This article reviews the current evidence on the epidemiology and clinical implications of an interaction between HIV-1 and HCV infection, and the current status of the management of patients with combined infection.

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BACKGROUND: Varicella is 25 times more likely to be complicated by pneumonia in adults than in children. Data on changes in lung function following pneumonia are limited. This study was undertaken to describe the epidemiological factors associated with pneumonia and to investigate lung function up to 1 year following chickenpox. METHODS: Thirty eight consecutive suitable patients admitted to a university hospital were enrolled in the study; 19 had pneumonia and 19 did not. Epidemiological data and density of rash were recorded, spirometric tests were performed, and carbon monoxide transfer factor was measured. RESULTS: Varicella pneumonia was associated with the presence of respiratory symptoms (p=0.006), current smoking (p=0.003), and history of close contact (p=0.009). There was a trend towards patients with pneumonia having a more severe rash. No association was observed between pneumonia and age or sex. Current smokers had a higher mean number of spots than non-smokers (p=0.005). Carbon monoxide transfer factor at hospital discharge was reduced in 27 patients (71%), more markedly in the group with pneumonia (p=0.009). Nine patients (seven with pneumonia) still had a reduced carbon monoxide transfer factor (mean reduction 36%) at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Chickenpox may result in a defect in carbon monoxide transfer factor for at least a year after acute illness.

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Propionibacterium acnes is a constituent of the normal skin flora. It has been described as causing infection on prosthetic valves but very rarely on native valves. We describe a case of aggressive P. acnes endocarditis in a healthy 36-y-old man which infected a native aortic valve and was complicated by an aortic root abscess and review the literature.

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This study aimed to investigate possible means by which hepatitis C virus (HCV) might be transmitted between drug injecting individuals without the sharing of needles and syringes. A questionnaire-based survey of 143 (out of 287) attendees was conducted at an Infectious Diseases Unit-based HCV clinic. Those patients (all of whom were positive for antibodies to HCV) who asked about risk activities and those that admitted to a history of recreational drug injecting were questioned in detail about their past and current drug preparation practices. Ten per cent denied any history of needle and/or syringe sharing and had no other apparent source of their HCV infection, but instead admitted to having shared drug preparation eqiupment. The existence among drug injectors of such practices with the potential to transmit blood borne viruses is important as it may explain how HCV, which is capable of being spread via very small quantities of blood, can be passed between drug injecting individuals who might otherwise never come into contact with another drug injector's blood. Clinical and public health messages regarding the prevention of the spread of HCV may need to be revised and strengthened.

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Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral infection in the immuno-compromised HIV-positive patient where it is often severe and affecting the face and neck. It is frequently resistant to conventional, locally destructive therapies. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the immunomodulatory drug imiquimod might be a valid therapeutic option in this group of patients. We report the case of a severely immunocompromised HIV-positive patient with resistant facial molluscum contagiosum lesions that responded to topical imiquimod. The response to therapy and the possible implications for pathogenesis are discussed.

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BACKGROUND: The epidemiology and natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the UK are uncertain. Previous reports are from small or selected populations such as blood donors or tertiary referral centres. AIMS: To study the epidemiology and natural history of HCV infection. METHODS: Prospective study incorporating five centres within the Trent region. Patients were managed and followed up according to a commonly agreed protocol. SUBJECTS: A total of 1128 HCV positive patients. Patients with haemophilia, human immunodeficiency virus, and chronic renal failure were excluded. RESULTS: Between September 1991 and December 1998, 2546 anti-HCV positive patients were identified of whom 1128 (44%) were enrolled in the cohort. A risk factor(s) for infection was identified in 93.4% of patients who completed the questionnaire; 81% of patients were HCV RNA positive. A total of 397 initial liver biopsies were scored by a single pathologist. These showed a correlation between high alcohol intake and fibrosis score. Multivariate analysis showed fibrosis to be associated with age over 40, past evidence of hepatitis B virus infection, and higher necroinflammatory grade but not with sex, viral genotype, maximum known alcohol intake, estimated duration of infection, or mode of transmission. Twelve (7.8%) of 153 patients who received interferon therapy had sustained serum virus clearance. Sixty six patients have died during the follow up period, 31 with a liver related cause of death. This represents a considerable excess over the expected death rate for a cohort of this age and sex distribution. CONCLUSIONS: HCV infection is an emerging health problem in the Trent region. Identifying risk factors for infection and disease severity will enhance understanding and facilitate improved intervention. An excess mortality in infected individuals is already evident in this unselected cohort.

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Myobacterium malmoense is a non-tuberculous mycobacterium that most commonly causes pulmonary infection, particularly in patients with underlying pulmonary disease or immunodeficiency. We describe a case of Mycobacterium malmoense infection of the larynx in a previously well middle-aged woman, which has previously not been reported. The case highlights the importance of considering atypical mycobacterial infection in the differential diagnosis of laryngeal lesions.

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According to the "International Passenger Survey," published in 1996 by the Office of Trading Standards, 534,000 British people traveled to the Caribbean area (personal communication, ABTA, 1998). The Dominican Republic, the eastern end of a large Caribbean island, has become in recent years one of the most popular destinations for UK holidaymakers as well as for travelers from many other countries. Cyclospora cayatensis has been firmly identified as a cause of gastroenteritis among international travelers,1 including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals,2 but it has not been previously reported in the literature in British individuals returning from this increasingly popular vacation destination.

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