The clinical utility of serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels continues to evolve. PCT is regarded as a promising candidate marker for making a diagnosis and antibiotic stewardship in patients with systemic infections. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence for PCT in different infections and clinical settings, and to discuss the reliability of this marker when used with validated diagnostic algorithms.

BACKGROUND The degree of spreading of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) is usually estimated according to An Arbor classification system and its modifications. Some laboratory parameters are routinely determined at diagnosis and their abnormal values tries to correlate with disease activity or extension. OBJECTIVES of the research were to identify relationship between common laboratory parameters used in patients with HL, with focus on Serum copper level (SCL) and the degree of spreading of disease expressed through clinical stage (CS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Research was carried out through retrospective analysis of medical records of 47 previously untreated HL patients. The study evaluated descriptive statistical parameters, mean, median, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values, ANOVA, X2 test, Man-Whitney test and Spearman's correlation. Statistical analyzes performed using SPSS statistical software v.13.0. Results have presented in form of tables and graphs. Significance level less than 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS The results of study shown good sensitivity of SCL (61,9%), and very high specificity (95,3%) in diagnosis of HL. PPV of SCL in our study was 92,9%, and NPV-- 71,9%. On the other hand, the results did not confirm correlation between serum copper level and spreading of disease. Serum levels of albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) showed good correlation with clinical stage. CONCLUSION Our results did not confirm significance of serum copper level in term of staging of HL. Sensitivity and significance of serum copper in HL was very good and real prognostic impact of its elevated level in these patients should be assessed, and the research conducted on a larger number of subjects. Key words: Hodgkin's

UNLABELLED Analyzing data in the literature, it is noted that in-hospital acquired infections are an increasing problem even in more developed countries. This increasing trend is related to the progress of medical science and introduction of new invasive diagnostic-therapeutic methods, as well as increase of multiresistant types of bacteria, including staphylococci in big percentages. GOALS To analyze frequency of in-hospital acquired staphylococcus bacteremia/sepsis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Anamneses of patients who were diagnosed with staphylococcus bacteremia/sepsis were analyzed within a ten-year period. RESULTS Within the analyzed period from 2001 to 2011, there were 87 patients with diagnosis of staphylococcus bacteremia/sepsis, out of which (20) 77% were diagnosed with sepsis, and (67) 23% with bacteremia. In-hospital outcome was present with 32 (36.8%) patients, while 55 (63.2%) were out of hospital. The chi-square test for independence showed that the diagnosis of bacteremia/sepsis and the place of the infection origin (in hospital/ out of hospital) were independent chi2 = 1.951 df= 1 p=0.162. The cause isolated from hemoculture depends on the place of the infection origin (out of hospital/in hospital); larger percentage of methicillin-resistant types was presented in in-hospital acquired infections chi2 11.352 df=1 p=0.001. And the chi-square test for independence showed both dependence of the preceding antibiotic treatment and the place of the infection origin in both categories of patients. Sepsis: chi2 = 22.92 df=1 p<0.0005; Bacteremia: chi2 = 9.89 df=1 p= 0.005. CONCLUSION The results showed larger percentage of methicillin-resistant types in in-hospital acquired infections, as well as significantly larger percentage of hospital infections with the preceding antibiotic therapy, which puts in focus possible rationalization of including antibiotic therapy.

Introduction: Chickenpox is very contagious childhood disease, which occurs due to varicella-zoster virus (VZV) primary infection. Disease in healthy children resolves usually without complications, but risk of complication is much higher in adults and immunocompromised hosts. The goal of this study was to determine different clinical and epidemiological characteristics, laboratory features, clinical course, and outcome of chickenpox in children and adults. Material and methods: The descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Center in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The study included 120 patients chosen randomly. We compared their clinical and epidemiological characteristics, laboratory investigations, complications and the outcome of the disease. Results: Age of patients was in range from one to 48 years. Male patients prevailed in both groups (65% in adults, 52% in children). Hospitalization rate was 10.7/100,000 inhabitants. Positive contact with chickenpox was confirmed in 80% adults and 82% children. Dominating symptoms were fever, rash and muscle aches. Levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) and fibrinogen levels were elevated in both groups, while thrombocytopenia was presented in 33% of adults and 3% of children. Adults had complications in 83.3% and their hospitalization rate was longer compared to children (11.5 days vs. 9.5 days, p<0.001). Conclusions: Chickenpox is a potentially severe illness in adult patients. Introduction of active immunization in BosniaHerzegovina should be considered to prevent severe forms of chickenpox. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 2(2): 64-67

Introduction: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is the most serious manifestation of thromboembolic disease. Objective: To determine the most common risk and etiologic factors of pulmonary tromboembolism in patients treated in Intensive care unit of Clinic for Pulmonary Diseases and TB “Podhrastovi” in three-year- period from 2008. to 2010. Material and methods: We retrospectively analysed patients with PTE treated in Intensive care unit of Clinic for Pulmonary Diseases and TB “Podhrastovi” in three-year period from 2008. to 2010. PTE was diagnosed by high resolute computed tomography, in most of them ventilatory /perfusion scintigraphy (V/P SPECT) was made, with proper laboratory analyses (D-dimmer, platelets , fibrinogen, and if it was needed protein C, S and AT III factor were examined). In all of them echosonography of abdomen and pelvis was done, also the examination by angiologist, and in patients with indications echosonography of the heart and Color Doppler of leg veins was made. We analysed risk and etiologic factors for PTE in each patient. Results: In 222 treated patients with PTE risk factors were found in 124 or 55.86% patients, etiologic factors were found in 31 or 13.96%, and both risk and etiologic factors in one patient were found in 18 or 8.11% patients. Conclusion: PTE is very serious disease that very often has fatal prognosis, and can develop with previously entirely healthy people, and as soon as we become suspicious of its presence we have to made appropriate diagnostic procedures and include appropriate therapy. We can after look for risk and etiologic factors and try to influence them.

INTRODUCTION Staphylococcal sepsis is one of the most serious bacterial infections in the world, in most cases accompanied by metastatic foci in various organ systems. OBJECTIVE analyze the metastatic foci patients suffering from staphylococcal sepsis. PATIENTS AND METHODS we analyzed the patients treated for staphylococcal sepsis during the ten year period. RESULTS 67 patients were included, of which 45 (67,2%) with the outpatient acquired infection and 22 (32.8%) hospital acquired. Male was present in higher percentage 58.2% and the average age of patients was 39 years. Meticillin-sensitive strains are present in 73.1% and resistant isolates in 26.9%. Chi square test of independence showed a dependence isolated pathogens in relation to the place of infection p = 0,003. From the total number of metastatic foci, 39 was in the lung, 32 in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, 24 in the abdomen, 15 in the bones and joints, 11 heart and brain 2. CONCLUSION The greatest number of metastases was in the lung. Significantly large number of patients had outpatient infection with predominance of meticillin sensitive strains while in hospital infections in a greater percentage were meticillin rezistent strains. Proven dependence of isolated pathogens in relation to the place of infection (outpatient/hospital).

SUMMARY CONFLICT OF INTEREST: none declared. Introduction Staphylococcal bacteremia/sepsis is one of the most serious bacterial infections around the world. In individuals with pre-existing diseases, there is always an increased risk of infections occurring due to impaired immune system, a variety of drug therapy, exposure to a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure and frequent hospitalizations. Objectives To analyze the prevalence of comorbidity in a patient with the staphylococcal bacteremia/sepsis according to the diagnosis, the site of infection and according to the isolated agent. Patients and methods We analyzed the patients affected by the staphylococcal bacteremia/sepsis and treated in the Clinic for Infectious Diseases during a ten-year period. Results 87 patients were included, out of whom 20 (23%) with clinical signs of the bacteremia and 67 (77%) of sepsis. In the analyzed sample, in 36 (41.4%) were not registered comorbidity. Hospital infections are represented by the previous antibiotic, corticosteroid and chemo therapy, pressure ulcers, and different implants. In all comorbidity, the most common isolated bacteria was S. aureus primarily strain MSSA followed by MRSA strain which is more frequent in patients who were surgically treated (comorbidity–various implants). Conclusion The results suggest the importance of being mindful of the staphylococcal etiology of the bacteremia/sepsis in patients with comorbidities due to the selection of an adequate initial empirical therapy and reducing the risks of the septic shock.

SUMMARY CONFLICT OF INTEREST: none declared. Introduction Varicella or chickenpox is highly contagious, childhood infectious disease caused by primary infection with varicella – zoster virus from the herpes family of viruses. Usually it has a mild clinical course, rarely with described complication, mostly affecting respiratory tract and rarely the central nervous system. Case report The case present 8 year old boy hospitalized eighth day of disease with clinical pictures of varicella complication. Upon receipt tachydyspnea, high fever, tachycardia, hypotensive with positive findings on lung auscultation in the sense of pneumonia. Extremely high values of non-specific inflammatory parameters are implied on bacterial infection which is treated using triple antimicrobial therapy and antiviral. A detailed clinical, laboratory and radiological evaluation is determined of clinical disease complication under a picture of MODS that required prolonged multidisciplinary treatment in ICU. Conclusion The disease had a favorable clinical outcome in terms of training completely without consequences but, with the detected congenital absence lower lobe of right lung and transposition of the brachiocephalic trunk.

SUMMARY CONFLICT OF INTEREST: none declared. Introduction Chickenpox is disease caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV), with possibly devastated consequences during pregnancy, for mother and neonate. Pneumonia is most common complication in pregnancy with very high mortality. Case report A 39-year-old female in third trimester twin pregnancy, referred to Clinic for infectious diseases in Sarajevo, with five days history of illness. Before the admission her condition get worse, with fatigue, exhaustion, and shortness of breath. In a first three days patient was febrile, tachydispnoic and ortopnoic. We started therapy with acyclovir and antibiotic. After four days we had detoriation in patient’s condition. Chest X-ray revealed infiltrative shadows in basal parts of lung. Antimicrobial therapy was changed and corticosteroids were associated. Significant improvement was noticed after five days of therapy. Conclusion Varicella pneumonia during third trimester may have serious consequences for mother and child, with possible fatal outcome.

INTRODUCTION Osteoarticular manifestations of human brucellosis occur in 20-40% of patients while spondylodiscitis is the most severe form of the bone and joint structures involvements. AIM The aim of this paper is tho show clinical and radiological caracteristics of osteoarticular forms of brucellosis, with special reference to spondylodiscitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The medical histories of 120 hospitalized patients at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Clinical Center of Sarajevo University, diagnosed with brucellosis, were analyzed. RESULTS Osteoarticular manifestations had sixty-nine patients, representing 78.4% of all localized forms of the disease. Spondylodiscitis represents 40.6% of all osteoarticular manifestations of the disease. Nine patients (32.1%) had paravertebral and paraspinal abscess. Median diagnostic interval for spondylodiscitis (116 +/- 160 days) was almost twice prolonged compared to the arthritis and sacroilitis (p < 0.05). The most common radiological manifestations were erosions of the vertebral surface (67.8%). Computerized tomography confirmed inflammation in 85.2% of the patients, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed radiological alterations in all patients (100%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Osteoarticular manifestations are the most common localised forms of brucellosis. The frequency of spondylodiscitis is in relation to duration of the diagnostic time. MRI shows a high degree of sensitivity to inflammatory changes of spine and "Pedro Pons' sign" is patognomic radiological alteration.

SUMMARY CONFLICT OF INTEREST: none declared. Introduction Brucella endocarditis (BE) is a rare but severe and potentially lethal manifestation of brucellosis. Pre-existing valves lesions and prosthetic valves (PV) are favorable for BE. Case report We represent the case of a 46-year-old man who was treated at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Clinical Center of Sarajevo University, as blood culture positive (Brucella melitensis) mitral and aortic PV endocarditis. He was treated with combined anti-brucella and cardiac therapy. Surgical intervention was postponed due to cardiac instability. Four months later he passed away. Surgery was not performed.

INTRODUCTION Chickenpox is highly contagious childhood disease which occurs as a result of varicella-zoster virus primary infection. Symptomatic therapy is usually adequate for chickenpox, but in some cases it requires combinations of antiviral drugs and antibiotics. OBJECTIVES To present our expirience with chickenpox therapy in children and adult patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Study included 120 randomly chosen patients, 60 adults and 60 children, with confirmed chickenpox infection, hospitalised at Clinic for infectious diseases in Sarajevo. Observed period was 1st January 2005. to 30th June 2011. We compared used therapy and outcome of disease. RESULTS We had 333 patients with confirmed chickenpox in mentioned period. Male sex prevailed. Antiviral (acyclovir) therapy was initiated in 8(13.5%) adults and 16(27%) children. Most frequently used antibiotic was Co-Amoxiclav in a group of adults and Ceftriaxone in a group of children. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION We use different terapeutical approaches to chickenpox according to the severity of the clinical picture and the existence of underlying diseases. Symptomatic treatment is indicated in all immunocompetent patients with no signs of complications. Use of corticosteroids remains open dillemma. Our therapeutical approcach followed by actual guidelines proved to be usefull. No death cases were recorded in these

Organized by the Association of Infectologists of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Center of Sarajevo University in the period from 30th May untill 2nd of June in Konjic was held the 4th Congress of Infectologists of B&H with international participation. This was the biggest meeting of infectious disease and allied disciplines specialists in the last six years, with the presence of more than 100 participants. The Congress was held under the auspices of the Clinical Center of Sarajevo University and the Federal Ministry of Health. In addition to infectologists the Congress was attended by a large number of experts from related medical fields: microbiologists, epidemiologists, orthopedists, gastroenterologists, nephrologists, neurosurgeons, pediatricians, audiologists, oncologists. Topics were current and were related to sepsis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, nosocomial infection, pediatric infectious diseases, emergent and re-emergent diseases, therapeutic protocols for the presentation of new knowledge in these fields. A total of about 90 papers were presented, while participants of the Congress were experts from Bosnia and Herzegovina, neighboring countries (Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia) but also Turkey and Germany. Congress by the participants was rated as very successful and well organized, with arrangements for the continuation and improvement of cooperation and possible joint organization of symposia and seminars with colleagues from abroad

SUMMARY The 4th Congress of Infectiologists of Bosnia-Herzegovina with international participation was held in Konjic, on 30. May to 02. June 2012. In addition to the prominent infectious disease experts from almost all university centers in B&H, the teachers at medical schools in Bosnia-Herzegovina, infectious disease specialists who work in health institutions in B&H, this Congress was attended by infectious disease experts from Serbia (12 participants), Turkey (3 participants), Croatia (3 participants), Macedonia (3 participants), Germany (2 participants) and Montenegro (2 participants). Topics included: Infections of the skin, soft tissue and bones, Sepsis and endocarditis, Infectious diseases emergencies and pediatric infectology, Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, Hospital infections, Sexualy transmitted diseases, Infectious diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. Participating invited speakers were following professors: Salih Hosoglu (Turkey), Hakan Leblebicioglu (Turkey), Resat Ozaras (Turkey), Karsten Plötz (Germany), Ilija Kuzman (Croatia), Bruno Baršić (Croatia), Goran Tešović (Croatia). In addition to experts in infectious diseases at this Congress, their works were presented by experts from other medical disciplines, but with infectious character issues (Professors: Sead Ahmetagić, Ismet Gavrankapetanović, Zora Vukobrat-Bijedić, Senija Rašić, Halima Resić, Adnan Kapidžić, Ivo Curić, Jelena Ravlija, Amela Begić, Izet Mašić, Sadeta Hamzić, and others). Some of the papers that were presented at this Congress have been published in extenso, in the Medical Archives and Materia Socio Medica. One part as abstracts (both journals are indexed in over 10 databases), and will be electronically available to the general scientific community in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Europe and worldwide. In this way, the Bosnian infectious disease experts, as a science and profession, will be worthily represented to the colleagues from other countries in the region and beyond.