Leading diagnostic test solutions provider Quidel Corporation (QDEL) has won the European CE Mark for its new virus test dubbed the “Quidel Molecular RSV + hMPV Assay” designed for the detection of respiratory syncytial virus (“RSV”) and human metapneumovirus (“hMPV”). RSV and hMPV are two distinct viruses that cause respiratory illness with very similar symptoms.

RSV infection, a viral disease of the lungs, is a major cause of respiratory illness (such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia) in young children. according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, RSV infection is responsible for between 75,000 and 125,000 hospitalizations annually in the U.S. Virtually all infants suffer from an RSV infection before the age of two. Early detection and management are critical, given the potentially serious complications associated with RSV infection.

Identified in 2001 by investigators from the Netherlands, hMPV is the second most common cause (after RSV) of upper and lower respiratory infection in young children. Studies have shown that most children are exposed to hMPV infection by the age of five. the condition which manifests itself through symptoms such as cough, runny nose, nasal congestion and fever, affects roughly 7% of children who are hospitalized with respiratory infection.

the Quidel Molecular RSV + hMPV assay is among the several promising upcoming assays from the California-based company’s expanding molecular diagnostics programs. it is the company’s third molecular diagnostic test to be cleared for marketing in Europe. Quidel received CE Mark for the Influenza A+B and hMPV tests (its first and second molecular diagnostic tests, respectively) in August and September 2011, respectively.

Quidel noted that the European approval of the RSV + hMPV assay has opened the path for the launch of another molecular test for infectious disease in Europe. the test is yet to be approved for sale in the U.S.

Quidel develops and markets diagnostic solutions aimed at improving patient outcomes and offering economic benefits to the healthcare system. the company’s products are designed to detect and diagnose a host of critical diseases such as influenza, RSV, herpes and thyroid disease. Quidel competes with Alere Inc (ALR) among others.

the company’s rapidly expanding range of molecular diagnostics tests is expected to offer a number of important benefits to the end-users including increased ease of use and lower processing time.

Read the full analyst report on QDEL

Read the full analyst report on ALR

24th Aug 2011, 11:41 am by Olivia D'Orazio

United Therapeutics (NASDAQ:UTHR) announced Wednesday that its drug intended to treat patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) failed to meet the primary goal of a phase three study, causing its stock to plummet.

PAH is a disease characterized by increased blood pressure in the lungs, and is marked by a reduced tolerance for exercise. Common symptoms include dyspnea, fatigue, and fainting, among others.

The endpoint of the 16 week placebo-controlled study was based on patients’ six-minute walk distance – a test designed to determine how far a patient can walk in six minutes, and factors in conditions such as fatigue, dyspnea, or shortness of breath.

Mean walk distance was 333 metres at the start of the study, and by the end of the trial, the mean change was ten metres, for those in the United drug arm and the placebo group.

There was not enough of a difference between patients treated with United’s drug, and with the placebo, to determine definitive results, the company said.

United’s treprostinil diethanolamine drug is a sustained-release treatment and is administered orally to treat PAH by inducing the widening of arteries in the lungs and body.

The trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, examined 310 patients currently treated for the disease. Each patient received either the treprostinil diethanolamine drug, or a placebo, twice daily.

“While we did not achieve a statistically significant result for this trial, we believe the positive results from our previously-announced FREEDOM-M study support an NDA filing of oral treprostinil in treatment naive patients,” said president and CEO, Roger Jeffs.

Indeed, the company’s previous phase 3 trial, called Freedom-M, showed that the mean change for the six-minute walk distance for those taking United’s drug was 23 metres.

“Given that treprostinil is already approved for use in PAH by subcutaneous, intravenous and inhaled routes of administration, we believe the data obtained from all FREEDOM trials support an NDA for oral treprostinil in this indication,” added Jeffs.

United said it is continuing further review and analysis of the preliminary results from the latest trial. the company still also plans to complete the new Drug Application (NDA) for the drug, to be filed in the first half of 2012.

The Silver Spring, Maryland-based company’s stock on the Nasdaq exchange plunged 17.45% as of 10:59 am EDT, to trade at $40.25 per share on Wednesday.

My friend is having trouble getting a diagnosis because of the city she lives in, and she is currently in the hospital.

Her symptoms: High fever, dizzy, racing heart, coughing, severe headaches, constant throbbing "all over", increased need for sleep, and feels as though she will pass out at any given moment.
Can someone figure out the illness?

I can't really describe much of anything else because she lives awhile away from me, and this is all she has mentioned, but hopefully it'll start somewhere!

The dizziness and fatigue, accompanied by a racing heart are all symptoms of a cardiac ailment, such as an arrhythmia. She has probably had an EKG, and if that was normal, she may need further cardiac testing, such as an Echocardiogram or stress test. The coughing and fever point to a bacterial or viral infection, possibly originating in the lungs. I assume that she has probably had a chest x-ray since she is in the hospital. The doctors are probably trying to narrow it down from a list of infections with blood tests.

Surely the hospital will do blood work to check for lots of things. these symptoms could be from any number of health problems but they need to check her for the following (although the high temp is a sure sign of an infection somewhere)
1) H1N1 (or general flu)
2) Lyme disease (was or has she been outdoors a lot?)
3) Diabetes
4) Thyroid
Or any other numerous conditions that could have these symptoms but, like I said, the high temp is a sign of some type of infection!

sounds exactly like me, however i have a few more symptoms, but it sounds like anxiety, it's really horrible

i get the high fever, dizziness racing heart, headaches, throbbin. the feeling of passing out, ect.

go on web mb .com.

The flu maybe?
go to an online med. website and look up these symptons

The only symptom my dad had was a persistent cough and x-rays and scans showed cancer and he had the top part of one of his lungs removed and survived, died 3 years later of stomach cancer age 76

The first thing that comes to mind is hemoptysis (coughing up blood). Then I think of dyspnea (shortness of breath).

I have mild asthma and would like to know how long it takes for the Ventolin (blue) and Qvar (brown) inhalers to work once I use them.

Its pretty much instant when i was younger i had to carry mine everywhere and when i used it i was like 3 or 4 seconds before i could breath. but mine was just one white inhaler, and don't remember what it was.

blue works almost immediatly, get iy right in your lungs,

as Dan said the brown is not for relieft but to help prevent and can take a week or so to get into your system

I know that the air pipe is filled with mucus(right?!) but what does tuberculosis trigger? No symptoms please!!!!

well you get this little calcifide granulomas nodules deposite particles deposited in the low part of the lungs and that starts to affect the way you breath and you start to get sick.But remember know a days there are a lot of medicine that helps to fight illness like isoniazid.always remember if your in a closed enviroment and someone is sick cover your self to protect you from contamination.just with a little droplets in the air and your at risk of infection.

This one is for a story I'm writing. I'm looking for any STD that shreds lungs, pretty much. If it can be a long, drawn out process (or at least one that can lie dormant for a while) that would be great. Husband dies in a close proximity to wife, tuberculosis is assumed. Three years later, the daughter and her spouse are admitted to the hospital for bloody pleural effusion. The story ends with the daughter being discovered to have been molested by her father shortly before his death. only problem is that as far as I know, there are no STDs that actually do this. any ideas?

Pneumonia is an inflammatory illness of the lung.[1] Frequently, it is described as lung parenchyma/alveolar inflammation and abnormal alveolar filling with fluid. (The alveoli are microscopic air-filled sacs in the lungs responsible for absorbing oxygen from the atmosphere.) Pneumonia can result from a variety of causes, including infection with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and chemical or physical injury to the lungs.

There are many kinds of pneumonia ranging in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. Pneumonia acquired while in the hospital can be particularly virulent and deadly. Although signs and symptoms vary, many cases of pneumonia develop suddenly, with chest pain, fever, chills, cough and shortness of breath. Infection often follows a cold or the flu, but it can also be associated with other illnesses or occur on its own.

What causes pneumonia?Germs called bacteria or viruses usually cause pneumonia.Pneumonia usually starts when you breathe the germs into your lungs. You may be more likely to get the disease after having a cold or the flu. These illnesses make it hard for your lungs to fight infection, so it is easier to get pneumonia. Having a long-term, or chronic, disease like asthma, heart disease, cancer, or diabetes also makes you more likely to get pneumonia.

Bacteria are the most common cause of pneumonia. However, pneumonia can also be caused by viruses, fungi, and other agents. it is often impossible to identify the specific culprit.Your body has many mechanisms in place to fight off infection. if fact, you are frequently exposed to organisms that can cause pneumonia, but your body normally protects against them through its various defense mechanisms.

Symptoms of PneumoniaGeneral flu-like symptoms often occur first. they may include fatigue, fever, weakness, headache, nasal discharge, sore throat, earache, and stomach and intestinal distress.Vague pain under and around the breastbone may occur, but the severe chest pain associated with typical bacterial pneumonia is uncommon.Fungi. certain types of fungus also can cause pneumonia, although these types of pneumonia are much less common. most people experience few if any symptoms after inhaling these fungi, but some develop symptoms of acute pneumonia, and still others may develop a chronic pneumonia that persists for months.

Treatment of PneumoniaIf your child’s doctor has prescribed antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, give the medicine on schedule for as long as the doctor directs. this will help your child recover faster and will decrease the chance that infection will spread to other household members.Drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids to stay hydrated. this helps your body fight the pneumonia. Anti-fever medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may also help you feel better.Viral pneumonia does not respond to antibiotic treatment. this type of pneumonia usually resolves over time. if the lungs become infected with a secondary bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic to eliminate the bacterial infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION: how soon do symptoms of throat chlamydia show up and what are they?I havent been active for nearly a year. I had a pap-smear done and i was shocked when it came back positive for chlamydia. a guy performed oral sex on me the day before i got the results. what are the chances that he contracted it? how soon do symptoms of throat chlamydia show up?

   • ANSWER: There is a chance that he has contracted chlamydia of the throat, although it is unlikely because chlamydia of the throat is rare because the bacteria find it hard to grow in the conditions of the throat. out of all chlamydia cases, only about 5% are found in the throat. because chlamydia of the throat is so rare, most clinics do not offer a throat swab for it. usually there would be no symptoms, although some people experience a long-term sore throat. Chlamydia in the throat itself would not cause any problems, however the problem occurs if he performed oral sex on a person and passed it on to their vagina, which would then cause problems. the best thing to do is tell him you’ve had the infection and tell him to go to the clinic for advice. Good Luck x

2. QUESTION: if you have ever had chlamydia in your throat, please answer and describe your symptoms?how did your throat look and feel and how did you feel in general, how did it first come on? Was it like a cold? Dod you have pus? Thanks and God bless you.

   • ANSWER: the main symptoms a person infected with Chlamydia in the throat would expect to experience are a sore throat or a throat infection.

     Though Chlamydia is among the most common sexually transmitted diseases, Chlamydia of the throat is relatively rare because the bacteria has a hard time breeding there.

     It is important to note that many cases of Chlamydia of the throat will exhibit no symptoms at any time during infection. Just because you show no signs doesn’t mean that you don’t have it

3. QUESTION: what are the symptoms of gonorrhea of the throat?And the symptoms of chlamydia of the throat?

   • ANSWER: Oral Gonorrhea doesn’t have any real obvious symptoms; it just feels like any old sore throat. but it can also infect your ass, which results in anal discharge and/or bloody bowel movements. Sexy! but just because you have a sore throat or bloody as discharge, it doesn’t mean you’ve got Gonorrhea. because its symptoms often resemble those of other common sicknesses, Gonorrhea is nicknamed the “Great Imitator.” That’s why it is important to tell your doc or clinician if you’ve had oral or anal sex recently, otherwise they might not think to check you for Gonorrhea infection.

     If you have symptoms, they often show up 2-10 days after being exposed. they include:

     A creamy or yellow discharge from your penis, if you have it there (urethritis)Itching or burning in the opening of your penis when you come or urinateA sore throat, if you have it in the throat (pharyngitis), but this form is usually asymptomaticA discharge and an itch when you shit, or possibly blood and/or mucus in your stool, burning rectal pain, pain during bowel movements, and a false alarm urge to shit, if you have it in the ass (proctitis)Even if the symptoms clear up, the infection may still be there.

According to the doctor, the patient has no disease, no symptoms & treatment not required.

"Fibrosis" is a term used to refer to scarring, so pulmonary fibrosis means scarring throughout the lungs. Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by many conditions including chronic inflammatory processes (sarcoidosis, Wegener's granulomatosis ), infections, environmental agents (asbestos, silica, exposure to certain gases), exposure to ionizing radiation (such as radiation therapy to treat tumors of the chest), chronic conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), and certain medications.

My husband had an infection as a child and lived out of the US so didn't get proper treatment. he now has fibrosis in the left lung. up until the last 3 years, he didn't have much of a problem. Some other problems came up and now he is short of breath on exertion but is able to do most things at a slower pace. he is 74. there is a lot of info to be found on Pulmonary fibrosis but it doesn't pertain to everyone.

You or whoever is involved should follow the MD's advice. probably there is a small amount of fibrosis which won't impact the patient, at least at this time. The fibrosis and lesions can't be cleared but can be lived with.

Cervical Cancer Stages Symptoms

Cervical cancers usually affects women of middle age or older, but it may be diagnosed in any reproductive-aged woman. Cervical Cancer Stages Symptoms Cervical tumors are classified as either preinvasive where the lower third of the epithelium contains abnormal cells, or invasive in which the full thickness of the epithelium contains abnormally proliferating cells.

Cervical cancer develops in the lining of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that enters the vagina. Cervical cancers don’t always spread, but those that do most often spread to the lungs, the liver, the bladder, the vagina, and/or the rectum.

Cervical cancer almost always develops from cell changes caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is spread through genital skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Cervical cancer also seems more prevalent in women who smoke. Sexual activity that increases the risk for infection with HPV and HIV and for cervical cancer includes the following: having multiple sexual partners or having sex with a promiscuous partner, a history of sexually transmitted disease, sexual intercourse at a young age.

Signs and Symptoms

The early stages of cervical cancer may be completely asymptomatic. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include: loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, pelvic pain, back pain, leg pain, a single swollen leg, heavy bleeding from the vagina, leaking of urine or feces from the vagina and bone fractures.

The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test has been used to screen for pre-cancerous lesions in asymptomatic women for the past 50 years. While the pap smear is an effective screening test, confirmation of the diagnosis of cervical cancer or pre-cancer requires a biopsy of the cervix. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, the precursor to cervical cancer, is often diagnosed on examination of cervical biopsies by a pathologist.

Women with diets low in fruits and vegetables may be at increased risk for cervical cancer. Research suggests that the risk of cervical cancer goes up the longer a woman takes oral contraceptives, but the risk goes back down again after the OCs are stopped. Women who have had many full term pregnancies have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the easiest female cancer to prevent, because there is a vaccine and a screening test available. the vaccine known as Gardasil offers protection from the most dangerous types of HPV and recently published results indicate that new cervical tumors may eventually be reduced by as much as 97% in those areas where vaccination is introduced and maintained.

Treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the size and shape of the tumor, the age and general health of the woman, and her desire to have children in the future. Appropriate treatment also depends on accurate clinical staging. Preinvasive stages may be treated total excisional biopsy, cryosurgery or laser destruction. Invasive squamous cell carcinoma therapy may include hysterectomy and radiation therapy.

Lung Cancer Secrets Revealed Click here

Internal radiation therapy uses a device filled with radioactive material, which is placed inside the woman’s vagina next to the cervical cancer. Some of the drugs used for chemotherapy for cervical cancer include 5-FU, Cisplatin, Carboplatin, Ifosfamide, Paclitaxel, and Cyclophosphamide.

Thirty-five percent of patients with invasive cervical cancer have persistent or recurrent disease after treatment. Recurrent cervical cancer detected at its earliest stages might be successfully treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of the three.

The chance of being alive in 5 years for cancer that has spread to the inside of the cervix walls but not outside the cervix area is 92%. However, the 5-year survival rate falls steadily as the cancer spreads into other areas. recently, the combined use of cisplatin and topotecan was shown to significantly improve survival compared with single-agent cisplatin. if you combine all the stages together, the five-year survival rate is about 73%.

As the cancer metastasizes to other parts of the body, prognosis drops dramatically because treatment of local lesions is generally more effective than whole body treatments such as chemotherapy.

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