Intestinal tuberculosis

Purpose of reviewIntestinal tuberculosis (TB) is increasing due partly to the HIV pandemic. Its clinical presentation mimics inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease and malignancies, which are becoming more prevalent, so the diagnosis is problematic.Recent findingsGreater awareness of intestinal TB is needed, both in countries where TB is endemic and developed countries with immigrant populations. Some strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are associated with more extrapulmonary disease and greater dissemination, thereby exacerbating the rise in HIV-associated extrathoracic TB. Recent retrospective and prospective studies are leading to the development of diagnostic algorithms. A wide range of imaging techniques is available for sampling and diagnosis. New biochemical, immunological and molecular diagnostic methods are being developed but must be standardized and validated. Developments in drug delivery will facilitate oral therapy even in patients suffering from malabsorption.SummaryThere is an increasing consensus on the risk factors and clinical presentations of intestinal TB. Imaging techniques, coupled with fine needle biopsies, are useful aids to diagnosis, but most important is a greater awareness of the condition by clinicians

Pathogenic microbial ancient DNA: a problem or an opportunity?

Copyright © Royal Society 2006Eske Willerslev, Alan Coope

Imperialism and accountability in corporate law: the limitations of incorporation law as a regulatory mechanism

This article discusses the limitations of the law incorporating a corporation (‘incorporation law’) as a control or governance mechanism in a world where it is increasingly difficult to prevent corporations choosing the incorporation law which suits them best. It uses as an example of the globalising pressures in this field three important cases on the right of establishment in the European Union

Human tuberculosis - an ancient disease, as elucidated by ancient microbial biomolecules

Tuberculosis is a major cause of death but infected people with effective immunity may remain healthy for years, suggesting long-term coexistence of host and pathogen. Direct detection and characterisation of ancient microbial DNA and lipid biomarkers confirms palaeopathological diagnoses. Archaeological Mycobacterium tuberculosis resembles extant lineages indicating the timescale for evolutionary changes is considerably longer than originally believed. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved