Are cTL escape mutations of core protein more frequent in strains of HBeAg negative patients with low levels of HBV DNA?
The inverse correlation between serum levels of HBV DNA and CTL escape mutations of the core protein in HBeAg seroconverted patients, supports the notion that selection of CTL escape mutations consolidates the persistence of HBV infection despite reducing viral fitness.
Contact precautions with single room isolation or cohorting were associated with a 60% reduction in MRSA acquisition. While this study was a quasi-experimental design, many measures were taken to strengthen the study, such as accounting for differences in colonisation pressure, hand hygiene compliance and individual risk factors across the groups, and confining the study to one centre to reduce variation in transmission. Use of two research nurses may limit its generalisability to units in which this level of support is available.