<abstract> <p>Candidemia is the most common form of invasive fungal infection associated with several risk factors, and one of them is the use of medical devices, to which microbial biofilms can attach. Candidemia related to the use of peripheral intravascular and central venous catheters (CVC) is referred to as <italic>Candida</italic> catheter-related bloodstream infection, with more than 90% being related to CVC usage. The infection is associated with a higher morbidity and mortality rate than nosocomial bacterial infections. <italic>Candida</italic> spp. can protect themselves from the host immune system and antifungal drugs because of the biofilm structure, which is potentiated by the extracellular matrix (ECM). <italic>Candida albicans</italic> and <italic>Candida parapsilosis</italic> are the most pathogenic species often found to form biofilms associated with catheter usage. Biofilm formation of <italic>C. albicans</italic> includes four mechanisms: attachment, morphogenesis, maturation and dispersion. The biofilms formed between <italic>C. albicans</italic> and non-albicans spp. differ in ECM structure and composition and are associated with the persistence of colonization to infection for various catheter materials and antifungal resistance. Efforts to combat <italic>Candida</italic> spp. biofilm formation on catheters are still challenging because not all patients, especially those who are critically ill, can be recommended for catheter removal; also to be considered are the characteristics of the biofilm itself, which readily colonizes the permanent medical devices used. The limited choice and increasing systemic antifungal resistance also make treating it more difficult. Hence, alternative strategies have been developed to manage <italic>Candida</italic> biofilm. Current options for prevention or therapy in combination with systemic antifungal medications include lock therapy, catheter coating, natural peptide products and photodynamic inactivation.</p> </abstract>

BACKGROUNDSoil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection is still a health problem in Indonesia. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is often found together with STH. The effect of the deworming program on the vitamin A status of primary school children is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of albendazole on serum retinol concentrations in primary school children.

BACKGROUNDSoil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection can cause malnutrition and vice versa, and decrease serum zinc concentrations. No previous studies were found on the effect of STH treatment on serum zinc concentrations in elementary school children. The objective of this study was to evalaute the effect of STH treatment on serum zinc concentration in elementary school children in Jakarta.