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Biomedical subjects

Barbara D Alexander

Publications and source records attributed to Barbara D Alexander.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2004

Virulence associated with outbreak-related strains of Burkholderia cepacia complex among a cohort of patients with bacteremia.

The Burkholderia cepacia complex includes 9 genomovars. The relative virulence of each is unknown. Host and pathogen features associated with mortality were evaluated among patients with B. cepacia complex bacteremia. Cases were ascertained through review of blood culture results for the period of May 1996 through May 2002. Isolates were identified to species level with 16S rDNA and recA-based species-specific polymerase chain reaction analyses and recA restriction fragment-length polymorphism. Strain typing was performed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Fifty-three patients with B. cepacia complex bacteremia were identified; only 9 (17%) had cystic fibrosis. Twenty-five patients (47%) died within 14 days of bacteremia. After controlling for comorbid conditions and therapeutic interventions, 2 outbreak-related strains of Burkholderia cenocepacia (genomovar III) were associated with 14-day mortality (odds ratio, 5.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-25.02). B. cenocepacia is an emerging nosocomial pathogen. Certain strains are associated with an enhanced capacity for interpatient spread and poor outcome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

New developments in the diagnosis and treatment of infections in lung transplant recipients.

Infections remain a serious and common problem in lung transplant recipients. Recent years have seen an explosion in the knowledge regarding this major cause of morbidity and mortality. Novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques are revolutionizing the approach to infectious diseases in transplant recipients. Multicenter trials will expand the scope of diagnosis and management of these infections. A team approach by transplant physicians and infectious diseases experts is critical to the success of managing these complex patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Opportunistic mycelial fungal infections in organ transplant recipients: emerging importance of non-Aspergillus mycelial fungi.

To determine the spectrum and impact of mycelial fungal infections, particularly those due to non-Aspergillus molds, 53 liver and heart transplant recipients with invasive mycelial infections were prospectively identified in a multicenter study. Invasive mycelial infections were due to Aspergillus species in 69.8% of patients, to non-Aspergillus hyalohyphomycetes in 9.4%, to phaeohyphomycetes in 9.4%, to zygomycetes in 5.7%, and to other causes in 5.7%. Infections due to mycelial fungi other than Aspergillus species were significantly more likely to be associated with disseminated (P=.005) and central nervous system (P=.07) infection than were those due to Aspergillus species. Overall mortality at 90 days was 54.7%. The associated mortality rate was 100% for zygomycosis, 80% for non-Aspergillus hyalohyphomycosis, 54% for aspergillosis, and 20% for phaeohyphomycosis. Thus, non-Aspergillus molds have emerged as significant pathogens in organ transplant recipients. These molds are more likely to be associated with disseminated infections and to be associated with poorer outcomes than is aspergillosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Spontaneous dermal abscesses and ulcers as a result of Serratia marcescens.

Serratia sp have only rarely been reported as isolates from leg ulcers. We describe the case of a middle-aged man with a medical history significant for alcohol-induced cirrhosis who presented with rapidly progressive skin ulcers initially starting as purple nodules. These skin ulcers and underlying dermal abscesses were found to be a result of S marcescens, with the presumed portal of entry being a toe-web infection.

Abscess↗
PubMed2002

Prophylaxis of invasive mycoses in solid organ transplantation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Solid organ transplantation is emerging as a life-saving procedure for increasing numbers of patients and invasive fungal infections are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity for patients undergoing these procedures. This paper will review the latest data pertinent to the development of effective regimens aimed at preventing invasive mycoses in the solid organ transplantation population. RECENT FINDINGS: Risks for developing invasive fungal infections are continuing to evolve, leading to shifts in the epidemiology of invasive mycoses occurring after transplantation. For instance, risks for the development of invasive candidiasis in the immediate postoperative period following orthotopic liver transplantation have decreased dramatically while the incidence of invasive aspergillosis appears to be on the rise. New agents have recently been approved for use in the United States and may have a role in prophylactic strategies aimed at preventing these fungal infections. SUMMARY: An understanding of these issues is crucial to the development of targeted prophylactic regimens for the successful prevention of invasive fungal infections in the solid organ transplant recipient.

Antifungal Agents↗