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Biomedical subjects

C Ciufecu

Publications and source records attributed to C Ciufecu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Romania.

In order to assess the seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Romania and to define associated risk factors, a cross-sectional, observational study was performed in 13 districts during 1999. Sera from healthy blood donors (1,598) and from forestry workers (1,048) were tested. A two-step testing strategy was used in which sera were tested for anti-B. burgdorferi antibodies by a commercially available passive hemagglutination assays (PHA). All PHA positive sera were then evaluated by Western blot IgG. Demographic data regarding age, sex, profession, work place/residence, duration of employment (forestry workers), animals in the environment, and tick bites history were collected using a questionnaire. Data obtained from serological study were matched with that obtained from the questionnaire. The seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi in blood donors was of 4.3% (range 1.4-8.7%) and 9.3% (range 2.8-31.7%) in forestry workers. Seroprevalence was higher in forestry workers with a tick bite history (10.7 vs. 4.3%, p < 0.05). The highest seroprevalence in blood donors (8.7%) was noted in Maramures, a northern district of the country, whereas in forestry workers the highest seroprevalence (31.7%) was observed in a western district (Arad), where a previous study in entomology has demonstrated the highest density of Ixodes ricinus ticks in Romania.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Infection control practices and compliance to national recommendations among dentists in Romania.

The aim of this study was to measure dental office compliance with current Romanian infection control regulations. A questionnaire was completed and returned from 61 randomly selected offices (32 private and 29 public with 94 dentists), where the sterilizers were also biologically monitored. Results indicated that with few exceptions, infection control practices in public and private offices were the same, with compliance on sterilising reusable instruments. Private offices monitored their sterilizers more frequently and had much newer equipment. Gowns were universally worn, but use of gloves, masks and protective eye-wear showed non-compliance with less than 10 per cent of the offices using personal protective equipment for all patients. Cost was the deciding factor. Predominant environmental disinfectants were alcohol and bleach. Offices were in compliance as to the use of disposable anaesthetic needles and carpules. Dentists reported reluctance to be vaccinated against hepatitis B even when offered free immunizations (6.4 per cent) and only 18.1 per cent of dentists had received any infection control training in the last three years. Results indicate that offices were in compliance for most national regulations. However, there are no recently published standards for dentistry in Romania concerning disinfectants or continuing education. Comparison with the literature indicates comparable compliance with recommended national infection control procedures for Romanian dentists as for dentists in other countries.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1998

Changes in Vibrio cholerae O1 strains isolated in Romania during 1977-95.

Six hundred and twenty-four Vibrio cholerae O1 strains, 623 serotype Ogawa and one serotype Inaba, isolated in Romania between 1977-95 were tested to detect all changing traits concerning serogroup, serotype, biotype, phage type and resistotype patterns and subsequently, the possible epidemiological relationship among these strains. Biotyping revealed one classical, 580 eltor strains and 43 intermediary variants. When tested with Mukerjee phages, 546 (87%) strains were sensitive and 78 (13%) resistant. One phage type (M4) dominated during 1977-90, two phage types (M4 and M5) exhibited the same high frequencies during 1991, a diversity of types occurred during 1993-4 whereas in 1995, two phage types (M4 and M5) showed similar distributions again. Five patterns of drug susceptibility were successively described during 1977-95. The most prominent changes in Vibrio cholerae O1 strains were noticed during 1993-4: the highest number of non-typable strains and intermediary variants, the widest spectrum of phage types and of multidrug resistance. In 1995, the strains reverted to the previous typable forms but a new drug resistance pattern was noticed.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗
PubMed1987

The development and application of a bacteriocinogenotyping scheme for Vibrio cholerae non-group O-1 strains.

423 Vibrio cholerae non-group O-1 strains were tested for vibriocin production using a homologous set of 7 indicator strains. Using this scheme, 334 (79.4%) strains proved to be typable. The strains isolated from 7 different geographical areas of Romania exhibited 16 different patterns of vibriocin production. The presence of a predominant pattern per year and per region was revealed.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Studies on bacteriocin production by NAG-strains of Vibrio cholerae as a possible epidemiological marker.

201 "non-agglutinable" - i.e. serogroup O:1-negative - Vibrio cholerae strains were tested for bacteriocin production using 14 of the Abbott-shannon standard set of colicin-sensitive strains as indicators. 41.2% of the strains proved to be bacteriocin producers. 29 out of 67 (43%) vibriocin-positive strains originating from one large geographical region gave the same reaction pattern with the applied indicator strains. The possible significance of these vibriocins for epidemiological studies is discussed, and the necessity for further investigations prior to routine bacteriocin typing of O:1-negative V. cholerae strains is pointed out.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

The newly described pathogenic species Vibrio mimicus isolated from human diarrhoeal stools and from a sea water sample.

Four Vibrio strains have been isolated from three patients presenting diarrhoea as well as from a sea water sample; identification proved their belonging to Vibrio mimicus, a recently described new pathogenic species. The morpho-cultural and biochemical characteristics of the isolated strains are presented. The distribution and incidence of this newly described species in Romania are under study.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1977

The isolation and characterization of some vibrio parahaemolyticus strains isolated from salted herring and roe.

390 food samples (frozen, Kippered herring, Salted roe, fresh carp and salted ham) were investigated for the presence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. 8 V. parahaemolyticus strains were isolated from herring (6.2%) and roe samples (1.3%). Some biochemical characteristics are discussed. In food borne outbreaks, presence of V. parahaemolyticus must be investigated, especially when the epidemiologically incriminated food is fish or fish products.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Morphological, cultural and biochemical characteristics of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, isolated in Romania from acute gastro-enteritis.

Out of 399 human faeces examined during the first eight months (1975) for the presence of NCV vibrios, one vibrio parahaemolyticus strains has been isolated from a man with acute gastro-enteritis (gastric and abdominal pains, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, general weakness), after having a meal with salted caviar. The strain belongs to Heiberg's group VII and Sakazaki's subgroup I. The virulence tested on chick embryo is 3 times higher (LD50 = 14 germs) if compared with the virulence of V. parahaemolyticus control strain (Sakazaki's strains). First isolation in Romania from a human stool (patient with acute gastro-enteritis).

Adult↗