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Biomedical subjects

F Scheutz

Publications and source records attributed to F Scheutz.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Escherichia coli and virus isolated from "sticky kits".

A total of 121 Escherichia coli strains isolated from 3-week-old mink kits were serotyped and examined for virulence factors. 56 strains were isolated from healthy kits while 65 were from "sticky kits". Among these, 34 different serotypes were detected. No difference in serotypes or the presence of virulence factors could be detected between healthy and diseased kits. By electron microscopy of faecal samples corona-, rota-, and calicivirus were demonstrated among healthy as well as diseased kits.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Biotypes of oral Candida albicans isolates in a Tanzanian child population.

Although biotypes of Candida albicans from adult populations, especially in the West, have been described, there are no data either from a child population, or from the African continent. Hence a total of 200 oral C. albicans isolates from Tanzanian children aged 6-24 months were biotyped using two commercially available API micromethod kit systems and a boric acid resistance test. The predominant biotypes, which comprised two thirds of the organisms isolated, were J1S (19.5%), A1S (16.0%), J1R (14.5%), A1R (9.5%) and P1R (7.5%). In total, 16 new biotypes comprising 44 (22%) isolates which have not hitherto been described were found in this Tanzanian population and, of these, the P1R biotype predominated with 15 (7.5%) isolates. There was no significant association between predominant biotypes (with clusters > or = 15 isolates) and age, gender, breast feeding and malnutrition. These data indicate that the biotype profile of C. albicans isolates may differ in paediatric and adult populations, and/or global distribution of various subtypes of this common opportunistic pathogen.

Candida albicans↗
PubMed1995

[Fear of dental treatment. Prevalence and characteristics among adult Danes].

A random sample of residents of the municipality of Aarhus were telephone interviewed about fear of dental treatment and characteristics of any pre-existing dental anxiety. Results showed that 4.2% of 539 residents surveyed had extreme anxiety and 6% were moderately afraid. Results of dental anxiety, especially in the odontophobic group, were years of avoidance of treatment and associated poor subjective perceptions of oral health. Logistic analyses revealed that although dental drilling was the identifying feature of dental anxiety characteristics, the drill could be symbolic for the many persons who perceived dentists as treating them with putdowns, angry comments and hardhandedness. Other persons suffered from multiple fears, which may have an accumulative effect on dental treatment anxiety. A conceptual model is presented as derived from present results and existing clinical and epidemiologic literature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

tRNA genes and pathogenicity islands: influence on virulence and metabolic properties of uropathogenic Escherichia coli.

The uropathogenic Escherichia coli strain 536 (O6:K15:H31) carries two unstable DNA regions on its chromosome which were termed pathogenicity islands (Pais). Both pathogenicity islands, Pai I and Pai II, are incorporated into tRNA specific loci: Pai I is located in the tRNA gene for selenocysteine (selC), and Pai II is integrated in the leucine-specific tRNA locus leuX. Mutant strain 536-21 has lost the two pathogenicity islands together with the intact tRNA genes. While 536 is a virulent strain, 536-21 has lost a number of properties, including in vivo virulence. In previous publications we reported that the genes coding for two haemolysins (hly I, hly II) and P-related fimbria (prf) are located on the Pais. In this paper, we demonstrate that the expression of other gene products influencing metabolic properties in addition to in vivo virulence are strongly dependent on the intact tRNA loci selC and leuX. In order to determine the influence of the two tRNAs on the expression of these properties, the genes selC and leuX were cloned from the genome of strain 536 and then introduced into the mutant 536-21. Our results clearly show that the seleno-cysteine-specific tRNA (tRNA(Sec)) directly influences the ability of the bacteria to grow under anaerobic conditions, because selenocysteine is part of the enzyme formate dehydrogenase (FDH) which is involved in mixed acid fermentation. The rare leucine-specific tRNA5(Leu), encoded by leuX, influences a number if properties including type 1 fimbria production, flagellation and motility, production of enterobactin and serum resistance, and is also necessary for full in vivo virulence. While the tRNA(Sec) is directly involved in the production of FDHs, the leuX specific tRNA5(Leu) appears to influence the expression of various factors through specific transcriptional or translational control mechanisms.

Anaerobiosis↗
PubMed1995

Dental care of infectious patients in Denmark, 1986-1993: theoretical considerations and empirical findings.

Changes in infection control and behavior and attitudes towards HIV-infected patients from 1986 to 1992/93 were studied among a random sample of 335 Danish dentists; previous studies among random samples of Danish dentists served as references. 249 (74.3%) returned a mailed questionnaire together with a time, steam, temperature (TST) control indicator strip processed in their steam autoclaves, 3.4% of the autoclaves had not sterilized properly, which was an insignificant decrease compared to 1986. Overall, infection control had improved since 1986. In 1992/93 17.3% of dentists surveyed reported use of gloves always: in 1986 0.8% did so. Many (60.2%) reported at least one needlestick or cut accident within the last year. The number of dentists who were willing to treat HIV-infected patients and the number of clinics that found they could treat infectious patients safely had increased from 56.1% to 78.7% and from 43.0% to 66.8%, respectively. Other attitudinal dimensions, for example views on secrecy of HIV test results and HIV screening policy, had not changed. A conceptual model based on the theory of reasoned action formed the framework for multiple logistic regression analysis with two different outcomes: Willingness to treat HIV-infected individuals and Treatment of HIV-infected patients. In particular, expected staff problems turned out to have a high explanatory value (odds ratio = 18.2) if HIV-infected patients were received. In both models Certainty about hygienic precautions had some explanatory value. The findings may give some clues about how to plan and implement future continuing education on infection control and attitudinal and behavioral aspects of caring for infectious patients.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed1995

Association between carriage of oral yeasts and malnutrition among Tanzanian infants aged 6-24 months.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if there is an association between carriage of oral yeasts and malnutrition in infants. DESIGN: A case-control study within a cross-sectional study. The dependent variable was carriage of oral yeasts. The exposure variable was malnutrition and confounders to be adjusted for were age, sex, and breast-feeding. SETTING: A maternal and child health clinic in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania that offers routine medical check-ups to all expectant mothers and children aged between 0 and 5 years in its catchment areas. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 972 infants aged 6-24 months participated. Smears from the tongue and cheek mucosa were examined for candidal hyphae and blastospores. Malnutrition was categorized according to Tanzanian standards (weight-for-age) and World Health Organization (WHO) standards (weight-for-height and height-for-age). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Carriage of oral yeasts (hyphae and blastospores). RESULTS: Carriage of oral yeasts was significantly higher in the 227 malnourished compared with the 745 well nourished adjusted for confounders. Odds ratio for presence of hyphae in smears from the severely malnourished (weight-for-age) was 4.5 (90% CI: 2.0-10.0). Odds ratio for presence of hyphae was 2.3 (90% CI: 1.1-4.8) when weight-for-height were used to categorize for malnutrition. CONCLUSION: The study tends to confirm the generally held view that malnutrition may predispose to carriage of oral yeasts and subsequent oral candidiasis.

Candida↗
PubMed1994

Virulence characteristics of Escherichia coli in relation to host response in men with symptomatic urinary tract infection.

To assess virulence properties in uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates from men with symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI), we analyzed 88 urinary isolates from men with acute pyelonephritis (n = 41), febrile UTI without clinical signs of renal infection (n = 33), or acute cystitis (n = 14) for O:K:H serotype, P fimbriae, and production of hemolysin and aerobactin. In the three diagnostic groups, 88%, 67%, and 79% of the strains, respectively, were represented by 10 O antigen groups commonly associated with acute pyelonephritis in women and children. Fifty-eight different O:K:H serotypes could be identified, of which O18ac:K5:H- predominated (n = 8). There was a higher frequency of hemolytic strains among patients with pyelonephritis (73%) and febrile UTI (76%) and a lower frequency of P-fimbriated strains (56% and 45%, respectively) and aerobactin-positive strains (51% and 39%, respectively) among these patients than was previously encountered in women and children with uncomplicated acute pyelonephritis. The distribution of bacterial properties was unrelated to patient age and underlying complicating factors. The findings suggest differences in host-parasite relationships between men and women with symptomatic UTI caused by E. coli.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

The etiology of early childhood diarrhea: a community study from Guinea-Bissau.

A potential enteropathogen was found in 50% of 1219 diarrheal episodes and 48% of 511 asymptomatic controls in a 1-year community study of childhood diarrhea. Rotavirus (3% of episodes), Cryptosporidium species (6%), and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) with EPEC adherence factor (4%) were more prevalent in cases than controls. Giardia lamblia (19%) was the most prevalent organism but was not associated with diarrhea. Enterotoxigenic E. coli (12%), Strongyloides stercoralis (5%), Shigella species (2%), Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites (2%), and Vibrio cholerae (1%) were found at nonsignificantly higher rates. Salmonella and Campylobacter species were more prevalent among control infants. Cryptosporidium species and sequential infections from other pathogens caused persistent diarrhea.

Child↗
PubMed1994

Oral health status and treatment needs in different age groups in two regions of Tanzania.

The present study was conducted in two regions of Tanzania, where development of oral health services is supported by the Danish International Development Agency (Danida). The study comprised 6035 subjects in five age groups (5-6 yr, 12 yr, 18 yr, 35-44 yr, 55+ yr). Data were collected using WHO's survey methodology. Dental caries affected the primary dentition of one third to one fourth of the 5-6-yr-olds and mean dft was less than 1.0 in both regions. DMFT for 12-yr-olds was also low (< 1.5 DMFT), but was higher in older age groups, mainly due to more missing teeth. The F-component was negligible in all age groups. Treatment need was mainly simple fillings and extractions. Most periodontal sextants in all age groups were affected by bleeding or calculus. Periodontal pockets were rare and loss of teeth limited. It is concluded that the oral health situation in Tanzania is better than that foreseen in the goals for oral health in Tanzania in the year 2002. On the basis of these findings and the severe economic constraints prevailing within the health services in Tanzania, a revision of The National Plan for Oral Health seems urgent. A realistic estimate of the cost and the possible sources of funding of the plan is mandatory.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Oral candidiasis and immune status of HIV-infected patients.

A total of 84 HIV-infected homosexual men having either normal oral mucosa (NOM), erythematous candidiasis (EC) or pseudomembranous candidiasis (PsC) were included in the study. The patients were evaluated by median number of peripheral CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells and by lymphocyte function assessed by poke-weed mitogen test. There was a significant difference between CD4+ counts among patients with the two subtypes of candidiasis (95% CI of median difference: 10-240/mm3; P = 0.03), but not for pokeweed mitogen response. Survival analysis showed that after 2 y there was no significant difference in development of AIDS between patients with EC and PsC (P = 0.29). If patients with both types of oral candidiasis were pooled and compared with patients with NOM, a significant difference in development of AIDS was found (P = 0.04). It is concluded that HIV-infected patients with oral candidiasis of any subtype (EC or PsC) are significantly more immune suppressed and show a faster development of AIDS than HIV-infected patients with NOM. However, in this cohort, EC and PsC are of equal importance as predictors for immune suppression and AIDS development.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1993

Perceived need and use of oral health services among adolescents and adults in Tanzania.

The perceived need and use of oral health services among adolescents and adults in Tanzania were studied. One region from each of the country's five zones was chosen at random. Final sample selection (n = 1061) was done in the main towns of the selected regions. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire which dealt with perceived need for dental treatment and use of oral health services and several demographic variables. Frequency tables were computed and analyzed. Odds ratios were calculated based on 2 x 2 tables and logistic regression models. The majority, 82% (95% CI: 79-85%) had sought treatment due to pain or for tooth extraction. Perceived need, dissatisfaction with own oral health status and use of oral health services were slightly more frequent among women. Bleeding gums had no explanatory value on the dependent variables. The strongest explanatory variable in a logistic regression model for perceived need and dissatisfaction with own oral health status was previous dental treatment with an estimated odds ratio of 6.4 (95% CI: 4.7-8.7) and 7.2 (95% CI: 5.3-9.9), respectively. People living nearest a treatment facility tended to use the services more [odds ratio 1.3 (95% CI: 0.8-2.1)]. A very strong relation between previous dental problems and use of oral health services was found, namely an odds ratio of 68.8 (95% CI: 39.0-121.4). The findings in the study may be useful in the attempts to implement Tanzania's National Plan for Oral Health.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Prevalence and characteristics of dental anxiety in Danish adults.

Prevalence, characteristics and consequences of dental anxiety in a randomly selected sample of 645 Danish adults were explored in telephone interviews. Participation rate was 88%. Demographics, fear of specific procedures, negative dentist contacts, general fear tendency, treatment utilization and perceived oral conditions were explored by level of dental anxiety using a modified Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). A Seattle fear survey item and a summary item from the Dental Fear Survey (DFS) were also included for fear description comparisons. Correlation between these indices (DAS-DFS: rs = 0.72; DAS-Seattle item: rs = 0.68) aided semantic validation of DAS anxiety intensity levels. Extreme dental anxiety (DAS > or = 15) was found in 4.2% of the sample and 6% reported moderate anxiety (DAS scores 14-12). Bivariate (B) and logistic regression (L) odds ratios (OR) showed that high dental anxiety was associated with gender, education and income, but not with age. Extreme dental anxiety for dentate subjects was characterized by fear of drilling (ORL = 38.7), negative dentist contacts (ORL = 9.3), general fear tendency (ORL = 3.4), avoidance of treatment (ORL = 16.8) and increased oral symptoms (ORB = 4.4). Moderate dental anxiety was also related to drilling (ORL = 22.3), but with less avoidance due to anxiety (ORL = 6.8) compared with low fear subjects.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Prevalence and some properties of verotoxin (Shiga-like toxin)-producing Escherichia coli in seven different species of healthy domestic animals.

Fecal samples from 720 healthy, domestic animals representing seven different species (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, dogs, and cats) were investigated for verotoxin (VT [Shiga-like toxin])-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC). VTEC were isolated from 208 animals (28.9%), most frequently from sheep (66.6% VTEC carriers), goats (56.1%), and cattle (21.1%). VTEC were isolated less frequently from pigs (7.5%), cats (13.8%), and dogs (4.8%) and were not found in chickens (< 0.7%). Forty-one different O:H serotypes and 23 untypeable O-groups were isolated. Five serotypes (O5:H-, O91:H-, O146:H21, O87:H16, and O82:H8) occurred in more than one animal species. Serotypes O5:H-, O91:H-, O146:H21, O128:H2, and OX3:H8 represented 54.8% of the VTEC strains. Nearly 60% of all VTEC O:H serotypes isolated in this study have been implicated as human pathogens, indicating that healthy, domestic animals may serve as a reservoir of human pathogens. All VTEC, except nine feline strains, hybridized with one or both of the VT1 and VT2 specific DNA probes. VT production and enterohemolysin (E-Hly+) production were associated in E. coli from goats, sheep, and cattle but not in E. coli from chickens, pigs, dogs, and cats. A close association of VT with E-Hly+ was found in O5:H-, O146:H21, O128:H2, O77:H4, O119:H25, and O123:(H10) strains. Thirty of 240 (12.5%) E-Hly+ strains hybridized with an E-Hly+ specific DNA probe, indicating heterogeneity of regulatory or structural E-Hly+ genes in strains of E. coli.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Attaching and effacing enteropathogenic Escherichia coli as a cause of infantile diarrhea in Bangkok.

To identify Escherichia coli that cause infantile diarrhea in Bangkok, Thailand, E. coli isolated in a year-long study of infantile diarrhea were examined for O and H serotypes and virulence determinants. Classic enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) were isolated from 28 of 509 infants with diarrhea (cases) and 11 of 509 age-matched controls (P = .009; odds ratio [OR], 2.64). Most of this difference was attributable to EPEC adherence factor (EAF)-positive EPEC that produced an attachment and effacement lesion, as identified in the fluorescence actin staining assay, isolated from 13 cases and 1 control (P = .003; OR, 13.3). EAF-EPEC was isolated from 15 cases and 10 controls (P = .418; OR, 1.52) and EAF+ non-EPEC from 17 cases and 10 controls (P = .242; OR, 1.72). EAF+EPEC that caused an attachment and effacement lesion was found in 3% of children less than 6 months old with diarrhea who were studied in an outpatient clinic in Bangkok in 1988.

Adhesins, Escherichia coli↗
PubMed1990

HIV infection and dental care: views and experiences among HIV-seropositive patients.

This study reports the views and experiences of HIV-seropositive individuals within the Danish Dental Care System. One hundred and thirty-five consecutive HIV-seropositive outpatients visiting the infectious departments at three Danish hospitals completed a structured questionnaire anonymously; participation rate was 96%. Refusal of dental treatment due to HIV-seropositivity had been experienced by 10.4% of the sample (95% CI: 7.1-20.3%), although more (24.4%) knew someone who had been rejected at a dental clinic. Rejection was seen more often among those who had informed a dentist of HIV-seropositivity than among those who had not; 17.8% compared to 3% (P = 0.06). Only 25.4% (18.3-33.6%) favoured the idea of special dental units for referral for routine treatment. Negative attitudes and behaviour against HIV-infected people were characterized as discriminatory by 83.5% (76.0-89.3%). Most of the participants seemed to have established an open and confident relationship with their attending dentist with regard to their HIV-seropositivity and to a lesser extent, their sexuality. When patients told their dentists about their HIV-seropositivity, this was clearly reflected in increased infection control.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗