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Biomedical subjects

N Farrag

Publications and source records attributed to N Farrag.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Staphylococcus lugdunensis endocarditis.

A case of Staphylococcus lugdunensis endocarditis is presented with low back pain suggesting a secondary bone focus of infection. An umbilical skin lesion may have been an additional embolic phenomenon. The case highlights the aggressive nature of S lugdenensis endocarditis compared with other coagulase negative staphylococci and its association with native heart valves. In addition the importance of full identification of coagulase negative staphylococci isolated from patient samples in a case of suspected S lugdenensis infection is emphasised. Antibiotic treatment may be insufficient alone in the treatment of S lugdenensis endocarditis and early recourse to surgical intervention and valve replacement should therefore be considered.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Animal-assisted activity and infection control implications in a healthcare setting.

Animal-assisted activity/therapy (AAA/T) is an emerging science using animals to solve human problems. It is an interdisciplinary approach using animals as an adjunct to other conventional therapies. The benefits include improved physical, social, emotional or cognitive functioning. Studies in the past have shown lowering of blood pressure and increased survival in those who own a pet. This may not be effective for all individuals, however, it is essential that a complete assessment be made before implementation of AAA/T. The goals of such a therapy must be defined. Animal bites, allergies and zoonoses are the major animal-associated health hazards. The type of AAA/T and needs of the patients are important issues to be considered. Specific guidelines including suitability of patients, animals and infection control policies need to be formulated before initiation of AAA/T. Such an intervention would also require additional resources and there may be legal implications.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: immunofluorescence staining, simple PCR or nPCR.

OBJECTIVES: to compare immunofluorescence (IF) test, routinely used in the department for the detection of Pnemocystis carinni with simple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR (nPCR) METHODS: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and induced sputum (IS) specimens from HIV-positive (39), lung transplant ssart transplant (2), and one each from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, drug addict and a premature baby were screened by IF test, simple PCR and nPCR for the presence of P.carinii. RESULTS: of the 46 specimens tested, two (4.3%) were positive by IF, 11 (23.9%) by simple PCR and 21 (45.6%) by nPCR. Both simple and nPCR amplified those found positive by IF test. Analysis of the clinical data revealed both IF positive, 10 of the simple PCR and 15 of the nPCR group were strongly suspected of P. carinii pneumonia (PCP). Two specimens, one from a patient where chest X-ray was suggestive of PCP and the other where post-mortem histology revealed the presence of PCP, were negative by IF test. CONCLUSION: simple PCR detection may be considered for patients where PCP is suggestive clinically and the specimen is negative by IF test.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1988

Pyomyositis--an under-reported disease in temperate climates.

Two cases of pyomyositis were seen over a period of 2 weeks. Both patients were young local residents in whom large amounts of pus were found deep within skeletal muscles. The first case had an unusual presentation involving more than one muscle. The causative organism in the first case was Staphylococcus aureus. In the second case it was Streptococcus pyogenes.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Q fever following bone marrow transplantation.

We describe a patient who developed an acute febrile illness 85 days after receiving an allogeneic bone marrow transplant for acute myeloid leukaemia. Serological investigation indicated the cause to be Q fever. The patient was receiving concurrent immunosuppressive therapy for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Coxiella burnetii should be added to the list of organisms which may complicate bone marrow transplantation. This case also provides further evidence to support an association between immunocompromised conditions and the development of Q fever.

Adult↗