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Biomedical subjects

R Cisterna

Publications and source records attributed to R Cisterna.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

[Detection of HBV-DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of anti-HIV-positive patients and its relation to other serological markers of HBV].

HBV infection has been investigated in 47 anti-human HIV positive patients in relation to a similar group of 33 anti-HIV negative patients. Serological HBV markers were found in 87% of anti-HIV positive patients. The difference in markers of viral replication (HBeAg, HBV-DNA) was not statistically significant between the two groups. It has been suggested that HBV infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells could be a cofactor implicated in the development of immunodeficiency due to HIV. For this reason we have investigated the presence of HBV-DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by in situ hybridization. Although its detection was more frequent in anti-HIV positive patients than in anti-HIV negative ones (p < 0.05), it was not related to clinical state of immunodeficiency. With regard to serological HBV markers, HBV-DNA was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from antiHBc w/o antiHBs patients. This fact means the virus may persist in this cells after recovery and suggest they could serve as additional reservoirs of HBV. These cells, that contain the HBV genome, could be implicated in the perpetuation, reactivation of the infection and in its transmission.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

[Hybridization using a digoxigenin-labeled probe for the detection of hepatitis delta virus].

BACKGROUND: The presence of hepatitis delta virus was investigated in liver biopsies by in situ cyto-hybridization with a probe labelled with digoxigenin. METHODS: The techniques developed included extraction of plasmid DNA by lysis by alkali, electroelution, electrophoresis in agarose gel and digoxigenin labelling, and the application in liver tissue. RESULTS: Viral RNA was detected in 6 of the 10 patients, and the reactivity was exclusively restricted to the nucleolus of the hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: This method reveals as a sensitive and quick diagnostic procedure, which allows to study the intensity of the infection as well as the serological state of the patient.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1992

[Pneumonia caused by non-opportunistic bacteria in patients infected with HIV. Incidence and evaluation of a non-invasive approach].

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia due to pathogenic bacteria is common in HIV infected patients. However, a global overview has not been yet performed and also the effectiveness of a non-invasive approach has not been tested. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An open study was conducted in 1989 including all HIV infected patients with a presumptive or definite diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy procedures were used only in patients with a difficult diagnosis and/or problems in their clinical evolution. Clinical and biological data were compared among different etiologic groups, and their evolution was also recorded in relation with the use of non-invasive procedures. RESULTS: Among a total of 302 admissions of HIV infected patients, 113 developed a primary or secondary respiratory tract infection. Forty-three of those were bacterial pneumonia episodes. Etiologic diagnosis was achieved with non invasive methods in 18 cases (42%). Blood cultures were the most effective method used. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequently identified microorganisms (9 cases, 21%). The identification of other bacteria was linked with more severe forms of disease regarding immunologic (leukopenia, p less than 0.001; T4 lymphopenia, p less than 0.05), and respiratory parameters (hypoxemia, p less than 0.05). Two deaths were directly related with pneumonia of known etiology. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial pneumonia is the most frequent respiratory infection in HIV infected patients. An initial non-invasive approach yields a reasonable percentage of etiologic diagnosis and is not related with a poorer outcome.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed1992

[Epidemiologic characteristics of pneumococcal bacteremia in the era of AIDS].

BACKGROUND: The HIV infection and the development of penicillin-resistant pneumococci justify the review of the epidemiologic features of pneumococcal pneumonia in the last years. METHOD: A retrospective chart review of all patients admitted between 1987 and 1990 with a positive blood culture to Streptococcus pneumoniae was conducted. Different epidemiologic variables were selected ad compared. RESULTS: Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated in 147 blood cultures from 147 patients. The estimated incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia was 10 cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year. The figure increases from 7 to 12 cases during the study period. The risk factors identified were: HIV infection, 27 patients (19%); cancer, 14 patients (10%); cirrhosis of the liver, 13 patients (9%). In 56 cases (38%) no special risk factors were identified. All bacteremic episodes were from a pulmonary source. In 66% of patients, no special complications were recorded. Mortality outcome was related to age (28% if aged more than 60 years, 7% if less; p = 0.001, chi 2, and with the underlying condition (p = 0.034, chi 2). Resistance to penicillin increases from 0.0% to 21% during the study period (p = 0.03, chi 2) but it seems not to have any impact in mortality nor in the nosocomial origin of the bacteremia. CONCLUSIONS: In the last 4 years we have observed an increase in the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia related to an increase in cases among HIV infected patients, and also the emergence of penicillin-resistant strains. However, none of the two mentioned conditions seems to have any impact on mortality.

Bacteremia↗
PubMed1992

[Acute symptomatic HIV infection. Report of 10 cases].

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of acute HIV infection must rely in the demonstration of a significant increase in antibody titers against HIV together with the timely development of clinical symptoms. The percentage of cases with symptomatic acute HIV infection is currently unknown. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients admitted to Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases department of a General Hospital in a three-year period. The presence of HIV-antibodies was assessed by means of ELISA, indirect immunofluorescent test and Western blot technique. RESULTS: Among a total number of 1110 patients, we found 10 (0.9%) that were considered as having an acute symptomatic HIV infection. Clinical presentation was as follows: mononucleosis-like syndrome, 7 patients; aseptic meningitis, 1 patient; polirradiculoneurophaty and coreoatetosis, 1 patient and esophageal candidiasis, 1 patient. Transmission of infection was heterosexual contact in 60% of cases. Four patients developed a transient skin rash, four had oral candidiasis and low platelet count was detected in 6 cases. The presence of circulating HIV antigen could be demonstrated in 7 patients, and the change in antibody titer was recorded with an 11 +/- 2 weeks span. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of symptomatic HIV acute infection was only 0.9% in our study. The high number of patients with heterosexual transmission and low platelet counts in our series is remarkable.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1992

[Digoxigenin-labelled probes for detection of TEM-type beta-lactamases using the PCR technique].

BACKGROUND: Production of DNA probes is time-consuming and inefficient. We have developed a method for the obtention of digoxigenin-labeled probes to detect TEM-type betalactamases using the polymerase chain reaction. The amplification product was a 516 bp fragment internal to bla-TEM-1 from pBR 322. METHODS: The techniques developed included extraction of plasmid DNA by lisis by alkali, electroelution, electrophoresis in agarose gels, polymerase chain reaction and hydridization with a DNA probe digoxigenin labeled. RESULTS: We obtained by polymerase chain reaction 1500 ng of probe using 1 ng of target DNA. Developing classic methods the amount of probe was 75 ng from 1 microgram of target DNA. The time to obtain the probe was 3 hours, instead of a week with other methods. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that polymerase chain reaction is a good alternative to classic methods to obtain digoxigenin-labeled DNA probes.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

[Antimicrobial resistance in strains of Salmonella enterica isolated in the Hospital de Basurto (Bilbao) from 1987 to 1990].

BACKGROUND: Rate development of antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella strains in Hospital Basurto of Bilbao from 1987 to 1990 and to study their resistance mechanism. METHODS: The antimicrobial resistance for all strains isolated (1201 strains) was performed by means of a agar-diffusion test. We selected 32 multi-resistant strains for additional study (MIC, conjugation, IEF, and plasmid profile). RESULTS: The most frequent isolated serotypes were S. enteritidis (79.01%), S. typhimurium (8.5%) and Salmonella serogroup C1 (6.9%). The resistance to one or more of 17 antimicrobial rose significantly: 9.6% in 1987; 10.25% in 1988; 16.45% in 1989 and 13.73% in 1990. The percentage of resistant serotypes were: S. typhimurium (40.2%); Salmonella serogroup B (31.8%); Salmonella serogroup C1 (16.8%); Salmonella serogroup D1 (13.04%); Salmonella serogroup C2 (9.09%) and S. enteritidis (8.4%). In 27 multi-resistant strains and their transconjugants, beta-lactamase bands with a pl: 5.4 and/or 5.6 compatible with TEM-1 and/or TEM-2 were observed. Also, these strains carried a plasmid of high molecular weight (125 MD). CONCLUSIONS: Although, the resistance of Salmonella is not a serious problem in our environment this situation is raising progressively with a greater number of strains with plasmid mediated beta-lactamases. So, the antimicrobial policy will be more severe and righ in both hospital and extrahospital surrounding.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1991

Kinetics and regulation of NK activity by interleukin-2 and interferon in acute toxoplasmosis.

Natural killer (NK) activity against Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and tumour cells during acute toxoplasmosis was investigated using a single-cell NK assay. During the course of infection the percentage of lymphocytes binding tachyzoites and tumour cells did not vary significantly and NK activity was enhanced due to an increase in the specific cytolytic capacity per cell. To determine whether regulatory mechanisms mediated by cytokines might explain the increased NK activity, the kinetics of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon (IFN) production and the correlation between their concentrations and the level of NK activity were analysed at the same time. As the infection progressed NK activity increased in spite of the fact that IL-2 production decreased (except for a small increase during the first day of infection). However, IFN production increased gradually in close temporal and quantitative association with the overall increase in NK activity. These results suggest that T. gondii, via its ability to produce interferon, enhances NK activity against itself and other cells.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1991

[Detection of hepatitis B virus DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with various hepatopathies using in situ hybridization].

We have investigated, by "in situ" hibridisation, the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 45 patients with acute and chronic hepatic disorders directly related with HBV or with some seric HBV marker. Results has been related with serological markers and the different types of hepatopaties. The HBV-DNA was detected in PBMC more frequently in patients with hepatic alterations more prolongated (chronic active hepatitis, chronic persistent hepatitis and cirrhosis) than in acute hepatitis patients. It was not detected in any asymptomatic patient with HBV serological markers. As regards HBV serological markers, HBV-DNA was detected in PBMC in 8/11 HBsAg positive patients and in 11/34 HBsAg negative patients: 3 antiHBc positive, 5 antiHBc and antiHBs positive and 3 without conventional seric markers. The detection of HBV-DNA in antiHBc and/or antiHBs positive subjects means the virus may persist after recovery of infection and suggests PMBC could serve as additional reservoirs for reinfection of hepatocytes leading to a reactivation of the liver disease. Our results suggest that HBV infection of PBMC is a frequent event during HBV infection and can have important consequences fundamentally with respect to pathogenic mechanisms of HBV induced liver disease and to the transmission of the virus.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1991

[Antimicrobial sensitivity of 402 strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated in 7 Spanish cities].

To study N. gonorrhoeae resistance in Spain. We evaluate 402 strains consecutively isolated in 7 Spanish cities (Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Murcia, Seville, Valencia and Valladolid). The MIC to 9 antimicrobial agents was determined by agar-dilution (DST) method. We found a high incidence (15.7%) of penicillinase producer strains (NGPP). Most (53.3%) of all non-NGPP strains showed reduced sensitivity to penicillin and 1.5% of the strains had chromosomally mediated resistance. All NGPP strains and 90% of non-NGPP strains showed reduced sensitivity to tetracycline (MIC greater than 0.23 mg/l). We did not found any strain with high-level tetracycline resistance. MIC90 for the other drugs tested were: erythromycin, 0.125 mg/l; spectinomycin, 16 mg/l; cefoxitin, 2 mg/l; cefuroxime 0.06 mg/l; ceftriaxone 0.0037 mg/l; ofloxacin 0.06 mg/l and ciprofloxacin, 0.0018 mg/l. NGPP are very prevalent in Spain. Most of these strains had chromosomally mediated resistance to penicillin and tetracycline. We did not found resistance to other antimicrobial agents.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1991

Chitin assay to estimate the growth of Candida albicans in organs of infected mice.

Two methods have been used to estimate chitin. In both, the chitin was first converted into chitosan. The insoluble chitosan was then either depolymerized and deaminated with HNO2 and the product colorimetrically determined with 3-methylbenzo-2-thiazolone hydrazone and Fe3+ (method A), or hydrolysed in HCl and the glucosamine determined with p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (method B). Method B showed a better correlation between chitin concentration and absorbance, and its reliability was higher. This method was equally convenient to estimate the chitin content of germ tubes of Candida albicans grown in vitro, showing good correlation between mycelial growth and chitin content. Finally, method B was used to measure the growth of C. albicans in organs of animals infected experimentally.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Value of detection of antibodies to Candida albicans germ tube in the diagnosis of systemic candidosis.

To test the value of detection of anti-Candida albicans germ tube antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay in the diagnosis of systemic candidosis, a retrospective study was done using 126 sera from 27 patients with presumptive systemic candidosis (13 immunocompromised), 165 sera from 45 patients with aspergillosis (29 immunocompromised), 35 sera from eight patients with cryptococcosis (6 immunocompromised), and 101 sera from 101 blood donors. While 21 of 27 patients with systemic candidosis (77.8%) had anti-germ tube antibodies, these antibodies were absent in all patients with cryptococcosis and in all blood donors. They were however detected in 5 of 45 patients with aspergillosis (11.1%). Ten of 13 (76.9%) immunocompromised patients with candidosis had anti-germ tube antibodies; similar results were obtained in immunocompetent patients with candidosis (78.6%). The specificity was 96.8%, indicating a high degree of discrimination was possible between systemic candidosis and other invasive mycoses in the patients studied. Anti-germ tube responses did not appear to be significantly reduced in immunocompromised patients.

Antibodies, Fungal↗