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Biomedical subjects

T V Riley

Publications and source records attributed to T V Riley.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Prevalence of delayed hypersensitivity to the European standard series in a self-selected population.

There are limited reports of the prevalence of positive reactions in healthy adults to patch tests with standard allergens; there are no recent comprehensive studies from Australia. Healthy adult volunteers (n = 219) from the Western Australian community were patch tested using the European standard series of allergens. Seventy-seven (35%) reacted to at least one allergen, positive patch tests being most prevalent to nickel sulfate (20%), potassium dichromate (9%), cobalt chloride (6%) and fragrance mix (4%). Prevalence of positive patch tests to nickel and chromate was higher than that reported for another healthy population, which may stem from self-selection of volunteers or geographical differences, including extent of exposure to allergens.

Adolescent↗

Precipitate production by some Malassezia species on Dixon's agar.

The production of a precipitate by Malassezia species on Dixon's agar was observed. Malassezia furfur (n = 12), M. obtusa (n = 2) and M. slooffiae (n = 3) were precipitate negative, while M. sympodialis (n = 32) and M. globosa (n = 6) were precipitate positive. This test may be useful in differentiating Malassezia species.

Agar↗

In vitro activities of ketoconazole, econazole, miconazole, and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil against Malassezia species.

The in vitro activities of ketoconazole, econazole, miconazole, and tea tree oil against 54 Malassezia isolates were determined by agar and broth dilution methods. Ketoconazole was more active than both econazole and miconazole, which showed very similar activities. M. furfur was the least susceptible species. M. sympodialis, M. slooffiae, M. globosa, and M. obtusa showed similar susceptibilities to the four agents.

Antifungal Agents↗

Comparison of methods for detection of Erysipelothrix spp. and their distribution in some Australasian seafoods.

For many years, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae has been known to be the causative agent of the occupationally related infection erysipeloid. A survey of the distribution of Erysipelothrix spp. in 19 Australasian seafoods was conducted, and methodologies for the detection of Erysipelothrix spp. were evaluated. Twenty-one Erysipelothrix spp. were isolated from 52 seafood parts. Primary isolation of Erysipelothrix spp. was most efficiently achieved with brain heart infusion broth enrichment followed by subculture onto a selective brain heart infusion agar containing kanamycin, neomycin, and vancomycin after 48 h of incubation. Selective tryptic soy broth, with 48 h of incubation, was the best culture method for the detection of Erysipelothrix spp. with PCR. PCR detection was 50% more sensitive than culture. E. rhusiopathiae was isolated from a variety of different fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans, including a Western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus). There was no significant correlation between the origin of the seafoods tested and the distribution of E. rhusiopathiae. An organism indistinguishable from Erysipelothrix tonsillarum was isolated for the first time from an Australian oyster and a silver bream. Overall, Erysipelothrix spp. were widely distributed in Australasian seafoods, illustrating the potential for erysipeloid-like infections in fishermen.

Animals↗

Lack of association between seropositivity to Chlamydia pneumoniae and carotid atherosclerosis.

Since the Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae)-specific antibody was shown to be associated with acute myocardial infarction and chronic coronary heart disease, the role of C. pneumoniae in the etiology of cardiovascular disease has been studied by a number of groups. We investigated the association between the C. pneumoniae-specific antibody, measured by microimmunofluorescence, risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and atherosclerosis in a randomly selected urban population. Overall, immunoglobulin-G (IgG) seroprevalence to C. pneumoniae in this sample of 1,034 subjects was 58%, whereas IgA seroprevalence was 32%. There was a decline in seropositivity with age for IgG but not IgA. Men were more likely than women to be IgG (66% vs 51%, chi-square p = 0.001) and IgA seropositive (36% vs 28%, chi-square p = 0.005). Current smokers had higher IgA seropositivity than nonsmokers (43% vs 30%). Those patients with a family history of cerebrovascular disease were more likely to have IgG antibody than those without (75% vs 57%, chi-square p= 0.007). Neither IgG nor IgA seropositivity was associated with the standard risk factors of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or family history of ischemic heart disease, nor was seropositivity associated with carotid intima medial thickening (IMT) or atherosclerotic plaque as measured by carotid B-mode ultrasound. There was no difference between those participants who were IgG or IgA seropositive and seronegative in measurements of mean IMT, prevalence of abnormal IMT, and percentage with atherosclerotic plaque. In conclusion, although C. pneumoniae was associated with several risk factors for cardiovascular disease in a large cross-sectional population, we found no independent association between seroprevalence to C. pneumoniae and carotid atherosclerosis as measured by carotid IMT.

Adult↗

Influence of organic matter, cations and surfactants on the antimicrobial activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil in vitro.

The effect of some potentially interfering substances and conditions on the antimicrobial activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil was investigated. Agar and broth dilution methods were used to determine minimum inhibitory and cidal concentrations of tea tree oil in the presence and absence of each potentially interfering substance. Activity was determined against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, and Candida albicans. Minimum inhibitory or cidal concentrations differed from controls by two or more dilutions, for one or more organisms, where Tween-20, Tween-80, skim-milk powder and bovine serum albumin were assessed. These differences were not seen when assays were performed in anaerobic conditions, or in the presence of calcium and magnesium ions. The effect of organic matter on the antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil was also investigated by an organic soil neutralization test. Organisms were exposed to lethal concentrations of tea tree oil ranging from 1-10% (v/v), in the presence of 1-30% (w/v) dry bakers' yeast. After 10 min contact time, viability was determined. At > or = 1%, organic matter compromised the activity of each concentration of tea tree oil against Staphylococcus aureus and C. albicans. At 10% or more, organic matter compromised the activity of each tea tree oil concentration against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Organic matter affected 1 and 2% tea tree oil, but not 4 and 8%, against Escherichia coli. In conclusion, organic matter and surfactants compromise the antimicrobial activity of tea tree oil, although these effects vary between organisms.

Agar↗

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts.

The antimicrobial activity of plant oils and extracts has been recognized for many years. However, few investigations have compared large numbers of oils and extracts using methods that are directly comparable. In the present study, 52 plant oils and extracts were investigated for activity against Acinetobacter baumanii, Aeromonas veronii biogroup sobria, Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia col, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype typhimurium, Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus, using an agar dilution method. Lemongrass, oregano and bay inhibited all organisms at concentrations of < or = 2.0% (v/v). Six oils did not inhibit any organisms at the highest concentration, which was 2.0% (v/v) oil for apricot kernel, evening primrose, macadamia, pumpkin, sage and sweet almond. Variable activity was recorded for the remaining oils. Twenty of the plant oils and extracts were investigated, using a broth microdilution method, for activity against C. albicans, Staph. aureus and E. coli. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations were 0.03% (v/v) thyme oil against C. albicans and E. coli and 0.008% (v/v) vetiver oil against Staph. aureus. These results support the notion that plant essential oils and extracts may have a role as pharmaceuticals and preservatives.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Community strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus involved in a hospital outbreak.

Western Australia (WA) has been able to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains from outside of the state from becoming established in its hospitals. Recently, a single-strain outbreak of MRSA occurred in a WA metropolitan teaching hospital following admission of an infected patient from a remote community. The strain responsible for the outbreak was unrelated to any imported strains and spread rapidly in the hospital. Screening of two remote communities in the region from which the index case came revealed that 42% of the people in one community and 24% in the other carried MRSA. Isolates were typed by resistance pattern, plasmid analysis, contour-clamped homogeneous electric field electrophoresis, bacteriophage pattern, and coagulase gene restriction fragment length polymorphism. It was found that of the people carrying MRSA, 39% in the former community and 17% in the latter community were carrying an MRSA strain which was indistinguishable from the strain that caused the hospital outbreak.

Cross Infection↗

Moraxella catarrhalis: clinical significance, antimicrobial susceptibility and BRO beta-lactamases.

Moraxella catarrhalis is an important pathogen of humans. It is a common cause of respiratory infections, particularly otitis media in children and lower respiratory tract infections in the elderly. Colonisation of the upper respiratory tract appears to be associated with infection in many cases, although this association is not well understood. Nosocomial transmission is being increasingly documented and the emergence of this organism as a cause of bacteremia is of concern. The widespread production of a beta-lactamase enzyme renders Moraxella catarrhalis resistant to the penicillins. Cephalosporins and beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations are effective for treatment of beta-lactamase producers, and the organism remains nearly universally susceptible to the macrolides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines and the combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. Two major beta-lactamase forms, BRO-1 and BRO-2, have been described on the basis of their isoelectric focusing patterns. The BRO-1 enzyme is found in the majority of beta-lactamase-producing isolates and confers a higher level of resistance to strains than BRO-2. The BRO enzymes are membrane associated and their production appears to be mediated by chromosomal determinants which are transmissible by an unknown mechanism. The origin of these novel proteins is unknown.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Penicillin resistance in laboratory isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, in Western Australia, 1990-1994.

Increasing frequency of penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae has been reported worldwide. We report on clinical isolates of penicillin-resistant pneumococci (PRP) in Western Australia (WA) from 1990-1994. A retrospective survey of laboratories performing susceptibility testing, or receiving isolates referred from rural areas found resistant on oxacillin disc screening, was undertaken. Four of 11 laboratories could provide data for the five year time period inclusive. Information was provided on susceptibility to penicillin, type of specimen, date of isolation and; age, sex and race of individuals with PRP. Penicillin resistance increased from 1.3% to 9.0% over the five year period. PRP were rarely invasive. Highest age specific rates per 100,000 were found in children < 5 years (19.4) and adults > or = 60 years (5.1). Aboriginal ethnicity was associated with resistance. The increasing frequency of PRP in WA indicates the need for surveillance systems for their detection.

Adolescent↗

In-vitro activity of essential oils, in particular Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and tea tree oil products, against Candida spp.

The in-vitro activity of a range of essential oils, including tea tree oil, against the yeast candida was examined. Of the 24 essential oils tested by the agar dilution method against Candida albicans ATCC 10231, three did not inhibit C. albicans at the highest concentration tested, which was 2.0% (v/v) oil. Sandalwood oil had the lowest MIC, inhibiting C. albicans at 0.06%. Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil was investigated for activity against 81 C. albicans isolates and 33 non-albicans Candida isolates. By the broth microdilution method, the minimum concentration of oil inhibiting 90% of isolates for both C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species was 0.25% (v/v). The minimum concentration of oil killing 90% of isolates was 0.25% for C. albicans and 0.5% for non-albicans Candida species. Fifty-seven Candida isolates were tested for sensitivity to tea tree oil by the agar dilution method; the minimum concentration of oil inhibiting 90% of isolates was 0.5%. Tests on three intra-vaginal tea tree oil products showed these products to have MICs and minimum fungicidal concentrations comparable to those of non-formulated tea tree oil, indicating that the tea tree oil contained in these products has retained its anticandidal activity. These data indicate that some essential oils are active against Candida spp., suggesting that they may be useful in the topical treatment of superficial candida infections.

Antifungal Agents↗