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At least 793 records · Page 44Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Beta-lactam antibiotic resistance in aerobic commensal fecal flora of newborns.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present paper was to prospectively determine the rate of beta-lactam antibiotic resistance in commensal fecal flora of newborns and the risk factors leading to this colonization. METHODS: One hundred and eighteen newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) group (n = 38), the neonatal ward group (n = 36), and the control group (n = 44) were enrolled. Three or four stool samples were obtained from each infant, 15 days apart. Bacterial growth in Eozin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar + 10 microg ampicillin/mL was considered to be ampicillin-resistant bacteria, and antibiotic susceptibility and extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) production was investigated in those bacteria. RESULTS: Colonization with ampicillin-resistant commensal fecal flora microorganisms was determined in 75.2% of 367 stool samples. Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli were identified in 59% and 41% of the samples, respectively. The lowest rate of ampicillin-resistant bacterial colonization was determined in the NICU group. Microorganisms producing ESBL were identified in 33.7% of 367 stool samples. Fifty-one and 73 of ampicillin-resistant E. coli and Klebsiella spp. isolates were determined to produce ESBL, respectively. There was no difference with respect to colonization with ESBL-producing microorganisms between the three groups. When risk factors related to colonization with ESBL-producing microorganisms in stool samples were evaluated through the whole study period, very low birthweight, vaginal delivery, infant antibiotic usage, maternal antibiotic usage, male sex and premature rupture of membranes were determined as risk factors, while feeding with nasogastric tube was identified as a protective factor. When the risk factors related to colonization with ESBL-producing bacteria in stool samples after discharge from the hospital were evaluated, failure to feed breast milk was determined as the only risk factor. CONCLUSIONS: To decrease mortality and morbidity due to infection caused by resistant microorganisms colonized in the intestine flora of the infant, protection of normal non-pathogenic bacterial colonization is important. This can be provided by feeding neonates with breast milk, application of infection control measures efficiently, and limitation of antibiotic usage only to strict clinical indications.

Bacteria, Aerobic↗
PubMed1993

Septicemia and meningitis caused by Helicobacter cinaedi in a neonate.

Helicobacter cinaedi has been most frequently isolated from rectal swabs of homosexual men with proctocolitis. The microorganism is a normal intestinal inhabitant of hamsters. We report a case of septicemia and meningitis by H. cinaedi in a neonate whose mother cared for pet hamsters during the first two trimesters of her pregnancy. The isolate was detected after 3 days of incubation in a Bact/Alert pediatric blood culture vial and an enrichment broth culture of the cerebrospinal fluid. H. cinaedi should be added to the list of unusual fastidious organisms that cause sepsis and meningitis in the newborn.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Carnitine--metabolism and functions.

Carnitine was detected at the beginning of this century, but it was nearly forgotten among biochemists until its importance in fatty acid metabolism was established 50 years later. In the last 30 years, interest in the metabolism and functions of carnitine has steadily increased. Carnitine is synthesized in most eucaryotic organisms, although a few insects (and most likely some newborn animals) require it as a nutritional factor (vitamin BT). Carnitine biosynthesis is initiated by methylation of lysine. The trimethyllysine formed is subsequently converted to butyrobetaine in all tissues; the butyrobetaine is finally hydroxylated to carnitine in the liver and, in some animals, in the kidneys (see Fig. 1). It is released from these tissues and is then actively taken up by all other tissues. The turnover of carnitine in the body is slow, and the regulation of its synthesis is still incompletely understood. Microorganisms (e.g., in the intestine) can metabolize carnitine to trimethylamine, dehydrocarnitine (beta-keto-gamma-trimethylaminobutyric acid), betaine, and possibly to trimethylaminoacetone. In some insects carnitine can be converted to methylcholine, presumably with trimethylaminoacetone as an intermediate (see Fig. 3). In mammals the unphysiological isomer (+) carnitine is converted to trimethylaminoacetone. The natural isomer (-)carnitine is excreted unchanged in the urine, and it is still uncertain if it is degraded in mammalian tissues at all (Fig. 2). The only firmly established function of carnitine is its function as a carrier of activated fatty acids and activated acetate across the inner mitochondrial membrane. Two acyl-CoA:carnitine acyltransferases with overlapping chain-length specificities have been isolated: one acetyltransferase taking part in the transport of acetyl and short-chain acyl groups and one palmitoyltransferase taking part in the transport of long-chain acyl groups. An additional octanoyltransferase has been isolated from liver peroxisomes. Although a carnitine translocase that allows carnitine and acylcarnitine to penetrate the inner mitochondrial membrane has been deduced from functional studies (see Fig. 5), this translocase has not been isolated as a protein separate from the acyltransferases. Carnitine acetyltransferase and carnitine octanoyltransferase are also found in the peroxisomes. In these organelles the enzymes may be important in the transfer of acyl groups, which are produced by the peroxisomal beta-oxidation enzymes, to the mitochondria for oxidation in the citric acid cycle. The carnitine-dependent transport of activated fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane is a regulated process. Malonyl-CoA inh

Amino Acids, Branched-Chain↗
PubMed2004

Kinetics, pharmacokinetics, and regulation of L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine metabolism.

In mammals, the carnitine pool consists of nonesterified L-carnitine and many acylcarnitine esters. Of these esters, acetyl-L-carnitine is quantitatively and functionally the most significant. Carnitine homeostasis is maintained by absorption from diet, a modest rate of synthesis, and efficient renal reabsorption. Dietary L-carnitine is absorbed by active and passive transfer across enterocyte membranes. Bioavailability of dietary L-carnitine is 54-87% and is dependent on the amount of L-carnitine in the meal. Absorption of L-carnitine dietary supplements (0.5-6 g) is primarily passive; bioavailability is 14-18% of dose. Unabsorbed L-carnitine is mostly degraded by microorganisms in the large intestine. Circulating L-carnitine is distributed to two kinetically defined compartments: one large and slow-turnover (presumably muscle), and another relatively small and rapid-turnover (presumably liver, kidney, and other tissues). At normal dietary L-carnitine intake, whole-body turnover time in humans is 38-119 h. In vitro experiments suggest that acetyl-L-carnitine is partially hydrolyzed in enterocytes during absorption. In vivo, circulating acetyl-L-carnitine concentration was increased 43% after oral acetyl-L-carnitine supplements of 2 g/day, indicating that acetyl-L-carnitine is absorbed at least partially without hydrolysis. After single-dose intravenous administration (0.5 g), acetyl-L-carnitine is rapidly, but not completely hydrolyzed, and acetyl-L-carnitine and L-carnitine concentrations return to baseline within 12 h. At normal circulating l-carnitine concentrations, renal l-carnitine reabsorption is highly efficient (90-99% of filtered load; clearance, 1-3 mL/min), but displays saturation kinetics. Thus, as circulating L-carnitine concentration increases (as after high-dose intravenous or oral administration of L-carnitine), efficiency of reabsorption decreases and clearance increases, resulting in rapid decline of circulating L-carnitine concentration to baseline. Elimination kinetics for acetyl-L-carnitine are similar to those for L-carnitine. There is evidence for renal tubular secretion of both L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine. Future research should address the correlation of supplement dosage, changes and maintenance of tissue L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine concentrations, and metabolic and functional changes and outcomes.

Acetylcarnitine↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Severe acute diarrhea associated to classic enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC): clinical features and fecal losses in hospitalized infants].

UNLABELLED: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) strains are the most prevalent enteropathogenic agents isolated in the stools of hospitalized infants with severe acute diarrhea in São Paulo. These microorganisms induce a severe intestinal secretion of fluids and electrolytes that can cause dehydration leading to hospital admission in the majority of the cases. OBJECTIVES: This investigation aims at the following objectives: 1) to study the clinical features of acute diarrhea in male infants who were hospitalized owing to EPEC infection; 2) to determine the fecal fluid losses, formula intake and variation of the body weight during the evolution of the disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty eight male infants with acute diarrhea due to EPEC strains were studied. The clinical and epidemiological features of the patients were recorded and the different EPEC serogroups were identified. The infants were kept in a metabolic bed in order to allow the collection of stools and urine separately during the whole period of the disease, and daily metabolic balances were also obtained. The mean duration of the metabolic study was 5.8 days, and during this period of time 220 daily metabolic balances were accumulated and analyzed. RESULTS: The main clinical features of the studied group were as follows: age below 12 months; low birth weight; precocious weaning; severe protein-calorie malnutrition. EPEC 0111 was the most frequent serogroup identified, present in 68.4% of the infants. The average daily fecal fluid losses were 66 ml/kg and the mean daily formula intake was 85.2 ml/kg. Cow's milk was the most precocious food utilized and the infants who received cow's milk feeding presented the largest stool losses in comparison with lactose free formulas and total parenteral nutrition. CONCLUSION: EPEC strains are able to induce moderate to severe fecal fluid losses in infants and the duration of diarrhea is usually below 15 days, although in several circumstances diarrhea can show a protracted evolution owing to food intolerance associated or not with intestinal secretion.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nonsyphilitic spirochetosis in second-trimester fetuses.

Four female fetuses (17-23 weeks) spontaneously aborted by young women (15-19 years old) showed spirochetal microorganisms predominantly in the intestinal lumen and mucosa and to a much lesser extent in other organs. Fetal tissues showed a brisk lymphocytic-plasmacytic response in intestinal mucosa, lungs, and meninges in some cases. In all instances the placenta had chorioamnionitis and severe chronic villitis, with villous vasculitis in some. One fetus had a concomitant cytomegalovirus infection. The observed lesions were reminiscent of Treponema pallidum infections; however, the spirochetes were morphologically different by light and ultrastructural microscopy from T. pallidum and did not react with a silver-enhanced, gold-labeled anti-T. pallidum antibody. In addition, serologic tests for syphilis of the women before or after the abortions were nonreactive. On the basis of clinical pathologic considerations as well as the absence of immunostaining, it is possible also to rule out infections caused by Lyme and relapsing fever Borrelia, Leptospira, and Campylobacter. The spirochetes' prominent tropism for the intestinal tract raises the possibility of a congenital infection with gastrointestinal spirochetal species described in recent years. The placental findings suggest an ascending transamniotic infection, with initial colonization of the intestinal tract and systemic dissemination of the organisms in the fetus and placental villi.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Probiotics in arthralgia and spondyloarthropathies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Prospective randomized trials are necessary.

Arthralgias and spondyloarthropathies of the peripheral and axial joints are common in inflammatory bowel disease. Evidence for a strong association between these clinical manifestations and diseases of the joints has been provided by several clinical and epidemiological studies. Immunological studies have shown the presence of shared inflammatory cells both in the gut and the synovium in spondyloarthropathies. Genetic factors play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthropathies and inflammatory bowel disease. The role of the ubiquitous bacterial flora and pathogenic microorganisms present in the intestinal lumen may induce these joint diseases in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In this review we will focus on the pathogenesis of spondyloarthropathies and arthralgia in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. Based on preliminary clinical observations in patients with arthralgia and IBD, we put forward the hypothesis that probiotics may be helpful in the management of common extraintestinal manifestations such as arthralgia in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Arthralgia↗
PubMed2000

[Correction of the intraintestinal status in patients with diffuse peritonitis].

Complex methods of intraintestinal status correction are proposed for patients surgically treated for general peritonitis. These methods consist of three main components: suppression of excessive bacterial colonization of gastrointestinal tract; binding of toxic substances and microorganisms; colonization of small intestine by physiological strains of bacteria. Original design of three-lumen tube for nasogastrointestinal intubation was used. Clinical study was carried out in 2 groups of patients. Study group consisted of 79 patients treated by proposed methods; only gastrointestinal intubation by three-lumen tube was performed in 44 patients (control group). Usage of the proposed methods led to dysbacteriosis correction and fast appearance of intestinal peristalsis, improved the course of postoperative period. The mortality was 8.9% in the study group and 13.6% in the control group.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

[The development of an aerobic intestinal microflora in newborn infants].

The microbial colonization of the intestinal tract was studied in 60 newborn babies from three hospitals, with special regard to the typical hospital "problem" strains. Escherichia coli was the predominant initial colonizing species. Opportunistic pathogens were repeatedly detected. Some 30% of E. coli strains showed beta-hemolysis. Distinct differences between the three clinics were noted with respect to the detection frequency of the species isolated, hemolytic bacteria, the predominating E. coli strains, the occurrence of Candida albicans, and the time course of colonization of the gut by E coli. The microbial environment of the respective neonatal unit has a great influence on the initial intestinal colonization by aerobic microorganisms.

Bacteria, Aerobic↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Urinary excresion of indican during recovery from malnutrition].

Most indican excreted in the urine comes from the degradation of tryptophan through the action of microorganisms dwelling within the intestinal lumen. Based on this knowledge, the excretion of this compound was investigated during the recovery process of 19 malnourished infants; thus, attempts were made to recognize indirectly whether quantitative modifications take place in the intestinal flora as the state of nutrition is re-established. The results do not suggest the presence of an important variation of the bacterial content within the intestine of these children, at least during the first four weeks of their recovery.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1980

[Effect of lactobacillus and bifidobacteria preparations on the intestinal microflora of mice irradiated with gamma quanta].

Lactobacilli (strain B12G) and bifidobacteria (strain 75-41), administered orally in a dose of 5 x 10 cells to CBA mice on days 1, 3, 5 and 10 after irradiation with gamma quanta in a dose of 700 rad, restored the "eubiosis" of the intestinal tract, specifically suppressing opportunistic bacteria and facilitating the normalization of the quantitative and qualitative correlation between microbial associations constituting the obligatory intestinal flora. For one thing, the preparations of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, used for treatment, restored the amount of lactobacilli in the intestinal tract of the irradiated animals to the level, characteristic of the intact animals; for another, these preparations prevented the dissemination of Escherichia, Proteus, Enterococcus in the small intestine and considerably decreased the amount of these microorganisms, as well as Clostridium, in the large intestine.

Actinomycetaceae↗
PubMed1994

Expression of carcinoembryonic antigen and nonspecific cross-reacting 50-kDa antigen in human normal and cancerous colon mucosa: comparative ultrastructural study with monoclonal antibodies.

The precise localization of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and non-specific cross-reacting 50-kDa antigen (NCA 50) in normal colon mucosa and colon adenocarcinoma was investigated by using an indirect immunoperoxidase electron microscopic technique with specific monoclonal antibodies. In normal adult colon both antigens were localized to microvesicles and filaments of the "fuzzy coat" on the apical surface of the epithelial cells. In addition, NCA 50 was found in the narrow spaces between adjoining microvilli. Mature columnar cells at the free luminal surface contained most of the antigen positive material. CEA and NCA 50 were also detected as intracellular components of goblet cells. In multilayered tumor glands, the cell surface expression of the antigens was dependent on the position of the tumor cell in the gland. The neoplastic cells showed either a predominant apical labeling or a positive staining of almost the entire cell surface. Some of the neoplastic cells contained CEA in so-called "intracellular lumina." In contrast to normal colon epithelial cells most tumor cells synthesized NCA 50 actively. In normal colonic mucosa, unlike in cancerous tissue, CEA and NCA 50 appear to be released via vesicles formed from the microvillous membrane of mature columnar cells. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that CEA and NCA play a role in the nonspecific defense against microorganisms in the large intestine.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[The efficacy of bacteriophage preparations in treating inflammatory urologic diseases].

Urinary infection is the most commonly encountered hospital infection. Antibacterial therapy promotes selection and dissemination of polyresistant microorganism strains, development of intestinal dysbacteriosis, reduction of intestinal contamination resistance. Clinical and bacteriological efficacy of urinary infection treatment with bacteriophage preparations (pyocyanic, proteus, staphylococcal, coliphage, combined pyobacteriophage) was studied. Sensitivity of the infective agent phage isolated from urological patients was tested before treatment. The preparations were adapted to recently isolated agents from urological patients to raise phage sensitivity of the strains. A total of 293 strains were studied. Phage sensitivity made up 68.9%. Bacteriophage preparations were used both locally and orally in 46 patients with acute and chronic urogenital inflammation. Bacteriological efficacy amounted to 84%, clinical one to 92%. It is inferred that phagotherapy is effective and safe therapeutic modality in the treatment of urinary infection in monotherapy and in combination with antibiotics.

Bacteriophage Typing↗
PubMed1977

[Evidence of an excretion of uric acid by a caecal pouch in the rabbit (author's transl)].

Uric acid was estimated in the blood plasma, the caecal content, and in the lumen of a caecal pouch in operated rabbits. It was also histochemically detected in the caecal wall. A non negligible excretion of uric acid through the perfused caecal pouch was demonstrated. There was also an accumulation of amorphous uric acid in the enterocytes, probably due to the absence of intestinal transit, and of microorganism's uricase.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

A study on the aerobic intestinal microflora in patients with salmonellosis and shigellosis.

Human intestinal microflora provides substantial protection of the body against intestinal pathogens and affects the course and outcome of intestinal infections with diarrheal syndrome. We studied the aerobic intestinal microflora in 120 patients with salmonellosis and 60 patients with shigellosis. Intestinal microflora was determined qualitatively assessing the relative share of E. coli and other aerobic representatives of the potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Disturbances of the aerobic intestinal microflora were found in 76% of the patients with salmonellosis and 80% of the patients with shigellosis in the acute stage of the disease. They occurred more commonly and were graver in the severe clinical forms of intestinal infections. Their frequency in convalescent bacterial carriers was greater.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Probiotic properties of lactic-acid bacteria: plenty of scope for fundamental R & D.

Probiotic products are marketed widely throughout the world. This is especially true of yogurts that contain strains of lactic-acid bacteria of intestinal origin. Consumption of these products is aimed at promoting the wellbeing of the consumer by impacting on the collection of microorganisms that normally inhabit the intestinal tract. The development of scientifically valid probiotics requires more detailed knowledge of this intestinal microflora than is currently available.

Bifidobacterium↗
PubMed1984

[Determination of the ecological niche of Bacteroides in the gastrointestinal tract--a study of a model of sterile intestines in germ-free animals].

The interrelations of the population of microorganisms belonging to the genus Bacteroides with the structures of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract of germ-free guinea pigs and mini-pigs have been studied. A considerable part of the population of these anaerobic microorganisms is associated in some way with the intestinal mucosa; at least, quite a number of these organisms inhabit mucins covering the mucosa. The determination of this ecological niche occupied by bacteroids in the intestinal microbiocenosis suggests that these organisms have considerable influence on the physiological functions and pathological states of the digestive tract.

Acetobacter↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Microfloral changes in the small and large intestines of chronic enteritis patients on diet therapy including sour milk products].

The microflora of the small and large intestines was studied in 105 patients with chronic enteritis. Significant amounts of various microorganisms were detected in the small intestine. The content of E. coli, bacteroids, bifidobacteria in feces diminished, while that of staphylococcus, enterococcus and fungi rose. The patients were given diet N 4 (intended for enteritis patients) containing lactic acid products (200 ml, 5 times/day, during 24 days); 38 patients received shubat, 30--koumiss and 37--kefir. Koumiss proved to be most effective in the treatment of intestinal dysbacteriosis. Shubat possessed a lower antibiotic activity. Kefir administration did not produce significant shifts in the intestinal microflora. Lactic acid products were ineffective in fungous and Proteus dysbacteriosis. Koumiss and shubat could be recommended for the therapy of certain types of intestinal dysbacteriosis, thus restricting the use of antibacterial drugs.

Animals↗