Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “pathogen isolation”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,189 records · Page 66Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Clinical evaluation of catheter-related fungemia and bacteremia.

Forty-four patients with catheter-related infection admitted to Hokusho Central Hospital between 1985 and 1991 were studied retrospectively. The rate of catheter-related fungemia or bacteremia to all corresponding cases of fungemia and bacteremia increased from 7.7% in 1985 to 28.8% in 1991. The isolated pathogens were Candida parapsilosis (8 strains), Candida tropicalis (6 strains), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (6 strains), methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) (5 strains) and Streptococcus epidermidis (3 strains). Bacteremia occurred after catheterization of the femoral vein for a mean duration of 37 days. The period was significantly shorter than that after catheterization of the subclavian vein (56 days). The major isolates from the subclavian vein were Candida spp. (14/17, 82.4%), followed by MRSA (1/17, 5.9%) and MSSA (1/17, 5.9%), while isolates from the femoral vein were Candida spp. (6/16, 37.5%), MRSA (5/16, 31.3%) and MSSA (3/16, 20.8%). Catheter removal alone did not improve the clinical condition, particularly in MRSA bacteremia; the combination of antimicrobial therapy and removal of the catheter was necessary for a better prognosis.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Non-gel based techniques for plant pathogen genotyping.

The introduction of real-time PCR technology has significantly improved and simplified the quantification of nucleic acids, and this technology has become an invaluable tool for many scientists working in different disciplines. Particularly in the field of molecular diagnostics and genotyping, real-time PCR-based assays have gained favour in the recent past. Rapid real-time PCR diagnosis can result in appropriate control measures and eradication procedures in a faster and more accurate way than traditional methods based on pathogen isolation. Real-time quantitative PCR represents a highly sensitive and powerful technique for the gel-free detection of nucleic acids. In this review, the main chemistries used for the detection of PCR product during real-time PCR, as well as advantages and limitations of real-time PCR will be depicted. Furthermore, the existing literature as it applies to plant pathogens detection in the routine and research laboratory will be reviewed in order to focus on one of the many areas in which the application of real-time PCR has provided significant methodological benefits.

DNA, Bacterial↗
PubMed1982

Gram-positive microorganisms in sepsis.

The significance of various microorganisms as pathogens in septicemia has been changing over the years. This has been amply demonstrated by several authors especially in the interesting survey from Boston by Maxwell Finland covering a 30 years' period from 1935-1965. Dramatic changes were noted among the Gram-positives and this seemed to coincide with the introduction of antibiotics. However, since that time a continuous variation of microflora isolated from patients with bacteremia has been reported, which indicates the significance of a through analysis of isolated pathogens presently and in the future. The difference in etiology in various age groups has been strengthened and microorganisms, which were seldom found ten years ago, are now of major clinical importance in septicemia. There is no simple explanation to this phenomenon but rather reflects a summary of influences including changes of the host-microorganism interaction induced by different treatment procedures, survival of patients with diseases with a negative effect on the infectious response, new and better microbiological diagnostic procedures, etc. The possibility that the increased frequency of e.g. group B streptococcal infections reflects a change in 'Status epidemicus' must also be born in mind. The clinical significance of changes in the etiology of septicemia is obvious since the microorganisms have different virulence factors, influencing in various ways upon the host. These microorganisms may also have a different or changing antibiotic sensitivity pattern. It should be added, however, that the changes in antibiotic sensitivity pattern is a multifacetted problem involving factors like types of patients in a hospital, treatment regime, antibiotic use.

Bacillus↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pulmonary diseases in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus in Zimbabwe, Central Africa.

During the 11 month period up to 30 September 1987, 37 patients (26 male, 11 female, mean age 27 years) with respiratory symptoms who were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive, were studied prospectively on 40 occasions to determine the cause of any pulmonary complications. HIV was heterosexually transmitted. Predominant symptoms were cough (89%), fever (89%), weight loss (83%), and dyspnoea (60%). Transnasal fibre-optic bronchoscopy (with bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchial brushings and transbronchial lung biopsies) was performed on 35 patients, twice on 3 patients. 'Tru-cut' lung biopsies were obtained from 2 patients who died before bronchoscopy. Pulmonary tuberculosis was the commonest disease, being found in one-third of the patients (12 of 37). Mycobacterium tuberculosis was cultured from 4; the remainder of the plates were contaminated. Pneumocystis carinii was present in 8 patients: as the sole pathogen in 3, with Streptococcus pneumoniae in 4, Staphylococcus aureus in 2, and one also had tuberculous lymphadenitis. Endobronchial Kaposi's sarcoma was seen in 6 of 7 patients with skin nodules. Bacterial pathogens isolated included Staph. aureus (5), S. pneumoniae (5), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2), Haemophilus influenzae (2), H. parainfluenzae (1) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1). Invading Aspergillus fumigatus was diagnosed by lung biopsy in one. No diagnosis was reached for 8 patients. It is concluded that in Central Africa pulmonary complications in AIDS patients are similar to those in Europe and North America but the incidence of different pathogens depends on the prevalence of pathogens in the community. M. tuberculosis is probably the commonest pathogen. This study has confirmed that P. carinii pneumonia does occur, but occurs less frequently.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Deep neck infection in children.

OBJECTIVES: Deep neck infection is a potentially life-threatening disease and rarely seen in children. Because of the obscure complaints and symptoms, the diagnosis of deep neck infection may be delayed, which may result in inappropriate treatment. This retrospective study was aimed at analyzing the occurrence of complications, diagnostic methods and proper managements of deep neck infection in children. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 30 children with deep neck infection treated from October 1999 through October 2003. The etiology, clinical symptoms, laboratory examination, radiological examination, bacteriology, and treatments were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The most common predisposing factors were tonsillitis and upper respiratory tract infection. The most common symptoms were fever (93.3%) and painful swelling of the neck (70.0%). Both peritonsillar (24.3%) and parapharyngeal space infections (24.3%) were the most common, followed by submandibular space infections (18.9%). The most common pathogens isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (27.3%) and viridans streptococci (22.7%). The mean duration of hospitalization was 7.9 days, with a range from 2 to 18 days. Complications occurred in 2 patients, including recurrence and pulmonary edema. CONCLUSIONS: Deep neck infection should be suspected in a child who presents with fever and painful swelling of the neck. Staphylococcus aureus and viridans streptococci were the most common pathogens. Computed tomography scan should be performed in time and infections in peritonsillar and ,parapharyngeal spaces were the most common.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

Temocillin in the treatment of pyelonephritis in children.

Temocillin is a beta-lactamase-stable penicillin with a selective. Gram-negative spectrum of activity and a long half-life. Previous studies in adult patients have demonstrated its efficacy and safety in the treatment of Gram-negative infections. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and bacteriological efficacy and safety of temocillin in children with complicated urinary tract infections. Twenty-two children, aged 3 months to 13 years (mean 5.8 years) were treated with temocillin i.v. at a dose of 25 mg/kg 12 hourly for a mean period of 5.9 days (range 3-12 days). Acute pyelonephritis was diagnosed in 21 patients (one case associated with septicaemia); one patient presented recurrent bacteriuria due to a multiresistant pathogen. Some 20/22 children presented an underlying condition complicating the urinary tract infection (UTl). The causative pathogens, isolated from the urine, were: E. coli (17), Proteus mirabilis (3), Enterobacter cloacae (1), enterococcus (1). The enterococcus and one Proteus mirabilis were found to be resistant to temocillin. Clinical improvement was obtained after 24-36 h in all children with temocillin-sensitive organisms. Bacteriological cure was obtained in all patients with temocillin-sensitive organisms. The two patients with temocillin-resistant pathogens were treated with another antibiotic. Follow-up treatment was given per os during +/- 2 weeks. No adverse reactions or abnormal laboratory values were noted. In the authors' limited experience temocillin proved to be effective and safe in the treatment of pyelonephritis often due to ampicillin-resistant strains in children.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

A compilation of meropenem tissue distribution data.

Meropenem body fluid and tissue concentration data from both published studies and samples obtained during efficacy evaluation have been compiled and presented according to a consistent format to facilitate comparison. The concentration data have been compared with the mode MIC data available for the pathogens isolated during the clinical evaluation of meropenem. These data support the widespread and rapid penetration of meropenem into the interstitial fluid of those tissues not protected by a tight epithelial barrier. Furthermore, they suggest that the proposed dosages of meropenem 500 mg or 1 g tds would provide an adequate duration of cover at tissue sites for the treatment of a range of commonly occurring pathogens. A higher dosage of 40 mg/kg or 2 g in adults given tds would be recommended for meningitis based on the penetration of meropenem into CSF. Overall, the tissue and body fluid data presented confirm the expectation, based on the plasma concentrations and theoretical arguments, that meropenem is rapidly and readily distributed into the interstitial fluid, thereby producing concentrations in tissues likely to be clinically effective. This is consistent with the available clinical data on the therapeutic efficacy of meropenem.

Carbapenems↗
PubMed1991

Value of single-dose ciprofloxacin in the treatment of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women.

Single-dose antibiotic therapy for uncomplicated infection of the lower urinary tract (UTI) in women has resulted in high success rates. Ciprofloxacin, like other new quinolones, has shown good in vitro activity against the pathogens most frequently encountered in UTI, high concentrations in the urine and is well tolerated. The present report describes a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of two single-dose regimens of ciprofloxacin in women with lower UTI. Thirty-six women received 250 mg and forty-two received 500 mg of ciprofloxacin as a single dose. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen in both groups (forty-eight patients). Clinical and bacteriological cures were attained in 81% and 93% of the 250 mg and 500 mg dose groups, respectively, 7 days after treatment. Follow-up at 4 weeks after completion of treatment disclosed that the clinical cure rate was 62% and 79% respectively. Ciprofloxacin was well tolerated. This study shows that a single dose of ciprofloxacin is an effective and safe treatment of uncomplicated UTI. Although the cure rates were higher with a single dose of 500 mg, further studies are needed for assessment to determine the optimal dose.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Musculoskeletal infections in intravenous drug addicts: report of 34 cases with analysis of microbiological aspects and pathogenic mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse characteristics of musculoskeletal infections in Spanish intravenous (i.v.) drug addicts. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 34 medical records was carried out and the aetiologic agent was confirmed in all cases. RESULTS: The mean age was 26 years and the sex ratio was 25M/9F. Twenty-four patients were HIV-positive and 10 HIV-negative. There were no differences between the 2 subgroups. Septic arthritis, seen in 27 cases (79%), was the most common type of infection. Axial involvement was present in 23 cases (67%). The organisms isolated included Staphylococcus aureus (25 cases), Candida albicans (3 cases), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (2 cases), and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus pyogenes in one case each. Candida albicans affected the sternocostal joints. Laboratory data showed non-specific findings. The outcome was mostly good and only one patient died. CONCLUSION: Human immunodeficiency virus does not affect characteristics of musculoskeletal infections in i.v. drug addicts. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequently isolated pathogen in this population.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

[Impact of a multidisciplinary approach for monitoring prescribing of antibiotics in a hospital].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a rationalized antibiotic prescription program in a 600-bed hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The program was based on a local consensus policy, developed with the prescribers themselves, together with individual nominative dispensing (IDN) of the most costly antibiotics, and training/information programs aimed at institutional prescribers. The impact of the program was assessed in terms of the relevance of prescriptions (6-monthly audits), changes in the overall cost of anti-infectives, the average daily cost per hospital patient, and changes in the pattern of antimicrobial resistance among pathogens isolated in the institution. RESULTS: Reference recommendations were established for most clinical settings encountered in the hospital (104 for adults, 78 for children). The four audits conducted since June 1996 show that the rate of unjustified prescriptions has remained below 6%. The cost of antimicrobials has fallen regularly, both in absolute terms and as a proportion of total drug costs. Finally, resistance rates among the different pathogens studied have fallen or remained stable. CONCLUSION: Rationalization of antimicrobial chemotherapy in a short-stay hospital necessitates an institution-based policy with long-term objectives, a large initial investment and, above all, a participative approach among all prescribers.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Microbial isolates and antibiogram from endocervical swabs of patients with pelvic inflammatory disease.

The study was aimed at determining the microorganisms isolated commonly from endocervical swab cultures of patients with suspected pelvic inflammatory disease and their in vivo antibiotic sensitivity patterns. All records of microbial culture and antibiotic sensitivity test results of suspected cases of pelvic inflammatory disease at the Federal Medical Centre Gombe from January to June 2001 were retrieved and analysed using the SPSS statistical package. Four hundred and thirteen endocervical swabs were cultured, with bacteria and/or fungal pathogens isolated in 312 (75.5%) cases. There were seven microbial organisms isolated with Staphylococcus aureus as the most commonly isolated organism in 45% (142/312) of cases. Mixed growth occurred in 46 cases (11.1% of cases), mostly bacterio-fungal 34/46 (73.9%). Only seven antibiotic disks were used in testing for sensitivity of the isolated bacteria. Cephalexin and gentamicin were the only antibiotics with a >50% sensitivity rate of 88% and 56.9%, respectively. Co-trimoxazole, penicillin and tetracycline were the most frequently resistant antibiotics with 98.4%, 97.6% and 90.8% resistance rates, respectively. It is clear that the facilities both for isolating organisms and testing for their antibiotic sensitivity pattern are limited in developing countries, despite the well-known complications associated with pelvic inflammatory disease. This would make empirical antibiotic chemotherapy common, thus confounding further the problem of management. This may be overcome by establishing well-manned and equipped regional centres that could advise other centres of trends in pattern of isolates and antibiograms.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed1998

Antigenic determinants of Staphylococcus aureus type 5 and type 8 capsular polysaccharide vaccines.

Bacterial capsular polysaccharides (CP) are carbohydrate polymers comprised of repeating saccharide units. Several of these CP have side chains attached to their backbone structures. The side chains may include O-acetyl, phosphate, sialic acid, and other moieties. Those moieties represent the immunodominant epitopes and the most functional ones. The clinically significant Staphylococcus aureus type 5 CP (CP 5) and type 8 CP (CP 8) are comprised of a trisaccharide repeat unit with one O-acetyl group attached to each repeat unit. The immunogenicity of these CP and the functionality of antibodies to the backbone and the O-acetyl moieties were investigated. Immunization with the native CP conjugates (CP with 75% O-acetylation) elicited a high proportion of antibodies directed against the O-acetyl moiety. Nonetheless, all of the vaccinees produced antibodies to the backbone moieties as well. Conjugate vaccines made of de-O-acetylated CP elicited backbone antibodies only. Antibodies to both backbone and O-acetyl groups were found to be opsonic against S. aureus strains which varied in their O-acetyl content. Absorption studies with O-acetylated and de-O-acetylated CP showed that (i) native CP conjugates generated antibodies to both backbone and O-acetyl groups and (ii) O-acetylated isolates were opsonized by both populations of antibodies while the non-O-acetylated strains were predominantly opsonized by the backbone antibodies. These results suggest that S. aureus CP conjugate vaccines elicit multiple populations of antibodies with diverse specificities. Moreover, the antibodies of different specificities (backbone or O-acetyl) are all functional and efficient against the variations in bacterial CP that may occur among clinically significant S. aureus pathogenic isolates.

Acetylation↗
PubMed1993

Invasive infection due to Apophysomyces elegans in immunocompetent hosts.

A previously well 59-year-old man developed necrotizing, invasive cellulitis and subsequent osteomyelitis at what was judged to be the site of a bite or sting. The pathogen isolated was Apophysomyces elegans. Eventually, in addition to treatment with intravenous amphotericin B, en bloc resection was required for cure. Only six previous cases of A. elegans infection have been reported in the literature. The lack of underlying disease in six of the total of seven cases contrasts with the usual findings for other zygomycoses. This article describes all seven reported cases as well as the characteristics of this unique fungal pathogen.

Amphotericin B↗
PubMed2006

Probiotic properties of vaginal lactic acid bacteria to prevent metritis in cattle.

AIMS: The isolation of bovine vaginal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and the screening of their beneficial properties to select those that could be used as probiotics in the prevention of bovine metritis were performed. METHODS AND RESULTS: Out of 76 Lactobacillus sp. and seven Streptococcus sp. strains, a small number showed high- and medium hydrophobicity when the microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons method (MATH) was applied. In the agar plate diffusion test, a large number of strains inhibited vaginal bovine Escherichia coli 99/14 and human E. coli. This inhibition was due to acid. Only a few strains inhibited Actinomyces pyogenes 96/393, a pathogen isolated from bovine metritis. This inhibition remained after neutralization. The taxonomic identification of the selected strains was carried out by an amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA). Most of the strains were identified as Lactobacillus fermentum, a few as Lactobacillus gasseri and one as Lactobacillus rhamnosus. CONCLUSIONS: Bovine vaginal lactobacilli strains have differential surface properties. The strains selected are capable of inhibiting specific metritis pathogens. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our results can be applied for future studies to design a probiotic product to prevent metritis in dairy postpartum cows.

Actinomyces↗
PubMed1987

Emergence of coagulase negative staphylococci as major nosocomial bloodstream pathogens.

Over an eight year period, 1975 to 1982, 1,843 nosocomial bloodstream infections were identified by routine prospective surveillance at the University of Virginia Hospital (106/10,000 admissions). Despite a decline in overall bloodstream infection rates during the study period (P = .085), bloodstream infections due to gram positive organisms increased from 29 (1975-1978) to 43/10,000 (1979-1982), (P less than 0.001). Notably, rates for coagulase negative staphylococci increased from 5.2 (1975-1978) to 12.4/10,000 (1979-1982), (P less than 0.001). In 1982, coagulase negative staphylococci accounted for 17% of all bloodstream infections and were the most frequently isolated pathogens. Sixty-four percent of patients with coagulase negative staphylococci were in critical care units versus 41% with other bloodstream infections (P less than .05). The recognition of coagulase negative staphylococci as significant bloodstream pathogens markedly alters the clinician's approach to nosocomial septicemia.

Coagulase↗
PubMed2005

Pharmacodynamic analysis of the microbiological efficacy of telithromycin in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Telithromycin, a ketolide antibacterial, demonstrates concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against the major pathogens causing community-acquired respiratory tract infections. The objective of this study was to explore the relationships between pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic predictor variables, such as area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) over minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) [AUC/MIC], maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) over MIC (C(max)/MIC) and microbiological outcome from telithromycin therapy for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were pooled from five phase III studies of oral telithromycin (800 mg once daily for 7-10 days) for the outpatient treatment of adults with CAP. Only subjects with a single pathogen isolated at baseline, a telithromycin MIC determination and at least one plasma pharmacokinetic sample were included. Bacteriologically modified intent-to-treat (bmITT) and bacteriologically evaluable per protocol (PPb) populations were analysed. Individual AUC and C(max) Bayesian estimates were obtained with a population pharmacokinetic model. Logistic regression, nonparametric smoothing, and classification analysis and regression tree (CART) were used to assess the relationship between AUC/MIC and C(max)/MIC and microbiological outcome by pathogen. RESULTS: The bmITT population included 224 patients (Streptococcus pneumoniae in 113, Haemophilus influenzae in 89 and Staphylococcus aureus in 22). Median telithromycin MIC was 0.015 microg/mL for S. pneumoniae, 2.0 microg/mL for H. influenzae and 0.12 microg/mL for S. aureus, with median AUC/MIC of 907.1, 6.9 and 98.4, and median C(max)/MIC of 172.0, 1.3 and 20.4 for the three pathogens, respectively. Both logistic regression and nonparametric smoothing showed the probability of microbiological cure to be consistently greater than 90% over the observed range of predictor variables. No reliable AUC/MIC or C(max)/MIC breakpoints were identified by CART. CONCLUSION: Telithromycin exhibits near-maximal efficacy against three major pathogens causing CAP at a dose of 800 mg once daily.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Fungi associated with post-harvest rot of black plum (Vitex doniana) in Nigeria.

The fungi associated with rot of Vitex doniana fruits (blackplum) were isolated and identified. Aspergillus niger, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Candida spp. Penicillium chrysogenum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium pallidoroseum F. oxysporum and Mucor mucedo were the primary rot causing fungi in contrast to Cladosporium herbarum and Mucor circinelloides which were just present as secondary colonizers. The rot fungi penetrated mainly through wounds and bruises on the surface of fruits. Mature green fruits were less susceptible to infection than half ripe and fully ripened red fruits. Optimum rot by pathogenic isolates occurred at 25-30 degrees C and relative humidity 72.5-100%. The results of investigation of influence of storage temperatures and relative humidity on the quality of uninoculated healthy fruits are presented and discussed.

Aspergillus niger↗
PubMed2005

IL-8 concentrations in maternal serum, amniotic fluid and cord blood in relation to different pathogens within the amniotic cavity.

OBJECTIVE: The association between elevated interleukin (IL)-8 concentrations in amniotic fluid and preterm delivery is well described. Little consideration has been given to the impact of different groups of microorganisms within the amniotic cavity on IL-8 concentration. METHODS: We collected amniotic fluid, placental tissue and amniotic membranes during preterm cesarean sections for bacterial culture. In addition, we determined IL-8 concentrations in maternal serum, amniotic fluid and cord blood and correlated them with the various intra-amniotic pathogens isolated by bacterial culture. RESULTS: IL-8 concentrations were determined in amniotic fluid in 107 cases, in cord blood in 185 cases and in maternal blood in 158 cases. Women with intra-amniotic Ureaplasma urealyticum infection had significantly higher amniotic fluid concentrations of IL-8 than those without (P< 0.001). In cord blood, we found significantly elevated IL-8 concentrations due to intra-amniotic infection with U. urealyticum (P=0.045) and other pathogens (P=0.04). In maternal sera, we found no significant elevation of maternal IL-8 in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine infection with U. urealyticum seems to play a profound role in the cascade of inflammation and increases IL-8 concentrations in amniotic fluid and cord blood.

Adult↗