Characterization of a Gemella-like organism isolated from an abscess of a rabbit: description of Gemella cunicula sp. nov.
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An unknown Gram-positive, catalase-negative, ovoid-shaped bacterium isolated from the submandibular abscess of a rabbit was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated the unknown coccus represents a new subline within the genus Gemella. The unknown isolate was readily distinguished from other recognized members of the genus Gemella, namely Gemella haemolysans, Gemella bergeri, Gemella morbillorum, Gemella palaticanis and Gemella sanguinis, by biochemical tests and electrophoretic analysis of whole-cell proteins. Based on both phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown bacterium is classified in the genus Gemella as Gemella cuniculi sp. nov. The type strain is CCUG 42726T. (+info)
Clinical Evaluation of the Gen-Probe amplified mycobacterium tuberculosis direct test for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in select nonrespiratory specimens.
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The performance of the Amplified Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Direct Test (MTD; Gen-Probe, Inc., San Diego, Calif.) for rapid diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis was evaluated by testing 178 nonrespiratory specimens from 158 patients. Criteria for specimen inclusion were (i) a positive smear for acid-fast bacilli (n = 54) and (ii) the source if the smear was negative (tissue biopsies and aspirates and abscess material were tested; n = 124). Results were compared to those of mycobacterial culture; clinical history was reviewed when MTD and culture results disagreed. Forty-eight specimens (27.0%) were positive for mycobacteria, including 23 Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex specimens; of which 21 were smear positive. Twenty-five specimens were MTD positive; 20 of these grew M. tuberculosis complex. All of the five MTD-positive, M. tuberculosis complex culture-negative specimens were considered truly positive, based on review of the medical record. Of the three MTD-negative, M. tuberculosis complex culture-positive specimens, two contained inhibitory substances; one of the two was smear positive. Excluding the latter specimen from analysis, after chart review, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the MTD were 92.6, 100, 100, and 98.7%, respectively, by specimen and 89.5, 100, 100, and 98.6% by patient. Given the few smear-negative samples from patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis in our study, additional similar studies that include more smear-negative, M. tuberculosis complex culture-positive specimens to confirm our data are desirable. (+info)
New use of Argyle trocar catheter: treatment of pelvic abscess following transvaginal ultrasound-directed follicle aspiration (UDFA).
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This report describes the use of an Argyle trocar catheter for the drainage of pelvic abscesses following transvaginal ultrasound-directed follicle aspiration (UDFA) for oocyte collection. Three patients treated with this technique recovered uneventfully. We conclude that the use of an Argyle trocar catheter for colpotomy in the management of pelvic abscesses appears to be simple and effective. (+info)
The management of local complications of total hip replacement by the McKee-Farrar technique.
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One thousand and forty-two McKee-Farrar prostheses of the present design inserted in Norwich from January 1965 to December 1972 have been reviewed retrospectively to determine the incidence of complications needing revision. Of prostheses implanted for more than two years, 6-6 per cent needed revision for loosening (cup 3-5 per cent; stem 2-2 per cent; both components 0-9 per cent). Of the total number, 2-3 per cent became infected and 1-9 per cent dislocated. Most dislocations needed only a single closed reduction but 0-8 per cent were revised. The outcome of revision operations was also assessed. Of revisions for loosening, 40 per cent needed no further operation but 23 per cent required excision; pelvic fracture or bone destruction around the components made success unlikely. Revisions for dislocation were disappointing. Of all revisions 17 per cent became infected. Excision arthroplasty is better than a series of failed revisions in an elderly patient. (+info)
Aberrant macrophage and neutrophil population dynamics and impaired Th1 response to Listeria monocytogenes in colony-stimulating factor 1-deficient mice.
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Listeria monocytogenes, a facultative intracellular bacterium, has been used extensively to study innate immune responses. Macrophages act as hosts for this bacterium as well as a major defense against it. Using mice homozygous for a null mutation (Csf1(op)) in the gene for the mononuclear phagocytic growth factor colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), we have demonstrated that CSF-1-regulated macrophages were essential to defend against a listerial infection. In the absence of CSF-1, monocytes were not recruited to the sites of infection due to the lack of synthesis of the macrophage chemoattractant chemokine MCP-1. In addition, there was no burst of interleukin-10 (IL-10) synthesis that has been shown to result in the egress of neutrophils from sites of infection. Consequently, neutrophils were not replaced by macrophages, and numerous neutrophil-filled microabscesses developed, followed by tissue destruction and death of the mice. In the CSF-1 nullizygous mice compared to wild-type mice, there was also a very low synthesis of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), resulting in reduced macrophage activation. However, the concentrations of the IFN-gamma-inducing cytokines IL-12 and IL-18 at this bacterial load were similar in these mutant mice. In contrast, IL-6 concentrations were dramatically reduced. Administration of IL-6 to Csf1(op)/Csf1(op) mice significantly increased the synthesis of IFN-gamma and reduced the bacterial burden to a greater extent than treatment with IFN-gamma alone. These data indicate that IL-6 occupies a central role in the CSF-1-regulated macrophage response to L. monocytogenes. (+info)
In vitro and in vivo properties of Ro 63-9141, a novel broad-spectrum cephalosporin with activity against methicillin-resistant staphylococci.
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Ro 63-9141 is a new member of the pyrrolidinone-3-ylidenemethyl cephem series of cephalosporins. Its antibacterial spectrum was evaluated against significant gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens in comparison with those of reference drugs, including cefotaxime, cefepime, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin. Ro 63-9141 showed high antibacterial in vitro activity against gram-positive bacteria except ampicillin-resistant enterococci, particularly vancomycin-resistant strains of Enterococcus faecium. Its MIC at which 90% of the isolates tested were inhibited (MIC(90)) for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was 4 microg/ml. Ro 63-9141 was bactericidal against MRSA. Development of resistance to the new compound in MRSA was not observed. Ro 63-9141 was more potent than cefotaxime against penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC(90) = 2 microg/ml). It was active against ceftazidime-susceptible strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and against Enterobacteriaceae except Proteus vulgaris and some isolates producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. The basis for the antibacterial spectrum of Ro 63-9141 lies in its affinity to essential penicillin-binding proteins, including PBP 2' of MRSA, and its stability towards beta-lactamases. The in vivo findings were in accordance with the in vitro susceptibilities of the pathogens. These data suggest the potential utility of Ro 63-9141 for the therapy of infections caused by susceptible pathogens, including MRSA. Since insufficient solubility of Ro 63-9141 itself precludes parenteral administration in humans, a water-soluble prodrug, Ro 65-5788, is considered for development. (+info)
Specific and rapid scintigraphic detection of infection with 99mTc-labeled interleukin-8.
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Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a chemotactic cytokine involved in activation and recruitment of neutrophils to areas of infection. In our previous studies in rabbits we tested 123I-labeled IL-8 for its potential to image infections and showed that IL-8 rapidly and efficiently accumulated in infectious foci. However, labeling of IL-8 with 123I is costly and laborious and the specific activity of the preparation was low. In this study IL-8 was labeled with 99mTc through the hydrazinonicotinamide (HYNIC) chelator. METHODS: The leukocyte receptor-binding capacity of the preparation was determined in vitro. Rabbits with Escherichia coli abscesses were injected intravenously with 7 MBq 99mTc-HYNIC-IL-8. Biodistribution of the radiolabel was determined by gamma camera imaging and tissue counting at 8 h after injection. 99mTc-HYNIC-lysozyme was used as a size-matched control. RESULTS: The leukocyte receptor-binding capacity of the 99mTc-HYNIC-IL-8 preparation was preserved as determined in vitro, but labeling efficiency was modest with a specific activity of 3 MBq/microg. 99mTc-HYNIC-IL-8 accumulated rapidly in the abscess up to 0.33 +/- 0.06 percentage injected dose per gram (%ID/g) at 8 h after injection (vs. 0.025 +/- 0.003 %lD/g for 99mTc-HYNIC-lysozyme). Total uptake in the abscess was 4.9 +/- 0.7 %ID (vs. 0.44 +/- 0.05 %ID for 99mTc-HYNIC-lysozyme). Abscess-to-contralateral muscle ratios increased up to 127 +/- 23 (compared with 6.7 +/- 1.1 for 99mTc-HYNIC-lysozyme) and abscess-to-blood ratios increased to 11.9 +/- 2.2 (0.24 +/- 0.03 for 99mTc-HYNIC-lysozyme). The radiolabel was excreted renally, with a retention in the kidneys of 28 %ID. Gamma camera imaging rapidly visualized the abscess from 1 h after injection onward, with abscess-to-background ratios improving with time up to 22 at 8 h after injection (vs. 2.7 for 99mTc-HYNIC-lysozyme), as determined by quantitative analysis of the images. Most important, only a transient (30 min) moderate drop of leukocyte counts and no leukocytosis were observed after injection of an imaging dose of 99mTc-HYNIC-IL-8. CONCLUSION: IL-8 can be labeled with 99mTc using HYNIC as a chelator. By this method the leukocyte receptor-binding capacity is preserved. The preparation allows rapid visualization of infection in a rabbit model with high target-to-background ratios. The mild transient drop of leukocyte counts and the absence of leukocytosis suggest that 99mTc-HYNIC-IL-8 may be used as an imaging agent with only mild and transient side effects. (+info)
Complication of suprapubic bladder aspiration.
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Suprapubic abscess formation was seen in 2 babies after attempted suprapubic bladder puncture. In both cases the baby was grossly dehydrated and gut contents were aspirated. Though this complication is rare, it should be remembered, as with all investigations, that a definite indication should be present before suprapubic aspiration is undertaken. (+info)