Background: Opportunistic infections (OI), which are still a major problem in the care of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), occur in situations of immunosuppression. The AntiRetroViral Treatments (ART) used allow a spec...Background: Opportunistic infections (OI), which are still a major problem in the care of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), occur in situations of immunosuppression. The AntiRetroViral Treatments (ART) used allow a spectacular reduction in the frequency of Opportunistic Infections. Objective: The objective of this study is to present the evolution of Opportunistic Infections in People Living with HIV under AntiRetroViral Treatment in Kinshasa in the era of Dolutegravir. Methods: The present study is a prospective cohort to present the evolutionary profile of OIs in PLHIV on ART for 6 months in Outpatient Treatment Centers (OTC) in Kinshasa. Sixteen OTCs had been included. The population of the present work was patients over 18 years of age at inclusion, infected with HIV-1 and initiating ART in the selected OTC. Results: On inclusion, 119 patients were included of which 56.3% were women. Malaria (45.4%), tuberculosis (29.4%) and cutaneous pruritus (23.5%) were the most common Opportunistic Infections (OIs). In the third month of ART, 37 patients came for the consultation of which 70.3% were women. Non-specific STIs (97.3%), skin pruritus (37.8%) and malaria (24.3%) were the dominant OIs among patients. At the sixth month of ART, 62 patients came for the medical consultation of which 61.3% were women. Skin pruritus (25.8%), dermatitis (22.6%) and rash (21%) were the most common OIs. Conclusion: The evolutionary profile is marked by the conservation of Opportunistic Infections such as dermatitis (pruritus and rashes) and malaria.展开更多
BACKGROUND When opportunistic infections occur, patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) commonly display a significantly increased rate of morbidity and mortality.With increasing use of immunosuppressive agents ...BACKGROUND When opportunistic infections occur, patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) commonly display a significantly increased rate of morbidity and mortality.With increasing use of immunosuppressive agents and biological agents,opportunistic infections are becoming a hot topic in the perspective of drug safety in IBD patients. Despite the well-established role of opportunistic infections in the prognosis of IBD patients, there are few epidemiological data investigating the incidence of opportunis-tic infections in IBD patients in China. Besides, the risk factors for opportunistic infection in Chinese IBD patients remain unclear.AIM To predict the incidence of opportunistic infections related to IBD in China, and explore the risk factors for opportunistic infections.METHODS A single-center, prospective study of IBD patients was conducted. The patients were followed for up to 12 mo to calculate the incidence of infections. For each infected IBD patient, two non-infected IBD patients were selected as controls. A conditional logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between putative risk factors and opportunistic infections, which are represented as odds ratios(OR) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS Seventy(28.11%) out of 249 IBD patients developed opportunistic infections.Clostridium difficile infections and respiratory syncytial virus infections were found in 24 and 16 patients, respectively. In a univariate analysis, factors such as the severity of IBD, use of an immunosuppressant or immunosuppressants, high levels of fecal calprotectin, and C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate were individually related to a significantly increased risk of opportunistic infection. Multivariate analysis indicated that the use of any immunosuppressant yielded an OR of 3.247(95%CI: 1.128-9.341), whereas the use of any two immunosuppressants yielded an OR of 6.457(95%CI: 1.726-24.152) for opportunistic infection. Interestingly, when immunosuppressants were used in combination with infliximab(IFX) or 5-aminosalicylic acid, a significantly increased risk of opportunistic infection was also observed. The relative risk of opportunistic infection was greatest in IBD patients with severe disease activity(OR = 9.090; 95%CI: 1.532-53.941, relative to the remission stage). However, the use of IFX alone did not increase the risk of opportunistic infection.CONCLUSION Factors such as severe IBD, elevated levels of fecal calprotectin, and the use of immunosuppressive medications, especially when used in combination, are major risk factors for opportunistic infections in IBD patients. The use of IFX alone does not increase the risk of opportunistic infection.展开更多
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically decreased opportunistic infections (OIs) in human immunodef iciency virus (HIV)-infected patients. However,gastrointestinal disease continues to account fo...Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically decreased opportunistic infections (OIs) in human immunodef iciency virus (HIV)-infected patients. However,gastrointestinal disease continues to account for a high proportion of presenting symptoms in these patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms in treated patients who respond to therapy are more likely to the result of drug-induced complications than OI. Endoscopic evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract remains a cornerstone of diagnosis,especially in patients with advanced immunodeficiency,who are at risk for OI. The peripheral blood CD4 lymphocyte count helps to predict the risk of an OI,with the highest risk seen in HIV-infected patients with low CD4 count (< 200 cells/mm3). This review provides an update of the role of endoscopy in diagnosing OI in the upper gastrointestinal tract in HIV-infected patients in the era of HAART.展开更多
Objective: This study aims to understand the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in the region of HIV/AIDS patients with opportunistic infection. Methods: To count the number of the bacterial culture of HIV/AIDS patie...Objective: This study aims to understand the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in the region of HIV/AIDS patients with opportunistic infection. Methods: To count the number of the bacterial culture of HIV/AIDS patients in our hospital from October 2011 to December 2014, and observe the distribution of all kinds of pathogenic bacteria. Results: From the 4269 cases of HIV/AIDS patients’ bacteria, 5045 cases were cultured whose main flora distribution wasCandida albicans, 1759 cases. The second one was penicillium, 982 cases. The third one was mycobacteria, 557 cases. And then there are 213 cases ofCryptococcus neoformans, 212 cases of?Klebsiella pneumonia, 209 cases of?E. coli, 157 cases of coagulase-negative staphylococci, 112 cases of?Candida tropicalis, 90 cases of glabrata, 81 cases of?Staphylococcus aureus, 75 cases of?Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 60 cases of Salmonella, 48 cases of Acinetobacter and the distribution of the rest of cultured bacterial was less than 40 cases. Conclusion: There are many kinds of types of Pathogenic bacteria in HIV/AIDS patients with the opportunity to infectious. And the majorities are?Candida albicans,?Penicillium marneffei,?Penicillium,?Mycobacterium,?Cryptococcus neoformans?and so on. The infection sites are widely distributed;respiratory and circulatory are the main infected system. Improving the detection rate and reducing the contamination rate can truly reflect the distribution of pathogenic bacteria, and the distribution can guide the infection work in hospital. At the same time, it’s good to predict and prevent opportunistic infection. Thus, the patients can get immediate treatment.展开更多
<b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Objective: </span></b><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To under...<b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Objective: </span></b><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To understand the distribution of drug susceptibility test results of opportunistic infections of tuberculosis and non-tuberculous bacilli in AIDS patients. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The AIDS patients who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2016 to June 2019 were collected as the research objects, and patients with opportunistic tuberculosis and non-tuberculous bacilli from AIDS patients were screened for drug susceptibility tests, and the distribution characteristics of drug susceptibility were analyzed. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results: </span></b><span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">179 strains of tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria were isolated from the specimens of AIDS patients, including 135 cases of tuberculosis mycobacteria and 44 cases of non-tuberculous mycobacteria. In the results of the drug susceptibility test, most strains of </span><i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Mycobacterium tuberculosis</span></i><span></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> showed sensitivity to commonly used drugs, and a few strains showed resistance;most strains </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">of non-tuberculous mycobacteria showed resistance, and a few strains showed</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> sensitivity. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion: </span></b><span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">AIDS opportunistic infection of </span><i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Mycobacterium tuberculosis</span></i><span></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and non-tuberculous mycobacteria have significant differences in drug sensitivity test results. Timely detection and analysis are of great significance to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.</span>展开更多
Hospital admissions among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Botswana are high. Opportunistic infections (OIs) are responsible for most of these admissions. Although leading OIs causing these admissions have been identi...Hospital admissions among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Botswana are high. Opportunistic infections (OIs) are responsible for most of these admissions. Although leading OIs causing these admissions have been identified in the region, their correlates are poorly understood. This study aimed to: 1) evaluate major OIs responsible for admissions among HIV patients at Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) in Botswana;2) estimate the proportion and identify the most frequent admissions attributable to specific OIs;3) characterize major correlates of admissions attributable to each specific OIs and identify populations most at risk as a base for effective policy and resource orientation. HIV infected patients were randomly selected from hospital record lists. Biomedical, sociodemographic and economic data were collected from the records and from face-to-face patient interviews and analyzed. Tuberculosis was the most important OI responsible for 234.6 per 1000 HIV admissions. Cryptococcal meningitis accounted for 162.0 per 1000 admissions. Patients with a CD4-cell count < 350/μL and males were more likely to be admitted for both tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis compared to those with a CD4-cell count > 350/μL and females. The risk of admission due to cryptococcal meningitis was also high among patients with low socioeconomic status (SES). Females were more at risk for Cryptosporidium, Bacterial pneumonia (BP), Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP), Herpes and candidiasis-specific admissions than male and, patients not on co-trimoxazole were more likely to be admitted than those on co-trimoxazole. Comprehensive implementation strategies to address OIs among PLWH are needed. To be effective, such strategies should address not only biomedical factors but should also focus on PLWH’s SES.展开更多
Objective: To explore more about the immune tolerance and drug resistance of white Cryptococci albidus in AIDS patients with opportunistic Cryptococcus infection. Methods: To analyze drug resistance of the samples of ...Objective: To explore more about the immune tolerance and drug resistance of white Cryptococci albidus in AIDS patients with opportunistic Cryptococcus infection. Methods: To analyze drug resistance of the samples of white Cryptococcus albidus extracted from opportunistic infection AIDS patients in the certain infection area from October 2011 to December 2014. Results: After analyzing two samples of Cryptococcus albidus from 885 cases with opportunistic infection, we found that one of the samples do resist to ten common antibiotics. They were fluconazole, flu-cytosine, fluconazole, caspofungin, amphotericin B, MI miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole and itraconazole. The other one was sensitive to voriconazole, but resistant to the rest of the drug. Two strains of bacteria were inoculated into the animals in vivo and their DNA was extracted to carry out the genotyping analysis. The results showed that different degrees of resistance gene amplification bands were found in the 10 kinds of antibiotics. Conclusion: Although there were few opportunistic infection Cryptococcus albidus in AIDS patients, it was easy to show its resistance to drugs. Therefore, great attention should be paid to it for the medical workers.展开更多
<i>Cytomegalovirus</i> (CMV) and <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i> fungus are the main opportunistic microorganisms that affect transplanted individuals. Immunosuppressive drugs administered to pre...<i>Cytomegalovirus</i> (CMV) and <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i> fungus are the main opportunistic microorganisms that affect transplanted individuals. Immunosuppressive drugs administered to prevent organ rejection leave the immune system vulnerable to these infections. The present report is about a kidney transplanted patient using immunosuppressants who was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus and pneumocystosis requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Female patient, 57 years old, a kidney transplanted three years ago, with comorbidities, such as systemic arterial hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. She was admitted to the hospital in January 2020 with a history of diarrhea, cough, malaise and weight loss of seven kg in a month. She made continuous use of the immunosuppressants tacrolimus<sup>®</sup> and mycophenolate sodium (MFS). After five days of hospitalization, she was transferred to the ICU due to refractory diarrhea, worsening renal function and respiratory pattern, requiring mechanical ventilation. Chest tomography showed changes that led to the diagnostic hypothesis of CMV pneumonia or <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i>. Treatment with Ganciclovir<sup>®</sup> and Bactrim<sup>®</sup> was started. The bronchial lavage polymerase chain reaction test confirmed the infectious condition for CMV and <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i>. Despite the drug therapy instituted, there was no improvement in the infectious condition. The patient started to present a general and progressive worsening of the clinical picture with loss of renal graft function, respiratory failure, metabolic acidosis, hemodynamic instability and severe distributive shock, evolving to death. In the present report, it was observed that after late kidney transplantation the fragility of the immune system caused by the use of immunosuppressants contributed to the development of a severe infection with CMV and <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i>. Adjusting the doses of immunosuppressants to individual needs can be an important measure for maintaining the proper immune system and consequently avoiding late opportunistic infections and death outcomes.展开更多
Background: Porto’s Hospital Centre is one of the most active Portuguese hospitals in renal transplantation (performed since 1983). Although increasingly rare, opportunistic infections in transplanted patients are as...Background: Porto’s Hospital Centre is one of the most active Portuguese hospitals in renal transplantation (performed since 1983). Although increasingly rare, opportunistic infections in transplanted patients are associated with high mortality rate in kidney transplantation and remain a major diagnostic challenge. Methods: We investigated 2041 cases of hospital admissions (from 2004 to 2012), any time after kidney transplantation. We described the infection location, the diagnostic techniques used and the mortality after the infection. Results: We found 82 cases of opportunistic infection caused by Herpes virus (Zoster and simplex), Cytomegalovirus, Polyomavirus, Aspergilus, Alternaria, Mucorales, Candida, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Cryptococcus and Pneumocystis. Conclusions: In this article we highlight the important role of histology/cytology in the diagnostic process of these infections. In many cases prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid life-threatening complications and may greatly improve prognosis.展开更多
AIM To validate intracellular cytokine production functional assay as means of cell-mediated immunity monitoring of post-transplant patients with opportunistic infection(OI).METHODS Intracellular cytokine-producing CD...AIM To validate intracellular cytokine production functional assay as means of cell-mediated immunity monitoring of post-transplant patients with opportunistic infection(OI).METHODS Intracellular cytokine-producing CD4^+ and CD8^+ T-cell monitoring was carried out in 30 liver transplant(LTr) and 31 kidney transplant(KTr) recipients from 2010 to 2012. Patients were assessed in our Department of Immunology at the Clinical University ‘Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB' in Murcia, Spain for one year following transplantation. FACS Canto Ⅱ flow cytometer was employed to quantify the intracellular production of IL-17, IFNγ and IL-10 cytokines on stimulated CD4^+CD69^+ and CD8^+CD69^+ T cells and BD FACS DIVA v.6 software was used to analysed the data. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 22.0.RESULTS LTr with OI had significantly lower % of CD8^+CD69^+IFNγ^+T cells at 60(7.95 ± 0.77 vs 26.25 ± 2.09, P < 0.001), 90(7.47 ± 1.05 vs 30.34 ± 3.52, P < 0.001) and 180(15.31 ± 3.24 vs 24.59 ± 3.28, P = 0.01) d posttransplantation. Higher % of CD4^+CD69^+IL-10^+ as well as CD4^+CD69^+IL-17^+ T cells were yet reported at 30(14.06 ± 1.65 vs 6.09 ± 0.53, P = 0.0007 and 4.23 ± 0.56 vs 0.81 ± 0.14, P = 0.005; respectively), 60(11.46 ± 1.42 vs 4.54 ± 0.91, P = 0.001 and 4.21 ± 0.59 vs 1.43 ± 0.42, P = 0.03; respectively) and 90 d(16.85 ± 1.60 vs 4.07 ± 0.63, P < 0.001 and 3.97 ± 0.43 vs 0.96 ± 0.17, P = 0.001). Yet, KTr with OI had significantly lower percentage of CD4^+CD69^+IFNγ^+ at 30(11.80 ± 1.59 vs 20.64 ± 3.26, P = 0.035), 60(11.19 ± 1.35 vs 15.85 ± 1.58, P = 0.02), 90(11.37 ± 1.42 vs 22.99 ± 4.12, P = 0.028) and 180(13.63 ± 2.21 vs 21.93 ± 3.88, P = 0.008) d post-transplantation as opposed to CD4^+CD69^+IL-10^+ and CD8^+CD69^+IL-10^+ T cells which percentages were higher at 30(25.21 ± 2.74 vs 8.54 ± 1.64, P < 0.001 and 22.37 ± 1.35 vs 17.18 ± 3.54, P = 0.032; respectively), 90(16.85 ± 1.60 vs 4.07 ± 0.63, P < 0.001 and 23.06 ± 2.89 vs 10.19 ± 1.98, P = 0.002) and 180(21.81 ± 1.72 vs 6.07 ± 0.98, P < 0.001 and 19.68 ± 2.27 vs 10.59 ± 3.17, P = 0.016) d posttransplantation. The au ROC curve model determined the most accurate cut-off values to stratify LTr and KTr at high risk of OI and Cox Regression model confirmed these biomarkers as the most significant risk factors to opportunistic infection.CONCLUSION Post-transplant percentages of T-cell subsets differed significantly amongst infected-and non-infected-LTr and-KTr and yet this imbalance was found to contribute towards a worst clinical outcome.展开更多
Over the past decades,the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)has become more targeted,anticipating the use of immune-modifying therapies at an earlier stage.This top-down approach has been correlated with fa...Over the past decades,the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)has become more targeted,anticipating the use of immune-modifying therapies at an earlier stage.This top-down approach has been correlated with favorable short and long-term outcomes,but it has also brought with it concerns regarding potential infectious complications.This large IBD population treated with immunemodifying therapies,especially if combined,has an increased risk of severe infections,including opportunistic infections that are sustained by viral,bacterial,parasitic,and fungal agents.Viral infections have emerged as a focal safety concern in patients with IBD,representing a challenge for the clinician:they are often difficult to diagnose and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.The first step is to improve effective preventive strategies,such as applying vaccination protocols,adopt adequate prophylaxis and educate patients about potential risk factors.Since viral infections in immunosuppressed patients may present atypical signs and symptoms,the challenges for the gastroenterologist are to suspect,recognize and diagnose such complications.Appropriate treatment of common viral infections allows us to minimize their impact on disease outcomes and patients’lives.This practical review supports this standard of care to improve knowledge in this subject area.展开更多
The use of biological agents and immunomodulators for inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is associated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections, in particular of viral or bacterial etiology. Despite the existen...The use of biological agents and immunomodulators for inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is associated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections, in particular of viral or bacterial etiology. Despite the existence of international guidelines, many gastroenterologists have not adopted routine screening and vaccination in those patients with IBD, which are candidate for biologic therapy. Available strategies to screen, diagnose and prevent bacterial and viral infections in patients with IBD prior to start biological therapy are discussed in this review.展开更多
Chronic Lyme disease complex describes the burden carried by patients infected with Borrelia burgdorferi as well as other co-infections or secondary co-infections (opportunistic infections). These infections can cause...Chronic Lyme disease complex describes the burden carried by patients infected with Borrelia burgdorferi as well as other co-infections or secondary co-infections (opportunistic infections). These infections can cause a significant burden on patients more so than Lyme disease alone. Along with the many underdiagnosed cases of Lyme disease throughout the world exists numerous undiagnosed co-infection and secondary co-infections leading to debilitating symptoms for many patients. The potential for co-infections varies by location as well as to the exposure to various species of ticks. Since there is potential for patients to experience several tick bites including those of different species, additional microorganisms also commonly transmitted via tick bite are included that are typically left out of the conversation of potential Borrelia burgdorferi co-infections. The most common co-infections of Lyme disease include anaplasmosis, babasiosis, bartonellosis and ehrlichiosis. Secondary co-infections or opportunistic infections commonly seen in patients with Lyme disease are also discussed. By helping to establish a comprehensive list of infections associated with Chronic Lyme disease complex may in fact help patients receive a proper diagnosis in order to administer the much needed comprehensive treatments patients deserve.展开更多
The increased incidence of invasive and opportunistic mycoses is probably related to the growth of the immunocompromised population, such as people living with HIV. This study is a literature review that aims to analy...The increased incidence of invasive and opportunistic mycoses is probably related to the growth of the immunocompromised population, such as people living with HIV. This study is a literature review that aims to analyze the frequency of invasive fungal infections in people living with HIV. In most studies evaluated, <em>Pneumocystis</em> pneumonia was the most frequent invasive fungal infection among people living with HIV, and cryptococcosis was the second most frequent. Invasive fungal infections are associated with greater morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV. The most important highlighted information is that the lack of epidemiological data on fungal infections in the studied populations was reported by most studies. Therefore, there is a need for further studies to assess the frequency of invasive fungal infection in people living with HIV, which may serve as subsidies for the implementation of strategies for the prevention and management, with a consequent increase in the quality of life and reduction of morbidity/mortality in this population.展开更多
Rothiamucilaginosa, previously known as Stomatococcus mucilaginous, resides in the oral cavity and respiratory tract as part of the normal flora [1]. It is a gram-positive, cocus-shaped bacterium. The bacterium is con...Rothiamucilaginosa, previously known as Stomatococcus mucilaginous, resides in the oral cavity and respiratory tract as part of the normal flora [1]. It is a gram-positive, cocus-shaped bacterium. The bacterium is considered an emerging opportunistic pathogen in patients with chronic immunosuppressive diseases. Most of these reports were described in severe neutropenia or hematological cancer patients but less frequently in immune-competent hosts. We report two cases of endocarditis and meningitis due to R. mucilaginosain non-neutropenic hosts.展开更多
Tsukamurella species are obligate aerobic,gram-positive,weak acid-fast,nonmotile bacilli.They are found in various environments,such as soil,water,sludge,and petroleum reservoir wastewater,and belong to the order Acti...Tsukamurella species are obligate aerobic,gram-positive,weak acid-fast,nonmotile bacilli.They are found in various environments,such as soil,water,sludge,and petroleum reservoir wastewater,and belong to the order Actinomycetales.In 2016,there was a reclassification of species within the genus Tsukamurella,merging the species Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens(T.tyrosinosolvens)and Tsukamurella carboxydivorans.Tsukamurella species are clinically considered to be a rare opportunistic pathogen,because most reported cases have been related to bacteremia and intravascular prosthetic devices and immunosuppression.To date,it has been isolated only from human specimens,and has always been associated with clinical disease;human infections are very rare.Reported infections have included pneumonia,brain abscesses,catheter-related bloodstream infections,ocular infections,bacteremia,and sepsis presenting with septic pulmonary emboli in patients who are immunocompromised.To date,there is no commercially available test for identification.On the other hand,sequence-based identification,including matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry,is an alternative method for identifying clinical isolates that are either slow growers or difficult to identify through biochemical profiling.The golden standards for diagnosis and optimal management still remain to be determined.However,newer molecular biological techniques can provide accurate identification,and contribute to the appropriate selection of definitive therapy for infections caused by this organism.Combinations of several antimicrobial agents have been proposed for treatment,though the length of treatment for infections has yet to be determined,and should be individualized according to clinical response.Immunocompromised patients often experience severe cases due to infection,and life-threatening T.tyrosinosolvens events associated with dissemination and/or failure of source control have occurred.Favorable prognoses can be achieved through earlier identification of the cause of infection,as well as successful management,including appropriate antibiotic therapy together with source control.Further analyses of similar cases are required to establish the most adequate diagnostic methods and treatment regimens for infections.展开更多
A boll infection caused by non-traditional cotton pathogens was first reported to occur in the southeastern U.S. Cotton Belt (year 2000) and has since spread to Texas causing significant yield losses. This study was a...A boll infection caused by non-traditional cotton pathogens was first reported to occur in the southeastern U.S. Cotton Belt (year 2000) and has since spread to Texas causing significant yield losses. This study was aimed towards investigating the verde plant bug (<em>Creontiades signatus</em>) link between interior boll disease in Texas, USA. Using glasshouse grown bolls, bacteria recovered from locules with disease symptoms from field-grown cotton bolls caged with the piercing-sucking <em>C. signatus</em> were analyzed for the capacity to inflict the disease. For pathogenicity testing, spontaneously generated rifampicin resistant (Rifr) variants were utilized to track the antibiotic resistant bacterium and deter growth of endophytic and contaminating bacteria. To simulate <em>C. signatus</em> feeding, a needle (31 gauge) was employed to inoculate bolls at 13 - 15 days after flower bloom. Bacterial suspensions ranged from 10<sup>1</sup> - 10<sup>6</sup> colony forming units/ml. Field infection symptoms were duplicated after two weeks of bacterial exposure. Infectious strains were best categorized as <em>Serratia marcescens</em> based on traditional carbon utilization and enzyme production testing, and a 99% nucleotide sequence identity of 16S ribosomal DNA. Putative <em>S. marcescens</em> representatives isolated from rotted bolls exposed to<em> C. signatus</em> were shown to reproduce field infection symptoms upon inoculation into greenhouse grown fruit. <em>Serratia</em> spp. can inflict disease in alfalfa, cucurbits, and sunflower. The presented data are the first to definitively show that a <em>Serratia</em> sp. has the capacity to infect cotton.展开更多
Objective To learn the condition of nosocomial infection in traumatic patients. Methods A total of 3 356 cases inpatients with traumatic diseases from Jan 1999 to June 2002 were retrospectively analyzed. Results The t...Objective To learn the condition of nosocomial infection in traumatic patients. Methods A total of 3 356 cases inpatients with traumatic diseases from Jan 1999 to June 2002 were retrospectively analyzed. Results The total infection rate was 4. 35 % , 146 cases suffered from nosocomial infection. Respiratory tract was the frequent infection site, followed by postoperative incisional infection, skin infection and urinary tract infection. The predominant pathogens were opportunistic pathogen and Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion Risk factors of nosocomial injection were analyzed. Surveillance of infective origin were intensified. The strict aseptic manipulation were applied. Proper antibiotics were judicious used. Susceptibles population in hospital was protected. All the meausres were effect, thus acting as a protection against nosocomial infection. 4 refs,3 tabs.展开更多
文摘Background: Opportunistic infections (OI), which are still a major problem in the care of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), occur in situations of immunosuppression. The AntiRetroViral Treatments (ART) used allow a spectacular reduction in the frequency of Opportunistic Infections. Objective: The objective of this study is to present the evolution of Opportunistic Infections in People Living with HIV under AntiRetroViral Treatment in Kinshasa in the era of Dolutegravir. Methods: The present study is a prospective cohort to present the evolutionary profile of OIs in PLHIV on ART for 6 months in Outpatient Treatment Centers (OTC) in Kinshasa. Sixteen OTCs had been included. The population of the present work was patients over 18 years of age at inclusion, infected with HIV-1 and initiating ART in the selected OTC. Results: On inclusion, 119 patients were included of which 56.3% were women. Malaria (45.4%), tuberculosis (29.4%) and cutaneous pruritus (23.5%) were the most common Opportunistic Infections (OIs). In the third month of ART, 37 patients came for the consultation of which 70.3% were women. Non-specific STIs (97.3%), skin pruritus (37.8%) and malaria (24.3%) were the dominant OIs among patients. At the sixth month of ART, 62 patients came for the medical consultation of which 61.3% were women. Skin pruritus (25.8%), dermatitis (22.6%) and rash (21%) were the most common OIs. Conclusion: The evolutionary profile is marked by the conservation of Opportunistic Infections such as dermatitis (pruritus and rashes) and malaria.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81473506Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province,No.LY16H290001 and No.LY17H290009+1 种基金Project of Department of Construction of Zhejiang Province,No.WKJ-ZJ-1531Zhejiang TCM Science and Technology Project,No.2016ZB047 and No.2017ZA056
文摘BACKGROUND When opportunistic infections occur, patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) commonly display a significantly increased rate of morbidity and mortality.With increasing use of immunosuppressive agents and biological agents,opportunistic infections are becoming a hot topic in the perspective of drug safety in IBD patients. Despite the well-established role of opportunistic infections in the prognosis of IBD patients, there are few epidemiological data investigating the incidence of opportunis-tic infections in IBD patients in China. Besides, the risk factors for opportunistic infection in Chinese IBD patients remain unclear.AIM To predict the incidence of opportunistic infections related to IBD in China, and explore the risk factors for opportunistic infections.METHODS A single-center, prospective study of IBD patients was conducted. The patients were followed for up to 12 mo to calculate the incidence of infections. For each infected IBD patient, two non-infected IBD patients were selected as controls. A conditional logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations between putative risk factors and opportunistic infections, which are represented as odds ratios(OR) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS Seventy(28.11%) out of 249 IBD patients developed opportunistic infections.Clostridium difficile infections and respiratory syncytial virus infections were found in 24 and 16 patients, respectively. In a univariate analysis, factors such as the severity of IBD, use of an immunosuppressant or immunosuppressants, high levels of fecal calprotectin, and C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate were individually related to a significantly increased risk of opportunistic infection. Multivariate analysis indicated that the use of any immunosuppressant yielded an OR of 3.247(95%CI: 1.128-9.341), whereas the use of any two immunosuppressants yielded an OR of 6.457(95%CI: 1.726-24.152) for opportunistic infection. Interestingly, when immunosuppressants were used in combination with infliximab(IFX) or 5-aminosalicylic acid, a significantly increased risk of opportunistic infection was also observed. The relative risk of opportunistic infection was greatest in IBD patients with severe disease activity(OR = 9.090; 95%CI: 1.532-53.941, relative to the remission stage). However, the use of IFX alone did not increase the risk of opportunistic infection.CONCLUSION Factors such as severe IBD, elevated levels of fecal calprotectin, and the use of immunosuppressive medications, especially when used in combination, are major risk factors for opportunistic infections in IBD patients. The use of IFX alone does not increase the risk of opportunistic infection.
文摘Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically decreased opportunistic infections (OIs) in human immunodef iciency virus (HIV)-infected patients. However,gastrointestinal disease continues to account for a high proportion of presenting symptoms in these patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms in treated patients who respond to therapy are more likely to the result of drug-induced complications than OI. Endoscopic evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract remains a cornerstone of diagnosis,especially in patients with advanced immunodeficiency,who are at risk for OI. The peripheral blood CD4 lymphocyte count helps to predict the risk of an OI,with the highest risk seen in HIV-infected patients with low CD4 count (< 200 cells/mm3). This review provides an update of the role of endoscopy in diagnosing OI in the upper gastrointestinal tract in HIV-infected patients in the era of HAART.
文摘Objective: This study aims to understand the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in the region of HIV/AIDS patients with opportunistic infection. Methods: To count the number of the bacterial culture of HIV/AIDS patients in our hospital from October 2011 to December 2014, and observe the distribution of all kinds of pathogenic bacteria. Results: From the 4269 cases of HIV/AIDS patients’ bacteria, 5045 cases were cultured whose main flora distribution wasCandida albicans, 1759 cases. The second one was penicillium, 982 cases. The third one was mycobacteria, 557 cases. And then there are 213 cases ofCryptococcus neoformans, 212 cases of?Klebsiella pneumonia, 209 cases of?E. coli, 157 cases of coagulase-negative staphylococci, 112 cases of?Candida tropicalis, 90 cases of glabrata, 81 cases of?Staphylococcus aureus, 75 cases of?Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 60 cases of Salmonella, 48 cases of Acinetobacter and the distribution of the rest of cultured bacterial was less than 40 cases. Conclusion: There are many kinds of types of Pathogenic bacteria in HIV/AIDS patients with the opportunity to infectious. And the majorities are?Candida albicans,?Penicillium marneffei,?Penicillium,?Mycobacterium,?Cryptococcus neoformans?and so on. The infection sites are widely distributed;respiratory and circulatory are the main infected system. Improving the detection rate and reducing the contamination rate can truly reflect the distribution of pathogenic bacteria, and the distribution can guide the infection work in hospital. At the same time, it’s good to predict and prevent opportunistic infection. Thus, the patients can get immediate treatment.
文摘<b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Objective: </span></b><span style="font-family:;" "=""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">To understand the distribution of drug susceptibility test results of opportunistic infections of tuberculosis and non-tuberculous bacilli in AIDS patients. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods: </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The AIDS patients who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2016 to June 2019 were collected as the research objects, and patients with opportunistic tuberculosis and non-tuberculous bacilli from AIDS patients were screened for drug susceptibility tests, and the distribution characteristics of drug susceptibility were analyzed. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Results: </span></b><span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">179 strains of tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria were isolated from the specimens of AIDS patients, including 135 cases of tuberculosis mycobacteria and 44 cases of non-tuberculous mycobacteria. In the results of the drug susceptibility test, most strains of </span><i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Mycobacterium tuberculosis</span></i><span></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> showed sensitivity to commonly used drugs, and a few strains showed resistance;most strains </span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">of non-tuberculous mycobacteria showed resistance, and a few strains showed</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> sensitivity. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusion: </span></b><span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">AIDS opportunistic infection of </span><i></i></span><i><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Mycobacterium tuberculosis</span></i><span></span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> and non-tuberculous mycobacteria have significant differences in drug sensitivity test results. Timely detection and analysis are of great significance to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.</span>
文摘Hospital admissions among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Botswana are high. Opportunistic infections (OIs) are responsible for most of these admissions. Although leading OIs causing these admissions have been identified in the region, their correlates are poorly understood. This study aimed to: 1) evaluate major OIs responsible for admissions among HIV patients at Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) in Botswana;2) estimate the proportion and identify the most frequent admissions attributable to specific OIs;3) characterize major correlates of admissions attributable to each specific OIs and identify populations most at risk as a base for effective policy and resource orientation. HIV infected patients were randomly selected from hospital record lists. Biomedical, sociodemographic and economic data were collected from the records and from face-to-face patient interviews and analyzed. Tuberculosis was the most important OI responsible for 234.6 per 1000 HIV admissions. Cryptococcal meningitis accounted for 162.0 per 1000 admissions. Patients with a CD4-cell count < 350/μL and males were more likely to be admitted for both tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis compared to those with a CD4-cell count > 350/μL and females. The risk of admission due to cryptococcal meningitis was also high among patients with low socioeconomic status (SES). Females were more at risk for Cryptosporidium, Bacterial pneumonia (BP), Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia (PCP), Herpes and candidiasis-specific admissions than male and, patients not on co-trimoxazole were more likely to be admitted than those on co-trimoxazole. Comprehensive implementation strategies to address OIs among PLWH are needed. To be effective, such strategies should address not only biomedical factors but should also focus on PLWH’s SES.
文摘Objective: To explore more about the immune tolerance and drug resistance of white Cryptococci albidus in AIDS patients with opportunistic Cryptococcus infection. Methods: To analyze drug resistance of the samples of white Cryptococcus albidus extracted from opportunistic infection AIDS patients in the certain infection area from October 2011 to December 2014. Results: After analyzing two samples of Cryptococcus albidus from 885 cases with opportunistic infection, we found that one of the samples do resist to ten common antibiotics. They were fluconazole, flu-cytosine, fluconazole, caspofungin, amphotericin B, MI miconazole, terbinafine, ketoconazole and itraconazole. The other one was sensitive to voriconazole, but resistant to the rest of the drug. Two strains of bacteria were inoculated into the animals in vivo and their DNA was extracted to carry out the genotyping analysis. The results showed that different degrees of resistance gene amplification bands were found in the 10 kinds of antibiotics. Conclusion: Although there were few opportunistic infection Cryptococcus albidus in AIDS patients, it was easy to show its resistance to drugs. Therefore, great attention should be paid to it for the medical workers.
文摘<i>Cytomegalovirus</i> (CMV) and <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i> fungus are the main opportunistic microorganisms that affect transplanted individuals. Immunosuppressive drugs administered to prevent organ rejection leave the immune system vulnerable to these infections. The present report is about a kidney transplanted patient using immunosuppressants who was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus and pneumocystosis requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Female patient, 57 years old, a kidney transplanted three years ago, with comorbidities, such as systemic arterial hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. She was admitted to the hospital in January 2020 with a history of diarrhea, cough, malaise and weight loss of seven kg in a month. She made continuous use of the immunosuppressants tacrolimus<sup>®</sup> and mycophenolate sodium (MFS). After five days of hospitalization, she was transferred to the ICU due to refractory diarrhea, worsening renal function and respiratory pattern, requiring mechanical ventilation. Chest tomography showed changes that led to the diagnostic hypothesis of CMV pneumonia or <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i>. Treatment with Ganciclovir<sup>®</sup> and Bactrim<sup>®</sup> was started. The bronchial lavage polymerase chain reaction test confirmed the infectious condition for CMV and <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i>. Despite the drug therapy instituted, there was no improvement in the infectious condition. The patient started to present a general and progressive worsening of the clinical picture with loss of renal graft function, respiratory failure, metabolic acidosis, hemodynamic instability and severe distributive shock, evolving to death. In the present report, it was observed that after late kidney transplantation the fragility of the immune system caused by the use of immunosuppressants contributed to the development of a severe infection with CMV and <i>Pneumocystis jirovecii</i>. Adjusting the doses of immunosuppressants to individual needs can be an important measure for maintaining the proper immune system and consequently avoiding late opportunistic infections and death outcomes.
文摘Background: Porto’s Hospital Centre is one of the most active Portuguese hospitals in renal transplantation (performed since 1983). Although increasingly rare, opportunistic infections in transplanted patients are associated with high mortality rate in kidney transplantation and remain a major diagnostic challenge. Methods: We investigated 2041 cases of hospital admissions (from 2004 to 2012), any time after kidney transplantation. We described the infection location, the diagnostic techniques used and the mortality after the infection. Results: We found 82 cases of opportunistic infection caused by Herpes virus (Zoster and simplex), Cytomegalovirus, Polyomavirus, Aspergilus, Alternaria, Mucorales, Candida, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Cryptococcus and Pneumocystis. Conclusions: In this article we highlight the important role of histology/cytology in the diagnostic process of these infections. In many cases prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid life-threatening complications and may greatly improve prognosis.
基金Supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos Ⅲ,Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness,No.PI15/01370Co-funding of the European Union with European Fund of Regional Development(FEDER)with the principle of"A manner to build Europe"
文摘AIM To validate intracellular cytokine production functional assay as means of cell-mediated immunity monitoring of post-transplant patients with opportunistic infection(OI).METHODS Intracellular cytokine-producing CD4^+ and CD8^+ T-cell monitoring was carried out in 30 liver transplant(LTr) and 31 kidney transplant(KTr) recipients from 2010 to 2012. Patients were assessed in our Department of Immunology at the Clinical University ‘Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca-IMIB' in Murcia, Spain for one year following transplantation. FACS Canto Ⅱ flow cytometer was employed to quantify the intracellular production of IL-17, IFNγ and IL-10 cytokines on stimulated CD4^+CD69^+ and CD8^+CD69^+ T cells and BD FACS DIVA v.6 software was used to analysed the data. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 22.0.RESULTS LTr with OI had significantly lower % of CD8^+CD69^+IFNγ^+T cells at 60(7.95 ± 0.77 vs 26.25 ± 2.09, P < 0.001), 90(7.47 ± 1.05 vs 30.34 ± 3.52, P < 0.001) and 180(15.31 ± 3.24 vs 24.59 ± 3.28, P = 0.01) d posttransplantation. Higher % of CD4^+CD69^+IL-10^+ as well as CD4^+CD69^+IL-17^+ T cells were yet reported at 30(14.06 ± 1.65 vs 6.09 ± 0.53, P = 0.0007 and 4.23 ± 0.56 vs 0.81 ± 0.14, P = 0.005; respectively), 60(11.46 ± 1.42 vs 4.54 ± 0.91, P = 0.001 and 4.21 ± 0.59 vs 1.43 ± 0.42, P = 0.03; respectively) and 90 d(16.85 ± 1.60 vs 4.07 ± 0.63, P < 0.001 and 3.97 ± 0.43 vs 0.96 ± 0.17, P = 0.001). Yet, KTr with OI had significantly lower percentage of CD4^+CD69^+IFNγ^+ at 30(11.80 ± 1.59 vs 20.64 ± 3.26, P = 0.035), 60(11.19 ± 1.35 vs 15.85 ± 1.58, P = 0.02), 90(11.37 ± 1.42 vs 22.99 ± 4.12, P = 0.028) and 180(13.63 ± 2.21 vs 21.93 ± 3.88, P = 0.008) d post-transplantation as opposed to CD4^+CD69^+IL-10^+ and CD8^+CD69^+IL-10^+ T cells which percentages were higher at 30(25.21 ± 2.74 vs 8.54 ± 1.64, P < 0.001 and 22.37 ± 1.35 vs 17.18 ± 3.54, P = 0.032; respectively), 90(16.85 ± 1.60 vs 4.07 ± 0.63, P < 0.001 and 23.06 ± 2.89 vs 10.19 ± 1.98, P = 0.002) and 180(21.81 ± 1.72 vs 6.07 ± 0.98, P < 0.001 and 19.68 ± 2.27 vs 10.59 ± 3.17, P = 0.016) d posttransplantation. The au ROC curve model determined the most accurate cut-off values to stratify LTr and KTr at high risk of OI and Cox Regression model confirmed these biomarkers as the most significant risk factors to opportunistic infection.CONCLUSION Post-transplant percentages of T-cell subsets differed significantly amongst infected-and non-infected-LTr and-KTr and yet this imbalance was found to contribute towards a worst clinical outcome.
文摘Over the past decades,the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)has become more targeted,anticipating the use of immune-modifying therapies at an earlier stage.This top-down approach has been correlated with favorable short and long-term outcomes,but it has also brought with it concerns regarding potential infectious complications.This large IBD population treated with immunemodifying therapies,especially if combined,has an increased risk of severe infections,including opportunistic infections that are sustained by viral,bacterial,parasitic,and fungal agents.Viral infections have emerged as a focal safety concern in patients with IBD,representing a challenge for the clinician:they are often difficult to diagnose and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.The first step is to improve effective preventive strategies,such as applying vaccination protocols,adopt adequate prophylaxis and educate patients about potential risk factors.Since viral infections in immunosuppressed patients may present atypical signs and symptoms,the challenges for the gastroenterologist are to suspect,recognize and diagnose such complications.Appropriate treatment of common viral infections allows us to minimize their impact on disease outcomes and patients’lives.This practical review supports this standard of care to improve knowledge in this subject area.
文摘The use of biological agents and immunomodulators for inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is associated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections, in particular of viral or bacterial etiology. Despite the existence of international guidelines, many gastroenterologists have not adopted routine screening and vaccination in those patients with IBD, which are candidate for biologic therapy. Available strategies to screen, diagnose and prevent bacterial and viral infections in patients with IBD prior to start biological therapy are discussed in this review.
文摘Chronic Lyme disease complex describes the burden carried by patients infected with Borrelia burgdorferi as well as other co-infections or secondary co-infections (opportunistic infections). These infections can cause a significant burden on patients more so than Lyme disease alone. Along with the many underdiagnosed cases of Lyme disease throughout the world exists numerous undiagnosed co-infection and secondary co-infections leading to debilitating symptoms for many patients. The potential for co-infections varies by location as well as to the exposure to various species of ticks. Since there is potential for patients to experience several tick bites including those of different species, additional microorganisms also commonly transmitted via tick bite are included that are typically left out of the conversation of potential Borrelia burgdorferi co-infections. The most common co-infections of Lyme disease include anaplasmosis, babasiosis, bartonellosis and ehrlichiosis. Secondary co-infections or opportunistic infections commonly seen in patients with Lyme disease are also discussed. By helping to establish a comprehensive list of infections associated with Chronic Lyme disease complex may in fact help patients receive a proper diagnosis in order to administer the much needed comprehensive treatments patients deserve.
文摘The increased incidence of invasive and opportunistic mycoses is probably related to the growth of the immunocompromised population, such as people living with HIV. This study is a literature review that aims to analyze the frequency of invasive fungal infections in people living with HIV. In most studies evaluated, <em>Pneumocystis</em> pneumonia was the most frequent invasive fungal infection among people living with HIV, and cryptococcosis was the second most frequent. Invasive fungal infections are associated with greater morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV. The most important highlighted information is that the lack of epidemiological data on fungal infections in the studied populations was reported by most studies. Therefore, there is a need for further studies to assess the frequency of invasive fungal infection in people living with HIV, which may serve as subsidies for the implementation of strategies for the prevention and management, with a consequent increase in the quality of life and reduction of morbidity/mortality in this population.
文摘Rothiamucilaginosa, previously known as Stomatococcus mucilaginous, resides in the oral cavity and respiratory tract as part of the normal flora [1]. It is a gram-positive, cocus-shaped bacterium. The bacterium is considered an emerging opportunistic pathogen in patients with chronic immunosuppressive diseases. Most of these reports were described in severe neutropenia or hematological cancer patients but less frequently in immune-competent hosts. We report two cases of endocarditis and meningitis due to R. mucilaginosain non-neutropenic hosts.
文摘Tsukamurella species are obligate aerobic,gram-positive,weak acid-fast,nonmotile bacilli.They are found in various environments,such as soil,water,sludge,and petroleum reservoir wastewater,and belong to the order Actinomycetales.In 2016,there was a reclassification of species within the genus Tsukamurella,merging the species Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens(T.tyrosinosolvens)and Tsukamurella carboxydivorans.Tsukamurella species are clinically considered to be a rare opportunistic pathogen,because most reported cases have been related to bacteremia and intravascular prosthetic devices and immunosuppression.To date,it has been isolated only from human specimens,and has always been associated with clinical disease;human infections are very rare.Reported infections have included pneumonia,brain abscesses,catheter-related bloodstream infections,ocular infections,bacteremia,and sepsis presenting with septic pulmonary emboli in patients who are immunocompromised.To date,there is no commercially available test for identification.On the other hand,sequence-based identification,including matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry,is an alternative method for identifying clinical isolates that are either slow growers or difficult to identify through biochemical profiling.The golden standards for diagnosis and optimal management still remain to be determined.However,newer molecular biological techniques can provide accurate identification,and contribute to the appropriate selection of definitive therapy for infections caused by this organism.Combinations of several antimicrobial agents have been proposed for treatment,though the length of treatment for infections has yet to be determined,and should be individualized according to clinical response.Immunocompromised patients often experience severe cases due to infection,and life-threatening T.tyrosinosolvens events associated with dissemination and/or failure of source control have occurred.Favorable prognoses can be achieved through earlier identification of the cause of infection,as well as successful management,including appropriate antibiotic therapy together with source control.Further analyses of similar cases are required to establish the most adequate diagnostic methods and treatment regimens for infections.
文摘A boll infection caused by non-traditional cotton pathogens was first reported to occur in the southeastern U.S. Cotton Belt (year 2000) and has since spread to Texas causing significant yield losses. This study was aimed towards investigating the verde plant bug (<em>Creontiades signatus</em>) link between interior boll disease in Texas, USA. Using glasshouse grown bolls, bacteria recovered from locules with disease symptoms from field-grown cotton bolls caged with the piercing-sucking <em>C. signatus</em> were analyzed for the capacity to inflict the disease. For pathogenicity testing, spontaneously generated rifampicin resistant (Rifr) variants were utilized to track the antibiotic resistant bacterium and deter growth of endophytic and contaminating bacteria. To simulate <em>C. signatus</em> feeding, a needle (31 gauge) was employed to inoculate bolls at 13 - 15 days after flower bloom. Bacterial suspensions ranged from 10<sup>1</sup> - 10<sup>6</sup> colony forming units/ml. Field infection symptoms were duplicated after two weeks of bacterial exposure. Infectious strains were best categorized as <em>Serratia marcescens</em> based on traditional carbon utilization and enzyme production testing, and a 99% nucleotide sequence identity of 16S ribosomal DNA. Putative <em>S. marcescens</em> representatives isolated from rotted bolls exposed to<em> C. signatus</em> were shown to reproduce field infection symptoms upon inoculation into greenhouse grown fruit. <em>Serratia</em> spp. can inflict disease in alfalfa, cucurbits, and sunflower. The presented data are the first to definitively show that a <em>Serratia</em> sp. has the capacity to infect cotton.
文摘Objective To learn the condition of nosocomial infection in traumatic patients. Methods A total of 3 356 cases inpatients with traumatic diseases from Jan 1999 to June 2002 were retrospectively analyzed. Results The total infection rate was 4. 35 % , 146 cases suffered from nosocomial infection. Respiratory tract was the frequent infection site, followed by postoperative incisional infection, skin infection and urinary tract infection. The predominant pathogens were opportunistic pathogen and Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion Risk factors of nosocomial injection were analyzed. Surveillance of infective origin were intensified. The strict aseptic manipulation were applied. Proper antibiotics were judicious used. Susceptibles population in hospital was protected. All the meausres were effect, thus acting as a protection against nosocomial infection. 4 refs,3 tabs.