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Introduction Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation that affects both the vulva (the external part of the female genital organs) and the vagina. It can be caused by various factors such as bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, allergic or irritative reactions, or hormonal imbalances. Common symptoms include itching, burning, redness, pain, and abnormal vaginal discharge. Purpose This study aimed to examine the epidemiological and clinical approach to vulvovaginitis at the University Clinics of Kisangani during the years 2012-2014. Methods The study included a total of 1,966 patients admitted to the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department during the study period. Data on age, marital status, education level, occupation, and residential area were collected. Information on antecedent infections, presenting symptoms, and causative agents was also gathered. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the prevalence and distribution of vulvovaginitis cases. Results Out of the total patients, 298 (15.2%) were diagnosed with vulvovaginitis. Most cases were aged between 20-24 years (29.9%), followed by 15-19 years (25.8%), and 25-29 years (17.1%). Most cases were married (55.4%) and had secondary education (46%). Housewives accounted for the highest proportion of cases (44.63%). Makiso had the highest number of cases (54%), followed by Mangobo (25.2%). The most common antecedent infection was vaginal candidiasis (46.3%), and the most common presenting symptom was abnormal genital discharge (37.2%). Candida albicans was the most common causative agent (46.64%), followed by Neisseria gonorrheae (26.84%) and Trichomonas vaginalis (22.48%). Other agents were Chlamydia trachomatis (1.67%), Haemophilus ducreyi (1%), human papillomavirus (HPV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) (0.67% each). Conclusion Vulvovaginitis is a common condition at the University Clinics of Kisangani, affecting a significant proportion of women. The findings highlight the need for further research and education on the prevention and management of vulvovaginitis in this population.

Mastitis is a highly frequent chronic ailment with inflammation in the udder of the milking cows. The causative agents are mostly microbes. It is economically prominent contamination of lactating cows resulting in reduced milk production. The disease is diagnosed by chemical, physical and nutritional changes in the milk and pathological changes in the milk glands. Prevention measures for the disease can be taken by proper and timely sanitation of the cowshed through and time again disinfection of the teat, mechanized milking process, etc. The application of bactericidal drugs generates resistant varieties of microbes that cross the allopathic boundary. In this regard, an attempt is taken to focus the plant-based pharmacopoeia. Medicinal plants are traditionally used to cure various diseases as they are comparatively accessible to administer orally in different forms and can be along with fodder. Keeping the above facts in view, the present review deals with different types of mastitis, causative pathogens, detection and diagnosis, and effective plant-based treatment process available to date.

Mastitis is a highly frequent chronic ailment with inflammation in the udder of the milking cows. the causative agents are mostly microbes. It is economically prominent contamination of lactating cows resulting in reduced milk production. the disease is diagnosed by chemical, physical and nutritional changes in the milk and pathological changes in the milk glands. Prevention measures for the disease can be taken by proper and timely sanitation of the cowshed through and time again disinfection of the teat, mechanized milking process, etc. the application of bactericidal drugs generates resistant varieties of microbes that cross the allopathic boundary. In this regard, an attempt is taken to focus the plant-based pharmacopoeia. Medicinal plants are traditionally used to cure various diseases as they are comparatively accessible to administer orally in different forms and can be along with fodder. Keeping the above facts in view, the present review deals with different types of mastitis, causative pathogens, detection and diagnosis, and effective plant-based treatment process available to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Dacryocystitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal sac, which occurs due to obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct. This study was conducted to know the changing trends in organism causing acute and chronic dacryocystitis. Materials & Methods: It is a prospective study done on consecutive 30 patients attending to Ophthalmology Department. Samples were collected and bacteria were detected by conventional microbiological tests and antibacterial susceptibility of the isolates were detected according to CLSI guidelines. Results: From a total of 30 samples processed, acute dacryocystitis was found to be more prevalent in 20 to 29 years of age group followed by involvement of 30 to 39 years’ age group. Females were seen to be predominantly affected than males in both acute and chronic dacryocystitis. Of the total 30 samples processed, 36.7% were from chronic dacryocystitis cases and 63.36% were from acute dacryocystitis. In both acute and chronic dacryocystitis, gram-positive organisms were the predominant accounting for 16.67% and 23.27% respectively. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (10%) was the predominant Gram-positive organism in acute dacryocystitis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (10%) in chronic dacryocystitis. P.aeruginosa (3.33%) was the gram-negative organism isolated from acute cases of dacryocystitis and E.coli (6.67%) was the predominant gram-negative organism isolated from chronic cases of dacryocystitis. Conclusion: It’s necessary for the treating clinicians to note that the type of organism involved in acute and chronic dacryocystitis could be different, and they must include suitable antibiotics for empirical treatment to avoid further complications.

Abstract Introduction Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland that could either be clinical or subclinical, and can be caused by infectious agents. It has different aetiological pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli that pose different economic and health impacts. In Ethiopia, previous studies on mastitis have been focused on semi‐intensive and intensive dairy production system. The objectives of this study were therefore to estimate prevalence, aetiology of causative pathogens and identify different risk factors of mastitis in extensive management systems. A total of 532 lactating cows were randomly selected for a cross‐sectional study carried out in four districts of west Wollega, western Oromia, Ethiopia. Result Based on the clinical examination and California mastitis test, 39.67% overall prevalence of mastitis on cow level was recorded. Of them, 16.70% and 22.70% were clinical and subclinical mastitis, respectively. Among 2,128 quarters examined 210 were blind teats. The associated risk factors age ≥8 years (16.35%), parity 1–3 calving (27.63%), milk yield 1–2 litres (21.98%), lactation stage

Mostafa Chadeganipour,1 Rasoul Mohammadi1,2 1Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; 2Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranCorrespondence: Rasoul MohammadiAssociate Professor of Medical Mycology, Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranTel +98-31-37929175Fax +98-31-36688597Email Dr.rasoul_mohammadi@yahoo.comPurpose: Aspergillosis is an important fungal disease affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The genus of Aspergillus consist of various complexes, causing a wide spectrum of diseases from superficial infections in immunocompetent hosts to life-threatening disseminated infections among immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to identify Aspergillus species by phenotypic (total isolates) and molecular tests (35 isolates), obtained from patients in Isfahan (the third-largest city of Iran) between 2010 and 2018, and determine the susceptibility of 35 clinical isolates to itraconazole (ITR), amphotericin-B (AMB), and voriconazole (VOR).Patients and Methods: Based on clinical signs, a total of 2385 suspected cases were included in this retrospective study from January 2010 to December 2018. Direct microscopic examination with potassium hydroxide, sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol, and czapekdox agar media was applied to identify etiologic agents. Thirty-five Aspergillus species collected from January 2016 to December 2018 were identified by PCR-sequencing of ITS1-5.8SrDNA-ITS2 region, and their susceptibility to ITR, AMB, and VOR was determined using E-test.Results: Based on direct microscopy and positive culture, 132 out of 2385 suspected cases had Aspergillus infection (5.5%). Fifty-four patients were male, and 78 patients were female. Patients in the age groups of 41– 50 and 21– 30 years had the highest and lowest frequencies, respectively. Aspergillus flavus/oryzae (n=54), A. fumigatus (n=24), A. niger (n=15), and A. terreus (n=12) were the most prevalent Aspergillus species, respectively. Among 35 Aspergillus species, the MIC ranges of AMB, ITR, and VOR for A. flavus/oryzae, A. niger, and A. terreus were (0.5– 4 μg/mL; 0.5– 16 μg/mL; 0.25– 8 μg/mL), (1 μg/mL, 1 μg/mL, 1 μg/mL), and (4– 4 μg/mL, 0.5– 1 μg/mL, 0.5– 1 μg/mL), respectively.Conclusion: Aspergillus infections have a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and often occur in immunocompromised patients. Accurate identification at the species level is essential since the emergence of cryptic species is connected to different patterns of AFST that affect patient treatment outcomes. Azole-resistant Aspergillus spp. is a global concern, and the detection of the route of resistance is pivotal to prevent and control infection.Keywords: Aspergillus, causative agents, E-test, itraconazole, amphotericin-B, voriconazole

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is becoming one of the major complications around the world with associated consequences such as lower-extremity amputation, high morbidity, mortality and hospitalization. It has the possibility to become the next global epidemic. Major part of the concern comes from the diverse bacterial and fungal population that is found at the infection site and their growing antimicrobial resistance. If the threat of antimicrobial resistance is not dealt with than it will rise to become the main cause of mortality and below knee amputation in case DFU. Also, most of the time main focus is given on detecting bacterial population which causes the fungal population to go unnoticed and act as the silent enemy. Bacterial and fungal prevalence scenario from different countries have been discussed in this study along with the alarming antibiotic resistance scenario around the globe. Furthermore, choosing the correct technique to identify them also plays a vital role. With proven lacking's of the culture-based methods maybe it is time to move on to the faster and more specific molecular methods. As, many of the molecular techniques have already proven to be more efficient. This review discussed the bacterial and fungal prevalence along with their growing antimicrobial resistance and evaluated different biochemical and molecular techniques in identification process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Dermatologie Pro Praxi is the property of SOLEN sro and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland that could either be clinical or subclinical, and can be caused by infectious agents. It has different aetiological pathogens such as Staphylococcusaureus, Streptococcusagalactiae, Escherichia coli that pose different economic and health impacts. In Ethiopia, previous studies on mastitis have been focused on semi‐intensive and intensive dairy production system. The objectives of this study were therefore to estimate prevalence, aetiology of causative pathogens and identify different risk factors of mastitis in extensive management systems. A total of 532 lactating cows were randomly selected for a cross‐sectional study carried out in four districts of west Wollega, western Oromia, Ethiopia. Result: Based on the clinical examination and California mastitis test, 39.67% overall prevalence of mastitis on cow level was recorded. Of them, 16.70% and 22.70% were clinical and subclinical mastitis, respectively. Among 2,128 quarters examined 210 were blind teats. The associated risk factors age ≥8 years (16.35%), parity 1–3 calving (27.63%), milk yield 1–2 litres (21.98%), lactation stage <4 months (18.04%) and tick infestation (26.70%) were significantly associated in the occurrence of mastitis. Staphylococcus spp. (15.60%) were the dominant bacteria isolated from collected mastitic milk. Conclusion: Mastitis is an important disease for dairy cows kept under an extensive management system. Its occurrence is determined by risk factors like age, parity, milk yield, lactation stage and tick infestation. This study is indicated Staphylococcus species as the major bacteria isolated from mastitic milk. This study warrants further study on the prevalence, aetiology, economic impact and potential risk factors of mastitis in dairy cows kept in extensive production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background To determine, from October 2010 to October 2018, the epidemiology of Deep Neck Infections (DNIs), regarding the detection, the identification and the susceptibility to antimicrobials of causative microorganisms, in Thessaly-Central Greece. Methods An analysis of data from a prospective database was conducted on 610 consecutive patients with DNIs treated in the Otolaryngology / Head & Neck Surgery Department of University Hospital of Larissa. Demographics, clinical features and microbiological data were analyzed. Results Among the 610 patients (1,9/1 male to female ratio, mean age: 39,24 ± 17,25) with DNIs, 579 had a single space (94,9%), while the remaining 31 had a multi-space (5,1%) DNI. The most common areas affected were the peritonsillar space (84,6%) followed by the submandibular space (6,5%). Clinical samples were obtained from 462 patients, and were tested by culture and by the application of 16S rRNA PCR. Two hundred fifty-five samples (55,2%) gave positive cultures, in which Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus were predominant. The application of the 16S rRNA PCR revealed that 183 samples (39,6%) were positive for bacterial DNA; 22 of them, culture negative, were found to be positive for anaerobic (Fusobacterium necrophorum, Actinomyces israellii etc) and for fastidious microorganisms (Brucella mellitensis, Mycobacterium avium). Conclusion DNIs represent a medical and surgical emergency and evidence-guided empirical treatment with intravenous infusion of antibiotics at the time of diagnosis is mandatory, highlighting the importance of epidemiological studies regarding the causative microorganisms. Although, in our study, the predominant pathogens were S. pyogenes and S. aureus, the combination of culture and molecular assay revealed that anaerobic bacteria play also a significant role in the pathogenesis of DNIs. Based on the local epidemiology, we propose as empirical therapy the intravenous use of a beta-lactam /beta-lactamase inhibitor; metronidazole or clindamycin can be added only in specific cases such as in immunocompromised patients.

Prospective drug-induced liver injury (DILI) registries are important sources of information on idiosyncratic DILI. We aimed to present a comprehensive analysis of 843 patients with DILI enrolled into the Spanish DILI Registry over a 20-year time period. Cases were identified, diagnosed and followed prospectively. Clinical features, drug information and outcome data were collected. A total of 843 patients, with a mean age of 54 years (48% females), were enrolled up to 2018. Hepatocellular injury was associated with younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per year 0.983; 95% CI 0.974–0.991) and lower platelet count (aOR per unit 0.996; 95% CI 0.994–0.998). Anti-infectives were the most common causative drug class (40%). Liver-related mortality was more frequent in patients with hepatocellular damage aged ≥65 years (p = 0.0083) and in patients with underlying liver disease (p = 0.0221). Independent predictors of liver-related death/transplantation included nR-based hepatocellular injury, female sex, higher onset aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and bilirubin values. nR-based hepatocellular injury was not associated with 6-month overall mortality, for which comorbidity burden played a more important role. The prognostic capacity of Hy's law varied between causative agents. Empirical therapy (corticosteroids, ursodeoxycholic acid and MARS) was prescribed to 20% of patients. Drug-induced autoimmune hepatitis patients (26 cases) were mainly females (62%) with hepatocellular damage (92%), who more frequently received immunosuppressive therapy (58%). AST elevation at onset is a strong predictor of poor outcome and should be routinely assessed in DILI evaluation. Mortality is higher in older patients with hepatocellular damage and patients with underlying hepatic conditions. The Spanish DILI Registry is a valuable tool in the identification of causative drugs, clinical signatures and prognostic risk factors in DILI and can aid physicians in DILI characterisation and management. Clinical information on drug-induced liver injury (DILI) collected from enrolled patients in the Spanish DILI Registry can guide physicians in the decision-making process. We have found that older patients with hepatocellular type liver injury and patients with additional liver conditions are at a higher risk of mortality. The type of liver injury, patient sex and analytical values of aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin can also help predict clinical outcomes. [Display omitted] • Clinical parameters can help predict DILI phenotype and outcome. • Older patients with cytolitic DILI and those with liver disease have worse outcome. • Serum AST at DILI onset should be assessed as it strongly predicts poor outcome. • Prognostic potential of Hy's law in DILI varies between causative agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of clinical and subclinical mastitis in two dairy farms with 500 and 114 cows each was studied. The causative agents have been identified and their antimicrobial susceptibility has been determined. In farm A, 44 cows (8.8%) with mastitis were observed - 3 with clinical and 41 with subclinical forms. Pathogenic microflora was isolated from 35 cows (79.5%). Were identified 64 strains: 30 (46.9%) Streptococcus spp. and 34 (53.1%) Staphylococcus spp. All staphylococci and streptococci showed sensitivity to Amoxicillin/Clav. acid. All staphylococci also showed sensitivity to Cephalothin, Gentamicin and Rifampicin. In farm B, 26 cows (22.8%) with mastitis were diagnosed - 10 with clinical and 16 with subclinical forms. Pathogenic microflora was isolated from 19 cows (73.1%). Were identified 24 strains: 8 (33.3%) Streptococcus spp. and 16 (66.7%) Staphylococcus spp. All streptococci showed sensitivity to Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin/Clav. acid, Cephalothin, Erythromycin, Gentamicin, Tetracycline, Rifampicin and Enrofloxacin. Susceptibility to Amoxicillin/Clav. acid, Cefoxitin, Cephalothin, Lincomycin, Gentamicin, Tetracycline, Rifampicin and Enrofloxacin was found in all staphylococci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review highlights origin, symptoms, diagnosis, causative agents, mode of transmission and persistence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) through human activities. In the current scenario researchers, doctors and scientists are striving to combat the transmission of COVID-19 among society. Origin and growth of pandemic has raised the serious concern to address the causative agents, mode of transmission, persistence, preventive measures, diagnosis and possibilities of treatment. The broad-spectrum antiviral antiphrastic, complementary and alternative medicines are currently proposed for possible eradication of the pandemic. The current world is relying on, prevention and control of infection through sanitization and quarantine and onwards waiting for appropriate virucidal agents, sanitizers and strategic vaccination and immunization to combat the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2. Eradication of COVID-19 under stringent guidelines of WHO regarding social practices, intensive care, administration of complementary medicines and innovation of vaccines are under active considerations across the world to combat the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infection (UTI) has been considered a common health problem that affects millions of people and occurs with a high prevalence in women. The increase in bacterial resistance due to the misuse and abuse of antibiotics is worrisome, which complicates the choice of treatment. The bacteria that cause UTI are usually Gram negative that come from the intestine, such as Escherichia coli which represents 75% to 95%, the rest are caused by Klebsiella sp, Proteus sp and Enterobacter sp, Gram positive cocci such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Streptococcus agalactiae. The objective of this research is to identify the most frequently isolated microorganisms in the Latin American population. Also, know patterns of sensitivity and antibiotics used in positive urine cultures causing UTI. A bibliographic review of scientific articles was carried out, based on updated information during the last five years in the Latin American population, in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The main sources of information were PubMed, Elsevier, Scielo, among others. After studying and analyzing each of the articles, it was confirmed that Escherichia coli is the most frequent causal agent in UTIs, with amikacin being the antibiotic with the highest sensitivity in the population analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine optimal regimes of antibacterial therapy on different stages of acute pancreatitis (AP) clinical course and susceptibility of causative agents, which cause AP infectious complications (IC), to antibiotics. 119 patients with severe and moderate AP were enrolled to the study. The I group was formed from 57 patients (treated during 2015-2016 years). The II group included 62 patient (treated during 2017-2018 years). Antibiotics from reserve group were used for infectious complications' prophylaxis in the I group. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were administrated in the II group. There were no statistically significant difference in the arise of IC (I group - 24,5%; II group - 25,8%; p=1,0). Associations of microorganisms were found in 18,5% samples in the I group and 47,4% in the II. There were 23,8% antibiotics with sensitivity more then 50% in the I group and 19,2% in the II. 10,0% of IC causative agents produced extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) in the I group. In the II group there were 29,6% ESBL-producing microorganisms. Causative agents of IC in patients with AP are in majority microorganisms, which are resistant to several antibiotics. This characteristic of microorganisms does not depend on type of drug, which is used for prophylactic antibiotic administration during early stages of AP clinical course. The increase of ESBL producing bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and microorganisms' associations among IC causative agents is observed. Administration of antibiotics from reserve group in case of IC occurrence is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pediatrie pro Praxi is the property of SOLEN sro and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Despite their partial diagnosis and registration, nosocomial infections are widespread in Bulgaria and they are of great healthcare, social and economic importance for the society. Statistical processing of official information for the period 2011-2016 shows that the incidence of registered NI among hospitalized patients in Bulgaria is below 1%. In the clinical structure of NI in the above mentioned period, the infections of the surgical site are leading with a prevailing share of 20.67%. S. aureus (19.74%) and E. coli (19.33%) have the highest incidence in the etiological deciphering of infections of the surgical site. Leading etiological agents of lower respiratory tract infections (including pneumonia) in Bulgaria are Acinetobacter spp. (24.12%) and Pseudomonas spp. (20.18%). Urinary tract infections have a relative share of 15.08% in the clinical structure of NI. They are primarily caused by E. coli (28.95%). In bloodstream infection, coagulase-negative staphylococci (S. epidermidis prevailing) are isolated in 30.58% of the cases.

Cervical infections are common problems among women, specially of reproductive age, in Iraq ,and are one of numerous risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer . The aim of this study was to investigate the causative agents of cervicitis and their association with cytopathological changes among 67 cases of women, aged from 16 to 60 years, who attended the National Cancer Research Center / University of Baghdad, Iraq , during the period from April to December 2018 . The age group 36-40 had the highest percentage of cervical infections 13/16 (81.3%) while the age group 56-60 had the lowest percentage 2/6 (33.3%). Specific microbial inflammations were found in 51/67(76.1%) of the cases, as detected by microbiological examinations, while 49/67(73.13%) were of nonspecific inflammations. The main causative agent of cervical infections was Candida albicans: 36/67(53.7%) fallowed by : Neisseria gonorhoeae 5/67(7.5%) , enteric bacteria 6/67( 8.9%) and Trichomonas vaginalis 4/67(5.9%),. The cyto-diagnosis , as detected by using pap smears examination, revealed some cases 6/67(8.9%) of suggestive of human papillomavirus HPV(Koilocytotic Atypia) with ASCUS (Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance ) mixed with monillia infections and only two of these cases showed CIN1 (Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia ) 2/67( 2.98%). The other cytopathological finding was atypical dysplasia of endocervical epithelial cell which showed in cases 18/36(50%) of monillia infections, 2/4(50%) of Trichomonas infections,3/6(50%) of enteric infections and in 4/5(80%) of Neisseria infections .While atypical Metaplasia found in cases 6/36(16.7%) of monillia infections ,1/6(16.7) of enteric infections and 1/5(20%) of Neisseria infections. There was only 1/36(2.8%) of AGUS (Atypical Glandular Cells of Undetermined Significance) found in case of monillia infections. Benign looking of cervical cells , as resulted in pap smear tests , mostly found in cases of Trichomonas infections 2/4(50%) , while showed in 2/6(33.3%) of enteric infections and in11/36(30.6%) of monillia infections. There were no benign looking cells of cervical in cases of Neisseria infections. Meanwhile, no women had adenocarcinoma according to Bethesda classification during this study. Although there was no incidence of cervical malignant cells seen in our study and only few cases showed CIN1(premalignant disease of the cervix), cytological screening should gain much popularity and should be accessible to all in order to prevent such serious pathological problems. In Iraq, more attention should be paid for the important causation of cervicitis in women suffering from it because inflammatory and atypical changes on cervical cytology among women tested often indicate the presence of a sexually acquired infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calf diarrhea caused by infectious agents is associated with economic losses in the cattle industry. The purpose of this study was to identify the causative agents and epidemiological characteristics of diarrhea in Korean native calves (KNC). In total, 207 diarrheal KNC aged less than 7 months were investigated. Fecal samples collected from the rectum were examined for causative agents using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or real-time PCR and the number of oocysts were counted. Fourteen causative agents were detected from 164 of the 207 diarrheal KNC. Rotavirus was the most common agent (34.8%), followed by Eimeria spp. (31.7%), Escherichia coli (22.0%), Giardiaspp. (14.0%), Clostridium difficile(9.8%), bovine viral diarrhea virus (8.5%), coronavirus (7.9%), Cryptosporidium spp. (7.3%), torovirus (6.7%), parvovirus (5.5%), norovirus (4.9%), kobuvirus (1.8%), adenovirus (1.2%), and Salmonella spp. (0.6%). About 95 (57.9%) of 164 calves were infected with a single causative agent and 42.1% were infected by multiple agents. No significant difference was observed in mortality between calves infected with a single agent and multiple agents. The occurrence of diarrhea caused by rotavirus, Eimeria spp., kobuvirus, and Giardia spp. was significantly different based on onset age, and the prevalence of diarrhea caused by rotavirus or C. difficilewas significantly different between seasons. This study help the understanding of KNC diarrhea for the development of an effective strategy for disease prevention and control, especially in Eastern provinces of South Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract There is an extensive body of medical and scientific research literature on visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Crimean Peninsula and the southern part of The Russian Federation that is written in Russian, making it inaccessible to the majority of people who are interested in the leishmaniases in general and VL in particular. This review and summary in English of VL in what was Imperial Russia, which then became the Soviet Union and later a number of different independent states intends to give access to that majority. There are numerous publications in Russian on VL and, mostly, those published in books and the main scientific journals have been included here. The vast geographical area encompassed has been subdivided into four main parts: the southern Caucasus, covering Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia; Central Asia, covering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan; the Crimean Peninsula and the northern Caucasus, which is part of The Russian Federation. Only rare cases of VL have been recorded in the northern Caucasus and Crimean Peninsula. In the other countries mentioned, human VL has been more intense but epidemics like those associated with L. donovani in India and East Africa have not occurred. For most of the countries, there are sections on the distribution, clinical aspects, the causative agent, the reservoirs and the vectors. Serological surveys and research into therapy are also covered. Recent studies on VL in Uzbekistan covered the application of serological, biochemical and molecular biological methods to diagnose human and canine VL, to identify the leishmanial parasites causing them in Uzbekistan and neighbouring Tajikistan and the epidemiology of VL in the Namangan Region of the Pap District, Eastern Uzbekistan. More recently, two studies were carried out in Georgia investigating the prevalence of human and canine VL, and the species composition of phlebotomine sand flies and their rates of infection with what was probably L. infantum in Tbilisi, eastern Georgia and Kutaisi, a new focus, in western Georgia. Though published in English, summaries of this information have been included where relevant to update the parts on VL in Uzbekistan and Georgia.

Success of recent introductions of elk (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758) in Mexico partly depends upon elk-livestock interactions and conflicts. Disease can impact reproduction of elk and cattle, but is seldom considered in wild ruminants when reproductive output declines. We surveyed serological exposure of elk to causative agents in a bovine abortion profile (i.e., agents of brucellosis, leptospirosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea, and neosporosis), as these diseases can negatively affect reproduction of cattle and elk, which frequently co-occur. We determined seroprevalence of exposure to these agents and used hierarchical logistic regression to model both pregnancy and lactation status (a surrogate for calf survival to weaning) as a function of population and exposure to disease causative agents. Tested elk populations were exposed to 2-4 of the agents except for Brucella abortus, which was not present. Pregnancy varied by population (P < 0.016) but not by exposure to any agent (P > 0.213). Proportion of females lactating in autumn did not vary among populations (P > 0.247) nor by exposure to any agent (P > 0.281). Exposure did not affect productivity of elk, despite exposure levels reflective of previous surveys throughout North America and low pregnancy and calf survival in some populations. Because all surveyed elk populations showed exposure to bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), IBR would be the most likely disease to be introduced with elk, although risk is low given high seroprevalence to BHV-1 among cattle in Mexico. Conversely, brucellosis is endemic in Mexico and can significantly impact productivity of elk. Thus, contracting brucellosis from cattle is the highest disease-related threat to elk introductions or translocation in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objective Onychomycosis (OM) or fungal nail infection is one of the most common fungal infections, which is increasingly prevalent. OM is caused by dermatophytes spp, yeasts and non-dermatophyte moulds (NDMs). The purpose of this study was to identify and determine the prevalence rates, predisposing factors and causative agents of OM using clinical symptoms and microscopic morphometric findings. Materials and methods In the present study, 180 patients suspected of OM were evaluated by direct microscopy using KOH 20%, culturing in Mycosel and Sabouraud dextrose agar media and Olysia software for identifying the causative fungi of OM. Results From 180 referred patients, 118 (65.56%) had OM, of whom 79 (66.94%) were positive for infection with dermatophytes spp. Of the 79 cases, the commonest age group was 61-70 years (21%) with males being 46 (58.23%) and females being 33 (41.77%). Both the fingernail and toenail infections were most prevalent in male patients. Sex, diabetes and age above 60 years were significant predisposing factors for OM development. DLSO was observed as the only clinical pattern of OM and T. rubrum was the commonest dermatophyte isolate (49.34%). Conclusion This study showed that T. rubrum was the most common dermatophyte agent of OM in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhinosinusitis (RS) is inflammation of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses (PNS) which manifests itself in two or more symptoms:  nasal congestion or discharge, sometimes also headache and partial loss of smell.

Abstract. A comparative analysis of the results of bacteriological study of blood samples obtained from 1608 patients with secondary immunodeficiency of different origins has been conducted. It was established that within the spectrum of pathogens of bacteremia in these onco-urological profile patients, enterobacteria was the predominant one. In post–liver transplantation patients micromycete was predominant, and for wounded patients and victims with serious injuries staphylococci were more often isolated.

Background: Skin and soft tissue infections are among the most prevalent infections requiring medical intervention, with abscesses being a clinically important subset. Identification of a causative organism is useful for clinical decision-making and tailoring infection management. The extent to which causative agents are reflected in clinical coding data has been grossly understudied, despite its importance for statistical and financial purposes. Methods: An audit of admissions to a London hospital, between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2016, was performed. Analysis was undertaken to identify whether the discharge documentation, clinical coding reports and microbiological results showed concordance in the detailing of causative organisms associated with abscesses. The impact of incongruity on hospital management was reviewed. Results: Of 664 admissions, 309 (46.5%) did not have a microbial swab taken at the site of the abscess. 164 (24.7%) of the admissions had positive results for one or more causative agents. Of these cases, 135 (82.3%) did not have the determined agents captured in the clinical coding reports. Capturing absent agents in the coding reports resulted in 120 Healthcare Resource Group (HRG) changes. Amendments culminated in a 77.1% uplift in total financial reimbursement of £104 190. Conclusion: Causative agents were not consistently recorded in the coding reports for admissions requiring abscess management. Omission carries negative implications for epidemiology, public health planning and financial reimbursement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To describe the bacterial and fungal organisms in otitis externa patients without other risk factors for fungal infections. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional cohort descriptive study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ear swabs were obtained from 362 patients aged 1 to 55 years old with clinically diagnosed otitis externa in Erzurum, Turkey, between January 2006 and April 2007, and cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi, using EMB, 5% sheep's blood, chocolate agar, anaerobic blood agar plate, thioglycollate broth and sabaroud agar using standard microbiological technique to diagnose isolates. RESULTS: 219 cultures were positive and a total of 267 isolates were obtained. Of the isolates, 68.16% (n: 182) were aerobic or facultative bacteria, 1.12 % (3) were anaerobic bacteria, 30.71 % (82) were fungi and 17.5 % (38) were polymicrobial infections. CONCLUSION: Fungal organisms especially Candida species may be isolated from ears of otitis externa patients without fungal infection risk factors such as ear self-cleaning, local antimicrobial, antifungal or corticosteroid drops or systemic antimicrobial or antifungal agents within the preceding week. Bacterial and fungal cultures may be recommended, and anti-fungal agents may be added, to treatment regimens in patients with otitis externa.OBJETIVO: Descrever fungos e bactérias presentes em pacientes com otite externa sem fator de risco para infecções fúngicas. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Estudo descritivo de coorte transversal. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Amostras por raspagem de cotonetes (swabs) no ouvido foram obtidas de 362 pacientes com idades entre 1 e 55 anos, com diagnóstico clínico de otite externa em Erzurum, Turquia, entre janeiro de 2006 e abril de 2007. Essas amostras foram cultivadas em meio de cultura, 5% de sangue de ovelha, ágar chocolate, ágar sangue anaeróbio, banho em tioglicolato e ágar Saboroud, usando técnicas padrão de microbiologia para identificar os isolados. RESULTADOS: Obtivemos 219 culturas positivas e 267 isolados. Dos isolados, 68,16% (n: 182) eram bactérias aeróbias ou facultativas, 1,12 % (3) eram bactérias anaeróbias, 30,71 % (82) eram fungos e 17.5 % (38) eram germes polimicrobianos. CONCLUSÃO: Fungos, especialmente espécies de Candida podem ser encontradas em ouvidos de pacientes com otite externa sem fatores de risco para infecção fúngica tais como autolimpeza do ouvido, uso de antimicrobiano local, corticosteroides ou antifúngicos tópicos ou agentes antibacterianos e antifúngicos sistêmicos na semana anterior. Culturas de bactérias e fungos podem ser recomendadas, e agentes antifúngicos podem ser acrescentados a esquemas de tratamento de pacientes com otite externa.

Background: Healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) represents a major problem for patient safety worldwide.Aim: To demonstrate the prevalence, causative agents, and risk factors for HCAI in Chinese hospitals.Methods: A one-day point-prevalence survey was conducted in 52 Chinese hospitals between October 2014 and March 2015. A web-based software system was developed for data entry and management.Findings: Among 53,939 patients surveyed, the prevalence of patients with at least one HCAI was 3.7%. Of 2182 HCAI episodes, the most frequently occurring types were lower respiratory tract infections (47.2%), followed by urinary tract infection (12.3%), upper respiratory tract infection (11.0%), and surgical site infection (6.2%). The prevalence of patients with at least one HCAI in critical care units was highest (17.1%). Device-associated infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, and central catheter-associated bloodstream infection, accounted for only 7.9% of all HCAIs. The most frequently isolated micro-organisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa [206 infections (9.4%)], Acinetobacter baumannii [172 infections (7.9%)], Klebsiella pneumoniae [160 infections (7.3%)], and Escherichia coli [145 infections (6.6%)]. Of the survey patients (18,206/53,939), 33.8% were receiving at least one antimicrobial agent at the time of the survey. Risk factors for HCAI included older age (≥80 years), male gender, days of hospital admission, admission into a critical care unit, and device utilization.Conclusion: Our study suggests that the overall prevalence of HCAI in surveyed Chinese hospitals was lower than that reported from most European countries and the USA. More attention should be given to the surveillance and prevention of non-device-associated HCAI in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the bacteria associated with mastitis in she- camel and to evaluate the sensitivity of these bacteria to antibiotics. Three hundred and thirty seven milk samples were collected from she- camel from Red Sea state and examined by White Side Test (WST), 40(11.87%) were positive and 297(88.13%) were negative. From the positive samples 115 organism were isolated. Isolation and identification of the bacteria is according to a standard cultures technique. It resulted in that the most predominant cause of she-camel mastitis is Staphylococcus spp. (74%). The other causes were Streptococcus spp.(15%), Corynebacterium spp.(1%), Anaerobic cocci spp.(2%), Bacillus spp.(4%),and Micrococcus spp.(4%).The Staphylococcus spp. isolated were S.aureus (58.07%), S.epidermidis(1.74%),S.hyicus (2.61%),S.simulans (0.87%), S. warnei (1.74%), S.lominis (0.87%), S.kloosii (5.22%), S.sciuri (0.27%) and S.lentus (2.61%) The sensitivity of these bacterial isolates to antibiotics was done using Oxoid discs. The results of the sensitivity test showed that the Staphylococcus spp. were highly sensitive to Ampicillin, Tetracycline and Gentamycin, while they are resistant to Erythromycin and Nalidixic acid. The Streptococcus aglactiae, Strep.dysglactiae and Strep uberis were sensitive to all tested antibiotic preparations, but resistant to Nalidixic acid antibiotic. The sensitivity of other isolates was not significant compared to the major isolates. It is concluded that the most dominant cause of mastitis in she- camels of the Red-Sea State of Sudan is Staphylococcus spp. and the most effective antibiotics against most of the isolated organisms are Tetracycline, chloramphenicol Gentamycin, Ampicillin and kanamycin [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At least 14.6% of paediatric hospital episodes in England were due to infections in 2014/15. The clinical coding of infection aetiology is required for healthcare planning, epidemiology and financial reimbursement. The degree to which causative agents are recorded in infection coding datasets is unknown, and its importance for remuneration and other secondary uses has not been studied. Methods: An audit of bronchiolitis admissions to a London children's hospital was performed between 1 August 2014 and 31 July 2015. The agreement between the discharge documentation, coding reports and results of a Respiratory Virus Molecular Panel was assessed by clinicians and a coding professional. The impact of errors on data quality and finances was reviewed. Results: Of the 74 admissions, 52 (70.3%) did not have identified causative agents accurately represented in the coding, with inadequate clinical documentation being the leading cause (53.8%). In total, 29 hospital admissions were assigned to an incorrect Healthcare Resource Group, highlighting a potential for a further financial gain of £25388, or a 38.5% increase, on gross reimbursement. Conclusions: Causative agents were not reliably reflected in the coding dataset, with negative effects on secondary uses. This model could be applied to other infections to improve the veracity of infection coding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microbiological investigation of 14 year old children with meningeal and infectious syndromes was held. Bacterial meningitis was diagnosed in 90,9% patients. The meningococcal meningitis was diagnosed in 18 (30%) patients, H. influenzae meningitis - in 9 (15%), S. pneumoniae - in 8 (13,3%). Meningitis as a monoinfection was revealed in 85% cases; mixed infection - in 15%. In 28 patients the etiologic agents of disease were gram-negative, in 16 children -gram-positive bacteria. Causative agents of bacterial meningitis were more resistant to penicillin, ampicillin and eritromycin

There is an extensive body of medical and scientific research literature on visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Crimean Peninsula and the southern part of The Russian Federation that is written in Russian, making it inaccessible to the majority of people who are interested in the leishmaniases in general and VL in particular. This review and summary in English of VL in what was Imperial Russia, which then became the Soviet Union and later a number of different independent states intends to give access to that majority. There are numerous publications in Russian on VL and, mostly, those published in books and the main scientific journals have been included here. The vast geographical area encompassed has been subdivided into four main parts: the southern Caucasus, covering Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia; Central Asia, covering Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan; the Crimean Peninsula and the northern Caucasus, which is part of The Russian Federation. Only rare cases of VL have been recorded in the northern Caucasus and Crimean Peninsula. In the other countries mentioned, human VL has been more intense but epidemics like those associated with L. donovani in India and East Africa have not occurred. For most of the countries, there are sections on the distribution, clinical aspects, the causative agent, the reservoirs and the vectors. Serological surveys and research into therapy are also covered. Recent studies on VL in Uzbekistan covered the application of serological, biochemical and molecular biological methods to diagnose human and canine VL, to identify the leishmanial parasites causing them in Uzbekistan and neighbouring Tajikistan and the epidemiology of VL in the Namangan Region of the Pap District, Eastern Uzbekistan. More recently, two studies were carried out in Georgia investigating the prevalence of human and canine VL, and the species composition of phlebotomine sand flies and their rates of infection with what was probably L. infantum in Tbilisi, eastern Georgia and Kutaisi, a new focus, in western Georgia. Though published in English, summaries of this information have been included where relevant to update the parts on VL in Uzbekistan and Georgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Sepsis is one of the most serious bacterial infections. The diagnosis of sepsis is clinical. Microbiologists can detect bacteremia, which however is not present in all septic patients, by the procedure called blood culture.Methods:Blood culture is a semi-automated procedure of culturing blood in liquid media to detect and identify the causative agents. It is important to take 2 to 3 blood cultures with adequate volume of blood. The new, faster methods for bacterial identification from positive blood cultures and molecular methods for the detection of bacterial DNA directly from a blood sample are also becoming available.Results:In the years 2006 to 2011, the number of blood cultures obtained from patients in the University Medical Centre in Ljubljana, Institute of Oncology and the General hospital of Trbovlje (from 2007) was constantly increasing, from 18,404 in 2006 to 25,214 in 2011. The number of patients with positive blood culture/s increased from 1,033 in 2006 to 1,396 in 2011. The rate of blood culture positivity ranged from 10.9 % to 12.3 %. The ratio between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was approximately 50:50 %. In all the years under study, Escherichia coliwas the most frequent pathogenic isolate (19.2 % to 22.9 %), followed by Staphylococcus aureus(15.3 % to 17.4 %). Klebsiellaspp. represented 5.3 % to 8.3 % of isolates, Pseudomonas aeruginosa1.8 % to 3.4 %, Streptococcus pneumoniae2.9 % to 4.7 %, Enterococcusspp. 5.4 % to 8.1 %, anaerobes 2.1 % to 3.2 %. Coagulase-negative staphylococci decreased from 23.3 % to 16.9 %. Today, bacteria are identified by the fast and accurate method of mass spectrometry. Bacteria can alternativelly be detected directly from blood by the molecular tests.Conclusions:Blood culture is a very common procedure, its rate of positivity is stable. Among bacteria, the number and the proportion of pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, S. aureusand S. pneumoniaeis increasing and the proportion of contaminants is decreasing

Gastroenteritis is one of the leading causes of illness and death in children under five-years old, especially in developing countries. It is also one of the leading causes of deaths among this population in Gaza strip. This study conducted to determine the incidence of different enteric pathogens causing community gastroenteritis among kindergarten children in Gaza. One hundred and fifty stool samples were collected and investigated for parasitic, viral, and bacterial pathogens at Al Azhar microbiology laboratories using standard microbiological and serological procedures. Out of the 150 study population, the overall percentage of positive stool samples with a known enteric pathogen was 60.6%. The incidence of different enteric pathogens causing community gastroenteritis in diarrhea cases was significantly higher than in controls (88.5% versus 11.1%). The most prevalent enteric pathogens isolated were Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia Iambiia (28%, 26.7% respectively). Rotavirus was found in 3.1% of cases but not detected in controls; adenovirus types 40 and 41 were not detected. The bacterial enteric pathogens Shigella and Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (EHEC) had similar rates as rotavirus (3.1%); no Salmonella was found. 7.4% of children had more than one pathogen detected. This study demonstrated a high percentage of parasitic enteropathogens and a relatively low percentage of bacterial and viral enteropathogens among kindergarten children. Children aged three had the highest incidence of isolated enteropathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a destructive invasive infection of skin, subcutaneous tissue and deep fascia. The aim of the study is to determine the causative agents of NF, its localisation, predisposing factors and comorbid conditions, duration of treatment and distribution of NF in different age groups and over the years. We conducted a retrospective study including 22 patients with NF from 2005 to 2010 in the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. The data were collected and analysed from the archives and protocols of the University Clinical Center of Kosovo. The average age of patients was 56·9 years. In eight cases or 36·4% of total patients studied, NF was caused by monobacterial agents with a predominance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (five cases or 22·7% of total infections). Polybacterial agents were responsible for NF infection in other 14 cases (63·6%). Majority of the patients had other comorbidities like diabetes, trauma and prior history of surgical interventions. Diabetes was present in 17 patients or 77·3%. The remaining five patients (22·7%) had previous trauma and recent surgical intervention. Average length of treatment was 43 days. The hospital mortality rate in our case series was 22·6%. Early identification and diagnosis of NF significantly improves outcome and reduces mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article investigates the clinical signs, venous blood gases and cytokine production in naturally infected calves with bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The researchers detected bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV) in the diseased calves. Bacteria such as Mannheimia hemolytica, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus were detected in the lungs of infected calves, while respiration rate and rectal temperature significantly increased. Findings showed the respiratory acidosis as well as the presence of serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in infected calves. Clinical recovery of the affected calves were induced by tulathromycin and carprofen treatment.

The estrogenic activity of the effluent from three municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Nanjing, China, was investigated. The water samples were enriched by solid-phase extraction and then eluted with different polar solvents, which gave 11 fractionated extracts. Chemical analysis and a vitellogenin (Vtg) assay in goldfish (Carassias auratus) were then utilized to evaluate the estrogenic activities 7 d after a single injection of the effluent extracts of WWTPs and to identify causative agents that led to the induction of Vtg in male fish. The results reveal that Vtg induction occurred primarily in response to the 75 to 90% methanol extracts, and different concentrations of the natural estrogens estrone (E1) and 17β-estradiol (E2) were detected in these extracts. As the Vtg induction increased, the plasma E2 levels increased, and a correlation between Vtg and E2 does exist. Furthermore, the gonadal somatic index (GSI) did not decrease significantly (p > 0.05) when the Vtg concentrations were elevated after 7 d. Different concentrations of estrogens were detected in the effluents, which demonstrated that the current treatment processes employed by the three WWTPs could not fully remove these compounds. As a result, the aquatic organisms in the receiving water (Yangtze River) were at a risk of feminization. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1279–1286. © 2010 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]