Enterococcus Sp Research Articles

TREATMENT OF VASCULITIS AND DERMATITIS IN A 59-YR-OLD NILE HIPPOPOTAMUS (HIPPOPOTAMUS AMPHIBIUS)

A 59-yr-old female Nile hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) was diagnosed and treated for severe dermatitis. Lesions included large areas of depigmentation, erosions, and ulcerations on glabrous skin areas, limbs, and perineal region. Histopathologic lesions included a markedly edematous, focally eroded, ulcerative to necrotic epidermis; foci of keratinocyte apoptosis; and a mixed suppurative dermatitis. Most of the dermal vessels had variable hyalinized walls with plump endothelial cells and frequent intramural neutrophils, and some vessels had vascular thrombi consistent with vasculitis. Culture of the lesions yielded beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, Morganella morgannii, and Enterococcus sp. The hippopotamus was successfully treated with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, amoxicillin, and pentoxifylline for more than 2 mo, and the condition did not recur over the subsequent 16 mo.

Fever, Abnormal White Blood Cell Count, Neutrophilia, and Elevated Serum C-Reactive Protein in Adult Hospitalized Patients with Bacteremia

Relatively little is known about the prevalence of and factors associated with the absence of fever, normal white blood cell count (WBC), lack of neutrophilia, and the frequency of elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in adult hospitalized patients with bacteremia. Frequencies of fever (temperature ≥ 100°F), abnormal WBC count (≥ 10,000/μL or <4500/μL), neutrophilia (neutrophils ≥ 80%) and potential factors that may be associated with negative results, and frequency of elevated serum CRP were studied retrospectively in 622 bacteremic episodes in adult patients at a community teaching hospital. The frequencies of individual parameters were as follows: fever, 78.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 74.9%-81.6%); abnormal WBC count, 65.2% (95% CI 61.3%-69.0%); neutrophilia, 67.5% (95% CI 63.7%-71.2%); and elevated CRP (>0.8 mg/dL), 98.4% (95% CI 97%-99.2%). Age 50 years and older, corticosteroid use, and isolation of either Staphylococcus sp not aureus or Enterococcus sp combined were independently associated with the absence of fever (P ≤ 0.01 for all). Isolation of Staphylococcus sp not aureus/Enterococcus and lack of corticosteroid use were independently associated with normal WBC (P < 0.05 for both). Nonwhite race and primary bacteremia were independently associated with lack of neutrophilia (P < 0.05 for both). Absence of fever, normal WBC, and lack of neutrophilia are common in patients with bacteremia and may be confounded by a variety of factors; however, serum CRP remains elevated in the majority (>98%) of bacteremic episodes.

Synthesis, antioxidant, and antibacterial studies of phenolic esters and amides of 2-(1-benzofuran-2-yl) quinoline-4-carboxylic acid

A new series of phenolic esters 2(a–j) and amides 3(a–c) of 2-(1-benzofuran-2-yl) quinoline-4-carboxylic acid were synthesized by the reaction of 2-(1-benzofuran-2-yl)-quinoline-4-carboxylic acid (1) with various substituted phenols and secondary amines using ethyl-(N′,N′-dimethylamino)propyl carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC.HCl) as a coupling agent. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Among all tested compounds 2a, 2c, 2e, and 2h showed good chelating ability with Fe+2 ions, whereas compounds 2g and 2j exhibited good scavenging activity with DPPH free radicals. Concerning antibacterial activities compounds 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2h were found to be equipotent to ampicillin against Enterococcus sp and Staphylococcus aureus, while compound 2e is found to be as potent as ampicillin against Pantoea Dispersa and Ochrobactrum sp. amide derivatives 3(a–c) were found to be less potent when compared to standard.

Hospital Readmissions for Catheter‐Related Bloodstream Infection and Use of Ethanol Lock Therapy

Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is the most serious long-term infectious complication of long-term home parenteral nutrition (PN). Ethanol is being used more commonly as a catheter locking solution in the home PN setting for prevention of CRBSI; however, no current literature reports the use of ethanol lock (ETL) in skilled nursing facility (SNF) patients. The authors evaluated the number of hospital readmissions for CRBSI and length of stay between SNF (not receiving ETL) and home patients (receiving or not receiving ETL) receiving PN or intravenous fluid therapy. SNF patients had a significantly longer length of stay (LOS) for CRBSI hospital admissions compared with patients receiving PN at home with or without ETL (P < .001; 16 vs 8 vs 8 days). There was no LOS difference for CRBSI between home patients with or without ETL. Home PN patients not receiving ETL were more likely to have a CRBSI from Staphylococcus sp (48% vs 27%; P = .015), whereas SNF PN patients not receiving ETL were more likely to have a CRBSI from Enterococcus sp (16% vs 3%; P = .004). Despite different causative organisms and medical acuity likely affecting the differences observed in LOS, the SNF population is another setting ETL can be used to prevent CRBSI.

Phyto-synthesis of silver nanoscale particles using Morinda citrifolia L. and its inhibitory activity against human pathogens

Leaf extract of Morinda citrifolia L. was assessed for the synthesis of silver nanoscale particles under different temperature and reaction time. Synthesized nanoscale (MCAgNPs) particles were confirmed by analysing the excitation of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using UV–visible spectrophotometer at 420nm. Further SEM, HRTEM analysis confirmed the range of particle size between 10 and 60nm and SEAD pattern authorizes the face centered cubic (fcc) crystalline nature of the MCAgNPs. Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR) of synthesized MCAgNPs confirms the presence of high amount of phenolic compounds in the plant extract which may possibly influence the reduction process and stabilization of nanoparticles. Further, inhibitory activity of MCAgNPs and plant extract were tested against human pathogens like Eschericia coli, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Bacillus cereus and Enterococci sp. The results indicated that the MCAgNPs showed moderate inhibitory actions against human pathogens than crude plant extract, demonstrating its antimicrobial value against pathogenic diseases.

The effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplemented enteral feeding on the microbiotic flora of preterm infants-double blinded randomized control trial

Background and AimIntestinal flora of preterms, dominantly presents with decreased amounts of physiological microbiota. This double blinded randomized control trial compared the stool of bottle fed preterms, randomized to receive lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) 6x109or placebo with formula feeding. Study design46 enterally fed preterms were randomized to receive probiotics or placebo within 0–3days after birth. All personnel were blinded to treatment assignment. Faecal sampling was preformed at day 7, 21, 42. Presence of LGG colonization, somatic growth and length of hospital stay were recorded. Results60 patients were initially identified and enrolled but after exclusion criteria were applied, 21 babies were analyzed in the probiotic group and 26 in the placebo group. The number of lactobacillus were significantly higher (p=0.014) on day 7, and 21 (p=0.024) in the study group, and so was the number of enterobacteriaceae on all study days (p=0.004, p=0.000, p=0.000), and Enterococcus sp on day 21 (p=0.000). The amount of samples positive for staphylococci was significantly higher in the study group, on days 7 and 42 (p=0.001 and 0.011). We did not show a significant difference in weight gain upon discharge between the groups p=0.567, 95% CI (−168; 305) or mean of hospital stay p=0.421 95% CI (−13.43;5.71). ConclusionsA preterm infant formula with an addition of probiotics leads to a rapid growth of LGG in the gut of bottle fed infants, but does not decrease the amount of pathogenic organisms, nor increase weight gain during enteral feeding, or decrease length of hospital stay.

Agentes etiológicos de infecciones del tracto urinario y su res istencia a antibióticos en población pediátrica; Medellín, Colombia

Antecedentes: La infección urinaria es una de las causas más frecuentes de consulta en la población pediátrica. En la mayoría de los casos manejada empíricamente, siendo el Trimetoprim/sulfametoxazol el antibiótico más utilizado. El propósito de esta investigación es establecer la frecuencia de los diferentes agentes etiológicos causantes de infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU), su resistencia y sensibilidad a losantibióticos en población pediátrica.Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de 180 historias clínicas de niños menores de 14 años que ingresaron a una unidad de segundo nivel de atención en salud, del Valle de Aburrá.Resultados: Escherichia coli causó el 52.0% de las ITU, seguida del Enterococcus sp (26%). La resistencia al Trimetoprim/Sulfametoxazol fue del 80%, seguida por Ampicilina(71.4%) y Ciprofloxacina (61.5%). Los antibióticos con mejor respuesta fueron la Amikacina (94.4%) y la nitrofurantoína (93.3%). Se estableció que existe una relación significativa (p=0.003; OR= 2.53) entre urocultivo positivo para E. coli y pacientes con fiebre; el 6.11% de la población presentó malformación del tracto genitourinario.Conclusiones: Escherichia coli fue el agente más frecuente en infección del tracto urinario, presentando alta resistencia al Trimetoprim/Sulfametoxazol. La malformación más frecuente fue el reflujo vesicoureteral principalmente en menores de dos años; además se mostró la importancia de conocer los datos epidemiológicos locales y el comportamiento de estas bacterias, para un adecuado manejo y seguimiento de niños con infección del tracto urinario.

Isolamento e identificação de Enterococcus sp em infecções endodônticas primárias

This study aimed the isolation and biochemical characterization of Enterococcus sp from necrotic endodontic infections of 70 patients. Thirty-five Enterococcus strains were isolated, according to the following prevalence: 33 Enterococcus faecalis strains (94,28%), 1 sample of Enterococcus faecium (2,85%) and 1 sample of Enterococcus durans (2,85%). Painful symptoms were observed from 20 patients. Fetid odor and purulent discharge were observed in three teeth (8,57%) and according to the presence of edema,4 patients carried enterococci, and one patient (2,85%) presented fistulae drainage. E. faecalis was the major Enterococcus species isolated from root canal infections presenting signals and symptoms of peri-radicular inflammation.

Microorganisms associated with access-associated bacteremia in hemodialysis outpatients in Saudi Arabia

Results Out of 198 positive blood cultures recorded during the study, 174 (88%) were access-associated bacteremia. The majority (89%) of these bacteremias were cause by a single organism. Out of the 190 organism identified 51.6% gramnegatives, 39.5% gram-positives, 8.5% skin contaminants, and 0.5% fungi. There was no significant difference of the organism distribution between those with catheter and those with AV fistula or graft (p=0.973). Staphylococcus aureus (17.9%) and Enterococcus sp (16.8%) were the most common gram-positives. Klebsiella sp (13.2%), Enterobacter sp (11.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.8%) were the most common gram-negatives. Compared to NHSN centers, KAMC had significantly higher gram negative (47.9% vs 21.3%, p<0.001), lower skin contaminants (13.0% vs 43.1%, p<0.001), but similar gram-positives (39.7% vs 34.2%, p=0.171). Conclusion In KAMC hemodialysis patients known of their high rates of permanent catheter and access-associated bacteremia, gram negative rods were the most common organisms identified. The causes of such finding whether colonization pattern, catheter care, empirical antimicrobials, or patient cormorbidities need to be delineated in future studies.

Microbial spectrum and antibiotic susceptibility of uropathogens causing Urinary tract infection in pregnant women

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an intermittent cause of sickness in the pregnant women. A study was conducted to identify the microbial gamut and antibiotic vulnerability patterns of bacteria isolated from pregnant women with suspected urinary tract infection. In total, 75 urine specimens were screened for bacteriuria over a period of four months. Aseptically collected urine specimens were subjected to standard isolation and characterization procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed according to CLSI (2007). Five types of bacteria were isolated namely Escherichia coli 32(55%), Staphylococcus aureus 12 (21%), Enterococcus Sp 7 (12%), Klebseilla pneumoniae 4 (7%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3 (5%). All bacterial isolates exhibited efficacy to all the antibiotics namely fosfomycin (50mg), ciprofloxacin (10mg), trimethoprim &amp; sulfamethoxazole (25 mg), ampicillin (10 mg), nitrofurantoin (300 mg) and cefazolin (30mg) except amoxycillin. Ampicillin and ciprofloxacin exhibited illustrious efficacy at low concentration. Regular antimicrobial surveillance and reinforcement of appropriate antibiotic regimen in pregnant women with UTI will restrain the re‐emergence of antibiotic resistant uropathogens.

Antimicrobial Activities of Indole Alkaloids from Tabernaemontana catharinensis

Tabernaemontana catharinensis root bark ethanol extract, EB2 fraction and the MMV alkaloid (12-methoxy-4-methylvoachalotine) were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities. T. catharinensis ethanol extract was effective against both strains of the dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum at concentrations of 2.5 mg/mL (wild strain) and 1.25 mg/mL (mutant strain), while the EB2 fraction and MMV alkaloid showed a strong antifungal activity against wild and mutant strains with MIC values of <0.02 and 0.16 mg/mL, respectively. The EB2 fraction showed a strong antibacterial activity against ATCC strains of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa with MICs from <0.02 to 0.04 mg/mL, as well as against resistant clinical isolates species of Enterococcus sp, Klebsiella oxytoca, Citrobacter, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa with MIC values ranging from 0.04 to 0.08 mg/mL. The MMV alkaloid presented a MIC of 0.16 mg/mL against the strains of S. aureus and E. coli ATCC. For the resistant clinical isolates Enterococcus sp, Citrobacter, S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa the MIC of MMV ranged from 0.08 to 0.31 mg/mL. The chromatography analysis of the EB2 fraction revealed the presence of indole alkaloids, including MMV, possibly responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity.

The effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone-sodium hyaluronate gel (Gelclair) on oral microbial colonization and pain control compared with other rinsing solutions in patients with oral mucositis after allogeneic stem cells transplantation

SummaryBackgroundGelclair is an oral lubricating gel used in the management of oral mucositis (OM). We evaluated its efficacy, tolerance and impact on oral cavity microbial colonization in patients with OM after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells transplantation.Material/MethodGelclair was administered in a group of 22 patients with active OM. A control group of 15 patients used other rinsing solutions (chlorhexidine, benzydamine, salvia). Tests with oral cavity swabs for microbiology analysis were performed once a week.ResultsThe characteristics of OM in both groups were comparable, and rinsing solutions had satisfactory tolerability. There was no difference in the median improvement of oral intake and OM-related pain relief, which was assessed mostly as “slight effect”. In the Gelclair group, the effect duration was longer (median 3 [0–5] vs. 1 [0–3] hours, p=0.001). There was significant increase of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida sp. colonization of the oral cavity over the course of the hospitalization and significantly reduced incidence of such colonization in patients with OM in the Gelclair group: 1/22 (5%) vs. 6/15 (40%), p=0.01. In vitro tests showed inhibited growth of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida sp. colonies within the area of the Gelclair application.ConclusionsGelclair may be individually helpful in the management of OM and pain in patients after allogeneic stem cells transplantation. Its use did not lead to worsened oral bacterial and yeast colonization and probably even helped to protect mucosa from Enterococcus and Candida sp. Further studies based on larger cohorts are needed.

Changes in bacterial resistance patterns in children with urinary tract infections on antimicrobial prophylaxis at University Hospital in Split.

SummaryBackgroundWe assessed prevalence and resistance of uropathogens on antimicrobial agents (AA) from urine cultures (UC) in children hospitalized with urinary tract infections (UTI) at University Hospital in Split.Material/MethodsDuring the 7-year period, children hospitalized only once with UTI alone were compared to those repeatedly hospitalized, and who received long-term antimicrobial prophylaxis (LTAP), as well as those with associated anomalies of the urinary system (US).ResultsE. coli was the most frequent isolate (67.7%) with resistance to ampicillin by 69.5%, amoxicillin/clavulonic acid by 3.5%, cephalexin by 6.6%, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) by 27.5%, and nitrofurantoin by 0.4%. For other uropathogens, AA resistance rates were the following: 64.3%, 5.8%, 10.5%, 21.3%, and 7.9%. The high or increasing resistance to TMP-SMX is characterized by all uropathogens. Patients with anomalies of US showed a lower prevalence of E. coli and Enterococcus sp., but a higher prevalence of Pseudomonas sp., ESBL-producing E. coli and Klebsiella sp. than those without US anomalies. Repeatedly hospitalized patients showed a lower prevalence of E. coli, but a higher prevalence of Pseudomonas sp. and Klebsiella sp. than patients hospitalized only once. Both groups displayed significantly less resistance of Enterococcus sp. In patients receiving LTAP before hospitalization, E. coli was significantly more resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulonic acid and TMP/SMX than in those without LTAP.ConclusionsBased on our results, we recommend excluding ampicillin altogether, and reconsideration of further use of TMP-SMX, as well as use of nitrofurantoin, cephalexin and amoxicillin/clavulonic acid for LTAP in our region.

Enhanced Hydrogen Production from Sewage Sludge Pretreated by Thermophilic Bacteria

Thermophilic bacteria pretreated sludge has drawn more interest for hydrogen production, which was more economical (needs less energy), pollution-free (adding a reagent is not needed), and efficient than physico-chemistry pretreated sludge. Comparative studies between thermophilic bacteria (Bacillus sp. AT07-1) and 65 °C heat pretreated sewage sludge have been conducted for hydrogen production. It was concluded that using thermophilic bacteria pretreated sludge for hydrogen production (batch of TB) would produce the highest hydrogen yield of 16.3 mL/g of volatile solid (VS), and it increased by 12.9, 26.4, and 52.3% compared to T + HB (65 °C heat pretreated sludge inoculated with Enterococcus sp. LG1), T (65 °C heat pretreated sludge), and TB + HB (thermophilic bacteria pretreated sludge inoculated with Enterococcus sp. LG1), respectively. The lag time of TB was only 3 h. The hydrogen concentration in the gas phase of TB + HB and T + HB was 66.2 and 67%, respectively, higher than that of TB and T. These r...

Reduction of Fe(III) chelated with citrate in an NOx scrubber solution by Enterococcus sp. FR-3

Biological reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) is a key step in nitrogen oxide (NO(x)) removal by the integrated chemical absorption-biological reduction process. NO(x) removal efficiency strongly depends on the concentration of Fe(II) in the scrubbing liquid. In this study, a newly isolated strain, Enterococcus sp. FR-3, was used to reduce Fe(III) chelated with citrate to Fe(II). Strain FR-3 reduced citrate-chelated Fe(III) with an efficiency of up to 86.9% and an average reduction rate of 0.21 mM h(-1). SO(4)(2-) was not inhibitory whereas NO(2)(-) and SO(3)(2-) inhibited cell growth and thus affected Fe(III) reduction. Models based on the Logistic equation were used to describe the relationship between growth and Fe(III) reduction. These findings provide some useful data for Fe(III) reduction, scrubber solution regeneration and NO(x) removal process design.

Opportunistic Bacterial Infections in Breeding Colonies of the NSG Mouse Strain

Spontaneous morbidity primarily affecting female breeders in 3 independent breeding colonies of NSG (NOD.Cg-Prkdc(scid) I12rg(tm1Wjl) /SzJ) mice prompted an investigation to uncover the cause of disease. Necropsies were performed on 264 (157 female and 107 male) spontaneously sick, experimentally unmanipulated NSG mice. In sum, 42 mice (15.9%) had acute or chronic renal inflammatory lesions, of which 12 had concurrent histologic evidence of an ascending urinary tract infection. From 94 kidneys cultured for bacterial organisms, 23 (24.5%) grew Enterococcus sp and 19 (20.2%) grew Klebsiella oxytoca. Female mice were twice more likely than males to present with nephritis. These findings indicate that bacterial nephritis is a major contributor to morbidity in the NSG strain.

The Study of Antibacterial Activity of Juglans Regia and Thymus Vulgaris Seeds

It has been well known since ancient times that medicinal plant have antimicrobial activity because of the presence of substances, therefore they become important sources of drugs production. Thymus vulgaris and Juglans regia have active compounds make them have antibacterial properties.Antibacterial effects of different concentrations ranging from (3.1- 50mg/ml) of hexane and methanol extracts of Thymus vulgaris and Juglans regia seeds was determined by using agar well diffusion method on clinical strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus, pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhi Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus sp.Methanol extract of Juglans regia seed was the most active followed by methanol extract of Thymus vulgsris seeds. The activity of Juglans regia extractdetermined by measuring inhibition zone as following:Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Listeria monocytogenes and Streptococcus pyogenes showed inhibition zone at concentration of 3.1-50 mg/ml. Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed inhibition zone of 12.5-50 mg/ml. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed sensitivity at concentrations of 25-50mg/ml. There was no inhibition zone for Escherichia coli, Salmonella.typhi and Enterococcus sp.Methanol extract of Thymus vulgaris showed activity at concentrations of 6.25-50mg/ml for Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus subtilis.Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus. aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes showed sensitivity at concentration of 12.5–50 mg/ml. Pseudomonas aeruginosa sensitive at concentration of 50- 25mg/ml. There was no inhibition zone for Salmonella.typhi and Enterococcus sp. Hexane extracts of both plant seeds were less active then methanol extract against tested bacteria.These results support the notion that plant extracts may have a role as pharmaceutical and preservatives.

ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA FROM ALGERIAN HONEYBEE COLLECTED POLLEN

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are involved in the manufacture of various and different fermented foods as starter cultures. They are also considered as probiotic microorganisms, which inhibit pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. This work was conducted to identify indigenous LAB with or without antimicrobial activity, present in Honeybee collected pollen obtained from three different regions in Algeria. A total of 90 isolates of LAB were obtained. Strains isolated from the sample P1 belonged to Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Lactococcus sp., and Pediococcus acidilactici. However, isolates from sample P2 were identified as Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus sp., Lactococcus lactis, and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Enterococci were the most frequently found in the two first samples. Wherease, strains isolated from the sample P3 were identified as Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus sp., Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus sp., Lactococcus lactis and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. From all LAB isolates studied, only three strains show a good antimicrobial activity (Leuconostoc mesenteroides P2PS05, Lactobacillus plantarum P3PP11 and Enterococcus sp. P2PS09). The remaining strains present a moderate or a weak activity against some enteropathogenic bacteria. Selected LAB from bee-collected pollen showed a good potential as bio-controls.

Prevalence of bacterial infections in nomadic fulani herdsmen of Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Over the years, nomadic Fulani herdsmen have established different settlement camps outside the traditional villages of their indigenous host communities in Ebonyi State. With increasing concerns about the health condition of the nomads, this study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence and distribution of bacterial infection amongst the spatially distributed population of the nomadic Fulani the state. A total of 1218 willing nomads were examined for bacteria infections between June 2006 and August 2007. Urine, stool and blood samples were collected from the herdsmen and their children using standard bacteriological techniques. Out of the 1218 samples taken from 7 bush encampments, 677(55.6%) had various bacterial infections. Results showed that Enterococci sp (30.3%) and Neisseria sp (23.3%) infections were predominant when compared to Enterobacter sp (20.0%), Staphylococci sp (14.2%) and Acinetobacter sp (0.3%) infections of the population. The implications of these findings are discussed.Keywords: Bacteria infection, nomadic Fulani, herdsmen, cattle, Nigeria

Infección nosocomial por enterococcus: Hospital de San José, 2005-2007

Objetivos: describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas, sociodemográficas y desenlace final de los pacientes adultos atendidos en el Hospital de San José con infección nosocomial por Enterococcus sp, los sitios anatómicos más comprometidos, el perfil de sensibilidad antimicrobiana y la presencia de resistencia a la vancomicina, así como determinar la mortalidad global en esta patología. Métodos: analizar los aislamientos positivos de Enterococcus sp en pacientes de 18 años o más, obtenidos de la base de datos LabPro del servicio de microbiología del Hospital de San José entre octubre de 2005 y diciembre de 2007; después seleccionar los aislamientos positivos de origen nosocomial, con base en los criterios establecidos por el CDC de Atlanta. Se recolectaron los datos clínicos, demográficos, y microbiológicos, así como la mortalidad de la población seleccionada. Resultados: de 303 aislamientos positivos para Enterococcus sp 58 fueron nosocomiales y el germen más frecuente fue el Enterococcus faecalis; 56,9% fueron mujeres y la edad promedio 50 años. Las comorbilidades específicas más comunes fueron hipertensión arterial, enfermedades neoplásicas y diabetes. El 74,1% de los pacientes eran manejados por servicios quirúrgicos y 91,4% del total fueron sometidos a algún procedimiento quirúrgico previo al aislamiento. La mortalidad fue 12%. Conclusiones: en nuestra población la infección nosocomial por Enterococcus sp corresponde al 19% del total de positivos para este germen. La especie más frecuente es el Enterococcus faecalis, que puede relacionarse con la alta sensibilidad encontrada a la vancomicina. Las penicilinas y los aminoglucósidos siguen siendo antibióticos de elección pues se identificó una alta sensibilidad en los antibiogramas. Se encontró una elevada resistencia a carbapenémicos, después del quinupristin/dalfopristin, explicado por la alta resistencia intrínseca del Enterococcus faecalis a este grupo antibiótico. La infección nosocomial por Enterococcus sp en el Hospital de San José se relaciona con frecuencia con procedimientos quirúrgicos, en especial los abdominales, lo que sugiere en este tipo de pacientes una mayor predisposición a la infección nosocomial. La mortalidad global fue 12% del total de la muestra y para aquellos que requirieron manejo en la UCI fue del 31,8%, pudiendo inferir que una mayor complejidad y comorbilidad influyen en un alto riesgo de desenlace fatal. Abreviaturas: UCI, unidad de cuidados intensivos.