Lower Tract Infections Research Articles

Effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate and compound norethisterone enanthate on the susceptibility of BABL/ c mice to lower reproductive tract infection with Chlamydia trachomatis

Objective To compare the effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and compound norethisterone enanthate (CNE) on the susceptibility of BABL/c mice to lower reproductive tract infection withchlamydia trachomatis(Ct). Methods A total of 60 BALB/c mice were randomly and equally divided into 6 groups: MPA-pretreated control group and CNE-pretreated control group inoculated with MyCoy cell suspensions in the vagina on the 5th day after single treatment with MPA and CNE respectively, blank control group receiving no treatment, MPA-pretreated infected group and CNE-pretreated infected group inoculated with 1×107 inclusion-forming units (IFU) of Ct serovar E in the vagina on the 5th day after single treatment with MPA and CNE respectively, control infected group inoculated with the same quantity of IFU of Ct serovar E in the vagina but receiving no pretreatment. On day 4, 7 and 14 after inoculation, vaginal irrigation fluid was obtained from all the mice for cell culture of Ct. Three mice were randomly selected from each of these groups at the above three time points and sacrificed, and vaginal and uterine tissue specimens were obtained for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and microscopic examination. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were conducted to compare infection rate among different groups. Results No growth of Ct was observed in the three control groups at the above time points. The culture-positive rate of Ct was 1/10 on day 4 but 0 on day 7 and 14 in both the CNE-pretreated infected group and control infected group, 7/10 on day 4, 2/7 on day 7 but 0 on day 14 in the MPA-pretreated infected group. Fisher's exact test revealed that the culture-positive rate of Ct was significantly higher in the MPA-pretreated infected group than in the control infected group and CNE-pretreated infected group on day 4(bothP=0.03), but similar among the three infected groups on day 7(P=0.23). Both the MPA-pretreated control group and infected group showed an increase in endovaginal mucus, thinning of vaginal stratified squamous epithelium, mucification of vaginal epithelium, presence of secretions in vaginal lumen and submucosal infiltration of a few inflammatory cells on day 4, 7 and 14, as well as appearance of pathological changes (including the presence of large quantities of purulent secretions in lumen, mild tissue edema and submucosal infiltration of a few inflammatory cells) in the vagina on day 4. Vaginal tissues were normal in both the CNE-pretreated infected group and control group at the above three time points, but mild tissue edema, lumen expansion, secretion retention and infiltration of scattered inflammatory cells were observed in the uterus on day 4 after inoculation. Conclusions MPA can arrest the estrous cycle of mice at diestrus with the mucification of vaginal epithelium, which may increase the susceptibility to Ct vaginal infection in mice. In contrast, CNE has no obvious effect on the estrous cycle and susceptibility to Ct vaginal infection despite of the appearance of pathological changes in the uterus. Key words: Medroxyprogesterone acetate; Norethindrone; Chlamydia trachomatis; Disease models, animal; Mice; Reproductive tract infections

Complicated Urinary Tract Infection in the Geriatric Population

Complicated urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common problem in the geriatric population. The major complicating factors are frequent use of indwelling catheters and disorders that inhibit complete emptying of the bladder. Infection with antimicrobial-resistant, gram-negative bacilli (GNB) is much more common in those with complicated infection than those with uncomplicated infection. Nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin are the oral agents most likely to retain activity against the very resistant GNB, but Proteus species and Pseudomonas are resistant to nitrofurantoin. The polymyxins and tigecycline are the parenteral agents most likely to retain activity against these organisms, but low serum and urine levels are problematic for tigecycline. Bacteremia is common and the infection may be life-threatening in the presence of pyelonephritis with obstructive uropathy, renal abscess, perinephric abscess, emphysematous pyelonephritis, or emphysematous cystitis. With complicated pyelonephritis, imaging studies are critical and urological consultation and intervention may be necessary, especially if obstructive uropathy or any of the above life-threatening complications is present. With complicated lower tract infection, the goal is relief of symptoms.

Clinical role of Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum presence in female lower urogenital tract : is there a place for routine screening and treatment?

Sexually transmitted infections represent major health problem in females all over the world if remained undiagnosed and untreated. They can have adverse influence on reproduction and health of a mother and a newborn. The development of molecular methods has permitted the detection of an array of microbes whose pathologic roles in urogenital infections need to be further studied. Ureaplasmas ( Ureaplasma spp.), being originally found in 1954 from male urogenital tract, are prokaryotic cells without a cell wall, ranging from 0.1 to 1 μm in length. Fourteen known Ureaplasma serovars have been divided in two species based on their phenotypic and genotypic features, Ureaplasma parvum and Ureaplasma urealyticum detected and identified separately using polymerase chain reaction assays. Both are generally considered as genital tract commensals. U. urealyticum is most probably associated with male urethritis which has not been found for U. parvum . Recent studies with supposedly healthy women reported their detection rate between 18-87 % for U. parvum and 6-10 % for U. urealyticum . Even though they have been found to be associated with chorioamnionitis, preterm birth and perinatal complications more commonly then other commensals in this region the rising question regarding their pathogenic role in females remains unsolved and the guidelines regarding the diagnostic screening and treatment are inconsistent. The aim of our paper is to review the microbiological characteristics, diagnostic methods and epidemiology of newly differentiated U. parvum and U. urealyticum , and to assess evidence speaking pro and contra their clinical role in causing lower urogenital tract infection in women. Since both bacteria are susceptible to antimicrobials it is of utmost importance for clinicians to decide whether or not to search for one or both of them routinely and treat accordingly in order to prevent ascending upper genital tract infection as well as complications in pregnancy and newborns.

Is radiological appearance of lower respiratory tract infection due to respiratory syncytial virus a predictor of clinical outcome?

Objective: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection is the most common viral infection in childhood. RSV-infected infants demonstrate various radiographic findings. The aim of the study is to evaluate whether assessment of radiological characteristics of lower tract infection due to RSV may be a predictor of clinical outcome in newborns.Methods: The study included 36 newborn infants hospitalized for lower tract infection. In order to detect RSV, RSV Respi-Strip (Coris Bioconcept Organization) test kits were used on admission. Chest X-rays and clinical characteristics of the study group were reviewed.Results: Of 36 patients hospitalized for lower tract infection from October 2012 to April 2013, 18 (50%) newborns were infected with RSV. The study included 36 neonates. Patients with RSV-positive infants at admission had greater need for respiratory support, supplemental oxygen and prolonged stay in the NICU. Newborns with an atelectasis pattern on admission chest radiograph had greater at RSV-positive infants.Conclusion: Chest radiological patterns with lower respiratory tract infection in newborn infants due to RSV are a predictor of clinical outcome.

Preterm Infants’ Follow-Up Program at a Public Hospital in Buenos Aires: Two-Decade Study

Objectives: To analyze temporal trends of mortality, morbidity, growth and neurodevelopment until 2 years of corrected age (CA) of very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) born between 1986- 2005 in Ramon Sardá Maternal Infant Hospital (RSMIH). Methods: Descriptive temporal trend study divided in 5 quinquenniums. 1255 VLBWI were born at RSMIH between 1986-2005; 46 were excluded (genetic syndromes, major congenital malformations, confirmed intrauterine infections), 84 were referred out and 1125 were studied. Birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA); morbidity; growth; neurodevelopment at 1 and 2 years of CA; neurological and sensorial disorders, antenatal steroids use, breastfeeding; rehospitalizations; mothers´ age and years of schooling and Unsatisfied Basic Needs Index (UBNI) were recorded. Results: Survival rates increased during the last two periods, especially in <1000g BW infants despite the decrease in GA and BW. Children receiving surfactant (Sf), parenteral nutrition (PN) and antenatal steroids (AS) in the last quinquennium obtained better results in growth (40 weeks GA and 1 CA). The use of these therapies increased greatly in the last decade. Also breastfeeding at 40 weeks GA and 4 months tended to be better. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) increased. Rehospitalizations (majorly attributable to lower tract infections) and UBNI stayed equal all along. Mothers’ years of schooling increased a little in the last two quinquenniums. Conclusion: In the last quinquennium children tended to be smaller in GA and BW due to an increase in the survival rate as a result of higher technology and appropriate interventions such as AS, PN, Sf, etc.

Clinical differences between H3N2 and H1N1 influenza 2012 and lower respiratory tract infection found using a statistical classification approach

BackgroundInfluenza A H1N1 and H3N2 are two influenza waves that have been identified in past years.MethodsData from 77 inpatients from three tertiary hospitals were included and statistical analysis was performed in three different clusters.ResultsThirty-four patients (44.2%) had respiratory distress upon admission, 31.2% had a smoking history or were active smokers, 37.7% manifested disease symptoms, and 7.8% were obese (body mass index >41). The mean age of patients was 51.1 years. Cough was the most common symptom observed in 77.9% of the patients, accompanied by sputum production (51.9%) and fatigue (42.9%). Hemoptysis and vomiting were rarely recorded in the patients (9.1% and 16.9%, respectively). Oseltamivir administration varied between 0 and 10 days, giving a mean value of 2.2 days. In particular, 19 patients received no drug, 31 patients received drug for only for 1 day, 19 patients for 5 days, and 8 patients from 2 to 10 days.ConclusionClusters of symptoms can be used to identify different types of influenza and disease severity. Patients with vaccination had pneumonia, whereas patients without vaccination had influenza A. Patients more than 54.5 years old had H3N2 and patients less than 54.5 years had H1N1. White blood cell count values increased from normal to elevated in H3N2 patients but still remained abnormal in lower tract infection and H1N1 patients.

Prevalence of RTI/STI among Adolescent Married Women in India: A Study on Reproductive Health Perspective

The objective of this study is to study the Knowledge about RTIs/STIs among adolescent married women, Prevalence of RTIs/STIs and treatment seeking behavior among adolescent women. The present study has tried to look into various factors that might have contributed to adolescent women (age 15-19 years) risk of exposure to RTIs/STIs. Data from DLHS-RCH SURVEY-II (2002-2004)-Reproductive and child health Project was used for analyses. Statistical analysis was performed by means of SPSS. Bivariate tables with respect to the percentage of awareness of RTIs/STIs and prevalence of RTIs/STIs according to background variables was prepared. Logistic regression analysis has been applied to find out the probability of a women exposed to the risk of RTIs/STIs according to background variables. It was found that RTIs/STIs is a common problem among married adolescent women in India. The knowledge about RTIs/STIs is much higher among literate adolescent women (41 percent) in comparison to illiterate adolescent women (33 percent) in India. There are no rural-urban differences in knowledge of RTIs/STIs. Seventy-nine percent of married adolescent reported that they have heard about RTIs/STIs through friends and relatives. Study also reveals that there exists high prevalence of upper tract infection, lower tract infection and any RTIs/STIs infection among adolescent women in India. Prevalence of RTIs/STIs is higher in west region (41 percent) and lowest in south region of India (14 percent). It is found that there is high prevalence of upper tract infection among adolescent women. Treatment seeking behaviour among adolescent women is very low. Only 20 percent adolescent women in India are seeking treatment for RTIs/STIs infection. It is evident from the result that there exists a high prevalence of upper tract, lower tract and any RTIs/STIs infection among adolescent women in India

Analysis of common pathogenic bacteria distribution and drug resistance in children with lower respiratory tract infection

Objective To investigate the common pathogenic bacteria distribution and drug resistance in children with lower respiratory tract infection,which guide how to use antibiotics and decrease the progress of drug resistance.Methods Nine hundred and ninety-seven cases of lower respiartory tract infection were analyzed retrospectively in the Department of Pediatrics of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from Jan.2008to Dec.2010.The sputum samples were collected for routine bacterial cultivation.The antibiotic sentivity test were used for pathgen.Results The phelm cultivition amount is 997,bred and separated 498 bacteria of 425samples,the check rate is 42.73％.There were 151 Gram Positive Bacteria,which had a rate of 30.32％,and 321 Gram Negative Bacteria,which had a rate of 64.46％,and 26 fungi whose rate is 5.62％.The main bacteria was changed during the three years.There were significant differences in detection rate of pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) and haemophilus parainfluenzae(HPI) during the three years.PA was declining while HPI was rising.There were no significant differences in detection rate of streptococcus pneumoniae( SP),staphylococcus aureus ( SA),escherichia coli( E.coli ),klebsiella pneumoniae ( K.pn ),haemophilus influenzae ( HI ) and fungi.There were no significant differences in detection rate of PA between different age groups.With the increasing of age,the detection rate of SP,HI and HPI trended to rise,whereas the detection rate of SA,E.coli and K.pn trended todecline.The resistance phenotype of SA,E.coli and HPI in detection rate had significant difference in each year.SP and SA were most sensitive to linezolid and vancomycin.Ecoli and K.pn were most sensitive to carbapenems.HI and HPI were relatively sensitive to common antibiotics.Conclution In the past three years,the main pathogen in children with lower respiartory tract infection were Gram Negative Bacteria.Among the bacteria,SP and Ecoli was the most,followed by SA,HI,K.pn,and HPI.These bacteria had signifeicant difference in dectection rate between different age groups.SP and SA were most sensitive to vancomnycin and linezolid.E.coli and K.pn were most sensitive to carbapenems.HI and HPI were relatively sensitive to common antibiotics.So clinical doctors should use antibiotics based on the microorganism cultivation and sensitivity test m order to decrease the drugresistance strain. Key words: Children; Lower respiratory tract infection; Drug resistance; Antbiotics

Respiratory echovirus 30 and coxsackievirus B5 can induce production of RANTES, MCP-1 and IL-8 by human bronchial epithelial cells

Human Enteroviruses (HEV) ( picornaviridae) are considered as one the major viral causes of childhood acute respiratory wheezing illnesses including bronchiolitis and asthma exacerbation. To identify the mechanisms that can regulate the development of airway mucosa inflammation during HEV respiratory lower tract infection, we investigated the profile and the levels of mRNA and protein secretion for CC and CXC human chemokines by HEV-infected primary human bronchial epithelial cells (SAE cells) using RT-PCR array and Bio-Plex assay. Cultures of SAE cells were infected by reference and wild-type HEV respiratory strains, demonstrating a replicative and productive viral infection. We observed that the replicative infection of the SAE cells by reference and wild-type HEV strains induced specific dose and time-dependent increases in mRNA and protein secretion only for RANTES, MCP-1 and IL-8 and not for all other CC and CXC human chemokines tested. The protein secretion of these chemokines appeared to be significantly increased at 48 or 72 h post-infection in cultures treated by low-doses of IFN-γ comparatively to mock-infected cells ( P < 0.001), and was correlated to the viral replication activity. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated a selective production of RANTES, IL-8 and MCP-1 released by HEV-infected epithelial cells of the small bronchioles along with mechanisms of amplification mediated by IFN-γ.

Continent Appendicovesicostomy in the Management of Valve Bladder Syndrome

Purpose Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is a cornerstone in the management of VBS. Sometimes, there is difficulty or pain during performing CIC per urethra which might affect patient compliance. Using appendicovesicostomy might allow better patient compliance and have a positive impact in the management of VBS. Material and Methods Appendicovesicostomy was performed in 10 boys with VBS to allow better implementation of CIC (group I). Other 10 boys with VBS performing CIC per urethra were used as a control group (group II). Both groups were followed regarding complications of catheterization (pain, difficulty, and false passage), rate of UTI, compliance and effect on upper tract dilatation. Stomal complications in addition to continence status were recorded in group I. Results Age range in both groups was 3-9 years and the follow up period is 2 years. No complications of catheterization encountered in group I. Pain was present in 6, false passage in 2 and difficulty in 3 boys in group II. As regards UTI, documented upper tract infection was present in one case in group I and in 4 cases in group II. Lower tract infection was present in 2 cases in group I and in 7 cases in group II. Two cases in group II had recurrent epididymitis. Compliance to CIC was 100% in group I while in group II was 70 %. At the last follow up, there was improvement in upper tract dilatation in 4 cases in group I compared to its status before performing the appendicovesicostomy. Only one case in group I had stomal stenosis that needed surgical revision. All stomas were continent in between the period of CIC. Conclusions Continent appendicovesicostomy is a valid procedure in the management of VBS when compliance in CIC is equivocal. It is a safe and easy procedure with long term success that obviates problems of urethral catheterization.

Prevalence and determinants of lower reproductive tract infections among women aged 25 - 54 years in Beijing

To determine the prevalence and determinants of the most commonly seen lower reproductive tract infections among women aged 25 - 54 years in Beijing. The study population consisted of 6339 women aged 25 - 54 years in 137 communities of Beijing. Focus of this study was to understand the prevalence of the following diseases as:bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis. In addition to their prevalence rates, a generalized equation for estimation was used to analyze those infection-associated factors. The overall infection prevalence in the lower reproductive tract was 11.4%, including bacterial vaginitis as 8.7%, trichomonads as 1.0% and vulvovaginal candidiasis as 1.7%. Factors which were found to be significantly associated with lower reproductive tract infections in women were age, profession, family income, number of sex partners and frequency of condom use during sexual contacts. In patients with bacterial vaginitis, both prevalence rates of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and infection of human papillomavirus were high. The prevalence of the most commonly seen lower reproductive tract infections among women aged 25 - 54 years in Beijing was lower than other areas in China. Lower reproductive tract infections seemed to be related to 30 - 49 years of age, nongovernmental employee, poverty, higher number of sex partners and not using condoms during sexual contacts.

A One-Step, Real-Time PCR Assay for Rapid Detection of Rhinovirus

One-step, real-time PCR assays for rhinovirus have been developed for a limited number of PCR amplification platforms and chemistries, and some exhibit cross-reactivity with genetically similar enteroviruses. We developed a one-step, real-time PCR assay for rhinovirus by using a sequence detection system (Applied Biosystems; Foster City, CA). The primers were designed to amplify a 120-base target in the noncoding region of picornavirus RNA, and a TaqMan (Applied Biosystems) degenerate probe was designed for the specific detection of rhinovirus amplicons. The PCR assay had no cross-reactivity with a panel of 76 nontarget nucleic acids, which included RNAs from 43 enterovirus strains. Excellent lower limits of detection relative to viral culture were observed for the PCR assay by using 38 of 40 rhinovirus reference strains representing different serotypes, which could reproducibly detect rhinovirus serotype 2 in viral transport medium containing 10 to 10,000 TCID(50) (50% tissue culture infectious dose endpoint) units/ml of the virus. However, for rhinovirus serotypes 59 and 69, the PCR assay was less sensitive than culture. Testing of 48 clinical specimens from children with cold-like illnesses for rhinovirus by the PCR and culture assays yielded detection rates of 16.7% and 6.3%, respectively. For a batch of 10 specimens, the entire assay was completed in 4.5 hours. This real-time PCR assay enables detection of many rhinovirus serotypes with the Applied Biosystems reagent-instrument platform.

Mycoplasma genitalium Rapidly Disseminates to the Upper Reproductive Tracts and Knees of Female Mice following Vaginal Inoculation

Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging sexually transmitted infection and in women is associated with notable reproductive tract syndromes such as cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. Investigations into the causal relationships of M. genitalium infections and clinical disease have been hindered largely by the lack of a well-established small-animal model of genital tract infection. To establish a murine model, female Swiss Webster mice were conditioned with either progesterone or estradiol and then inoculated intravaginally with M. genitalium type strain G37 or a contemporary Danish strain, M2300. Persistent lower tract infection was observed at up to 77 days postinoculation (d.p.i.). Upper reproductive tract colonization was observed as early as 3 d.p.i., with long-term infection observed in estradiol-treated (65%) and progesterone-treated (18%) animals. In the upper tract, more than 90% of M. genitalium PCR-positive samples were from the uterus and oviducts. Ultimately, gross hydrosalpinx was observed 21 days to 10 weeks p.i. in approximately 60% of infected animals, suggesting the presence of tubal occlusion. In addition, dissemination of M. genitalium to the knee tissues was observed as early as 7 d.p.i., with persistent infection detected at up to 28 d.p.i. Mice infected with M. genitalium also developed specific antibodies to the major antigenic outer membrane protein MgPa, elongation factor Tu, pyruvate dehydrogenase E1alpha, and DnaK (Hsp70), indicating persistent infection despite robust humoral responses to infection. These findings provide strong experimental evidence that M. genitalium can establish long-term infection of reproductive tract and joint tissues, with preliminary evidence of pathological reproductive tract outcomes.

UP-2.040: Evaluation of Microbial Resistance to Ciprofloxacin in Patients Referred To Ghaem Hospital

It is estimated that 150 million UT are diagnosed yearly, which imposes at least 6 billion dollars of expenses to the health system. Cystitis, as a lower tract infection, in which 30% of women are involved, is a prevalent infection of the urinary system and its replace is prevalent too. Considering that the pharmaceutical resistance to the mentioned disease has not been studied in our region and we have no idea of the percentage of patients who are resistant to the medication, the present study is conducted to proceed to the said matter emphasizing the evaluation of resistance to ciprofloxacin.

Investigation of the situation of vaginal microflora in healthy women population

To assess the distribution of vaginal microflora in healthy women and investigate their cognition of lower reproductive tract infection-related knowledge as well as personal hygiene habits and character of behavior in seeking medical treatment. Total of 1660 healthy women who had physical check-ups at the Medical Center of Renji Hospital were selected and received gynecologic examination, as well as routine examination, pH examination and bacterial culture of the vaginal discharge. In addition, 860 of them were randomly selected for questionnaire survey, in which reproductive tract infection -related knowledge and personal hygiene habits as well as behavior in seeking medical treatment were involved. Among the 1660 censused women, vaginal average pH was 4. 16 +/- 0.21. The positive rate of Candida in vaginal discharge routine examination was 3.86% (64/1660), which was lower than that in aerobes culture 7.71% (128/1660). Candida albicans was the most populous species 78.9% (101/128), followed by 7.8% (10/128) and 7.0% (9/128) for the Candida glabrata and Candida krusei respectively. The most populous species of vaginal microflora were hemolytic streptococcus A (63.80%, 1059/1660), Staphylococcus epidermidis (14.28%, 237/1660), and Enterococcus faecalis (D) group (11.44%, 190/1660). The questionnaire survey showed that 88.4% (760/860) of 860 women took active treatment when feeling unwell, 92.1% (792/860) of them had good hygiene practices, and only 21.2% (182/860) had the habit of vaginal douching. In addition, 50.0% (430/860) of them had the desire to obtain reproductive health knowledge through out-patient consultation. Vulvovaginal Candida disease ranks the first in all types of vaginitis, among which, Candida albicans is the most populous species followed by the Candida glabrata and Candida krusei. Hemolytic streptococcus A and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the most common species of vaginal microflora in healthy women. The censused women have high awareness of reproductive health care and pay much attention to common gynecologic diseases such as lower reproductive tract infection. Nevertheless, we should strengthen the public education of reproductive health-related knowledge.

Identifying and treating UTIs

Nurses must distinguish between upper and lower tract infections to treat UTIs, write Dr Pushpam Chadha and Dr Josip Car

Uso de antibióticos en infección de vías urinarias en una unidad de primer nivel de atención en salud, Bogotá, Colombia

Describing using antibiotics for urinary tract infection in a first level of attention health care unit. This was an observational and descriptive study of a cohort of register-based patients attending the Universidad Nacional de Colombia's Health Service Unit (UNISALUD) diagnosed as suffering urinary tract infection between July 2002 and June 2003. 6,3 % urinary tract infection incidence was found, especially affecting women (84,4 %). The signs and symptoms were the same as those usually found in this disease. 58% corresponded to lower tract infection, 36 % to non-specific infection, 4 % to infection during pregnancy and 2 % to upper tract infection. The following uropathogens were isolated: E. coli (88.9%), Proteus spp. (5,1%), Klebsiella spp. (3,7 %), Enterobacter spp. (1%), Citrobacter spp. (1 %) and Staphylococcus saprophyticus (0,3 %). There was great variability in the antibiotic schemes being prescribed. Nitrofurantoin, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxizole and Fluoroquinolones were the most prescribed, per defined daily dose; these antibiotics presented low susceptibility for the uropathogens so isolated. There was a 4:1 ratio of empirical treatment respecting confirmed ones. 98 % of the cases corresponded to patients suffering from a single event or having just 1 to 2 recurrences. DISCUSSION The urinary tract infection studied here presented a similar epidemiological profile to that usually found in the general population. The isolated microorganism's low susceptibility to the prescribed antibiotics could reflect inappropriate use of antibiotics by the health service, inducing selective pressure on bacterial resistance.

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.

The aim of this study was to investigate the rate, timing, the incidence of complications of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) and its effects by on nosocomial pneumonia. The study is a retrospective analysis of 104 patients (56 males, 48 females) > or = 18 years (54 +/- 19) who had undergone a PDT for respiratory failure during the five years 1998-2003. Among 238 patients requiring mechanical ventilation > or = 48 hours, 104 (43.7%) required PDT. PDT was performed after 4.3 +/- 2.3 days of ventilation and the disconnection from mechanical ventilation was 13.6 +/- 8.5 days. Lower airway tract infection was detected in 88 patients: 55 patients (62.5%) before PDT and in 33 patients (37.5%) after PDT. The nosocomial pneumonia was observed after 5.9 +/- 1.67 days of ventilation. Our results suggest that PDT was performed relatively early, with an acceptable complication rate and that our post-PDT nosocomial pneumonia incidence is low.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Group A and B Genotypes and Disease Severity among Cuban Children

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of serious lower tract infections in infants. Comorbid conditions such as chronic diseases and prematurity have been associated with greater severity illness, but virus genotypes and disease severity is still unknown. Forty selected strains of RSV group A and B from Cuban infants with acute respiratory disease (ARD) over five seasons were studied. Viral RNA was extracted and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out using direct primers directed to parts of the nucleoprotein (N) and fusion (F) genes, respectively. Amplicons were digested using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to define the association between virus and disease severity. Disease severity was assessed as very mild, mild, moderate, and severe. Three of six known N genotypes were detected. NP4 and NP3 were found more frequently; moreover, it was difficult to establish a relationship between N genotypes and disease severity. Five genotypes in F gene were found: F1, F2, F5, F9 and F11; F9 and F11 were associated with very mild disease, but F1 genotype appears to be associated with moderate to severe disease. At least five combinations of N and F genotypes circulated in the studied infants in Cuba. Patients with F1NP4 genotype showed moderate to severe disease. Relationship between genotypes and disease severity was established.

３．ヒト・メタニューモウイルス

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), first isolated in the Netherlands in 2001, is a member of the genus Metapneumovirus of the sub-family Pneumovirinae of the family Paramyxoviridae. The genomic organization of hMPV is 3'-N-P-M-F-M2-SH-G-L-5'. hMPV resembles the sole member of this genus, avian pneumovirus. hMPV is the most closely related human pathogen to respiratory syncytial virus. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences indicated that there were two genetic groups. Furthermore, each group could be subdivided into two subgroups. hMPV encodes three surface proteins, F, G and SH proteins. The majority of antibodies to hMPV in serum were antibody against F protein, which mediates cross-group neutralization and protection. The incidences of hMPV-associated respiratory infection estimate 5 to 10% in children and 2 to 4% in adults. hMPV generally causes upper respiratory tract infection and flu-like illness, the virus can be associated with lower tract infections, such as wheezy bronchitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia, in very young children, elderly persons, and immunocompromised patients. hMPV has a seasonal peak during the spring in Japan. Reinfection with hMPV frequently occurs in children, implying that the host immune response induced by natural infection provides incomplete protection. The RT-PCR test is the most sensitive test for detection of hMPV.