Streptococcus Sp Research Articles

Antimicrobial properties of tropical plants against 12 pathogenic bacteria isolated from aquatic organisms

Disk diffusion technique was used to determine the antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts of edible tropical plant against 12 clinical and pathogenic bacterial strains isolated from aquatic animals. They were Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio harveyi, Vibrio vulnificus, Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, Edwardsiella tarda, Aeromonas hydrophilla, Salmonella sp., Schewanella putrifaciens and Streptococcus sp. The zone of inhibition varies depending on bacterial species and type of extract. The average diameter of inhibition zones ranges from without inhibition zone to 12 mm and without inhibition zone to 11 mm for water and methanolic extract, respectively. All the 9 plants tested showed antimicrobial activity against one or more species of bacteria. The most active antimicrobial plants were Colocasia esculenta, Citrus microcarpa, Centella asiatica and Morinda citrifolia.

Brain abscess following ischemic stroke with secondary hemorrhage

C) with negative blood cultures. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were then isolated in the tracheal aspirate, being both ciprofloxacin sensitive. Patient persisted fe brile after seven days of antimicrobial therapy, and the previous germs were both once again isolated in the tracheal aspirate. Anaerobic gram positive cocci disposed in chains were identified in the blood culture; piperacilin and tazobactan for ciprofloxa cin resistant pseudomonas were introduced, with favorable outcome. Seven weeks after the stroke, patient started with low grade fever and local swelling over the decompressive craniotomy. Brain CT revealed a multiloculated hypodense lesion over the previously infarcted area, with mass effect and peripheral enhancement after contrast injection (Figs 2A and B), suggesting cerebral abscess. Eritrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated and blood count showed microcytosis and hypocromia, with mild leukocytosis and left shift. Transesophagic echocardiography revealed no abnormalities, similar to the one performed on admission. By means of a small skin incision, abscess punture was performed, with drainage of 40 ml of purulent secretion whose culture in anaerobic media revealed gram negative cocci organized in chains, identified as group C Streptococcus sp. Patient was treated with vancomycin and imipenem for 10 weeks, showing good response. She remains hemiparetic, but follows commands and articulates words. The area of cranial decompression became flacid, and con trol CT showed the infarcted territory still containing the enhanced abscess capsule. The bone flap, which had been kept transitorially in the subcutaneous fat of the abdomen, was replaced 12 months after the stroke, and the tomographic control demonstrated the left encephalomalatic area with complete resolution of the abscess (Fig 3).

Structure of α-Glycerophosphate Oxidase from Streptococcus sp.: A Template for the Mitochondrial α-Glycerophosphate Dehydrogenase,

The FAD-dependent alpha-glycerophosphate oxidase (GlpO) from Enterococcus casseliflavus and Streptococcus sp. was originally studied as a soluble flavoprotein oxidase; surprisingly, the GlpO sequence is 30-43% identical to those of the alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenases (GlpDs) from mitochondrial and bacterial sources. The structure of a deletion mutant of Streptococcus sp. GlpO (GlpODelta, lacking a 50-residue insert that includes a flexible surface region) has been determined using multiwavelength anomalous dispersion data and refined at 2.3 A resolution. Using the GlpODelta structure as a search model, we have also determined the intact GlpO structure, as refined at 2.4 A resolution. The first two domains of the GlpO fold are most closely related to those of the flavoprotein glycine oxidase, where they function in FAD binding and substrate binding, respectively; the GlpO C-terminal domain consists of two helix bundles and is not closely related to any known structure. The flexible surface region in intact GlpO corresponds to a segment of missing electron density that links the substrate-binding domain to a betabetaalpha element of the FAD-binding domain. In accordance with earlier biochemical studies (stabilizations of the covalent FAD-N5-sulfite adduct and p-quinonoid form of 8-mercapto-FAD), Ile430-N, Thr431-N, and Thr431-OG are hydrogen bonded to FAD-O2alpha in GlpODelta, stabilizing the negative charge in these two modified flavins and facilitating transfer of a hydride to FAD-N5 (from Glp) as well. Active-site overlays with the glycine oxidase-N-acetylglycine and d-amino acid oxidase-d-alanine complexes demonstrate that Arg346 of GlpODelta is structurally equivalent to Arg302 and Arg285, respectively; in both cases, these residues interact directly with the amino acid substrate or inhibitor carboxylate. The structural and functional divergence between GlpO and the bacterial and mitochondrial GlpDs is also discussed.

Phenotypical Assays and Partial Sequencing of the hsp60 Gene for Identification of Streptococcus equi

Strangles is an acute and contagious disease characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory tract of horses. The etiological agent of strangles is the bacteria S. equi subsp. equi, which belongs to the Lancefield group C. Opportunistic agents from the same group are frequently isolated from horses with strangles and may induce mistaken diagnoses. Among the subspecies of S. equi, the phenotypic features are almost undistinguishable; however, the pathogenic potential is widely differentiated. The aim of this study was to characterize S. equi isolates obtained from clinical samples of strangles by phenotypic tests and to analyze the partial sequences obtained from fragments of the hsp60 gene. In this work, 26 strains of Streptococcus spp. isolated from horse clinical samples were analyzed. By phenotypical assays, 18 were characterized as S. equi subsp. equi, five as S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus, two as S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, and one as Streptococcus sp. However 21 isolates were identified as S. equi subsp. equi and five as S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus by DNA sequencing. The sequencing of the partial hsp60 gene was demonstrated to be an alternative method to analyze and differentiate strains of Streptococcus spp. In addition, this method can be useful as a discriminatory tool for characterization of atypical isolates.

Quantitative analysis of a high-rate hydrogen-producing microbial community in anaerobic agitated granular sludge bed bioreactors using glucose as substrate

Fermentative H(2) production microbial structure in an agitated granular sludge bed bioreactor was analyzed using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction-denatured gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). This hydrogen-producing system was operated at four different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 4, 2, 1, and 0.5 h and with an influent glucose concentration of 20 g chemical oxygen demand/l. According to the PCR-DGGE analysis, bacterial community structures were mainly composed of Clostridium sp. (possibly Clostridium pasteurianum), Klebsiella oxytoca, and Streptococcus sp. Significant increase of Clostridium/total cell ratio (68%) was observed when the reactor was operated under higher influent flow rate. The existence of Streptococcus sp. in the reactor became more important when operated under a short HRT as indicated by the ratio of Streptococcus probe-positive cells to Clostridium probe-positive cells changing from 21% (HRT 4 h) to 38% (HRT 0.5 h). FISH images suggested that Streptococcus cells probably acted as seeds for self-flocculated granule formation. Furthermore, combining the inspections with hydrogen production under different HRTs and their corresponding FISH analysis indicated that K. oxytoca did not directly contribute to H(2) production but possibly played a role in consuming O(2) to create an anaerobic environment for the hydrogen-producing Clostridium.

Acute Deaths in Nonpregnant Adults Due to Invasive Streptococcal Infections

Streptococcal organisms, part of the normal human bacterial flora, occasionally become infectious pathogens responsible for a wide array of clinical syndromes, ranging from mild pharyngitis to death. Notably, infections due to group A and group B beta-hemolytic strains are well known for causing invasive disease leading to death. These deaths, while often suspected clinically, occasionally are not diagnosed until autopsy. We present 3 rapid deaths, with very different presentations, due to streptococcal infection. Two decedents experienced sudden deaths due to pneumonia and severe meningoencephalitis caused by group B beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection, a common cause of neonatal meningitis but only rarely reported in nonpregnant adults. The final case involves a 69-year-old male who presented to the emergency room with a complaint of shoulder pain but over the next several hours developed signs of necrotizing fasciitis, became septic, and died. While antemortem cultures were negative, owing to antibiotic administration, postmortem cultures of bone and deep soft tissue were positive for group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus sp. Acute and sudden deaths due to infectious etiology represent an uncommon yet well-documented occurrence. The importance of appropriate postmortem cultures in these situations and a review of the literature will be discussed.

Diagnóstico molecular de Leptospira spp em matrizes suínas descartadas

O Diagnóstico de leptospirose foi efetuado através de método molecular, histopatológico e sorológico em 30 matrizes suínas, descartadas, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os objetivos foram comparar a eficiência dos 3 métodos, verificar a sensibilidade de um método de PCR que utiliza um primer único baseado na seqüência de um elemento repetitivo do genoma de Leptospira interrogans, bem como verificar a possível detecção de leptospiras em vários tecidos, incluindo o trato genital. Os animais foram selecionados com base no teste de aglutinação microscópica para incluir tanto animais negativos como positivos e com baixos e altos títulos sorológicos. As maiores freqüências (90 % dos aniamis positivos) e títulos (100 to 800) foram observados para L. interrogans serovar bratislava. Leptospiras foram detectadas por histopatologia em apenas 9 matrizes, todas com altos títulos (pelo menos 100). Um produto de PCR de 438 bp foi observado em todos os animais (fragmentos de 25 rins, 24 úteros e 9 ovidutos). Produtos de PCR similares foram obtidos em DNA de culturas de leptospiras patogênicas, enquanto a não patogênica, L. patoc apresentou um padrão distinto. Nenhum produto de amplificação de DNA de Leptospira spp foi detectado em DNA de culturas de Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp, Streptococcus sp and Staphylococcus aureus, ou de sangue de dois leitões. O método molecular foi, assim, específico e o mais eficiente para detectar baixos níveis de patógeno, sendo capaz de diferenciar leptospiras patogênicas e não patogênicas.

Effectiveness of intravenous clarithromycin followed by oral clarithromycin in acute exacerbation of asthma with respiratory tract infection

In addition to its antimicrobial activity, macrolides have an immunomodulatory effect that may be beneficial to patients with asthma. This quasi-experimental study aimed to determine the effect of intravenous clarithromycin followed by oral administration in 37 patients with acute exacerbations asthma caused by respiratory tract infection during January - December 2005. Patients with mild to moderate exacerbations of asthma with respiratory tract infection meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were given intravenous clarithromycin 2 x 500 mg/day for not more than 5 days and followed by oral clarithromycin 2 x 500 mg/day for 7 days. Outcome variables were improvement of clinical symptoms according to the asthma exacerbation score and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). After 10 days, treatment resulted significant improvement in total asthma exacerbation score and morning PEFR in 35 patients enrolled this project. Based on clinical improvement and laboratory findings, the number of days required for intravenous clarithromycin was less then 3 days for 21 subjects, 3-5 days in 14 subjects. The most common causative pathogens were S. β-haemolyticus and Streptococcus sp. It was concluded that clarithromycin improved clinical symptoms and PEFR in exacerbation of asthma caused by respiratory tract infection. (Med J Indones 2007; 16:7-13) Keywords: Claritromycin, asthma exacerbation, respiratory tract infection

A prospective study of febrile neutropenia in lung cancer patients

BACKGROUND There are few data on microbiology of febrile neutropenia (FN) in lung cancer patients. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of FN in this population. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients with lung cancer treated with chemotherapy in the Institut Jules Bordet (a cancer hospital) and who developed FN (PMN <500/mm3) were included in the present prospective study. Febrile neutropenia was defined as any febrile episode (38.5°C once or 38.0°C twice) occurring during neutropenia (neutrophil count <500/mm3). RESULTS Ninety five patients, 62 with non-small cell and 33 with small cell lung carcinoma developed FN. A total of 102 FN episodes were observed. Of these, 46 were microbiologically and 14 clinically documented. The most frequent site of infection was the lung (31%). Gram-negative bacteria, mainly Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae, were most commonly observed. In bacteremic patients, Gram-positive bacteria, essentially Streptococcus sp, Enterococcus sp and Staphylococcus aureus, accounted for 39% of the micro-organisms. CONCLUSION Lung constitutes the predominant site of infection in febrile neutropenic lung cancer patients. In these patients, E. coli and H. influenzae are the most commonly documented pathogens, except in case of bacteremia where Streptococcus sp and S. aureus as well as E. coli are the principal pathogens. I N T R O D U C T I O N Infection is one of the commonest complications associated with cancer. Different factors are contributing: immunosuppression related to cancer or its treatment, visceral neoplastic obstruction, use of implantable devices and invasive procedures, disruption of physiological barriers or blood product transfusion [1]. In lung cancer patients neutropenia, chronic obstructive bronchopulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial obstruction are probably the main causes favouring infection. Epidemiological data on infections in lung cancer patients are scarce. We have previously reported a prospective epidemiological study demonstrating that the majority of lung infections were predominantly due to Gram negative bacteria [2]. Few other studies have assessed the respective frequency of the infection types and microbiology in these patients, also demonstrating that infections occur essentially in the lung. Chemotherapy is now generally accepted as part of the treatment of patients with lung cancer, whatever stage or histology are considered [3-5]. Chemotherapy is ORIGINAL ARTICLE HOSPITAL CHRONICLES 2007, 2(1): 38–43 Address for correspondence: Dr T. Berghmans Institut Jules Bordet Rue Hιger-Bordet, 1 1000 Bruxelles Belgium Tιl: +322.5413191 Fax: +322.5343756 e-mail: thierry.berghmans@bordet.be KEy-wORDS: febrile neutropenia, microbiology, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, epidemiology, risk

Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint successfully treated with arthroscopic lysis and lavage: case report and review of the literature

Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is infrequently reported. We present a case of septic arthritis of the TMJ following the extraction of the left upper second molar that occurred 1 week before beginning of symptoms. No evident predisposing factors were detected. Arthroscopic diagnosis of septic arthritis, lysis and lavage, and capsular stretch were performed. Cultures taken from the TMJ space grew Streptococcus sp. After 1 month of antimicrobial therapy the patient was asymptomatic and mandibular function was normal. Literature related to septic arthritis of TMJ and its treatment was reviewed. Different surgical procedures are available to treat this condition. Arthroscopy should be preferred as initial treatment on account of the possibility of drainage and accurate lavage under direct visualization of joint space, at the same time allowing confirmation of diagnostic hypotheses. Improving joint mobility with lysis of adhesions and capsular stretch in an early stage of disease may be helpful in stopping the fibrosis process.

There is a low incidence of recurrent bacteriuria in painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis patients followed longitudinally

The objective of this paper was to establish whether patients with confirmed painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) presenting with symptoms of UTI have actual bacteriuria vs a flare of their PBS/IC symptoms. One hundred and six (n = 106) consecutive female patients (mean age 39.8 +/- 14 years) with newly diagnosed IC were identified and followed longitudinally for 24 months. At the initial visit and at all subsequent visits, urinary specimens were obtained by sterile catheterization (Bard 14Fr female) and cultured for bacteria. Eight patients had an initially positive urine culture, and repeat cultures 8 weeks after treatment were all negative. Once sterile urine was established, the diagnosis of PBS/IC was confirmed. A pelvic pain/urgency/frequency (PUF) questionnaire score was obtained from 89 patients. After the diagnosis of PBS/IC, all patients received multimodal treatment. Patients were instructed to present to the office whenever they developed symptoms of UTI, at which time a sterile catheter specimen was obtained and sent for culture. Greater than 10(3) colonies were considered positive. Patients who did not report flares were contacted to establish whether unreported treatments were given. Seventy-two patients (68%) had no UTI episodes or flares. The remaining 34 patients (32%) presented with 54 flares, of which 44 were culture-negative and 10 were culture-positive. A single flare was reported by 21 patients during the 24 months, with three positive cultures (14.3%). Recurrent UTI symptoms (two to four flares) were seen in a small group (n = 13) for a total of 33 flares. Of these, seven had two flares each (12 negative, 2 positive), five had three flares each (12 negative, 3 positive), and one patient had four flares (two negative, two positive). Therefore, within the group with recurrent symptoms, seven positive cultures were obtained for a rate of recurrent bacteriuria of 6.6% (7/106). Nine of the 10 positive bacterial cultures were due to gram-negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (n = 6), Proteus mirabilis (n = 1), Klebsiella pneumonia (n = 1), and Citrobacter sp. (n = 1). One grew Streptococcus sp. There was no difference between the flare group and nonflares in regards to age or PUF scores between groups. This study is the first to report on the low incidence of confirmed UTIs in a large group of PBS/IC patients followed longitudinally. These data suggest that only a small number of PBS/IC patients with UTI symptoms have positive urine cultures (9.4%; 10/106). Although the symptoms of recurrent UTI are prevalent in IC patients, the incidence of confirmed recurrent UTIs is only 6.6%. Because the flares of IC are usually self-limiting, treatment response to antibiotics may be misleading in light of the low incidence of positive urine cultures. These data suggest that the symptom flares of IC are not usually associated with recurrent UTI and, therefore, are likely due to a triggering of the other painful mechanisms involved in IC patients who are culture-negative.

Characterization of bacterial isolates from industrial wastewater according to probable modes of hexadecane uptake

Bacterial isolates from industrial wastewater were characterized according to probable modes of hexadecane uptake based on data for cell surface hydrophobicity, emulsifying activity, glycoside content and surface tension of cell-free culture medium. The results obtained suggested that both modes of biosurfactant-enhanced hexadecane uptake by bacterial strains take place, direct uptake and alkane transfer. The increase in cell surface hydrophobicity and glycoside production by the strains suggested the existence of biosurfactant-enhanced interfacial uptake of the alkane. Such mechanism is probably predominant for three isolates, Staphylococcus sp. HW-2, Streptococcus sp. HW-9 and Bacillus sp. HW-4. Secreted biosurfactants enhanced mainly alkane emulsification for most hydrophobic isolate Arthrobacter sp. HW-8, and micellar transfer for most hydrophilic isolate Streptococcus sp. HW-5. For other strains (67%) both mechanisms of biosurfactant-enhanced hexadecane uptake probably take place in similar degree, interfacial uptake and alkane emulsification. The results obtained could contribute to clarifying the natural relationships between the members of water ecosystem studied as well as will reveal potential producers of surface active compounds.

O.196 Clinical success after arthroscopy of the TMJ in cases with disc perforation: A retrospective study

Septic arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is infrequently reported. We present a case of septic arthritis of the TMJ following the extraction of the left upper second molar that occurred 1 week before beginning of symptoms. No evident predisposing factors were detected. Arthroscopic diagnosis of septic arthritis, lysis and lavage, and capsular stretch were performed. Cultures taken from the TMJ space grew Streptococcus sp. After 1 month of antimicrobial therapy the patient was asymptomatic and mandibular function was normal. Literature related to septic arthritis of TMJ and its treatment was reviewed. Different surgical procedures are available to treat this condition. Arthroscopy should be preferred as initial treatment on account of the possibility of drainage and accurate lavage under direct visualization of joint space, at the same time allowing confirmation of diagnostic hypotheses. Improving joint mobility with lysis of adhesions and capsular stretch in an early stage of disease may be helpful in stopping the fibrosis process.

Antibacterial effect of &lt;i&gt;Aframomum meleguata&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Xylopia aethiopicum&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Ocimum viride&lt;/i&gt;

Antibacterial effects of the aqueous extracts Aframomiun meleguata, Xylopia aethiopicum and Ocimum viride was tested using the cup plate, disc diffusion and the direct tube method. The effects of the hot and cold extracts of the spices were tested against the activities of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus sp and Staplylococcus aureus. The activities of the 5% (w/v) hot aqueous extract were significantly higher than those of the cold. Combinations of 2.5% [w/v] of any two of the extracts were potent against Staph. Aureus which was relatively resistant to all the individual extracts.Keywords: Aframomum. meleguata, Xylopia acthiopicum, Ocimum viride, antibacterial, total viable-count Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol. 9 2005: 22-25

Microbiologia dos abscessos peritonsilares

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a microbiologia dos abscessos periamigdalianos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trinta pacientes com diagnóstico de abscesso periamigdaliano, idade média de 24,2 anos, foram submetidos à punção na região periamigdaliana de maior abaulamento com aspiração do material purulento (volume maior que 3mL). O material foi separado para realização das culturas aeróbicas e anaeróbicas. RESULTADOS: Houve um índice de positividade das culturas de 86,7%. Em 23,3% aspirados houve crescimento apenas de bactérias aeróbicas ou facultativas, 3,3% apenas de bactérias anaeróbicas e por fim em 60% aspirados houve crescimento de bactérias aeróbicas e anaeróbicas. Um total de 69 bactérias foi isolado (34 aeróbios e 35 anaeróbios). Os aeróbios predominantes foram Streptococcus sp, sendo o Streptococcus pyogenes em 23% dos casos. Os anaeróbios predominantes foram Prevotella sp e Peptostreptococcus sp. Pacientes receberam antibiótico prévio em 63% dos casos. Neste grupo foram isolados 1,8 bactérias por aspirado, menor número que nos paciente que não utilizaram antibiótico (3,0 bactérias por aspirado). Não houve diferença significativa no tipo de bactéria isolada nestes dois grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Os abscessos periamigdalianos apresentam na maioria dos casos infecções polimicrobianas, sendo os organismos anaeróbicos agentes importantes. O número de agentes isolados é maior nos pacientes que não utilizaram antibioticoterapia prévia, mas o uso de antimicrobiano não interferiu no tipo de bactéria isolada.

Microbiology of Peritonsillar Abscesses

SummaryAim: The objective of the present study was to analyze the microbiology of peritonsillar abscesses. Methods: Thirty patients, mean age 24,2 years, with peritonsillar abscesses underwent aspiration of at least 3 mL of pus, which was cultured for aerobes and anaerobes. Results: 87% samples showed positive cultures. Aerobic or facultative aerobic bacteria were isolated from 23% aspirates, mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from 60%, and anaerobic bacteria from only 3% aspirate. A total of 69 bacterial isolates (34 aerobic and 35 anaerobic) were recovered. The most common aerobic isolate was Streptococcus sp, with Streptococcus pyogenes being identified in 23% of aspirates. The predominant anaerobic isolates were Prevotella sp and Peptostreptococcus sp. Patients had received previous antimicrobial therapy in 63% cases. In this group, 1.8 isolates per specimen were recovered, a lower number than in the untreated group (3.0 per specimen). No significant difference in the species isolated was observed between these two groups. Conclusion: Peritonsillar abscess is usually a polymicrobial infection, with predominance of anaerobic bacteria. The number of agents isolated was larger in patients not previously treated with antibiotics, but the use of antimicrobial drugs did not interfere with the type of bacterium isolated.

The use of Lawsonia inermis linn. (henna) in the management of burn wound infections

The effects of water and chloroform extracts of the leaves of Lawsonia inermis (henna plant) against the primary invaders of burnt wounds was investigated. Clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp, Pseudemonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Fusarium oxysporum, and Aspergillus niger were treated with extracts of the leaves of L. inermis for antimicrobial activity using in vitro agar incorporation method and well diffusion methods respectively. The henna leaves extracts were able to inhibit the growth pattern of A. niger and F. oxysporum. Streptococcus sp. and S. aureus were also inhibited by the extracts. Inhibition of the microorganisms’ growth suggests that henna may be valuable in the management of burnt wound infections.

Biodiversity of lactic acid bacteria in Moroccan soft white cheese (Jben)

The bacterial diversity occurring in traditional Moroccan soft white cheese, produced in eight different regions in Morocco, was studied. A total of 164 lactic acid bacteria were isolated, purified and identified by whole-cell protein fingerprinting and rep-PCR genomic fingerprinting. The majority of the strains belonged to the genera Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc and Enterococcus. Sixteen species were identified: Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus garvieae, Lactococcus raffinolactis, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Leuconostoc citreum, Eterococcus durans, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus saccharominimus and Streptococcus sp.

Neonatal Hemodialysis and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe catheters, dialyzers, and blood lines in hemodialysis for neonates. 2. Explain the blood prime and hemodialysis prescription in hemodialysis for neonates. 3. List potential complications of hemodialysis for neonates. 4. Identify the types of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in neonates. 5. Explain the dialysis prescription and anticoagulation options for CRRT in neonates. 6. List potential complications of CRRT in neonates. Since the mid-1980s, when dialysis manufacturers began making dialyzers and blood circuit paths that required smaller extracorporeal volumes, hemodialysis has been used successfully to manage renal failure in neonates and infants. Compared with peritoneal dialysis (PD), which is analogous to the “family sedan” in the world of dialysis (slower, more predictable, easier to operate), hemodialysis is the “race car.” Hemodialysis is capable of removing fluids and solutes much more rapidly than is PD. Unlike PD, hemodialysis uses catheters that access the intravascular space directly. Despite the advantages of hemodialysis, the process in neonates is technically more challenging than PD due to the very attributes that make it so effective. Rapid removal of intravascular fluids, exceeding the rate of refill from the extravascular space, causes problems with hypotension due to direct reduction in intravascular volume. Similarly, rapid rates of solute clearance can cause problems with increased intracranial pressure. Catheter placement and maintenance of catheter function can constitute a significant obstacle to hemodialysis. Hemofiltration is very similar to hemodialysis in that patient blood is circulated through an artificial kidney. However, hemofiltration differs from hemodialysis in three significant aspects. First, the hemofilter has larger pore sizes than the standard dialyzer, which allows for excellent fluid removal, even with low blood flow rates, and better larger molecule clearance. Second, hemofiltration runs continuously without the continuous presence of a dialysis nurse. Third, typical hemofiltration uses a pre- or postdilution …

Spinal epidural abscess in a juvenile dog

A six-month-old, intact female, Miniature Pinscher was admitted with signs of progressive neurological deficits in the hind legs, an elevated rectal temperature, and spinal pain of 48 hours duration. A myelogram was performed which demonstrated a dorsal, left sided compressive lesion extending from T11-T13. A left-sided hemilaminectomy was performed from T11-T13. A friable, poorly organized, pale tan and red mass was identified within the epidural space. Cytopathological and histopathological analyses of the mass demonstrated marked, subacute, suppurative cellulitis. A culture of the purulent material revealed beta haemolytic Streptococcus sp.