In vitro antimicrobial activity of commonly used vasoactive drugs.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Microbial contamination during preparation of the infusion drugs is an important issue in intensive care units. Objective of this study was to investigate in vitro antimicrobial properties of commonly used vasoactive drugs. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Clinical microbiology laboratory of a university hospital. MEASUREMENTS: Growth of the microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in saline dilutions of adrenaline at 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL; noradrenaline at 1, 10, and 100 µg/mL; and dopamine at 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL concentrations was investigated. Each drug solution and saline were analyzed with a digital pH meter. MAIN RESULTS: Saline dilutions of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine at clinically used concentrations decreased microbial growth. The highest concentration doses of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine used in the study had significant antimicrobial effect when compared to the low and moderate doses. This effect was shown with the all microorganisms. S aureus, S epidermidis, and C albicans were more sensitive; on the other hand, E coli and P aeruginosa were more resistant against the effect of the drug dilutions. CONCLUSIONS: To limit microbial growth in case of contamination of the drug solution, it is advisable to use more concentrated dilutions of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and dopamine used in clinical practice.

Crevicular fluid levels of interleukin-8, interleukin-17 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 after regenerative periodontal therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of regenerative periodontal therapy on clinical parameters and interleukin-8 (IL-8), IL-17 and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of subjects with chronic periodontitis (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients received demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) surgically to the site of infrabony defect. Clinical periodontal indices were recorded, and GCF samples were collected at baseline and at the 6(th) and the 9(th) month after the surgery. RESULTS: Except plaque index, all clinical parameters improved following surgery (P < 0.05). The volume of GCF diminished from baseline to follow-up periods (P < 0.05). However, no effect was observed on the total amount of IL-8, IL-17 and sICAM-1 in GCF. CONCLUSION: DFDBA improved clinical outcome in CP subjects and was effective on decreasing the volume of GCF, but no effect was determined on IL-8, IL-17 and sICAM-1. Findings did not indicate a direct relationship between biochemical parameters and periodontal healing after demineralized freeze-dried bone grafting.

Comparison of the antimicrobial effect of heavy silicone oil and conventional silicone oil against endophthalmitis-causing agents.

PURPOSE: To conduct an in vitro experimental study comparing the effectiveness of conventional silicone oil and heavy silicone oil against endophthalmitis-causing agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antimicrobial activity of conventional silicone oil (RS OIL 5000) and heavy silicone oil (heavySil 1500) was tested. The antimicrobial effects of both silicone oils were determined by the growing capability of the microorganism. RESULTS: The number of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans decreased to zero levels at the second day of inoculation in heavy silicone oil. In conventional silicone oil, the microorganisms survived longer than in heavy silicone oil. CONCLUSION: Heavy silicone oil seems to be more effective than conventional silicone oil against endophthalmitis-causing agents.

Antimicrobial effectiveness of silicone oil, heavy silicone oil and perfluorodecaline against Bacillus cereus.

The purpose of this work is to study the effectiveness of silicone oil, heavy silicone oil and perfluorodecaline against Bacillus cereus. For this we tested the antimicrobial activities of three intraocularly used liquids--silicone oil (Siluron 1000), heavy silicone oil (Densiron-68) and perfluorodecaline (F-Decalin)--against B. cereus (NCTC 9946). The antimicrobial effects of silicone oil, heavy silicone oil and perfluorodecaline were determined by the growing capability of the microorganism. We found that the number of B. cereus decreased in all three concentrations of silicone oil. The bacteria grew for approximately 2 weeks in heavy silicone oil and declined after 17 days. Perfluorodecaline significantly reduced B. cereus colonies and was the most effective of the liquids. In conclusion, silicone oil and perfluorodecaline seem to be effective against B. cereus.

The prevalence of enterotoxigenic E. coli isolated from the stools of children aged 0-10 years with diarrhea in mid-anatolia region, Turkey

The stool samples from 245 patients with diarrhea were tested for heat labile toxin (LT) and heat stable toxins (ST) by passive latex agglutination and enzyme immunoassay methods respectively. Twelve (4.9 percent) enterotoxigenic E. Coli ETEC strains were isolated. Five strains (2 percent) expressed ST, and 7 (2.8 percent) expressed LT.

The prevalence of enterotoxigenic e. Coli isolated from the stools of children aged 0-10 years with diarrhea in mid-anatolia region, Turkey.

The stool samples from 245 patients with diarrhea were tested for heat labile toxin (LT) and heat stable toxins (ST) by passive latex agglutination and enzyme immunoassay methods respectively. Twelve (4.9%) enterotoxigenic E. Coli ETEC strains were isolated. Five strains (2%) expressed ST, and 7 (2.8%) expressed LT.

The characteristics of nasopharyngeal Streptococcus pneumoniae in children attending a daycare unit.

S. pneumoniae is a component of normal nasopharyngeal flora in children. Nasopharyngeal colonization in children attending daycare units has an important effect on the spread of S. pneumoniae. In this study, we aimed to investigate colonization status, antimicrobial susceptibility, and clonal relatedness of the S. pneumoniae strains in children attending a daycare unit. One hundred and six nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 25 children attending a daycare unit in an 8-month period. S. pneumoniae was identified by a conventional method. Antibacterial sensitivities of the strains were tested by disc diffusion method. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to analyze the clonal relationship of the strains. A total of 25 (23.5%) S. pneumoniae strains were identified from 106 nasopharyngeal swaps. S. pneumoniae growth was detected in at least one culture of the 19 children (colonization rate; 76%). Seven of the 25 strains (28%) showed resistance to penicillin, 5 (20%) were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfomethoxsazole. The other tested antibiotics were almost effective. The clonal relationship among strains was found as 54.5%. The highest rate of strain entry was in the winter months with strains of opaque colonies, which are known to be more pathogenic. However, the spreading rate among the children was the highest in the summer months and the strains detected in these months had transparent colonies with more transmitting characteristics. Therefore, to prevent S. pneumoniae infection in closed crowded areas, the summer months should not be overlooked.

Antibacterial activity of remifentanil and mixtures of remifentanil and propofol.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antibacterial activity of glycine, which is contained in remifentanil, when combined with propofol. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Departments of anesthesiology and microbiology of a university hospital. MEASUREMENTS: Growth of the microorganisms Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans in propofol 1%; saline dilutions of remifentanil at one-, 10-, and 100-microg/mL concentrations; and 1:1 mixtures of propofol with remifentanil solutions was determined. MAIN RESULTS: Remifentanil inhibits bacterial growth in a concentration-dependent manner. The antibacterial effects were more pronounced with Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at cultures obtained at the fifth hour. The inhibition of bacterial growth was less influenced with Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol and remifentanil mixtures decreased bacterial growth, and combinations may reduce the infectious complications from accidentally contaminated propofol.

The possible association of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection with nasal polyps.

The objective of this study was to investigate the possible etiologic role of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in nasal polyps. This prospective clinical study was undertaken enrolling 30 patients with nasal polyps, and 30 age and sex-matched control subjects from whom epithelial material was obtained during endoscopic surgery. IgG specific ELISA was used to determine seropositivity, and indirect immunoflorescence to determine C. pneumoniae in the biopsy material. C. pneumoniae specific IgG antibodies were found to be positive in 16 (53.3%) of the patients with nasal polyps, and 9 (22%) of the control subjects (P = 0.065). Indirect immunofluorescence results indicate that there was a significant difference between groups; 16 (53.3%) patients in the study group and 8 (26.6%) patients in the control group were found to be positive (P = 0.034). We found no correlation with cigarette smoking. Our results indicated that Chlamydia pneumoniae is possibly associated with the presence of nasal polyps. However, these results remain to be confirmed with further studies using other techniques, and the underlying mechanism should be defined.

Increased seropositivity of Helicobacter pylori cytotoxin-associated gene-A in Behçet's disease.

Behçet's disease is a systemic vasculitic syndrome with unknown etiology. The aim of the present study was to compare the Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and cytotoxin associated gene-A status in patients with Behçet's disease. Ninety-one patients with Behçet's disease and 83 age- and sex-matched persons with or without any gastrointestinal complaints were included in the study. Demographic characteristics and H. pylori IgG, IgM, and cytotoxin-associated gene-A IgG status of the Behçet's disease and the control groups were analyzed. The influence of eradication therapy on clinical findings was also determined. The prevalence of H. pylori IgG seropositivity was slightly but not significantly higher in patients with Behçet's disease compared to the controls [72 (79.1%) vs 56 (67.5%), (p = 0.082)]. The prevalence of cytotoxin-associated gene A positivity was significantly higher in Behçet's disease compared to the controls [59 (64.8.%) vs 32 (38.5%), respectively, (p = 0.002)]. Eradication of H. pylori has significantly decreased clinical manifestations such as oral and genital ulceration, arthritis/arthralgia, and cutaneous findings of Bahçet's disease. Our study indicates that H. pylori may be involved in the pathogenesis of Behçet's disease or disease activity might be enhanced due to induced inflammation or altered immunity.

Echinococcosis: a possible etiology in psoriatic disease.

We aimed to investigate seroprevalence of Echinococcus granulosus in patients with psoriasis to determine a possible etiologic role, since both echinococcosis and psoriasis are defined as T cell-mediated diseases. Forty psoriatic patients and 50 age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in the study. IgG-specific ELISA was used to determine seropositivity. E. granulosus-specific IgG antibodies were found to be positive in 17/40 (42.5%) of the patients with psoriasis and in 11/50 (22%) of the control subjects (p = 0.008). Our results suggest that echinococcosis might be one of the causative pathogens in the etiopathogenesis of psoriasis in highly endemic regions.

Cytotoxin associated gene A-positive Helicobacter pylori strains in dyspeptic pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the Helicobacter pylori (HP) seropositivity and cytotoxin associated gene A (cagA) status in pregnant women with dyspeptic complaints and pregnant women with no gastrointestinal symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-one consecutive pregnant women with gastrointestinal complaints and 72 age-matched pregnant women without any gastrointestinal symptoms or a history of gastrointestinal disease were included in the study. Demographic characteristics and H. pylori and cytotoxin associated gene A status of the groups were analysed. RESULTS: The prevalence of H. pylori seropositivity was slightly but not significantly higher in patients with dyspeptic complaints compared to the controls (74.6% versus 63.8%, respectively, P > 0.05). The incidence of dyspeptic complaints were 53.5% in HP-seropositive and 40.9% in HP-seronegative women (P > 0.05). The prevalence of cytotoxin associated gene A positivity among H. pylori-seropositive women was significantly higher in dyspeptic pregnants compared to the controls (75.5% versus 45.7%, respectively, P = 0.002). Among HP-seropositive women, the incidence of dyspeptic complaints was significantly higher in cagA-positive patients compared to the cagA-negative ones (65.6% versus 34.2%, respectively, P = 0.002). When analysed according to the trimesters, the prevalence of cytotoxin associated gene A positivity among H. pylori-seropositive women was significantly higher in dyspeptic pregnants compared to the controls in the first trimester (68.0% versus 34.8%, respectively, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Cytotoxin associated gene A-positive, virulent H. pylori strains were found to be more frequently associated with dyspeptic complaints in pregnant women.

Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and atherosclerosis risk factors.

Certain viral and bacterial infections may contribute to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to determine whether Helicobacter pylori (HP) seropositivity contributes to conventional atherosclerosis risk factors in the development of an early sign of atherosclerosis: intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery. Eighty-four patients who had at least two conventional atherosclerosis risk factors and a control group of 50 patients having no risk factors for atherosclerosis were enrolled in the study. None of the patients had ever received HP eradication treatment. HP IgG antibodies were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Carotid artery IMT was measured 1 cm before the carotid bifurcation. Seventy-five percent of the study group was HP seropositive. HP seropositive (n=64) and seronegative (n=21) groups were identical in terms of sex distribution, smoking pattern, mean age, hemoglobin, leukocyte, platelet, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure levels. There was no significant difference between the mean carotid IMT of HP seropositive (0.8+/-0.3 mm) and negative (0.8+/-0.3 mm) patients in the study group. Similar to the study group, there was no statistically significant difference between mean carotid IMT of HP seropositive (0.56+/-0.19 mm) and negative patients (0.67+/-0.13 mm) in the control group (p=0.2). Future studies concerning virulent strains are needed to determine the probable role of HP in atherosclerosis.