In Vitro Activity of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam and Other Antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection-Isolates from an Academic Medical Center in Thailand.

(1) Background: Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infections have limited treatment options. Data on the activity of ceftolozane-tazobactam (C-T) against PA in Thailand are limited. Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify the in vitro activity of C-T against general and resistant PA isolates from patients with real clinical infections from the HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center (MSMC) compared to other antibiotics and to study the resistant molecular patterns of those PA strains which were resistant to C-T. (2) Materials and Methods: This was an in vitro susceptibility study of 100 PA isolates plus an additional seven resistant PA isolates collected from MSMC patients. All PA isolates were tested with susceptibility broth (Sensititre™) and C-T minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) test strips (Liofilchem, Roseto degli, Abruzzi, Italy). The C-T-resistant PA isolates were analyzed for six ß-lactamase genes (blaCTX-M, blaNDM, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-48) and the mcr-1 gene. (3) Results: A total of 100 PA isolates were collected between January 2020 and January 2021 and between February 2021 and September 2021 for the additional 7 resistant isolates. There were 18 resistant PA isolates (6 MDR, 11 XDR and 1 pan-drug resistant isolate). The overall susceptibility of the initial 100 PA isolates and the 18 resistant PA isolates was 94% and 44.5%, respectively, for C-T. The C-T susceptibility rates for isolates non-susceptible to ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, carbapenems and antipseudomonal ß-lactams were 65.5%, 69.7%, 50% and 44.5%, respectively. Among the 10 isolates which were resistant to C-T, there were only 3 isolates found to have the resistant gene, which included 1 for blaIMP, 1 for blaVIM and 1 for blaNDM. (4) Conclusions: Although C-T was the best susceptibility antibiotic overall for PA isolates and MDR PA isolates at the MSMC, most of the XDR PA isolates and the PDR PA isolate were not susceptible to C-T. The mechanisms for C-T resistance involved multiple factors including the presence of blaIMP, blaVIM and blaNDM.

The Association of HLA-B*35 and GSTT1 Genotypes and Hepatotoxicity in Thai People Living with HIV.

Glutathione s-transferase (GST) is a family of drug-metabolizing enzymes responsible for metabolizing and detoxifying drugs and xenobiotic substances. Therefore, deletion polymorphisms of GSTs can be implicated in developing several pathological conditions, including antiretroviral drug-induced liver injury (ARVDILI). Notably, GST polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with ARVDILI risk. However, data on GST polymorphisms in the Thai population are limited. Therefore, this study investigated possible associations between GST genetic polymorphisms and ARVDILI development. A total of 362 people living with HIV (PLHIV) and 85 healthy controls from multiple centers were enrolled. GSTM1 and GSTT1 genetic polymorphisms were determined using polymerase chain reactions. In addition, HLA genotypes were determined using a sequence-based HLA typing method. After comparing GST genotypic frequencies, there was no significant difference between PLHIV and healthy volunteers. However, while observing the PLHIV group, GSTT1 wild type was significantly associated with a 2.04-fold increased risk of ARVDILI (95%CI: 1.01, 4.14; p = 0.045). Interestingly, a combination of GSTT1 wild type and HLA-B*35:05 was associated with a 2.28-fold higher risk of ARVDILI (95%CI: 1.15, 4.50; p = 0.02). Collectively, GSTT1 wild type and a combination of GSTT1 wild type plus HLA-B*35:05 were associated with susceptibility to ARVDILI in the Thai population.

Correlation between Carbapenem Consumption and Carbapenems Susceptibility Profiles of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an Academic Medical Center in Thailand.

The emergent issue of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a major problem in Thailand. The wide use of carbapenems can increase selective pressure of bacterial resistance. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between carbapenem consumption and the susceptibility rates of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, including multi-drug resistance (MDR) strains. This was a retrospective study. Carbapenem consumption and susceptibility profiles were collected from 2007 to 2013 at the Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, Thailand. We found that the susceptibility rate of A. baumannii to imipenem and meropenem from the sputum and the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens was significantly decreased during the study period, but no significant change was found in the P. aeruginosa data. The relationship between carbapenem consumption and the susceptibility rate of A. baumannii had a clear association with the use of ertapenem. We found a statistically significant negative correlation between ertapenem consumption and the susceptibility rate of A. baumannii to imipenem (r = -0.91; p = 0.004) and meropenem (r = -0.97; p = 0.000) in the data from the non-ICU wards. In addition, imipenem use had a moderate negative correlation with the MDR P. aeruginosa data but no statistical significance (r = -0.714; p > 0.05). In conclusion, our study suggested there is an association between carbapenem use and the susceptibility of A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa. Notwithstanding this, information on ecological factors should be considered for further study. These findings showed the need to optimize the carbapenem prescription policy. Avoiding carbapenem overuse and rethinking the appropriate initial therapy might decrease the rate of resistant organisms.

In vitro Activity of Sitafloxacin and Other Antibiotics against Bacterial Isolates from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, Srinakharinwirot University and Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital.

Background: Sitafloxacin is a newly approved oral fluoroquinolone in Thailand for treatment of respiratory tract and urinary tract infections. Initial in vitro susceptibility testing showed its effect on Escherichia coli with extended-spectrum betalactamases (ESBL), Klebsiella pneumoniae with ESBL, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Objective: To retrospectively review in vitro susceptibility to sitafloxacin on clinical isolates from HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) and Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital (SVH). Material and Method: Between January 2014 and June 2015, all clinical isolates from SWU and SVH that were added to test in vitro susceptibility to sitafloxacin were included in the present study. The susceptibility for sitafloxacin was identified by disk diffusion method with inhibition zone diameter 19 mm or greater, considered to be sensitive, and smaller than 16 mm considered to be resistance. The comparative activities of sitafloxacin to other antibiotics were determined by organisms. All bacteria with count numbers of more than 30 would be shown in results. Results: Among 1,288 clinical isolates from 1,163 clinical specimens that were added in vitro susceptibility test to sitafloxacin, there were 728 clinical isolates from SWU and 560 clinical isolates from SVH. The most common specimens were sputum (482), urine (385), pus (96), and blood (81). Organisms with comparative activities included E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The susceptible percentage of sitafloxacin was 72.69% for all E. coli (n = 216) (68.26% for E. coli with ESBL and 86.96% for E. coli without ESBL), 39.31% for all K. pneumoniae (n = 173) (50% for K. pneumoniae with ESBL, 61.11% for K. pneumoniae without ESBL and 13.11% for carbapenem resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) strain of K. pneumoniae), 60.66% for P. aeruginosa (n = 366), 66.32% for A. baumannii (n = 386) and 93.94% for S. maltophilia (n = 33). Sitafloxacin had more susceptible percentage as compared to ciprofloxacin for all strains of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii and more susceptible percentage as compared to levofloxacin for S. maltophilia. Although sitafloxacin might not have good activity against CRE strain of K. pneumoniae, at least some (13.11%) were susceptible as compared to 0% for ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Sitafloxacin had more susceptible percentage to E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and S. maltophilia compared to comparative fluoroquinolones. It should be considered an antibiotic for treatment of respiratory tract and urinary tract infections caused by the resistant strains of these bacteria with susceptible proven of in vitro susceptibility.

Outbreak of Occupational Brucellosis in a Laboratory Technician at Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn Medical Center, Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand.

Objective: To document laboratory transmission of brucellosis and identify the likely mechanism of transmission of brucellosis at Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Sirindhorn Medical Center, Thailand. Material and Method: Using small subunit ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing technique to analyze Brucella melitensis cultured from the first 2 patients of the hospital and an infected laboratory technician, and using brucellosis serologic test to rule out infections in all other involved technicians. Results: We had encountered the first 2 cases of brucellosis. Both had infected from community exposure with goat. The first case had pancreatic abscess and spinal bone involvement with a positive blood culture. The second case presented with fever of unknown origin and had a positive blood culture. A few weeks later, 1 of our laboratory technicians presented with fever, myalgia and fatigue. Blood culture grew B. melitensis. He never had any associated community-acquired risk factors for brucellosis. The presumed mechanism of transmission was an inhalation while taking photographs of the bacterial plate of the first patient. B. melitensis identified from our laboratory technician and both patients were analyzed based on 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Results of 16S-23S rRNA ITS sequence testing confirmed a match from all patients and laboratory technician's isolate. All other 10 potentially exposed laboratory technicians were asymptomatic. A brucellosis serologic test was negative in all non-infected technicians but was only positive in the 1 infected technician. Conclusion: This is the first report in Thailand of occupational brucellosis transmitted in microbiologic laboratory. The most likely mechanism is air-borne inhalation of bacterial organisms on culture media in the absence of adequate precautions. Laboratory technicians should handle Brucella cultivation with caution utilizing appropriate measures to prevent inhalation.

Guidelines for antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 infected adults and adolescents 2014, Thailand.

New evidence has emerged regarding when to commence antiretroviral therapy (ART), optimal treatment regimens, management of HIV co-infection with opportunistic infections, and management of ART failure. The 2014 guidelines were developed by the collaborations of the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) and the Thai AIDS Society (TAS). One of the major changes in the guidelines included recommending to initiating ART irrespective of CD4 cell count. However, it is with an emphasis that commencing HAART at CD4 cell count above 500 cell/mm(3) is for public health, in term of preventing HIV transmission and personal benefit. In tuberculosis co-infected patients with CD4 cell counts ≤50 cells/mm(3) or with CD4 cell counts >50 cells/mm(3) who have severe clinical disease, ART should be initiated within 2 weeks of starting tuberculosis treatment. The preferred initial ART regimen in treatment naïve patients is efavirenz combined with tenofovir and emtricitabine or lamivudine. Plasma HIV viral load assessment should be done twice a year until achieving undetectable results; and will then be monitored once a year. CD4 cell count should be monitored every 6 months until CD4 cell count ≥350 cells/mm(3) and with plasma HIV viral load <50 copies/mL; then it should be monitored once a year afterward. HIV drug resistance genotypic test is indicated when plasma HIV viral load >1,000 copies/mL while on ART. Ritonavir-boosted lopinavir or atazanavir in combination with optimized two nucleoside-analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors is recommended after initial ART regimen failure. Long-term ART-related safety monitoring has also been included in the guidelines.

Epidemiology of Candida Infections in HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center, Srinakharinwirot University.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the epidemiology of candida isolations in HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center and the sensitivity of all candida species to fluconazole. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two hundred of Candida albicans and other Candida species from clinical specimens were collected from microbiological department between January 2010 and April 2012. All Candida were identified by standard methods and the sensitivity of fluconazole was tested by using fluconazole E test test. RESULTS: There were 8 species of Candida in this study including: C. albicans (n = 94), C. tropicalis (n = 66), C. glabrata (n = 11), C. guilliermondii (n = 10), C. parapsilosis (n = 9), C. zeylanoides (n = 4), C. keyfr (C. pseudotropicalis) (n = 2), C. lusitaniae (n = 1), Candida species (n = 3). The percentage of non-albicans Candida spp. was slightly higher than C. albicans (53% vs. 47%). C. tropicalis was identified as the highest percentage of all non-albicans Candida spp. Fluconazole resistant strains were detected among C. albicans (35.71%), C. tropicalis (13.85%), C. guilliermondii (20.0%), and C. zeylanoides (50.0%). The common spp. with highest percentage of resistant strain was C. albicans. CONCLUSION: Fluconazole could be used as thefirst-line antifungal for candidiasis at HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center. Empirical treatment with amphotericin B and steppingdown tofluconazole when sensitivity suggested might be the recommendation for severe cases in our setting.

Comparative in vitro activity of sitafloxacin against bacteria isolated from Thai patients with urinary tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections.

OBJECTIVE: To determine comparative in vitro activity of sitafloxacin against clinical isolates of bacteria from Thai patients with urinary tract infection and those with lower respiratory tract infection. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 1,255 clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus spp, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis isolated from different Thai patients with urinary tract infection and those with lower respiratory tract infection in 2010 were included. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of sitafloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, imipenem, amikacin, ampicillin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, penicillin, piperacillin/tazobactam, vancomycin, azithromycin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were determined by standard agar dilution method. RESULTS: The MIC50 and MIC90 values of sitafloxacin against all tested bacteria were lowest when compared with those of levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin. Sitafloxacin was active against 51% of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. The activity of sitafloxacin against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria, such as, extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli and K. pneumomiae, P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii was comparable to or more than that of some beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors, cephalosporins or carbapenems. CONCLUSION: Sitafloxacin is more active than levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin and moxifloxacin against isolated bacteria from Thai patients with urinary tract and lower respiratory infections including antibiotic resistant bacteria, such as MRSA, ESBL-producing Gram-negatives, carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii.

Genome-wide association study identifies variations in 6p21.3 associated with nevirapine-induced rash.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify disease-predisposing variations with nevirapine-induced rash using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as genetic markers. METHODS: A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using ∼550000 markers in 72 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Thai patients with nevirapine-induced rash and 77 nevirapine-tolerant patients, and then candidate SNPs were further evaluated in a replication set (88 patients with nevirapine-induced rash and 145 nevirapine-tolerant patients). RESULTS: The genome-wide association analysis and replication studies of candidate SNPs identified significant associations of nevirapine-induced rash with 2 SNPs (rs1265112 and rs746647) within CCHCR1 on chromosome 6p21.3 (P(GWAS) = 1.6 × 10(-4); P(replication) = 2.6 × 10(-5); P(combined) = 1.2 × 10(-8)). The odds ratio (OR) of the risk genotypes under a dominant model was 4.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.58-7.36). The noncoding SNPs rs1265112 and rs746647 were in complete linkage disequilibrium with the nonsynonymous SNP rs1576 (r(2) = 1.00), which has been associated with psoriasis. The logistic regression analysis also indicated genetic variations in CCHCR1 to be significantly associated with rash, with an OR of 2.59 (95% CI, 1.82-3.68; P = .007). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the algorithm had an area under the curve of 76.4%, which was developed with 5 factors: rs1576*G status, HLA-B*3505 status, not receiving prescribed lead-in of nevirapine, history of drug allergy, and CD4 cell count prior to the nevirapine treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that genetic variations in CCHCR1 are strongly associated with nevirapine-induced rash. A predictive model that includes genetic and clinical risk factors for nevirapine-associated rash might be useful in lowering the incidence of rash associated with nevirapine initiation among HIV-infected patients.

Atypical manifestation of progressive outer retinal necrosis in AIDS patient with CD4+ T-cell counts more than 100 cells/microL on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Typical progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) is an acute ocular infectious disease in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with extremely low CD4+ T-cell counts. It is a form of the Varicella- zoster virus (VZV) infection. This destructive infection has an extremely rapid course that may lead to blindness in affected eyes within days or weeks. Attempts at its treatment have had limited success. We describe the case of a bilateral PORN in an AIDS patient with an initial CD4+ T-cell count >100 cells/microL that developed after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). A 29-year-old Thai female initially diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1998, presented with bilaterally decreased visual acuity after initiating HAART two months earlier. Multiple yellowish spots appeared in the deep retina without evidence of intraocular inflammation or retinal vasculitis. Her CD4+ T-cell count was 127 cells/microL. She was diagnosed as having PORN based on clinical features and positive VZV in the aqueous humor and vitreous by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Despite combined treatment with intravenous acyclovir and intravitreous ganciclovir, the patient's visual acuity worsened with no light-perception in either eye. This case suggests that PORN should be included in the differential diagnosis of reduced visual acuity in AIDS patients initiating HAART with higher CD4+ T-cell counts. PORN may be a manifestation of the immune reconstitution syndrome.

HLA-B*3505 allele is a strong predictor for nevirapine-induced skin adverse drug reactions in HIV-infected Thai patients.

OBJECTIVE: Investigation of a possible involvement of differences in human leukocyte antigens (HLA) in the risk of nevirapine (NVP)-induced skin rash among HIV-infected patients. METHODS: A step-wise case-control association study was conducted. The first set of samples consisted of 80 samples from patients with NVP-induced skin rash and 80 samples from NVP-tolerant patients. These patients were genotyped for the HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, and HLA-DPB1 by a sequence-based HLA typing method. Subsequently, we verified HLA alleles that showed a possible association in the first screening using an additional set of samples consisting of 67 cases with NVP-induced skin rash and 105 controls. RESULTS: An HLA-B*3505 allele revealed a significant association with NVP-induced skin rash in the first and second screenings. In the combined data set, the HLA-B*3505 allele was observed in 17.5% of the patients with NVP-induced skin rash compared with only 1.1% observed in NVP-tolerant patients [odds ratio (OR)=18.96; 95% confidence interval (CI)=4.87-73.44, Pc=4.6x10] and 0.7% in general Thai population (OR=29.87; 95% CI=5.04-175.86, Pc=2.6x10). The logistic regression analysis also indicated HLA-B*3505 to be significantly associated with skin rash with OR of 49.15 (95% CI=6.45-374.41, P=0.00017). CONCLUSION: A strong association between the HLA-B*3505 and NVP-induced skin rash provides a novel insight into the pathogenesis of drug-induced rash in the HIV-infected population. On account of its high specificity (98.9%) in identifying NVP-induced rash, it is possible to utilize the HLA-B*3505 as a marker to avoid a subset of NVP-induced rash, at least in Thai population.

National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance, Thailand (NARST) data among clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Thailand from 2000 to 2005.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, clinical epidemiology, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Thailand from 2000 to 2005. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Using WHONET data from 28 hospitals participating in the National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Thailand (NARST) program, all data were reviewed and analyzed for the prevalence, clinical epidemiology, and antimicrobial susceptibility of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from 2000 to 2005. RESULTS: During the six-year surveillance, the prevalence of P. aeruginosa in clinical isolates was constant among 28 hospitals. The most common sites of isolation included sputum, pus, and urine. The most active antimicrobials were netilmicin (88% to 90.8%), cefoperazone/sulbactam (85.1% to 89.5%), imipenem (84.6% to 87.2%), and meropenem (84.5%). The resistance to ceftazidime was very high, ranging from 24.6-27.4%. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa (resistance to amikacin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime) was constant. Some hospitals in Central and Eastern regions had the prevalence of MDR up to 20% to 30% of the isolates. CONCLUSION: According to NARST data, the antimicrobial resistance rates of P. aeruginosa remains constant with the exception of relatively high rates in ceftazidime. The prevalence of MDR P. aeruginosa is generally low with a moderately high prevalence in some hospitals.

Acute monoblastic leukemia with t(10;11)(p12;q23) presenting with pulmonary involvement: a case report and literature review.

A forty-three-year-old Thai man presented with acute fever and dyspnea for one week with bilateral patchy infiltration, pancytopenia with monoblast. Bone marrow study was consistent with acute monoblastic leukemia. Lung lesions rapidly progressed to acute respiratory failure, which required intubation. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage revealed monotonous monoblast infiltration. Induction chemotherapy with 7 + 3 regimen was administered to halt the progression of leukemic pulmonary infiltration. Although there was clinical improvement, the chest radiograph developed crescent formation in the right upper lung field. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis was suspected and successfully treated with antifungal agent. After peripheral blood recovery, bone marrow evaluation was performed and complete remission was established. HLA matching was sent to prepare for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The literature review showed that the appropriate treatment for the patients with t(10;11)(p12;q23) was HSCT, but there was no data concerning correlation of t(10;11)(p12;q23) and pulmonary infiltration. This may be due to the low incidence of leukemic infiltration of acute leukemia patients, which is 0.48% and 3.06% in acute myeloid leukemia and acute monoblastic leukemia, respectively.

Guidelines for antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 infected adults and adolescents: the recommendations of the Thai AIDS Society (TAS) 2008.

BACKGROUND: More than 100,000 patients have been treated, since the implementation of the National Universal Coverage for antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Thailand Although there are several comprehensive guidelines available internationally, there is a need to have guidelines that can be implemented in Thailand. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The guidelines were developed by a panel of 17 members who are the experts on HIV research and/or HIV patient care and appointed without incentive by the Thai AIDS Society (TAS). The recommendations were based on evidences from the published studies and availability of antiretroviral agents. Published studies that are relevant and applicable to Thailand in particular have been taken into consideration. RESULTS: The recommendations include: when to start ART; what to start; how to monitor the therapy; adverse effects and its management; diagnosis of treatment failure; and antiretroviral treatment options in patients with treatment failure. ART in special circumstances, i.e., patients with co-infection of tuberculosis or hepatitis B virus, is also included Appropriate level of CD4+ T-cell count to start ART among Thai patients has been considered carefully. The authors recommend to start ART at CD4+ T-cell count < 200 cells/mm3. CONCLUSION: ART should be initiated in adults and adolescents HIV-1 infected patients with a history of HIV-related illness or AIDS or with a CD4+ T-cell count <200 cells/mm3. For treatment-naive patients, the preferred initial therapy is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimen. CD4' T-cell count and viral load should be monitored for at least twice and once a year, respectively. Proper management of antiretroviral-related toxicity and enhancement of adherence are crucial for the long-term success of ART.

Uropathogens and empiric antibiotics for the treatment of urinary tract infections in spinal cord injured patients at rehabilitation center, Thai Red Cross Society during 2001 to 2005.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in spinal cord injured patients. The authors investigated the epidemiology of bacteria associated with UTI to select an appropriate antibiotic for empirical treatment of UTI before obtaining a bacterial culture. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, as well as the causative bacteria and their susceptibility pattern of urinary tract infection in spinal cord injured patients hospitalized to the Rehabilitation Center, Thai Red Cross Society, Samutprakarn, Thailand from January 2001 to December 2005. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective chart review of 76 spinal cord injured patients. RESULTS: Of all spinal cord injured patients, there were 50 males and 26 females, with the average age of 44.70 years. The average length of hospitalization was 104.5 days. 71.2% of the patients needed intermittent catheterization for bladder drainage, and only 2.7% had suprapubic cystostomy. None of patient had indwelling catheterization. Forty-six patients had 68 episodes of UTI (60.52%). Eighteen patients had recurrent UTI (14 patients had two episodes and four patients had three episodes). E. coli was the most common isolated pathogen (74.36%) followed by K. pneumoniae (12.82%), E. faecalis (5%) and P. mirabilis (5%). Most gram-negative pathogens were susceptible to amikacin and third generation cephalosporins. The susceptibility of these organisms to cotrimoxazole, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and ciprofloxacin were in the range of 34.6-60.0%, 44.0-50.0% and 25.9-50.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Urinary tract infections were commonly observed among spinal cord injured patients in the presented institution. E. coli was the most common isolated pathogen. Surprisingly, most gram-negative pathogens were resistant to cotrimoxazole, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and ciprofloxacin. An antibiotic of choice for UTI in our patients should be aminoglycoside or third generation cephalosporins.

Skin and soft-tissue infections among tsunami survivors in southern Thailand.

Among 777 patients transferred to 4 hospitals in Bangkok from southern Thailand after the tsunami of 26 December 2004, there were 515 with skin and soft-tissue infections. The most common organisms isolated were Aeromonas species (145 [22.6%] of 641 isolates from 305 patients). Most isolates were susceptible to aminoglycosides, third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, quinolones, and imipenem but were resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanate and first-generation cephalosporins.