Evaluation of the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of TotalFill and NeoSEALER flo bioceramic sealers.

Aim: Evaluation of the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of TotalFill and NeoSEALER Flo bioceramic sealers compared to AH Plus resin sealer. Materials and Methods: Modified direct contact test was used on three sets of sealers: Freshly mixed sealers, sealers that were 1-day old, and sealers that were 7-day old. After 24 h of incubation, the colony-forming units were digitally counted using Promega Colony Counter after 30 and 60 min of exposure to Enterococcus faecalis. For cytotoxic effect evaluation, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2-5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed at three different time points: 24 h, 48 h, and 120 h after adding the sealer eluates to human gingival fibroblasts, to assess cell viability. Data were analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance followed by post hoc test. Results: TotalFill bioceramic sealer showed the highest bacterial reduction against E. faecalis throughout all intervals. AH Plus showed great antibacterial activity initially which reduced drastically after 7 days. All the sealers showed a reduction in their antibacterial activity with time. TotalFill and NeoSEALER Flo showed very high cell viability in contrast to AH Plus. Conclusion: TotalFill and NeoSEALER Flo demonstrate superior antimicrobial properties against E. faecalis which reduces with time. TotalFill and NeoSEALER Flo demonstrate acceptable biocompatibility against human gingival fibroblasts, which decreased over time.

Brevibacterium casei as a cause of brain abscess in an immunocompetent patient.

Coryneform bacteria belonging to the genus Brevibacterium have emerged as opportunistic pathogens. Of the nine known species of Brevibacterium isolated from human clinical samples, Brevibacterium casei is the most frequently reported species from clinical specimens. We report the first case of B. casei brain abscess in an immunocompetent patient successfully treated by surgery and antimicrobial therapy.

Exophiala dermatitidis as a cause of central line associated bloodstream infection in an infant: Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Exophiala dermatitidis is a dematiaceous fungus known to cause superficial, subcutaneous, cutaneous and deep seated infections, and rarely central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). A case of CLABSI due to E. dermatitidis in an infant is described. CASE REPORT: Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from patient's chart and laboratory records. The isolate was identified as E. dermatitidis by phenotypic characterization and sequencing of the ITS and LSU regions of the ribosomal DNA. Medline search was done to review all cases of CLABSI due to E. dermatitidis. Among the azoles tested, posaconazole (0.06mg/l), voriconazole (0.03mg/l) and itraconazole (0.03mg/l) showed very low MICs when compared to fluconazole (4mg/l) CONCLUSIONS: As we did not found in the literature any case of CLABSI due to E. dermatitidis in an infant, we report the first one. Sequencing is a mandatory method for accurately identifying this species. Prompt removal of the central line, followed by a treatment with amphotericin B or an azole, seems to be the most effective treatment.

Nocardia farcinica brain abscess: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Infections caused by Nocardia farcinica are potentially lethal because of the organism's tendency to disseminate and resist antibiotics. Central nervous system involvement has been documented in 30% of infections caused N. farcinica. METHODS: Case report and review of the literature. RESULTS: A case of primary brain abscess caused by N. farcinica, identified by 16SrRNA sequencing, is presented, and 39 cases reported previously in the literature are reviewed. Our patient underwent a neuronavigation-guided right frontal craniotomy and was treated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for 12 mo. He showed marginal improvement in his prior left hemiparesis at the last review 14 months later. CONCLUSION: Cases of N. farcinica infections are being reported increasingly because of recent changes in taxonomy and diagnostic methodology. This change in epidemiology has implications for therapy because of the organism's pathogenicity and natural resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents, including third-generation cephalosporins. Any delay in starting appropriate antibiotic therapy can have adverse consequences.

Molecular Characterization of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Causing Fatal Purulent Pericarditis.

Though pericardial disease is common in patients with renal disease, purulent pericarditis is very rare. We report a fatal case of purulent pericarditis and sepsis due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a 78-year-old male with systemic hypertension and renal disease along with the molecular characterization of its resistant mechanism.