Evaluation of a vanA-specific PCR assay for detection of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium during a hospital outbreak.

We investigated the use of PCR as an alternative to culture of fecal samples for detection of vanA-containing Enterococcus faecium during a recent hospital outbreak. Rectal swabs collected consecutively from 223 patients were analyzed by culture with and without enrichment broth and by vanA-specific PCR of enrichment broth samples. Fifty-five specimens were positive for vanA-containing E. faecium by at least one method. The sensitivities of the vanA-specific PCR assay and agar culture with and without enrichment broth were 94.5, 98, and 89%, respectively. All three methods were 100% specific. Final results were obtained much more rapidly by PCR (within 24 to 30 h of specimen submission) than by the culture methods (4 to 5 days). Thus, PCR is an accurate and rapid alternative to culture for detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci during hospital outbreaks.

Meningitis in a Canadian adult due to high level penicillin-resistant, cefotaxime-intermediate Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Invasive penicillin-resistant pneumococcal (PRSP) infections are increasing worldwide. In Canada, the incidence of penicillin resistance among Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates is estimated at greater than 6%. In Quebec, only one case of PRSP meningitis has been reported and involved an infant. An adult patient is described who presented with meningitis caused by high level penicillin-resistant, cefotaxime-intermediate S pneumoniae.

Anterior chamber fluid contamination after uncomplicated phacoemulsification.

This study determined the rate of anterior chamber aerobic bacterial contamination in 103 eyes that had uncomplicated posterior chamber phacoemulsification. Anterior chamber fluid was aspirated on completion of surgery. Cultures of sterile balanced salt solution served as a control. Of 103 anterior chamber cultures, 4 (3.9%) showed contamination; however, 3 of 103 control cultures (2.9%) also grew micro-organisms. These findings suggest a very low rate of aerobic bacterial contamination after uncomplicated phacoemulsification and underscore the importance of control cultures when determining contamination rates.

Legionella pneumophila lung abscess in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Lung abscess is an infrequently reported complication of Legionella pneumophila pneumonia associated with a high mortality rate. The risk factors, natural course, optimal method of diagnosis, and optimal therapy of this complication are not well defined. One case of Legionella pneumophila lung abscess occurring in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus is described, and the reports of 26 other cases are reviewed. This complication is usually hospital-acquired and occurs predominantly in transplant recipients and systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with corticosteroids with or without a cytotoxic drug. The time interval between the onset of immunosuppressive therapy and infection is usually of several weeks. Progression from pneumonia to abscess formation may be rapid, more commonly within an upper lobe. Transthoracic aspiration within the abscess cavity may be diagnostic, thus obviating the need for open lung biopsy. The prompt institution of erythromycin 4 gm daily intravenously followed by oral therapy for at least 4 weeks is associated with a high survival rate. Adequate drainage from the abscess cavity must be maintained. Radiologic healing may be slow. Long-term survival without relapse does occur. That the clinical spectrum of Legionella pneumophila infection includes lung abscess has not been sufficiently emphasized. This agent should be considered early in the differential diagnosis of lung abscess.

Acne fulminans with osteolytic lesions.

Multifocal lytic bone lesions were found in a patient with a severe form of acne. The clinical presentation was suggestive of "acne fulminans." Propionibacterium acnes was isolated from a subculture of bone tissue. The association of acne fulminans and osteolytic lesions is rare and the pathophysiology is unknown. However, the use of corticosteroids for systemic effect combined with local measures seems to give excellent treatment results.