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1.
Int J Med Sci ; 18(3): 646-651, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33437199

ABSTRACT

Objectives: A significant proportion of discharged COVID-19 patients still have some symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played an important role in the treatment of COVID-19, but whether it is helpful for discharged patients is still unknown. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the impacts of TCM treatment on the convalescents of COVID-19. Methods: A total of 372 COVID-19 convalescents from February 21 to May 3 in Shenzhen, China were retrospectively analyzed, 291 of them accepted clinically examined at least once and 191 convalescents accepted TCM. Results: After retrospective analysis of the clinical data of convalescents accepted TCM treatment or not, we found that the white blood cell count, as well as serum interleukin-6 and procalcitonin decreased in TCM group. Serum γ-glutamyl transpeptidase was significantly decreased, while prealbumin and albumin increased in TCM group. Red blood cell, hemoglobin, and platelet count increased in TCM group. The mechanisms of TCM treatment might be the overall regulations, including balanced immune response, improved hematopoiesis and coagulation systems, enhanced functions of liver and heart, increased nutrient intake and lipid metabolism. Conclusions: This study suggested that TCM treatment would be beneficial for discharged COVID-19 patients. However, long-term medical observation and further study with randomized trial should be done to confirm this result. Besides, the potential molecular mechanisms of TCM treatment should be further revealed.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/rehabilitation , Convalescence , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage , COVID-19/blood , COVID-19/diagnosis , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , Treatment Outcome
3.
Clin Microbiol Infect ; 26(12): 1658-1662, 2020 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32919072

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Environmental surfaces have been suggested as likely contributors in the transmission of COVID-19. This study assessed the infectivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contaminating surfaces and objects in two hospital isolation units and a quarantine hotel. METHODS: SARS-CoV-2 virus stability and infectivity on non-porous surfaces was tested under controlled laboratory conditions. Surface and air sampling were conducted at two COVID-19 isolation units and in a quarantine hotel. Viral RNA was detected by RT-PCR and infectivity was assessed by VERO E6 CPE test. RESULTS: In laboratory-controlled conditions, SARS-CoV-2 gradually lost its infectivity completely by day 4 at ambient temperature, and the decay rate of viral viability on surfaces directly correlated with increase in temperature. Viral RNA was detected in 29/55 surface samples (52.7%) and 16/42 surface samples (38%) from the surroundings of symptomatic COVID-19 patients in isolation units of two hospitals and in a quarantine hotel for asymptomatic and very mild COVID-19 patients. None of the surface and air samples from the three sites (0/97) were found to contain infectious titres of SARS-Cov-2 on tissue culture assay. CONCLUSIONS: Despite prolonged viability of SARS-CoV-2 under laboratory-controlled conditions, uncultivable viral contamination of inanimate surfaces might suggest low feasibility for indirect fomite transmission.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/transmission , Fomites/virology , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Housing/statistics & numerical data , Microbial Viability , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , COVID-19/virology , Humans , RNA, Viral/isolation & purification , Surface Properties , Temperature
4.
JAMA Intern Med ; 180(11): 1447-1452, 2020 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32780793

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: There is limited information about the clinical course and viral load in asymptomatic patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively describe SARS-CoV-2 molecular viral shedding in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective evaluation was conducted for a cohort of 303 symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 6 and March 26, 2020. Participants were isolated in a community treatment center in Cheonan, Republic of Korea. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Epidemiologic, demographic, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. Attending health care personnel carefully identified patients' symptoms during isolation. The decision to release an individual from isolation was based on the results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay from upper respiratory tract specimens (nasopharynx and oropharynx swab) and lower respiratory tract specimens (sputum) for SARS-CoV-2. This testing was performed on days 8, 9, 15, and 16 of isolation. On days 10, 17, 18, and 19, RT-PCR assays from the upper or lower respiratory tract were performed at physician discretion. Cycle threshold (Ct) values in RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection were determined in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. RESULTS: Of the 303 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, the median (interquartile range) age was 25 (22-36) years, and 201 (66.3%) were women. Only 12 (3.9%) patients had comorbidities (10 had hypertension, 1 had cancer, and 1 had asthma). Among the 303 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, 193 (63.7%) were symptomatic at the time of isolation. Of the 110 (36.3%) asymptomatic patients, 21 (19.1%) developed symptoms during isolation. The median (interquartile range) interval of time from detection of SARS-CoV-2 to symptom onset in presymptomatic patients was 15 (13-20) days. The proportions of participants with a negative conversion at day 14 and day 21 from diagnosis were 33.7% and 75.2%, respectively, in asymptomatic patients and 29.6% and 69.9%, respectively, in symptomatic patients (including presymptomatic patients). The median (SE) time from diagnosis to the first negative conversion was 17 (1.07) days for asymptomatic patients and 19.5 (0.63) days for symptomatic (including presymptomatic) patients (P = .07). The Ct values for the envelope (env) gene from lower respiratory tract specimens showed that viral loads in asymptomatic patients from diagnosis to discharge tended to decrease more slowly in the time interaction trend than those in symptomatic (including presymptomatic) patients (ß = -0.065 [SE, 0.023]; P = .005). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In this cohort study of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who were isolated in a community treatment center in Cheonan, Republic of Korea, the Ct values in asymptomatic patients were similar to those in symptomatic patients. Isolation of asymptomatic patients may be necessary to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2.


Subject(s)
Asymptomatic Infections , Hospitals, Isolation , Patient Isolation/methods , SARS-CoV-2 , Viral Load/methods , Virus Shedding , Adult , Asymptomatic Infections/epidemiology , Asymptomatic Infections/therapy , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19/physiopathology , COVID-19 Testing/methods , COVID-19 Testing/statistics & numerical data , Epidemiological Monitoring , Female , Hospitals, Isolation/methods , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Male , Public Health/statistics & numerical data , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2/isolation & purification , SARS-CoV-2/physiology , Symptom Assessment/methods , Symptom Assessment/statistics & numerical data
5.
Curationis ; 43(1): e1-e8, 2020 Apr 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32242423

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To prevent the spread of infection of tuberculosis (TB), sufficient knowledge and safe practices regarding occupational exposure are crucial for all employees working in TB hospitals. OBJECTIVES: To explore and describe the knowledge and practices of employees working in three specialised TB hospitals in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, regarding occupational exposure to TB. METHODS: A quantitative, descriptive and contextual study was conducted using convenience sampling to have 181 employees at the three hospitals elected to complete the self-administered questionnaire, which was distributed in December 2016. Three scores on a scale of 0-10 were calculated per participant: knowledge, personal practice and institutional practice. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilised. RESULTS: Approximately, one-third (34%) of the participants were between the ages of 36 and 45 years. Most of the participants (63%) attended high school and less than one-third (28%) had a tertiary qualification. The majority of participants (62%) had not received any clinical training. Participants displayed high scores ( 6) for knowledge (75%; mean = 6.65), personal practice (68%; mean = 6.12) and institutional practice (51%; mean = 6.15). The correlation between knowledge and personal practice was found to be non-significant (r = 0.033). An analysis of variance revealed that Knowledge is significantly related to age and education level. CONCLUSION: Employees' knowledge regarding occupational TB exposure was generally high, but they were not necessarily practicing what they knew. Further research is required regarding appropriate managerial interventions to ensure that employees' practices improve, which should reduce the risk of occupational TB exposure.


Subject(s)
Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Tuberculosis/nursing , Adult , Analysis of Variance , Attitude of Health Personnel , Female , Hospitals, Isolation/organization & administration , Hospitals, Isolation/standards , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Occupational Exposure/prevention & control , South Africa , Surveys and Questionnaires
6.
Ann Ital Chir ; 91: 563-567, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33554942

ABSTRACT

2019-nCoV currently named SARS-CoV-2 is a highly pathogenic Coronavirus identified in Wuhan China in December 2019. Turkey declared the first case relatively late compared to Asian and European countries on March 11, as the first SARS-CoV-2 infection in Turkey. In this study, we aimed to determine patients' outcomes in 50 surgeries done in the incubation period of SARS-CoV-2 in our hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 50 patients who underwent surgeries during the incubation period of CoVid-19 at Istinye University Gaziosmanpasa Medical Park Hospital in Istanbul, from March 2 to April 11, 2020. RESULTS: The age of 50 patients range was 21 to 73, and the median age was 43.32 (64%) patients were women. The median length of hospital stay is 2.6 days (1-21). Operations at various difficulty levels were also performed on patients with co-morbidities. No complication or mortality was observed except for 1 patient, and the ICU requirement of that patient was also due to high energy trauma. CONCLUSION: Although contrary claims have been made in various studies; it is the primary duty of us surgeons to operate CoVid-19 positive/suspicious patients safely and without any contamination, and on the other hand, to continue their operations without victimizing negative patients. In this pilot study, we would like to emphasize with necessary and adequate measures these can be achieved. KEY WORDS: CoVid-19, SARS-CoV-2, Surgery.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Testing , COVID-19/diagnosis , Emergencies/epidemiology , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, University/statistics & numerical data , Infectious Disease Incubation Period , Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional/prevention & control , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Surgical Procedures, Operative/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Aged , COVID-19/diagnostic imaging , COVID-19/epidemiology , Comorbidity , Elective Surgical Procedures/mortality , Elective Surgical Procedures/statistics & numerical data , Equipment Contamination/prevention & control , Female , Hospital Mortality , Humans , Infection Control/methods , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Isolation , Pilot Projects , Retrospective Studies , Surgical Procedures, Operative/mortality , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Turkey/epidemiology , Young Adult
9.
Clin Microbiol Infect ; 21S: e1-e5, 2019 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24750421

ABSTRACT

Highly infectious diseases (HIDs) are defined as being transmissible from person to person, causing life-threatening illnesses and presenting a serious public health hazard. In most European Union member states specialized isolation facilities are responsible for the management of such cases. Ground ambulances are often affiliated with those facilities because rapid relocation of patients is most desirable. To date, no pooled data on the accessibility, technical specifications and operational procedures for such transport capacities are available. During 2009, the 'European Network for HIDs' conducted a cross-sectional analysis of hospitals responsible for HID patients in Europe including an assessment of (a) legal aspects; (b) technical and infrastructure aspects; and (c) operational procedures for ground ambulances used for HID transport. Overall, 48 isolation facilities in 16 European countries were evaluated and feedback rates ranged from 78% to 100% (n = 37 to n = 48 centres). Only 46.8% (22/47) of all centres have both national and local guidelines regulating HID patient transport. If recommended, specific equipment is found in 90% of centres (9/10), but standard ambulances in only 6/13 centres (46%). Exclusive entrances (32/45; 71%) and pathways (30/44; 68.2%) for patient admission, as well as protocols for disinfection of ambulances (34/47; 72.3%) and equipment (30/43; 69.8%) exist in most centres. In conclusion, the availability and technical specifications of ambulances broadly differ, reflecting different preparedness levels within the European Union. Hence, regulations for technical specifications and operational procedures should be harmonized to promote patient and healthcare worker safety.


Subject(s)
Communicable Diseases/therapy , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Infection Control/standards , Patient Isolation/standards , Transportation of Patients/statistics & numerical data , Ambulances/standards , Ambulances/supply & distribution , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disinfection , Europe , Health Care Surveys , Hospitals, Isolation/legislation & jurisprudence , Hospitals, Isolation/standards , Humans , Infection Control/legislation & jurisprudence , Infection Control/organization & administration , Patient Isolation/instrumentation , Patient Isolation/legislation & jurisprudence , Transportation of Patients/legislation & jurisprudence , Transportation of Patients/standards
10.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol ; 37(3): 313-8, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26641267

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe current Ebola treatment center (ETC) locations, their capacity to care for Ebola virus disease patients, and infection control infrastructure features. DESIGN: A 19-question survey was distributed electronically in April 2015. Responses were collected via email by June 2015 and analyzed in an electronic spreadsheet. SETTING: The survey was sent to and completed by site representatives of each ETC. PARTICIPANTS: The survey was sent to all 55 ETCs; 47 (85%) responded. RESULTS: Of the 47 responding ETCs, there are 84 isolation beds available for adults and 91 for children; of these pediatric beds, 35 (38%) are in children's hospitals. In total, the simultaneous capacity of the 47 reporting ETCs is 121 beds. On the basis of the current US census, there are 0.38 beds per million population. Most ETCs have negative pressure isolation rooms, anterooms, and a process for category A waste sterilization, although only 11 facilities (23%) have the capability to sterilize infectious waste on site. CONCLUSIONS: Facilities developed ETCs on the basis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, but specific capabilities are not mandated at this present time. Owing to the complex and costly nature of Ebola virus disease treatment and variability in capabilities from facility to facility, in conjunction with the lack of regulations, nationwide capacity in specialized facilities is limited. Further assessments should determine whether ETCs can adapt to safely manage other highly infectious disease threats.


Subject(s)
Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola/therapy , Hospital Bed Capacity/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, Pediatric/statistics & numerical data , Infection Control/standards , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. , Humans , Surveys and Questionnaires , United States
12.
Ethiop Med J ; Suppl 1: 37-41, 2014 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24696987

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic to many parts of the world and has re-emerged in a number of endemic countries in recent years. Environmental changes, immune status of the host and treatment failure are the three most important risk factors associated with the re-emerging and spread of Leishmaniasis. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) ranges from localized, self-healing type to the disfiguring mucocutaneous and diffuse cutaneous type. OBJECTIVE: To access the trend of CL patient flow in ALERT Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: Patients' clinical and laboratory records were collected retrospectively for 1651 leishmaniasis suspected individuals from ALERT Hospital, from January 1, 2007 to December 30, 2010. RESULTS: From the suspected individuals, 234 cases were positive for Leishmania species with Giemsa stain and/or histopathology and confirmed for CL, of whom 30 (12.8%) were diagnosed in 2007, 29 (12.4%) in 2008, 75 (32.1%) in 2009, and 100 (42.7%) were in 2010. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The overall proportion of cases with leishmaniasis among the suspected cases was 234/1651 (14.2%). The distribution of CL reports was higher for patients coming from Addis Ababa surrounding areas and Oromia region, 96/234 (41.03%) and 71/234 (30.34%), respectively. In general, the trend of leishmaniasis in and around Addis Ababa seems to be increasing, which calls for further detailed epidemiological studies, including vector and reservoir host studies, to help in the prevention and control of the disease.


Subject(s)
Leishmania , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/diagnosis , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Child , Child, Preschool , Ethiopia/epidemiology , Female , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Infant , Leishmania/classification , Leishmania/isolation & purification , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/parasitology , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/prevention & control , Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous/transmission , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors
13.
Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi ; 117(2): 476-82, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24340533

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: Given its epidemic potential and development of severe forms of disease, viral meningitis (VM) is a serious public health problem. AIM: to characterize the main clinical, epidemiologic features, the etiology and treatment of VM cases admitted to the Iasi Infectious Diseases Hospital, in 2012. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of the patients admitted for viral meningitis at the Iasi "St. Parascheva" Infectious Diseases Hospital in the interval January 1- December 31, 2012 (98 cases). The etiologic diagnosis was made by determining the IgM/IgG antibodies against Coxsackie virus and/or West Nile virus in blood/CSF. RESULTS: There was a fourfold increase in the number of cases as compared to the average for the years 2009-2011. Most cases (73.5%) were children aged 1 to 14 years. 61.8% of patients were males, 51.7% from urban areas. The most common symptom was headache (85.7%), followed by fever (77.6%), and vomiting (66.3%). Neck stiffness was absent in 28.6% cases. In43.5% of the 39 patients serologically investigated a Coxsackie virus infection was confirmed and 1/20 was positive for West Nile virus; three varicella-zoster virus infections and one mumps infection were diagnosed clinically. 68.3% of the patients received first-line antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The illness mainly affected children, fever and neck stiffness being sometimes absent. The etiology was known in 22.4% of cases; enter viruses being the most frequent causative agent. Most patients received antibiotic therapy. The course was favorable in all cases.


Subject(s)
Meningitis, Viral/diagnosis , Meningitis, Viral/epidemiology , Patient Admission/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Diagnosis, Differential , Enterovirus/isolation & purification , Female , Fever/virology , Headache/virology , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, University , Humans , Infant , Male , Meningitis, Viral/complications , Meningitis, Viral/therapy , Meningitis, Viral/virology , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Romania/epidemiology , Vomiting/virology , West Nile virus/isolation & purification
14.
Arch Intern Med ; 170(14): 1228-38, 2010 Jul 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20660842

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The role of exposure to specific antiretroviral drugs on risk of myocardial infarction in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is debated in the literature. METHODS: To assess whether we confirmed the association between exposure to abacavir and risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and to estimate the impact of exposure to other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), and non-NRTIs on risk of MI, we conducted a case-control study nested within the French Hospital Database on HIV. Cases (n = 289) were patients who, between January 2000 and December 2006, had a prospectively recorded first definite or probable MI. Up to 5 controls (n = 884), matched for age, sex, and clinical center, were selected at random with replacement among patients with no history of MI already enrolled in the database when MI was diagnosed in the corresponding case. Conditional logistic regression models were used to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS: Short-term/recent exposure to abacavir was associated with an increased risk of MI in the overall sample (odds ratios [ORs], 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-3.64) but not in the subset of matched cases and controls (81%) who did not use cocaine or intravenous drugs (1.27; 0.64-2.49). Cumulative exposure to all PIs except saquinavir was associated with an increased risk of MI significant for amprenavir/fosamprenavir with or without ritonavir (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.21-1.94 per year) and lopinavir with ritonavir (1.33; 1.09-1.61 per year). Exposure to all non-NRTIs was not associated with risk of MI. CONCLUSION: The risk of MI was increased by cumulative exposure to all the studied PIs except saquinavir and particularly to amprenavir/fosamprenavir with or without ritonavir and lopinavir with ritonavir, whereas the association with abacavir cannot be considered causal.


Subject(s)
Anti-HIV Agents/adverse effects , Carbamates/adverse effects , Dideoxynucleosides/adverse effects , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Myocardial Infarction/chemically induced , Organophosphates/adverse effects , Ritonavir/adverse effects , Sulfonamides/adverse effects , Adult , Anti-HIV Agents/administration & dosage , Carbamates/administration & dosage , Case-Control Studies , Cohort Studies , Confidence Intervals , Dideoxynucleosides/administration & dosage , Female , France/epidemiology , Furans , HIV Infections/diagnosis , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis , Myocardial Infarction/epidemiology , Odds Ratio , Organophosphates/administration & dosage , Regression Analysis , Risk , Ritonavir/administration & dosage , Sulfonamides/administration & dosage
15.
Foodborne Pathog Dis ; 7(6): 613-8, 2010 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20156088

ABSTRACT

Infections with cestodes from genus Echinococcus are usually acquired by oral ingestion of eggs, direct contact with carriers, and contaminated food (especially vegetables) or water. Echinococcosis, previously characterized as a malady of medical importance only, depends upon veterinary solutions and faces political obstacles; it is considered the most important zoonotic disease in Romania. As a result of the increased number of human and animal cases, Romania was framed in the forefront of the European countries and among the first countries worldwide in 1995. The present paper is the first international systematized review concerning echinococcosis in Romania. It covers a period of 146 years, beginning in 1862, when the first case of human hydatid disease was mentioned in medical annals, until 2007 and aims at overviewing and analyzing data provided by major studies from different fields of human and veterinary medicine. Authors also present unpublished data of a 37-year surveillance performed in a reference infectious disease hospital. During the period 1979-1988, 8557 patients were hospitalized for hydatid disease requiring 210,057 days of health care, and 516 fatalities (6.03%) were registered. The prevalence of the disease in livestock during the period 1983-1994 varied between 24.3% and 92.9% in sheep, 31.2% and 43.6% in cattle, and 20.4% and 73.8% in swine. The economic losses in animals are very high due not only to increased mortality rates but also to weight loss and decreased productivity. Epidemiological data available showed that at least one person from 45.5% of Romanian localities underwent surgery for cystic echinococcosis. The information presented outlines the severity of the situation from human- and livestock-associated cystic echinococcosis in Romania. Control programs based on combinations of animal vaccination, dehelmintization of dogs, and education programs should be implemented to achieve effective prevention of disease transmission.


Subject(s)
Echinococcosis/epidemiology , Echinococcosis/veterinary , Echinococcus , Zoonoses/epidemiology , Animals , Animals, Domestic/parasitology , Anticestodal Agents/therapeutic use , Echinococcosis/history , Echinococcosis/prevention & control , History, 18th Century , History, 19th Century , History, 20th Century , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Mass Vaccination/veterinary , Morbidity , Population Surveillance , Romania/epidemiology , Zoonoses/history , Zoonoses/parasitology
16.
Article in Romanian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21553473

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Antibiotic resistance evaluation of Gram-positive cocci isolated in 2008. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for 1044 strains: 610 Staphylococcus aureus (352 from patients, 258 from carriers), 203 Streptococcus pneumoniae (53 from patients, 150 from carriers), 144 Enterococcus faecalis. 57 Enterococcus faecium and 30 Streptococcus spp. using automatic systems Vitek 2 Compact. MicroScan, disc diffusion method and Etest according to 2008 CLSI. A number of 497 Streptococcus pyogenes strains were tested for eritromycin resistance. RESULTS: There were 33.2% MRSA for strains isolated from patients and 30.0% from carriers. From MRSA strains. 35.5% were resistant to gentamicin. 33.6% to ciprofloxacin, 74.3% to erythromycin and 30.5% to rifampin. There were no S. aureus strain resistant to vancomycin and linezolid. S. aureus strains isolated from wounds were more resistant to erythromycin (43.9%) than the strains isolated from systemic infections (12.1%). From 11 S. pneumoniae strains isolated from meningitis, 4 were resistant to penicillin. Neither S. pneumoniae strain isolated from other infections, nor those from carriers had MIC to penicillin more than 4 microg/ml. S. pneumoniae strains isolated from carriers were more resistant to erythromycin. clindamycin and tetracycline than the strains isolated from patients (66.7%, 54.1%, 54.2% vs. 27.4%, 22.6%, 33.9%). E. faecium was 95.9% resistant to penicillin, 90.2% to ampicillin, 64.7% to gentamicin, 72.0% to streptomycin and 78.4% to ciprofloxacin. F. faecalis was less resistant than E. faecium at most of the antibiotics: 32.4% to gentamicin, 59.6% to streptomycin, 28.5% to ciprofloxacin. Viridans group Streptococci, all isolated from blood culture were 92% susceptible to penicillin and ampicillin. To erythromycin, 12% of viridians group Streptococci were resistant. S. pyogenes resistance to eritromycin was 5.8%. CONCLUSIONS: S. aureus strains showed a relatively high level of resistance to oxacillin (33.2%) and resistance in the same time to several antibiotics. S. pneumoniae can not be considered resistant to penicillin administrated parenteral, with exception of the strains isolated from meningitis. E. faecium had a higher resistance rate than E. faecalis.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Drug Resistance, Microbial , Gram-Positive Cocci/drug effects , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Ciprofloxacin/pharmacology , Enterococcus faecalis/drug effects , Enterococcus faecium/drug effects , Erythromycin/pharmacology , Gentamicins/pharmacology , Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/drug therapy , Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/epidemiology , Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/microbiology , Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections/prevention & control , Gram-Positive Cocci/isolation & purification , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, University , Humans , Penicillins/pharmacology , Rifampin/pharmacology , Romania/epidemiology , Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects , Streptococcus pneumoniae/drug effects , Streptococcus pyogenes/drug effects
17.
J Hosp Infect ; 73(1): 15-23, 2009 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19647337

ABSTRACT

Isolation of patients with highly infectious diseases (HIDs) in hospital rooms with adequate technical facilities is essential to reduce the risk of spreading disease. The European Network for Infectious Diseases (EUNID), a project co-funded by European Commission and involving 16 European Union member states, performed an inventory of high level isolation rooms (HIRs, hospital rooms with negative pressure and anteroom). In participating countries, HIRs are available in at least 211 hospitals, with at least 1789 hospital beds. The adequacy of this number is not known and will depend on prevailing circumstances. Sporadic HID cases can be managed in the available HIRs. HIRs could also have a role in the initial phases of an influenza pandemic. However, large outbreaks due to natural or to bioterrorist events will need management strategies involving healthcare facilities other than HIRs.


Subject(s)
Communicable Diseases/transmission , Health Facilities/statistics & numerical data , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Patient Isolation/methods , Bioterrorism , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , European Union , Humans
18.
Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi ; 113(1): 192-6, 2009.
Article in Romanian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21495317

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: We assessed clinical and microbiological characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infections in hospitalized patients during a period of three years (October 2005 - October 2008) in the Clinic Hospital of Infectious Diseases Iasi. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 169 patients with SA infections (sepsis, meningitis, skin infections and urinary tract infections). MiniAPI system ID 32 STAPH was used for identification and antibiotic susceptibility was assessed by ATB STAPH method and by E-test for oxacillin and vancomycin. RESULTS: The rate of methicillin resistance (MR) was 48%, all strains being susceptible to linezolid, vancomycin, teicoplanin. In our study MRSA was susceptible in approximately 94% of cases to clindamycin and cotrimoxazole. Infections were defined as nosocomial in 51% of patients with a rate of MR of 52% and community-acquired in 49% with a rate of MR of 23% (p = 0.001). Clinical profile was: localized infection in 41% of patients with MRSA and systemic infection (sepsis with at least one organ involvement or bacteremia) in 59% of patients with MRSA infections (p = 0.53). Initial treatment was inadequate in 46% of MRSA infections. One third of strains had MIC of vancomycin 2 mg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of methicillin resistance of S. aureus straints isolated from infections (48 %) justifies a particular approach of initial antistaphylococcal therapy.


Subject(s)
Cross Infection , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Inpatients/statistics & numerical data , Staphylococcal Infections/epidemiology , Staphylococcal Infections/microbiology , Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification , Acetamides/therapeutic use , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use , Community-Acquired Infections/epidemiology , Community-Acquired Infections/microbiology , Cross Infection/epidemiology , Cross Infection/microbiology , Drug Therapy, Combination , Hospitals, University , Humans , Linezolid , Methicillin Resistance , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Middle Aged , Oxazolidinones/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Romania/epidemiology , Staphylococcal Infections/drug therapy , Teicoplanin/therapeutic use , Vancomycin/therapeutic use
19.
Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi ; 112(2): 483-8, 2008.
Article in Romanian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19295024

ABSTRACT

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Analytical assessment was performed for a sample of 499 patients admitted in the Infectious Diseases Clinic of Iasi, in order to highlight some clinical epidemiological and laboratory characteristics. RESULTS: During the third trimester, 45.3% of patients were hospitalized, comparatively with 7.8% during the first trimester, leading to a summer - autumn seasonality. Age groups of 31-60 years registered 57.3%; 90.2% were males, and only 13.2% agricultural workers. Clinical forms and evolution were assessed by testing a number of 10 biological and biochemical indicators. Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae was the causal agent in 46.1% of cases, followed by L. wolffi (44.3%), L. pomona (4.2%), and l. grippotyphosa (3.4%). Average length of stay of 11-20 days (42.3%) and over 20 (21.4%) represented an indicator of unfavourable medical and socioeconomic involvements due to leptospirosis.


Subject(s)
Inpatients/statistics & numerical data , Leptospira/isolation & purification , Leptospirosis/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Agricultural Workers' Diseases/epidemiology , Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Child , Female , Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Incidence , Leptospirosis/diagnosis , Leptospirosis/drug therapy , Leptospirosis/transmission , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Retrospective Studies , Romania/epidemiology , Seasons , Treatment Outcome
20.
Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi ; 112(3): 612-5, 2008.
Article in Romanian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20201240

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: Leptospirosis is a zooantroponosis manifested as an infection with a severe evolution, with liver and renal failure and haemoragic manifestation. The aim of the study was to present the epidemiologic, clinic and therapeutical aspects of 100 cases of leptospirosis admitted in the clinic of Infectious Diseases of Iasi, during 5 years (2002-2006). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The diagnostic was based on the clinical-biologic study and risk factors with febrile syndrome, mialgic syndrome, headache, meningial, liver and renal failure and hematological syndromes, with the serologic evidence of serotypes of leptospirosis. RESULTS: All the patients were serologic confirmed with leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is an emergent disease with the possibility of severe evolution in some forms, with lever and renal failure.


Subject(s)
Hospitals, Isolation/statistics & numerical data , Inpatients/statistics & numerical data , Leptospira , Leptospirosis/diagnosis , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Fever/microbiology , Headache/microbiology , Hemorrhage/microbiology , Hospitals, University , Humans , Leptospira/isolation & purification , Leptospirosis/blood , Leptospirosis/epidemiology , Leptospirosis/microbiology , Liver Failure/microbiology , Male , Meningism/microbiology , Middle Aged , Muscular Diseases/microbiology , Prevalence , Renal Insufficiency/microbiology , Risk Factors , Romania/epidemiology , Serologic Tests
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