[Immunological response (IgM) to Legionella pneumophila infection in children]. / Odpowiedz odpornosciowa w klasie IgM na zakazenie Legionella pneumophila u dzieci.

Most of the publications report cases of Legionella infection among adults. In our studies the level of IgM to Legionella pneumophila sg 1 was determined by ELISA method in serum samples of 144 children with symptoms of respiratory tract infections. Children were from 5 months to 18 years old. The significant level of IgM was found in 41 sera collected from 34 children aged 2 years and above. There were samples collected from 21 girls and 13 boys. The highest percentage of significant level of IgM was found in the age group 4-10 years (31.8%) and 10-14 years (31.7%). Among the youngest children (below 2 years) the equivocal results were found in 6 samples. The significant difference in IgM level was found between the children age groups. There was not found the significant differences in IgM level depending on gender. Obtained results indicated the importance of such kind of studies and necessity of adjusting cut-off values to age groups of children.

High activity of meropenem against Gram-negative bacteria from a paediatric Intensive Care Unit, 2001-2005.

The susceptibility of Gram-negative bacterial strains (n=620) isolated from clinical specimens of children hospitalized in a paediatric Intensive Care Unit between 2001 and 2005 was tested. Meropenem, imipenem and ciprofloxacin were most active (>90% susceptibility) against the tested isolates, with no observed reduction in activity over 5 years. A decrease in prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and AmpC beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae from 56.3 to 34.1% was found.

[The safety of patients and staff in the operating room]. / Bezpieczenstwo pacjentów i personelu na bloku operacyjnym.

The risk of postoperative infection is determined by a number of factors including the underlying health of the patient, the type of surgery and the environment in which the procedure take place. The predominant infective organisms are Staphylococci. Coagulase-negative staphylococci are regarded as emerging pathogens, especially in clean surgery. The operating team is the major source of the contaminated bacteria. Bacteria dispersed from the skin is of greater importance than bacteria from the respiratory tract, so masks are not always necessary in the theatre during an operation except by those at the table. Masks that function as protective barriers are another emerging issue. Due to a greater awareness of HIV and other blood-borne viruses, masks are taking on a greater role in protection health care workers from potentially infectious blood and body fluids. Bloodborne infection pose a large risk to healthcare workers. The incidence of occupational HBV infection has decline as a result of vaccine-induced immunity. Future vaccines against HIV and HCV would be a boon to healthcare workers.

[Catheter induced septicaemia]. / Posocznica odcewnikowa.

The most serious catheter-related infections, such as septicaemia are associated with the central venous catheters rather than the peripheral catheters. The main sources of microorganisms are the patient's skin and hospital environment. Bacteria can gain access to blood via the external or the internal catheter surfaces. A number of approaches for the prevention of sepsis associated with catheters have been proposed, with limited success. Beside the careful aseptic techniques, the development of antibacterial polymers offers the greatest potential for further reduction of risk of catheter-related sepsis. However, there is evidence suggesting that an appropriate training of staff in the management and care of catheters is fundamental to achieve a reduction in the incidence of catheter-related infections.