bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clonal Analysis of
Staphylococcus epidermidis
Isolates Carrying or Lacking Biofilm-Mediating Genes by Multilocus Sequence Typing
Authors: Kozitskaya Svetlana , Olson Michael E. , Fey Paul D. , Witte Wolfgang , Ohlsen Knut , Ziebuhr Wilma 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus epidermidis
is part of the normal microflora of the human skin but is also a leading cause of device-associated infections in critically ill patients. Commensal and clinical
S. epidermidis
isolates differ in their ability to form biofilms on medical devices; the synthesis of biofilms is mediated by the
icaADBC
operon. Currently, the epidemiological relatedness between
ica-
positive and -negative isolates is not known; neither is it known whether the
ica
genes can spread to biofilm-negative strains through horizontal gene transfer. In this study, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was employed for the clonal analysis of 118
S. epidermidis ica
-positive and -negative strains. MLST revealed that the majority of
ica
-positive and -negative strains were closely related and formed a single clonal complex. Within this complex one sequence type (ST27) was identified which contained exclusively
ica-
positive isolates and represented the majority of clinical strains tested. ST27 and related
ica
-positive clones carried different SCC
mec
cassettes (conferring methicillin resistance) and the insertion sequence IS
256
. The findings suggest that the
S. epidermidis
infections analyzed in this report are mainly caused by a single clone (ST27) which occurs preferentially in hospitals and differs from clones in the community. It is hypothesized that the successful establishment of ST27 within nosocomial environments has been facilitated by the presence of genes encoding biofilm and resistance traits.
Production and Validation of the Use of Gamma Phage for Identification of
Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Abshire T. G. , Brown J. E. , Ezzell J. W. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

Gamma phage specifically lyses vegetative cells of
Bacillus anthracis
and serves as part of the basis for identification of isolates from agar cultures. We report our study to standardize gamma phage production and preparation and to validate the assay for routine use. Unstable phage preparations were largely reduced through propagation of phage on blood agar cultures of the avirulent
B. anthracis
strain CDC684 and were adequately stable for extended storage beyond 1 to 2 years at 4°C, provided that the preparation initially gave rise to clearly discernible plaques (macroplaques, 5 to 10 mm in diameter) on dilution at 1:8 or greater during potency testing with the Sterne strain or its equivalent. The primary intent of the assay was to test nonhemolytic, ground-glass-appearing bacterial
B. anthracis
-like colonies arising from culture of clinical or nonclinical samples on 5% sheep blood agar. Specifically, the assay was designed to show clear or primarily clear circular zones of lysis on bacterial lawns at the site of gamma phage inoculation after incubation at 35 °C ± 2°C for 20 h. When tested with 51
B. anthracis
strains and 49 similar non-
B. anthracis Bacillus
species, the analytical specificity was >95%, a value that is intentionally low because our study design included two rare nonsusceptible
B. anthracis
strains as well as a rare susceptible non-
B. anthracis
strain,
B. cereus
ATCC 4342. Repeatability, day-to-day precision, and analyst-to-analyst precision were superior. The assay was rugged to variations among phage lots, phage concentration, amounts of bacterial inoculum, and incubation times as short as 6 to 8 h. System suitability evaluation showed improved robustness when bacterial lawns were tested with high- and low-density inoculum using the first and second quadrants of a serial four-quadrant streak on 5% sheep blood agar plates.
Reproducibility of Low Galactomannan Enzyme Immunoassay Index Values Tested in Multiple Laboratories
Authors: Upton Arlo , Gugel Anja , Leisenring Wendy , Limaye Ajit , Alexander Barbara , Hayden Randall , Marr Kieren A. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT
The Platelia galactomannan enzyme immunoassay is a commercially available nonculture method for diagnosing invasive aspergillosis. Recently, steps have been taken to improve sensitivity; specifically, a low (0.5 to 0.7) galactomannan index (GMI) value to determine positivity has been validated by multiple groups. We evaluated the intra-assay and interassay reproducibility at low index levels using three different kit lots on three different days in three different microbiology laboratories. Clinical and spiked sera were blinded and sent with galactomannan enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kits to the participating laboratories. We also prospectively collected data on all galactomannan EIAs performed between 1 September 2003 and 21 July 2004 at the University of Washington Medical Center microbiology laboratory to assess reproducibility of clinical samples analyzed in “real time.” From the multilaboratory study, a total of 836 results were available for evaluation. Reproducibility was excellent between laboratories and on different days. Significant variability was seen between runs/lots, which may in part be associated with different threshold control values in different kits. Among the 1,410 clinical samples that were prospectively analyzed, 168 (90%) were confirmed to be positive on repeat testing (GMI, ≥0.5). Among the 19 (10.2%) initially positive samples not confirmed on repeat testing, the majority had a GMI at the threshold of the assay (between 0.5 and 0.7). Our findings suggest that the Platelia galactomannan immunoassay has good reproducibility. However, changes in GMI levels when different kit lots are used, and single samples with low-positive (GMI of 0.5 to 0.7) indices, should be interpreted with caution.
Relationships between Total Plasma Load of Torquetenovirus (TTV) and TTV Genogroups Carried
Authors: Maggi Fabrizio , Andreoli Elisabetta , Lanini Letizia , Fornai Claudia , Vatteroni Marialinda , Pistello Mauro , Presciuttini Silvano , Bendinelli Mauro 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT
In 239 torquetenovirus-positive people, multiple-genogroup infections were common and associated with higher viral loads than would be expected from simple additive effects. The latter observation was restricted to the infections which included both genogroups 1 and 3, pointing to the possible existence of some kind of infection facilitation between these genogroups.
Assessing the Risk of Laboratory-Acquired Meningococcal Disease
Authors: Sejvar James J. , Johnson David , Popovic Tanja , Miller J. Michael , Downes Frances , Somsel Patricia , Weyant Robbin , Stephens David S. , Perkins Bradley A. , Rosenstein Nancy E. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

Neisseria meningitidis
is infrequently reported as a laboratory-acquired infection. Prompted by two cases in the United States in 2000, we assessed this risk among laboratorians. We identified cases of meningococcal disease that were possibly acquired or suspected of being acquired in a laboratory by placing an information request on e-mail discussion groups of infectious disease, microbiology, and infection control professional organizations. A probable case of laboratory-acquired meningococcal disease was defined as illness meeting the case definition for meningococcal disease in a laboratorian who had occupational exposure to an
N. meningitidis
isolate of the same serogroup within 14 days of illness onset. Sixteen cases of probable laboratory-acquired meningococcal disease occurring worldwide between 1985 and 2001 were identified, including six U.S. cases between 1996 and 2000. Nine cases (56%) were serogroup B; seven (44%) were serogroup C. Eight cases (50%) were fatal. All cases occurred among clinical microbiologists. In 15 cases (94%), isolate manipulation was performed without respiratory protection. We estimated that an average of three microbiologists are exposed to the 3,000 meningococcal isolates seen in U.S. laboratories yearly and calculated an attack rate of 13/100,000 microbiologists between 1996 and 2001, compared to 0.2/100,000 among U.S. adults in general. The rate and case/fatality ratio of meningococcal disease among microbiologists are higher than those in the general U.S. population. Specific risk factors for laboratory-acquired infection are likely associated with exposure to droplets or aerosols containing
N. meningitidis
. Prevention should focus on the implementation of class II biological safety cabinets or additional respiratory protection during manipulation of suspected meningococcal isolates.
Coding and Noncoding Genomic Regions of
Entamoeba histolytica
Have Significantly Different Rates of Sequence Polymorphisms: Implications for Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Bhattacharya Dhruva , Haque Rashidul , Singh Upinder 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

To evaluate genetic variability among
Entamoeba histolytica
strains, we sequenced 9,077 bp from each of 14 isolates. The polymorphism rates from coding and noncoding regions were significantly different (0.07% and 0.37%, respectively), indicating that these regions are subject to different selection pressures. Additionally, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) potentially associated with specific clinical outcomes were identified.
Use of Pyrosequencing To Differentiate
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Serotypes 6A and 6B
Authors: Pai Rekha , Limor Josef , Beall Bernard 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

Accurate serotyping of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
remains important to monitor the changes in seroepidemiology of the organism over time. Though several PCR-based systems have been developed for this purpose, the cross-reactivity within serogroups often limits discrimination between types. All serogroup 6 isolates can be identified using a multiplex PCR system; however, due to the high sequence homology between the
cps-6B
and
cps-6A
loci, serotypes 6A and 6B cannot be differentiated by this method. We describe the use of pyrosequencing to reliably differentiate between serotypes 6A and 6B using a previously described single nucleotide polymorphism at codon 195 of the
cps
locus
wciP
gene. We observed complete concordance between capsular serotyping results and
wciP
pyrosequencing among 210 isolates examined, indicating that pyrosequencing is a rapid and accurate technique for deducing serotypes 6A and 6B.
Outbreak of Carbapenem-Resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
Producing the Carbapenemase OXA-23 in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Papeete, French Polynesia
Authors: Naas Thierry , Levy Marc , Hirschauer Claire , Marchandin Hélène , Nordmann Patrice 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

Carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates were obtained from 24 patients between March and May 2004 at the Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie Française, Tahiti, French Polynesia. The isolates were multidrug resistant, produced the carbapenemase OXA-23, and belonged to a single clone presenting several subtypes, suggesting an endemic situation. This study further illustrates the global spread of this kind of β-lactamase-mediated resistance.
Syscan3, a Kit for Detection of Anti-
Candida
Antibodies for Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Philip Annie , Odabasi Zekaver , Matiuzzi Gloria , Paetznick Victor L. , Tan Sze-Wee , Warmington John , Rex John H. , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

Sera from 76 immunocompetent and 293 immunocompromised subjects were assayed for anti-
Candida
antibodies. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for invasive candidiasis were 74%, 75%, 62%, and 84% in the immunocompetent group and 15%, 60%, 1.7%, and 93% in the immunocompromised group, respectively. Syscan3 has high negative predictive value.
Human Herpesvirus 8 Serological Markers and Viral Load in Patients with AIDS-Associated Kaposi's Sarcoma in Central African Republic
Authors: Duprez Renan , Kassa-Kelembho Eric , Plancoulaine Sabine , Brière Josette , Fossi Mireille , Kobangue Léon , Minsart Pierre , Huerre Michel , Gessain Antoine 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT
Epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is one of the most frequent types of cancer in several African countries; however, very few data are available on human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) markers in KS patients from Central Africa. In a series of 36 AIDS-KS cases from Central African Republic, we showed, using a real-time PCR quantitative assay, the high frequency (82%) of detectable HHV-8 DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We also found that the level of antibodies directed against lytic or latent HHV-8 antigens is not correlated to the amount of HHV-8 viral load in the PBMCs, and finally, we demonstrated a much higher viral load in tumoral skin lesions (6.07 log copies/μg DNA) than in unaffected skin (2.93 log copies/μg DNA) or in PBMCs (2.55 log copies/μg DNA).
Low Concentrations of Nitric Oxide Exert a Hormetic Effect onMycobacterium tuberculosisIn Vitro
Authors: Brugmann William Benjamin , Firmani Marcia A. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTSusceptibilities of 12 clinicalMycobacterium tuberculosisisolates to acidified sodium nitrite (ASN) were compared. The results demonstrate that 8 of the 12 isolates exhibited enhanced survival levels in 1.5 mM ASN compared to levels in medium alone, suggesting that low concentrations of reactive nitrogen intermediates have a hormetic effect onM. tuberculosisin vitro.
Characterization of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Complex Isolates from Greek Patients with Sarcoidosis by Spoligotyping
Authors: Gazouli M. , Ikonomopoulos J. , Koundourakis A. , Bartos M. , Pavlik I. , Overduin P. , Kremer K. , Gorgoulis V. , Kittas C. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

Spoligotyping was undertaken with 38
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates from Greek sarcoidosis patients and 31 isolates from patients with tuberculosis. Fifty percent of the isolates from sarcoidosis patients and 16.13% of the isolates from patients with tuberculosis were represented by a unique pattern, whereas the remaining isolates belonged to seven shared types. Interestingly, half of the isolates from sarcoidosis patients did not resemble the spoligotypes of the isolates from patients with tuberculosis, most of which pertained to shared spoligotypes.
Widespread Transfer of Resistance Genes between Bacterial Species in an Intensive Care Unit: Implications for Hospital Epidemiology
Authors: Naiemi Nashwan Al , Duim Birgitta , Savelkoul Paul H. M. , Spanjaard Lodewijk , de Jonge Evert , Bart Aldert , Vandenbroucke-Grauls Christina M. , de Jong Menno D. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

A transferable plasmid encoding SHV-12 extended-spectrum β-lactamase, TEM-116, and aminoglycoside resistance was responsible for two sequential clonal outbreaks of
Enterobacter cloacae
and
Acinetobacter baumannii
bacteria. A similar plasmid was present among isolates of four different bacterial species. Recognition of plasmid transfer is crucial for control of outbreaks of multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogens.
Comparison of Three Different PCR Methods for Quantifying Human Papillomavirus Type 16 DNA in Cervical Scrape Specimens
Authors: Hesselink A. T. , van den Brule A. J. C. , Groothuismink Z. M. A. , Molano M. , Berkhof J. , Meijer C. J. L. M. , Snijders P. J. F. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

We compared real-time LightCycler and TaqMan assays and the GP5+/6+ PCR/enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to assess the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) load in cervical scrape specimens. Both real-time PCR assays determined the HPV16 load in scrape specimens similarly. The level of agreement between these assays and the GP5+/6+ PCR/EIA was low (
P
= 0.004), suggesting that the latter method is not suited for quantifying HPV16 DNA.
Antibodies from Patients with Melioidosis Recognize
Burkholderia mallei
but Not
Burkholderia thailandensis
Antigens in the Indirect Hemagglutination Assay
Authors: Tiyawisutsri Rachaneeporn , Peacock Sharon J. , Langa Sayan , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Cheng Allen C. , Chierakul Wirongrong , Chaowagul Wipada , Day Nicholas P. J. , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

The indirect hemagglutination assay routinely used to detect antibodies to
Burkholderia pseudomallei
was modified to detect cross-reactivity of antibodies to
B. pseudomallei
,
B. mallei
, and
B. thailandensis
antigens. We demonstrate a lack of cross-reactivity between
B. pseudomallei
and
B. thailandensis
but marked cross-reactivity between
B. pseudomallei
and
B. mallei
.
Survey of Genes Encoding Staphylococcal Enterotoxins, Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1, and Exfoliative Toxins in Members of the
Staphylococcus sciuri
Group
Authors: Dakić Ivana , Vuković Dragana , Stepanović Srdjan , Hauschild Tomasz , Ježek Petr , Petráš Petr , Morrison Donald 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

Genes encoding staphylococcal enterotoxins (
sea
to
see
,
seg
, and
seh
), toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (
tst
), and exfoliative toxins (
eta
and
etb
) were not detected in a large panel of 48
Staphylococcus sciuri
group isolates tested. This strongly suggests that production of the staphylococcal exotoxins by these bacteria is highly unlikely.
Nosocomial Spread of a
Staphylococcus hominis
subsp.
novobiosepticus
Strain Causing Sepsis in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Chaves Fernando , García-Álvarez Mónica , Sanz Francisca , Alba Concepción , Otero Joaquín R. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

From 2002 to 2003, 32 isolates of
Staphylococcus hominis
subsp.
novobiosepticus
(SHN) were recovered from 21 patients, 18 of whom were neonates, with 13 considered to have late-onset SHN sepsis. All isolates from neonates had an indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern. Our data support SHN as an important nosocomial pathogen in neonates.
Regional Occurrence of Plasmid-Mediated Carbapenem-Hydrolyzing Oxacillinase OXA-58 in
Acinetobacter
spp. in Europe
Authors: Marqué Sophie , Poirel Laurent , Héritier Claire , Brisse Sylvain , Blasco Maria Dolores , Filip Roxana , Coman Gabriela , Naas Thierry , Nordmann Patrice 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

The spread of the plasmid-mediated carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinase OXA-58 was detected in
Acinetobacter
sp. clinical isolates from southern Europe, the Balkans, and central Turkey. It may contribute significantly to the emergence of carbapenem resistance in
Acinetobacter
spp., at least in this part of the world.
Use of Paired Serum Samples for Serodiagnosis of Typhoid Fever
Authors: House Deborah , Chinh Nguyen T. , Diep To S. , Parry Christopher M. , Wain John , Dougan Gordon , White Nicholas J. , Hien Tran Tinh , Farrar Jeremy J. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT
Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay we demonstrate that, in adult patients with typhoid fever, the sensitivity of a serological test based on the detection of anti-lipopolysaccharide immunoglobulin G is increased when used with paired serum samples taken 1 week apart.
Failure of Cefepime Therapy in Treatment of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Bacteremia
Authors: Song Wonkeun , Moland Ellen S. , Hanson Nancy D. , Lewis James S. , Jorgensen James H. , Thomson Kenneth S. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

A case of failure of cefepime treatment of a bloodstream infection with AmpC-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
is reported. The failure was attributed to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) acquisition by the isolate, possibly during therapy. Problems encountered with ESBL detection in AmpC-producing isolates are discussed.
Breakthrough Disseminated
Aspergillus ustus
Infection in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients Receiving Voriconazole or Caspofungin Prophylaxis
Authors: Pavie Juliette , Lacroix Claire , Hermoso Dea Garcia , Robin Marie , Ferry Christèle , Bergeron Anne , Feuilhade Martine , Dromer Françoise , Gluckman Eliane , Molina Jean-Michel , Ribaud Patricia 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT

Aspergillus ustus
is an uncommon clinical species which is poorly susceptible to antifungals. We report two cases of
A. ustus
infections that occurred in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients while they were receiving either voriconazole or caspofungin. Prolonged use of these new antifungal agents may increase the risk of the emergence of resistant organisms.
A dynamic Asian response to globalization in cross-cultural social work
Authors: Yip Kam-shing 
Published: September 2005

Authentization, indigenization, cultural sensitivity, cultural competence and globalization are controversial issues in cross-cultural social work. In this article, the writer tries to clarify all these related concepts. In terms of various Asian cultural contexts, a model of dynamic Asian response and exchange in the field of cross-cultural social work practice in Asian countries is suggested. French L'authentization, l'indigénisation, la sensibilité culturelle, la compétence interculturelle et la mondialisation sont des questions controversées en travail social interculturel. Dans cet article, l'auteur tend à clarifier ces concepts interliés et suggère une réponse et des échanges asiatiques dynamiques dans le contexte culturel diversifié des contrées de l'Asie. Spanish La autencización, la indigenización, la sensibilidad cultural, la competencia cultural y la globalización son asuntos controvertidos en el trabajo social transcultural. El autor trata de clarificar todos estos relacionados conceptos. Respecto a varios contextos culturales de Asia, el autor sugiere un modelo dinámico de intercambio y respuesta asiática a la práctica de trabajo social transcultural en países de Asia.
Effects of the 1999 earthquake on the completely blind living in and outside Marmara, Turkey
Authors: Duyan Veli , Karatas Kasim 
Published: September 2005

The purpose of this study was to determine the differential effects of the 1999 Marmara earthquake on self-esteem and anxiety levels of completely blind individuals living in the earthquake and non-earthquake regions. Findings indicate that living in the earthquake area decreases self-esteem and increases anxiety. French Cette étude a pour but de déterminer les effets différentiels du tremblement de terre de 1999 dans la région de Marmara en Turquie, sur l'estime de soi et les niveaux d'anxiété d'individus souffrant de perte totale de la vue. Les résultats révèlent que l'expérience de vie dans une zone de tremblements de terre réduit le niveau d'estime de soi et hausse le niveau d'anxiété. Spanish El propósito de este estudio fue determinar los diferentes efectos del terremoto de 1999 de la región Marmara de Turquía, en los niveles de auto estima y ansiedad de los individuos con pérdida completa del sentido de la vida, en regiones afectadas y no afectadas por el terremoto. Los hallazgos indican que vivir en zonas sísmicas disminuye la auto estima y aumenta la ansiedad.
Barriers to access
Authors: Puckett Lisa Morrison 
Published: September 2005

Despite the small size of the Polish Romani population, the status and treatment of this group deserve special attention. This descriptive study identifies potential disconnects between the Roma and social services in the community and suggests practices to strengthen the connections between the marginalized Roma and the social service community. French Nonobstant la faible population Roma en Pologne, le statut et le traitement accordé à ce groupe mérite l'attention. Cette étude descriptive identifie des coupures potentielles entre les Roma et les services sociaux dans la communauté et suggère des pratiques visant à renforcer les liens entre les Roma marginalisés et les services sociaux. Spanish A pesar de la pequeña población de los Roma en Polonia, el estatus y tratamiento de este grupo merece especial atención. Este estudio descriptivo identifica la potencial desconexión entre los Roma y los servicios sociales en la comunidad; y sugiere prácticas para fortalecer las conexiones entre los Roma marginalizada y los servicios sociales comunitarios.