PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

F Makni

Publications and source records attributed to F Makni.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Candiduria in intensive care unit: significance and value of yeast numeration in urine].

JUSTIFICATION: Candiduria is increasingly frequent among patients admitted to intensive care units but its significance remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: Search for eventual correlation between quantitative candiduria and known risk factors for invasive candidiasis. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A four-month study was conducted in 162 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit for more than 72 hours. All patients underwent a weekly research of candiduria added to sampling from different body sites to determine the Pittet Candida colonization index. RESULTS: Candiduria has been proved in 56 cases (34%). It was superior or equal to 10(4) UFC/ml among 28 patients (50%). Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata and Candida albicans has been isolated in 41, 22 and 20% respectively. All patients had at least one major and two minor risk factors for Candida infection. Six patients (10%) developed invasive candidiasis. The global mortality rate was at 52%. Pittet colonization index was significantly different between patients with candiduria and those with invasive candidiasis (p=0.01). There was a statistically significant correlation between candiduria superior or equal to 10(4) UFC/ml and Pittet colonization index superior or equal to 0.5 (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Candiduria superior or equal to 10(4) UFC/ml associated with risk factors may predict invasive candidiasis in critically ill patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Congenital factor XIII deficiency in the south of Tunisia].

Factor XIII deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive congenital disorder of haemostasis characterised by a plasmatic factor XIII level less than 1% in homozygote and bleeding as of the youth. We report a study about ten patients with congenital factor XIII deficiency from seven south-Tunisian families, there are seven females. Umbilical bleeding was common and only two patients had intracranial bleeding. The standard screening tests are normal. Factor XIII activity was less than 1% in all patients. A sub-unit A deficit was detected for the ten patients. Out hemorrhagic context, five patients receive regular prophylactic transfusion with fresh frozen plasma.

Factor XIII Deficiency↗
PubMed2005

[Phthiriasis pubis palpebrarum in children. Diagnosis and treatment].

INTRODUCTION: Phtiriasis palperarum is an unusual cause of blepharitis. This ectoparasitic infestation of the lashes is more frequent in adult; a pubic attack is usually associated. It is however rare in children. The goal of our study is to bring back four observations of infantile phtiriasis palpebrarum. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four children presented themselves for palpebral itching and ocular redness. Slit lamp examination revealed evidence of small parasites attached to the proximal extreme of the eyelashes. A survey within the family was carried out and parasitological examination was realized. RESULTS: Parasitological examination had identified adult forms and nits of phtirus pubis. The bed linen was the way of contamination. Mechanical extraction of the parasite was tried but was very painful. Two patients were treated with a regimen of 1% yellow oxide of mercury ointment four times daily for 14 days, the two others was treated by Vaseline pomade because of a very important palpebral irritation. Evolution was favorable among all patients. DISCUSSION: We discuss in this work the ways of contamination of phtiriasis palpebrarum in children. In fact, eyelashes contamination in children is secondary to a contact with an adult carrier of a pubic phtiriasis. The transmission can be done following sexual maltreatments or by the means of infected clothing or bed linen. The diagnosis of phtiriasis palpebrarum is clinical confirmed by parasitological examination. Different therapeutic were proposed, the mechanical treatment must be carried out but it is seldom sufficient and it is often necessary to associate a chemical treatment (malathion to 1%, mercury oxide with 1%, fluorescein with 20%...) or physical treatment (cryotherapy, laser argon). CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of phtiriasis palpebrarum is easy and requires the detection of the source of contamination in order to prevent reinfestations.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[Malassezia fungal blepharitis: a case report].

PURPOSE: Blepharitis is a very common disorder but the role of certain mycoses in the etiopathogenesis of blepharitis remains controversial. OBSERVATION: We report the case of a 29-year-old man presenting with bilateral redness and intense itching of the edge of the eyelid. Slit-lamp examination showed vasodilation of the vessels of the edge of the eyelid associated with seborrhea and a sticky yellowish substance at the roots of the eyelashes. When the substance dried and fell, microulcerations were seen at the base of the eyelids, characteristic of follicular-seborrheic blepharitis. Otherwise the ophthalmological examination was normal. Treatment with eye drops (antibiotics, antiseptics, corticoids, antihistamines) was tried several times. The blepharoconjunctivitis regressed during these treatments without totally disappearing, recurring after the treatment was discontinued. Bacteriological and fungal exams were conducted, showing numerous Malassezia furfur spores and hyphae. Given that there was no antifungal eye drop preparation on the market, topical ketoconazole (Nizoral) was prescribed. Two weeks later, the condition had cleared, with no recurrence after 5 months of follow-up. DISCUSSION: Malassezia is a saprophyte species that may play a role in certain cases of chronic blepharitis, either through a reaction of intolerance and hypersensitivity or occasional proliferation. Treatment consists in eradicating the causal fungus using an antifungal agent associated with symptomatic treatment. We stress that fungal exams should be conducted whenever blepharitis recurs.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Identification of Malassezia species from Tunisian patients with pityriasis versicolor and normal subjects.

BACKGROUND: The genus Malassezia (Pityrosporum), recognized as a member of microbiological flora of the skin in humans and warm-blooded animals, has been recently revised to include 10 Malassezia species. The aim of the study was the isolation, identification and analysis of Malassezia species distribution in skin of healthy volunteers and lesions of pityriasis versicolor (PV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens were taken from 100 patients with PV and 30 healthy volunteers. Cultures were made in modified Dixon agar medium and the isolates were identified by morphological and physiological methods: macroscopy, microscopy, catalase, beta-glucosidase and lipid assimilation tests. RESULTS: Malassezia globosa was the predominant species in lesional skin of PV (65%). It was isolated alone in 47% of cases and associated in 18% with M. furfur (13%) or M. sympodialis (5%). In healthy skin M. globosa was found alone in 7.77% and associated in 15.54%, respectively, with M. furfur (4.44%), M. sympodialis (4.44%), M. restricta (3.33%) and M. slooffiae (1.11%). CONCLUSION: From these findings it was suggested that M. globosa presents the main species implicated in the pathogenicity of PV and M. furfur as the second agent of importance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Presence of dermatophytes on the nails of tinea capitis patients. Prospective study in the area of Sfax (Tunisia).

Between January 1995 and December 2000, 512 cases with mycologically confirmed tinea capitis have been diagnosed in our laboratory. In addition, finger nail samples have been taken from 211 patients out of 512. The culture of the nail samples taken was positive for 80 patients (38%). The isolated dermatophytes were the same in the nails and the scalp. Microsporum canis was isolated in 82% of nail samples. Trichophyton violaceum grew only in 18% and Trichophyton quinckeanum in one case. A T. violaceum onychomycosis was found in two patients with tinea capitis. Twenty-one cases of tinea were resistant to 6 weeks treatment with griseofulvin. Thirty per cent of them have had fungal elements in nails. Dermatophyte colonization of the nails in tinea patients could be a factor of tinea capitis transmission and could explain some recurrent tinea capitis cases and therapy resistance.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed2003

Favus due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. quinckeanum.

A case of inflammatory tinea capitis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. quinckeanum in a 3-year-old Tunisian girl is presented. The disease healed after treatment with griseofulvin for 6 weeks and topical application of econazole.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed2003

Strongyloidiasis in Sfax (Tunisia): a survey over 13 years period.

A retrospective study of strongyloidiasis cases was carried out in Sfax University (Tunisia), between 1989 and June 2001. Diagnosis was done by direct stool examination, concentration methods, Baermann larval extraction and fecal culture. Strongyloidiasis was diagnosed in 27 patients of whom 77% were males living in rural areas under low socioeconomic level. Mean age of patients was 47 years (8 to 85 years). Hypereosinophilia was present in 75 % of cases, and 7 patients were treated by systemic corticosteroids. So, it is important to detect this parasite by repeated parasitological stool examinations, particularly before a long corticosteroid treatment.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Clandestine slaughtering in Tunisia: investigation on the knowledge and practices of butchers concerning hydatidosis].

UNLABELLED: Echinococcosis is one of the major parasitic diseases in Tunisia, accounting for a considerable public health problem. We propose in this work to analyse the behaviour of butchers and to evaluate its impact on the hydatic cyst transmission. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a national transversal descriptive survey that included 97 butcher shops using illegal practice, located in 18 regions (governorats) of Tunisia. The sampling procedure was implemented according to the level of disease endemicity. RESULTS: 60.8% of butcher shops were located along main roads and therefore supplying travellers. Among the animals slaughtered sheep come in first position (97.9%). More than 80% of the butchers kept aside a place around the butcher shop to sacrifice their animals. We noted the presence of dogs near butcher shop in 52.6% of cases and stray dogs in 43.3% of cases. Only 13.4% of the butchers knew the disease mode of transmission. Parasitized viscera were thrown into dustbins or further in the riverbed in 56.7%. More than 50% of butchers, having an inadequate behaviour in front of parasitized viscera or ignoring the disease cycle, were originating from an hyper or holoendemic area. CONCLUSION: Illegal slaughtering practices have an important impact on transmission of cystic echinococcosis in Tunisia.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

[Otomycosis due to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis].

We report a case of otomycosis due to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in a patient with left cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media who presented with otorrhea associated with left otalgia. Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is a fungus which is rarely described as causing otomycosis although it is a saprophyte and widespread in the environment. In this case the contamination could be due to intensive gardening with poor hygiene. Its mycologic diagnosis is relatively easy and nystatin remains the most effective treatment in this region.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Ocular parasitoses and mycoses: cases diagnosed in the Central University Hospital of Sfax between 1996 and 1999].

Parasitical and fungal ophthalmic infections are polymorphic and variably severe. They are rarely reported in publications. The aim of our study has been to specify the parasitic and fungal agents isolated from the ocular samples in our district (Sfax-Tunisia). We surveyed retrospectively the different ocular parasitosis and mycosis diagnosed in our laboratory (Sfax hospital) over a 4 year-period (1996-1999). Fungal ophthalmic infections were dominated by corneal localisations: 20 cases of keratomycosis secondary to: Fusarium solani (8 cases), Aspergillus fumigatus (3 cases); Aspergillus flavus (2 cases); Alternaria sp (2 cases), Candida albicans (2 cases); Fusarium dimerium (1 case); Fusarium oxysporum (1 case) and Scedosporium sp (1 case). A prolonged treatment by ketoconazole had a successful resolution in 70% of cases; 1 case of ciliar tinea caused by Trichophyton violaceum. Parasitic agents were dominated by Demodex folliculorum (32 cases), Phthirius inguinalis (6 cases) and Oestrus ovis (2 cases). Two cases of orbital hydatidosis and 2 cases of palpebral cutaneous leishmania were noted; 21 cases of ocular toxoplasmosis were treated by clindamycine. Our survey concerned not only cosmopolite parasitosis and fungi, but also some affections endemic to our district (hydatidosis and leishmaniasis) with manifestations in isolated ophthalmic localisation. Our research has underscored the need to specify types of infection by way of adequate sampling so as to treat early and then improve prognosis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Rhinocerebral mucormycosis: apropos of 4 new Tunisian cases].

Mucormycosis is a rare opportunistic infection but a fulminant disease. We report the 4 first cases of rhinocerebral mucormycosis diagnosed in Sfax region (Tunisia). They occurred in insulin dependent diabetes and developed varying clinical manifestations from facial cellulites to ocular and cerebral extension. The diagnosis of mucormycosis was not initially evoked, but confirmed tardively by anatomopathologic and mycologic examinations. The evolution was favourable in 2 cases by administration of amphotericine B associated with extensive surgical debridement and correction of the diabetes. Two patients had a fatal outcome. This infection has a severe prognosis and necessitates early diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Plasmocytic pleural effusion disclosing multiple myeloma].

Pleural effusion caused by plasma cell involvement in multiple myeloma has been reported unfrequently, and has been described at a frequency below 1% of multiple myeloma. In this study, we report an observation with pleural effusion as first symptom of multiple myeloma. The analysis of the pleural liquid showed plasma cells with a monoclonal IgG Kappa immunoglobulin. In addition, there was a bone marrow infiltration by plasma cells, a serum monoclonal immuno-globulin of the same type and osteolytic lesions. Our patient has received one course of chemotherapy with: vincristine, melphalan, cyclophosphamide and prednisone. The patient did not respond to the therapy and died one month later. Pleural effusion seems to be an expression of aggressive myeloma. Survival exceeds rarely 4 months.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2000

[Parasitoses and immunodepression].

The immunodepression, related or not to AIDS, induces the emergence of opportunistic parasitosis and mycosis. Our objective is to analyze these pathogenic agents, their clinical expression and gravity in immunocompromised individuals. Our retrospective 9 years study reported parasitic and fungic infections complicating immunodepression. Among 31 HIV infected patients, we diagnosed the following parasitosis: Cryptosporidium (7 cases), Isospora belli (2 cases) and Enterocytozoon bieneusi (1 case). Pulmonary pneumocystosis was diagnosed in 6 cases, cerebral toxoplasmosis in 6 cases and meningo-cerebral cryptococcosis in 1 case. The systemic candidasis was diagnosed in 13 leukaemic patients. The intestinal anguilluliasis was found in 5 patients treated with corticoïds for long periods. A case of Kala azar was observed in a 83 years man treated with corticoïds. A disseminated aspergillosis occurred in a child with a Chediack Higashi syndrome. A gingivo-labial fusariosis was diagnosed in a leukaemic patient. This emergency of the new parasitic and fungal agents requires a better understanding of these affections in order to improve their early diagnosis and treatments.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗