Biomedical subjects

G Funke

Publications and source records attributed to G Funke.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Nodular balloon cell component in a cutaneous melanoma of the superficial spreading type.

The rare histopathologic feature of a nodular balloon cell component in a malignant melanoma of the superficial spreading type in a 46-year-old male patient is presented. Immunohistochemical analyses proved the tumor cells to express the melanocytic markers S100 protein, NK1/C3 and HMB 45 antigens in an intense and distinct pattern. The controversial theories of the pathogenesis of balloon cell changes in melanocytic neoplasms are discussed.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed1995

Recurrent bacteremia due to Brevibacterium casei in an immunocompromised patient.

A case of an immunocompromised patient who experienced two episodes of septicemia caused by a coryneform bacterium is reported. Biochemical characteristics and analysis of cellular fatty acids and of cell wall components showed two identical strains of Brevibacterium casei to be responsible for these infections. The lack of easy-to-perform methods for identification may have led, in the past, to an underestimation of the role of this bacterium, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Rahnella aquatilis bacteremia in an HIV-infected intravenous drug abuser.

Rahnella aquatilis, an unusual enteric Gram-negative rod, was isolated from three of four blood cultures of an HIV-infected intravenous drug abuser. The outcome was favorable after a 14-day course with ciprofloxacin. The identification of R. aquatilis isolates is discussed and a synopsis of the previously published antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of this microorganism is given.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1995

Description of human-derived Centers for Disease Control coryneform group 2 bacteria as Actinomyces bernardiae sp. nov.

Biochemical, chemotaxonomic, and molecular methods were used to establish the precise taxonomic position of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) coryneform group 2 bacteria. The results of a comparative 16S rRNA sequence analysis demonstrated that the CDC coryneform group 2 bacteria constitute a distinct species within the genus Actinomyces. Actinomyces pyogenes was found to be the closest genealogical relative of the CDC coryneform group 2 bacteria, although these taxa were readily distinguished from each other and other Actinomyces spp. by using phenotypic criteria. On the basis of our findings we propose the name Actinomyces bernardiae sp. nov. for the CDC coryneform group 2 bacteria. The type strain is DSM 9152 (CCUG 33419).

Actinomyces↗

PubMed1995

Heterogeneity within human-derived centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) coryneform group ANF-1-like bacteria and description of Corynebacterium auris sp. nov.

Recently, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coryneform group ANF-1 bacteria were described as Corynebacterium afermentans, and group ANF-1-like bacteria were described as Turicella otitidis. Over a 1.5-year period 10 strains of a previously undescribed, gram-positive, rod-shaped organism that was not partially acid fast and resembled ANF-1-like bacteria were isolated from different pediatric patients with ear infections. These previously undescribed coryneform bacteria exhibited a distinct colony morphology and consistency, had a carbon source utilization pattern distinct from the carbon source utilization patterns of C. afermentans and T. otitidis, had a cell wall based on meso-diaminopimelic acid, contained mycolic acids, and had DNA G+C contents of 68 to 74 mol%. A 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that these clinical isolates are members of the genus Corynbacterium and that they are distinct from C. afermentans and T. otitidis. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic evidence we propose a new species, Corynebacterium auris, for these Centers for Disease Control and Prevention coryneform group ANF-1-like bacteria. The type strain is strain DSM 44122 (CCUG 33426).

Actinomycetales↗

PubMed1995

Assignment of Actinomyces pyogenes-like (CDC coryneform group E) bacteria to the genus Actinomyces as Actinomyces radingae sp. nov. and Actinomyces turicensis sp. nov.

In a previous study the authors reported the characterization of some facultatively anaerobic, Gram-positive, non-sporeforming rods which were found in mixed cultures from various infectious processes, including patients with otitis, empyema, perianal abscesses and decubitus ulcers. Phenotypically these organisms closely resembled Actinomyces pyogenes although their precise taxonomic position remained unknown. In the present investigation the authors have determined the 16S rRNA gene sequences of some representative strains of the Actinomyces pyogenes-like bacteria and report the results of a comparative sequence analysis. On the basis of the results of the present and earlier findings two new Actinomyces species, Actinomyces radingae sp. nov. and Actinomyces turicensis sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are DSM 9169T and DSM 9168T, respectively.

Actinomyces↗

PubMed1995

Primary identification of Microbacterium spp. encountered in clinical specimens as CDC coryneform group A-4 and A-5 bacteria.

Over nearly two decades, 13 yellow- or orange-pigmented, fermentative gram-positive rods belonging to the genus Microbacterium were encountered in clinical specimens. All 13 strains, 10 of which came from blood cultures, were initially identified as CDC coryneform group A-4 and A-5 bacteria according to the scheme of Hollis and Weaver for the identification of gram-positive rods. The clinical isolates were compared with the type strains of the six species constituting the genus Microbacterium as well as with three Microbacterium strains isolated from hospital environments. By biochemical methods only 5 of 13 clinical isolates could be identified to species level. Peptidoglycan analysis proved to be a valuable tool for differentiation between Microbacterium spp. and related genera, whereas cellular fatty acid analysis did not allow species identification within the genus Microbacterium. The 22 Microbacterium strains studied were, in general, susceptible to antimicrobial agents used in the treatment of infections caused by gram-positive rods. This report is the first one concerning the isolation of Microbacterium strains from clinical specimens. The sources as well as the mode of transmission remain to be established.

Actinomycetales↗

PubMed1995

Prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Corynebacterium afermentans subsp. lipophilum (CDC coryneform group ANF-1).

Corynebacteria are important causes of endocarditis in individuals with valvular prostheses. We report the first published case of prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by the newly defined species Corynebacterium afermentans subsp. lipophilum (former CDC coryneform group ANF-1). The isolate was recovered from a perivalvular abscess specimen and 5 of 15 Bactec blood cultures after 7 to 15 days of incubation. The isolation, identification, and susceptibility testing of Corynebacterium species are discussed.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Identification of some clinical strains of CDC coryneform group A-3 and A-4 bacteria as Cellulomonas species and proposal of Cellulomonas hominis sp. nov. for some group A-3 strains.

CDC coryneform group A-3 and A-4 bacteria were defined by Hollis and Weaver in 1981, but their taxonomic position is still unclear. By using biochemical and chemotaxonomical methods, four clinical strains belonging to CDC coryneform groups A-3 (n = 2) and A-4 (n = 2) were studied and could be assigned to the genus Cellulomonas, resulting in the first description of Cellulomonas strains isolated from clinical specimens. CDC coryneform group A-3 and A-4 strains were compared with the type strains of the seven species constituting the genus Cellulomonas at present as well as with the closely related species Oerskovia turbata, Oerskovia xanthineolytica, and Jonesia denitrificans, but their biochemical patterns were not compatible with the patterns of any of those species. Almost the entire sequences of the 16S rRNA genes of one representative strain of both CDC taxa were determined, and comparative sequence analysis confirmed the placement of the CDC coryneform group A-3 and A-4 strains studied in the Cellulomonas-Oerskovia subbranch of the actinomycetes. Both CDC taxa exhibited > 99% base pair homology within their 16S rDNAs. On the basis of phenotypic and molecular data, we formally propose a new species, Cellulomonas hominis sp. nov., for the CDC coryneform group A-3 bacteria examined. The type strain is DSM 9581. The precise taxonomic status of the CDC coryneform group A-4 strains studied remains to be established by quantitative DNA-DNA hybridizations.

Actinomycetales↗

PubMed1994

Development of resistance to macrolide antibiotics in an AIDS patient treated with clarithromycin for Campylobacter jejuni diarrhea.

In an AIDS patient with diarrhea, identical isolates of Campylobacter jejuni susceptible and, later, resistant to macrolide antibiotics were isolated from feces before and after treatment with clarithromycin. Results of rRNA gene restriction analysis and serotyping suggest that development of resistance rather than simultaneous infection with a susceptible and a resistant strain was responsible for this phenomenon. This is the first report of in vivo development of resistance by Campylobacter jejuni in a patient treated with a macrolide for Campylobacter jejuni infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1994

Assignment of human-derived CDC group 1 coryneform bacteria and CDC group 1-like coryneform bacteria to the genus Actinomyces as Actinomyces neuii subsp. neuii sp. nov., subsp. nov., and Actinomyces neuii subsp. anitratus subsp. nov.

Almost the entire 16S rRNA gene sequences of some strains of CDC group 1 and group 1-like coryneform bacteria, isolated from human sources, were determined. Comparative analysis of the rRNA sequence data revealed that both groups of coryneforms belong to the genus Actinomyces. On the basis of the present molecular findings and previous biochemical studies, we propose a new Actinomyces species, Actinomyces neuii sp. nov., containing Actinomyces neuii subsp. neuii subsp. nov. for CDC group 1 coryneform bacteria and Actinomyces neuii subsp. anitratus subsp. nov. for CDC group 1-like coryneform bacteria.

Actinomyces↗

PubMed1994

Turicella otitidis gen. nov., sp. nov., a coryneform bacterium isolated from patients with otitis media.

The partial 16S rRNA gene sequences of some coryneform bacteria isolated from middle-ear fluids from patients with otitis media were determined. A comparative analysis performed with rRNA sequences of other high-G + C-content gram-positive bacteria showed that the coryneform bacteria isolated from otitis media patients were only remotely related to members of previously described genera. On the basis of the results of the phylogenetic analysis and previously published biochemical and chemotaxonomic data, we propose that the strains isolated from middle-ear infections should be classified in a new genus, Turicella, as Turicella otitidis gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain of T. otitidis is strain DSM 8821.

Actinomycetales↗

PubMed1994

Identification of coryneform and other gram-positive rods with several methods.

The identification of 202 isolates of aerobically growing Gram-positive rods from clinical material was attempted by using a combination of "traditional" morphological and biochemical tests (Hollis & Weaver (20)) plus patterns of cellular and metabolic fatty acids. This system served as the "gold standard" for three others, i.e. API Coryne (Rapid Coryne), MIDI TSBA and MIDI CLIN Aerobic. In addition, several growth, biochemical and susceptibility tests (growth on cystine-tellurite blood agar, DNase, hippurate and starch hydrolysis, methanethiol formation, API ZYM, CAMP reaction, susceptibility to O/129 and to six antimicrobials) were done in order to check their usefulness for the identification of this group of bacteria. Our system, with the help of chemotaxonomic tests (m-DAP and mycolic acids), was able to identify 154/202 (76%) of the isolates by species and an additional 41/202 (21%) by genus only; 7 (3%) could not be identified. The API Coryne system identified to species or genus level 140/195 isolates (72%). Corresponding figures for the MIDI TSBA and CLIN systems were 63/195 (32%) and 88/195 (45%); further details of species and genus identification are presented in the text. The main drawback of the commercial systems is the extent and probably the numerical depth of the data base. We recommend the use of our multisystem approach for the identification of Gram-positive rods until commercial systems are based on a broader and numerically more extensive data base. The additional tests did not prove species- or genus-specific.

Culture Media↗

PubMed1994

Primary identification of Aureobacterium spp. isolated from clinical specimens as "Corynebacterium aquaticum".

Over a 6-year period 11 yellow-pigmented gram-positive rods (GPRs) with an oxidative carbohydrate metabolism were isolated from clinical specimens or were received as reference cultures and tentatively identified as "Corynebacterium aquaticum" according to the guide of Hollis and Weaver for the differentiation of GPRs (D. G. Hollis and R. E. Weaver, Gram-Positive Organisms: a Guide to Identification, 1981). Because these isolates seemed to be rather heterogeneous, comparative analyses with the type strain of "C. aquaticum" as well as six type strains of species belonging to the genus Aureobacterium were performed by biochemical and chemotaxonomic methods. Only four clinical strains were found to be "C. aquaticum," whereas seven strains were found to belong to the genus Aureobacterium. Discriminative phenotypic reactions between "C. aquaticum" and Aureobacterium spp. included hydrolysis of gelatin and casein (both reactions negative for "C. aquaticum" strains but positive for most Aureobacterium strains). Moreover, peptidoglycan analysis provided a reliable means of differentiating yellow-pigmented GPRs at the genus level (diaminobutyric acid as the interpeptide bridge in "C. aquaticum" and glycine-ornithine as the interpeptide bridge in Aureobacterium spp.). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that vancomycin showed an intermediate MIC for three of the four clinical "C. aquaticum" isolates, whereas all Aureobacterium strains were susceptible to vancomycin. To our knowledge, this is the first report outlining the isolation of Aureobacterium spp. from clinical specimens. However, Aureobacterium isolates could not be identified to the species level by the tests used in the study.

Actinomycetales↗

PubMed1994

Characteristics of CDC group 3 and group 5 coryneform bacteria isolated from clinical specimens and assignment to the genus Dermabacter.

Over a 1-year period, 11 isolates (including 5 from blood cultures) of the recently described CDC group 3 and group 5 coryneform bacteria were derived from clinical specimens and compared with reference strains. Biochemical characteristics indicated a very close relationship between CDC group 3 and group 5 coryneform bacteria. The ability of CDC group 3 and the inability of CDC group 5 coryneform bacteria to ferment xylose were the only reactions that were different for the two taxa. Chemotaxonomic features of the two groups included the presence of meso-diaminopimelic acid, a lack of mycolic acids, and the presence of predominantly branched cellular fatty acids, a combination found among gram-positive rods only in Brevibacterium spp., Brachybacterium faecium, and Dermabacter hominis. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that CDC group 3 and group 5 coryneform bacteria are members of the genus Dermabacter, which to date has been isolated exclusively from human skin.

Actinomycetales↗

PubMed1994

Differentiation of Brevibacterium spp. encountered in clinical specimens.

Forty-three strains belonging to the genus Brevibacterium which were encountered in clinical materials over 2 decades were compared with reference strains, including the type strains, of B. casei, B. epidermidis, B. mcbrellneri, B. iodinum, and B. linens. By means of carbohydrate assimilation tests (CATs) the 43 clinical isolates could be assigned to the species B. casei (n = 41) and B. epidermidis (n = 2). DNA-DNA hybridizations were performed for 20 clinical isolates and confirmed the species identification of the isolates. Cellular fatty acid profiles of all strains were determined and found to have less discriminative power than CATs. This is the first report indicating that most clinical Brevibacterium isolates are B. casei and that CATs provide an easy-to-perform method for species determination within the genus, thus avoiding nucleic acid techniques.

Brevibacterium↗

PubMed1993

[Effect of ciprofloxacin therapy in duration of bacterial excretion in acute salmonella gastroenteritis].

In view of the increasing incidence of non-typhoid salmonellosis, the effect of early treatment with ciprofloxacin on the permanent elimination of salmonella was evaluated. In a prospective study, 14 patients with non-typhoid salmonellosis were treated with 2 x 500 mg/d ciprofloxacin for 10 days within 5 days of onset of symptoms. Relapse occurred in 4/14 (29%) patients 2-3 weeks after termination of therapy. Using sero- and ribotyping, relapse was confirmed and reinfection ruled out in 4/4 patients. Furthermore, ribotyping suggested double infection in one patient. Development of resistance to ciprofloxacin was not observed. We conclude that the use of antimicrobial chemotherapy to treat non-institutional salmonellosis in immunocompetent patients cannot generally be recommended but must be considered carefully in each case. Indications for ciprofloxacin therapy in the treatment of non-typhoid salmonellosis are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Characteristics of CDC group 1 and group 1-like coryneform bacteria isolated from clinical specimens.

Fifteen strains of CDC group 1 coryneform and biochemically similar bacteria were isolated from clinical specimens. Of the 15 strains isolated, 11 were derived from abscesses and purulent lesions, mostly from the upper part of the body, and 3 were grown from blood cultures. Nine strains were associated with mixed anaerobic but no other aerobic flora. Seven strains exhibited the classical biochemical profile of CDC coryneform group 1; however, eight strains were unable to reduce nitrate and were called "group 1-like." Other reactions to differentiate CDC group 1 and group 1-like coryneform rods include alpha-hemolysis on human blood agar, fermentation of adonitol, and the presence of alkaline phosphatase. Fifteen strains showed marked CAMP reactions on different erythrocyte agars. Gas-liquid chromatography of volatile and nonvolatile fatty acids as well as cellular fatty acid patterns and the composition of cell wall components suggest that CDC group 1 and group 1-like coryneform bacteria do not belong to the genus Corynebacterium but possibly to the genus Actinomyces or Arcanobacterium. DNA-DNA hybridization studies revealed that group 1 and group 1-like strains represent different species.

Actinomycetales↗