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G Reboux

Publications and source records attributed to G Reboux.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Diagnostic value of serum precipitins to mould antigens in active hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Serum precipitins have a controversial diagnostic value in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). The present authors' objective was to assess their diagnostic value by developing scores from a panel of specific antigens tested by two techniques (electrosyneresis and double diffusion) to discriminate active HP from other interstitial lung diseases. Consecutive patients presenting with a condition for which HP was considered in the differential diagnosis were included in the study. All patients underwent the same standardised diagnostic procedure, including precipitin tests performed in routine conditions. Clinical manifestations, bronchoalveolar lavage and high-resolution computed tomography defined the presence or absence of HP. Receiver-operating characteristic curves and logistic regression were used to develop the serological scores. A total of 122 patients (including 31 cases of HP) were included in the study. Five antigens from the panel were selected for the serological scores (Absidia corymbifera, Eurotium amstelodami, Wallemia sebi, Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula and mesophilic Streptomyces sp.). Electrosyneresis was more discriminative than the double-diffusion technique. Predictive negative values varied 81-88% and predictive positive values varied 71-75% for prevalence of HP 20-35%. In conclusion, serological scores using a panel of relevant antigens may guide both biological and clinical practice in areas of high prevalence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Adult↗

[Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis].

INTRODUCTION: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a granulomatous disease of the lungs due to immune reactions following chronic inhalation of organic dusts or chemicals especially encountered in the occupational environment. The main purpose of this review is to report current concepts regarding aetiologies, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment as well as legal aspects of HP. STATE OF THE ART: The following aspects will be focused: (1) increase in new etiological circumstances, especially occupational and news antigens, (2) for diagnosis, the major contribution of chest high resolution CT scan which often shows characteristic images but also recent developments in simple diagnostic criteria that may be used for an epidemiological approach, (3) importance of bronchial obstruction and even emphysema as a long term sequelae, finally (4) the possibility of continuing occupational activities in certain circumstances where preventive measures can be used. PERSPECTIVES: The increasing knowledge of etiological agents and circumstances as well as the development of secondary and especially primary preventive measures should lead to reduce the frequency of this disease and of its medico-social consequences.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Cutaneous Alternaria infection in renal transplant recipients: a report of two cases with an unusual mode of transmission.

We report two cases of cutaneous alternariosis in renal transplant recipients. The diagnosis was made by mycologic and histologic examination. The patients were treated with itraconazole. In one patient who had undergone surgical resection of the cutaneous lesion along with antifungal treatment, the follow-up period was uneventful with no signs of recurrence. In the other patient, surgical excision of the lesion was not performed prior to antifungal therapy. The lesion disappeared following treatment but local recurrence was observed 1.5 years later with an unfavorable evolution despite administration of the second course of therapy. Resection of the lesion and prolongation of the treatment resulted in a satisfactory course with no signs of local recurrence over a follow-up period of 4.5 years. Interestingly, both of the patients had a previous history of a mild traumatic event with a stretcher in our outpatient clinic where the follow-up visits were made. A vast mycologic survey was then made in our department, which disclosed that some of the stretchers were contaminated by the fungi and could have potentially served as the reservoirs and vectors for the transmission of the fungus.

Adult↗

Microbiological evolution of hay and relapse in patients with farmer's lung.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies in France have shown that Absidia corymbifera and, to a lesser degree Eurotium amstelodami and Wallemia sebi, play a role in farmer's lung disease (FLD), but that Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula, classically incriminated, does not. Little is known about farmers' reactions to these fungi or the circumstances which lead to exposure. AIMS: To investigate the conditions which favour the development of these microorganisms in hay and to analyse the relation between their concentration and the risk of occurrence of FLD. METHODS: Sequential microbiological analyses of each batch of hay stored in 10 farms at risk for FLD and a serological survey of 10 farmers (five with a past history of FLD). RESULTS: Exposure to microorganisms varied widely according to farms and periods. These microorganisms usually reached a peak in January and proliferated when harvesting conditions favoured excessive humidity in hay (rain during harvest, soil in the hay). Three of the five FLD patients presented with FLD respiratory recurrence and positive serology for A corymbifera during the winter (2000-01), after exposure to a significantly higher amount of A corymbifera than other farmers. Similar, but less significant, results were found for E amstelodami exposure, but not with W sebi. CONCLUSIONS: Results contribute to confirming A corymbifera as a major aetiological agent of FLD in Doubs, and encourage further studies with a view to implementing preventive measures.

Absidia↗

Influence of buffered propionic acid on the development of micro-organisms in hay.

We tested the benefit of using buffered propionic acid (BPA) as a means of preventing farmer's lung disease (FLD). BPA, a new formulation of propionic acid, a hay preservative with no deleterious effect on farm machinery or cattle, reduces the development of micro-organisms in hay. Twenty pairs of round bales were analysed for concentration of micro-organisms measured in the winter following hay treatment. Each pair included one untreated bale and one bale treated with BPA during haymaking. Our results showed the following decreases in concentration in treated bales: total fungal species, 40% (P < 0.05); Eurotium amstelodami (the main species found), 65% (P < 0.01); and thermophilic actinomycetes, 60% (not significant), respectively. We conclude that BPA could be used to prevent FLD.

Actinomycetales↗

[Fungal contamination detection in cornea preservation media].

PURPOSE: Fungi can cause major complications following corneal grafting. In this study we aimed to verify the efficiency of a fungal contamination detection protocol for human corneas in preservation before clinical use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 12 most frequently found species of fungi responsible for keratitis and endophthalmitis were inoculated to preservation medium used by most French eye banks. A protocol used by several centers, including a daily visual control, was followed in order to check that it showed the presence of all microorganisms, particularly slow-growing filamentous fungi. RESULTS: Every species was detected in a time from 2 to 4 days. CONCLUSION: This microbiological contamination detection protocol of detection for human corneas in organ culture at +31 degrees C, seems to effectively detect the main agents responsible for fungal contamination.

Candida↗

Longitudinal study of anti-Candida albicans mucosal immunity against aspartic proteinases in HIV-infected patients.

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), mainly caused by Candida albicans, is commonly observed in HIV-infected patients. Secreted aspartic proteinases (Saps) are virulent agents involved in adherence to the mucosal surface and in tissue invasion. The immune secretory response to these agents was investigated in 15 HIV-infected patients, during oral yeast colonization and episodes of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), in a 1-year longitudinal study. We developed an avidin-biotin-amplified immunofluorometric assay for the detection of specific immunoglobulins G, A, and M against somatic, Sap2 and Sap6 antigens. We report increases in anti-somatic, anti-Sap2, and anti-Sap6 salivary antibodies in patients with OPC. Over the 1-year period, not only OPC episodes but also variations in yeast colonization levels were correlated with variations in salivary anti-Sap6 antibody levels. Our results show the ability of HIV-infected patients to produce high levels of salivary antibodies; however, these antibodies were not efficient in limiting candidal infection, probably because of cellular cooperation deficiency and the enhanced virulence of the infecting strain.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Role of molds in farmer's lung disease in Eastern France.

Farmer's lung disease (FLD) is common in the east of France. In the absence of the primary recognized FLD agent, Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula, its etiology remains unknown. A prospective case-control study was performed to find the etiology of FLD in this area. Eleven patients were matched with 11 healthy control farmers. Twenty-two urban subjects constituted the nonexposed control group. Microorganisms from cowshed air and fodder were identified and counted. The antigens of the microorganisms most frequently isolated at the 22 farms were used for serological tests. Farms of patients with FLD contained more Absidia corymbifera than those of healthy farmers (p < 0.05 in air, p < 0.01 in fodder). Electrosyneresis, performed with A. corymbifera somatic antigen, differentiated 9 of 11 patients with FLD from control subjects (p < 0.01). Other significant results were obtained with Eurotium amstelodami (p < 0.01) and Wallemia sebi (p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant results were obtained with the other seven antigens tested, including S. rectivirgula. Absidia corymbifera and, to a lesser degree, W. sebi or E. amstelodami are likely to be the main causes of FLD in this area. Modifications in working conditions over time could explain the emergence of these new contributing etiologies.

Adult↗

Identification of Fusarium species involved in human infections by 28S rRNA gene sequencing.

Fusarium spp. have emerged as major opportunistic fungal agents. Since new antifungal agents exhibit variable activity against Fusarium isolates depending on the species, rapid identification at the species level is required. Conventional culture methods are difficult, fastidious, and sometimes inconclusive. In this work, we sequenced a 440-bp fragment encoding the 28S rRNA from 33 Fusarium isolates belonging to six Fusarium species associated with human infections. The data were then analyzed by the neighbor-joining method. By using distance matrix analysis and constructing the phylogram, we could easily distinguish the different species for all but one isolate. The method also allowed differentiation between the closely related genera Acremonium and Cylindrocarpon. In contrast to the case with conventional methods, the results could be obtained within 48 h from a 3-day culture and are independent of mycologist experience, making this method rapid and reliable for identification of Fusarium species isolated from patients.

Base Sequence↗

[Oropharyngeal candidiasis resistant to fluconazole in patients infected by HIV].

PURPOSE: To study the susceptibility to fluconazole of Candida albicans strains in oral candidiasis of HIV positive patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven HIV positive patients with confirmed oral candidiasis were included in a 4 to 10 months prospective study. In addition, 23 HIV positive patients were evaluated in a restrospective study (14 with oral candidiasis and 9 control subjects). The MICs to fluconazole of C. albicans were characterized by genotyping (electrophoretic karyotype). RESULTS: Thirty patients were evaluable. Oral candidiasis was found in 21 patients; 7/21 patients (33,3 p. 100) developed resistant C. albicans strain (MIC > 32 mg/ml) after a mean fluconazole cumulative dose of 18 g. In this study, the electrophoretic karyotype confirmed the persistence of the same C. albicans strain in each patient. In addition increased colonization by C. krusei or C. glabrata was found in 6/21 patients (28.5 p. 100). DISCUSSION: Our data demonstrate that prolonged treatment with fluconazole dose higher than 13 g induces the emergence of resistant C. albicans with persistence of the same C. albicans strain. Fluconazole has to be reserved to oral candidiasis after failure of a local treatment or to severe cases.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

[Cutaneous and lymphatic cryptococcosis after transient lymphopenia in an immunocompetent patient].

INTRODUCTION: Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic infection, that rarely occurs in immunocompetent patients. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 82 year-old woman who suffered from a bacterial pneumonia associated with lymphopenia. During the hospitalisation, she developed a cutaneous and ganglionnary cryptococcosis. No other cause of immunosuppression was found. The lymphopenia disappeared with the healing of the pneumonia treated with systemic antibiotics. Treatment with fluconazole was effective in 2 months on the cryptococcosis. COMMENTS: To our knowledge, this is the first case of cryptococcosis after a transitory lymphopenia, occurring in a immunocompetent patient.

Aged↗

Fluconazole-resistant recurrent oral candidiasis in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients: persistence of Candida albicans strains with the same genotype.

Thirty human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients carrying Candida albicans in their oropharynx were treated with fluconazole and were monitored for 90 to 570 days. Fluconazole-resistant C. albicans (MIC, > 32 micrograms/ml) appeared only in seven patients and only after 90 days of treatment corresponding to a total dose of more than 10 g. Resistance was not associated with resistance to other azole derivatives. Susceptible and resistant strains from each patient had the same genotype (as defined by electrophoretic karyotype and restriction fragment length polymorphism). Thus, the resistant strains were selected by the antimycotic treatment from the susceptible strain present in each case.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Influence of mode of storage and drying of fodder on thermophilic actinomycete aerocontamination in dairy farms of the Doubs region of France.

Airborne contamination by thermophilic actinomycetes, micromycetes and Gram negative bacteria was determined on 34 dairy farms and related to fodder drying and storage methods. Eighteen farms had a barn drying system, eight with additional heating; the remaining 16 had traditional fodder storage methods. Three air samples were obtained for each farm with a six stage Andersen sampler. The thermophilic actinomycetes were identified as Streptomyces and the dominant micromycetes as Aspergillus spp; there was no relation between the levels of these organisms. There were fewer thermophilic actinomycete colonies per Petri dish (stage 5 on the Anderson sampler) on farms with barn drying than on those with traditional storage (median (range) 7 (0-2628) and 56 (4-2628) respectively). The three farms where no thermophilic actinomycetes were found had barn drying with heating and the four most modern farms had lower thermophilic actinomycete colony counts than the others (median (range) 3 (0-10) and 48 (0-2628)). The level of thermophilic actinomycetes and, to a lesser degree, of micromycetes was higher where the farmer had farmer's lung. Thermophilic actinomycetes of the genus Streptomyces are probably the antigens associated with farmer's lung in the Doubs, and modern farms with barn drying and heating furnish some protection against this disease.

Actinomycetales Infections↗

[Multicenter study of 435 yeast strains isolated from 116,000 hemocultures].

During a multicentric study on the diagnosis of yeast septicemia, 5 blood culture media have been compared. 435 yeast strains have been isolated from 116,372 blood cultures received during year 1989 in the mycological laboratories of 5 university hospitals from east of France. The results show that Candida albicans is always the first septicemia agent with 52% of yeasts isolation from blood. C. parapsilosis comes next with 17%, then C. glabrata, 6.2%. The average delay of yeasts isolation is 2.3 days for Bactec NR and Sabouraud media, 3.7 days for other bacteriological media. Compared with polyvalent media, Sabouraud diphasic medium is significantly the best for yeasts isolation. It is recommended to add chloramphenicol in the medium, to culture 10 ml of blood and to keep blood cultures for at least 8 days, better 15 days.

Candidiasis↗