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G W Coombs

Publications and source records attributed to G W Coombs.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

Antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from Australian wildlife admitted to a veterinary hospital.

Although antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing One Health concern, little is known about AMR in Staphylococcus aureus from Australian wildlife. This study investigated the occurrence, phenotypic AMR profiles, and genetic characteristics of S. aureus from six representative Australian wildlife species admitted to a wildlife hospital in Western Australia, including the western grey kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus), quenda (Isoodon fusciventer), pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus), galah (Eolophus roseicapilla), shingleback skink (Tiliqua rugosa) and long-necked turtle (Chelodina colliei). Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 11.7% (21/180, 95% CI: 7.4%-17.3%) of the animals on admission. Whole genome sequencing identified 13 multi-locus sequence types (STs) and various virulence factors, including the human-specific immune evasion cluster (IEC). Resistance to at least one antimicrobial class was observed in 63.6% of the isolates. The blaZ, erm(T), aac(6')-aph(2″), and tet(L) AMR genes were detected in 63.6%, 13.6%, 4.5%, and 4.5% of S. aureus, respectively. After 7 days of hospitalisation, S. aureus was isolated from 16.5% (16/97, 95% CI: 9.7%-25.4%) of the animals, including two methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolated from two pelicans. The two MRSA were identified as community-associated MRSA clones (mecA-positive ST1-IV and ST93-IV), suggesting direct or indirect transmission between humans and wildlife during hospitalisation may have occurred. This study highlighted Australian wildlife may be a potential reservoir for genetically diverse antimicrobial-resistant S. aureus. AMR surveillance including wildlife using a One Health approach may be required.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Detection of Helicobacter pylori antigen in faeces by enzyme immunoassay.

The detection of Helicobacter pylori antigen directly in faecal specimens may offer an alternative non-invasive method for determining the presence of H. pylori infection. This study compared the performance of the Premier Platinum HpSA enzyme immunoassay (HpSA) with histology and CLOtest, a rapid urease test. Of 134 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 37 (28%) were H. pylori-positive by histology and CLOtest. Using the HpSA test, H. pylori was detected in 35 H. pylori-positive patients (95% sensitivity) and one H. pylori-negative patient (99% specificity). The positive and negative predictive values for HpSA were 97 and 98%, respectively. HpSA is a rapid, easily performed, non-invasive method for detecting H. pylori.

Antigens, Bacterial↗
PubMed2001

Proteome analysis of Helicobacter pylori: major proteins of type strain NCTC 11637.

Proteome analysis involves the simultaneous resolution and display of proteins produced by an organism, followed by the quantitation, characterisation and identification of these proteins. As part of an ongoing study mapping and comparing the proteins expressed by various strains of the pathogenic bacterium Helicobacter pylori, we have resolved and identified 93 of the most abundant proteins expressed by type reference strain NCTC 11637. Proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and stained with Coomassie G250. Intensely-stained spots were excised and digested with trypsin, and the resulting peptides were characterised by mass spectrometry. Proteins were then identified by correlating actual peptide profiles with theoretical profiles generated from published nucleotide sequences. Ninety-three of the most intensely-stained protein spots were identified as the products of 35 genes, giving a ratio of 2.7 protein gene-products per gene. The products of the tsaA, pfr, ureA and ureB genes were amongst several proteins present in multiple isoforms. Peptide mass fingerprinting data were used to identify probable post-translational protein modifications. These results suggest that H. pylori proteins are subject to a high degree of post-translational modification. Comparative proteomics of H. pylori strains should greatly assist in investigating the pathogenic properties of this bacterium.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1998

A rapid (20 h) solid screening medium for detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Methicillin aztreonam mannitol salt agar is a sensitive and reliable solid screening medium for detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). With this medium an incubation period of only 20 h is sufficient to either produce visible colonies of MRSA or to exclude MRSA (no staphylococcal colonies). Coagulase testing (requiring a further 6 h) enables coagulase-positive isolates to be provisionally reported as 'possible MRSA' 26-30 h after the swabs were collected. The medium supports growth of intrinsically resistant staphylococci including low-expression-class MRSA (methicillin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 8-16 mg/L), but methicillin susceptible staphylococci and beta-lactamase hyperproducers are suppressed.

Carrier State↗
PubMed1998

Short duration therapy for Helicobacter pylori in Western Australia: the impact of metronidazole resistance.

BACKGROUND: Limited Australian data are available on either short duration therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection, or the impact of metronidazole resistance on the outcome of treatment. AIM: To compare the efficacy of two treatment regimens and determine the influence metronidazole resistance has on clearing H. pylori infection. METHODS: Eighty patients with H. pylori infection proven at upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, none of whom had previously received therapy for H. pylori, were randomised to one week therapy with either bismuth subcitrate one tablet qid, tetracycline 500 mg qid and metronidazole 400 mg tds (BTM), or lansoprazole 30 mg bd, amoxycillin 500 mg qid and metronidazole 400 mg tds (LAM). Effectiveness of therapy was measured by C14-urea breath test at six weeks. RESULTS: On an intention-to-treat basis, clearance of infection was achieved in 17 of 32 (53%; 95% CI: 35-71%) evaluable patients receiving BTM and 32 of 46 (70%, 54-82%) patients receiving LAM (p = 0.16). Metronidazole resistance was found in 32 of 65 (49%) patients in whom H. pylori was isolated by culture. On a per-protocol basis, of patients who had metronidazole sensitive strains of H. pylori 23 of 24 (96%) cleared infection after therapy with either BTM or LAM, compared with 14 of 24 (58%) who were metronidazole resistant (p = 0.004). Clarithromycin resistance was not found in 45 patients tested. CONCLUSIONS: In Western Australia clearance rates of H. pylori infection, after one week of BTM or LAM, are lower than in other published series. The high incidence of metronidazole resistance is the main determinant of our relatively poor eradication rates.

2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles↗
PubMed1998

Colony variation in Staphylococcus lugdunensis.

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is being increasingly reported as a pathogen with an outcome resembling that of S. aureus rather than coagulase-negative staphylococci. Recent local isolates exhibited colonial variation that delayed identification and interpretation of clinical significance. Until now previous descriptions have not emphasized colonial variation as an important identifying characteristic of S. lugdunensis.

Down Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

Merger and medical staff: an approach to integration.

One of the most important aspects of a hospital merger is the impact on the medical staff. At University Hospital in British Columbia, which was established when two large general teaching hospitals merged, the comprehensive process to reorganize the medical staff structure was designed to account for this impact. Preliminary indications are that the process used was effective in creating a positive atmosphere and that the fundamental arrangements that resulted are conductive to future development. Although a formal evaluation of the overall integration of the medical staff at University Hospital is some time off, general evaluative criteria are proposed for future application.

British Columbia↗