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Biomedical subjects

J Blondeau

Publications and source records attributed to J Blondeau.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Cost-effective algorithm for detection and identification of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in surveillance cultures.

A study was undertaken to develop an easy-to-use and cost-effective algorithm for the detection and identification of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in surveillance cultures, because the incidence of VRE outbreaks in institutions across Canada has made continuous surveillance a necessity. Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis carry transferable resistance genes and hence are a problem for infection control. In laboratory surveillance, however, Enterococcus gallinarum and Enterococcus casseliflavus, which exhibit low-level nontransferable resistance, are also encountered and often create confusion in identification. Included in this study were a total of 218 strains of enterococci and other streptococci isolated from surveillance cultures. Conventional methods were used to determine their biochemical activities, and speciation was attempted in 121 strains using a rapid multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method that utilized primers for the vanA, B, C1, C2/C3 and ddl genes. The results indicated that by using only a few tests (Gram stain, pyrrolidonyl arylamidase activity, motility, xylose and methyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside utilization), Enterococcus faecium/faecalis strains could be accurately differentiated from Enterococcus gallinarum/casseliflavus strains. For the 121 strains on which PCR was performed, there was a 100% correlation with the biochemical identification, with the added advantage that the presence of van genes could be determined at the same time. The cost of identification using minimal biochemical testing and PCR was less than that of identification using automated systems or a battery of conventional biochemical methods. The algorithm presented here may be used in the microbiology laboratory.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2000

Detection of Bordetella pertussis in a clinical laboratory by culture, polymerase chain reaction, and direct fluorescent antibody staining; accuracy, and cost.

Control of Bordetella pertussis in the community is hampered by slow and insensitive diagnostic tests. We therefore examined the accuracy and cost of culture, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) staining, and PCR in a routine clinical laboratory. Six hundred thirty seven nasopharyngeal swabs and aspirates in casamino acids transport medium were cultured, stained with polyclonal (Difco), and monoclonal (BL-5 and Accu-Mab) anti-B. pertussis reagents, and amplified by an IS481-specific PCR. PCR products were detected by a hybridization-enzyme immunoassay kit (Gen-eti-k DEIA, DiaSorin), with confirmation by a second PCR in a separate laboratory. Sensitivities and specificities of culture, polyclonal DFA, monoclonal DFA, and PCR were 36 and 100%, 11.4 and 94.6%, 8.3 and 98. 4%, and 95.0 and 99.3%, respectively, with a prevalence of 15.7%. The DFA tests were the most economical, and the PCR cost was 31% higher than culture. This study suggests that with minor improvements in economy, pertussis PCR can be implemented in a clinical laboratory with marked improvement in diagnostic accuracy.

Bordetella pertussis↗
PubMed1992

Compliance with a nonrecapping needle policy.

Compliance with nonrecapping needle policies is poor. Accidental needlestick injuries account for up to 80% of reported occupational needle exposures, and 45% of needlestick injuries occur at recapping. To determine the degree of compliance with in-house nonrecapping and needle disposal policies, the authors undertook an unannounced survey of needles disposed in designated sharps disposal containers and, via a questionnaire, surveyed attitudes to policies. The results show between 46 and 77% of needles were being recapped with 9 to 20% of bloodstained needles recapped before disposal. Recapping devices were rarely used and two-handed recapping techniques predominated. Highest rates of recapping were seen in intensive care, intermediate care and medical care units. Common reasons for recapping include inability to dispose immediately of needles properly, and sharps containers being too far away. Awareness of the risks of recapping was widespread with over 90% of respondents having been instructed in proper needle disposal techniques. While few health care professionals disagreed with non-recapping and needle disposal policies, many--for various reasons--persist in hazardous needle disposal practices.

Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice↗
PubMed1990

Q fever in Sokoto, Nigeria.

There is very little information available about the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Africa. We obtained blood from 75 Nigerians hospitalized in Sokoto for a variety of acute medical conditions. Their age range was 7 months to 50 years; there were 39 males and 36 females. Antibody titers were determined to phase I and phase II C. burnetii antigens using a microimmunofluorescence test. Thirty-three (44%) had an antibody titer of greater than or equal to 1:8 to phase II C. burnetii. We conclude on the basis of this limited survey that Q fever is common in Nigeria.

Adolescent↗