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Biomedical subjects

M L Thong

Publications and source records attributed to M L Thong.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Prevalence of Bartonella henselae immunoglobulin G antibodies in Singaporean cats.

BACKGROUND: Bartonella henselae causes several clinical diseases in humans. The most common infection is the classical cat-scratch disease (CSD) occurring in immunocompetent and immunocompromised children exposed to newly acquired kittens. This is the first study of B. henselae infection in Singaporean cat population. METHODS: Indirect fluorescent antibody tests were carried out on cat sera obtained from 80 cat blood samples. RESULTS: Of the cats studied in this project 47.5% tested seropositive, with high IgG titers (> or =1024) in 31 of 38 seropositive cats, 60.5% of which were males. CONCLUSIONS: Males cats had higher rates of infection than female cats. Serologic studies of cats in different parts of the United States have indicated that the prevalence of IgG antibody to B. henselae in cats is highest in regions with warm, humid climates and lowest in areas with cool, dry climates. The indirect fluorescent antibody test data for B. henselae infection in Singapore cats support this contention.

Animals↗

Ten years' experience with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a large Australian hospital.

The Royal Brisbane Hospital (RBH) is a 1200-bed teaching hospital with acute, general and specialist units for adult patients. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was first detected at the RBH in 1975 and the number of new patients colonized and infected increased from one in 1975 to 720 in 1989, with a peak of 811 in 1987. Virulence may be inferred from blood culture isolates. Between 1979 and 1989 the number of patients with S. aureus bacteraemia increased from 40 to 138 per year. The percentage of these isolates which were MRSA varied from a low of 4% in 1980 to a peak of 37% in 1984 with 28% in 1989. The control attempts, sensitivity patterns, sources of the isolates and their probable impact and importance will be discussed.

Australia↗

Flavobacterium meningosepticum infection: an epidemiological study in a newborn nursery.

After an outbreak of flavobacterium meningitis in the newborn nursery of the University Hospital, an investigation was carried out to determine the possible sources of this organisms in the nursery. Various serotypes of the organism were recovered from a variety of sources such as wash basins, sinks, suction apparatus, and disinfectants in the nursery as well as the neighbouring wards. Colonisation of the pharynx with this organism was demonstrated in several clinically healthy babies in the nursery. The possible role of fomites, hospital staff, newborn babies, and their mothers in the transmission of the organism is considered together with the measures taken to reduce environmental contamination.

Adult↗

Viruses and bacteria associated with acute respiratory illnesses in young children in general practice.

The results obtained and the laboratory methods used for the isolation of viruses and bacteria from Malaysian children with acute respiratory illnesses seen in a private clinic are described. Of the 65 children studied virus isolations were obtained from 26 children, bacteria from 10 and both virus and bacteria from another 5. The agents isolated were influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, Bordetella pertussis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus pyogenes.

Acute Disease↗

Intraventricular chemotherapy in neonatal meningitis.

All of 16 infants with neonatal meningitis treated during a 30-month period were found to have accompanying ventriculitis at the time of the initial ventricular puncture. Fifteen of these infants were caused by gramm-negative organisms. All infants received antibiotics systemically and intraventricularly via an implanted ventriculostomy reservoir or by direct ventricular injection. Antibiotic concentrations within the ventricular fluid were monitored during chemotherapy; the complications encountered during treatment are discussed. Fifteen infants survived the infection; of these, seven infants were normal at follow-up examinations. In our experience intraventricular chemotherapy as an adjunct to systemic administration of antibiotics has greatly reduced the mortality rate in neonatal meningitis.

Ampicillin↗

Differentiation of nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli in the clinical laboratory.

A rapid and simplified system for the differentiation of nonfermentative Gram-negative bacilli, encountered frequently in clinical specimens, is presented for use in the clinical laboratory. Nonfermentative bacteria can be grouped initially by the motility, oxidase and OF glucose reactions. This grouping simplifies the choice of additional tests for further identification. The additional tests included Gram stain, acid production from 10% lactose agar, nitrate reduction, arginine dihydrolase activity, fluorescein production, deoxyribonuclease activity, hydrolysis of aesculin, growth at 42 degrees C, gelatinase activity and susceptibility to antibiotics.

Acinetobacter↗

Rifamycin in neonatal flavobacteria meningitis.

Three newborn infants with meningitis due to Flavobacterium meningosepticum were treated with rifamycin administered parenterally and directly into the cerebral ventricles. Antibiotic concentrations of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were monitored during treatment. There was rapid sterilization of the CSF after this antibiotic. Jaundice was the only toxicity noted. All 3 infants developed hydrocephalus and are shunt dependent. Two of them are otherwise free of neurological complications and are developing normally. Rifamycin is a safe and effective antibiotic in this form of neonatal meningitis.

Female↗

Pseudomonas putrefaciens from clinical material.

Three strains of Pseudomonas putrefaciens were isolated from routine clinical specimens at the University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their cultural and biochemical characteristic, and antibiotic susceptibilities are presented. Characteristics of diagnostic value were stressed. Two isolates appeared to have played a pathogenic role in chronic otitis media.

Adult↗

Acinetobacter anitratus infections in man.

During a period of 17 months, 142 strains of Acinetobacter anitratus were isolated from 140 patients. They were examined for biochemical characteristics, antibiotic susceptibilities to 15 chemotherapeutic drugs and clinical and epidemiologic features. Biochemical studies were necessary for positive identification of this gram negative rod. Many isolates were susceptible to kanamycin, gentamicin, polymixin B, cotrimoxazole and nalidixic acid. Most isolates were hospital acquired and had been cultured from a number of anatomic sites in the presence of a variety of clinical situations. Acinetobacter anitratus was the primary infecting organism in two cases of septicaemia (one fatal), two pneumonias, two wound infections and six urinary tract infections. Because of its potential pathogenicity this organism should not be dismissed as a harmless commensal by laboratory staff and clinicians.

Acinetobacter↗

Septicaemia from prolonged intravenous infusions.

Four cases of septicaemia in children were traced to contaminated intravenous infusions and volume control sets. In each case Pseudomonas cepacia was isolated from multiple blood cultures and from intravenous fluid within the volume control set. The first patient died of septicaemia after a long and complicated postoperative period. The other three patients received appropriate antibiotics after removal of the contaminated intravenous sets and they recovered within 2 weeks.

Ampicillin↗

Serial dilution antibiotic susceptibility testing evaluation of a micromethod for use in a diagnostic laboratory.

Simultaneous MIC determinations were performed by the conventional tube dilution method and a microdilution technique. Forty-five clinical isolates and 11 antibiotics were used. Results of the two tests revealed 89.2% aggrement of +/- one dilution. The microdilution method was found to be reliable, reproducible and economical in time, labour and materials. The use of pH indicator in the microtechnique is recommended for certain organisms.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗