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M Lovgren

Publications and source records attributed to M Lovgren.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae in six Latin American countries: 1993-1999 surveillance.

The impact of invasive pneumococcal invasive disease is increased by the emergence of antibiotic resistance. We report regional and temporal variations in antibiotic resistance for 4,105 invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates collected from Latin American children <5 years, between 1993 and 1999. Reduced susceptibility to penicillin was detected in 1,182 isolates (28.8%); 36% of these were resistant (> or = 2 microg/ml), including 12.6% with MIC > or = 4 microg/ml, occurring primarily in serotypes 14 and 23F. Reduced susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins was detected in 12.1% of the collection. Mexico had the highest proportion of reduced susceptibility to penicillin (51.6%) and to third-generation cephalosporins (22%), whereas Brazil had the lowest at 20.9% and 0.7%, respectively. Isolates cultured from patients with pneumonia were more likely to have reduced susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins than isolates from patients with meningitis (p < 0.0001). Susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and vancomycin was tested by disk diffusion for 2.899 isolates. Reduced susceptibility was observed for 45.6%, 11.5%, 6.9%, and 0%, respectively. Thirty-one percent of the strains were resistant to > or = 2 drugs. High levels of antibiotic resistance in Latin America emphasize the need for the development of and adherence to rational antibiotic use guidelines. On-going surveillance will monitor the impact of these programs.

Age Factors↗

Evolution of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes and penicillin susceptibility in Latin America, Sireva-Vigía Group, 1993 to 1999. PAHO Sireva-Vigía Study Group. Pan American Health Organization.

BACKGROUND: Since 1993 the Pan American Health Organization has coordinated a surveillance network with the National Reference Laboratories of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay aimed at monitoring capsular types and antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae causing invasive disease in children <6 years of age. METHODS: The surveillance system included children 6 years of age and younger with invasive disease caused by S. pneumoniae. The identification, capsular typing and susceptibility to penicillin of the isolates were conducted using a common protocol, based on standard methodologies. RESULTS: By June, 1999, 4,105 invasive pneumococcal isolates had been collected mainly from pneumonia (44.1%) and meningitis (41.1%) cases. Thirteen capsular types accounting for 86.1% of the isolates (14, 6A/6B, 5, 1, 23F, 19F, 18C, 19A, 9V, 7F, 3, 9N and 4) remained the most common types during the surveillance period. Diminished susceptibility to penicillin was detected in 28.6% of the isolates, 17.3% with intermediate and 11.3% with high level resistance. Resistance varied among countries and increased during this period in Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay. Serotypes 14 and 23F accounted for 66.6% of the resistance. CONCLUSION: These surveillance data clearly demonstrate the potential impact of the introduction of a conjugate vaccine on pneumococcal disease and the need for more judicious use of antibiotics to slow or reverse the development of antimicrobial resistance.

Child↗

Invasive disease due to group B streptococcal infection in adults: results from a Canadian, population-based, active laboratory surveillance study--1996. Sentinel Health Unit Surveillance System Site Coordinators.

In 1996, a population-based surveillance program for invasive adult group B streptococcal (GBS) diseases in Canada was undertaken, to define the epidemiologic and microbiologic characteristics of the disease. Nine public health units across Canada, representing 9.6% of the population, participated in the program. In total, 106 culture-positive cases of invasive adult GBS disease were reported, which represented an incidence rate 4.6 per 100,000 adults (41/100, 000 for pregnant and 4.1/100,000 for nonpregnant adults). Sixty-two (58.5%) of the 106 cases occurred in females, and, of these, 15 (14. 2%) were associated with pregnancy. Serotype V was the most common, accounting for 31% of the 90 GBS isolates typed (26.7% of nonpregnant and 4.4% of pregnant cases). This was followed by serotypes III (19%), Ia (17%), Ib (10%), II (9%), and VII (1%). Thirteen percent were nontypeable. All isolates were susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, and vancomycin. Resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin was 6.7% and 4.4%, respectively.

Adolescent↗

Group A Streptococcus carriage among close contacts of patients with invasive infections.

During the past few years, the incidence of invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection has been increasing. However, there are presently no clear recommendations regarding antibiotic prophylaxis for close contacts of index patients. The aims of this study were 1) to determine the prevalence of carriage of the same GAS strain as the patient's among contacts of patients with invasive infections and 2) to assess the importance of exposure duration. From March 1995 to March 1996, the authors prospectively included in the study all patients with invasive GAS infection, as defined by the Working Group on Severe Streptococcal Infections, who came to Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. An epidemiologic investigation was systematically carried out for each index case. Contacts were divided into two groups: those who had spent 24 hours or more with the index patient during the week preceding the beginning of his or her illness and those who had spent 12-24 hours with the index patient during that week. Strains of GAS were examined by serotyping (proteins M and T and the presence or absence of the serum opacity factor) and by characterization of streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins (exotoxins A, B, and C). One hundred and two contacts of 17 index cases with invasive GAS infection were systematically screened. Contacts were considered positive if they carried the same strain of the bacterium and the same streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin as the index case. Among the contacts who had spent at least 24 hours per week with their respective index cases, 13 out of 48 (27%) were found to be harboring the same serotype of GAS as the index patient (95% confidence interval 14.5-39.5). By comparison, only one of the 54 contacts in the 12- to 24-hour group (1.8%) was found to be carrying the same strain of the bacterium (95% confidence interval 0-5.3). This difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). The median age of the positive carriers (10 years) was significantly lower than the median age of the noncarriers (39 years) (p< or =0.0005). This study showed that close contacts who had spent 12-24 hours with the index patient were rarely colonized with GAS. If antibiotic prophylaxis against GAS is recommended, it should probably target contacts who spent at least 24 hours with an infected patient during the week preceding illness onset.

Adolescent↗

Molecular epidemiological survey of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae from Asia, Europe, and North America.

One hundred penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) strains from Asia, Europe, and North America were analyzed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; fingerprinting of penicillin binding protein (pbp) genes; and BOX PCR. Results show that six PFGE patterns (three patterns comprising > or = 2 serotypes) were found widespread and accounted for 64 of the 100 PRSP strains.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Molecular analysis of the genetic variation among penicillin-susceptible and penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in Canada.

Few studies have examined the genetic relatedness within and between serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Penicillin-susceptible S. pneumoniae (PSSP) isolates (n=170) and penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP) isolates (n=48) belonging to 13 different serotypes from across Canada were studied to further understand the molecular epidemiology of S. pneumoniae. PRSP of serotypes 6B, 14, and 19F appeared to be novel clones, differentiated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis from the recognized international penicillin-resistant clones belonging to these serotypes. In addition, not all PRSP strains shared similar genetic backgrounds with PSSP strains of the same serotype, suggesting that in Canada, certain PRSP strains have emerged from new unique lineages of PRSP. Although there was significant heterogeneity among S. pneumoniae of different serotypes, certain serotypes (3, 7F, and 22F) appeared to be more clonally related despite having originated from different geographic regions.

Cluster Analysis↗

First confirmed case of a vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium with vanA phenotype from Brazil: isolation from a meningitis case in São Paulo.

The importance of enterococci as a nosocomial etiologic agent is well documented; however, enterococci are also capable of causing a variety of community-acquired infections. Vancomycin resistance in a clinical Enterococcus isolate was first reported in 1986, and since then vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have been reported world-wide. This report describes a case of E. faecium with the VanA phenotype, isolated from meningitis in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Two E. faecium strains were isolated. One strain showed VanA phenotype, and the molecular characterization of the VanA gene was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. The other strain was susceptible to vancomycin and teicoplanin. The authors would like to call the attention of the scientific community to this first identification of a VRE case in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Determination of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae by using the E test with Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with sheep or horse blood may be unreliable. The Pneumococcal Study Group.

An international, multicenter study compared trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole MICs for 743 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates (107 to 244 isolates per country) by E test, using Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with 5% defibrinated horse blood or 5% defibrinated sheep blood, with MICs determined by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards broth microdilution reference method. Agreement within 1 log2 dilution and minor error rates were 69.3 and 15.5%, respectively, on sheep blood-supplemented agar and 76.9 and 13.6%, respectively, with horse blood as the supplement. Significant interlaboratory variability was observed. E test may not be a reliable method for determining the resistance of pneumococci to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Animals↗

Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infections: serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance in Canada, 1992-1995.

OBJECTIVE: To report current information about invasive pneumococcal infections, capsular types and antimicrobial resistance in Canada. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Canada. PATIENTS: A total of 976 patients from whom Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from blood or cerebrospinal fluid between Jan. 1, 1992, and Dec. 31, 1995. OUTCOME MEASURES: Capsular type and antimicrobial susceptibility. RESULTS: Twenty types accounted for 90.8% of the isolates from patients over 5 years of age; all but type 15A are covered by the currently available 23-valent vaccine. Nine types accounted for 92% of the isolates recovered from children 5 years and less. Reduced susceptibility to penicillin was found in 7.8% of the collection and was associated with types 6B, 9V and 19A. Full resistance to penicillin was observed most frequently during 1995 and was associated with type 9V. Rates of reduced susceptibility over one 12-month period were 19.5% for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 4.5% or less for each of cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, ofloxacin and tetracycline. CONCLUSIONS: Over 90% of invasive pneumococcal infections are covered by the currently available vaccines (for people over 2 years of age) and the pneumococcal protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccines under development for young children. The high frequency of antimicrobial resistance observed requires more complete investigation and confirmation; however, taken from a global perspective, it supports the need to develop better control strategies, including greater use of new and existing vaccines.

Adult↗

Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in Latin American children: results of the Pan American Health Organization Surveillance Study.

Protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae promise to be an effective public health intervention for children, especially in an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance. To characterize the distribution of capsular types in Latin America, surveillance for invasive pneumococcal infection in children < or = 5 years of age was done in six countries between February 1993 and April 1996. Fifty percent of 1,649 sterile-site isolates were from children with pneumonia, and 52% were isolated from blood. The 15 most common of the capsular types prevalent throughout the region accounted for 87.7% of all isolates. Overall, 24.9% of isolates had diminished susceptibility to penicillin: 16.7% had intermediate resistance and 8.3% had high-level resistance. Three customized vaccine formulas containing 7, 12, and 15 capsular types were found to have regional coverages of 72%, 85%, and 88%, respectively. This study emphasizes the need for local surveillance for invasive pneumococcal disease prior to the development and evaluation of protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccines for children.

Bacterial Vaccines↗

Streptococcus iniae, a human and animal pathogen: specific identification by the chaperonin 60 gene identification method.

It was recently reported that Streptococcus iniae, a bacterial pathogen of aquatic animals, can cause serious disease in humans. Using the chaperonin 60 (Cpn60) gene identification method with reverse checkerboard hybridization and chemiluminescent detection, we identified correctly each of 12 S. iniae samples among 34 aerobic gram-positive isolates from animal and clinical human sources.

Animals↗

Breast abscess associated with Helcococcus kunzii.

Helcococcus kunzii, a nonvirulent member of the human skin flora, has recently been implicated in causing infections in immunosuppressed patients. We report a case of breast abscess associated with H. kunzii in an immunocompetant patient and discuss the criteria used in its identification and our observations of susceptibility testing for this species.

Abscess↗

Nasopharyngeal pneumococcal colonization among Kenyan children: antibiotic resistance, strain types and associations with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection.

OBJECTIVES: To compare pneumococcal nasopharyngeal colonization rates among HIV-1-infected children with those of uninfected children born to seropositive mothers and those of seronegative controls. To determine the predominant serotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility among pneumococcal isolates in Kenya. METHODS: Nasopharyngeal pneumococcal colonization was examined in 207 children recruited from the Perinatal HIV-1 Transmission Study conducted in Nairobi, Kenya. Colonization was compared among HIV-1-infected children, uninfected children born to seropositive mothers and control seronegative children. Isolates were serotyped and tested for antibiotic susceptibility to penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, clindamycin and rifampin. RESULTS: Colonization was higher among HIV-1-infected and uninfected children than among controls only when associated with respiratory illnesses (86% of 7 and 60% of 20 vs. 29% of 31, P = 0.004). No differences were observed when children were asymptomatic (20% of 35, 35% of 94 and 22% of 101). Intermediate penicillin resistance was found in 60% of 94 isolates, 28% were resistant to tetracycline and all isolates were susceptible to the other antibiotics tested. Sixteen serotypes were identified, with 13, 15, 14, 6B and 19F comprising 73% of isolates. Serotype 13 was found in 31% of colonized children. This serotype and 2 others isolated are not found in the current 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine. Overall 41% of colonized children harbored nonvaccine strains. CONCLUSIONS: Although nasopharyngeal pneumococcal colonization was high among children with respiratory illness born to HIV-1-seropositive mothers, increased asymptomatic colonization did not explain the increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease associated with HIV-1 infection. Intermediate penicillin resistance was common but high level penicillin and multiple antibiotic resistance were not seen. The prevalence of the unique strains circulating in this region will need to be considered in the design of effective pneumococcal vaccines for use in East Africa.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Apparent lower rates of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and lower mortality in children with invasive group A streptococcal infections compared with adults.

Since 1985 there have been worldwide reports of increases in severe invasive Group A streptococcal (IGAS) infections. We reviewed the charts of all children with IGAS infections (defined as isolation of Group A streptococcus from a normally sterile site) presenting to our institution over a 7-year period (January, 1985, to December, 1991) and the literature. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome required hypotension and multisystem organ involvement. Twenty-four patients (mean age, 4.96 +/- 4.4 years) were identified with IGAS infection. One patient (presenting in 1989) met the criteria for probable streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and none died. Eight of 19 Group A streptococcal isolates tested were streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (SPE) A producers, most (90%) had the speC gene and all had the speB gene and produced the toxin. No M or T type predominated. The low rates of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and fatalities among children with IGAS infection are consistent with other pediatric but not with adult series. The apparent differences in outcome of IGAS between children and adults were not explained by the virulence factors we examined and may warrant further investigation.

Adolescent↗

Fatal group A Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome in a child with varicella: report of the first well documented case with detection of the genetic sequences that code for exotoxins spe A and B, in São Paulo, Brazil.

A previously healthy seven-year-old boy was admitted to the intensive care unit because of toxaemia associated with varicella. He rapidly developed shock and multisystem organ failure associated with the appearance of a deep-seated soft tissue infection and, despite aggressive treatment, died on hospital day 4. An M-non-typable, spe A and spe B positive Group A Streptococcus was cultured from a deep soft tissue aspirate. The criteria for defining Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome were fulfilled. The authors discuss the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of this disease as well as some unusual clinical findings related to this case.

Bacterial Toxins↗

emm typing and validation of provisional M types for group A streptococci.

This report discusses the following issues related to typing of group A streptococci (GAS): The development and use of the 5' emm variable region sequencing (emm typing) in relation to the existing serologic typing system; the designation of emm types in relation to M types; a system for validation of new emm types; criteria for validation of provisional M types to new M-types; a list of reference type cultures for each of the M-type or emm-type strains of GAS; the results of the first culture exchange program for a quality control testing system among the national and World Health Organization collaborating centers for streptococci; and dissemination of new approaches to typing of GAS to the international streptococcal community.

Antigens, Bacterial↗