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M Shayegani

Publications and source records attributed to M Shayegani.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Widespread outbreaks of clam- and oyster-associated gastroenteritis. Role of Norwalk virus.

Consumption of raw shellfish has long been known to be associated with individual cases and sporadic outbreaks of enteric illness. However, during 1982, outbreaks of gastroenteritis associated with eating raw shellfish reached epidemic proportions in New York State. Between May 1 and December 31, there were 103 well-documented outbreaks in which 1017 persons became ill: 813 cases were related to eating clams, and 204 to eating oysters. The most common symptoms were diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. Incubation periods were generally 24 to 48 hours long, and the duration of illness was 24 to 48 hours. Bacteriologic analyses of stool and shellfish specimens did not reveal a causative agent. Norwalk virus was implicated as the predominant etiologic agent by clinical features of the illness and by seroconversion and the formation of IgM antibody to Norwalk virus in paired serum samples from persons in five (71 percent) of seven outbreaks in which testing was done. In addition, Norwalk virus was identified by radioimmunoassay in clam and oyster specimens from two of the outbreaks. Determining the source of the shellfish was not always possible, but northeastern coastal waters were implicated. The magnitude, persistence, and widespread nature of these outbreaks raise further questions about the safety of consuming raw shellfish.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1986

Serotyping of 1,458 pneumococcal isolates with analysis of bacteremia in 84 patients.

During a 61-month period, 1,458 pneumococcal isolates (including 87 bacteremia strains) were collected at the Albany Veterans Administration Medical Center and serotyped with the use of the typing system of the New York Department of Health Laboratories. Fifty percent of all isolates were of types in the 14-valent vaccine, while 68% were in 23-valent vaccine. Types 3, 6, 9, and 34 were the most prevalent types. Sixty-two percent of blood isolates were of types in the 14-valent vaccine, while 77% were in the 23-valent vaccine. Fifty-six percent of bacteremias were nosocomial and 44% were community acquired with a fatality rate of 41% and 18%, respectively. The fatality rate was greatest with risk factors such as asplenia and azotemia. These data support the recommendation for the use of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in high-risk patients, especially those who might acquire bacteremia in a nosocomial setting.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Yersinia enterocolitica and related species isolated from wildlife in New York State.

Fecal specimens for Yersinia screening were obtained from a variety of wild mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates throughout New York State. One specimen from each of 1,426 animals was examined. A total of 148 isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica and related species were obtained from 133 (9.3%) of the animals. Y. enterocolitica was isolated from 100 (7%) of the animals tested, including 81 (10%) of 812 mammals and 19 (3.3%) of 573 birds. Y. intermedia, Y. frederiksenii, and Y. kristensenii were isolated from 39 (2.7%), 5 (0.35%), and 4 (0.28%) animals, respectively. The 81 Y. enterocolitica isolates from mammals belonged to 15 serogroups and included three pathogens: two isolates of typical serogroup 0:8, the "American strain," one from a gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and one from a porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum); and one isolate of serogroup 0:3, bacteriophage type IXb, the "Canadian strain," from a gray fox. The most prevalent serogroups recovered from mammals were 0:6,31 (16 isolates) and 0:5,27 (6 isolates). The 19 isolates of Y. enterocolitica from birds belonged to nine serogroups and included one serogroup 0:6,31 isolate from a common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) and two serogroup 0:5,27 isolates from great horned owls (Bubo virginianus).

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Pseudomonas dermatitis associated with a swimming pool.

One hundred forty-seven (66%) of 224 scouts and chaperons were interviewed after a weekend visit to a dude ranch in upstate New York. One hundred seventeen (80%) complained of papular rashes or eye and ear inflammation. Onset of illness occurred within 24 to 48 hours of arrival at the ranch. After controlling for participation in other available activities, only swimming was found to be associated with illness. Pseudomonas aeruginosa serotype 0 11 grew from a culture of pool water and from 17 cultures of skin, eye, and ear lesions in visitors to the ranch. Follow-up was obtained for 76 of the affected persons for whom initial information was available. Mean duration of illness was 14.5 days (range, one to 40+ days). The recurrence rate was 24%.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Epidemiologic investigation of a Yersinia camp outbreak linked to a food handler.

In July 1981, an outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred at a summer diet camp. Of the 455 campers and staff, 35 per cent developed an illness characterized by abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, and/or nausea and vomiting. A total of 53 per cent experienced abdominal pain. Seven persons were hospitalized, five of whom had appendectomies. Yersinia enterocolitica serogroup 0:8 was isolated from 37 (54 per cent) of 69 persons examined, including the camp cook and three assistants. An epidemiologic investigation demonstrated that illness was associated with consumption of reconstituted powdered milk and/or chow mein . Y. enterocolitica serogroup 0:8 was subsequently isolated from milk, the milk dispenser, and leftover chow mein . Information obtained during the investigation suggested that the Yersinia had been introduced by a food handler during food-processing procedures.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

An outbreak of botulism in waterfowl and fly larvae in New York State.

In October 1982 the death of approximately 1,500 wild ducks, mostly mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and about 100 shore birds including greater yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) was observed in the New York State Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area. The lack of gross pathology, the signs exhibited by the moribund ducks, and the ecologic conditions indicated possible botulinal intoxication. Clostridium botulinum toxin type C was demonstrated in duck serum (approximately 5 X 10(4) mouse intraperitoneal LD50 of toxin per ml of serum) and in an extract from fly larvae (Lucilia spp.) taken from the same area (approximately 1 X 10(6) mouse intraperitoneal LD50 of toxin per gram of larvae).

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Microbiology of a major foodborne outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by Yersinia enterocolitica serogroup O:8.

Gastrointestinal disorders of varying severity were observed in 239 (53%) of 455 campers and staff members at a coed summer camp in Sullivan County, New York, during July 1981. Five of seven hospitalized patients had appendectomies before the disease was recognized as yersiniosis. Yersinia enterocolitica serogroup O:8 (American strain) was isolated from 37 (54%) of 69 persons examined, including the head cook and 3 others of the 11-person kitchen staff. Of 48 food, water, and environmental samples collected from the camp area, Y. enterocolitica isolates belonging to the same serogroup and biogroup as the human isolates were recovered from dissolved powdered milk, a milk dispenser, and turkey chow mein. This laboratory finding supported the epidemiological data indicating a correlation between consumption of these foods and illness. Y. enterocolitica isolates of the same biogroup as the O:8 isolates but belonging to serogroup O:34 were also isolated from six campers and two samples of dissolved powdered milk. Pathogenicity studies on the Yersinia isolates were performed with three in vitro tests (calcium dependency, autoagglutination, and HeLa cell infection) and one in vivo test (intraperitoneal challenge of mice). Most of the serogroup O:8 human isolates and the chow mein isolate were positive in all four tests. Milk isolates of serogroup O:8 were positive in the in vitro tests but were relatively avirulent in mice, whereas serogroup O:34 isolates, regardless of source, were negative in all four tests.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Bacteremia following dental cleaning in patients with and without penicillin prophylaxis.

The rate, type, and magnitude of bacteremia were studied in 56 patients undergoing dental cleaning with and without penicillin prophylaxis. Sixty-one percent of patients without penicillin prophylaxis were bacteremic 5 minutes following the procedure. Although a significant decrease in detectable bacteremia occurred in patients receiving penicillin prophylaxis, the recovery of streptococci was not significantly different in the two groups. Using the present sample of patients as a basis for statistical inference, the true rate of bacteremia in such patients could be between 41% and 79% with 95% certainty. The magnitude of bacteremia was low and positive quantitative pour plates occurred at 5 minutes and only in patients without penicillin prophylaxis. Of the 71 total bacterial isolates, 53 (74.6%) were anaerobes and 18 (25.4%) were aerobes. This study indicates that parenteral penicillin prophylaxis for dental cleaning decreased detectable bacteremia rates significantly and could be recommended for patients with valvular heart disease who are known to be vulnerable to endocarditis.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Characterization of nontypable Streptococcus pneumoniae-like organisms isolated from outbreaks of conjunctivitis.

From January through June 1980 seven colleges and universities in various parts of New York State (NYS) reported outbreaks of conjunctivitis affecting at least 1,500 students of both sexes. Of the 125 conjunctival swabs tested in our laboratory, organisms identified as nontypable Streptococcus pneumoniae were isolated in pure culture from 24% and in combination with other organisms from 22%. Although bile-soluble and susceptible to optochin, the isolates had a dry-colony appearance and no typable capsule with the Neufeld capsular-swelling test. Mouse passage of four representative NYS isolates did not stimulate production of a typable capsule. We subsequently chose to refer to these isolates as S. pneumoniae-like organisms. Of primary importance to our study, all NYS isolates tested were similar in biochemical and immunological reactions, antibiotic susceptibility, and virulence in mice. Of 18 strains referred to us from three other outbreaks (California, 1980; NYS, 1981; Illinois, 1981), four of the six tested biochemically gave the same biochemical reactions as the four NYS isolates, and 16 of the 18 tested immunologically reacted strongly with antisera produced against those four isolates, showing line(s) of identity with each other and with the NYS isolates.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Characteristics of Yersinia enterocolitica and related species isolated from human, animal, and environmental sources.

During a 4-year period, 4,448 human, animal, and environmental samples collected in New York State were tested for the presence of Yersinia enterocolitica or related species. A total of 339 isolates were identified as Yersinia and characterized according to source, species, biogroup, serogroup, and, in some instances, phage type. Four new biogroups of Y. intermedia were characterized. Of 149 human isolates, 120 (80.5%) were identified as Y. enterocolitica, and 29 were identified as either Y. intermedia (12.1%), Y. frederiksenii (5.4%), or Y. kristensenii (2.0%). Of the other 190 isolates, recovered from animals and the environment, 54 (28.4%) were Y. enterocolitica and 136 were either Y. intermedia (62.6%), Y. frederiksenii (4.7%), Y. kristensenii (3.7%), or an undescribed Yersinia species (0.5%). Two established human pathogenic strains of Y. enterocolitica were recovered: 59 isolates (37 from an outbreak) of "American strain" (serogroup O:8, biogroups Niléhn 2, Wauters 1, and Knapp and Thal 2, phage type Xz) and 11 isolates of "Canadian strain" (serogroup O:3, biogroups Niléhn 4, Wauters 4, and Knapp and Thal 1, phage types IXb). This was the first documented isolation of the Canadian strain in the United States. Isolates of other strains implicated in human disease (serogroups 0:4,33, 0:5, O:6,31, O:7,8, and O:8) were also recovered from both human and nonhuman sources.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Yersinia enterocolitica in Oneida County, New York.

In a 7-month study during and after an outbreak of Yersiniosis in Oneida, N.Y., a total of 963 specimens were examined for Yersinia enterocolitica. Of the 103 Y. enterocolitica isolates recovered, 91 were from Oneida County. Sixty-two (60.2%) were from humans including 52 from Oneida County. The isolates from the outbreak were mainly serotype 0:8, which on biotypnig proved to be Niléhn type 2, Wauters type 1, Knapp and Thal type 2. The rest of the isolates were distributed among various biotypes and included organisms which belonged to eight different serotypes. The results suggest that Y. enterocolitica may be ubiquitous in New York State, as it was isolated from 10 to 25% of 275 water, milk, and animal specimens examined and from about 2.3% of 300 sequential stool specimens submitted for Salmonella and Shigella screening.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Epidemic Yersinia enterocolitica infection due to contaminated chocolate milk.

In September and October, 1976, an outbreak of illness due to chocolate milk contaminated with Yersinia enterocolitica resulted in hospitalization of 36 children, 16 of whom had appendectomies. Infection with Y. enterocolitica serotype 0:8 was demonstrated in 38 ill persons. Sixty-one per cent of the persons who were infected had a titer greater than 1:160 OH agglutinins to serotype 8 yersinia, whereas 48 per cent of the hospitalized children had a fourfold change in agglutinin titer. An epidemiologic investigation demonstrated that illness was associated with drinking of chocolate milk purchased in school cafeterias, and Y. enterocolitica 0:8 was subsequently isolated from the milk. The investigation suggested that the bacterium was introduced at the dairy during the mixing by hand of chocolate syrup with previously pasteurized milk.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1978

Phage typing of nontypable isolates of Staphylococcus aureus using the new phages 94, 95, and 96 and the heat-shock treatment.

Of 2,144 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (from human beings in New York State) received in the authors' laboratory during 1975, 992 (46.,%) were nontypable with the use of the international basic set of bacteriophages. These 2,144 isolates were retested with the use of the recently added phages 94, 95, and 96. Nearly 60% of the isolates were lysed with one or more of these three phages, including 64% of those previously nontypable, thus reducing the percentage of nontypables to 16.5%. One hundred randomly selected isolates that remained nontypable were heat-shocked and retested with the revised basic set of phages, which includes the three new phages. Forty-three isolates were typable with the use of this procedure; all but one of these produced the exact same phage pattern in at least three of five trials.

Bacteriophage Typing↗
PubMed1978

Evaluation of the Oxi/Ferm tube system for identification of nonfermentative Gram-negative bacilli.

The Oxi/Ferm tube system designed for identification of oxidative-fermentative gram-negative bacteria was evaluated for identification of nonfermentative gram-negative bacilli by comparing it with the conventional system. The nine biochemical reactions used as the initial tests in the Oxi/Ferm tube system showed a close agreement with the same conventional reactions. However, the system was only 41% accurate to species or biotype for complete identification of 239 isolates which were well distributed in 48 species and biotypes and included organisms not listed in the Oxi/Ferm tube identification list. The system correctly identified 56% of the test organisms when the degree of identification was based on the manufacturer's guidance list. However, all isolates of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. diminuta, and group IIf were completely identified by the system.

Bacteriological Techniques↗