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R Cisterna

Publications and source records attributed to R Cisterna.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

[Epidemiologic characteristics of pneumococcal bacteremia in the era of AIDS].

BACKGROUND: The HIV infection and the development of penicillin-resistant pneumococci justify the review of the epidemiologic features of pneumococcal pneumonia in the last years. METHOD: A retrospective chart review of all patients admitted between 1987 and 1990 with a positive blood culture to Streptococcus pneumoniae was conducted. Different epidemiologic variables were selected ad compared. RESULTS: Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated in 147 blood cultures from 147 patients. The estimated incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia was 10 cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year. The figure increases from 7 to 12 cases during the study period. The risk factors identified were: HIV infection, 27 patients (19%); cancer, 14 patients (10%); cirrhosis of the liver, 13 patients (9%). In 56 cases (38%) no special risk factors were identified. All bacteremic episodes were from a pulmonary source. In 66% of patients, no special complications were recorded. Mortality outcome was related to age (28% if aged more than 60 years, 7% if less; p = 0.001, chi 2, and with the underlying condition (p = 0.034, chi 2). Resistance to penicillin increases from 0.0% to 21% during the study period (p = 0.03, chi 2) but it seems not to have any impact in mortality nor in the nosocomial origin of the bacteremia. CONCLUSIONS: In the last 4 years we have observed an increase in the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia related to an increase in cases among HIV infected patients, and also the emergence of penicillin-resistant strains. However, none of the two mentioned conditions seems to have any impact on mortality.

Bacteremia↗
PubMed1992

[Acute symptomatic HIV infection. Report of 10 cases].

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of acute HIV infection must rely in the demonstration of a significant increase in antibody titers against HIV together with the timely development of clinical symptoms. The percentage of cases with symptomatic acute HIV infection is currently unknown. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all patients admitted to Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases department of a General Hospital in a three-year period. The presence of HIV-antibodies was assessed by means of ELISA, indirect immunofluorescent test and Western blot technique. RESULTS: Among a total number of 1110 patients, we found 10 (0.9%) that were considered as having an acute symptomatic HIV infection. Clinical presentation was as follows: mononucleosis-like syndrome, 7 patients; aseptic meningitis, 1 patient; polirradiculoneurophaty and coreoatetosis, 1 patient and esophageal candidiasis, 1 patient. Transmission of infection was heterosexual contact in 60% of cases. Four patients developed a transient skin rash, four had oral candidiasis and low platelet count was detected in 6 cases. The presence of circulating HIV antigen could be demonstrated in 7 patients, and the change in antibody titer was recorded with an 11 +/- 2 weeks span. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of symptomatic HIV acute infection was only 0.9% in our study. The high number of patients with heterosexual transmission and low platelet counts in our series is remarkable.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1992

[Digoxigenin-labelled probes for detection of TEM-type beta-lactamases using the PCR technique].

BACKGROUND: Production of DNA probes is time-consuming and inefficient. We have developed a method for the obtention of digoxigenin-labeled probes to detect TEM-type betalactamases using the polymerase chain reaction. The amplification product was a 516 bp fragment internal to bla-TEM-1 from pBR 322. METHODS: The techniques developed included extraction of plasmid DNA by lisis by alkali, electroelution, electrophoresis in agarose gels, polymerase chain reaction and hydridization with a DNA probe digoxigenin labeled. RESULTS: We obtained by polymerase chain reaction 1500 ng of probe using 1 ng of target DNA. Developing classic methods the amount of probe was 75 ng from 1 microgram of target DNA. The time to obtain the probe was 3 hours, instead of a week with other methods. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that polymerase chain reaction is a good alternative to classic methods to obtain digoxigenin-labeled DNA probes.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1992

[Antimicrobial resistance in strains of Salmonella enterica isolated in the Hospital de Basurto (Bilbao) from 1987 to 1990].

BACKGROUND: Rate development of antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella strains in Hospital Basurto of Bilbao from 1987 to 1990 and to study their resistance mechanism. METHODS: The antimicrobial resistance for all strains isolated (1201 strains) was performed by means of a agar-diffusion test. We selected 32 multi-resistant strains for additional study (MIC, conjugation, IEF, and plasmid profile). RESULTS: The most frequent isolated serotypes were S. enteritidis (79.01%), S. typhimurium (8.5%) and Salmonella serogroup C1 (6.9%). The resistance to one or more of 17 antimicrobial rose significantly: 9.6% in 1987; 10.25% in 1988; 16.45% in 1989 and 13.73% in 1990. The percentage of resistant serotypes were: S. typhimurium (40.2%); Salmonella serogroup B (31.8%); Salmonella serogroup C1 (16.8%); Salmonella serogroup D1 (13.04%); Salmonella serogroup C2 (9.09%) and S. enteritidis (8.4%). In 27 multi-resistant strains and their transconjugants, beta-lactamase bands with a pl: 5.4 and/or 5.6 compatible with TEM-1 and/or TEM-2 were observed. Also, these strains carried a plasmid of high molecular weight (125 MD). CONCLUSIONS: Although, the resistance of Salmonella is not a serious problem in our environment this situation is raising progressively with a greater number of strains with plasmid mediated beta-lactamases. So, the antimicrobial policy will be more severe and righ in both hospital and extrahospital surrounding.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1991

Kinetics and regulation of NK activity by interleukin-2 and interferon in acute toxoplasmosis.

Natural killer (NK) activity against Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and tumour cells during acute toxoplasmosis was investigated using a single-cell NK assay. During the course of infection the percentage of lymphocytes binding tachyzoites and tumour cells did not vary significantly and NK activity was enhanced due to an increase in the specific cytolytic capacity per cell. To determine whether regulatory mechanisms mediated by cytokines might explain the increased NK activity, the kinetics of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon (IFN) production and the correlation between their concentrations and the level of NK activity were analysed at the same time. As the infection progressed NK activity increased in spite of the fact that IL-2 production decreased (except for a small increase during the first day of infection). However, IFN production increased gradually in close temporal and quantitative association with the overall increase in NK activity. These results suggest that T. gondii, via its ability to produce interferon, enhances NK activity against itself and other cells.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1991

[Detection of hepatitis B virus DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with various hepatopathies using in situ hybridization].

We have investigated, by "in situ" hibridisation, the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 45 patients with acute and chronic hepatic disorders directly related with HBV or with some seric HBV marker. Results has been related with serological markers and the different types of hepatopaties. The HBV-DNA was detected in PBMC more frequently in patients with hepatic alterations more prolongated (chronic active hepatitis, chronic persistent hepatitis and cirrhosis) than in acute hepatitis patients. It was not detected in any asymptomatic patient with HBV serological markers. As regards HBV serological markers, HBV-DNA was detected in PBMC in 8/11 HBsAg positive patients and in 11/34 HBsAg negative patients: 3 antiHBc positive, 5 antiHBc and antiHBs positive and 3 without conventional seric markers. The detection of HBV-DNA in antiHBc and/or antiHBs positive subjects means the virus may persist after recovery of infection and suggests PMBC could serve as additional reservoirs for reinfection of hepatocytes leading to a reactivation of the liver disease. Our results suggest that HBV infection of PBMC is a frequent event during HBV infection and can have important consequences fundamentally with respect to pathogenic mechanisms of HBV induced liver disease and to the transmission of the virus.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1991

[Antimicrobial sensitivity of 402 strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated in 7 Spanish cities].

To study N. gonorrhoeae resistance in Spain. We evaluate 402 strains consecutively isolated in 7 Spanish cities (Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, Murcia, Seville, Valencia and Valladolid). The MIC to 9 antimicrobial agents was determined by agar-dilution (DST) method. We found a high incidence (15.7%) of penicillinase producer strains (NGPP). Most (53.3%) of all non-NGPP strains showed reduced sensitivity to penicillin and 1.5% of the strains had chromosomally mediated resistance. All NGPP strains and 90% of non-NGPP strains showed reduced sensitivity to tetracycline (MIC greater than 0.23 mg/l). We did not found any strain with high-level tetracycline resistance. MIC90 for the other drugs tested were: erythromycin, 0.125 mg/l; spectinomycin, 16 mg/l; cefoxitin, 2 mg/l; cefuroxime 0.06 mg/l; ceftriaxone 0.0037 mg/l; ofloxacin 0.06 mg/l and ciprofloxacin, 0.0018 mg/l. NGPP are very prevalent in Spain. Most of these strains had chromosomally mediated resistance to penicillin and tetracycline. We did not found resistance to other antimicrobial agents.

Bacterial Proteins↗
PubMed1991

Chitin assay to estimate the growth of Candida albicans in organs of infected mice.

Two methods have been used to estimate chitin. In both, the chitin was first converted into chitosan. The insoluble chitosan was then either depolymerized and deaminated with HNO2 and the product colorimetrically determined with 3-methylbenzo-2-thiazolone hydrazone and Fe3+ (method A), or hydrolysed in HCl and the glucosamine determined with p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (method B). Method B showed a better correlation between chitin concentration and absorbance, and its reliability was higher. This method was equally convenient to estimate the chitin content of germ tubes of Candida albicans grown in vitro, showing good correlation between mycelial growth and chitin content. Finally, method B was used to measure the growth of C. albicans in organs of animals infected experimentally.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Value of detection of antibodies to Candida albicans germ tube in the diagnosis of systemic candidosis.

To test the value of detection of anti-Candida albicans germ tube antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence assay in the diagnosis of systemic candidosis, a retrospective study was done using 126 sera from 27 patients with presumptive systemic candidosis (13 immunocompromised), 165 sera from 45 patients with aspergillosis (29 immunocompromised), 35 sera from eight patients with cryptococcosis (6 immunocompromised), and 101 sera from 101 blood donors. While 21 of 27 patients with systemic candidosis (77.8%) had anti-germ tube antibodies, these antibodies were absent in all patients with cryptococcosis and in all blood donors. They were however detected in 5 of 45 patients with aspergillosis (11.1%). Ten of 13 (76.9%) immunocompromised patients with candidosis had anti-germ tube antibodies; similar results were obtained in immunocompetent patients with candidosis (78.6%). The specificity was 96.8%, indicating a high degree of discrimination was possible between systemic candidosis and other invasive mycoses in the patients studied. Anti-germ tube responses did not appear to be significantly reduced in immunocompromised patients.

Antibodies, Fungal↗
PubMed1990

In vitro susceptibility of Aeromonas caviae, Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas sobria to fifteen antibacterial agents.

In vitro testing of the activity of 15 antibacterial agents against 522 clinical isolates of Aeromonas species demonstrated some species-associated trends. Amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid was effective against approximately 45% of Aeromonas caviae and Aeromonas hydrophila, but all Aeromonas sobria isolates were resistant. Aztreonam, piperacillin and mezlocillin were highly active against all the strains of Aeromonas tested. Ticarcillin was equally effective against Aeromonas caviae and Aeromonas hydrophila, but more than 50% of Aeromonas sobria isolates were resistant. The latter species was more susceptible to cephalosporins than Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas caviae. Chloramphenicol, tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were extremely active against all three Aeromonas species, likewise ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Aztreonam, third-generation cephalosporins, chloramphenicol and the quinolones can thus be considered for therapy of infections when Aeromonas is implicated.

Aeromonas↗
PubMed1990

Different antibody response against Candida albicans cell wall antigens in cervicovaginal secretions of patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Vaginal washings from 118 women were investigated by means of immunofluorescence for the presence of antibodies against Candida albicans. A significantly (p less than 0.02) higher antibody titer was found in the samples from patients with clinically evident vulvovaginal candidiasis. Vaginal secretions from those patients with a positive culture for C. albicans were assayed by means of Western blotting. A distinct band pattern was found in the group of patients with a positive culture and the classical clinical picture of C. albicans vulvovaginitis.

Antibodies, Fungal↗
PubMed1990

[Detection of human immunodeficiency virus in seronegative adults].

The diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection is sometimes difficult or nonspecific, both in early and late stages, as the patients may be seronegative at the time of testing. Although serologic testing usually suffices to identify infected individuals and to follow up the course of the infection, in some cases direct detection of the virus is required. The culture of the mononuclear cells of the patient permits, after stimulation with mitogens and interleukin-2, the expression of viral antigens even in asymptomatic patients with latent or apparently nonproductive infection. In this way we have recovered the virus in four patients without serological evidence of infection. The possibility that human immunodeficiency virus infection can be undetectable with the usual diagnostic techniques, at least in a small proportion of patients, supports the need to use other methods such as direct viral culture to permit the identification of a greater number of infected individuals and the adoption of the appropriate prophylactic or therapeutic measures.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗
PubMed1990

[Microbiological study of 30 samples of heroin].

In the present study, 30 samples of heroin from material seized by the police in Vizcaya from 7-1-1987 to 6-30-1988 were investigated. Bacillus spp were isolated in 19 samples (63.3%), coagulase negative staphylococci in 14 (46.6%), Aspergillus in 3 (10%) and S. aureus in one (3.33%). In addition, chemical analysis of the purity of heroin was carried out with gas chromatography. The purity of the samples ranged from 1.1% to 94.3%. No relation was found between the weight of the sample, its purity and its degree of microbiological contamination. In the microbiological study of 4 lemons used to dissolve the drug, Candida krusei was isolated from three samples, Aspergillus in two and Geotrichum in one.

Aspergillus↗
PubMed1990

[Presence of HBsAg in lymphocyte cultured from patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)].

The behavior of the hepatitis B virus was investigated in mononuclear cell cultures in nine patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus. Although only one of them was a carrier of HBsAg and four had anti-HBs in their sera, HBsAg was detected in the supernatant of the cultures from all patients. These results suggest that mononuclear cells might act as a reservoir for hepatitis B virus, and that the concomitant infection by this virus and human immunodeficiency virus may alter the natural evolution of any of both conditions.

Adult↗