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Latex sensitivity among perioperative nurses

Abstract

To estimate the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical spectrum of adverse reactions to natural rubber latex-containing products among a national sample of perioperative nurses, the investigators administered a self-reporting questionnaire to a convenience sample of 2,200 members of the Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.… Read more

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Possible nosocomial transmission of Pseudomonas cepacia in patients with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether nosocomial transmission of Pseudomonas cepacia occurred at a hospital with endemic P cepacia infection of patients with cystic fibrosis.

DESIGN: Two retrospective case-control studies.

SETTING: A large pediatric cystic fibrosis center.

PARTICIPANTS: To assess risk factors for acquisition of P cepacia, 18 cases, defined as any patient with cystic fibrosis with first documented isolation of P cepacia in 1988 or 1989, were compared with 18 matched P cepacia-negative controls with cystic fibrosis.… Read more

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Infectious diseases and death among nursing home residents: results of surveillance in 13 nursing homes

Abstract

An increasing proportion of the U.S. population resides in nursing homes (NHs). No surveillance system exists for infections in these facilities. To determine the incidence and types of infections in NH residents, and to identify predictors of death among residents with infections, we initiated a surveillance system at 13 NHs in California during a 6-month period from October 1989 through March 1990.… Read more

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Usefulness of molecular epidemiology for outbreak investigations

Abstract

We conducted a retrospective review of nosocomial outbreak investigations conducted by the Hospital Infections Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from January 1991 through March 1994. Selected outbreaks have demonstrated the utility of molecular methods such as plasmid analysis, plasmid restriction endonuclease analysis, ribotyping, restriction fragment polymorphism, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and polymerase chain reaction in confirming the clonality of the outbreak and in confirming the source of the outbreak implicated in the epidemiologic investigation.… Read more

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4-Methyl-7,11-heptadecadienal and 4-methyl-7,11-heptadecadienoic acid: new antibiotics from Sporothrix flocculosa and Sporothrix rugulosa

Abstract

4-Methyl-7,11-heptadecadienal [1] and 4-methyl-7,11-heptadecadienoic acid [2] were isolated as new compounds from liquid cultures of Sporothrix flocculosa and Sporothrix rugulosa. Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycospersici, Trichoderma viride, and Bacillus subtilis.

Choudhury SR, Traquair JA, Jarvis WR

J.… Read more

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Acquisition of Pseudomonas cepacia at summer camps for patients with cystic fibrosis. Summer Camp Study Group

Abstract

To assess the risk of acquisition of Pseudomonas cepacia by person-to-person transmission at cystic fibrosis summer camps, we conducted in 1990 a study at three camps attended by patients with cystic fibrosis who had P. cepacia infection and patients without P.… Read more

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Investigation of an epidemic of invasive aspergillosis: utility of molecular typing with the use of random amplified polymorphic DNA probes

Abstract

When seven immunocompromised patients developed invasive aspergillosis during construction at a hospital, new methods were performed to compare fungal isolates and a case-control study was conducted to determine risks for infection. Typing of Aspergillus flavus with the use of restriction endonuclease analysis and restriction fragment length polymorphism using random amplified polymorphic DNA reactions to generate DNA probes revealed different patterns between isolates from two patients and a similar pattern among those from one patient, a health care worker, and an environmental source.… Read more

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Patient cytokine response in transfusion-associated sepsis

Abstract

Cytokine concentrations in plasma from patients transfused with packed erythrocytes contaminated with gram-negative bacilli were measured. Cytokine concentrations in posttransfusion plasma were significantly elevated. A difference in cytokine patterns between survivors and a nonsurvivor was observed.

McAllister SK, Bland LA, Arduino MJ, Aguero SM, Wenger PN, Jarvis WR

Infect.… Read more

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Immune and serologic profiles of HIV-infected and noninfected hemophilic children and adolescents. Hemophilia Growth and Development Study Group

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess relationships among the effects of HIV on hemophilic children and adolescents’ immunologic parameters and vaccine-related serology.

METHODS: We analyzed data from extensive baseline immunologic evaluations of 207 HIV antibody-positive (HIV+) and 126 HIV antibody-negative (HIV-) hemophilic children and adolescents.… Read more

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Nosocomial Malassezia pachydermatis bloodstream infections in a neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Malassezia pachydermatis, a lipophilic yeast, has been described to cause sporadic nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSI). Nosocomial outbreaks of M. pachydermatis BSI have never been described. A cluster of M. pachydermatis BSIs in the neonatal intensive care unit at Louisiana State University Medical Center, University Hospital provided the opportunity to investigate the epidemiology of this organism and apply molecular epidemiologic typing techniques.… Read more

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Bacterial contamination of platelets at a university hospital: increased identification due to intensified surveillance

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A cluster of bacterial contamination of platelets occurred at a university hospital in a one-month period. This unusual clustering allowed us to examine the likely mechanism of contamination and clinical sequelae.

METHODS: We reviewed medical records of patients receiving random donor platelet transfusions to determine numbers of platelets transfused, reactions reported, and episodes of bacterial contamination.… Read more

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Epidemic Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea: role of second- and third-generation cephalosporins

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To better define the role of multiple risk factors for cytotoxic Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

DESIGN: Case-control study.

SETTING: A Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

PATIENTS: Thirty-three case patients with C difficile-associated diarrhea. Two control groups were used: one group consisted of 32 patients from the same ward as the case patients, and one group consisted of 34 patients with nosocomial diarrhea and negative C difficile toxin assays.… Read more

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Outbreak of pyrogenic reactions and gram-negative bacteremia in a hemodialysis center

Abstract

Six episodes of gram-negative bacteremia and seven pyrogenic reactions occurred in 11 patients in one hemodialysis center. Gram-negative bacteremias and/or pyrogenic reactions were not related to reuse and were more likely to occur if dialysis was performed in one unit of the center (8/13 unit 5 vs.… Read more

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How common is latex allergy? A survey of children with myelodysplasia

Abstract

To estimate the prevalence of latex allergy among children with myelodysplasia, describe the spectrum of associated clinical symptoms and evaluate potential risk factors for the development of latex sensitization, the authors conducted a survey at a regional spina bifida center.… Read more