DOCSLIB.ORG

Drug-Resistant Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Methicillin

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Drug-Resistant Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Methicillin NEWS & NOTES Conference Summary pneumoniae can vary among popula- conference sessions was that statically tions and is influenced by local pre- sound methods of data collection that Drug-resistant scribing practices and the prevalence capture valid, meaningful, and useful of resistant clones. Conference pre- data and meet the financial restric- Streptococcus senters discussed the role of surveil- tions of state budgets are indicated. pneumoniae and lance in raising awareness of the Active, population-based surveil- Methicillin- resistance problem and in monitoring lance for collecting relevant isolates is the effectiveness of prevention and considered the standard criterion. resistant control programs. National- and state- Unfortunately, this type of surveil- Staphylococcus level epidemiologists discussed the lance is labor-intensive and costly, aureus benefits of including state-level sur- making it an impractical choice for 1 veillance data with appropriate antibi- many states. The challenges of isolate Surveillance otic use programs designed to address collection, packaging and transport, The Centers for Disease Control the antibiotic prescribing practices of data collection, and analysis may and Prevention (CDC) convened a clinicians. The potential for local sur- place an unacceptable workload on conference on March 12–13, 2003, in veillance to provide information on laboratory and epidemiology person- Atlanta, Georgia, to discuss improv- the impact of a new pneumococcal nel. ing state-based surveillance of drug- vaccine for children was also exam- Epidemiologists from several state resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae ined; the vaccine has been shown to health departments that have elected (DRSP) and methicillin-resistant reduce infections caused by resistance to implement enhanced antimicrobial Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The strains drug-resistance surveillance programs Council of State and Territorial Since the early 1990s, S. aureus presented alternative surveillance Epidemiologists, the Association of infections resistant to oxacillin methods currently implemented in Public Health Laboratories, and CDC (MRSA) have increased steadily. their states. Several surveillance mod- co-sponsored the conference; 120 par- Several scientists reported two recent els and knowledge gained by state- ticipants from 38 states attended. The changes in the epidemiology of based epidemiologists provided key conference was organized by the MRSA: its emergence in persons insights into the challenges and bene- Divisions of Healthcare Quality without established risk factors and fits of implementing enhanced sur- Promotion and Bacterial and Mycotic the emergence of vancomycin-resist- veillance programs. Diseases, National Center for ant S. aureus (VRSA). These new Two methods frequently used by Infectious Diseases, CDC. Goals of developments underscore the need for states are sentinel (i.e., survey of sub- the meeting included 1) reviewing the scientifically valid, yet financially set of laboratories) and antibiogram rationale for surveillance of DRSP feasible, state-based surveillance that (i.e., cumulative susceptibility data) and MRSA, 2) presenting scientific will aid in understanding the changing surveillance. Common difficulties studies highlighting valid and mean- epidemiology of MRSA disease. Such were identified with implementing ingful methods of performing state- understanding will allow effective sentinel systems. Those difficulties level surveillance, 3) sharing state- implementation of MRSA prevention included logistical obstacles with iso- level surveillance experiences, and 4) and control programs. Prevention pro- late or data processing and communi- identifying unmet needs of the state grams will differ on the basis of which cation breakdowns between laborato- health departments in performing populations are most affected (long- ry, epidemiology, and hospital infec- such surveillance. term care, community, and hospice). The primary theme of the confer- Current programs focus on reducing 1Presenters included the following: Richard ence general sessions was the public cross-transmission through improved E. Besser, Centers for Disease Control health impact of DRSP and MRSA hand hygiene and wound care. (More and Prevention (CDC); Clare Kioski, and the need for accurate surveillance information is available from: URL: Arizona Department of Health Services; Cynthia G. Whitney, CDC; Scott K. Fridkin, data to track and monitor resistance http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/Aresi CDC; Kathleen LeDell, Minnesota trends. S. pneumoniae is a major st/aresist.htm). Department of Health; Elizabeth Bancroft, cause of respiratory infections in the Conference participants generally Los Angeles County Department of Health United States. Since the early 1990s, agreed that a lack of resources for sur- Services; Scott Seys, Wyoming State the prevalence of resistance to single veillance has challenged state public Health Department; Felicia Medella, Nebraska Health and Human Services; and multiple antibiotics has been health agencies committed to moni- Chris A. Van Beneden, CDC; and Norman increasing in pneumococci. toring emerging antimicrobial drug Crouch, Public Health Laboratory, Antimicrobial drug resistance in S. resistance. A conclusion drawn from Minneapolis, Minnesota. 1358 Emerging Infectious Diseases • Vol. 9, No. 10, October 2003 NEWS & NOTES tion control personnel. Care must be data from these systems are substan- methods will assist local health taken in selecting the numbers and tial and will assist prevention pro- authorities in making decisions pro- types of laboratories to participate in grams. grams to monitor antimicrobial drug the sentinel network States collecting Another aspect of surveillance resistance. The 2-day conference pro- antibiograms from hospitals and state focuses on detecting rare events. Such vided an opportunity to initiate an laboratories also face challenges, reports may include new changes in exchange of current practices and including incompatible formatting of susceptibility, new mechanisms of knowledge gained among states and drug-testing panels, the inconsistent resistance, susceptibility of unusual territories. This process marks the inclusion of duplicate or repeat iso- pathogens, and unexpected sources of first phase in building networks that lates, and inconsistent reporting of resistant organisms. Establishing may potentially enhance training denominator data. Solutions to these good communication among person- resources, provide guidance for pro- problems commonly involve improv- nel in health departments and clinical gram development, and identify fur- ing communication between clinical laboratories is important for improv- ther technical assistance needed from microbiology laboratories and state ing reporting of such events. CDC. health departments, including labora- Allocating resources for improved tory input in decision making and pro- surveillance is considered a practical Leigh Ann Hawley,* viding feedback of data from the sys- and responsive step for states interest- Scott K. Fridkin,* tem to participants. Guidance for ed in tracking local resistant trends. and Cynthia G. Whitney* aggregating cumulative susceptibility Local data are important for raising *Centers for Disease Control and data (i.e., antibiograms) has been pub- public awareness, establishing Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA lished and can serve as a guide for resources and prevention activities, Address for correspondence: Leigh Ann states and clinical microbiology labo- developing and informing treatment Hawley, Division of Bacterial and Mycotic ratories in conducting surveillance. guidelines, monitoring trends, and Diseases, National Center for Infectious Also, having designated staff was motivating behavior change among Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and essential for successfully implement- clinicians. Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop C23, ing most programs. Presenters agreed This meeting and ongoing efforts Atlanta, GA 30333, USA: fax: 404-639-3970; that the benefits of collecting local to study and validate surveillance email: [email protected] Full text free online at www.cdc.gov/eid The print journal is available at no charge to public health professionals YES, I would like to receive Emerging Infectious Diseases. Please print your name and business address in the box and return by fax to 404-371-5449 or mail to EID Editor CDC/NCID/MS D61 1600 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30333 Moving? Please give us your new address (in the box) and print the number of your old mailing label here_________________________________________ Emerging Infectious Diseases • Vol. 9, No. 10, October 2003 1359.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and Clostridium Difficile Infection Lab ID Event Report
    Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium difficile Infection Lab ID Event Report Facility Name: Date of Event Report: Sex: M F □ □ Date of Birth: Race: □ White □ Black or African American □ Asian □ Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander □ American Indian or Alaska Native □ Other [specify] __________________ Ethnicity: □ Hispanic or Latino □ Not Hispanic or Latino □ Other Event Details Date Specimen Collected: Date Specimen Finalized: Specific Organism Type: (Check one) □ Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) □ Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI) Specimen Source (e.g. blood, wound, sputum, bone, Specimen Body Site/System try to be as specific as possible urine, stool): (e.g. upper right arm, foot ulcer, gastrointestinal tract): Date Admitted to your Facility: Location at time of Specimen Collection (name of specific unit, ward, or floor): Date Admitted to Location: Has patient been discharged from your facility in the past 3 months? Yes No If Yes, date of last discharge from your facility: Comments Assurance of Confidentiality: The voluntarily provided information obtained in this surveillance system that would permit identification of any individual or institution is collected with a guarantee that it will be held in strict confidence, will be used only for the purposes stated, and will not otherwise be disclosed or released without the consent of the individual, or the institution in accordance with Sections 304, 306 and 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42 USC 242b, 242k, and 242m(d)). For use by Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), Surveillance for Healthcare-Associated and Resistant Pathogens (SHARP) Unit’s MRSA/CDI Prevention Initiative (Coordinator: Gail Denkins, SHARP Intern: Kate Manton); fax completed forms to (517) 335-8263, ATTN: Kate Manton.
    [Show full text]
  • Association Between Carriage of Streptococcus Pneumoniae and Staphylococcus Aureus in Children
    BRIEF REPORT Association Between Carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus in Children Gili Regev-Yochay, MD Context Widespread pneumococcal conjugate vaccination may bring about epidemio- Ron Dagan, MD logic changes in upper respiratory tract flora of children. Of particular significance may Meir Raz, MD be an interaction between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, in view of the recent emergence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant S aureus. Yehuda Carmeli, MD, MPH Objective To examine the prevalence and risk factors of carriage of S pneumoniae Bracha Shainberg, PhD and S aureus in the prevaccination era in young children. Estela Derazne, MSc Design, Setting, and Patients Cross-sectional surveillance study of nasopharyn- geal carriage of S pneumoniae and nasal carriage of S aureus by 790 children aged 40 Galia Rahav, MD months or younger seen at primary care clinics in central Israel during February 2002. Ethan Rubinstein, MD Main Outcome Measures Carriage rates of S pneumoniae (by serotype) and S aureus; risk factors associated with carriage of each pathogen. TREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE AND Results Among 790 children screened, 43% carried S pneumoniae and 10% car- Staphylococcus aureus are com- ried S aureus. Staphylococcus aureus carriage among S pneumoniae carriers was 6.5% mon inhabitants of the upper vs 12.9% in S pneumoniae noncarriers. Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage among respiratory tract in children and S aureus carriers was 27.5% vs 44.8% in S aureus noncarriers. Only 2.8% carried both Sare responsible for common infec- pathogens concomitantly vs 4.3% expected dual carriage (P=.03). Risk factors for tions. Carriage of S aureus and S pneu- S pneumoniae carriage (attending day care, having young siblings, and age older than moniae can result in bacterial spread and 3 months) were negatively associated with S aureus carriage.
    [Show full text]
  • Clostridium Difficile Infection: How to Deal with the Problem DH INFORMATION RE ADER B OX
    Clostridium difficile infection: How to deal with the problem DH INFORMATION RE ADER B OX Policy Estates HR / Workforce Commissioning Management IM & T Planning / Finance Clinical Social Care / Partnership Working Document Purpose Best Practice Guidance Gateway Reference 9833 Title Clostridium difficile infection: How to deal with the problem Author DH and HPA Publication Date December 2008 Target Audience PCT CEs, NHS Trust CEs, SHA CEs, Care Trust CEs, Medical Directors, Directors of PH, Directors of Nursing, PCT PEC Chairs, NHS Trust Board Chairs, Special HA CEs, Directors of Infection Prevention and Control, Infection Control Teams, Health Protection Units, Chief Pharmacists Circulation List Description This guidance outlines newer evidence and approaches to delivering good infection control and environmental hygiene. It updates the 1994 guidance and takes into account a national framework for clinical governance which did not exist in 1994. Cross Ref N/A Superseded Docs Clostridium difficile Infection Prevention and Management (1994) Action Required CEs to consider with DIPCs and other colleagues Timing N/A Contact Details Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Department of Health Room 528, Wellington House 133-155 Waterloo Road London SE1 8UG For Recipient's Use Front cover image: Clostridium difficile attached to intestinal cells. Reproduced courtesy of Dr Jan Hobot, Cardiff University School of Medicine. Clostridium difficile infection: How to deal with the problem Contents Foreword 1 Scope and purpose 2 Introduction 3 Why did CDI increase? 4 Approach to compiling the guidance 6 What is new in this guidance? 7 Core Guidance Key recommendations 9 Grading of recommendations 11 Summary of healthcare recommendations 12 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Universidade Do Algarve Investigation of Listeria Monocytogenes And
    Universidade do Algarve Investigation of Listeria monocytogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae mutants in in vivo models of infection Ana Raquel Chaves Mendes de Alves Porfírio Dissertação para a obtenção do Grau de Mestrado em Engenharia Biológica Tese orientada pelo Prof. Dr. Peter W. Andrew e coorientada pela Prof. Dr. Maria Leonor Faleiro 2015 I Investigation of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Listeria monocytogenes mutants in in vivo models of infection Declaro ser a autora deste trabalho, que é original e inédito. Autores e trabalhos consultados estão devidamente citados no texto e constam na listagem de referências incluída. Copyright © 2015, por Ana Raquel Chaves Mendes de Alves Porfírio A Universidade do Algarve tem o direito, perpétuo e sem limites geográficos, de arquivar e publicitar este trabalho através de exemplares impressos reproduzidos em papel ou de forma digital, ou por qualquer outro meio conhecido ou que venha a ser inventado, de o divulgar através de repositórios científicos e de admitir a sua copia e distribuição com objetivos educacionais ou de investigação, não comerciais, desde que seja dado crédito ao autor e editor. II “I was taight that the way of progress was neither swift nor easy” – Marie Curie III Acknowledgements First of all I would like to thank the University of Algarve and the University of Leicester for providing me with the amazing opportunity of doing my dissertation project abroad. I wish to particularly express my deepest gratitude to my supervisors Prof. Peter Andrew and Prof. Maria Leonor Faleiro for their continuous guidance and support throughout this project. Their useful insight and feedback was thoroughly appreciated.
    [Show full text]
  • Streptococcus Pneumoniae Technical Sheet
    technical sheet Streptococcus pneumoniae Classification On necropsy, a serosanguineous to purulent exudate Alpha-hemolytic, Gram-positive, encapsulated, aerobic is often found in the nasal cavities and the tympanic diplococcus bullae. The lungs can have areas of firm, dark red consolidation. Fibrinopurulent pleuritis, pericarditis, Family and peritonitis are other changes seen on necropsy of animals affected by S. pneumoniae. Histologic Streptococcaceae lesions are consistent with necropsy findings, Affected species and bronchopneumonia of varying severity and fibrinopurulent serositis are often seen. Primarily described as a pathogen of rats and guinea pigs. Mice are susceptible to infection. Agent of human Diagnosis disease and human carriers are a likely source of An S. pneumoniae infection should be suspected if animal infections. Zoonotic infection is possible. encapsulated Gram-positive diplococci are seen on a smear from a lesion. Confirmation of the diagnosis is Frequency via culture of lesions or affected tissues. S. pneumoniae Rare in modern laboratory animal colonies. Prevalence grows best on 5% blood agar and is alpha-hemolytic. in pet and wild populations unknown. The organism is then presumptively identified with an optochin test. PCR assays are also available for Transmission diagnosis. PCR-based screening for S. pneumoniae Transmission is primarily via aerosol or contact with may be conducted on respiratory samples or feces. nasal or lacrimal secretions of an infected animal. S. PCR may also be useful for confirmation of presumptive pneumoniae may be cultured from the nasopharynx and microbiologic identification or confirming the identity of tympanic bullae. bacteria observed in histologic lesions. Clinical Signs and Lesions Interference with Research Inapparent infections and carrier states are common, Animals carrying S.
    [Show full text]
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
    Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Over the past several decades, the incidence of resistant gram-positive organisms has risen in the United States. MRSA strains, first identified in the 1960s in England, were first observed in the U.S. in the mid 1980s.1 Resistance quickly developed, increasing from 2.4% in 1979 to 29% in 1991.2 The current prevalence for MRSA in hospitals and other facilities ranges from <10% to 65%. In 1999, MRSA accounted for more than 50% of all Staphylococcus aureus isolates within U.S. intensive care units.3, 4 The past years, however, outbreaks of MRSA have also been seen in the community setting, particularly among preschool-age children, some of whom have attended day-care centers.5, 6, 7 MRSA does not appear to be more virulent than methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, but certainly poses a greater treatment challenge. MRSA also has been associated with higher hospital costs and mortality.8 Within a decade of its development, methicillin resistance to Staphylococcus aureus emerged.9 MRSA strains generally are now resistant to other antimicrobial classes including aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, carbapenems, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and macrolides.10,11 Most of the resistance was secondary to production of beta-lactamase enzymes or intrinsic resistance with alterations in penicillin-binding proteins. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequent cause of nosocomial pneumonia and surgical- wound infections and the second most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections.12 Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) have developed rates of MRSA ranging from 25%-35%. MRSA rates may be higher in LTCFs if they are associated with hospitals that have higher rates.13 Transmission of MRSA generally occurs through direct or indirect contact with a reservoir.
    [Show full text]
  • Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
    Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile and ESBL-producing Escherichia coli in the home and community: assessing the problem, controlling the spread An expert report commissioned by the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene © International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene, 2006 2 CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 4 SUMMARY 5 1. INTRODUCTION – INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND HYGIENE IN THE 21ST CENTURY 7 2. THE CHAIN OF INFECTION TRANSMISSION IN THE HOME 10 3. METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA) 11 3.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS 11 3.2 HOSPITAL-ACQUIRED, HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATED AND COMMUNITY ACQUIRED MRSA 11 3.3 UNDERSTANDING THE CHAIN OF INFECTION FOR S. AUREUS AND MRSA IN THE HOME 13 3.4 WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH S. AUREUS AND MRSA IN THE COMMUNITY? 22 4. CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE 24 4.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE 24 4.2 HOSPITAL-ACQUIRED AND COMMUNITY- ACQUIRED C. DIFFICILE 24 4.3 UNDERSTANDING THE CHAIN OF INFECTION FOR C. DIFFICILE IN THE HOME 25 4.4 WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH C. DIFFICILE IN THE HOME AND COMMUNITY 28 5. EXTENDED-SPECTRUM ß-LACTAMASE ESCHERICHIA COLI (ESBLS) 30 5.1 CHARACTERISTICS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI 30 5.2 HOSPITAL AND COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED ESBL-PRODUCING E. COLI INFECTIONS 31 5.3 UNDERSTANDING THE CHAIN OF INFECTION FOR E. COLI AND ESBL-PRODUCING E. COLI IN THE HOME 31 5.4 RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ESBLS IN THE COMMUNITY 33 6. REDUCING THE RISKS OF TRANSMISSION OF METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA), CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE AND ESBL-PRODUCING ESCHERICHIA COLI IN THE HOME AND COMMUNITY - DEVELOPING A RISK-BASED APPROACH TO HOME HYGIENE 35 6.1 BREAKING THE CHAIN OF TRANSMISSION OF INFECTION IN THE HOME 35 6.2 DEVELOPING A RISK-BASED APPROACH TO HOME HYGIENE 35 6.3 INTERRUPTING THE CHAIN OF INFECTION TRANSMISSION IN THE HOME 38 7.
    [Show full text]
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Threat Level Serious
    METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS THREAT LEVEL SERIOUS 323,700 10,600 $1.7B Estimated cases Estimated Estimated attributable in hospitalized deaths in 2017 healthcare costs in 2017 patients in 2017 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are common bacteria that spread in healthcare facilities and the community. Methicillin- resistant S. aureus (MRSA) can cause difficult-to-treat staph infections because of resistance to some antibiotics. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW CASES OVER TIME ■ Although several treatments are still available, MRSA Cases represented do not include the many skin infections that has become resistant to many first-line antibiotics. happen, but are not cultured and diagnosed. ■ While MRSA infections overall are dropping, progress 500,000 to prevent MRSA bloodstream infections in healthcare 401,000 is slowing. 400,000 391,000 365,400 359,500 ■ People who inject drugs are 16 times more likely to 343,100 323,700 develop a serious (invasive) MRSA infection than those 300,000 who do not. 200,000 100,000 Estimated Cases of MRSA in Hospitalized Patients in Hospitalized Cases of MRSA Estimated 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 30 25 An estimated 7% decline each year 20 15 10 An estimated 17% decline each year from 2005 to 2016, and no change from 2013 to 2016 5 Estimated Cases of MRSA Per 100,000 People 100,000 Per Cases of MRSA Estimated 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Community-onset MRSA Bloodstream Infection Rate Hospital-onset MRSA Bloodstream Infection Rate 500,000 401,000 400,000 391,000 365,400 359,500 343,100 323,700 300,000 METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS200,000 (MRSA) MRSA INFECTIONS CAN BE PREVENTED REDUCTIONS100,000 IN HOSPITALS HAVE STALLED MRSA infections are preventable and many lives have been New Patients in Hospitalized Cases of MRSA Estimated strategies in healthcare, along with current CDC 0 saved through effective infection control interventions.
    [Show full text]
  • Streptococci
    STREPTOCOCCI Streptococci are Gram-positive, nonmotile, nonsporeforming, catalase-negative cocci that occur in pairs or chains. Older cultures may lose their Gram-positive character. Most streptococci are facultative anaerobes, and some are obligate (strict) anaerobes. Most require enriched media (blood agar). Streptococci are subdivided into groups by antibodies that recognize surface antigens (Fig. 11). These groups may include one or more species. Serologic grouping is based on antigenic differences in cell wall carbohydrates (groups A to V), in cell wall pili-associated protein, and in the polysaccharide capsule in group B streptococci. Rebecca Lancefield developed the serologic classification scheme in 1933. β-hemolytic strains possess group-specific cell wall antigens, most of which are carbohydrates. These antigens can be detected by immunologic assays and have been useful for the rapid identification of some important streptococcal pathogens. The most important groupable streptococci are A, B and D. Among the groupable streptococci, infectious disease (particularly pharyngitis) is caused by group A. Group A streptococci have a hyaluronic acid capsule. Streptococcus pneumoniae (a major cause of human pneumonia) and Streptococcus mutans and other so-called viridans streptococci (among the causes of dental caries) do not possess group antigen. Streptococcus pneumoniae has a polysaccharide capsule that acts as a virulence factor for the organism; more than 90 different serotypes are known, and these types differ in virulence. Fig. 1 Streptococci - clasiffication. Group A streptococci causes: Strep throat - a sore, red throat, sometimes with white spots on the tonsils Scarlet fever - an illness that follows strep throat. It causes a red rash on the body.
    [Show full text]
  • Pneumococcal Disease (Sickness Caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae)
    Pneumococcal Disease (Sickness Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae) What is pneumococcal disease? Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. It's also called pneumococcus and can cause ear infections, pneumonia, infections in the blood and meningitis. When does it happen? Children can get pneumococcal disease any time of the year. What are the symptoms? Fever and increased fussiness or irritability are common Meningitis symptoms include fever, trouble bending or moving the neck, increased fussiness or irritability, and headache in anyone over age 2. In babies, the only symptoms may be that the baby is less active, fussy or crying more than usual, throwing up, or not eating normally. Pneumonia symptoms in children include fever, cough, working hard to breathe, breathing faster than usual or grunting. Ear infection symptoms are ears that hurt, crying or pulling on ears, sore throat or pain when swallowing. Children may also be sleepy, have a fever, and be fussy. Is it contagious? How is it spread? Pneumococcus is spread by contact with people who either have a pneumococcal illness or who carry the bacteria in their throats without being sick. It can be spread by droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread if you touch something that has the droplets on it, and then touch your own nose, mouth or eyes. How bad is pneumococcal disease? Pneumococcal disease can be very bad for young children and is the most common cause of meningitis and bacterial pneumonia in children. How can pneumococcal disease be avoided in children? There is a vaccine that can help stop serious pneumococcal disease, such as meningitis and blood infections.
    [Show full text]
  • Clostridioides Difficile As a Dynamic Vehicle for The
    microorganisms Review Clostridioides difficile as a Dynamic Vehicle for the Dissemination of Antimicrobial-Resistance Determinants: Review and In Silico Analysis Philip Kartalidis 1, Anargyros Skoulakis 1, Katerina Tsilipounidaki 1 , Zoi Florou 1, Efthymia Petinaki 1 and George C. Fthenakis 2,* 1 Department of Clinical and Laboratory Research, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece; [email protected] (P.K.); [email protected] (A.S.); [email protected] (K.T.); zoi_fl@hotmail.com (Z.F.); [email protected] (E.P.) 2 Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, 43100 Karditsa, Greece * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: The present paper is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on the role of Clostrid- ioides difficile in the accumulation of genes associated with antimicrobial resistance and then the transmission of them to other pathogenic bacteria occupying the same human intestinal niche. The second part describes an in silico analysis of the genomes of C. difficile available in GenBank, with regard to the presence of mobile genetic elements and antimicrobial resistance genes. The diversity of the C. difficile genome is discussed, and the current status of resistance of the organisms to various antimicrobial agents is reviewed. The role of transposons associated with antimicrobial resistance is Citation: Kartalidis, P.; Skoulakis, A.; appraised; the importance of plasmids associated with antimicrobial resistance is discussed, and the Tsilipounidaki, K.; Florou, Z.; significance of bacteriophages as a potential shuttle for antimicrobial resistance genes is presented. Petinaki, E.; Fthenakis, G.C. In the in silico study, 1101 C. difficile genomes were found to harbor mobile genetic elements; Tn6009, Clostridioides difficile as a Dynamic Tn6105, CTn7 and Tn6192, Tn6194 and IS256 were the ones more frequently identified.
    [Show full text]
  • Transformation
    BNL-71843-2003-BC The Ptieumococcus Editor : E. Tuomanen Associate Editors : B. Spratt, T. Mitchell, D. Morrison To be published by ASM Press, Washington. DC Chapter 9 Transformation Sanford A. Lacks* Biology Department Brookhaven National Laboratory Upton, NY 11973 Phone: 631-344-3369 Fax: 631-344-3407 E-mail: [email protected] Introduction Transformation, which alters the genetic makeup of an individual, is a concept that intrigues the human imagination. In Streptococcus pneumoniae such transformation was first demonstrated. Perhaps our fascination with genetics derived from our ancestors observing their own progeny, with its retention and assortment of parental traits, but such interest must have been accelerated after the dawn of agriculture. It was in pea plants that Gregor Mendel in the late 1800s examined inherited traits and found them to be determined by physical elements, or genes, passed from parents to progeny. In our day, the material basis of these genetic determinants was revealed to be DNA by the lowly bacteria, in particular, the pneumococcus. For this species, transformation by free DNA is a sexual process that enables cells to sport new combinations of genes and traits. Genetic transformation of the type found in S. pneumoniae occurs naturally in many species of bacteria (70), but, initially only a few other transformable species were found, namely, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitides, Neisseria gonorrheae, and Bacillus subtilis (96). Natural transformation, which requires a set of genes evolved for the purpose, contrasts with artificial transformation, which is accomplished by shocking cells either electrically, as in electroporation, or by ionic and temperature shifts. Although such artificial treatments can introduce very small amounts of DNA into virtually any type of cell, the amounts introduced by natural transformation are a million-fold greater, and S.
    [Show full text]