Journal of microbiology, immunology, and infection = Wei mian yu gan ran za zhi
-
J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Apr 2008
Case ReportsSuccessful medical treatment of spinal epidural abscess.
Spinal epidural abscess is a rare but potentially fatal disease. A 67-year-old female suffered fever and painful swelling of the right knee and lower leg for one week. Both synovial fluid and blood cultures yielded methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. ⋯ After intravenous administration of oxacillin 2 g 4-hourly for 12 weeks, she recovered and follow-up MRI confirmed the efficacy of the medical treatment. She remained well at 1-year follow-up. In a patient with minimal neurological deficit or surgical contraindication, spinal epidural abscess can be successfully treated with a medical regimen.
-
J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Apr 2008
Comparative StudyVancomycin-resistant enterococcal bacteremia: comparison of clinical features and outcome between Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis.
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have emerged as important nosocomial pathogens. This study was conducted to clarify the clinical features and outcome of patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococcal bacteremia. ⋯ VRE bacteremia may have an impact on the mortality and morbidity of hospitalized patients. Patients with bacteremia caused by vancomycin-resistant E. faecium had a grave prognosis, especially immunosuppressed patients. The prudent use of antibiotics and strict enforcement of infection control may prevent further emergence and spread of VRE.
-
J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Apr 2008
Demographic and clinical features of leptospirosis: three-year experience in central Taiwan.
Leptospirosis is a major cause of fever in subtropical and tropical areas. The clinical manifestations are protean, ranging from very mild and nonspecific symptoms to severe septic shock and death. This retrospective study investigated the demographic and clinical features of leptospirosis in central Taiwan over 3 years, with emphasis on pulmonary manifestations. ⋯ Respiratory symptoms or abnormal findings on chest X-ray were not uncommon in patients with leptospirosis. In addition to hepatic or renal dysfunction, leptospirosis should be seriously considered in patients with pulmonary symptoms and fever, especially in subtropical and tropical areas.
-
J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Feb 2008
Clinical features and prognostic factors in childhood pneumococcal meningitis.
Despite progress in antibiotic therapy and intensive care, childhood pneumococcal meningitis remains a devastating disease, with morbidity and mortality rates among the highest of any cause of bacterial meningitis. We conducted this study to find the factors associated with disease outcome in clinical settings. ⋯ The mortality of childhood pneumococcal meningitis remains high. If a child with pneumococcal meningitis presents with consciousness disturbance, hypotension, endotracheal intubation or hyponatremia at admission, the disease mortality rate increases. CSF findings with low white cell count, low glucose level and CSF-to-blood glucose ratio are also warning signs of a bad outcome. Seizure attack and focal neurological sign are the factors associated with further neurological sequelae.
-
J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Dec 2007
Case ReportsSuccessful treatment of meningitis caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii with intravenous and intrathecal colistin.
Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is an emergent nosocomial pathogen. A 61-year-old woman developed meningitis caused by MDRAB 27 days after receiving a surgical intervention for invasive meningioma. ⋯ The regimen was changed to intravenous and intrathecal colistin for 28 days and the patient responded well. Administration of colistin both intravenously and intrathecally could be a suitable option as a salvage therapy for meningitis due to multidrug-resistant A. baumannii.