Journal of microbiology, immunology, and infection = Wei mian yu gan ran za zhi
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Parapneumonic effusion and empyema are recognized complications of bacterial pneumonia. Optimal management in children, especially the duration of parenteral antibiotics and the role of surgery, is controversial. This study analyzed the clinical characteristics, management, outcome, and bacterial etiology of 59 patients with complicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema treated at a single medical center in Kaohsiung from January 1995 to March 2004. ⋯ An initial combination therapy regimen consisting of cefotaxime or ceftriaxone plus macrolide provided reasonable activity against 80% of the pathogens isolated in this series. This study also revealed that prolonged parenteral antibiotic treatment resulted in longer length of hospital stay.
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J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Aug 2006
Occupational blood and infectious body fluid exposures in a teaching hospital: a three-year review.
Blood and infectious body fluid (BBF) exposures are common safety problems for health care workers (HCWs). We analyzed reported BBF exposures during a 3-year period at a teaching hospital. ⋯ Measures which may be effective in reducing BBF exposures include education of HCW, increased use of standard precautions, improved administrative support, and enhanced reporting of BBF exposures.
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J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Jun 2006
Correlation of immunoglobulin E, eosinophil cationic protein, and eosinophil count with the severity of childhood perennial allergic rhinitis.
Elevated levels of serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE), serum allergen-specific IgE, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), blood eosinophil count and nasal eosinophil count are considered to be associated with allergic rhinitis (AR), but the relationships between these allergic inflammatory markers and the clinical severity of AR remain controversial. This study aimed to clarify these relationships. ⋯ These results suggest that nasal eosinophil count, an organ-specific allergic inflammatory marker, and serum allergen-specific IgE, a systemic allergic inflammatory marker, are correlated with the severity of PAR in children.
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J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Apr 2006
Predominance of Gram-negative bacilli and increasing antimicrobial resistance in nosocomial bloodstream infections at a university hospital in southern Taiwan, 1996-2003.
While nosocomial infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality, the availability of timely and accurate epidemiological information on nosocomial pathogens is essential to the appropriate selection of empirical therapy. This study analyzed nosocomial bloodstream infections (NBSIs) surveillance data to determine trends in the distribution of pathogens and antimicrobial susceptibilities of these pathogens. ⋯ In summary, Gram-negative bacilli predominated among pathogens causing NBSIs and an upsurge in the threat of antimicrobial resistance in our hospital occurred during the 8-year period. Surveillance of the characteristics of NBSIs and antimicrobial resistance patterns, together with appropriate antibiotic and infection control measures, should be reinforced.
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J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Apr 2006
Risk factors for candidemia-related mortality at a medical center in central Taiwan.
Bloodstream infections due to Candida spp. are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. This study analysed the epidemiology and outcome of candidemia cases in a teaching hospital in central Taiwan. ⋯ Candidemia has a high mortality rate and C. albicans remains the most common isolate. Fluconazole and amphotericin B maintained good in vitro antifungal activity against Candida spp. APACHE II score was the only independent factor for mortality in patients with candidemia.