Journal of microbiology, immunology, and infection = Wei mian yu gan ran za zhi
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J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Dec 2003
Case ReportsAcute acalculous cholecystitis and pancreatitis in a patient with concomitant leptospirosis and scrub typhus.
Concomitant leptospirosis and scrub typhus is rare. The spectrum of clinical severity for both scrub typhus and leptospirosis ranges from mild to fatal. ⋯ Abdominal computed tomography revealed edematous change of the gallbladder without intrahepatic or pancreatic lesions. The patient was successfully treated with doxycycline and ceftriaxone, and supportive management.
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J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Jun 2003
Case ReportsMethotrexate pneumonitis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.
Methotrexate pneumonitis is an unpredictable and life-threatening side effect of methotrexate therapy. Early diagnosis, cessation of methotrexate, and treatment with corticosteroids and/or cyclophosphamide are important in the management of patients with methotrexate pneumonitis. Methotrexate pneumonitis has not been reported in patients of Chinese ethnicity. ⋯ Chest roentgenogram demonstrated bilateral diffuse interstitial and alveolar infiltration. Thoracoscopic biopsy with wedge resection of the upper lobe of the right lung was performed and the histologic findings of the biopsy specimen were consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia. Rapid improvement of methotrexate pneumonitis was achieved after pulse therapies of methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide and daily use of prednisolone.
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J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Jun 2003
Case ReportsChromobacterium violaceum bacteremia: a case report.
Chromobacterium violaceum is confined in tropical and subtropical regions, which can cause life-threatening disease. It is the only Chromobacterium species that is pathogenic to humans. Because of its rarity, clinicians often do not appreciate its importance when it is isolated. ⋯ However, his condition deteriorated rapidly and he died within 48 h after the onset of illness. Two sets of blood culture yielded C. violaceum. Physicians should be aware of the occurrence of this infection in summer season.
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J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Mar 2003
Case ReportsAcute epiglottitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b: a case report.
Acute epiglottitis is an inflammatory, edematous disease of the epiglottis and adjacent structures, usually caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b. It is a life-threatening condition, occurring mainly in childhood. There have never been any reports of this condition in Taiwan. ⋯ The diagnosis of epiglottitis was established on the basis of physical examination, lateral neck x-ray, and the finding of an enlarged, swollen, erythematous epiglottis on flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy. Urine latex agglutination test for H. influenzae type b was positive and a blood culture grew H. influenzae type b. He was treated with cefotaxime and did not require intubation.
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J Microbiol Immunol Infect · Sep 2002
Nosocomial bloodstream infection in a neonatal intensive care unit of a medical center: a three-year review.
Bloodstream infections are the most frequent nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care units. This retrospective study surveyed the epidemiologic characteristics of nosocomial bloodstream infections which occurred in the neonatal intensive care unit from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 1999. The overall infection patient rate was 5.5% in the 3-year period, and the overall infection patient-day rate was 4.4 per 1000 patient-days. ⋯ The most common pathogens causing nosocomial bloodstream infection were: Staphylococcus aureus (18.5%) (with 92% oxacillin-resistant), Acinectobacter baumannii (16.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.9%), Escherichia coli (9.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8.1%). The mortality due to nosocomial bloodstream infection was highest among gram-negative bacteria, especially with P. aeruginosa (45.5%). Therefore, surveillance of nosocomial bloodstream infection and successful strategies to decrease nosocomial bloodstream infection, such as infection control and optimal antibiotic use, are warranted.