Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0004623 (bacterial infection)
 15,226 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The case records of consecutive patients admitted to a specialist HIV/AIDS inpatient unit between 1989 and 1993 with pyrexia of undetermined origin (PUO) were reviewed in order to determine the eventual diagnosis. Seventy-nine episodes occurred in 75 patients; 52 patients had a prior AIDS defining diagnosis. CD4+ lymphocyte counts ranged widely, 0-0.79 (median = 0.04) x 10(9)/l. Infections were found in 63 episodes (79%), including mycobacterial infection in 41 episodes (53%) and bacterial infection in 12 episodes (15%). Tumours were found in 6 episodes (8%), 5 of these were lymphoma. Factitious fever accounted for 2 episodes (3%) and connective-tissue disease for 1 episode (1%); no definite diagnosis was reached in 7 episodes (9%). PUO in HIV positive patients is commonly due to infection or tumour. Unexplained fever in this patient group should not be ascribed to HIV infection itself and should be vigorously investigated to find a cause.
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PMID:Pyrexia of undetermined origin in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection and AIDS. 879 78

Infection by group B streptococci (GBS) is an important cause of bacterial disease in neonates, pregnant women, and nonpregnant adults. Historically, serotypes Ia, Ib, II, and III have been most prevalent among disease cases; recently, type V strains have emerged as important strains in the United States and elsewhere. In addition to type-specific capsular polysaccharides, many GBS strains possess surface proteins which demonstrate a laddering pattern on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and resistance to trypsin digestion. These include the alpha C protein, the R proteins, and protein Rib. Some of these proteins elicit protective antibodies in animals. We demonstrate a trypsin-resistant laddering protein purified from a type V GBS strain by mutanolysin extraction and column chromatography. This protein contains a major 90-kDa band and a series of smaller bands spaced approximately 10 kDa apart on SDS-PAGE. Cross-reactivity of the type V protein with the alpha C protein and with R1 was demonstrated on Western blot (immunoblot). N-terminal sequence analysis of the protein revealed residue identity with 17 of 18 residues at corresponding positions on the alpha protein. Western blot of SDS extracts of 41 clinical type V isolates with rabbit antiserum to the protein demonstrated a homologous protein in 25 isolates (61%); two additional strains exhibited a heterologous pattern which was also demonstrated with 4G8, a monoclonal antibody directed to the alpha C protein repeat region. Rabbit antiserum raised to the type V protein conferred protection in neonatal mice against a type V strain bearing a homologous protein. These data support the hypothesis that there exists a family of trypsin-resistant, laddering GBS surface proteins which may play a role in immunity to GBS infection.
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PMID:A protective surface protein from type V group B streptococci shares N-terminal sequence homology with the alpha C protein. 892 97

Infection remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with SLE. To investigate this, previously we assessed the host defense status of autoimmune MRL/lpr mice and found that elaboration of active TGFbeta suppressed neutrophil function and decreased survival in response to Staphylococcus aureus infection. The purpose of the present work was to elucidate the molecular form and the cellular source of the active TGFbeta involved. Here, we report for the first time that TGFbeta1 is found in the active form inside B cells and plasma cells and that it circulates in the plasma complexed with IgG in two murine models of systemic autoimmunity and in some patients with SLE. IgG-bound active TGFbeta1 is many times more potent than uncomplexed active TGFbeta1 for suppression of neutrophil function in vitro and host defense against S. aureus infection in vivo. These data indicate that TGFbeta1 is in the active form inside B cells and plasma cells, that the formation of a complex of IgG and active TGFbeta1 is greatly accelerated in autoimmunity, and that this complex is extremely potent for suppression of PMN function and host defense against bacterial infection.
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PMID:Intracellular demonstration of active TGFbeta1 in B cells and plasma cells of autoimmune mice. IgG-bound TGFbeta1 suppresses neutrophil function and host defense against Staphylococcus aureus infection. 895 12

Infection is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although various fungi account for a substantial number of these lethal infections, aspergillosis, an important opportunistic infection in immunosuppressed patients, is described rarely. Only 23 cases have been reported in the English-language medical literature. Risk factors for acquiring aspergillosis in these patients were high grade disease activity, granulocytopenia, use of steroids and other immunosuppressive treatment and presence of bacterial infection. The diagnosis in most patients was delayed and they died. Here, we describe three SLE patients with invasive aspergillosis. Features of our patients' diseases were similar to those reported previously. Aspergillosis appeared while they had active SLE treated with high dose corticosteroids. In 2 patients the fungal infection was systemic and diagnosed post mortem. Both were leukopenic and had concurrent bacterial infection and one received amphotericin B prior to death. In the third, the infection was localized to a transplanted kidney and was cured by nephrectomy. Aspergillosis should be suspected in patients with active SLE, who are immunocompromised and sustain concomitant bacterial infections. The currently poor prognosis may be improved with more aggressive diagnostic investigation and treatment.
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PMID:Aspergillosis in systemic lupus erythematosus. 898 8

Infections of the nervous system remain a significant source of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. This paper reviews the main pathogens and emphasizes some of the principles of diagnosis and management of nervous system infections in cancer patients. Due to immunosuppression, diagnosis is more difficult in this group, secondary to the multitude of potential pathogens, and often by their atypical presentations. Fever or headache are often the only symptoms. Clinical history and general examination should guide appropriate studies such as neuroimaging. CSF analysis, cultures, and brain biopsy. Diagnostic evaluation should be pursued rapidly and aggressively since specific treatments can often reduce morbidity and mortality. Bacterial infections are generally due to break-down of the natural barriers and neutropenia. In neutropenia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriae are the most frequent etiology. If all causes of immunodepression are included, Listeria monocytogenes meningitis is the main bacterial infection encountered. Fungal infections have emerged as a major cause of death among cancer patients. The prognosis of cryptococcosis and histoplasmosis meningitis are markedly improved with new antifungal therapy. Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis, which may cause cerebral abcesses and secondary vascular complications, are almost always fatal. The incidence of meningo-cerebral Candidiasis is often underestimated. Similar to Histoplasmosis, it is frequently disseminated. Viral infections are mainly seen in patients with T-lymphocyte defects. Herpes-simplex virus and Varicella-Zoster virus encephalitis should quicky lead to intravenous treatment with Acyclovir. As in AIDS patients, cerebral toxoplasmosis is the most frequent parasitic infection and appropriate therapy greatly reduces morbidity. It should be emphasized that multitude pathogens are often seen in cancer patients. Despite development of new therapeutic agents, central nervous system infections should still be considered life-threatening. Therefore, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral prophylaxis should be the rule for all cancer patients.
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PMID:[Central nervous system infections in patients with malignant diseases]. 903 51

The aim of this study was to evaluate urinary infection frequency in kidney transplanted patients. Infection frequency was assessed in 116 patients (81 males and 35 females; mean age 36.2 years) after renal transplantation. During four year follow-up 41% patients suffered one or more episodes of infection. Bacterial infection caused by Escherichia coli were most frequent. The control group consisted of healthy medical staff and the investigations showed significantly over frequency of infection.
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PMID:[Urinary infections in patients with transplanted kidneys]. 910 92

The incidence of oral alpha-streptococci with inhibitory activity against group A streptococci, as a defense mechanism against bacterial infection in the oral cavity, was investigated in 141 patients with streptococcal tonsillitis. The study population included both children (n = 79) and adults (n = 62). Infection by group A streptococci appeared to be more common in children than in adults, as the detection rates of inhibitory alpha-streptococci in healthy children (29.7%), as well as pediatric patients with tonsillitis (14.9%), were lower than those in adults (63.0%; p < .01). It is possible to consider oral alpha-streptococci with inhibitory activity to be among the indications for tonsillectomy in patients with streptococcal tonsillitis, since the detection rate of inhibitory alpha-streptococci in surgical cases (10.9%) was significantly lower than that in nonsurgical cases (31.1%; p < .01). The high detection rate of these strains during the postoperative state supported the observation that the incidence of group A streptococcal infection was decreased postoperatively. Accordingly, it is useful to investigate bacterial interference between oral alpha-streptococci and group A streptococci in patients scheduled for tonsillectomy.
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PMID:Interaction between oral alpha-streptococci and group A streptococci in patients with tonsillitis. 922 58

Escherichia coli O157:H7, a Shiga-like toxin (SLT)-producing enteric pathogen, has been implicated in most cases of post-diarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D + HUS). Infection with other bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella has also preceded D + HUS episodes, leading to speculation that these organisms may also be etiological. We present two children with unrelated D + HUS following salmonellosis. Both children had negative stool cultures on sorbitol-MacConkey agar soon after the onset of diarrhea. After the diagnosis of HUS, both patients had repeat stool cultures positive for Salmonella alone. Polymerase chain reactions for SLT I and II gene sequences in Salmonella isolates were negative. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for specific humoral response to E. coli O157:H7 lipopolysaccharide in acute and convalescent serum samples revealed evidence of heretofore undetected E. coli O157:H7 infection contemporaneous with each D + HUS episode. These cases demonstrate that isolation of only non-SLT-producing microbes from children with D + HUS should raise suspicion of concurrent undetected infection with SLT-producing organisms. Assaying specific immune response to E. coli O157:H7 can be an important epidemiological adjunct. Bacterial infection with non-SLT-producing Salmonella may represent concomitant enteric pathology rather than D + HUS-instigating infection.
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PMID:Immune response to Escherichia coli O157:H7 in hemolytic uremic syndrome following salmonellosis. 926 Feb 52

The urinary tract infection is very frequent, especially if calculosis of the urinary tract is present. Urinary infection is widespread, and it appears during the year. The people of all ages and both sexes are affected by urinary infection. In the last few years a reliable progress in the understanding and management of urinary tract infection is achieved. Numerous articles published in professional journals are a good proof of it. The urinary tract infection is frequent and is responsible for the use of large quantities of antibiotics which provoke great costs and make other problems. The role of laboratory tests in the diagnosis of infection is predominant. The clinician is completely dependent on his collegue, a bacteriologist, with regard to the results of urine culture. It is known that microorganisms grow better if they have good nourishment. Infections of the urinary tract were always a significant problem. However, over the last few decades, they became, according to some authors, the most frequent bacterial infection in humans, requiring the frequent administration of immunosuppressive agents, corticosteroids and cytostatics; and at the same time a great number of elder people and chronic patients with reduced immunity are involved. Taking into account that significant and insignificant infections of the urinary tract are frequent in nephropathology, particularly in renal and canalicular calculosis, the aim of the study was to point to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy without risk of impairment of already existing infections with and without administration of antibiotic and uroantiseptic agents for prophylactic purposes. A group of 5,078 patients with calculosis of the urinary tract was studied. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy was performed in all patients by Siemens lithotriptor Lithostar (Germany). In patients with calculosis of the urinary tract subjected to extracorporeal lithotripsy bacteriuria was regularly followed. A group of 1,836 (36 percent) patients with urinary tract obstruction and 3,242 (64 percent) patients without urinary tract obstruction were treated (Table 1). In 895 (18 percent) patients with urinary tract obstruction infection was serious. In 321 (6 percent) patients without urinary tract infection, serious urinary tract infection was detected (Table 2). The most frequent causes of urinary tract infection are presented in Table 3. Table 4 shows a review of patients to whom antibiotic therapy, prior to extracorporeal lithotripsy, was prescribed. Infection of the urinary tract is responsible for great morbidity. The treatment of any type of urinary tract infection must include the examination of the effect of antibiotic agents. During the treatment of urinary tract infection with calculosis resistant microorganisms are also developed because of repeated administration of antibiotics to patients in health institutions, and especially to patients with ureteral catheters. The treatment of any type of urinary tract infection must include the examination of the effect of antibiotic agents used. The fundamental aims of the treatment of urinary tract infection are: the eradication of causes of infection and concurrent prevention or optimal control of recurrent infection. As long as the patients with urinary tract calculosis are susceptible of permanent infections. It is indispensable to perform sterilization, and thereafter to remove the stone from the urinary tract, because infection of the urinary tract may cause a series of sequelae in the function of the kidney. Frequently the successful urinary sterilization with antibiotic agents cannot be achieved, and consequently, the carrying out of extracorporeal lithotripsy together with administration of antibiotics, is impossible. Good results can be obtained by a combined therapy of antibiotics and extracorporeal lithotripsy in patients with urinary tract calculosis. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED)
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PMID:[Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy in patients with manifestations of urinary tract infection]. 934 Aug

Infection by group B streptococci (GBS) is an important cause of bacterial disease in neonates. Alpha C protein is a protective cell surface-associated protein of GBS. This protein contains a repeat region flanked by N and C termini. Variable expression of tandem repeating units of alpha C proteins had been found among clinical isolates of GBS. We examined the effect of the number of repeats on the immunogenicity of the alpha C protein and its ability to elicit protection from GBS infection in a neonatal mouse model. Mice were immunized with purified alpha C proteins of constructs containing various numbers of repeats (n = 1, 2, 9, and 16) and the N- and C-terminal regions. Both the N-terminal and the repeat regions contain protective and opsonic epitopes. Antibody responses to the alpha C protein constructs with various numbers of repeats were tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay plates coated with either native, nine-repeat alpha C protein or "repeatless" N-terminal antigen. An inverse relationship was found between the number of repeats and the immunogenicity of the alpha C protein; this effect was most pronounced on titers of antibody to the N-terminal region. An inverse relationship was also observed between the number of repeats and protective efficacy, i.e., mouse dams immunized with 5 microg of one- or nine-repeat alpha C protein transferred protective immunity to 65 or 11% of their pups, respectively (P < 0.0001). Thus, the presence of multiple repeats appears to lessen the antibody response to the complete alpha C protein, and especially the antibody response to its N-terminal region, and suggests a mechanism whereby repeat elements contribute to the evasion of host immunity.
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PMID:Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the alpha C protein of group B streptococci are inversely related to the number of repeats. 939 18


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