The aim of this study is to evaluate opportunistic pathogenic bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas in anthropogenically impacted bathing waters, primarily focusing on bathing ponds. The findings include the detection of these bacteria, their susceptibility to selected antibiotics, and the determination of the Exotoxin A (exoA) gene using PCR method. P. aeruginosa was present in most samples, albeit in low concentrations (1-14 CFU/100 mL). The presence of P. otitidis, which is associated with ear infection, in this type of bathing water, was not rare (up to 90 CFU/100 mL). This species would not be detected by the standard methods, including tests on acetamid medium, used for P. aeruginosa in water. The isolated strains of P. otitidis lack the exoA gene and exhibited higher resistance to meropenem compared to P. aeruginosa.
- MeSH
- ADP Ribose Transferases genetics MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology MeSH
- Drug Resistance, Bacterial MeSH
- Bacterial Proteins genetics MeSH
- Bacterial Toxins genetics MeSH
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa Exotoxin A MeSH
- Exotoxins genetics MeSH
- Virulence Factors genetics MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests * MeSH
- Water Microbiology * MeSH
- Polymerase Chain Reaction MeSH
- Pseudomonas * genetics isolation & purification classification drug effects MeSH
- Ponds * microbiology MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Medical students are exposed to the hospital environment and patients during their studies, increasing the risk of exposure to virulent and antibiotic-resistant isolates of Staphylococcus aureus. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus among medical students who have varying levels of exposure to the hospital environment to provide valuable insights into the risk of colonization and transmission. Nasal swabs and fingerprints were obtained and cultured on a selective medium for staphylococci. The obtained isolates were confirmed as methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) or methicillin-resistant (MRSA) using PCR. Antibiotic resistance, the presence of virulence genes including enterotoxin encoding genes, and spa typing were performed. Among pre-clinical students, MSSA was detected on the nose in 45.2% and on the fingerprints in 10.6% of the participants. Among clinical students, MSSA was detected on the nose in 42.0% and on the fingerprints in 25.4%. Only one MRSA isolate was obtained. Genes seg and sei were the most frequently detected in both student groups, with their presence in over 40% of isolates among clinical students. The eta and etb genes were mainly detected from the nose in both student groups. In pre-clinical students, S. aureus carrying eta gene occurred in 6.4% and etb in 8.5%. In clinical students, the occurrence was 5.1% for eta and 8.5% for etb. The tst gene was identified only in the nose and fingerprints of the clinical student group. The most frequently observed resistance was to clindamycin and erythromycin. In total 58 different spa types were identified. High rates of asymptomatic MSSA carriage were observed in both groups of medical students. Detected MSSA strains showed a high degree of genetic variability, with a number of them carrying the virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. Although students do not exhibit increased risk to their patient's, increased hygiene is required in asymptomatic carriage personnel. The overall prevalence of MRSA was low, with a minimal risk of spread.
- MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Virulence Factors * genetics MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus genetics isolation & purification drug effects classification MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Carrier State * microbiology epidemiology MeSH
- Prevalence MeSH
- Staphylococcal Infections * microbiology epidemiology MeSH
- Staphylococcus aureus * genetics isolation & purification drug effects classification MeSH
- Students, Medical * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Young Adult MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been associated with significant cardiovascular complications, including myocardial infection and pulmonary embolism. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the myocardium of the left ventricle and the levels of IgG and IgM antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in deceased COVID-19 patients. We conducted a post-mortem examination on 91 individuals who succumbed to COVID-19-related complications. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the myocardium of the left ventricle was analyzed reverse transcription real time PCR (RT-qPCR) (EliGene® COVID19 UKV/SAV RT kit, Elisabeth Pharmacon), and antibody levels in serum were analyzed by serological assays (VIDAS SARS-COV-2 IgM and VIDAS SARS-COV-2 IgG II tests, BioMérieux). Of the heart tissue samples, 44 % tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Our findings indicate that any detectable level of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 reduces the risk of viral penetration into the myocardium by more than fourfold. Specifically, individuals with detectable levels of IgG and IgM antibodies exhibited a significantly reduced presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in cardiac tissues (p<0.0001 for IgG and p<0.001 for IgM). Notably, all patients who died from pulmonary embolism had elevated levels of IgG antibodies. The study underscores the protective role of IgG and IgM antibodies in preventing SARS-CoV-2 penetration into cardiac tissues. However, high antibody titers were associated with fatal outcomes such as pulmonary embolism, pointing to the intricate balance of immune response in COVID-19 pathology. Key words SARS-CoV-2, Antibody, IgG, IgM, Cardiac damage, qPCR, Pneumonia, Pulmonary embolism, Heart failure.
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * immunology virology MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Immunoglobulin G * blood MeSH
- Immunoglobulin M * blood MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Myocardium * immunology metabolism MeSH
- Antibodies, Viral * blood MeSH
- RNA, Viral blood MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 * immunology MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Middle Aged MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Aged, 80 and over MeSH
- Aged MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Wild strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis were tested in an experimental hyperbaric chamber to determine the possible effect of hyperbaric oxygen on the susceptibility of these strains to the antibiotics ampicillin, ampicillin + sulbactam, cefazolin, cefuroxime, cefoxitin, gentamicin, sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim, colistin, oxolinic acid, ofloxacin, tetracycline, and aztreonam during their cultivation at 23 °C and 36.5 °C. Ninety-six-well inoculated microplates with tested antibiotics in Mueller-Hinton broth were cultured under standard incubator conditions (normobaric normoxia) for 24 h or in an experimental hyperbaric chamber (HAUX, Germany) for 24 h at 2.8 ATA of 100% oxygen (hyperbaric hyperoxia). The hyperbaric chamber was pressurised with pure oxygen (100%). Both cultures (normoxic and hyperoxic) were carried out at 23 °C and 36.5 °C to study the possible effect of the cultivation temperature. No significant differences were observed between 23 and 36.5 °C cultivation with or without the 2-h lag phase in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. Cultivation in a hyperbaric chamber at 23 °C and 36.5 °C with or without a 2-h lag phase did not produce significant changes in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis. For the tested strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the possible effect of hyperbaric oxygen on their antibiotic sensitivity could not be detected because the growth of these bacteria was completely inhibited by 100% hyperbaric oxygen at 2.8 ATA under all hyperbaric conditions tested at 23 °C and 36.5 °C. Subsequent tests with wild strains of pseudomonads, burkholderias, and stenotrophomonads not only confirmed the fact that these bacteria stop growing under hyperbaric conditions at a pressure of 2.8 ATA of 100% oxygen but also indicated that inhibition of growth of these bacteria under hyperbaric conditions is reversible.
- MeSH
- Ampicillin pharmacology MeSH
- Bacteria, Anaerobic MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology MeSH
- Bacteria MeSH
- Escherichia coli MeSH
- Hyperbaric Oxygenation * MeSH
- Klebsiella pneumoniae MeSH
- Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination pharmacology MeSH
- Oxygen MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests MeSH
- Oxidative Stress MeSH
- Pseudomonas Infections * MeSH
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa MeSH
- Sulbactam MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Environmental pollution is a serious problem that can cause sicknesses, fatality, and biological contaminants such as bacteria, which can trigger allergic reactions and infectious illnesses. There is also evidence that environmental pollutants can have an impact on the gut microbiome and contribute to the development of various mental health and metabolic disorders. This study aimed to study the antibiotic resistance and virulence potential of environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) isolates in slaughterhouses. A total of 100 samples were collected from different slaughterhouse tools. The samples were identified by cultural and biochemical tests and confirmed by the VITEK 2 system. P. aeruginosa isolates were further confirmed by CHROMagarTM Pseudomonas and genetically by rpsL gene analysis. Molecular screening of virulence genes (fimH, papC, lasB, rhlI, lasI, csgA, toxA, and hly) and antibiotic resistance genes (blaCTX-M, blaAmpC, blaSHV, blaNDM, IMP-1, aac(6')-Ib-, ant(4')IIb, mexY, TEM, tetA, and qnrB) by PCR and testing the antibiotic sensitivity, biofilm formation, and production of pigments, and hemolysin were carried out in all isolated strains. A total of 62 isolates were identified as P. aeruginosa. All P. aeruginosa isolates were multidrug-resistant and most of them have multiple resistant genes. blaCTX-M gene was detected in all strains; 23 (37.1%) strains have the ability for biofilm formation, 33 strains had virulence genes, and 26 isolates from them have more than one virulence genes. There should be probably 60 (96.8%) P. aeruginosa strains that produce pyocyanin pigment. Slaughterhouse tools are sources for multidrug-resistant and virulent pathogenic microorganisms which are a serious health problem. Low-hygienic slaughterhouses could be a reservoir for resistance and virulence genes which could then be transferred to other pathogens.
- MeSH
- Anti-Bacterial Agents * pharmacology MeSH
- Drug Resistance, Bacterial genetics MeSH
- Biofilms drug effects growth & development MeSH
- Virulence Factors * genetics MeSH
- Abattoirs * MeSH
- Microbial Sensitivity Tests * MeSH
- Environmental Microbiology MeSH
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa * genetics drug effects pathogenicity isolation & purification MeSH
- Virulence genetics MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
UNLABELLED: Rapid antigen tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 are commonly used for the diagnosis of Covid-19. Previously published data showed a wide range of sensitivity and specificity of RATs, but these studies were performed on relatively small numbers of samples and using only limited numbers of virus variants. The aim of the study was to evaluate the main parameters of a commonly used RAT for 4 different virus variants in comparison with PCR. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A set of 2874 samples obtained from Covid-19 patients were examined both by PCR and RAT. Two commercial PCR kits (Generi Biotech, Diana Biotechnologies) and one RAT - Abbott PanbioTM COVID 19 Ag Rapid - were compared for their sensitivity and specificity in samples positive for one of the four different SARS-CoV-2 variants - B.1.258 (n = 496), Alpha (n = 645), Delta/Delta+ (n = 687), and Omicron (n = 1046). RESULTS: The sensitivity of PanbioTM COVID19 Ag Rapid test varied from 80.0 % in Omicron to 88.92 % in Alpha variants. The specificities of the RAT for all variants reached above 93 %. Statistically significant differences were found between the results from RAT assay in select virus variants. In addition, significantly higher sensitivity (p < 0.05) was detected in samples with higher viral loads than in those with lower. CONCLUSION: Despite the different sensitivity and specificity of PanbioTM COVID19 Ag Rapid test (Abbott ®) for different SARS-CoV-2 variants, this test sensitivity was proven to be always above the 80 % suggested by WHO, which makes it suitable for common use, regardless of the virus variability.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Virus hepatitidy E (HEV) je celosvětovým problémem a druhou nejčastější příčinou virové hepatitidy. Existuje osm genotypů HEV, z nichž čtyři způsobují onemocnění u lidí. Genotypy 1 a 2 se přenášejí kontaminovanou vodou, zatímco genotypy 3 a 4 jsou zoonotické a přenášejí se konzumací nedostatečně tepelně upraveného masa, zejména vepřového, zvěřiny a králičího. V České republice je endemický genotyp 3 s rezervoárem u prasat, spárkaté zvěře a králíků. Infekce HEV se projevuje podobně jako jiné typy hepatitid příznaky, jako je únava, horečka, nevolnost, žloutenka a tmavá moč. U imunokompetentních pacientů infekce obvykle odezní sama, ale u imunokompromitovaných a imusuprimovaných může přejít do chronického stavu vedoucího až k cirhóze a selhání jater. Preexistující onemocnění jater hraje v kontextu HEV významnou roli, jelikož u pacientů s chronickým onemocněním jater infikovaných HEV existuje významně vyšší riziko selhání jater, které může vést až k úmrtí. Diagnóza se provádí detekcí protilátek IgM a IgG proti HEV a HEV RNA v krvi a stolici. Doporučené diagnostické postupy se liší v závislosti na imunitním stavu pacienta a epidemiologickém prostředí. Léčba obvykle není nutná, ale v závažných případech se používá ribavirin a interferon a. Prevence zahrnuje zlepšení hygieny, dostatečnou tepelnou úpravu masa a v rozvojových zemích zvážení očkování. V Číně je dostupná vakcína Hecolin® účinná proti genotypům 1, 2 a 4, ale v Evropské unii zatím není registrována.
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) represents a significant global health concern, accounting for the second-highest incidence of viral hepatitis. Eight genotypes of HEV have been identified, four of which are associated with disease in humans. Genotypes 1 and 2 are transmitted via contaminated water, whereas genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic and transmitted through the consumption of undercooked meat, particularly pork, venison, and rabbit. Genotype 3 is endemic in the Czech Republic, with reservoirs in pigs, wild game, and rabbits. A hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection presents with symptoms similar to those observed in other types of hepatitis, including fatigue, fever, malaise, jaundice, and dark urine. In immunocompetent patients, the infection typically resolves spontaneously. However, in immunocompromised patients, it can progress to a chronic state, leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. The presence of preexisting liver disease is a significant factor in the context of HEV, as patients with chronic liver disease infected with HEV are at an elevated risk of liver failure, which can potentially result in death. A diagnosis is made by detecting immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the hepatitis E virus (HEV) and HEV ribonucleic acid (RNA) in blood and stool samples. The recommended diagnostic procedures are contingent upon the patient‘s immune status and epidemiological context. In most cases, treatment is not necessary; however, ribavirin and interferon a are employed in severe instances. Prevention strategies encompass enhanced hygiene practices, thorough cooking of meat, and in developing countries, the consideration of vaccination. The vaccine Hecolin® is available in China and is efficacious against genotypes 1, 2, and 4; however, it is not yet registered in the European Union.
- MeSH
- Genotype MeSH
- Hepatitis E * diagnosis drug therapy transmission prevention & control MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Hepatitis E virus pathogenicity MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Review MeSH
- Geographicals
- Czech Republic MeSH
Karcinom děložního čípku je jednou z nejčastějších malignit zjištěných v průběhu těhotenství. Většina případů je zjištěna v časném stadiu onemocnění. Časná diagnostika se opírá o screeningové vyšetření v I. trimestru těhotenství. Vzhledem k těhotenským změnám na děložním hrdle jsou nálezy obtížně hodnotitelné, s tendencí k falešné pozitivitě. Péče o pacientku a plod by měla být v rukách multidisciplinárního týmu s individualizovanou léčbou a s respektováním přání pacientky. Placenta accreta je nejčastějším typem abnormálně invazivní placenty (AIP). Ultrazvukové vyšetření má své nezastupitelné místo zejména v časné diagnostice abnormální invaze trofoblastu. Mezi hlavní rizikové faktory abnormální nidace patří císařský řez v anamnéze (nebo jiné předchozí operace na děloze, kyretáž) a vyšší věk matky.
Carcinoma of the uterine cervix is the most frequent malignant disease diagnosed in pregnant women. Most cases are early carcinomas due to cervical screening methods (PAPP smear, HPV DNA testation and colposcopy). However sometimes the results of the examination are unclear due to the physiological pregnancy associated changes of the cervical epithelium (squamous of the vaginal portion and columnar of the cervical canal). Cervical cancer complicating pregnancy is a specific clinical situation, that requires individual approach, multidisciplinary experienced team of specialists in gynaecological oncology and in obstetrics, respecting the opinion of the pregnant woman. Placenta accreta represents the most frequent type of abnormally adherent placenta, where placental villi are attached to the myometrium. Placenta accreta may be ultrasonically diagnosed antepartum. The main etiological factors are previous caesarean section scar (or other previous uterine incisions, uterine curettage) and older age of pregnant women.
- MeSH
- Adenocarcinoma diagnosis pathology therapy MeSH
- Early Detection of Cancer MeSH
- Cesarean Section adverse effects MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Gynecologic Surgical Procedures MeSH
- Obstetric Labor Complications etiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Human Papillomavirus Viruses MeSH
- Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic diagnosis therapy MeSH
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms * diagnosis pathology prevention & control therapy MeSH
- Placenta Accreta surgery MeSH
- Postpartum Hemorrhage surgery diagnosis MeSH
- Antineoplastic Protocols MeSH
- Neoplasm Staging MeSH
- Pregnancy MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Pregnancy MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Case Reports MeSH
BACKGROUND: To date there remains much ambiguity in the literature regarding the immunological interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and HIV and the true risk posed to coinfected individuals. There has been little conclusive data regarding the use of CD4 cell count and HIV viral load stratification as predictors of COVID-19 severity in this cohort. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, observational cohort study on people living with HIV (PLWH) who contracted COVID-19 in central and eastern Europe. We enrolled 536 patients from 16 countries using an online survey. We evaluated patient demographics, HIV characteristics and COVID-19 presentation and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.1. RESULTS: The majority of the study cohort were male (76.4%) and 152 (28.3%) had a significant medical comorbidity. Median CD4 cell count at COVID-19 diagnosis was 605 cells/μL [interquartile range (IQR) 409-824]. The majority of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were virally suppressed (92%). In univariate analysis, CD4 cell count <350 cells/μL was associated with higher rates of hospitalization (p < 0.0001) and respiratory failure (p < 0.0001). Univariate and multivariate analyses found that an undetectable HIV VL was associated with a lower rate of hospitalization (p < 0.0001), respiratory failure (p < 0.0001), ICU admission or death (p < 0.0001), and with a higher chance of full recovery (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: We can conclude that detectable HIV viral load was an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness and can be used as a prognostic indicator in this cohort.
- MeSH
- COVID-19 * epidemiology complications MeSH
- HIV Infections * complications drug therapy epidemiology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- CD4 Lymphocyte Count MeSH
- Respiratory Insufficiency * MeSH
- Retrospective Studies MeSH
- SARS-CoV-2 MeSH
- COVID-19 Testing MeSH
- Viral Load MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Observational Study MeSH
- Geographicals
- Europe, Eastern MeSH
Týden po ukončení udržovací léčby byla v krvi 11leté dívky s akutní lymfoblastickou leukemií metodou DNA potvrzena akutní infekce parvovirem B19. Klinickými projevy byly dva týdny trvající horečka, vlhký kašel a intermitentní bolesti na hrudi při nádechu. Byly detekovány zvýšené hodnoty sérového CRP, N-terminálního natriuretického peptidu, ale mírné zvýšení hodnoty troponinu. Na EKG záznamu byla přítomna nápadně nízká voltáž vlny P, komplexu QRS a vlny T. Echokardiografické vyšetření potvrdilo akutní myoperikarditidu s rozsáhlým perikardiálním výpotkem. Zotavení pacientky bylo podpořeno diuretickou léčbou a kortikosteroidy, proběhlo rychle. Po týdenní léčbě došlo k úplné redukci perikardiálního výpotku.
One week after the end of maintenance treatment, acute parvovirus B19 infection was confirmed by DNA in the blood of an 11-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia Clinical manifestations were two weeks of fever, moist cough, and intermittent chest pain on inspiration. Elevated serum CRP, N-terminal natriuretic peptide, but slightly elevated troponin values were detected. The ECG recording showed strikingly low P-wave, QRS complex and T-wave voltages. Echocardiographic examination confirmed acute myopericarditis with extensive pericardial effusion. The patient's recovery, supported by diuretic therapy and corticosteroids was prompt, with complete reduction of the pericardial effusion after one week treatment.
- MeSH
- Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma complications MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Parvovirus B19, Human isolation & purification MeSH
- Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions MeSH
- Pericarditis * diagnosis etiology microbiology therapy MeSH
- Maintenance Chemotherapy adverse effects MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Case Reports MeSH
