BACKGROUND: As many as several weeks of incubation may be necessary for the recovery of mycobacteria when conventional culture media are used. Previous studies evaluating Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) as a rapid for the growth and detection of mycobacteria from clinical specimens have been reported. We compared MGIT with Ogawa media for the recovery of mycobacteria from clinical specimens. METHODS: Ninety nine clinical specimens received in the laboratory of Wonju Christian Hospital from June to September 199 were used for this study. The specimens from nonsterile body sites were digested, decontaminated, and concentrated, for culture and Ziehl-Neelsen stain, and specimen were inoculated onto MGIT tube and 3% Ogawa egg medium, and cultured for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 38 specimens culture-positive for mycobacteria, 3 grew isolates in MGIT medium only, 8 grew isolates in Ogawa media only, and 27 grew isolates in both media. Mean (median, range) times to detection of mycobacteria were 13.7 (5.5, 2-48) days with MGIT and 19.6 (18, 13-37) days with Ogawa (P>0.05). The number recovered with MGIT plus Ogawa media was 24 (63.2%) within 14 days of receipt of specimen, and 31 (81.6%) within 21 days. The contamination rates were 31 % for MGIT and 1 % for Ogawa media. CONCLUSIONS: MGIT appears useful to quickly detect and identify mycobacteria from clinical specimens. However, because the number of culture-positive specimen in MGIT was not greater than those recovered with Ogawa media, MGIT should be used in combination with solid media to reduce turnaround times and increase the isolation rate.
Culture Media ; Gangwon-do ; Mycobacterium ; Ovum

BACKGROUND: As many as several weeks of incubation may be necessary for the recovery of mycobacteria when conventional culture media are used. Previous studies evaluating Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) as a rapid for the growth and detection of mycobacteria from clinical specimens have been reported. We compared MGIT with Ogawa media for the recovery of mycobacteria from clinical specimens. METHODS: Ninety nine clinical specimens received in the laboratory of Wonju Christian Hospital from June to September 199 were used for this study. The specimens from nonsterile body sites were digested, decontaminated, and concentrated, for culture and Ziehl-Neelsen stain, and specimen were inoculated onto MGIT tube and 3% Ogawa egg medium, and cultured for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 38 specimens culture-positive for mycobacteria, 3 grew isolates in MGIT medium only, 8 grew isolates in Ogawa media only, and 27 grew isolates in both media. Mean (median, range) times to detection of mycobacteria were 13.7 (5.5, 2-48) days with MGIT and 19.6 (18, 13-37) days with Ogawa (P>0.05). The number recovered with MGIT plus Ogawa media was 24 (63.2%) within 14 days of receipt of specimen, and 31 (81.6%) within 21 days. The contamination rates were 31 % for MGIT and 1 % for Ogawa media. CONCLUSIONS: MGIT appears useful to quickly detect and identify mycobacteria from clinical specimens. However, because the number of culture-positive specimen in MGIT was not greater than those recovered with Ogawa media, MGIT should be used in combination with solid media to reduce turnaround times and increase the isolation rate.
Culture Media ; Gangwon-do ; Mycobacterium ; Ovum

BACKGROUND: The erythromycin-resistance rate and phenotype distribution of Streptococcus propenes are quite different by geographical variation and study period. The aim of the present study was to determine the evolution of resistance to erythromycin and the frequency of erythromycin resistance phenotype of S. pyogenes isolated from Wonju Christian Hospital. METHODS: The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of erythromycin and clindamycin for 94 S. pyogenes isolated from clinical specimens between 1990 to 1998 were investigated. Double disk test of erythromycin (78microgram) and clindamycin (25microgram) were performed for 15 isolates of erythromycin resistant S. pyogenes to evaluate the erythromycin resistance phenotype. RESULTS: The resistance rates of 94 isolates of S. pyogenes were 16%(15/94) to erythromycin and 4%(4/94) to clindamycin. The frequency of erythromycin resistance phenotype in decreasing order were M phenotype (47%), inducible resistance phenotype (40%), and constitutive resistance phenotype (13%). Erythromycin-resistant S. pyogenes did not exist until 1993, but was isolated since 1994, and ranged from 14.0% to 24.0% during the period of 1994-1998. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding documents the emergence of high resistance rates to erythromycin in S. pyogenes at Wonju area since 1994. The M phenotype (47%) and inducible resistance phenotype (40%) account for the majority of erythromycin-resistant S. pyogenes.
Clindamycin ; Erythromycin* ; Gangwon-do ; Phenotype* ; Streptococcus pyogenes* ; Streptococcus*

PURPOSE: To clarify the chracteristic sonographic features of benign soft tissue tumors and to evaluate the usefulness of sonographic imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed ultrasonographic images of 70 cases in 68 patients with histologically proved benign soft tissue tumors. RESULTS: The tumors included 33 lipomas, 11 hemangiomas. 11 lymphangiomas, 7 neurilemmomas, 4 epidermold cysts, 2 fibromas, 1 mesenchymoma, and 1 myxoma. The SOhographic appearances of the lesions were mainly solid in 53 cases(33 lipomas, 8 hemangiomas, 2 lymphangiomas, 7 neurilemmomas, 2 fibromas and 1 mesenchymoma), mainly cystic in 14 cases(1 hemangioma, 8 lymphangiomas, 4 epidermoid cysts, and 1 myxoma), and mixed in 3 cases(2 hemangiomas and 1 lymphangioma). Although an accurate histologic prediction could not be made in most cases, certain patterns appeared to be characteristic of specific tumor types. 26 cases(78%) of lipoma were seen as lentiform, iso- or hyperechoic, solid mass. Hemangioma had variable appearance and chacteristic calcifications were seen in 3 cases. Unicameral or multiseptated cystic mass with variable thickness of echogenic septa and solid portion was the characteristic finding of lymphangioma. Neurilemmoma showed Iobulated, oval to round, relatively hypoechoic mass with or without internal cystic portion. CONCLUSION: Sonographic evaluation of benign soft tissue tumros is useful in demonstrating the location, size, extent, and internal characteristics of the mass. A relatively confident diagnosis can be made when the characteristic features of the benign soft tissue tumor are present on sonographic imaging.
Diagnosis ; Epidermal Cyst ; Fibroma ; Hemangioma ; Humans ; Lipoma ; Lymphangioma ; Mesenchymoma ; Myxoma ; Neurilemmoma ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: We evaluated the abdominal uttrasonographic findings of Salmonellosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 64 patients who were confirmed as salmonellosis by blood culture. We retrospectively analyzed the abdominal ultrasonographic findings with particular attention to enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes(mesenteric lymphadenitis), thickening of bowel wall, especially terminal ileum and cecum(ileocecitis), hepatosplenomegaly, ascites, gallbladder wall thickening, and enlarged lymph nodes in porta hepatis. RESULTS: The 64 cases were observed as mesenteric lymph node enlargement(44 cases), wall thickening of the terminal ileum and cecum(36 cases), hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly(42 cases), minimal ascites(8 cases), gallbladder wall thickening(6 cases), and enlarged lymph nodes in porta hepatis(4 cases). No abnormal finding was seen in 10 patients. CONCLUSION: The mesenteric lymph node enlargement, wall thickening of the terminal ileum and cecum, hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly, minimal ascites, gallbladder wall thickening, and enlarged lymph nodes in porta hepatis are suggestive findings of salmonellosis on abdominal ultrasonography in patients with fever and acute abdomen.
Abdomen, Acute ; Ascites ; Cecum ; Fever ; Gallbladder ; Hepatomegaly ; Humans ; Ileum ; Lymph Nodes ; Retrospective Studies ; Salmonella Infections* ; Splenomegaly ; Ultrasonography

We report a case of non-secretory plasma cell leukemia with complex chromosomal abnormalities including t (11;14)(q13;q32). A 57-year-old man was admitted to hospital due to anemia, thrombocytopenia and renal insufficiency. Bone marrow examination and peripheral blood smear revealed a large number of immature plasma cells with positivity for CD38. Monoclonal gammopathy or abnormal paraproteins were not observed in serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation. The cytogenetic analysis showed complex chromosomal abnormalities [45, XY, -1, t (11;14)(q13;q32), t (12;17)(p13;q21)]. He was died of adult respiratory distress syndrome on the 6th hospital day.
Anemia ; Bone Marrow Examination ; Chromosome Aberrations* ; Cytogenetic Analysis ; Electrophoresis ; Humans ; Leukemia, Plasma Cell* ; Middle Aged ; Paraproteinemias ; Paraproteins ; Plasma Cells* ; Plasma* ; Renal Insufficiency ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult ; Thrombocytopenia

Aeromonas hydrophila is a facultative, anaerobic gram-negative bacillus. It's a member of the family Vibrionaceae. Aeromonas, which is known to cause gastroenteritis and wound infections ranging from mild cellulitis to fulminant myonecrosis. It is responsible for opportunistic infections in patients with compromised immune function due to an underlying disease such as malignant hematological disorders, liver cirrhosis, and malignant neoplasm. We report a case of 72-year-old woman who recovered from necrotizing fasciitis caused by A. hydrophila. The patient had undergone prolonged hemodialysis and had no history of trauma.
Aeromonas hydrophila* ; Aeromonas* ; Aged ; Bacillus ; Cellulitis ; Fasciitis, Necrotizing* ; Female ; Gastroenteritis ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Opportunistic Infections ; Renal Dialysis* ; Vibrionaceae ; Wound Infection

Aeromonas hydrophila is a facultative, anaerobic gram-negative bacillus. It's a member of the family Vibrionaceae. Aeromonas, which is known to cause gastroenteritis and wound infections ranging from mild cellulitis to fulminant myonecrosis. It is responsible for opportunistic infections in patients with compromised immune function due to an underlying disease such as malignant hematological disorders, liver cirrhosis, and malignant neoplasm. We report a case of 72-year-old woman who recovered from necrotizing fasciitis caused by A. hydrophila. The patient had undergone prolonged hemodialysis and had no history of trauma.
Aeromonas hydrophila* ; Aeromonas* ; Aged ; Bacillus ; Cellulitis ; Fasciitis, Necrotizing* ; Female ; Gastroenteritis ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Opportunistic Infections ; Renal Dialysis* ; Vibrionaceae ; Wound Infection

BACKGROUND: The relationship between osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) is complicated and it may differ according to the site or stage of disease. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to examine the relationship between the severity of radiological knee OA and the degree of OP in the ipsilateral proximal femur as denoted by bone mineral density (BMD) in a Korean population, especially among women. METHODS: One hundred ninety-five female patients who had knee pain and radiological knee OA were investigated with respect to the relationship of knee OA severity with BMD. The BMD of the proximal femur and spine was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the severity of knee OA was evaluated based on Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) radiographic criteria, joint space narrowing (JSN) and mechanical axis of knee alignment. Partial correlation analysis and ANCOVA adjusted for confounding factors (age and body mass index) were performed to assess the relationship. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant relationship between the BMD of the proximal femur and JSN, and the BMD of the proximal femur was positively associated with increased joint space width. There was a lack of association between the spine BMD and JSN. The BMD of the proximal femur was also significantly lower in patients who had a higher K-L grade. CONCLUSIONS: The radiographic finding of severe OA in the knee is associated with decreased BMD of the ipsilateral proximal femur including the femoral neck, trochanter, intertrochanter, and region of the entire hip (neck, trochanter, and Ward's triangle).
Absorptiometry, Photon ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; *Bone Density ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Femur/physiopathology/*radiography ; Humans ; Knee Joint/physiopathology/radiography ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology/*radiography ; Osteoporosis/physiopathology/*radiography ; Republic of Korea

Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 is an important cause of hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). LPS-based vaccines need improvement since the anti-LPS antibodies raised by the vaccines are bactericidal and release toxin that may precipitate the development of HUS. Despite huge efforts, the treatment of infection with E. coli O157 has been difficult because antibiotics do not change the course of the enteritis caused by E. coli O157 and may increase the incidence of HUS through the release of Shiga-like toxin (Stx)-I. For this aim we tried the conjugate of E. coli O157 OSP bound to the nontoxic B subunit of Stx-I B as a vaccine that can induce both serum IgG anti-LPS antibody with bactericidal activity and neutralizing antibody to Stx-I. Mice were immunized s.c. with OSP-Stx-I B conjugate. Anti-sera were analyzed for the anti-LPS antibody, anti-Stx-I B antibody, complement-dependent bactericidal activity, and Stx-I neutralization activity. Mice injected with the bivalent conjugate elicited both bactericidal antibodies to E. coli O157 and neutralization antibodies to Stx-1. We also analyzed the distributional, functional changes of T lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo. After the injection of Stx-I, splenocytes showed a decrease in proliferation when stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or LPS, and the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells also decreased. Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4 and IFN-gamma productions by CD3+ T cells were slightly increased in the Stx-I injected mice.
Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Antibodies ; Antibodies, Neutralizing ; Colitis ; Enteritis ; Escherichia coli O157* ; Escherichia coli* ; Escherichia* ; Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunotoxins* ; Incidence ; Interleukin-4 ; Interleukins ; Mice ; O Antigens ; T-Lymphocytes ; Vaccines*