OBJECTIVETo study the prevalence rate of upper respiratory tract group A Streptococcus (GAS) carriage in school-age children from Xinjiang Province.

METHODSA total of 478 children at age of 9-12 years from Tulufan City and Buerjin County of Xinjiang Province were enrolled by random cluster sampling. Throat swab cultures were performed once each season for the determination of presence of GAS.

RESULTSIn the 1 827 samples, 196 GAS strains were isolated, with a GAS carrier rate of 10.7%. The prevalence rate of GAS carrier in Tulufan City ranged from 3.7%-16.5% compared with 4.7%-21.4% in Buerjin County (P < 0.05). The prevalence rate of GAS carrier in winter is the highest, followed by in autumn, spring and summer in both regions. There were significant differences in the GAS carriage rate in autumn between the two regions. There were no significant differences in the GAS carriage rate between boys and girls. Of the 196 GAS strains, 133 from Han, 22 from Uygur and 41 from Hazakh children. There were significant differences in the prevalence rate of GAS carriage among children with different ethic groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence rate of GAS carriage is high in school-age children from Tulufan and Buerjin of Xinjiang Province. The GAS carrier rate is associated with the season and ethic group. The children from Buerjin County present a higher GAS carrier rate than those from Tulufan City.

Carrier State ; microbiology ; Child ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; Respiratory System ; microbiology ; Streptococcus pyogenes ; isolation & purification

Due to the advancement of 16S rRNA sequencing technology, the lower respiratory tract microbiota, which was considered non-existent, has been revealed. The correlation between these microorganisms and diseases such as tumor has been a hot topic in recent years. As the bacteria in the surrounding can infiltrate the tumors, researchers have also begun to pay attention to the biological behavior of tumor bacteria and their interaction with tumors. In this review, we present the characteristic of the lower respiratory tract bacteria and summarize recent research findings on the relationship between these microbiota and lung cancer. On top of that, we also summarize the basic feature of bacteria in tumors and focus on the characteristic of the bacteria in lung cancer. The relationship between bacteria in lung cancer and tumor development is also been discussed. Finally, we review the potential clinical applications of bacterial communities in the lower respiratory tract and lung cancer, and summarize key points of sample collection, sequencing, and contamination control, hoping to provide new ideas for the screening and treatment of tumors.
.
Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics* ; Bacteria/genetics* ; Microbiota ; Respiratory System ; Lung/microbiology*

OBJECTIVETo study the in vitro antibacterial activity of cefdinir against clinical isolates of respiratory tract pathogens in Children.

METHODSMIC values of cefdinir against 380 strains were determined with E-test method and compared with those of cefaclor.

RESULTSAll penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PSSP) strains were also susceptible to cefdinir and cefaclor. Both cefdinir and cefaclor were not active against penicillin-resistant SP (PRSP). Against penicillin-intermediate SP (PISP) the susceptibility rates of cefdinir and cefaclor were 70.1% and 57.4%, respectively. The activity of cefdinir and cefaclor against beta-lactamases negative Hemophilus influenzae (HI) was excellent, but the susceptibility rates of cefdinir and cefaclor against beta-lactamases positive HI were 85.0% and 70.0%, respectively with MIC(90) of 1.5 mg/L vs. 256.0 mg/L. Cefdinir presented higher activities and lower MIC values than cefaclor against Moraxella catarrhalis (MC), Group A streptococcus (GAS), methicillin susceptible staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), and extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pn). Both cefdinir and cefaclor were not susceptible to ESBLs positive E. coli and K. pn.

CONCLUSIONSCefdinir exhibits excellent activity against PSSP, PISP, HI, as well as MC, GAS, MSSA and ESBLs negative E. coli or K. pn.

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Bacteria ; drug effects ; Cephalosporins ; pharmacology ; Child ; Humans ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Respiratory System ; microbiology

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of mouth-fed probiotics on pathogenic bacteria colonization of the oropharynx and lower respiratory tract in neonates undergoing mechanical ventilation.

METHODSRandomized control method was employed to divide the neonates undergoing mechanical ventilation into probiotics (n=82) and control groups (n=83). The control group received routine treatment. The probiotics group was administered with oral probiotics in addition to routine treatment. The number of pathogenic bacteria colonized on the oropharynx and lower respiratory tract, and the number of the bacterial strain of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the two groups were examined. The timing of the bacteria colonization and VAP occurrence were also examined.

RESULTSThe probiotics group presented a lower bacterial strain colonization rate of the oropharynx pathogenic bacteria than the control group (35% vs 51%; P<0.05). The colonization time of pathogenic bacteria of the oropharynx and lower respiratory tract, and the time of VAP occurrence lagged behind in the probiotics group compared with that the control group (P<0.05). No adverse reaction caused by probiotics was found.

CONCLUSIONSProbiotics administration is effective in decreasing pathogenic bacteria colonization on the oropharynx, in postponing the pathogenic bacteria colonization on the oropharynx and lower respiratory tract and in delaying the occurrence of VAP in neonates undergoing mechanical ventilation.

Bacteria ; isolation & purification ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Oropharynx ; microbiology ; Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated ; epidemiology ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Probiotics ; adverse effects ; pharmacology ; Respiration, Artificial ; Respiratory System ; microbiology

OBJECTIVEOver the past several decades, there has been a significant increase in allergy and asthma in the world, which correlates with alterations in microflora and widespread use of antibiotics. The authors have developed a mouse model of antibiotics-induced microbiota disruption. In that model, mice were challenged by intranasal exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus allergens to explore the relation of allergic airway response and intestinal microflora disruption.

METHODSSixty female BALB/c mice were divided at random into 6 groups with 10 mice in each. (1) First antibiotic therapy group: the mice were given oral cefoperazone for 7 days, on day 7, mice were inoculated with Candida albicans (10(9)/ml, 50 microl) orally. (2) First control group: the mice were treated as first antibiotic therapy group, but cefoperazone and Candida albicans were replaced by saline. The mice in groups (1) and (2) were sacrificed on day 8, and cecal contents were collected for quantitative analysis of the intestinal bacterial flora. (3) Antibiotic therapy and challenge group: the mice were treated as the first antibiotic therapy group, then challenged (day 9 and 16) by intranasal exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus allergen. (4) Second antibiotic therapy group: the mice were treated as the first antibiotic therapy group, then challenged (day 9 and 16) by intranasal exposure to saline. (5) Challenge group: the mice were treated as the first control group, then challenged (day 9 and 16) by intranasal exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus allergen. (6) Second control group: the mice were treated as the first control group, then challenged (day 9 and 16) by intranasal exposure to saline. The mice in (3) - (6) group were killed for analysis of allergic airway response on day 19.

RESULTSThe quantity of Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in first antibiotic therapy group was significantly lower than that in the first control group, the quantity of Candida albicans increased in the first antibiotic therapy group as compared with the first control group. Mice intestinal microflora were disrupted with weight reduction and increased moisture in feces. After challenging with Aspergillus fumigatus allergens via intranasal inhalation, the total cell count, eosinophils, lymphocytes and neutrophils increased in BALF, especially in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from the mice in antibiotic therapy and challenge groups. IL-4 level in BALF from antibiotic therapy and challenge group (45.35 +/- 2.36) pg/ml was higher than that in the second control group (35.32 +/- 2.53) pg/ml. The expression of GATA-3 mRNA in the mice lung tissue (0.569 +/- 0.023) was higher than that in the second control group (0.410 +/- 0.020), and the ratios of T-bet/GATA-3 (0.578 +/- 0.021) decreased as compared with that in the second control group (0.804 +/- 0.035). IFN-gamma level in BALF from any group was not significantly different. In the absence of antibiotics, mice exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus allergen did not develop an allergic response in the airways.

CONCLUSIONSThe allergic (Th2) immune response can be induced by airway challenge with Aspergillus fumigatus allergen in the mice in which the intestinal microflora disruption resulted from antibiotic therapy, this result suggests that the intestinal microflora disruption resulted from antibiotic therapy is a risk factor for allergy and asthma.

Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; adverse effects ; Antibiosis ; Aspergillus fumigatus ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Asthma ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; microbiology ; Cefoperazone ; therapeutic use ; Disease Models, Animal ; Eosinophils ; drug effects ; microbiology ; Female ; Hypersensitivity ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Hypersensitivity, Immediate ; microbiology ; Intestines ; drug effects ; microbiology ; physiopathology ; Lung ; drug effects ; microbiology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Ovalbumin ; adverse effects ; immunology ; Respiratory System ; microbiology

BACKGROUND: PCR is a widely used method for rapid and accurate diagnosis of mycobacteriosis. The sensitivity and specificity of a real time PCR kit newly developed in Korea were evaluated for detecting mycobacteria in respiratory specimens. METHODS: One hundred twenty nine Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) culture positive respiratory specimens (82 AFB stain positive and 47 stain negative specimens) were used for evaluation of the sensitivity. Nine non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) culture positive specimens were also included. For evaluation of the specificity, 48 AFB stain and culture negative respiratory specimens from patients who were initially not fully excluded from mycobacterial diseases (specificity group 1) were used. Other 51 respiratory specimens from patients who were not suspected of mycobacterial diseases were also included (specificity group 2). Real time PCR was performed by using AdvanSure TB/NTM real time PCR Kit (LG Lifescience, Korea) and SLAN real time PCR detection system (LG Lifescience). The target genes of TB and NTM were IS6110 and rpoB, respectively. RESULTS: Among 129 TB culture positive specimens, 82 of 82 AFB stain positive specimens (100%) and 35 of 47 (74.5%) stain negative specimens revealed real time PCR positivity for TB, resulting in sensitivity of 90.7%. Five of nine NTM culture positive specimens resulted in real time PCR positivity for NTM (55.6%). Forty seven of 48 specimens (97.9%) and all 51 specimens (100%) of the specificity group 1 and 2, respectively, were real time PCR negative for TB and NTM. CONCLUSIONS: AdvanSure TB/NTM real time PCR Kit should be useful for detecting TB in respiratory specimens with high sensitivity and specificity.
DNA, Bacterial/analysis ; Humans ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genetics/growth & development/*isolation & purification ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/*methods ; Reagent Kits, Diagnostic ; Respiratory System/microbiology ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Specimen Handling ; Tuberculosis/*diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular mechanism of the differences in biofilm formation abilities of Candida albicans isolated from the respiratory tract.

METHODSThe biofilms formed by Candida albicans isolates from the respiratory tract and the standard strain ATCC90028 were examined for bacterial proliferation using XTT reduction assay. The mRNA expression of CPH1, EFG1, ALS3 and HWP1 in the isolates were measured with fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTSXTT reduction assay demonstrated a strong ability of biofilm formation in 8 clinical isolates, and a relatively low biofilm formation ability in 7 clinical isolates and ATCC90028 strain. The strong and weak biofilm formers showed significant differences in ALS3 and HWP1 mRNA expressions (P<0.05) but not in EFG1 or CPH1 mRNA expressions (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe clinical isolates from the respiratory tract have different biofilm formation abilities under regulation by genes other than the transcription factors CPH1 and EFG1.

Biofilms ; Candida albicans ; classification ; genetics ; physiology ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; metabolism ; Exons ; Fungal Proteins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; metabolism ; Phenotype ; Respiratory System ; microbiology ; Transcription Factors ; metabolism

BACKGROUND: A peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe-based real-time PCR (PNAqPCR(TM) TB/NTM detection kit; PANAGENE, Korea) assay has been recently developed for the simultaneous detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in clinical specimens. The study was aimed at evaluation of the performance of PNA probe-based real-time PCR in respiratory specimens. METHODS: To evaluate potential cross-reactivity, the extracted DNA specimens from Mycobacterium species and non-mycobacterial species were tested using PNA probe-based real-time PCR assay. A total of 531 respiratory specimens (482 sputum specimens and 49 bronchoalveolar washing fluid specimens) were collected from 230 patients in July and August, 2011. All specimens were analyzed for the detection of mycobacteria by direct smear examination, mycobacterial culture, and PNA probe-based real-time PCR assay. RESULTS: In cross-reactivity tests, no false-positive or false-negative results were evident. When the culture method was used as the gold standard test for comparison, PNA probe-based real-time PCR assay for detection of MTBC had a sensitivity and specificity of 96.7% (58/60) and 99.6% (469/471), respectively. Assuming the combination of culture and clinical diagnosis as the standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the new real-time PCR assay for detection of MTBC were 90.6% (58/64) and 99.6% (465/467), respectively. The new real-time PCR for the detection of NTM had a sensitivity and specificity of 69.0% (29/42) and 100% (489/489), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The new real-time PCR assay may be useful for the detection of MTBC in respiratory specimens and for discrimination of NTM from MTBC.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/microbiology ; DNA Probes/chemistry/metabolism ; DNA, Bacterial/*analysis ; Humans ; Molecular Typing/*methods ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria/*genetics/isolation & purification ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; Peptide Nucleic Acids/chemistry/*metabolism ; *Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Respiratory System/*microbiology ; Sputum/microbiology

BACKGROUNDChronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) is an emerging population at risk for invasive infection of Aspergillus. Isolation of Aspergillus from lower respiratory tract (LRT) samples is important for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of Aspergillus isolation from LRT samples for the diagnosis and prognosis of IPA in COPD population.

METHODSClinical record with Aspergillus spp. isolation in COPD and immunocompromised patients was reviewed in a retrospective study. Patients were categorized and compared according to their severity of illness (admitted to general ward or ICU) and immunological function (COPD or immunocompromised).

RESULTSMultivariate statistical analysis showed that, combined with Aspergillus spp. isolation, APACHE II scores > 18, high cumulative doses of corticosteroids (> 350 mg prednisone or equivalent dose) and more than four kinds of broad-spectrum antibiotics received in hospital may be predictors of IPA in COPD (OR = 9.076, P = 0.001; OR = 4.073, P = 0.026; OR = 4.448, P = 0.021, respectively). The incidence of IPA, overall mortality, mortality of patients with IPA and mortality of patients with Aspergillus spp. colonization were higher in COPD patients in ICU than in general ward, but were similar between COPD and immunocompromised patients.

CONCLUSIONSAspergillus spp. isolation from LRT in COPD may be of similar importance as in immunocompromised patients, and may indicate an increased diagnosis possibility of IPA and worse prognosis when these patients received corticosteroids, antibiotics, and need to admit to ICU. Aspergillus spp. isolation from LRT samples combined with certain risk factors may be useful in differentiating colonization from IPA and evaluating the prognosis of IPA in COPD patients.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aspergillus ; isolation & purification ; Female ; Humans ; Immunocompromised Host ; Intensive Care Units ; Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis ; diagnosis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; complications ; mortality ; Respiratory System ; microbiology

INTRODUCTIONInadequate oral care has been implicated in the development of aspiration pneumonia in frail geriatric patients and is a major cause of mortality, due to the colonisation of microbes in vulnerable patients. This type of pneumonia has been associated with an increase in respiratory pathogens in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of chlorhexidine compared to routine oral care in edentulous geriatric inpatients.

METHODSA double-blind, parallel-group randomised controlled trial was carried out. The intervention group received oral care with chlorhexidine 0.2%, while the control group received routine oral care with thymol. Nurses provided oral care with assigned solutions of 20 mL once daily over seven days. Oral cavity assessment using the Brief Oral Health Status Examination form was performed before each oral care procedure. Data on medication received and the subsequent development of aspiration pneumonia was recorded. An oral swab was performed on Day 7 to obtain specimens to test for colonisation.

RESULTSThe final sample consisted of 35 (control) and 43 (intervention) patients. Chlorhexidine was effective in reducing oral colonisation compared to routine oral care with thymol (p < 0.001). The risk of oral bacterial colonisation was nearly three times higher in the thymol group compared to the chlorhexidine group.

CONCLUSIONThe use of chlorhexidine 0.2% significantly reduced oral colonisation and is recommended as an easier and more cost-effective alternative for oral hygiene.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-Infective Agents, Local ; therapeutic use ; Chlorhexidine ; therapeutic use ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Geriatrics ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Mouth, Edentulous ; therapy ; Oral Hygiene ; Pneumonia, Aspiration ; microbiology ; prevention & control ; Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated ; Research Design ; Respiratory System ; microbiology ; Thymol ; therapeutic use