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Swabs
Kinds of Swabs Terms modified by Swabs Selected AbstractsCOMPARATIVE STUDY OF SHELL SWAB AND SHELL CRUSH METHODS FOR THE RECOVERY OF SALMONELLA FROM SHELL EGGSJOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 4 2008T. KAWASAKI ABSTRACT Swabbing is the standard methodology for the recovery of resident microorganism from shell eggs in Japan. A comparative study of shell swab (SW) and shell crush (CR) techniques was performed to recover the laboratory-inoculated Salmonella from shell eggs. It was found that the recovery of Salmonella by CR methods was significantly higher (4.5,7.5 log cfu/egg) than that of SW methods (3.1,6.3 log cfu/egg). However, analyses with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (invA as a target gene), fluorescent microscopic and quantitative analyses with a Live/Dead BacLight bacterial viability kit revealed that not all of the inoculated Salmonella spp. populations were recovered as intact cells by either method. The chemiluminescent bacterial viability assay showed that chemiluminescence intensity (CI) began to increase after 30 min in CR samples; on the other hand, SW samples did not show any increase in CI for 2 h. These results suggest that SW might cause more damage and lethality to cells than CR. In addition, to determine the most appropriate method for recovering resident aerobic bacteria, coliforms and Salmonella spp from shell eggs, 4,000 commercial eggs were collected and sampled by shell rinse (SR) and CR techniques using phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) warmed to different temperatures. PBS at 37C was found to be the best recovery solution and temperature, respectively, for recovering aerobic microorganisms from shell eggs by both methods and the CR methods recovered a higher population than did the SR methods (4.9 versus 5.8 log cfu/egg for SR and CR methods, respectively; n = 500 eggs/method). Therefore, the CR method along with recovery buffer (PBS) at 37C could be an effective technique for the recovery of microorganisms from post-processed shell eggs. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS There is a need to develop a rapid and highly sensitive method for the recovery of microorganisms from shell eggs. Such recovery methods are also useful for evaluating the efficacy of newly developed shell egg disinfection techniques. Many methods involving rinsing, swabbing, and crushing of shell eggs have been reported; however, we performed a comparative study of the method used to recover the Salmonella from shell eggs. We found that the shell crush method (CR) was superior to the shell swab method (SW) for the recovery of Salmonella spp., and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37C was found to be the best recovery solution and temperature, respectively, for recovering microorganisms from shell eggs by both methods. Therefore, the CR method along with recovery buffer (PBS) at 37C could be an effective technique for the recovery of microorganisms from post-processed shells. Use of this method could be recommended for the microbial evaluation of post-processed shell eggs in industries. [source] Oral hygiene habits, denture cleanliness, presence of yeasts and stomatitis in elderly peopleJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 3 2002Y. Kulak-Ozkan The purpose of this study was to determine oral hygiene habits, denture cleanliness, presence of yeasts and denture stomatitis in elderly people. Seventy complete denture wearers were investigated clinically and mycologically. Subjects were evaluated according to, presence of denture stomatitis, presence of yeasts, denture cleanliness, frequency of denture brushing and denture cleaning methods. Swabs were taken from the palate investigated mycologically in order to identify the yeast colonies. No statistical relationship was found between denture stomatitis and frequency of denture brushing and denture cleaning methods. However, there was a statistically significant relationship between denture stomatitis, yeasts' presence and denture cleanliness. [source] Microbial colonization of nebulizers used by asthmatic childrenPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 5 2006HERMAN A COHEN Abstract Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the microbial colonization of nebulizers used at home by asthmatic children, and to investigate their parents' cleaning and maintenance routines. Methods: The nebulizer equipment used at home by 39 asthmatic children was examined. Swabs taken from the inner surface of the reservoir cups, face masks and filters were cultured. Results were recorded as mean number of colony-forming units per cultured surface. Parents were interviewed regarding their cleaning and disinfection routines. Results: Twenty-six reservoir cups (66.7%), 24 face masks (61.5%), and 18 filters (78.3%) were found to be contaminated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from 17 reservoir cups (43.6%) and 12 face masks (30.8%), and Staphylococcus aureus from two face masks (5.1%). None of the parents knew that the nebulizer has a filter and that it requires periodic cleaning or changing; only eight of the parents (20.5%) received maintenance instructions from the medical staff, and only 19 (48.7%) cleaned the nebulizer equipment after use. Conclusion: Home nebulizers are frequently colonized with microorganisms. As recommended, nebulizers should be washed after each use and air-blown dry. Nebulizer maintenance should be emphasized in educational programs for managing asthma. [source] Self-administered Vaginal Swabs Are a Feasible Alternative to Physician-assisted Cervical Swabs for Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening in the Emergency DepartmentACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2009Nicole Berwald MD Abstract Background:, Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the emergency department (ED) is limited by the need for pelvic examination. It has been suggested that using self-administered vaginal swabs (SAVS) for this purpose may save time and resources and may be more comfortable for patients. Objectives:, The objective was to test the feasibility of using SAVS for STI screening in the ED. Methods:, This was a prospective study of female ED patients 18 to 55 years old who consented to physician-assisted cervical swab (PACS) and SAVS in two urban teaching hospitals. The ED personnel offered the test to all patients, whether or not a pelvic examination was indicated, based on their chief complaint. All specimens were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Categorical data are presented as percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Patients with a positive test result for Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae were considered positive for STI. PACS were used as the criterion standard. Results:, One-hundred sixty-two subjects were enrolled from July 2006 to July 2007 (mean [±SD] age = 32 [±10] years). Eighty-one percent of patients had a genitourinary symptom (most common: vaginal bleeding/spotting). SAVS had a sensitivity of 91% (95% CI = 60% to 99%), specificity of 99% (95% CI = 95% to 99%), positive likelihood ratio of 91, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.09 in diagnosing STIs. None of the patients reported difficulty or discomfort using this technique. Conclusions:, Self-administered vaginal swabs can be utilized as a feasible alternative to PACS for STI screening in the ED. [source] Serovar profiling of Haemophilus parasuis on Australian farms by sampling live pigsAUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 7 2010C Turni Objective Investigate the diversity of serovars of Haemophilus parasuis (Hps) present in Australian pig herds. Design Nasal swabs were used to obtain multiple isolates of Hps, which were grouped first by genotyping and then by serotyping representative isolates. Procedure Swabs were taken from the nasal cavity of just-weaned healthy pigs from multiparous sows on 12 farms and from post-weaned pigs of multiparous sows on 1 farm. On 5 of the 13 farms, nasal swabs were also obtained from pigs showing clinical signs suggestive of Glässer's disease. On a further 7 farms, nasal swabs were obtained only from pigs with clinical signs suggestive of Glässer's disease. Results A total of 556 Hps isolates were genotyped, and 150 isolates were serotyped. Hps was detected on 19 of the 20 farms, including 2 farms with a long history of freedom from Glässer's disease. Isolates of Hps belonging to serovars regarded as potentially pathogenic were obtained from healthy pigs at weaning on 8 of the 10 farms with a history of Glässer's disease outbreaks. Sampling 213 sick pigs yielded 115 isolates of Hps, 99 of which belonged to serovars that were either potentially pathogenic or of unknown pathogenicity. Only 16 isolates from these 213 sick pigs were of a serovar known to be non-pathogenic. Conclusion Healthy pigs contain a range of Hps serovars, even on farms free of Glässer's disease. Nasal swabbing of both healthy and sick pigs seems a useful method of serovar profiling of farms. [source] Staphylococcus aureus: colonizing features and influence of an antibacterial treatment in adults with atopic dermatitisBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2002K. Breuer SummaryBackground,,The skin of up to 100% of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) is colonized with Staphylococcus aureus. Of all S. aureus strains isolated from lesional skin, up to 65% have been shown to produce exotoxins with superantigenic properties. Patients colonized with S. aureus have been treated with antibiotics in several open and double-blind placebo-controlled studies, with conflicting results. These studies did not consider the anterior nares as a reservoir of S. aureus, or the possibility of transmission between patients and their contacts. Moreover, adult patients have not so far been investigated. Objectives,,To investigate the colonizing features of S. aureus in adults with AD and in their contacts, and the effect of an antimicrobial treatment of the patients and their partners. Methods,Swabs were taken from the skin and anterior nares of 66 adults with AD. S. aureus strains were screened for the production of exotoxins in 32 patients. Ten patients (two with toxigenic strains, eight with non-toxigenic strains) were treated orally with cefalexin, chlorhexidine ointment was applied to the skin, and the anterior nares were treated with mupirocin ointment. A bath containing potassium permanganate was taken daily. In addition, their partners were treated topically. Results,,Sixty-two of 66 patients (94%) were carriers of S. aureus, and mostly harboured the bacteria on both skin and anterior nares. Ten of 32 (31%) patients were colonized with toxigenic strains. The Severity Scoring in AD (SCORAD) score decreased in nine of 10 patients who received antimicrobial treatment (P < 0·001), and this effect was more pronounced in patients with a baseline SCORAD >,50. Conclusions,,S. aureus may play an important role as an aggravating factor in adults with AD, as antimicrobial treatment leads to a significant improvement of AD in patients who are colonized with the bacterium. [source] FS09.2 Contact allergy to a commercial alcohol prep swabCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004James S Taylor Allergic contact dermatitis to prepackaged disposable alcohol prep swabs is infrequently reported. A 60-year-old woman developed repeated episodes of dermatitis at sites of injections and venipunctures. History and patch testing revealed contact allergy to Kendall Webcol alchol prep swabs. There were negative patch test results to isopropyl alcohol (IPA), but positive reactions to the Webcol swab, to the inner surface of the packaging foil, to two other brands of alcohol swabs, and to bacitracin. UV absorbance profile analysis revealed the presence of UV absorbing materials at peaks of 221 and 280 nm within commercial IPA samples, including one from Kendall, which were absent from reagent grade IPA. Reports of similar cases identified IPA, propylene oxide, or both as the allergens; when swab ingredients were negative, compound allergy was proposed. A recent report from Korea identified dodecyldiaminoethylglycine and IPA as the allergens in the commercial disinfectant swab. Although the exact allergen is undetermined in our case, it may represent a chemical compound or contaminant that is used or acquired during the manufacturing of the swabs or foils. [source] Systematic review of methods to diagnose infection in foot ulcers in diabetesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 4 2006S. O'Meara Abstract Aim, To undertake a systematic review of the diagnostic performance of clinical examination, sample acquisition and sample analysis in infected foot ulcers in diabetes. Methods, Nineteen electronic databases plus other sources were searched. To be included, studies had to fulfil the following criteria: (i) compare a method of clinical assessment, sample collection or sample analysis with a reference standard; (ii) recruit diabetic individuals with foot ulcers; (ii) present 2 × 2 diagnostic data. Studies were critically appraised using a 12-item checklist. Results Three eligible studies were identified, one each on clinical examination, sample collection and sample analysis. For all three, study groups were heterogeneous with respect to wound type and a small proportion of participants had foot ulcers due to diabetes. No studies identified an optimum reference standard. Other methodological problems included non-blind interpretation of tests and the time lag between index and reference tests. Individual signs or symptoms of infection did not prove to be useful tests when assessed against punch biopsy as the reference standard. The wound swab did not perform well when assessed against tissue biopsy. Semiquantitative analysis of wound swab might be a useful alternative to quantitative analysis. The limitations of these findings and their impact on recommendations from relevant clinical guidelines are discussed. Conclusion, Given the importance of this topic, it is surprising that only three eligible studies were identified. It was not possible to describe the optimal methods of diagnosing infection in diabetic patients with foot ulceration from the evidence identified in this systematic review. Diabet. Med. 23, 341,347 (2006) [source] The pathology of bronchointerstitial pneumonia in young foals associated with the first outbreak of equine influenza in AustraliaEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 3 2008J. C. PATTERSON-KANE Summary Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe post mortem lesions in EIV-infected foals. Methods: Post mortem examinations were conducted on 11 young foals (age 2,12 days) submitted to the Scone Veterinary Hospital, New South Wales, Australia over a 2-month period in 2007. The foals had presented with or developed fatal pneumonia, and were known or suspected to be EIV-positive. Equine influenza virus nucleic acid was detected in tissue specimens using an influenza A group reactive real-time reverse transcriptase PCR assay. Results: Grossly there was diffuse or extensive pulmonary consolidation. Histological changes included: bronchiolar and alveolar necrosis; neutrophilic infiltration; hyaline membrane formation; and hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia of airway epithelium. Tissues for 10 foals were EIV-positive, with a positive nasal swab from the remaining animal. Conclusions: This is the first detailed pathological description of bronchointerstitial pneumonia associated with EIV infection in young foals. It is also the first series of such cases in which a causative agent has consistently been detected. Potential relevance: Given the findings in this outbreak, and a previous outbreak in the UK in 1965 involving a similarly naive population, veterinary clinicians and pathologists should be aware that EIV can cause fatal bronchointerstitial pneumonia in young foals that do not have maternal immunity. The lesions did not differ from those previously reported in foals of various ages with bronchointerstitial pneumonia of other or undefined causes, indicating that this is most likely to be a stereotypical response to a variety of insults. Therefore, tissue specimens should be obtained from cases of pneumonia in young foals for virological and bacteriological testing. Reasons for performing study: The first outbreak of equine influenza virus (EIV) infection was confirmed in Australia in 2007. Some EIV-positive young foals died with broncho-interstitial pneumonia, a rare disease process in this age group that is often postulated to be caused by viral infection. [source] Olfactory Familiarization and Discrimination in Preterm and Full-Term NewbornsINFANCY, Issue 1 2002Nathalie Goubet The purpose of this study was to observe olfactory detection and discrimination in preterm and full-term newborns. Infants were familiarized for 10 trials with either vanillin or anethole. On each trial, a cotton swab perfumed with one of the odors was slowly moved in front of the baby's nose for 10 sec. For half of the preterm and full-term infants, a new odor was presented after the last familiarization trial (experimental groups). For the other half, the same odor as during familiarization was presented (control groups). Facial and head movements for both populations and heart rates for preterm infants were recorded before, during, and after odor presentation. Preterm infants reacted to the scents by increasing facial actions and heart rate but not head movements. Full-term infants increased facial and head movements. Neither population showed a clear behavioral habituation pattern, but full-term newborns had a significantly reduced facial reactivity on the last familiarization trial compared to preterm infants. Preterm newborns did, however, show cardiac habituation on the last familiarization trial. Preterm and full-term infants presented with a new odor after familiarization increased responding compared to infants presented with the same odor, indicating their ability to discriminate between 2 odors. Infants' reactivity and discrimination to odors indicate preterm and full-term newborns' ability to be attuned to their olfactory environment. [source] Bacteria of preoperative urinary tract infections contaminate the surgical fields and develop surgical site infections in urological operationsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 11 2004RYOICHI HAMASUNA Abstract Background: The risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) following urological operations have not been clearly identified, although the presence of a preoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) is thought to be one risk factor. We studied potential risk factors to clarify when and how bacteria contaminate wounds and SSI develop. Methods: Objects of the present study were patients with SSI after open urological operations that were performed at the Department of Urology, Miyazaki Medical College Hospital, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan, during the period between June 1999 and December 2000. Endourological operations, operations on children and short operations of less than 2 h duration were excluded. Patients were screened for the presence of UTI before the operation and subcutaneous swabs for culture were collected at the end of the operation by brushing with a sterile cotton-swab just before skin closure. Results: Surgical site infections occurred in 20 of 134 patients. Bacteria from the subcutaneous swabs were detected in 15 (75.0%) of the patients with SSI. All patients received antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP), but bacteria from the subcutaneous swabs of patients with SSI were less susceptible to the agents (20.0%). Preoperative UTI were observed in 11 (55.0%) of the patients with SSI. In these patients, four had the same species of bacteria detected from urine, swab and wound, three had the same species from swab and wound and one had the same species from urine and wound. Conclusions: Preoperative UTI was the most important risk factor for SSI following urological operations. It is most likely that the bacteria in the urine contaminated the surgical fields and the AMP resistant strains produced SSI. [source] Mycotoxin identification in moldy dwellingsJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Carmel Charpin-Kadouch Abstract The objective of this study was to assess the level of macrocyclic trichothecenes (MCT), one of the most potent mycotoxins, on wall surfaces, ßoor dust and air samples from moldy dwellings. The study was based on an index group comprising 15 ßooded dwellings contaminated by Stachybotrys chartarum or Chaetomium and a control group comprising nine dwellings without molds on visual inspection and mold sampling. Three samples were collected from each dwelling: a sample from the moldy wall, using a swab, a ßoor dust sample on a 0.5 m2 surface with a cloth and an air sample using a pump comprising a 1 µm Teßon filter. The MCT level was measured using a monoclonal, antibody-based ELISA test. Compared with measurements performed in index dwellings, higher MCT values were measured on ßoor dust samples from moldy dwellings (P = 0.02). Samples from wall surfaces demonstrated nearly significant differences (P = 0.06). No significant differences were observed for air samples (P = 0.15), but some samples showed increased MCT levels. Significant correlations were observed between the levels measured on wall surfaces, ßoor dust and air samples (P = 0.02 to 0.05). In contrast, no correlation was observed between moldy surface and MCT levels. In conclusion, this paper reports for the first time direct evidence for the presence of MCT in moldy dwellings. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SHELL SWAB AND SHELL CRUSH METHODS FOR THE RECOVERY OF SALMONELLA FROM SHELL EGGSJOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 4 2008T. KAWASAKI ABSTRACT Swabbing is the standard methodology for the recovery of resident microorganism from shell eggs in Japan. A comparative study of shell swab (SW) and shell crush (CR) techniques was performed to recover the laboratory-inoculated Salmonella from shell eggs. It was found that the recovery of Salmonella by CR methods was significantly higher (4.5,7.5 log cfu/egg) than that of SW methods (3.1,6.3 log cfu/egg). However, analyses with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (invA as a target gene), fluorescent microscopic and quantitative analyses with a Live/Dead BacLight bacterial viability kit revealed that not all of the inoculated Salmonella spp. populations were recovered as intact cells by either method. The chemiluminescent bacterial viability assay showed that chemiluminescence intensity (CI) began to increase after 30 min in CR samples; on the other hand, SW samples did not show any increase in CI for 2 h. These results suggest that SW might cause more damage and lethality to cells than CR. In addition, to determine the most appropriate method for recovering resident aerobic bacteria, coliforms and Salmonella spp from shell eggs, 4,000 commercial eggs were collected and sampled by shell rinse (SR) and CR techniques using phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) warmed to different temperatures. PBS at 37C was found to be the best recovery solution and temperature, respectively, for recovering aerobic microorganisms from shell eggs by both methods and the CR methods recovered a higher population than did the SR methods (4.9 versus 5.8 log cfu/egg for SR and CR methods, respectively; n = 500 eggs/method). Therefore, the CR method along with recovery buffer (PBS) at 37C could be an effective technique for the recovery of microorganisms from post-processed shell eggs. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS There is a need to develop a rapid and highly sensitive method for the recovery of microorganisms from shell eggs. Such recovery methods are also useful for evaluating the efficacy of newly developed shell egg disinfection techniques. Many methods involving rinsing, swabbing, and crushing of shell eggs have been reported; however, we performed a comparative study of the method used to recover the Salmonella from shell eggs. We found that the shell crush method (CR) was superior to the shell swab method (SW) for the recovery of Salmonella spp., and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37C was found to be the best recovery solution and temperature, respectively, for recovering microorganisms from shell eggs by both methods. Therefore, the CR method along with recovery buffer (PBS) at 37C could be an effective technique for the recovery of microorganisms from post-processed shells. Use of this method could be recommended for the microbial evaluation of post-processed shell eggs in industries. [source] Y-STR Profiling in Extended Interval (,3 days) Postcoital Cervicovaginal Samples,JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 2 2008Kathleen A. Mayntz-Press M.S. Abstract:, Depending upon specific situations, some victims of sexual assault provide vaginal samples more than 36,48 h after the incident. We have tested the ability of commercial and in-house Y-STR systems to provide DNA profiles from extended interval (,3 days) postcoital samples. The commercial Y-STR systems tested included the AmpF,STR® YfilerÔ (Applied Biosystems), PowerPlex® Y (Promega) and Y-PLEXÔ 12 (Reliagene) products whereas the in-house systems comprised Multiplex I (MPI) and Multiplex B (MPB). Three donor couples were recruited for the study. Postcoital cervicovaginal swabs (x2) were recovered by each of the three females at specified intervals after sexual intercourse (3,7 days). Each time point sample was collected after a separate act of sexual intercourse and was preceded by a 7-day abstention period. As a negative control, a precoital swab was also recovered prior to coitus for each sampling and only data from postcoital samples that demonstrated a lack of male DNA in the associated precoital sample was used. A number of DNA profile enhancement strategies were employed including sampling by cervical brushing, nondifferential DNA extraction methodology, and post-PCR purification. Full Y-STR profiles from cervicovaginal samples recovered 3,4 days after intercourse were routinely obtained. Profiles were also obtainable 5,6 days postcoitus although by this stage partial profiles rather than full profiles were a more likely outcome. The DNA profiles from the sperm fraction of a differential lysis were superior to that obtained when a nondifferential method was employed in that the allelic signal intensities were generally higher and more balanced and exhibited less baseline noise. The incorporation of a simple post-PCR purification process significantly increased the ability to obtain Y-STR profiles, particularly from 5- to 6-day postcoital samples. Remarkably an 8 locus Y-STR profile was obtained from a 7-day postcoital sample, which is approaching the reported time limit for sperm detection in the cervix. [source] Importance of specimen type in detecting human papillomavirus DNA from the female genital tractJOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 9 2009Christine C. Roberts Abstract HPV testing is a valuable tool in cervical cancer screening and efficacy assessment of HPV vaccines. Concordance of specimens from three sites for detection of HPV DNA in the female genital tract was evaluated. At a single visit, the following specimens were collected: an endo-ecto-cervical swab (EEC), labial/vulvar/perineal/perianal swab (LVPP) and cervicovaginal lavage (CVL). Specimens were evaluated with HPV6, HPV11, HPV16, and HPV18 type- and gene-specific PCR assays. Of the 898 women evaluated at baseline, 232 were HPV PCR positive in at least one specimen. Of these, for HPV6, HPV11, HPV16, and HPV18, respectively, throughout: (a) 70.4%, 40.0%, 65.3%, and 64.1% tested three-site positive; (b) 13.6%, 30.0%, 19.7%, and 18.8% tested two-site positive; and (c) 16.4%, 30.0%, 15.0%, and 17.2% tested single-site positive. For patients who tested single-site positive for HPV6, HPV11, HPV16, or HPV18, respectively, the specimen was: LVPP in 92.3%, 33.3%, 68.2%, and 72.7%; EEC in 0.0%, 33.3%, 18.2%, and 9.1%; and CVL in 7.7%, 33.3%, 13.6%, and 18.2%. Combining results of swab specimens together increases detection of HPV6, HPV11, HPV16, and HPV 18, respectively, to 98.7%, 90.0%, 97.9%, and 96.9%. HPV DNA is detectable from all three sites using type-specific PCR assays; most women who tested positive for a given HPV type were positive for that type in all three specimens. J. Med. Virol. 81:1620,1626, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cervical phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding prote,n-1 for the prediction of preterm delivery in symptomatic cases with intact membranesJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2009H. Mete Tanir Abstract Aim:, This prospective, observational study was an attempt to evaluate whether a positive cervical phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding prote,n-1 admission test in women with signs and symptoms of preterm labor (PTL) may be useful in the prediction of women who will deliver prematurely. Methods:, Pregnant women with confirmed gestational age between 24 and 37 weeks' gestation with <3 cm cervical dilatation and intact membranes were included in the study. Prior to digital examination, a sterile speculum examination was performed using a dacron swab rotated in the external cervical os for 15 s. The test was based on immunochromatographic qualitative analysis of cervical phosphorylated insulin-like growth factor binding prote,n-1. Test (+) and (,) cases were evaluated in terms of maternal demographic characteristics and neonatal outcomes. Results:, A total of 68 cases were enrolled in the study. There were no statistically significant differences between test (+) and (,) groups, in terms of maternal characteristics or adverse neonatal outcomes. However, cases with + test had high Bishop scores on admission (P = 0.01) and gestational age at delivery (P = 0.003). For deliveries within 7 days of admission, the strongest predictors were test positivity (RR:24,%95CI:2.8,204, P < 0.0001) and Bishop score (RR:1.3, %95CI: 1.0,1.6, P = 0.03). For deliveries <34 weeks' gestation, the test had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values, +likelihood ratios and ,likelihood ratios of 70%, 74%, 48%, 88, 2.8 and 0.39, respectively. Conclusion:, Among women with signs and symptoms of PTL, the high negative predictive value of this test to predict the PTL <34 weeks' gestation as well as within 7 days of delivery may be of value in the reassurance of patients, avoiding unnecessary medical interventions. [source] An infection control protocol: effectiveness of immersion solutions to reduce the microbial growth on dental prosthesesJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 5 2003A. C. Pavarina summary, This investigation evaluated the effectiveness of an infection control protocol for cleansing and disinfecting removable dental prostheses. Sixty-four dentures were rubbed with sterile cotton swab immediately after they had been taken from patients' mouths. Samples were individually placed in the culture medium and immediately incubated at 37 ± 2 °C. The dentures were scrubbed for 1 min with 4% chlorhexidine, rinsed for 1 min in sterile water and placed for 10 min in one of the following immersion solutions: 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, 1% sodium hypochlorite, Biocide (iodophors) and Amosan (alkaline peroxide). After the disinfection procedures, the dentures were immersed in sterile water for 3 min, reswabbed and the samples were incubated. All samples obtained in the initial culture were contaminated with micro-organisms. All the lower dentures immersed in Biocide showed positive growth, and the upper dentures were positive for growth in six of eight dentures. The 4% chlorhexidine gluconate, 1% sodium hypochlorite and Amosan solutions have been proved effective to reduce the growth of the micro-organisms in the 10 min immersion period. The protocol evaluated in this study seems to be a viable method to prevent cross-contamination between dental personnel and patients. [source] Candida balanitis: risk factorsJOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY & VENEREOLOGY, Issue 7 2010C Lisboa Abstract Background, The amount of available information on the prevalence and incidence of candida balanitis is still surprisingly scarce. Objectives, To determine the prevalence of candida colonization and candida balanitis in men attending a Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinic. To identify risk factors associated with candida balanitis. Methods, During a 36-month period, a cross-sectional study was carried out on consecutive men attendees of the STD clinic in Hospital S. João, Porto. Clinical and epidemiological data were recorded. Specimen collection from the glans penis and the coronal sulcus followed two procedures: a cotton tipped swab and the direct impression on the surface of CHROMagar Candida medium. Risk factors were considered singly and in combination through logistic regression models. Results, Among 478 men enrolled, the prevalence of candida colonization was 26.2% and the prevalence of candida balanitis was 18%. Candida colonization was strongly associated with an age above 60 years (OR = 3.375; 95% CI: 1.547,7.362) and with the presence of other cause of balanitis apart from Candida organisms (OR: 2.466; 95% CI: 1.491,4.078). An age above 40 years (OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.005,4.500), diabetes mellitus (OR: 19.390; 95% CI: 7.789,48.273) and more than ten candida colonies recovered by culture (OR: 9.586; 95% CI: 2.682,34.263) were risk factors for candida balanitis. Conclusions, This study highlights the impact of factors other than sexual behaviours upon the epidemiology of this infection. For both candida colonization and infection, age was an important risk factor. Diabetes mellitus was an independent risk factor for candida balanitis. More than ten colonies recovered from culture are associated with clinical signs and symptoms. [source] Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Horses at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital: Frequency, Characterization, and Association with Clinical DiseaseJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2006J.S. Weese Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an emerging equine pathogen. To attempt to control nosocomial and zoonotic transmission, an MRSA screening program was established for all horses admitted to the Ontario Veterinary College Veterinary Teaching Hospital, whereby nasal screening swabs were collected at admission, weekly during hospitalization, and at discharge. MRSA was isolated from 120 (5.3%) of 2,283 horses: 61 (50.8%) at the time of admission, 53 (44.2%) during hospitalization, and 6 from which the origin was unclear because an admission swab had not been collected. Clinical infections attributable to MRSA were present or developed in 14 (11.7%) of 120 horses. The overall rate of community-associated colonization was 27 per 1,000 admissions. Horses colonized at admission were more likely to develop clinical MRSA infection than those not colonized at admission (OR 38.9, 95% CI 9.49,160, P < 0.0001). The overall nosocomial MRSA colonization incidence rate was 23 per 1,000 admissions. The incidence rate of nosocomial MRSA infection was at the rate of 1.8 per 1,000 admissions, with an incidence density of 0.88 per 1,000 patient days. Administration of ceftiofur or aminoglycosides during hospitalization was the only risk factor associated with nosocomial MRSA colonization. MRSA screening of horses admitted to a veterinary hospital was useful for identification of community-associated and nosocomial colonization and infection, and for monitoring of infection control practices. [source] Karyotyping of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata from patients with Candida sepsisMYCOSES, Issue 5-6 2000Klempp-Selb The aim of this study was to determine the relatedness of Candida strains from patients suffering from Candida septicaemia by typing of Candida isolates from blood cultures and different body sites by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE using a contour-clamped homogenous electric field, CHEF). We studied 17 isolates of Candida albicans and 10 isolates of Candida glabrata from six patients. Four patients suffered from a C. albicans septicaemia, one patient from a C. glabrata septicaemia, and one patient had a mixed septicaemia with C. albicans and C. glabrata. Eight isolates from blood cultures were compared with 19 isolates of other sites (stool six, urine four, genital swab four, tip of central venous catheter three, tracheal secretion one, sputum one). PFGE typing resulted in 10 different patterns, four with C. albicans and six with C. glabrata. Five of the six patients had strains of identical PFGE patterns in the blood and at other sites. Seven isolates of a 58-year-old female with a C. glabrata septicaemia fell into five different PFGE patterns. However, they showed minor differences only, which may be due to chromosomal rearrangements within a single strain. Thus it appears, that the colonizing Candida strains were identical to the circulating strains in the bloodstream in at least five of six patients. [source] Maternal vaginal colonisation by Staphylococcus aureus and newborn acquisition at deliveryPAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Nadège Bourgeois-Nicolaos Summary Bourgeois-Nicolaos N, Lucet J-C, Daubié C, Benchaba F, Rajguru M, Ruimy R, Andremont A, Armand-Lefèvre L. Maternal vaginal colonisation by Staphylococcus aureus and newborn acquisition at delivery. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010. We studied 1139 mother,infant pairs where the mother had had at least one vaginal swab in the month before delivery and their babies had had gastric and ear swabs taken immediately after delivery. The prevalence of vaginal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus was 5.9% among 1139 pregnant women within 1 month of delivery. The colonisation rate of S. aureus in newborns was tenfold higher when the mother was a vaginal carrier than when she was not (31.3% vs. 2.7%; relative risk 11.6 [95% CI 7.0, 19.2]; P < 0.05). Among carriers, delivery by caesarean section compared with the vaginal route, significantly decreased the likelihood of S. aureus colonisation in the newborns (15.4% vs. 41.5%; relative risk 0.35 [95% CI 0.14, 0.98]; P < 0.03). No S. aureus colonisation was detected in the mothers of 58% of the colonised newborns suggesting extra-delivery colonisation routes. Consequences for newborns were unclear as only one case of S. aureus neonatal sepsis was observed. [source] Genital Carriage of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) DNA in Prepubertal Girls with and without Vulval DiseasePEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2003Jennifer Powell, M.R.C.P. Our objective was to compare HPV in prepubertal girls with and without lichen sclerosus (LS). We compared the frequencies and types of HPV in girls with LS with those in children with non-LS vulval disease (vulval swab and urine) and in children with no known vulval disease (urine only). HPV DNA was detected using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with general and consensus primers amplifying a region of the L1 gene, and PCR amplicons were typed using reverse hybridization with labeled HPV type-specific probes. Specimens untypeable by this method were typed by DNA sequencing. In the cohort of children with LS, we recorded the presence of maternal anogenital warts or a dysplastic cervical smear within 3 years of the affected child's birth. We found that HPV was present in the urine and vulval swabs of 8 of 32 children with LS and in 2 of 31 children with non-LS vulval disease, but also in the urine of 7 of 29 controls. In those with LS, the frequency was not increased significantly, but the types were predominantly those commonly associated with dysplasia of the cervix, penis, vulva, and anus, as opposed to the broader spectrum of types found in the control group, not all dysplasia associated. Two of the 32 mothers reported warts, and 15 of 32 (46.9%) had an abnormal smear. (The national average of abnormal cervical smears is less than 10%.) We concluded that HPV appears to be common in all prepubertal girls, but children with LS carried types associated with dysplasia and their mothers had had a high incidence of dyskaryotic smears. [source] Microchip, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and culture methods to detect enterovirus infection in pediatric patientsPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2006LON-YEN TSAO Abstract Background: Enterovirus infection usually presents with mild and self-limited illness in children. However, Enterovirus type 71 can be characterized by neurotropism and may cause severe illness or even sudden death. Early detection of the virus will allow a physician to provide intensive or aggressive intervention. The purpose of the present study was to compare sensitivity of two innovative laboratory methods, that is, the DR.EV microchip method (DR. Chip Biotechnology, Shin-Tsu, Taiwan) and the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method following conventional virus culture in detecting enterovirus infection in pediatric patients with herpangina or hand,foot,mouth disease. Methods: A total of 87 children (age range: 1,8 years) were enrolled because of typical clinical findings of herpangina and hand,foot,mouth disease. Two hundred children selected after a careful clinical history review and physical examinations, were included as controls. All of these children had at least throat swab and rectal swab specimens taken and tested for evidence of enterovirus infection by microchip, RT-PCR and virus culture methods. In addition, 21 patients also had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens taken to test for possible central nervous system involvement. Result: The test results obtained from the 200 healthy kindergarten children were all negative for enteroviral infection by these three methods. Among the 87 test patients, the positive rates for throat swab, rectal swab and CSF by DR.EV chip, RT-PCR and virus culture were 71%, 68%, and 45% (throat swab); 66%, 61%, and 33% (rectal swab); and 52%, 29%, and 5% (CSF), respectively. There was no significant difference in the positive rates between the DR.EV chip and the RT-PCR methods (P > 0.1) on all types of specimens. However, statistically significant differences in positive rates were noted between the DR.EV chip and the conventional virus culture methods on all types of specimens (P < 0.001). Sensitivity of the microchip, RT-PCR and virus culture methods, was 82%, 72%, and 53%, respectively. Conclusion: The DR.EV chip method yielded a statistically higher positive rate and faster test results than the conventional viral culture method. [source] Using community pharmacies to conduct an HSV-1 prevalence studyPHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 5 2002Joseph C. Veltri PharmD Abstract Purpose To describe the effectiveness of community-based pharmacists in conducting a study to measure the baseline prevalence of Herpes simplex virus, type-1 susceptibility to two antiviral medications in subjects with recurrent Herpes labialis Method A cross-sectional study conducted in 47 US community pharmacies. The pharmacist obtained a viral sample from the surface of the lesion, placed the virus-laden swab in a vial of holding medium, and stored it in a refrigerator until shipment to a central laboratory. Results The population that had swabs processed for viral isolation (1795) was predominantly white (90.1%) and female (67.9%) with a mean age of 37.5 years. A total of 1087 (60.3%) swabs were positive for HSV-1. On-site monitoring revealed 219 protocol deviations related to the stage of the lesion (124), not properly dating or signing the consent form (80), and indeterminate age (15). Conclusions This study demonstrates the ability of pharmacists to conduct a large surveillance study in busy community pharmacies. A population of RHL sufferers with active lesions was recruited to study pharmacies during a 5-month period. Pharmacists successfully obtained viral samples from cold sore lesions at a rate comparable to physician-conducted studies. Protocol deviations were generally not serious, and did not compromise the study results or endanger the rights or welfare of participants. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] New saliva DNA collection method compared to buccal cell collection techniques for epidemiological studiesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Nikki L. Rogers Epidemiological studies may require noninvasive methods for off-site DNA collection. We compared the DNA yield and quality obtained using a whole-saliva collection device (OrageneÔ DNA collection kit) to those from three established noninvasive methods (cytobrush, foam swab, and oral rinse). Each method was tested on 17 adult volunteers from our center, using a random crossover collection design and analyzed using repeated-measures statistics. DNA yield and quality were assessed via gel electrophoresis, spectophotometry, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification rate. The whole-saliva method provided a significantly greater DNA yield (mean ± SD = 154.9 ± 103.05 ,g, median = 181.88) than the other methods (oral rinse = 54.74 ± 41.72 ,g, 36.56; swab = 11.44 ± 7.39 ,g, 10.72; cytobrush = 12.66 ± 6.19, 13.22 ,g) (all pairwise P < 0.05). Oral-rinse and whole-saliva samples provided the best DNA quality, whereas cytobrush and swab samples provided poorer quality DNA, as shown by lower OD260/OD280 and OD260/OD230 ratios. We conclude that both a 10-ml oral-rinse sample and 2-ml whole-saliva sample provide sufficient DNA quantity and better quality DNA for genetic epidemiological studies than do the commonly used buccal swab and brush techniques.Am. J. Hum. Biol. 19:319,326, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A retained surgical swabANAESTHESIA, Issue 11 2001T. Hucker First page of article [source] Self-administered Vaginal Swabs Are a Feasible Alternative to Physician-assisted Cervical Swabs for Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening in the Emergency DepartmentACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 4 2009Nicole Berwald MD Abstract Background:, Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the emergency department (ED) is limited by the need for pelvic examination. It has been suggested that using self-administered vaginal swabs (SAVS) for this purpose may save time and resources and may be more comfortable for patients. Objectives:, The objective was to test the feasibility of using SAVS for STI screening in the ED. Methods:, This was a prospective study of female ED patients 18 to 55 years old who consented to physician-assisted cervical swab (PACS) and SAVS in two urban teaching hospitals. The ED personnel offered the test to all patients, whether or not a pelvic examination was indicated, based on their chief complaint. All specimens were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Categorical data are presented as percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Patients with a positive test result for Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoeae were considered positive for STI. PACS were used as the criterion standard. Results:, One-hundred sixty-two subjects were enrolled from July 2006 to July 2007 (mean [±SD] age = 32 [±10] years). Eighty-one percent of patients had a genitourinary symptom (most common: vaginal bleeding/spotting). SAVS had a sensitivity of 91% (95% CI = 60% to 99%), specificity of 99% (95% CI = 95% to 99%), positive likelihood ratio of 91, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.09 in diagnosing STIs. None of the patients reported difficulty or discomfort using this technique. Conclusions:, Self-administered vaginal swabs can be utilized as a feasible alternative to PACS for STI screening in the ED. [source] Hand, foot and mouth disease in an immunocompromised adult treated with aciclovirAUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 3 2003Catherine F Faulkner SUMMARY A 27-year-old man, immunosuppressed from recent chemotherapy for metastatic Ewing's sarcoma, presented with a 1-week history of a painful, pruritic, papulovesicular eruption on the hands and feet. A diagnosis of hand, foot and mouth disease was made based on histology, detection of Enterovirus ribonucleic acid by polymerase chain reaction on a swab from a vesicle, and a four-fold increase in Enterovirus antibody levels. At no stage however, were there lesions in the mouth. Another unusual feature in this case was a prolonged course, presumably as a result of immunosuppression. After 3½ weeks he was commenced on oral aciclovir 200 mg five times daily, with subsequent resolution of all lesions within 5 days. There may be a role for systemic aciclovir in some patients with hand, foot and mouth disease. [source] Population-based carrier screening for cystic fibrosis in Victoria: The first three years experienceAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 5 2009John MASSIE Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common inherited, life-shortening condition affecting Australian children. The carrier frequency is one per 25 and most babies with CF are born to parents with no family history. Carrier testing is possible before a couple has an affected infant. Aims:, To report the outcomes of a carrier screening program for CF. Method: Carrier screening was offered to women and couples planning a pregnancy, or in early pregnancy, through obstetricians and general practitioners in Victoria, Australia. Samples were collected by cheek swab and posted to the laboratory. Twelve CFTR gene mutations were tested. Carriers were offered genetic counselling and partner testing. Carrier couples were offered prenatal testing by chorionic villous sampling (CVS) if pregnant. The number of people tested, carriers detected and pregnancy outcomes were recorded from January 2006 to December 2008. Results: A total of 3200 individuals were screened (3000 females). One hundred and six carriers were identified (one per 30, 95% confidence interval one per 25, one per 36). All carrier partners were screened, and nine carrier couples identified (total carriers 115). Ninety-six individuals (83%) were carriers of the p.508del mutation. Of the nine carrier couples, six were pregnant at the time of screening (five natural conception and one in vitro fertilisation) and all had CVS (mean gestation 12.5 weeks). Two fetuses were affected, three were carriers and one was not a carrier. Termination of pregnancy was undertaken for the affected fetuses. Conclusion: Carrier screening for CF by obstetricians and general practitioners by cheek swab sample can be successfully undertaken prior to pregnancy or in the early stages of pregnancy. [source] Inguinal panniculitis in a young Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) caused by Mycobacterium mageritenseAUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 5 2010G Reppas A 1-year-old, entire male Tasmanian devil living in captivity was presented because of a nodular inguinal lesion that subsequently developed a draining sinus tract. A second, similar lesion developed later in the ipsilateral axillary region. A deep representative biopsy specimen of abnormal subcutaneous tissue showed chronic active pyogranulomatous inflammation and beaded Gram-positive and acid-fast bacilli situated in lipid vacuoles within the lesion. A rapidly growing Mycobacterium species, shown subsequently to be M. mageritense, was grown from a swab of the primary lesion. It was susceptible to tetracyclines (including doxycycline) and moxifloxacin in vitro. The lesions resolved following treatment with doxycycline monohydrate (50 mg PO once daily) and then moxifloxacin (10 mg/kg PO for 20 days). The infection probably resulted from inoculation of subcutaneous tissues by material containing this Mycobacterium following fight or bite injuries. The presentation is reminiscent of similar lesions attributable to rapidly growing mycobacterial infections of the subcutis observed in domestic cats and quolls. 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