Staphylococcus lugdunensis
Article Abstract:
The bacteria Staphylococcus lugdunensis has recently been identified as a unique strain of staphylococcus. It can cause endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart chambers and the heart valves), an often fatal infection. The bacteria is resistant to penicillin, which is generally used to treat staphylococcal infections, but is sensitive to other antibiotics, including flucloxacillin, gentamicin, rifampicin, and erythromycin. A case report is presented of a 77-year-old man with fatal endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus lugdunensis. The man previously had rheumatic fever which caused damage to the infected heart valve. A large number of blood samples (978) known to contain staphylococcus were examined to see how often this strain was present; these samples were collected over a two-year-period and did not include a specimen from this patient. The strain is very rare, as it could not be isolated from any of the samples. Therefore, although Staphylococcus lugdunensis is rare, it can cause an aggressive endocarditis infection. Characteristics of Staphylococcus lugdunensis, which can be used in laboratory tests to identify the strain, have been established. These criteria should be included in laboratory testing so that S. lugdunensis can be identified and proper treatment can be administered. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Clinical Pathology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0021-9746
Year: 1991
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Nasal, axillary, and perineal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus among women: identification of strains producing epidermolytic toxin
Article Abstract:
Approximately 35 percent of the population have the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus in their nasal passages. This bacteria can potentially cause disease, especially in newborns. Certain groups of S. aureus can cause the skin disease; staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a severe form; the milder form is known as pemphigus neonatorum. S. aureus produces a toxin associated with skin diseases. Outbreaks of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome have occurred in the maternity units of hospitals. Five hundred pregnant women were tested for S. aureus in the nose, armpit, and perineum. The isolates of S. aureus were typed and tested for production of the toxin. Thirty-three percent of the women tested carried S. aureus. Of these isolates, 61 percent were found in the nose, 2 percent in the armpit, and 25 percent in the perineum. S. aureus was found in multiple sites in 12 percent of the women. Multiple strains of S. aureus were often found in women who carried the bacteria in multiple sites, including strains that were resistant to the antibiotic methicillin, commonly used to treat infection. This survey provides information on the incidence of pregnant women carrying S aureus, which may lead to skin disease in newborns. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Clinical Pathology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0021-9746
Year: 1991
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Mometasone furoate nasal spray for allegic rhinitis
Article Abstract:
A nasal spray containing the drug mometasone is being advertised on television under the trade name Nasonex. It is a corticosteroid that is used to treat hay-fever. Research has shown that intranasal corticosteroids may be more effective for hay-fever than intranasal antihistamines. Side effects in some people include nasal burning and irritation, nosebleed, headache and sore throat.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1999
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