ABSTRACT
It usually takes several days to detect slow-growing bacteria by a blood culture system. Moreover, even if the microbial growths are detected in blood samples, they will escape our notice at a microscopic examination using Gram’s stain. Consequently, the results are often regarded as false positive. This paper reports case of malignant lymphoma in which bloodstream infection caused by slow-growing spirillum was observed. The patient in chemotherapy for malignant lymphoma, complained of repeated fever. Repeated blood cultures were taken and occasionally positive signals, which mean increased CO2 concentrations in the culture bottle, were detected by BACTEC 9240 (Becton Dickinson). However, routine microscopic examination with Gram’s stain did not detect any bacteria. Thus, the results of BACTEC were thought to be false positive. Thereafter, the bacterial culture period was extended. Finally, a spirillum, suspected of one of Helicobacter species, was observed microscopically. The detected spirillum was regarded as Helicobacter canadensis with 98.08% homology, using polymerase chain reaction with the 16S rRNA method and basic local alignment search tool (BLAST). H. canadensis is one of new species isolated from humans with diarrhea. This bacterium is considered to cause a zoonotic infection. There have been some case reports that this bacterium infected immunosuppressive patients, so we should exercise caution against such conditions. Moreover, we should keep vigilant against the spread of slow-growing bacteria when there are discrepancies in findings between blood culture system and microscopic examination. It is useful to extend the culture period to detect such slow-growing bacteria.
ABSTRACT
Since the Infection Control Team (ICT) was organized in 1999, our hospital has been engaged in evidence-based operations against nosocomial infections. The ICT's major activities included guidance in preventive measures against infections, surveillance involving continuous environmental monitoring, proposition as regards prescription of antibacterial medicines, and consultation with clinicians about prophylaxis. The team comprising physicians, nurses, pharmacists and clinical laboratory technicians has made expert propositions to clinicians. To be concrete, the team members, with the liaison clerk playing a central role, met with physicians in charge or with other staff members of the hospital, studied the infection cases in question, and presented the study findings to the clinicians. Fundamentally, therefore, it is not that the ICT intervenes in the affairs of the clinical department by way of directions but that it presents clinicians with the ideas gained through discussion between ICT members and physicians and other hospital staffers. While cementing a relationship of mutual trust between hospital employees, the ICT is expected to engage in nosocomial infection prevention activities by joining forces transdeoartmentally.
Subject(s)
Hospitals , Infection ControlABSTRACT
Apical ballooning cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo or ampulla cardiomyopathy) is a well-known transient and localized left ventricular (LV) dysfunction characterized by apical severe hypokinesis, typical electrocardiogram (ECG) changes of negative T, and a lack of organic lesions of the coronary arteries which could cause myocardial ischemia leading to segmental asynergy. Here we report on two cases of transient cardiomyopathy showing atypically localized asynergy, which is different from Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Case 1 was diagnosed as atypical Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and the current findings suggest case 2 was viral myocarditis. These cases suggest that there exist variant patterns of transient cardiomyopathy, and non-invasive and serial clinical evaluations are important for differential diagnosis in acute and atypical cardiomyopathy.
Subject(s)
CardiomyopathiesABSTRACT
We held the 49th meeting of The Japanese Association of Rural Medicine in Mie Prefecture in November, 2000. The main theme of this meeting was “Future Aspect of Health, Medicine and Welfare in the next Century, with special reference to the medical service in local community”.<BR>Firstly, I introduced the history of our hospital, that wasestablished in 1938, named Chusei Hospital with 30 beds. In 1993, our hospital was transferred in present place, and renamed Suzuka General Hospital, with 500 beds. Since, our hospital has been recognized as the Suzuka city hospital.<BR>Secondly, I mentioned my career as a cardiologist. My lifelong teacher, Professor Hideo TAKEZAWA, led me a clinician and researcher by bedside teaching, with intense passion and research mind.<BR>Finally, I described a clinical results in the diagnosis and treatment for coronary artery disease in our cardiology division with my colleagues. Especially, focusing in recent one year, we performed percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to both native and in-stent restenosis lesions using cutting balloon <SUP>TM</SUP>. Initial success rate, rate of restenosis and complication rate were favorable results.
ABSTRACT
In August 1995, a committee was inaugurated in our hospital to improve hospital-patient relationship. Under the auspices of the committee, a series of lecture meetings were held with professional consultants and teachers invited. From September to December in that year, the on-the-job training was started and all the staff and part-time workers participated. The second training was carried out exclusively for people in managerial positions and the committee members from January to February in 1996. From March to June the third training was done for all the staff. The fourth and final training was given to the committee members from July to August in 1996. These on-the-job training and meetings resulted in marked improvements in communication between patients and hospital members. Moreover, the reform image of our hospital has been known widely. From now, we should continue our efforts to improve the hospital-patient relationship through various projects.