[Study of bone mineral density in adolescent handball players: about a study of 20 cases]

The physical activity during adolescence seems to correlate with bone mass at the end of the growth period. To determine the effect of handball regularly practiced by teenage girls on the anthropometric parameters and bone mineral density. Cross-sectional case-control, made in the rheumatology department of the Rabta hospital, has enrolled adolescent handball players of high level, which were compared to a control group matched by age and sex, but sedentary. We evaluated our two groups for anthropometric parameters and BMD. The lean mass [LM], fat mass [FM], the mean values of BMD at the lumbar spine and femur of our sports were significantly higher than that of sedentary controls. On bone mineral content [BMC], a statistically significant difference was observed between groups of sedentary and athletic teenagers. Positive and significant correlations were found between anthropometric parameters and measurements of BMD, BMC and of bone area. The regular practice of handball seems to be an osteogenic factor. It may be advisable in adolescents during the growth period to optimize the bone

[Bacteriological profile of urinary tract infections in women in Aziz Othmana hospital: a 495 cases study]

Urinary infection is a frequent pathology in the community as well as at the hospital. To analyze the profile of bacteria isolated from urinary tract infectious in women and their antimicrobial resistance. During two year period [1 January 2005 to 31 December 2006], 4536 urinary specimens were analyzed at the Laboratory of Aziza Othmana Hospital. All bacteria isolated from urinary tract infection [UTI] at women were retrospectively reviewed. 495 cases of UTI were collected during this period. They were recovered from out patients [67%] or from hospitalized patients in Gynecology and obstetrics [23%]. Enterobacteriacae were the most frequently identified strains [90.4%] including Escherichia coli [71%]. The identified strains presented natural resistance and a high frequency of acquired resistance to betalactams[60.3% of E.coli, 72% of P.mirabilis were resistant to amoxicillin]and cotrimoxazole[30.4% of E.coli, 19,1 of K.pneumoniae, 21.4% of P.mirabilis]. 5.7% of K.pneumoniae and 1.8% of E.coli were producing extended spectrum betalactamase[ESBL]. Aminoglycosides remained active on enterobacteriacae[resistance to amikacin<14%,gentamicin<5%].Ofloxacin was highly active against enterobacteriacae [resistance <14%]. Enterobacteriacae were the most frequent species in women urinary tract infection. Among these isolates, a high frequency of acquired resistance to betalactams and cotrimoxazole was shown. Aminoglysosides and fluoroquinolones remained the most active drugs. In every case antibiotherapy should have been prescribed after performing an antibiogram for each strain. These data were useful for the first line antibiotherapy, however the antimicrobial susceptibility testing is necessary for the rational use to limit the highly active drugs to multiresistant strains

[Surveillance of multidrug resistant bacteria in a Tunisian hospital]

Controlling antibiotic resistance of bacteria is a priority for public healthcare. This study concerned the frequency of multidrug resistant bacteria [MDRB] in a Tunisian Hospital with the aim of establishing guidelines for MDRB prevention. The study was conducted during two years [1 January 2005-31 December 2006]. Samples collected for the clinical diagnostic were included. The MDRB concerned were: methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], Enterobacteriacae resistant to of third generation cephalosporin [ER3GC]. Acinetobacter baumannii resistant to both imipenem and ceftazidime, Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to both imipenem and ceftazidime. During the study period, 2475 bacteria were tested by disk diffusion. 597 MDRB were collected, the rate of MBR was 24.1%. These MDRB were mainly recovered in burn unit [82.6%]. ER3GC [47%] and MRSA [29, 2%] were the most frequent MDRB. A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa multiresistant concerned 4, 8% and 9% of MDRB. MDRB were isolated mainly from blood cultures [45%]. The rate of MRSA was 46.4% among 375 strains of S. aureus. ER3GC represented 25, 6% among 1096 isolates. Concerning A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, 51.7% and 20.5% were resistant to both imipenem and ceftazidime among 170 and 264 isolates. Antiobiotic resistance evolution showed a decrease of resistance in 2006 versus 2005. This decrease should be explained by the improvement of hygiene measure especially hand washing with the introduction of hydro- alcoholic solutions, a better targeted antibiotherapy promoved by a close cooperation between microbiologists and clinicians. The MDRB were frequent in our hospital. They were mainly isolated from the burn department. The measures of prevention already implemented are effective and must be strengthened with the continuous surveillance of MDRB

[Unusual localization of ! spinal hydatid cyst]

We report one case of uncommon spinal hydatid cysts particular by its localization. It is intradural, localized with predilection in the big cistern cerebello-medullar. There is no involvement of adjacent vertebral discs and ligaments. We specify characteristic imaging features and polymorphism of this affection who can affect all anatomical structures. We emphasize MRI for diagnosis and follow-up in search for residual or recurrent lesions