Role of cytokines IL-6, and TNF-alpha levels and c-reactive protein in early diagnosis and management of neonatal sepsis N.M.

To determine serum IL-6, and TNF-alpha and C-reactive protein levels in neonatal sepsis at the time of diagnosis and after therapy, and to show the meaningful on the follow up. This prospective study was performed on newborns who were hospitalized for neonatal sepsis and who were classified as, cultureproven sepsis [n=15], culture-negative sepsis [n=15], healthy newborns [n=15]. At the time of diagnosis, serum IL-6 and TNF-alpha and C-reactive protein levels of culture-proven sepsis were significantly higher than those of the control groups [P<.05]. At the time of diagnosis, IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels of cultureproven sepsis and culture-negative sepsis were significantly higher than levels at the seventh day after antibiotic treatment. Serum IL-6, and TNF-alpha are mediators of inflammation and can be used at the diagnosis and at the evaluation of the therapeutic efficiency in neonatal sepsis

prospective study on association of onychomycosis with psoriasis

Onychomycosis is a very common and widespread disorder. Psoriasis is one of the most frequent dermatosis affecting nails. This study was performed to demonstrate the prevalence of onychomycosis in psoriatic patients with nail change. The study was carried out on 100 psoriatic patients from Dermatology Department, Tanta University Hospital in the period from March 2011 to February 2012. They were complaining of nail changes and 50 persons as control group who were free from systemic or dermatological diseases [including psoriasis] and were complaining of nail abnormalities. Nail pieces were collected and subjected to direct microscopic examination. Two plates of Sabouraud dextrose agar with and without 0.5microg/ml of cyclohexamide and 16ug/ml of chloramphenicol to inhibit the growth of contaminating molds and bacteria. Microscopic examination of the suspected colonies after staining with lactophenol cotton blue was effective in specific distinguishing of the fungal elements. It was found that more fungi were isolated from older age group. There was no significant relationship between fungal infections and sex. Clinical and mycological results of this study suggested that there is no statistical difference between prevalence of onychomycosis in psoriatic patients and non-psoriatic individuals

Multiplex PCR for detection of bla CTX-M genes among the extended spectrum beta lactamase [ESBL] producing gram-negative isolates

Broad spectrum beta-Lactamase producing organisms are a growing world wide problem. Resistance has emerged ever to newer, more potent antimicrobial agents. Although there are several guidelines available for the phenotypic detection of ESBL producing bacteria. This remains a continuous issue. In this study, we used a multiplex PCR as a rapid method to identify bla CTX-M genes and discriminate between its groups that are responsible for ESBL production in members of Enterobacteriacae. Our study includes: 250 clinical isolates [23 sputum, 64 urine, 46 from blood, 28 from pus aspirates, 58 from entotracheal secretions, and 31 swabs from cellulitis, impetigo contagiosum [non bullous] and sycosis]. All isolates were biochemically identified, based on colony morphology, and was speciated by standard biochemical tests. ESBL enzyme production was confirmed by double disc synergy test according to CLSI guidelines. Multiplex PCR was performed for bla CTX-M of ESBL +ve isolates for detection and discrimination between groups. Our findings were as follows: out of 250 isolates; only 98 were proved to be resistant to different antibiotics by the disc diffusion method according to NCCLS: 3 of 53 [5.66%] Enterobacter. All from group [25/26]. 65 of 74 [87.8%] E.coli strains: -37 of which from groups [1] [CTX-M 15], 9 from group [1] [CTX-M-3], 8 from group [9] [CTX-M-14], 9 from group [9] [CTX M-9], 2 from group [25/26] [CTX-M 26]. 1 of 50 [2%] non fermenting gram -ve bacilli which is from group [25/26]. 29 of 73 Klebsiella strains [39.7%]: 19 from group [9] [CTX-M14] and 10 from group [9] [CTX-M 9]

Molecular characterization of ciprofloxacin resistant e. coli in community acquired urinary tract infection

Widespread use of ciprofloxacin in treatment of urinary tract infection [UTI] led to increased level of resistance in clinical isolates of E. coli. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular characterization of ciprofloxacin resistant E.coli isolates from community acquired urinary tract infections.. E-coli strains were isolated from urine samples [E. coli represented 70% of isolates [21/30] and minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] of Ciprofloxacin [CFX] of E. coli was measured [Resistant strains of E. coli had MICs of ciprofloxacin ranging from 4 to >32 mg per liter]. CFX resistant E. coli strains were subjected to PCR to amplify gyrA and parC genes of Quinolones resistance determining region of E. coli. DNA sequencing of amplified product was carried out and the molecular characterization of E. coli resistant to CFX were analysed [All resistant E. coli isolates contained Ser83+/-Leu and Asn87+/-Asp mutations in gyrA and a Ser83-+/-Ile mutation in parC; two isolates also contained a Glu84+/-Val mutation in parC.