The crucial role of molecular testing to facilitate the diagnosis of pneumocystis pneumonia during pregnancy

Pneumocystis pneumonia is an important human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated opportunistic infection, and especially so in pregnant HIV-positive patients. We report a case of a 40-year-old woman in her first trimester of pregnancy who initially presented with acute gastroenteritis symptoms but due to a history of high-risk behaviour and the observation of oral thrush, she was worked up for HIV infection. Her retroviral status was positive and her CD4+ T cell count was only 8 cells/mL. She was also worked up for pneumocystis pneumonia due to the presence of mild resting tachypnoea and a notable drop in oxygen saturation (from 100% to 88%) following brief ambulation. Her chest radiograph revealed bilaterally symmetrical lower zone reticular opacities and Giemsa staining of her bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was negative for Pneumocystis jirovecii cysts. However, real-time P. jirovecii polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on the same BAL specimen revealed the presence of the organism. A course of oral co-trimoxazole plus prednisolone was commenced and her clinical condition improved.

Necrólisis tóxica epidérmica inducida por cotrimoxazol / Epidermic toxic necrolysis induced by co-trimoxazole

Se describe el caso clínico de una paciente de 60 años de edad con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, por lo cual llevaba tratamiento con nifedipino, quien asistió al Cuerpo de Guardia del Hospital General Docente "Orlando Pantoja Tamayo" en el municipio de Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba, por presentar deposiciones diarreicas, vómitos, hipertermia (38 0C) y lesiones generalizadas en la piel en forma de pústulas eritemato-costrosas con flictenas y dolor. La paciente refirió que solía automedicarse con cotrimoxazol por la reiteración de infecciones urinarias y que desde hacía 3 días estaba consumiendo dicho medicamento. El estudio histopatológico mostró una necrólisis tóxica epidérmica (síndrome de Lyell). A pesar de los cuidados médicos, evolucionó desfavorablemente y se complicó con una insuficiencia renal aguda, lo que le condujo a la muerte

The case report of a 60 years patient with a history of hypertension, reason why she had treatment with nifedipine, who went to the Emergency Room of "Orlando Pantoja Tamayo" Teaching General Hospital in Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba, due to diarrheical stools, vomits, hyperthermia (38 0C) and generalized skin injuries in the type of erythemato-scabby pustules with flictenas and pain is described. The patient referred that she was accustomed to self-medication with co-trimoxazole due to repeated urinary infections and that she was consuming this medication for 3 days. The pathological study showed an epidermic toxic necrolysis (Lyell syndrome). In spite of the medical cares, she had an unfavorable clinical course and she complicated with an acute renal failure, leading to death

Efflux Pump Inhibitor Carbonyl Cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) Enhances Bacteriostatic Activity of Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole Against Clinical Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Isolates from Korea

Although trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SXT) is considered the first-line therapy for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections, there is debate on the use of the bacteriostatic drug in serious infections, and recently, there has been an increasing occurrence of acquired resistance to TMP-SXT. In the present study, the effect of efflux pump inhibitors on the susceptibility of TMP-SXT and other antibiotics were investigated in S. maltophilia complex. The sul and/or dfrA genes were identified in only up to 27.8% of all 36 TMP-SXT-resistant S. maltophilia complex isolates. Thus, TMP-SXT resistance in S. maltophilia was not explained completely by the presence of sul and dfrA genes. Carbonyl cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) decreased the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of TMP-SXT by eight to 128 folds in all 14 isolates. In contrast, 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), phenyl-arginine-β-naphthylamide (PAβN), and reserpine did not reduce the MIC of TMP-SXT. In addition to TMP-SXT, slight decrease in MICs was observed for tigecycline and piperacillin/tazobactam by CCCP (by two folds) in one isolate. Although efflux pump may play a role in TMP-SXT resistance in S. maltophilia, inhibition of the efflux pump could be done by active proton pore.

Effect of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis used for AIDS patients under anti-retroviral therapy / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To analyze the situation of survival among AIDS patients under co-trimoxazole prophylaxis as initial anti-retroviral therapy(ART),in Henan province during 2007-2011. Methods Information on AIDS patients receiving initial ART during 2007-2011 was collected from the Chinese HIV/AIDS Integrated Control System. Kaplan-Meier estimation was used to generate survival curves,and Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to determine associated factors of survival status. According to the previous CTX use before ART,the subjects were divided into 3 groups including who had never taken CTX,who had taken CTX and still taking now,who had taken CTX and not current taking. Results A total of 13 103 eligible AIDS patients were identified. 1 702 patients died within 6 years after the initiation of ART,with the mortality as 4.46/100 person year. Among the 455 patients who died within 3 months and 970 died within 12 months,the mortality rates were 14.15/100 person year and 7.78/100 person year,respectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the survival time and mortality of the patients who had taken CTX was longer AND lower than those patients who had never taken CTX when starting the ART program. Results from the log-rank test showed that the difference of two groups was statistically significant during 12 months after the ART(log-rank=5.15,P=0.02). After controlling for other variables,results from multivariable analysis of COX model showed that factors as age,gender,marital status,perion between confirmed diagnosis and receiving the ART,baseline CD4+T cells count,clinical stage,initial therapy schedule,date when starting the ART,number of symptoms at baseline,use of CTX before starting the ART and ART being skipped in the last seven days etc,were associated with the time of survival in patients after the initiation of ART. Patients who had been taking CTX at ART initiation were at lower risk of death (adjusted HR=0.71,95%CI:0.63-0.80;P=0.00),compared to those who had never taken the CTX. Conclusion The co-trimoxazole prophylaxis program was associated with the reduced mortality among AIDS patients who were on ART in Henan province,especially during the first year.

Effect of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis used for AIDS patients under anti-retroviral therapy / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To analyze the situation of survival among AIDS patients under co-trimoxazole prophylaxis as initial anti-retroviral therapy(ART),in Henan province during 2007-2011. Methods Information on AIDS patients receiving initial ART during 2007-2011 was collected from the Chinese HIV/AIDS Integrated Control System. Kaplan-Meier estimation was used to generate survival curves,and Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to determine associated factors of survival status. According to the previous CTX use before ART,the subjects were divided into 3 groups including who had never taken CTX,who had taken CTX and still taking now,who had taken CTX and not current taking. Results A total of 13 103 eligible AIDS patients were identified. 1 702 patients died within 6 years after the initiation of ART,with the mortality as 4.46/100 person year. Among the 455 patients who died within 3 months and 970 died within 12 months,the mortality rates were 14.15/100 person year and 7.78/100 person year,respectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that the survival time and mortality of the patients who had taken CTX was longer AND lower than those patients who had never taken CTX when starting the ART program. Results from the log-rank test showed that the difference of two groups was statistically significant during 12 months after the ART(log-rank=5.15,P=0.02). After controlling for other variables,results from multivariable analysis of COX model showed that factors as age,gender,marital status,perion between confirmed diagnosis and receiving the ART,baseline CD4+T cells count,clinical stage,initial therapy schedule,date when starting the ART,number of symptoms at baseline,use of CTX before starting the ART and ART being skipped in the last seven days etc,were associated with the time of survival in patients after the initiation of ART. Patients who had been taking CTX at ART initiation were at lower risk of death (adjusted HR=0.71,95%CI:0.63-0.80;P=0.00),compared to those who had never taken the CTX. Conclusion The co-trimoxazole prophylaxis program was associated with the reduced mortality among AIDS patients who were on ART in Henan province,especially during the first year.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella enterica serovars in a tertiary care hospital in southern India.

Background & objectives: Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi are predominantly known to cause enteric fever. Multidrug resistance in S. Tphi and S. Paratyphi has emerged as a cause of concern. This study was done to evaluate status in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) and S. Paratyphi obtained from blood culture in a tertiary care hospital in south India. Methods: Blood isolates of Salmonella species over a two year period between May 2009 and June 2011 were studied. A total of 322 isolates of Salmonella species were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The MIC of ciprofloxacin was obtained by E-test, and azithromycin MIC was confirmed by agar dilution method for a limited number of isolates. Results: Of the total of 322 isolates studied, 186 (57.8%) were S. Typhi, 134 (41.6%) were S. Paratyphi A, and two were S. Paratyphi B. Of these, 44(13.66%) were resistant to ciprofloxacin (MIC <0.50 μg/ml) and 296 (91.9%) were nalidixic acid resistant. Of these 296 nalidixic acid resistant isolates, 278 (94%) were susceptible to ciprofloxacin by MIC criteria (<0.5 μg/ml). Of the 262 isolates tested for azithromycin sensitivity, only 120 (46%) were susceptible, whereas 81 (31%) were resistant and 55 (21%) showed intermediate susceptibility. Of the isolates, 322 (90%) were susceptible to ampicillin and (95%) were susceptible to co-trimoxazole. However, all the isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol and ceftriaxone. Interpretation & conclusions: Nalidixic acid resistance screening is not a reliable surrogate indicator of ciprofloxacin resistance. Ciprofloxacin MIC should to be routinely done. Azithromycin resistance appears to be emerging. However, isolates showed a high degree of susceptibility to ampicillin, co-trimoxazole and chloramphenicol. Thus, antibiotics like ampicillin and co-trimoxazole may once again be useful for the management of enteric fever in southern India.

Co-trimoxazole induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome in pediatric age group.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious dermatological disorder commonly caused as idiosyncratic reaction to drugs, the most common ones being antibiotics, anticonvulsants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Here, we report a case of co-trimoxazole induced SJS in a 2 years old male child.

Cutaneous adverse reactions to sulfonamide antibiotics.

Background: Sulfonamides are divided into two main groups which are sulfonamide antibiotics and sulfonamide non-antibiotics. The wide use of sulfonamide antibiotics leads to increasing incidence of sulfonamide cutaneous reactions. Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the cutaneous manifestations induced by sulfonamide antibiotics in a large number of Thai patients, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and non-HIV infected individuals. The second purpose is to determine the risk factors for development of sulfonamide cutaneous reactions. Methods: We retrospectively studied 191 patients with sulfonamide antibiotics cutaneous reactions attending the adverse drug reaction center, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok between 2006 and 2010. Results: Majority of the patients was female (59.7%).Maculopapular rash was the most common cutaneous manifestation (37.7%), followed by fixed drug eruption (22%), angioedema with or without urticaria (12.6%) and urticaria alone (12%). Among those with known HIV serology, maculopapular eruption occurred more frequently in the HIV positive group while fixed drug eruption occurred more frequently in HIV-negative group. Conclusion: From our study, there were no significant determination factors to develop serious drug reactions. However, the HIV-positive status and lower level of CD4 count had a tendency to increase risk of developing serious cutaneous reactions.

Severe adverse cutaneous drug reactions: The 5 year Kuala Lumpur Hospital experience

Introduction: Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS), Stevens Johnson Syndrome - toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndrome (SJS-TEN overlap), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) are well known severe adverse cutaneous drug reactions (SACDRs). All clinicians are responsible for the diagnosis and management of SACDR. Objective: To retrospectively review the clinical patterns, management strategies and outcome of 134 patients with severe adverse cutaneous drug reactions managed at the Department of Dermatology, Kuala Lumpur Hospital between 2006 and 2010. Results: The mean age of presentation was 44.8 years (13-83). The male: female ratio was 1:1. There were 68 cases (50.7%) of SJS, 10 cases (7.5%) SJS-TEN overlap, 32 cases (23.9%) TEN and 24 cases (17.9%) DHS. The five commonest drugs associated with SACDRs were allopurinol (26.9%), carbamazepine (13.4%), phenytoin (9.7%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (11.2%) and co-trimoxazole (7.5%). The mean duration of drug exposure before the onset of reaction was 2.8 weeks. A hundred and thirty patients (97%) were managed as in-patient. The mean duration of in-patient stay was 12.4 days. All identified culprit drugs were withheld. Systemic corticosteroids was given to 96% cases of DHS with mean duration of 9.7 weeks; 52.9% of SJS with mean duration of 2.8 weeks; 60% of SJS-TEN overlap with mean duration of 2.3 weeks; and 62.5% of TEN with mean duration of 3.3 weeks. Thirteen patients (42%) with TEN were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin. Eight patients (6%) died, of which 7 were TEN and one DHS. Conclusion: SACDRs are life-threatening emergencies which not only results in significant morbidity and mortality; but also potentially increases the health care cost and burden. Clinicians should recognize high risk medications and prescribe them with great caution.

Enteric fever: an appraisal of clinical laboratory and therapeutic aspects

Ninety-six episodes of enteric fever due to Salmonella paratyphi A and Salmonella typhi were studied. Eighty-two per cent of cases were due to S. paratyphi A, 14 to S. typhi and 4 were mixed infections. There was no observer in-vitro resistance to chloramphenicol and co-trimoxazole among the isolates. Clinical jaundice was observed in 19 per cent of cases and correlated with the frequent occurrence of abnormal elevation of serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and SGOT/SGPT. Blood cultures were most helpful in establishing the diagnosis while the Widals test was of limited usefulness and showed a low sensitivity as diagnostic tool. Defervescence was noted on 4.4 days with chloramphenicol, 4.4 days with co-trimoxazole, and 6.2 days with thiamphenicol. There were three treatment failures with chloramphenicol, one with co-trimoxazole, and two with thiamphenicol. There was no relapse observed with co-trimoxazole therapy compared to 4 relapses with chloramphenicol and 1 on thiamphenicol and another on ampicillin therapy. Complications were encountered in 23 patients including gastrointestinal hemorrhage in 19 cases, (4 of whom required transfusion), intestinal perforation, toxemia, and acute renal failure occurring in one patient each. Hemolytic crisis in one patient and agranulocytosis in another, presumed to be side effects of therapy, were observed. Four patients died; two because of massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage, one due to progressive toxemia and another due to acute renal failure. (Summary)

APPLICATION OF LINEAR REGRESSION METHOD OF MULTIWAVELENGTH DATA AND ORTHOGONAL FUNCTIONS SPECTROPHOTOMETRY——DETERMINATION OF SULFAMETHOXAZOLE AND TRIEMETHOPRIM IN CO-TRIMOXAZOLE TABLETS / 重庆医科大学学报

The linear regression method of multiwavelength data and orthogonal functions spectropho-tomtry have been used for the determination of sulfamethoxazole and triemethoprim in co-trimo-xazole tablets without any preliminary separation.The methods are simple and rapid.Good results have been obtained. The average recovery of sulfamethoxazole was 99.72-100.5%, with coefficient of variation below 0.48%, and the average recovery of triemethoprim was 99.26-99.46%, with coefficient of variation below 0.83%. The accuracy and precision meet the requirements of analysis of the pharmaceutical preparations