Clinical Outcomes of Tuberculosis in Renal Transplant Recipients

Tuberculosis (TB) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in renal transplant recipients. Rifampin has a potent sterilizing activity, but it reduces the serum concentrations of the immunosuppressive agents. Moreover, the possible contribution made by mycobacterial infection to the incidence of graft rejection or renal dysfunction remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the recurrence of TB and graft survival duration according to rifampin usage, and we evaluated the factors that could influence the duration time until the recurrence of TB. Seventy-eight TB patients diagnosed after kidney transplantation were studied. Pulmonary TB was diagnosed in 26 of the 78 patients (33.3%), pleural TB in 23 (29.5%), combined pulmonary and pleural TB in 5 (6.4%), miliary TB in 19 (24.4%), and intestinal TB in 2 patients. In the pulmonary (pulmonary TB and pleural TB) TB group, no differences in graft survival and the TB free duration period were observed between the rifampin usage subgroup and the non- rifampin usage subgroup. In the extrapulmonary TB group, no difference was found in mean graft survival time between the rifampin usage subgroup and the non-rifampin usage subgroup, but the rifampin usage subgroup showed that the TB had a tendency to recur later than for the non-rifampin usage subgroup (87 +/-8 vs. 44 +/-7 months, respectively, p=0.30). The factor affecting the duration period until the recurrence of TB was the treatment duration (RR=0.761, p=0.030). This study suggests that rifampin does not affect graft survival in renal transplant recipients in whom immunosuppression is carefully monitored. Also, the study results indicate that rifampin may prevent a recurrence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Prolonged treatment appears to be appropriate for renal transplant recipients with TB.

A Case of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in a Patient with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome / 감염과화학요법

In Korea, as the prevalence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) increases, various opportunistic infections are becoming a problem. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is postulated to be associated with impaired cellular immunity and can be more frequently encountered these days primarily due to increasing incidence of AIDS. Neurologic deficits and brain imaging study together strongly suggest PML, but confirmatory diagnosis can be made only by cerebrospinal fluid study or tissue biopsy. In Korea few cases of confirmed PML in AIDS patients have been reported, and herein we offer our experience of a case of PML who underwent brain biopsy for confirmative diagnosis.

A Case of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in a Patient with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome / 감염과화학요법

In Korea, as the prevalence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) increases, various opportunistic infections are becoming a problem. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is postulated to be associated with impaired cellular immunity and can be more frequently encountered these days primarily due to increasing incidence of AIDS. Neurologic deficits and brain imaging study together strongly suggest PML, but confirmatory diagnosis can be made only by cerebrospinal fluid study or tissue biopsy. In Korea few cases of confirmed PML in AIDS patients have been reported, and herein we offer our experience of a case of PML who underwent brain biopsy for confirmative diagnosis.

Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis

Since the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPT) is largely depended on the physician's suspicion in respect of the disease, we believed that it would be worthwhile to scrutinize the clinical characteristics of EPT. Thus, here we present retrospectively evaluated clinical manifestations of patients who were diagnosed as EPT cases in a tertiary referral care hospital. Medical records of 312 patients, diagnosed as having EPT at Yongdong Severance hospital from January 1997 to December 1999, were reviewed retrospectively. In total 312 patients, 149 (47.8%) males and 163 (52.2%) females aged from 13 years to 87 years, were included into this study. The most common site of the involvement was pleura (35.6%). The patients complained of localized symptoms (72.4%) more frequently than systemic symptoms (52.2%). The most common symptom was pain at the infected site (48.1%). Leukocytosis, anemia, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were found in 12.8%, 50.3%, 79.3% and 63.1% of the patients, respectively. Twenty-four percent of the patients had underlying medical illnesses such as, diabetes mellitus or liver cirrhosis, or were over 60 years old. In 67.3% of patients, tuberculosis was suspected at the initial visit. However, tuberculosis was microbiologically proven in only 23.7% of the patients. The time interval from the symptom onset to the diagnosis varied, with the mean duration of the period 96 days. Pulmonary parenchymal abnormal lesions were found in 133 patients (42.6%) on chest radiographs. EPT has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, so it is difficult to diagnose it. Based on our studies, only 11.2% of the patients were confirmed as EPT. So it is important that the physician who first examines the patient should have a high degree of suspicion based on the chest radiography, localized or systemic symptoms and several laboratory parameters reviewed in this study.

A Case of Lactic Acidosis Caused by Stavudine in an AIDS Patient

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which are used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been associated with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including hepatic steatosis, lipodystrophy, myopathy, and lactic acidosis. Such adverse effects are postulated to result from the inhibition of mitochondrial DNA gamma polymerase, which causes the depletion of mitochondrial DNA and eventual the disruption of oxidative phosphorylation. Although cases of severe decompensated lactic acidosis are rare, this syndrome is associated with a high mortality rate. We report upon the first Korean case, of severe lactic acidosis in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient receiving stavudine, an anti-HIV drug.

An Infection Control for Outbreak of Shigellosis in a University Hospital / 병원감염관리

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of an outbreak of food-borne infectious disease requires a hospital to do extended role. There has been no report of an outbreak and an outbreak management of food-borne infectious diseases in a hospital. Therefore, this report of an outbreak and management of Shigellosis in the hospital would help others to manage further cases. METHODS: This was a descriptive study for an infection control program for food-borne infectious diseases in a hospital. RESULTS: There was a shigellosis outbreak at a university hospital in Seoul between December 3 and 30, 2001, Five hundred eighty four were affected, of which 81 cases were suspected and 86 cases were confirmed Shigella sonnei in fetal culture. The source of infection was identified as a lunch box or seaweed rolled rice that was contaminated and was supplied from the S-catering facility. The infection control team had developed the various strategies to control the outbreak and implemented them. The strategies included an epidemiology investigation, the removal of infection sources, medical treatment and isolation of patients, education and management of public relationship, environmental control, withdrawal of medical students' training, prevention and control of asymptomatic cases, intensive care unit strong financial support, analysis and management various data and the construction of cooperation and reporting system with the public health system CONCLUSION: This outbreak was controlled by effective team approach. The effective management of an outbreak of food-borne infectious diseases requires a systematic infection control, public relationship strategies for the reputation of the hospital, and the cooperation with a public health system.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics of Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia Between HIV Infected and Non-infected Persons / 결핵

BACKGROUND: Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is one of the most common cause of infection in patients with HIV infection. Recently, the incidence of PCP have been increasing in immunocompromised hosts without HIV infection. We compared the clinical characteristics of PCP between HIV infected and non-infected persons. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 25 patients diagnosed as PCP from 1996 to 2002. Age, sex, underlying conditions, use of immunosuppressants, clinical courses, laboratory findings, treatment and prognosis were compared between HIV infected and non-infected persons. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with PCP were identified. 16 were HIV infected, and 9 were HIV non-infected. The mean age of overall patients was 43.4+/-13.2 years. Underlying conditions in HIV non-infected persons were hematologic malignancy (7 cases), solid organ transplant (1 case), and autoimmune disease (1 case). Seven cases (77.8%) of HIV non-infected persons had a history of steroid use. Mean duration of symptoms was longer in HIV infected persons than in HIV non-infected persons, but it was not statistically significant. PaO2 was lower in HIV infected persons (61.2+/-16.9 mmHg vs.65.4+/-15.4), but it was not statistically significant. Chest X ray showed typical ground glass opacity in 12 cases (75%) of HIV infected persons and in 4 cases (44.4%) of HIV non-infected persons. Twelve cases (75%) of HIV infected persons were treated with steroid, as were 6 cases (66.7%) of HIV non-infected persons. Ventilator care was needed in 6 cases (37.5%) of HIV infected persons and in 2 cases (22.2%) of HIV non-infected persons. Mortality of HIV infected persons was 50%, and that of HIV non-infected persons was 11.1%. CONCLUSIONS: PCP showed some different clinical characteristics between HIV infected and non-infected persons. Prospective studies regarding the risk factors of PCP, prophylaxis, treatment and prognosis in HIV infected and non-infected persons are warranted.

A Case of HIV Infection by Intravenous Drug Abuse / 감염과화학요법

Intravenous (IV) drug abuse is one of important transmission modes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. IV drug abuse in HIV epidemics is frequent in western countries. In Korea, however, no case has been definitely identified although possibility of such infection route does exist considering rising number of IV drug use (IDU). Recently, we have experienced a case of HIV infection by IDU. We herein offer the case with review of literature.

A Case of Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia in a Patient with Behcet Syndrome / 감염과화학요법

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is one of the most common causes of infection in patients with HIV infection. With the development of effective prophylactic agent, the incidence of PCP in patients with HIV infection has been declining. On the other hand, however, the incidence of PCP has been increasing in immunocompromised hosts without HIV infection, such as rheumatoid arthritis, bone marrow transplantaion and Behcet syndrome. The increased occurrence of PCP in non-HIV- infected subjects has been attributed to several factors, such as use of stronger immunosuppressive regimens, higher awareness of PCP, advanced diagnostic technology and nosocomial spread of P. carinii. The occurrence of PCP in patients who receive immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune disease has not been well known in Korea. We report a patient with Behcet syndrome who suffered from PCP after immunosuppressive drugs.

Clinical Usefulness of Serum (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan Measurement in the Diagnosis of Fungemia / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Early recognition of fungemia is essential for successful treatment. However, methods to culture fungus specimen taken from fungemia patients are difficult and time consuming. To assess the clincal usefulness of beta-D-glucan in the detection of fungemia, we compared serum (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan concentrations in fungemia, bacteremia, and healthy persons. METHODS: From August 2001 to October 2002, serum (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan concentrations were measured by turbidometric assay in 16 fungemia patients, 13 bacteremia patients and 18 healthy persons. Differences in (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan concentrations between fungemia patients and other groups were compared by t-test. RESULTS: Fungemia patients were composed of 10 male and 6 female patients, and mean age was 52.9+/-16.2 years. The cut-off value for a positive result was 11 pg/mL. thirteen out of 16 fungemia patients had concentrations above the cul-off value (range:11.5-863 pg/mL, sensitivity:81.3%, specificity:100%), and mean concentration in fungemia was 217.8+/-273.8 pg/mL. Mean concentration in bacteremia was 0.1+/-0.3 pg/mL, and all the patients with bacteremia had the concentrations below the cut-off value. Mean concentration in the healthy persons was 0 pg/mL and all healthy persons had concentration below the cut-off value. The concentration in fungemia was statistically significantly higher than those of the other two groups(p-value: respectively 0.006, 0.006) CONCLUSION: We concluded that serum (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan is useful for the diagnosis of fungemia. Further study on the usefullness of serum (1->3)-beta-D-glucan for early detection of fungemia and therapeutic monitoring is warranted.

Use of RNA/RNA Duplex, Base Pair-mismatch Assay and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) Assay for Rapid Detection of Rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is an increasing concern for public health in many parts of the world. We have evaluated the specificity and sensitivity of the mismatch assay and 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in detecting rifampin- resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS: Eleven rifampin-susceptible and 15 rifampin-resistant M. tuberculosis strains were isolated from clinical specimens obtained from patients in Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital. RNA/RNA duplex, base pair-mismatch assay (Mismatch Detect II kit, Ambion) and MTT assay were performed. RESULTS: The specificity and sensitivity of detection of rifampin resistance were 91% and 87% in mismatch assay and 73% and 67% in MTT assay, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the usefulness of mismatch assay in detecting rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

A Case of Endophthalmitis due to Group G beta-hemolytic Streptococcus Sepsis / 감염과화학요법

Identified first by Lancefield and Hare in 1935, the group G streptococcus occurs as commensals in the skin, pharynx, intestine, and vagina. It has been reported to cause a variety of human infections, such as sepsis, endocarditis, peritonitis, pharyngitis, and infective arthritis. Group G streptococcus sepsis could occur in chronic states such as malignancy, diabetes, alcoholics, neurologic disease, cardiovarscular disease, and end stage renal disease, however, there has been only a few case reports of endogenous endopthalmitis caused by group G streptococcus. We report herein endogenous endopthalmitis caused by group G streptococcus sepsis in 64-year-old man of alcoholic.

Adverse Effects of Antiretroviral Drugs on HIV-infected Koreans / 감염과화학요법

PURPOSE: Antiretroviral toxicity is an increasingly important issue in the management of HIV-infected individuals. However, adverse effects and long term safety in Koreans are hardly known. We evaluated the incidence of adverse effects of various antiretroviral drugs in Koreans, and difference among races was also studied. METHODS: One hundred and twenty six Koreans with HIV infection and AIDS treated with antiretroviral drugs at Yonsei University College of Medicine from 1992 to 2002 were investigated. We analyzed the prevalence of adverse effects of various drugs. RESULTS: The mean age of subjects at initial treatment was 34.4 8.3 years. One hundred and twelve subjects were male, and 14 subjects were female. Adverse effects were found in 40 subjects (33.3%) out of 120 subjects who received zidovudine. The prevalence of adverse effects of didanosine and indinavir were 48.3% (14 out of 29 subjects) and 57.9% (66 of 114 subjects), respectively. Frequent toxicities of the subjects who received zidovudine were bone marrow suppression (13.3%), followed by gastrointestinal intolerance (11.7%), headache (4.2%), and hepatic dysfunction (2.5%). Frequent toxicities of the subjects who received didanosine were gastrointestinal intolerance (24.1%), followed by diarrhea (13.8%), rash (3.4%), peripheral neuropathy (3.4%), and pancreatitis (3.4%). Adverse effects of indinavir were as follows: hyperbilirubinemia (37.7%), flank pain (21.1%), gastrointestinal intolerance (6.1%), and lipodystrophy (5.3%). The main adverse effect of efavirenz was impaired concentration (27.3%). The overall incidence of adverse effects from antiretroviral drugs was 64.3% (81 out of 126 subjects) in HIV-infected Koreans. Change of antiretroviral regimens was inevitable in 36 subjects (28.6%). In most cases, the subjects recovered from adverse effects by conservative management. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of toxicity profiles in various races in the management of long term treatment with antiretroviral drugs, since the toxicity hazards of these drugs may easily outshadow the success of antiretroviral therapy.

A Case of HIV Infection by Intravenous Drug Abuse / 감염과화학요법

Intravenous (IV) drug abuse is one of important transmission modes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. IV drug abuse in HIV epidemics is frequent in western countries. In Korea, however, no case has been definitely identified although possibility of such infection route does exist considering rising number of IV drug use (IDU). Recently, we have experienced a case of HIV infection by IDU. We herein offer the case with review of literature.

A Case of Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia in a Patient with Behcet Syndrome / 감염과화학요법

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is one of the most common causes of infection in patients with HIV infection. With the development of effective prophylactic agent, the incidence of PCP in patients with HIV infection has been declining. On the other hand, however, the incidence of PCP has been increasing in immunocompromised hosts without HIV infection, such as rheumatoid arthritis, bone marrow transplantaion and Behcet syndrome. The increased occurrence of PCP in non-HIV- infected subjects has been attributed to several factors, such as use of stronger immunosuppressive regimens, higher awareness of PCP, advanced diagnostic technology and nosocomial spread of P. carinii. The occurrence of PCP in patients who receive immunosuppressive drugs for autoimmune disease has not been well known in Korea. We report a patient with Behcet syndrome who suffered from PCP after immunosuppressive drugs.

Clinical Usefulness of Serum (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan Measurement in the Diagnosis of Fungemia / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Early recognition of fungemia is essential for successful treatment. However, methods to culture fungus specimen taken from fungemia patients are difficult and time consuming. To assess the clincal usefulness of beta-D-glucan in the detection of fungemia, we compared serum (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan concentrations in fungemia, bacteremia, and healthy persons. METHODS: From August 2001 to October 2002, serum (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan concentrations were measured by turbidometric assay in 16 fungemia patients, 13 bacteremia patients and 18 healthy persons. Differences in (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan concentrations between fungemia patients and other groups were compared by t-test. RESULTS: Fungemia patients were composed of 10 male and 6 female patients, and mean age was 52.9+/-16.2 years. The cut-off value for a positive result was 11 pg/mL. thirteen out of 16 fungemia patients had concentrations above the cul-off value (range:11.5-863 pg/mL, sensitivity:81.3%, specificity:100%), and mean concentration in fungemia was 217.8+/-273.8 pg/mL. Mean concentration in bacteremia was 0.1+/-0.3 pg/mL, and all the patients with bacteremia had the concentrations below the cut-off value. Mean concentration in the healthy persons was 0 pg/mL and all healthy persons had concentration below the cut-off value. The concentration in fungemia was statistically significantly higher than those of the other two groups(p-value: respectively 0.006, 0.006) CONCLUSION: We concluded that serum (1-->3)-beta-D-glucan is useful for the diagnosis of fungemia. Further study on the usefullness of serum (1->3)-beta-D-glucan for early detection of fungemia and therapeutic monitoring is warranted.

Use of RNA/RNA Duplex, Base Pair-mismatch Assay and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) Assay for Rapid Detection of Rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is an increasing concern for public health in many parts of the world. We have evaluated the specificity and sensitivity of the mismatch assay and 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in detecting rifampin- resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS: Eleven rifampin-susceptible and 15 rifampin-resistant M. tuberculosis strains were isolated from clinical specimens obtained from patients in Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital. RNA/RNA duplex, base pair-mismatch assay (Mismatch Detect II kit, Ambion) and MTT assay were performed. RESULTS: The specificity and sensitivity of detection of rifampin resistance were 91% and 87% in mismatch assay and 73% and 67% in MTT assay, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the usefulness of mismatch assay in detecting rifampin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

A Case of Endophthalmitis due to Group G beta-hemolytic Streptococcus Sepsis / 감염과화학요법

Identified first by Lancefield and Hare in 1935, the group G streptococcus occurs as commensals in the skin, pharynx, intestine, and vagina. It has been reported to cause a variety of human infections, such as sepsis, endocarditis, peritonitis, pharyngitis, and infective arthritis. Group G streptococcus sepsis could occur in chronic states such as malignancy, diabetes, alcoholics, neurologic disease, cardiovarscular disease, and end stage renal disease, however, there has been only a few case reports of endogenous endopthalmitis caused by group G streptococcus. We report herein endogenous endopthalmitis caused by group G streptococcus sepsis in 64-year-old man of alcoholic.

Adverse Effects of Antiretroviral Drugs on HIV-infected Koreans / 감염과화학요법

PURPOSE: Antiretroviral toxicity is an increasingly important issue in the management of HIV-infected individuals. However, adverse effects and long term safety in Koreans are hardly known. We evaluated the incidence of adverse effects of various antiretroviral drugs in Koreans, and difference among races was also studied. METHODS: One hundred and twenty six Koreans with HIV infection and AIDS treated with antiretroviral drugs at Yonsei University College of Medicine from 1992 to 2002 were investigated. We analyzed the prevalence of adverse effects of various drugs. RESULTS: The mean age of subjects at initial treatment was 34.4 8.3 years. One hundred and twelve subjects were male, and 14 subjects were female. Adverse effects were found in 40 subjects (33.3%) out of 120 subjects who received zidovudine. The prevalence of adverse effects of didanosine and indinavir were 48.3% (14 out of 29 subjects) and 57.9% (66 of 114 subjects), respectively. Frequent toxicities of the subjects who received zidovudine were bone marrow suppression (13.3%), followed by gastrointestinal intolerance (11.7%), headache (4.2%), and hepatic dysfunction (2.5%). Frequent toxicities of the subjects who received didanosine were gastrointestinal intolerance (24.1%), followed by diarrhea (13.8%), rash (3.4%), peripheral neuropathy (3.4%), and pancreatitis (3.4%). Adverse effects of indinavir were as follows: hyperbilirubinemia (37.7%), flank pain (21.1%), gastrointestinal intolerance (6.1%), and lipodystrophy (5.3%). The main adverse effect of efavirenz was impaired concentration (27.3%). The overall incidence of adverse effects from antiretroviral drugs was 64.3% (81 out of 126 subjects) in HIV-infected Koreans. Change of antiretroviral regimens was inevitable in 36 subjects (28.6%). In most cases, the subjects recovered from adverse effects by conservative management. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of toxicity profiles in various races in the management of long term treatment with antiretroviral drugs, since the toxicity hazards of these drugs may easily outshadow the success of antiretroviral therapy.

Clinical Features and Prognostic Factors of Brain Abscess / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Brain abscess is a important infectious disease of the central nervous system, although the mortality has been reduced due to new antibiotics therapy and improved imaging techniques. MATERIALS amp; METHODS: Over a period of 17 years, from March 1986 to Feburary 2003, 110 patients were identified as having brain abscess at the Severance Hospital. Based on medical records, we reviewed these cases and investigated retrospectively the epidemiology, clinical findings, therapeutic modalities and prognostic factors of brain abscess. RESULTS: There were 78 males and 32 females, and the mean age was 34.4 years. The most common location of brain abscess was the parietal lobe (24.5%), followed by temporal (20.9%) and frontal lobes (20.0%). Gram positive cocci were most frequently isolated as the causative microorganism. Tuberculous brain abscess were diagnosed in 6 (8.8%) cases. The common predisposing conditions were neurosurgery (21.8%), otitis media (10%) and congenital heart disease (8.2%). Headache (63.6%), fever (55.5%) and focal neurologic deficits (51.8%) were the common symptoms. Aspiration or open drainage was performed in 77 cases (70.0%), and excision was performed in 17 cases(15.5%). Thirty five (31.9%) patients had neurologic sequelae after treatment, and the mortality rate was 11.8%. Factors influencing mortality of brain abscess were mental status and multiple abscesses. CONCLUSION: Brain abscess is still a critical infectious disease of the central nervous system with high mortality and morbidity in Korea. Active surgical procedures including aspiration, open drainage or excision, as well as antibiotic therapy, are needed for the proper management.