Influence of biomaterials on scintigraphic diagnosis of periprosthetic infections. Ceftizoxime-99m technetium model

Abstract Purpose: To compare the influence of two metallic implants in the diagnosis of periprosthetic infection using 99m technetium-labeled ceftizoxime. Methods: Twenty rats were randomly divided into four groups, which received sterile and contaminated titanium and stainless steel implants. After 3 weeks, scintilographic images were obtained using a gamma chamber. Radioactivity counts were obtained for the region of interest (ROI) on the operated and non-operated paws. Results: Groups A, B, and C showed homogenous distribution of the radiopharmaceutical. Hyper uptake was observed in the operated paw from group D. The ROI target count was higher in the two groups with stainless steel implants. Among the control groups, the count was higher in the stainless steel group. Furthermore, among the contaminated groups, the uptake was higher in the stainless steel group, with a significant difference. The target: non-target ratio was significantly lower in the control and contaminated groups with both titanium and stainless steel, but the comparison between control groups and contaminated groups was only significant in the former. The cpm/g observed after a decay of 48h showed statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusion: Different biomaterials used in implants have an influence on the results of scintigraphy with 99mTc-CFT.

Infections after shoulder arthroplasty are correlated with higher anesthetic risk score: a case-control study in Brazil

ABSTRACT Purposes: Shoulder arthroplasty (SA) has been performed by many years for the treatment of several conditions, including osteoarthritis and proximal humeral fractures following trauma. Surgical site infection (SSI) following Shoulder arthroplasty remains a challenge, contributing to increased morbidity and costs. Identification of risk factors may help implementing adequate strategies to prevent infection. We aimed to identify pre- and intra-operative risk factors associated with deep infections after Shoulder arthroplasty. Methods: An unmatched case-control study was conducted to describe the prevalence, clinical and microbiological findings, and to evaluate patient and surgical risk factors for prosthetic shoulder infection (PSI), among 158 patients who underwent SA due to any reason, at a tertiary public university institution. Risk factors for PSI was assessed by uni- and multivariate analyses using multiple logistic regression. Results: 168 SA from 158 patients were analyzed, with an overall infection rate of 9.5% (16/168 cases). Subjects undergoing SA with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade III or higher (odds ratio [OR] = 5.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.58-17.79, p < 0.013) and presenting local hematoma after surgery (odds ratio [OR] = 7.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-46.09, p = 0.04) had higher risk for PSI on univariate analysis. However, only ASA score grade III or higher remained significant on multivariate analysis (OR = 4.74, 95% CI = 1.33-16.92, p = 0.016). Gram-positive cocci and Gram-negative bacilli were equally isolated in 50% of cases; however, the most commonly detected bacterium was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.7%). Conclusion: This study provides evidence suggesting that patient-related known factors such as higher ASA score predisposes to shoulder arthroplasty-associated infection. Furthermore, unusual pathogens associated with PSI were identified.

Prevalence and antibiogram of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from medical device-related infections; a retrospective study in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract INTRODUCTION: With the advancement of medicine and surgery, various types of medical devices have become part of treatment strategies. METHODS: Identification and antimicrobial sensitivity testing were done according to CLSI guidelines following standard microbiological practices. RESULTS: Urinary catheter infections (31%) were most frequent followed by central venous catheter (18%) and orthopedic implants (15%). Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was a major cause of device-related infection after Escherichia coli (21%); other pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae (14%), Pseudomonas spp. (10%), Acinetobacter spp. (8%) and Candida species (7%). None of MRSA was resistant to vancomycin (MIC ≥16µg/mL). Resistance rates were 98% and 97% for ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Escherichia coli and MRSA are major pathogens of medical device-related infections.

Infecciones osteoarticulares en pacientes del Hospital del Instituto de Seguridad del Trabajador (IST) de Viña del Mar: periodo 2012-2013 / Osteoarticular infections in patients of the Hospital del Instituto de Seguridad del Trabajador in Viña del Mar (Chile): period 2012-2013

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las infecciones osteoarticulares son un desafío frecuente en la práctica traumatológica diaria. En Chile y en los distintos hospitales de la región de Valparaíso son escasos los trabajos con relación al tema, lo que es fundamental para optimizar el tratamiento, tanto quirúrgico como médico, de estas infecciones. OBJETIVOS: Describir las infecciones osteoarticulares del Hospital del IST de Viña del Mar durante el periodo 2012-2013. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Trabajo descriptivo retrospectivo de una serie de casos. Se revisaron las fichas clínicas de los pacientes que cursaron con alguna infección osteoarticular y se obtuvieron los datos demográficos y clínicos de cada paciente. RESULTADOS: Treinta pacientes fueron incluidos. Dieciséis (53,3%) fueron hombres con un promedio de edad de 38,5años. El 50% correspondieron a infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud. Las principales infecciones fueron asociadas a material de osteosíntesis. El agente más frecuente fue el Staphylococcus aureus meticilinosensible (SAMS). En la mayoría de los casos se realizó aseo quirúrgico, toma de cultivos e inicio de antibióticos con ceftriaxona más clindamicina. CONCLUSIONES: Las infecciones osteoarticulares ocurrieron principalmente en hombres jóvenes, fueron infecciones asociadas a material de osteosíntesis y producidas por SAMS.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoarticular infections are a common challenge in everyday trauma practice. In Chile, and in different hospitals in the region of Valparaiso, there are few studies on the issue, which is essential to optimise both surgical and medical treatment of these infections. OBJECTIVES: To describe the osteoarticular infections in the Hospital del Instituto de Seguridad del Trabajador (IST) of Viña del Mar during the 2012-2013 period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was performed on a series of cases. A review was made of the medical records of patients with any osteoarticular infection. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from each patient. RESULTS: Of the total of 30 patients included, 16 (53.3%) were male with a mean age of 38.5 years. Half (50%) of the infections were associated with health care. Major infections were associated with osteosynthesis material. The most frequent agent was Methicillin Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). In most cases surgical cleanliness, taking of microbiological cultures, and antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxone plus clindamycin, was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoarticular infections occurred mainly in young men, were infections associated to osteosynthesis material, and caused by MSSA.

Agentes etiológicos más frecuentes en infecciones periprotésicas de artroplastía primaria de rodilla y cadera en adultos mayores / Etiological agents more common in primary hip and knee joint replacement infections in older adults

Resumen: Antecedentes: Los agentes etiológicos más frecuentes en las infecciones periprotésicas son Escherichia coli y Staphylococcus aureus. La frecuencia de estas infecciones se presenta en el reemplazo articular de rodilla de 0.68 a 1.60% en comparación con el de cadera de 0.67 a 2.4%. Objetivo: identificar cuáles son los agentes etiológicos más frecuentes en infecciones periprotésicas en adultos mayores y en pacientes con cirugía primaria de cadera y rodilla. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal y retrospectivo, tipo serie de casos en un período comprendido de Junio de 2011 a Diciembre de 2014, se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 60 años con diagnóstico de infección periprotésica mediante dos cultivos positivos con antibiograma. Resultados: Se evaluaron 62 pacientes, 59.7% presentaron infecciones de rodilla y 40.3% de cadera, 59% fueron infecciones por Escherichia coli y 22% por Staphylococcus aureus. El antibiótico que mejor sensibilidad reportó fue trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol (40.3% )y el de mayor resistencia fue penicilina G (32.2%). Conclusión: Los agentes etiológicos más frecuentes fueron Escherichia coli y Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract: Background: The most common etiological agents in periprosthetic infections are Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The frequency of these infections are found in knee replacement with 0.68 to 1.60% compared to the hip with 0.67 to 2.4%. Objective: To identify what are the most common etiologic agents in periprosthetic infections in elderly patients with primary hip and knee surgery. Material and methods: An observational study, transverse and retrospective case series was performed in a period from June 2011 to December 2014, patients over 60 years with a diagnosis of periprosthetic infection by two positive cultures with antibiograma. Results: 62 patients were evaluated 59.7% were infections of knee and hip 40.3%, 59% were infections by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus 22%. The best sensitivity reported antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was 40.3%. The largest penicillin G resistance 32.2%. Conclusion: The most common causative agents were Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Histoplasmosis del sistema nervioso central en un paciente inmunocompetente / Histoplasmosis of the central nervous system in an immunocompetent patient

La histoplasmosis es una afección polifacética producida por el hongo dimorfo Histoplasma capsulatum , cuyas esporas son inhaladas y llegan al pulmón, órgano primario de infección. La forma meníngea, considerada como una de las manifestaciones más graves de esta micosis, suele presentarse en individuos con alteraciones en la inmunidad celular: pacientes con síndrome de inmunodeficiencia humana adquirida, con lupus eritematoso sistémico o con trasplante de órgano sólido, así como en lactantes, debido a su inmadurez inmunológica. La forma de presentación más usual es de resolución espontánea y se observa en individuos inmunocompetentes que se han expuesto a altas concentraciones de conidias y fragmentos miceliares del hongo. En estas personas, la afección se manifiesta por trastornos pulmonares y por la posterior diseminación a otros órganos y sistemas. Se presenta un caso de histoplasmosis del sistema nervioso central en un niño inmunocompetente.

Histoplasmosis is a multifaceted condition caused by the dimorphic fungi Histoplasma capsulatum whose infective spores are inhaled and reach the lungs, the primary organ of infection. The meningeal form, considered one of the most serious manifestations of this mycosis, is usually seen in individuals with impaired cellular immunity such as patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, systemic lupus erythematous or solid organ transplantation, and infants given their immunological immaturity. The most common presentation is self-limited and occurs in immunocompetent individuals who have been exposed to high concentrations of conidia and mycelia fragments of the fungi. In those people, the condition is manifested by pulmonary disorders and late dissemination to other organs and systems. We report a case of central nervous system histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent child.

Infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis en una prótesis de cadera, reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a hip prosthesis, a case report and literature review

Infection is the most serious complication of arthroplasty. It's a rare event usually caused by Staphylococcus spp. Prosthetic tuberculosis is rarely reported. We report the case of a 41 year-old patient who underwent a hip replacement for osteoarthritis and after multiple procedures an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis was documented. We review the literature of previously reported cases.

La infección es la complicación más seria de una artroplastia. Es un evento poco frecuente, usualmente causado por especies de Staphylococcus. La tuberculosis protésica es una entidad poco habitual. Comunicamos el caso de una paciente de 41 años sometida a un reemplazo de cadera por una artrosis y después de múltiples procedimientos se documentó una infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Realizamos una revisión de la literatura de los casos previamente reportados.

Bases moleculares de la infección asociada a implantes ortopédicos / The molecular basis of infections associated to orthopedic implants

Infections associated with the use of orthopedic implants are still the major complication associated with these devices and an unsolved challenge. The frequency of infection associated with orthopedic implant is relatively low, estimated to range between 0.5 to 5%. However, it has devastating consequences for the patient and health institutions. The majority of infections is secondary to gram-positive aerobic microorganisms belonging to the genus Staphylococcus. These bacteria establish chronic infections due to its ability of adhesion and biofilm formation. Biofilms are complex communities in a polysaccharide matrix. This structure retains nutrients and protects the bacteria against the immune response and antimicrobial agents. The study of molecular characteristics and biofilm formation regulation is vital for the understanding of judicious clinical management and the development of novel strategies for the prevention of infection.

La infección asociada a la utilización de implantes ortopédicos es la principal complicación asociada a estos dispositivos y es un desafío aún sin resolver. La frecuencia de infección asociada a implante ortopédico es relativamente baja, estimada en un rango de 0,5 a 5%. Sin embargo, sus consecuencias son devastadoras para el paciente y las instituciones de salud. La mayoría de las infecciones son causadas por microorganismos aerobios grampositivos pertenecientes al género Staphylococcus. Estas bacterias establecen infecciones crónicas gracias a su capacidad de adhesión y formación de biopelículas, complejas comunidades en una matriz de polisacáridos. La biopelícula retiene nutrientes y protege a las bacterias contra la respuesta inmune y agentes antimicrobianos. El estudio de las características moleculares y la regulación de la formación de biopelículas es vital para el entendimiento del manejo clínico juicioso y el desarrollo de estrategias novedosas para la prevención de infección.

Mycobacterium neoaurum causing prosthetic valve endocarditis: a case report and review of the literature

Mycobacterium neoaurum is a rare cause of bacteremia, and infection usually occurs in an immunocompromised host in the setting of an indwelling catheter. Prosthetic valve endocarditis due to non-tuberculous mycobacteria typically carries a dismal prognosis; we report a case ofM. neoaurum prosthetic valve endocarditis with favorable response to antimicrobial therapy without surgical intervention.

Microbial colonization of Provox voice prosthesis in the Indian scenario.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheoesophageal speech using the voice prosthesis is considered to be the “gold standard” with success rates as high as 90%. Despite significant developments, majority eventually develop dysfunction due to microbial deterioration. We did a pilot study of 58 laryngectomy patients who developed prosthesis dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 58 laryngectomy patients who had their dysfunctional prosthesis removed were included in this study. Dysfunctional prostheses were removed and examined. Esophageal and tracheal flanges were examined separately. After obtaining pure fungal and bacterial cultures, the yeast strains were identified. Bacteria were identified with the light microscope and gram staining. We analyzed prosthesis lifespan and probable factors affecting it. RESULTS: Central leak was found in 43% cases while in 57% peri‑prosthetic leakage was the most common reason for prosthesis replacement. Microbial analysis revealed a combination of yeast and bacteria in approximately 55% culture samples. Out of these, almost 90% had the presence of single yeast species with bacteria. Pure fungal culture was identified in rest of the 45% cultures while none detected pure bacterial forms. Candida tropicalis was the solitary yeast in 81% while Candida albicans was seen in 10% as the solitary yeast. Bacterial isolates revealed Klebsiella pneumonia in 19%, Escherichia coli in 8% while Staphylococcus aureus was grown in 1% cultures. The consumption of curd (P = 0.036, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.292‑64.285) to have a significant correlation of the mean prosthesis lifespan. Consumption of curd (P = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.564‑2.008) and history of prior radiotherapy (P = 0.015, 95% CI: 0.104‑0.909) had a significant bearing on the Provox prosthesis lifespan. CONCLUSIONS: Candida is the most common organism grown on voice prosthesis in Indian scenario. Consumption of curd and history of prior radiotherapy significantly affect Provox prosthesis lifespan.

Endocarditis infecciosa por Listeria monocytogenes: revisión de la literatura a partir de un caso clínico / Infective endocarditis caused by Listeria monocytogenes: review of the literature and a case report

Infective endocarditis caused by Listeria monocytogenesis an extremely rare but usually aggressive disease. We have seen in recent years an increase in age of onset of this disease and a predilection for patients with valvular disease, especially prosthetic valve. The treatment of choice is ampicillin, which is combined with gentamicin for synergy. It is known that even with treatment the mortality is very high and higher than in other types of bacterial endocarditis. With optimal therapy, that is medical-surgical, mortality has declined significantly in recent years. We presents a review of the literature and a clinical case of a patient with a febrile syndrome diagnosed as a infective endocarditis caused by L. monocytogenestreated medically with successful outcome to date.

La endocarditis infecciosa por Listeria monocytogenes es una enfermedad extremadamente infrecuente, pero usualmente agresiva. Se ha observado en los últimos años un aumento en la edad de presentación y una predilección por pacientes con enfermedad valvular, especialmente válvula protésica. El tratamiento de elección es ampicilina combinada con un aminoglucósido para obtener sinergismo. Aun con un tratamiento adecuado, la mortalidad es elevada y mayor que en otros tipos de endocarditis bacteriana. Con una terapia óptima, incluyendo la resolución quirúrgica, la mortalidad ha disminuido significativamente en los últimos años. Se presenta una revisión de la literatura científica a partir de un caso clínico de un paciente con un síndrome febril en el que se diagnosticó una endocarditis por L. monocytogenesque fue tratada en forma médica con un resultado exitoso.

Salmonella enterica arthritis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis receiving antitumour necrosis factor therapy / Artritis por Salmonella enterica en un paciente con artritis reumatoide que recibe terapia con factor de necrosis antitumoral

Antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibodies have become an invaluable treatment against chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, due to increased risk of opportunistic infections, patients receiving antiTNF therapy should be closely monitored for serious infections. Here, we describe a case of acute Salmonella enteritidis infection of a joint arthroplasty that previously was functioning well, in a patient receiving infliximab treatment for RA. After prolonged antimicrobial chemotherapy and interrupted infliximab treatment, reimplantation of a new prosthesis was successfully performed two years after Salmonella septic arthritis. Therefore, because of the possibility of extraintestinal salmonellosis, screening for fecal colonization could be advisable in patients undergoing antiTNF treatment. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of appropriate counselling of these patients concerning food hygiene.

Los anticuerpos monoclonales del factor de necrosis antitumoral (FNT) se han convertido en un valioso tratamiento contra las enfermedades inflamatorias crónicas como la artritis reumatoide (AR). Sin embargo, debido al mayor riesgo de infecciones oportunistas, los pacientes que reciben terapia antiFNT se deben se monitoreados muy de cerca con respecto a la posibilidad de infecciones serias. Aquí describimos un caso de infección aguda por Salmonella enteritidis de una artroplastia de articulación que anteriormente funcionaba bien, en un paciente que recibía tratamiento con infliximab por RA. Después de prolongadas quimioterapias antimicrobianas y tratamiento interrumpido con infliximab, se realizó exitosamente la reimplantación de una nueva prótesis, dos años después de la artritis séptica por Salmonella. Por lo tanto, debido a la posibilidad de una salmonelosis extraintestinal, podría ser aconsejable el tamizaje de la colonización fecal en pacientes sometidos a tratamiento antiFNT. Por otra parte, hacemos hincapié en la importancia de aconsejar apropiadamente a estos pacientes con respecto a la higiene de los alimentos.

Microbiological Culture Findings of the Femoral Heads as a Prognostic Factor in the Total Hip Replacement Surgery

BACKGROUND: In primary total hip replacements (THRs), the dissected femoral heads (FHs) are commonly used to make the bone-chips for the reconstruction in the orthopaedic surgery. The donated FHs are routinely microbiologically cultured to identify and contaminated FHs are discarded. This study examines whether a positive FH culture predicts an infection and prosthetic failure after primary THR. METHODS: The study sampled 274 donated FHs from patients with osteonecrosis (ON), hip joint osteoarthritis (OA), and femoral neck fracture (FNF) in THR to culture the microbes. The FH contamination rates were analyzed for ON, OA, and FNF groups. Proportion of the postoperative infection or prosthetic failure in the group of donors with a positive FH culture were compared to the proportion in the group of donors with a negative FH culture. RESULTS: The rates of the positive culture in the ON, OA, and FNF groups were 7.1%, 3.8%, and 4.0%, respectively. The infection rate was found to be non-significantly greater in the ON group than in the OA and FNF groups. In the negative culture group, one patient (0.63%) had a postoperative superficial infection, and five patients (3.2%) experienced additional surgeries including a fixation for a periprosthetic fracture, within a minimum follow-up of two years. However, no postoperative infection was encountered, and no revision surgery was required in the positive culture group. CONCLUSIONS: A positive FH culture is not always associated with elevated risks of infection or prosthetic failure after THR. Therefore, such finding cannot be used as a prognostic factor of THR. The FHs that return a positive culture may not lead to the orthopaedic assessment of an infection or other postoperative complication risks in primary THR.

Molecular & phenotypic characterization of Staphylococcus epidermidis in implant related infections.

Background & objectives: The discrimination between the Staphylococcus epidermidis colonizing the deep seated indwelling devices and those which are mere commensals has always been a challenge for the clinical microbiologist. This study was aimed to characterize the S. epidermidis isolates obtained from device related infection for their phenotypic and molecular markers of virulence and to see whether these markers can be used to differentiate the pathogenic S. epidermidis from the commensals. Methods: Fifty five S. epidermidis isolates from various device related infections such as endophthalmitis following intra-ocular lens (IOL) implantation, intravascular (IV) catheter related sepsis and orthopaedic implant infections, were studied for slime production, biotyping, antibiotic sensitivity; and mec A and ica positivity by the recommended procedures. Results: Twenty three (41.8%) isolates were multi-drug resistant, 26 (65.2%) were slime producers, 30 (54.5%) were adherent, 23 (41.8%) possessed the intercellular adhesin (ica) gene, and 28 (50.9%) harboured the mec A gene. Biotypes I and III were the commonest, most members of which were multi- drug resistant. Twenty two (73.3%) of the 30 adherent bacteria were slime producers as opposed to only 4 (16%) of the 25 non-adherent bacteria (P<0.001). A vast majority i.e. 21 (91.3%) of the 23 ica positive organisms were adherent to artificial surfaces in contrast to only 9 (28.1%) of the 32 non-ica positive organisms (P<0.001). Twenty (86.9%) of the 23 ica positive bacteria were slime producers, as opposed to only 6 (18.7%) of the 32 ica negative bacteria (P<0.001). Of the 23 multi-drug resistant isolates, 19 (82.6%) carried the mec A gene. Interpretation & conclusions: The present findings showed that ica AB and mec A were the two important virulence markers of S. epidermidis in implant infections and slime was responsible for the sessile mode of attachment on the devices.

Factores de riesgo e infección del sitio quirúrgico en procedimientos de cirugía ortopédica con prótesis / Risk factors related to surgical site infection in orthopedic prosthesis surgery

Objective: to identify the risk factors for surgical site infections (SSI) in patients with surgical management fractures with internal fixation or prosthetic material. Materials and Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary institution in Armenia-Colombia in 2008 and 2009 in 223 patients. Results: The superficial incisional infection frequency was 9,4% (n: 21), and deep incisional infection was 7,6% (n: 17); there were no organ/space SSI.; the highest rates of infection were observed in patella fractures (50%), acromio-clavicular joint (25%), and femur (23,7%). The infections were caused by: S. aureus, Enterobactergergoviae y Enterobacteraerogenes. There was an association with clean-contaminated wounds compared to clean wounds (OR 2,2), comminuted fractures (OR 2,1) multiple fractures (OR 2,9) and patella surgery (OR 3,1). Conclusions: the severity of the fracture and the degree of contamination were predisposing factors to infection.

Objetivo: Identificar factores de riesgo para infecciones del sitio quirúrgico en pacientes con fracturas quirúrgicas de manejo con material de osteosíntesis o prótesis. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal en una institución de tercer nivel de Armenia- Colombia en 2008 y 2009 en 223 pacientes. Resultados: La frecuencia de infección incisional superficial fue de 9,4% (n: 21), y de incisional profunda 7,6% (n: 17); no hubo infecciones de órgano/espacio; las mayores frecuencias de infección se observaron en fracturas de rótula (50%), articulación acromio- clavicular (25%) y fémur (23,7%). La etiología infecciosa fue por: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter gergoviae y Enterobacter aerogenes. Se encontró asociación con heridas limpia-contaminadas comparadas con heridas limpias (OR 2,2), fracturas conminutas (OR 2,1), fracturas múltiples (OR 2,9), y cirugía de rótula (OR 3,1). Conclusiones: La gravedad de la fractura y el grado de contaminación se evidenciaron como predisponentes para infección.

Detection of resistance to linezolid in Staphylococcus aureus infecting orthopedic patients.

Context: In today's medical scenario, the human race is battling the most intelligent enemy who has unending alternatives to combat with the potent elements they have produced against it. Aim: To study the resistance to linezolid among Staphylococcus aureus isolated from pus samples of orthopedic patients. Settings and Design: Pus samples were collected from dirty wounds of orthopedic patients undergoing long antimicrobial treatment programs. The sampling period was from July 2010 to June 2011. The samples were collected from different orthopedic hospitals of Nagpur (central India) representing a mixed sample of patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred pus samples were screened for S. aureus, by growth on mannitol salt agar (MSA), Baird-Parker agar (BPA), deoxyribonuclease test, tube coagulase test, and HiStaph latex agglutination test. Fifty-one S. aureus isolates were obtained which were further subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method (DDM). Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by an automated system, the VITEK 2 system. Also, Ezy MIC strip method was carried out in accordance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results and Conclusion: Twelve linezolid-resistant S. aureus (LRSA) isolates were recovered from 51 S. aureus cultures tested for susceptibility to linezolid using the DDM, VITEK 2 system, and Ezy MIC strip method. The emergence of resistance suggests nosocomial spread and abuse of antibiotic.

Factores de riesgo de infección de derivativa ventrículo peritoneal en pacientes pediátricos del Hospital Carlos Van Buren / Risk factors for ventricular peritoneal shunt infection in pediatric patients from the hospital Carlos Van Buren

Hydrocephalus is a common problem in Neurosurgery and Neurology. The usual treatment is the installation of a Ventricular Peritoneal Shunt (VPS). Infection is the most frequent and serious complication. With the aim to identify risk factors associated with infection in the post surgery of VPS in pediatric patients from Carlos Van Buren Hospital a case control study between 1998-2008 was done. Cases were patients with VPS infection reported to the Department of Nosocomial Infections. Results in contingency tables were analyzed to determine Odds Ratio. 264 surgical procedures were studied in 207 patients with 53 infections reported in 26 patients. Significant risk factors were: history of prior ventriculitis, VPS dysfunction and prior external ventricular shunt, concurrent infections at the time of surgery and a neurosurgeon without the specialty of pediatric neurosurgery. We concluded that antibiotic prophylaxis was not an important factor in preventing infection and the neurosurgeon experience is relevant to the development of VPS infections.

La hidrocefalia es un problema común en neurocirugía y neurología. Su tratamiento habitual es la instalación de una válvula derivativa ventrículo peritoneal (DVP) cuya complicación más grave y frecuente es la infección. Con el propósito de identificar los factores de riesgo de infección post-operatoria en pacientes con DVP del Hospital Carlos Van Buren (HCVB), se realizó un estudio caso-control en la población pediátrica con DVP instalada entre 1998 y 2008. Los casos fueron pacientes con una infección de DVP notificada en el Departamento de Infecciones Intrahospitalarias (IIH), y controles los que no presentaron infección. Se analizaron los resultados en tablas de contingencia para determinar los Odds Ratio correspondientes. Se estudiaron 264 procedimientos quirúrgicos, 207 pacientes y 53 infecciones notificadas en 26 enfermos. Los factores de riesgo significativos fueron el antecedente de ventriculitis previa, disfunción de DVP previa, derivativa ventricular externa previas, infecciones concomitantes al momento de la cirugía, y que el neurocirujano no tuviera la especialidad en neurocirugía pediátrica. Se concluyó que la profilaxis antimicrobiana no fue un factor importante en la prevención de infecciones y que la experiencia del neurocirujano es relevante en el desarrollo de infecciones de DVP.

Biofilme em marca-passo artificial: ficção ou realidade? / Biofilm on artificial pacemaker: fiction or reality? / Biofilm en marcapaso artificial: ¿ ficción o realidad?

A estimulação cardíaca artificial por meio de marca-passo cardíaco representa uma das alternativas mais promissoras no tratamento das arritmias, entretanto pode ocasionar reações singulares ou complexas, precoces ou tardias. Neste estudo, objetivou-se descrever as evidências científicas sobre o risco de infecção e formação de biofilme associado ao marca-passo cardíaco. Trata-se de um estudo de revisão integrativa da literatura. Totalizaram-se 14 publicações classificadas em três categorias temáticas: diagnóstico (microbiológico e/ou clínico), complicações e terapêutica das infecções. Os Staphylococcus epidermidis e os Staphylococcus aureus foram os microrganismos mais frequentemente isolados. Não foi possível determinar a incidência da infecção associada aos marca-passos, uma vez que os estudos eram em geral de prevalência. Em termos de terapêutica destacou-se a remoção completa dos marca-passos, especialmente nos casos de suspeita de biofilme. Ainda é controverso o uso da profilaxia antibiótica sistêmica na redução da incidência da infecção associada ao implante de marca-passo.

Cardiac pacing through cardiac pacemaker is one of the most promising alternatives in the treatment of arrhythmias, but it can cause reactions natural or complex reactions, either early or late. This study aimed to describe the scientific evidence on the risk of infection and biofilm formation associated with cardiac pacemaker. This is a study of integrative literature review. It included 14 publications classified into three thematic categories: diagnosis (microbiological and/or clinical), complications and therapy of infections. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus were the microorganisms most frequently isolated. It was not possible to determine the incidence of infection associated with pacemakers, since the studies were generally of prevalence. In terms of therapy, the complete removal of pacemakers stood out, especially in cases of suspected biofilm. Still controversial is the use of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing the incidence of infection associated with implantation of a pacemaker.

La estimulación cardíaca artificial por medio de marcapaso cardíaco representa una de las alternativas más promisorias en el tratamiento de las arritmias, sin embargo, puede ocasionar reacciones singulares o complejas, precoces o tardías. En este estudio, el objetivo fue describir las evidencias científicas sobre el riesgo de infección y formación de biofilm asociado al marcapaso cardíaco. Se trata de un estudio de revisión integrante de la literatura. Se totalizaron 14 publicaciones clasificadas en tres categorías temáticas: diagnóstico (microbiológico y/o clínico), complicaciones y terapéutica de las infecciones. Los Staphylococcus epidermidis y los Staphylococcus aureus fueron los microorganismos más a menudo aislados. No se pudo determinar la incidencia de la infección asociada a los marcapasos, pues los estudios eran en general de prevalencia. En términos de terapéutica se destacó la retirada completa de los marcapasos, especialmente en los casos en que se sospechaba de biofilm. Todavía es algo controvertido el uso de la profilaxis antibiótica sistémica para la reducción de la incidencia de la infección asociada al implante de marcapaso.