Alcohol Problems and Related Service Needs in Urban Korean Community / 정신신체의학

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics of drinking patterns and the prevalence of hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorder with the assessment of alcohol policy needs in community population of urban city in Korea. METHODS: Data was collected from 1,000 residents in a single urban city in Korea, from June 1 to July 31, 2011 by a questionnaire. As research tools, socio-demographic characteristics composed of variables based on study purpose, alcohol problems and alcohol use disorder state scales composed with Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test(AUDIT) and Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener(CAGE), and the assessment of alcohol policy needs in community population questions were used. RESULTS: The lifetime experience of alcohol drinking was 97.4%. For the frequency of drinking, 21.9% of population responded 2 to 4 times per weekly. 24.4% of male had one time or more high risk drinking, defined as having four or more drinks in a sitting, per week. 51.6% experienced the first time drinking of alcohol in adolescence. The lifetime prevalence of hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorder were 14.9% and 3.3%, respectively using AUDIT. Alcohol use disorder were 9.6% with the CAGE scale. Problem drinking were 8.4% in this study. They requested the program such as prevention education(57.2%), construction of liaison system to treatment facilities( 50.1%), alcohol counseling and intervention(41.7%), and rehabilitation program(39.8%). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that alcohol problem and alcohol use disorder were much prevalent, and these problem started in the earlier age. It is necessary to develop an effective alcohol prevention program or policy with considering the needs in community population.

Exposure Assessment for Pesticide Residues in Vegetables using Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data for Seoulites

The characteristics of pesticide residues were examined in 18,069 samples from 91 vegetable commodities collected in Seoul from 2007 to 2009, and the vegetable dietary intakes of Seoulites were estimated using the Korea National Health and Nutrition examination survey data from 2008. The hazard index was calculated using vegetable pesticide residues and dietary vegetable intake by Seoulites. Detection rates for pesticide residues in vegetables were 11.2 % in 2007, 8.6 % in 2008, and 12.0 % in 2009. Excess rate of Maximum Residue Limits tended to decline from 4.6 % in 2007, to 2.8 % in 2008, and 2.1 % in 2009. Daily vegetable intake for Seoulites was 288.12 +/- 214.8 g, and vegetable intake by males was more than that of females (p < 0.001). The hazard index was the highest at 2.76 x 10(-2) in 2007, and the lowest at 1.69 x 10(-2) in 2009. The risks caused by multiple pesticides in vegetables were very low and vegetable intake was safe considering the hazard index values.

Effect of Smoking on Influenza Illness and Vaccine-induced Immune Response in Mice / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Since cigarette smoking is an important risk factor for respiratory infections and alters the immune response, the severity of influenza illness and the immunogenicity of influenza vaccination may differ between cigarette smokers and non-smokers. This study investigated the effect of cigarette smoke exposure on the severity of influenza illness and vaccine-induced antibody production in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cigarette smoke exposed (CE) and non-cigarette smoke exposed (NCE) mice were infected with mouse-adapted influenza A/PR8/8/34 (H1N1). Influenza virus was quantified in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by real-time polymerase chain reaction and the lung pathology was examined to investigate the influence of smoke exposure on the severity of illness. To assess immunogenicity, hemagglutination inhibition antibodies were measured in pre- and post-influenza vaccination blood samples from CE and NCE mice. RESULTS: Influenza viral proliferation was higher and inflammatory changes such as macrophage infiltration in the alveolar space and necrotizing bronchitis were more pronounced in CE mice, compared with controls. Vaccine-induced immunogenicity was achieved in both CE and NCE mice. CONCLUSIONS: Cigarette smoke exposure enhanced influenza viral replication and the inflammatory changes associated with influenza illness, but had no significant effect on vaccine-induced immunogenicity.

Prevalence and Mechanisms of Low Level Quinolone Resistance among Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Isolates from Human and poultry/Livestock in Korea: Usefulness of Nalidixic Acid Resistance Test / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) are important commensal microorganisms. We intended to investigate the prevalence and mechanisms of nalidixic acid resistance among NTS isolated from human and poultry/livestock. METHODS: A total of 151 Salmonella isolates (36 human and 115 livestock isolates, respectively) was tested for the Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of nalidixic acid, together with serotyping. As for the nalidixic acid resistant isolates, further studies were taken: MICs of ciprofloxacin, mutation analysis of gyrA and parC genes, and organic solvent tolerance test. RESULTS: Eighty-four isolates of 151 human and livestock isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid. The prevalence of nalidixic acid resistance and was 13.9% (5 of 36 isolates) in human isolates and 68.7% (79 of 151 isolates), in the livestock isolates respectively. Among 84 nalidixic acid-resistant isolates, the The prevalence of ciprofloxacin resistance in livestock isolates was 24.1% (1 resistant and 18 intermediate of 79 strains), but no ciprofloxacin resistance was found in 5 human isolates. Among 65 nalidixic acid resistant, ciprofloxacin-susceptible isolates, 3 (60%, of 5 human isolates) and 60 (100%, all livestock isolates) showed low level fluoroquinolone resistance (ciprofloxacin MIC, 0.125-1.0 microgram/microliter). Six types of point mutations were found in the analysis of DNA sequencing of the gyrA gene in the 84 isolates; 75 isolates showed point mutations on amino acid Ser 83 and/or Asp 87. On the other hand, no point mutation was found from the parC genes. Forty-seven nalidixic acid resistant isolates showed tolerance to organic solvents. CONCLUSIONS: Nalidixic acid resistance was a good marker of low level fluoroquinolone resistance. As for the severe NTS infection, MIC test for nalidixic acid would be required.

Characteristics of Non-typhoidal Salmonella Isolates from Human and Broiler-chickens in Southwestern Seoul, Korea

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is an important commensal microorganism. The purpose of this study was to determine the epidemiological relation between NTS isolates from livestock and NTS isolates from human by analyzing antimicrobial susceptibilities and performing molecular typing. We determined the serotypes of 36 human clinical isolates and 64 livestock isolates, performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing against 8 antibiotics, and determined the molecular types of isolated NTS spp. by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). In human isolates, S. enteritidis was the most common serotype (17 isolates; 47.2%) and S. typhimurium the second most (8 isolates; 22.2%). In livestock isolates, S. typhimurium was the most common serotype (15 isolates; 23.44%), and S. enteritidis was the second most (14 isolates; 21.88%). Ampicillin and tetracycline resistance were 50% (32/64 isolates) each among broiler-chicken NTS isolates. No human or livestock NTS isolates showed resistance to ciprofloxacin, TMP-SMX, or ceftriaxone. However, 19.4% (7/36) and 46.8% (30/64) of the human and livestock NTS isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid (MIC > or =16 mg/mL), respectively. The presence of the three identical PFGE molecular types from human and broiler-chicken NTS isolates suggests the possibility of transmission from livestock to humans.

In Vitro Activity of Cefditoren against Respiratory Pathogens / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Cefditoren is a third generation orally administered cephalosporin with excellent activity against respiratory pathogens. This study was performed to determine the comparative antibacterial activity of cefditoren against clinical isolates of respiratory tract infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: According to the NCCLS guideline, in vitro activities of cefditoren and other antibiotics were tested against respiratory pathogens including 117 isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 60 isolates of Haemophilus influenzae, and 31 isolates of Moraxella catarrhalis. RESULTS: The level of cefditoren activity against S. pneumoniae (MIC50/90, 0.5/1 microgram/mL) was superior to amoxicillin+/-clavulanate (MIC50/90, 4/16 microgram/mL), clarithromycin (MIC50/90, >32/>32 microgram/mL), and most of the marketed cephalosporins (MIC50/90, 8-64/16-128 microgram/mL). Although the MIC of cefditoren was relatively higher than those of new fluoroquinolone agents (MIC50/90, 0.03-1/0.06-1 microgram/mL), it was comparable to ceftriaxone (MIC50/90, 0.5/1 microgram/mL). In addition, cefditoren was active against two quinolone resistant pneumococci strains with MIC of 0.5 microgram/mL. In detail, cefditoren was active against pneumococci strains with MIC50 and MIC90 values of 0.015/0.12, 0.12/0.5, and 0.5/1 microgram/mL for penicillin-susceptible, -intermediate, and -resistant pneumococci, respectively. Cefditoren was also active against all respiratory isolates of H. influenzae (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.06 microgram/mL) and M. catarrhalis (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.05 microgram/mL) irrespective of beta-lactamase production or ampicillin resistance. CONCLUSION: Cefditoren is considered to be a good option for outpatient treatment of respiratory infections, particulary if there is concern about S. pneumoniae infection with decreased susceptibility to penicillin or beta-lactamase producing organisms.

In Vitro Activity of Cefditoren against Respiratory Pathogens / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Cefditoren is a third generation orally administered cephalosporin with excellent activity against respiratory pathogens. This study was performed to determine the comparative antibacterial activity of cefditoren against clinical isolates of respiratory tract infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: According to the NCCLS guideline, in vitro activities of cefditoren and other antibiotics were tested against respiratory pathogens including 117 isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 60 isolates of Haemophilus influenzae, and 31 isolates of Moraxella catarrhalis. RESULTS: The level of cefditoren activity against S. pneumoniae (MIC50/90, 0.5/1 microgram/mL) was superior to amoxicillin+/-clavulanate (MIC50/90, 4/16 microgram/mL), clarithromycin (MIC50/90, >32/>32 microgram/mL), and most of the marketed cephalosporins (MIC50/90, 8-64/16-128 microgram/mL). Although the MIC of cefditoren was relatively higher than those of new fluoroquinolone agents (MIC50/90, 0.03-1/0.06-1 microgram/mL), it was comparable to ceftriaxone (MIC50/90, 0.5/1 microgram/mL). In addition, cefditoren was active against two quinolone resistant pneumococci strains with MIC of 0.5 microgram/mL. In detail, cefditoren was active against pneumococci strains with MIC50 and MIC90 values of 0.015/0.12, 0.12/0.5, and 0.5/1 microgram/mL for penicillin-susceptible, -intermediate, and -resistant pneumococci, respectively. Cefditoren was also active against all respiratory isolates of H. influenzae (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.06 microgram/mL) and M. catarrhalis (MIC50/90, 0.03/0.05 microgram/mL) irrespective of beta-lactamase production or ampicillin resistance. CONCLUSION: Cefditoren is considered to be a good option for outpatient treatment of respiratory infections, particulary if there is concern about S. pneumoniae infection with decreased susceptibility to penicillin or beta-lactamase producing organisms.

Prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) Strains Isolated from Animals and Humans in Korea

BACKGROUND: To assess the possibility of VRE transmission from animals to humans, we studied the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in farm animals, raw chicken meat, and healthy people. We then determined the molecular relatedness of VRE isolates between animals and humans in Korea. METHODS: We aimed to isolate VRE from 150 enterococci specimens of farm animals, 15 raw chicken meat samples, and stools from 200 healthy people. Species differentiation was done with conventional biochemical tests. Vancomycin resistance genotyping was done by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using the agar dilution method, antimicrobial susceptibility was tested for 8 antimicrobials and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was done to evaluate the molecular relatedness of VRE isolates. RESULTS: The prevalence of VRE was 14.7% (22/150) in farm animal specimens, 1% (2/200) in healthy people, and 60% (9/15) in raw chicken meat. Of 22 animal VRE isolates, 1 vanA E. faecium, 15 vanC1 E. gallinarum, and 6 vanC2 E. casseliflavus were identified. All of the 9 VRE from raw chicken meat and all of the 20 clinical VRE strains were vanA E. faecium. However, in healthy people, only 2 vanC2 E. casseliflavus were isolated. These showed low-level resistance to vancomycin and susceptibility to teicoplanin. However, 9 VRE strains from raw chicken meat had high-level resistance to vancomycin (MIC50, 90: > 128 microgram/mL), teicoplanin (MIC50, 90: > 128 microgram/mL), ampicillin (MIC50, 90: > 128 microgram/mL), erythromycin (MIC50, 90: > 128 microgram/mL), and tetracycline (MIC50/90: 128/> 128 microgram/mL). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated little evidence of VRE colonization in healthy people despite high recovery of VRE among raw chicken meat. It is suggested that there is little evidence of VRE transmission from animals to healthy people. However, we assumed that there exists the possibility of VRE contamination during the processing of chicken meat.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Death among Patients with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) during 8 Years (1994-2001) in a University Hospital / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is an emerging nosocomial problem. VRE usually multidrug-resistant, poses therapeutic dilemmas. The gene that encodes the resistance against vancomycin may spread the resistance to Staphylococcus aureus. However, there are no well-organized studies on the clinical manifestations and the factors that contribute to mortality in Korea. Herein, this study was focused on the clinical manifestations and mortality risks of patients with VRE infection during 8 years (1994-2001) in a university hospital. Understanding of the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of VRE would help develop control strategy of VRE outbreak in a hospital. METHOD: Sixty seven cases that had the VRE infection in Korea University Guro Hospital from January 1, 1994to December 12, 2001, were reviewed. We analyzed the risk factors of VRE infection and death by using univariable and multivariable statistic analyses. RESULTS: VRE infections have recently been increasing. Most of VRE infections were caused by Enterococcus faecium (85.1%) and Enterococcus faecalis (10.4%). Among 67 cases, 40 cases (59.7%) expressed VanA phenotype, 23 cases (34.3%) expressed VanB phenotype, and 3 cases expressed VanC phenotype (6%). The risk factors for death were renal dysfunction, central venous catheter insertion, and tracheostomy by using univariable analysis. The risk factor for death was renal dysfunction by using multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: VRE has been increasing during the late 1990s in Korea. The VRE infection occurs especially in the patients who have renal dysfunction, long-term hospitalization, and ICU care. The implementation of careful isolation, infection control measures, prudent use of antibiotics, especially vancomycin, and periodic screening of patients populations are required to control VRE infection.

Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Death among Patients with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) during 8 Years (1994-2001) in a University Hospital / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infection is an emerging nosocomial problem. VRE usually multidrug-resistant, poses therapeutic dilemmas. The gene that encodes the resistance against vancomycin may spread the resistance to Staphylococcus aureus. However, there are no well-organized studies on the clinical manifestations and the factors that contribute to mortality in Korea. Herein, this study was focused on the clinical manifestations and mortality risks of patients with VRE infection during 8 years (1994-2001) in a university hospital. Understanding of the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of VRE would help develop control strategy of VRE outbreak in a hospital. METHOD: Sixty seven cases that had the VRE infection in Korea University Guro Hospital from January 1, 1994to December 12, 2001, were reviewed. We analyzed the risk factors of VRE infection and death by using univariable and multivariable statistic analyses. RESULTS: VRE infections have recently been increasing. Most of VRE infections were caused by Enterococcus faecium (85.1%) and Enterococcus faecalis (10.4%). Among 67 cases, 40 cases (59.7%) expressed VanA phenotype, 23 cases (34.3%) expressed VanB phenotype, and 3 cases expressed VanC phenotype (6%). The risk factors for death were renal dysfunction, central venous catheter insertion, and tracheostomy by using univariable analysis. The risk factor for death was renal dysfunction by using multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: VRE has been increasing during the late 1990s in Korea. The VRE infection occurs especially in the patients who have renal dysfunction, long-term hospitalization, and ICU care. The implementation of careful isolation, infection control measures, prudent use of antibiotics, especially vancomycin, and periodic screening of patients populations are required to control VRE infection.