Distribution of chlorhexidine resistance genes among Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates: the challenge of antiseptic resistance.

Introduction: Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic agent which is extensively used to prevent nosocomial infections; however, this could result in reduction of its susceptibility. The aim of this work was to determine chlorhexidine susceptibility among Staphylococcus aureus isolates and to detect qacA/B and smr antiseptic resistance genes among these isolates. Furthermore, we aimed to identify possible risk factors for the reduction of chlorhexidine susceptibility among S. aureus isolates. Methods: Various clinical samples were collected from patients with evidence of S. aureus infection. Antimicrobial susceptibilities of identified S. aureus isolates were determined by disk diffusion method. Resistance to methicillin was identified by cefoxitin disk diffusion test besides mecA gene detection by PCR. Chlorhexidine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were measured by broth microdilution method while qacA/B and smr resistance genes were detected by multiplex PCR. Results: A total percentage of 25.9% of S. aureus isolates showed reduced susceptibility to chlorhexidine. Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) had a reported percentage of 39.5%, which was significantly higher than the 11.3% reported for methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), p<0.001. S. aureus isolates were found to harbor qacA/B and smr genes at 23.2% and 7.7% respectively. Risk factors for reduced susceptibility to chlorhexidine included; ICU setting (OR=2.02, 95%CI: 0.3-1.6), prolonged ICU stay (OR=1.7, 95%CI: 0.4-1.1), presence of central vascular catheter (OR=2.3, 95%CI: 0.2-1.9), mechanical ventilation (OR=1.88, 95%CI: 0.4-1.7) and acquisition of qacA/B (OR=15.7, 95%CI: 3.4-12.1) or smr gene (OR=15.7, 95%CI: 3.4-12.1). Conclusions: Our work highlighted the current challenge of antiseptic resistance in our locality. The frequencies of qacA/B and smr genes were significantly higher among MRSA than MSSA isolates. About two thirds of chlorhexidine tolerant isolates displayed an MDR profile. To maintain chlorhexidine efficiency, biocidal stewardship program and ongoing surveillance are essential.

Medications for pain relief in outpatient endometrial sampling or biopsy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the most effective analgesia for pain relief during the outpatient endometrial biopsy (OEB) or outpatient hysteroscopy with endometrial aspiration (EA). DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Pre- or postmenopausal women undergoing OEB or outpatient hysteroscopy with EA for evaluation of uterine pathology. INTERVENTION(S): We conducted an electronic search of the following bibliographic databases: Medline via PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The intensity of pain during, immediately after, and 10-30 minutes after procedure assessed by the 10-cm visual analog scale. RESULT(S): Lidocaine spray was the most effective medication for reducing pain during OEB (P-score = 0.83) and immediately after OEB (P-score = 0.96). On the other hand, naproxen sodium was the most effective medication for reducing pain during outpatient hysteroscopy with EA (P-score = 1.00), followed by misoprostol plus lidocaine (P-score = 0.87). CONCLUSION(S): Lidocaine spray, either alone or with topical application of lidocaine, is the most effective medication for reducing the pain during and after the OEB. Naproxen sodium is the most effective analgesic option during outpatient hysteroscopy with EA.

High HCV seroprevalence and HIV drug use risk behaviors among injection drug users in Pakistan.

INTRODUCTION: HIV and HCV risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDUs) in two urban areas in Pakistan were identified. METHODS: From May to June 2003, 351 IDUs recruited in harm-reduction drop-in centers operated by a national non-governmental organization in Lahore (Punjab province) and Quetta (Balochistan province) completed an interviewer-administered survey and were tested for HIV and HCV. Multivariable logistic regression identified correlates of seropositivity, stratifying by site. All study participants provided written, informed consent. RESULTS: All but two were male; median age was 35 and <50% had any formal education. None were HIV-positive; HCV seroprevalence was 88%. HIV awareness was relatively high, but HCV awareness was low (19%). Injection behaviors and percutaneous exposures such as drawing blood into a syringe while injecting ('jerking'), longer duration of injection, and receiving a street barber shave were significantly associated with HCV seropositivity. DISCUSSION: Despite no HIV cases, overall HCV prevalence was very high, signaling the potential for a future HIV epidemic among IDUs across Pakistan. Programs to increase needle exchange, drug treatment and HIV and HCV awareness should be implemented immediately.

Impaired gestational glucose tolerance. Its effect on placental pathology.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate several macroscopic and microscopic features of placenta in cases with impaired gestational glucose tolerance. METHODS: Seventy-five gm World Health Organization criteria for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes and impaired gestational glucose tolerance were followed during the period June 1999 through to June 2000, at the Maternity Hospital of Kuwait. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of 95 placentas were carried out. Sixty-five were from the control patients and 30 were from cases with impaired gestational glucose tolerance. RESULTS: Mean maternal age, maternal weight and parity was significantly higher in the impaired gestational glucose tolerance (IGGT) group compared to the control group. Mean birth weight of the baby was significantly higher in the IGGT group compared to the control group. Mean placental weight and the percentage of the cesarean delivery was higher in the IGGT group but did not reach the level of significance. There was no significant association between the microscopic features of the placenta in the control and IGGT groups. CONCLUSION: Impaired gestational glucose tolerance is related to increased neonatal and placental weight, which may lead to a higher number of cesarean deliveries, stressing the similarity between impaired gestational glucose tolerance and gestational diabetes mellitus. More stringent criteria may be necessary to define gestational diabetes. Microscopic features of placenta both in the control and IGGT groups did not show any significant difference.