Occurrence of ticks in the subcutaneous tissue of red foxes, Vulpes vulpes in Czech Republic and Romania.

An extensive survey of parasites in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) was independently conducted in Romania and the Czech Republic. Carcasses were examined by necropsy, and small, dark nodules apparently containing ticks were noticed in the subcutaneous tissue of several foxes. Histopathological examination was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Of the 91 foxes examined from the Czech Republic, 14 (15.4%) were harboring ticks in the subcutaneous tissue. In the majority of these cases, 1-3 nodules/fox were found, with a maximum of 31 nodules/fox. In Romania a single examined fox had subcutaneous ticks. All ticks collected from subcutaneous tissue were partially engorged adults. Based on morphological features, Ixodes ricinus, I. hexagonus, I. crenulatus and Dermacentor reticulatus were identified. The histopathological examination revealed chronic granulomatous panniculitis with peripheral fibrosis and intralesional presence of the ticks. Only few data are available regarding ticks localized in the subcutaneous tissue of any host. All the ticks were dead or already decomposed and it is evident that subcutaneous location does not represent an evolutionary advantage, as the detachment and finishing the life cycle is impossible.

First autochtonous infection of a dog with Oslerus (Filaroides) osleri in the Czech Republic.

This case report describes an infection with O. osleri in a 10-month-old intact female Miniature German Spitz that presented with a 3-month history of progressive cough. Diagnosis was based upon visualization of characteristic lesions during bronchoscopy. Female parasites and first-stage larvae collected from tracheal nodules were morphologically identical to the larvae of O. osleri. First-stage larvae isolated from faeces were used for morphological and molecular confirmation of the diagnosis. Anthelmintic therapy with fenbendazole (50 mg/kg orally once daily for 2 weeks) was successful. This is the first report of autochthonous infection of a dog with O. osleriin the Czech Republic. Oslerosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in young dogs with persistent respiratory signs.

[Campylobacteriosis at the Department of Infectious Diseases of the University Hospital Brno in 2011-2013: a retrospective study]. / Kampylobakteriózy na Klinice infekcních chorob Fakultní nemocnice Brno v letech 2011-2013: retrospektivní studie.

OBJECTIVE: To provide basic clinical, laboratory, and microbiological characteristics of adult patients with campylobacteriosis admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases University Hospital Brno (UHB), in 2011-2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory parameters of 160 patients hospitalized with campylobacteriosis at the Department of Infectious Diseases, UHB from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2013. RESULTS: There was no lethality or bacteremia reported in the study group of 160 adult patients (n=160) with campylobacteriosis. A more severe form of the disease with signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) occurred in 24 patients, i.e. 15% of the study population. Transient mild to moderate leukocytopenia and thrombocytopenia were seen in 16 (10.0%) and 24 patients (15.0%), respectively, and seven patients (4.4%) had bicytopenia. The following factors correlated statistically significantly with the intestinal form of the disease and SIRS: age under 70 years (p=0.037), absence of arterial hypertension (p=0.044), immunosuppressive treatment (p=0.008), leukocyte count in the peripheral blood over 12.0×10(9)/l (p=0.023), and body temperature over 38.0 °C (p<0.001). Antibiotic treatment was used in 96.3% of patients with the intestinal form and in 100.0% of patients with SIRS. The average duration of antibiotic treatment was 8.8 and 9.3 days, respectively. Postantibiotic colitis due to Clostridium difficile occurred in seven patients (4.4%). There were no organ or autoimmune complications observed. CONCLUSIONS: Campylobacteriosis with SIRS occurs preferentially in persons under 70 years of age. Empirical antibiotic treatment is used too frequently without being adequately deescalated.

[Fecal bacteriotherapy for the treatment of recurrent Clostridium difficile colitis used in the Clinic of Infectious Diseases of the University Hospital Brno in 2010-2014 - a prospective study]. / Fekální bakterioterapie v lécbe rekurentní kolitidy zpusobené Clostridium difficile na Klinice infekcních chorob Fakultní nemocnice Brno v letech 2010-2014 - prospektivní studie.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of fecal bacteriotherapy in the treatment of Clostridium difficile colitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of fecal bacteriotherapy in 80 adult patients hospitalized in the Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Brno between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014. RESULTS: During the study period, 80 patients were treated with fecal bacteriotherapy. The majority of the study group received fecal bacteriotherapy via a nasojejunal tube (n=78) and two patients via a rectal enema. Six patients were instilled with 20 g of feces, with a success rate of 50 %. The outcomes of nine patients were unevaluable. In the rest of 65 patients, the success rate with 40 g of feces was 83.1 %. There were no severe adverse events or mortality associated with fecal bacteriotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Fecal bacteriotherapy is a safe and effective treatment modality in Clostridium difficile colitis.

[Infections caused by non-typhi serovars of Salmonella at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the University Hospital Brno in 2011-2013]. / Infekce zpusobené netyfovými sérovary salmonel na Klinice infekcních chorob Fakultní nemocnice Brno v letech 2011-2013--retrospektivní studie.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to describe the basic clinical, laboratory, and microbiological characteristics in adult patients with salmonellosis hospitalized at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the University Hospital Brno in 2011-2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory parameters of 161 patients hospitalized at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the University Hospital Brno from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2013. RESULTS: Invasive salmonellosis was seen in 22.4% of the study group. The overall lethality rate reached 3.1%. Treatment with antibiotics was used in 93.8% of patients. Transient mild to moderate leukocytopenia was reported in 4.3% of patients and thrombocytopenia in 9.3% of patients. Transient changes in white blood cells as well as in the thrombocyte count were not clinically important. Long-term treatment with proton pump inhibitors is a risk factor for salmonellosis (p=0.128), but not for invasive salmonellosis. Long-term use of opioids (p=0.003) and/or acetylsalicylic acid (p=0.015) is a risk factor for invasive salmonellosis. Other risk factors for invasive disease are: age over 70 years (p=0.011), arterial hypertension (p=0.004), disease duration of less than three days (p=0.006), serum creatinine level above 250 µmol/l (p=0.01), peripheral leucocyte count above 12x10(9)/l (p=0.001), and body temperature above 38 °C (p=0.001). Hypokalemia does not represent a risk factor for invasive salmonellosis. CONCLUSIONS: Aged patients on long-term opioids or acetylsalicylic acid, with disease duration of less than three days, and meeting the criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome are at the highest risk for invasive salmonellosis. Empirical antibiotics are prescribed too often and the treatment is not properly de-escalated.

[Pathophysiology and pathogenesis of Salmonella sepsis]. / Patofyziologie a patogeneze salmonelové sepse

The authors present a review of current knowledge about complex pathogenetic and pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in the development of sepsis in salmonellosis. Mechanisms such as lipopolysacharide-induced NOD-like receptor activation, escaping lysosomal degradation, intracellular replication niche formation, cytoskeleton reorganization, proapoptotic mechanism induction, changes in cytokine levels (IL-1ß, TNF-α) and function of omptin proteases are discussed.

Epidemiological factors influencing the development of relapsing and severe Clostridium difficile infection.

INTRODUCTION: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is currently the most frequent cause of nosocomial infectious diarrhea in adults in the developed countries. The goal of the study was to evaluate risk factors for relapsing and severe CDI in a set of patients hospitalized at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases at the University Hospital Brno. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data of 281 patients with proved CDI diagnosis hospitalized in the period from 1. 1. 2007 to 31. 12. 2010. RESULTS: Patient age over 65 is a risk for severe CDI (OR 2.95, p < 0.001) and extends hospitalization at the first episode of CDI by about 3.2 days on average. Patients with 2 or more comorbidities (p < 0.05) or with a history of recent hospitalization (p 0.001) are at risk for both relapsing CDI and severe CDI. The use of proton pump inhibitors may increase the number of relapses (OR 1.94, p < 0.05). If the CDI symptoms appear within 7 days of taking antibiotics, there is a greater risk of relapse (OR 2.32, p < 0.05). If the symptoms occur after a longer period, a mild or moderate course of the disease can be expected (OR 0.31, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: To determine the risk level for development of relapsing or severe CDI, focus on risk factors from the patients medical history and their clinical and laboratory status is appropriate at the outset of CDI patients treatment. An early intensive monitoring of vital functions and administration of aggressive treatment can reduce complications, mortality and relapses of CDI.

A survey of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infecting house mice from a hybrid zone.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related coccidian parasites infecting a wide range of wild and domestic animals as intermediate hosts, and rodents serve as important reservoir hosts during the life cycles of these parasites. The present study is aimed at identifying T. gondii and N. caninum infection in 360 wild house mice (Mus musculus) collected across the Czech-German border, where 2 genetically distinct mouse subspecies meet and hybridize. Toxoplasma gondii or N. caninum DNA was detected in the brains of individual mice by PCR, but mixed infections were never observed. No significant differences in gender or trapping localities were found in the positive mice. The survey reveals a low frequency of T. gondii (0.6%) and N. caninum (3.6%) occurrence in the house mice population of the monitored part of the hybrid zone.

[Risk factors for relapsing and severe colitis caused by Clostridium difficile infection]. / Rizikové faktory rekurentního a tezkého prubehu kolitidy vyvolané infekcí Clostridium difficile.

BACKGROUND: Describe risk factors for relapsing and severe Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in a set of patients hospitalized at the Clinic of infectious diseases the University Hospital Brno. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study observing epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data of 281 patients with proven diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection hospitalized in the period from 1. 1. 2007 to 31. 12. 2010. RESULTS: In the first part of the evaluation were enrolled 233 patients, 87 (37.3 %) patients had a record of relapsing CDI and 146 (62.7 %) patients had nonrelapsing CDI. Factors associated with relaps included 2 or more comorbidities, previous hospitalization during the 4 weeks before CDI, the use of proton pump inhibitors. In the second part of the evaluation were enrolled all 281 patients, severe CDI during any episode of the disease was observed in 181 (64.4 %) patients, while the remaining 100 (35.6 %) patients had mild or moderate CDI. The risk factors associated with severe CDI were age older than 65 years, history of coronary heart disease, chronic renal insufficiency, a combination of 2 or more comorbidities, previous hospitalization in a period of 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Age older than 65 years is the risk for severe CDI. Patients with 2 or more comorbidities or with history of previous hospitalization are in a risk for both, relapsing and severe CDI. Use of proton pump inhibitors may lead to recurrence, probably on the basis of re-infection Clostridium difficile spores.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) infected and noninfected cattle herds.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi known as a causative agent of opportunistic infections instigating diarrhoea in AIDS patients was identified also in a number of immunocompetent patients and in a wide range of animals, including cattle. In the present study we tested if the Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), the most common pathogen underlying immunosuppressive Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD), can enhance the occurrence of opportunistic infections with E. bieneusi in cattle. Six dairy farms were investigated using ELISA to detect antibodies against or antigens arising from BVDV in collected sera. A total of 240 individual faecal samples from four age groups were examined for the presence of E. bieneusi by nested PCR. Sequence analysis of six E. bieneusi positive samples revealed the presence of the genotype I of E. bieneusi, previously described in cattle. The hypothesis expecting higher prevalence of E. bieneusi in BVDV positive cattle herds was not confirmed in this study; however this is the first description about E. bieneusi in cattle in the Czech Republic.

[Probiotics in acute pancreatitis--a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study]. / Probiotika u akutni pankreatitidy--randomizovaná, placebem kontrolovaná, dvojite slepá studie.

INTRODUCTION: Infections accompanying pancreatitis, particularly pancreatic necroses, represent a serious complication associated with worsening of the disease prognosis. The aim of our study was to explore whether this complication could be prevented by administering a probiotic. METHODS: The probiotic was administered to 7 patients and placebo to 15. The study was discontinued early following the release of the Propatria study results. RESULTS: There was no death in our patient sample and there was no difference between the two groups in microbial colonisation or the length of hospitalization. However, a reduction in endotoxin levels on day 7 and 10 of the hospitalization was observed in the probiotic-treated group. CONCLUSION: Based on the current knowledge, administration of probiotics in this indication is contraindicated. Nonetheless, reduction in endotoxin levels suggests a positive effect of probiotics on bacterial translocation, the importance of which should be evaluated in the future.

[Bacterial infection and its relation to the genesis and course of varicose hemorrhage]. / Bakteriální infekce ve vztahu ke vzniku a prubehu varikózního krvácení.

Acute hemorrhage from esophageal varices due to portal hypertension is a frequent and serious complication of liver cirrhosis. Bacterial infection may be one of the factors influencing such hemorrhage. Endotoxins may increase portal tension and at the same time result in primary hemostasis disorder, thus becoming one of the causes of hemorrhage. The authors of the paper compared the incidence of bacterial infection in 53 patients with varicose hemorrhage due to portal hypertension with 62 patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension without varicose hemorrhage. At least one pathogen was found in considerable 61.1% of the total of patients in the liver cirrhosis group, while the difference between the two groups was but insignificant. No statistically significant difference was found between the group of patients with hemorrhage and those without hemorrhage in terms of presence of bacterial infection in hemoculture, urine, throat, faeces and ascites, nor was there a difference in the etiology of the G+ bacteria, G- bacteria or fungi and yeast infectious agents in the hemoculture, urine, throat, faeces and ascites in either of the groups. No statistically significant difference was found in comparing the patients with a recurrence of hemorrhage (or with mortality) and with infection with those without recurrence of hemorrhage. Bacterial infection was more often found in patients with a recurrence of hemorrhage (75%) as compared with those without any recurrence (52%), and also in patients who died bacterial infection was proven more often than in those who survived (61.9% vs. 58.1%, respectively). There was no difference in morbidity or recurrence of hemorrhage between the patients treated with norfloxacin and ampicilin/sulbactam. No statistically significant difference was recorded between the 1st and 5th day in terms of decrease in bacterial infection. A significant difference was found in the urine etiological agent, where a significant increase in the share of fungal and yeast urine infection (p = 0.011) was recorded after the application of the therapy, as well as a drop in urine infection caused by the G- bacterial agent (p = 0.057).

[Effect of administration of Escherichia coli Nissle (Mutaflor) on intestinal colonisation, endo-toxemia, liver function and minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis]. / Vliv podání Escherichia coli Nissle (Mutaflor) na strevní osídlení, endotoxemii, funkcní stav jater a minimální jaterní encefalopatii u nemocných s jaterní cirhózou.

The purpose of the study was to verify effects of Escherichia coli Nissle (Mutaflor) on intestinal colonisation, endotoxin levels, hepatic encephalopathy and liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis. The study involved 39 patients (22 taking Mutaflor and 17 taking placebo). Even though the number combination test showed extended reaction time in patients with described minimal hepatic encephalopathy the drop was not significant in the trend evaluation. However, the treated group displayed significant improvement of intestinal colonisation (p < 0.001) and a trend towards significant reduction of endotoxin levels on day 42 (p = 0.07) and improvement of liver function assessed with the Child-Pugh classification on days 42 and 84 (p = 0.06). Probiotic preparations can therefore represent a significant contribution to this group therapy.

Bacterial infection and acute bleeding from upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract is a common and serious complication of liver cirrhosis. It is believed that bacterial infection may be the immediate cause of the bleeding and the latest meta-analyses show that bacterial infection is an independent predictive factor of the failure to stop bleeding. METHODOLOGY: The authors evaluated the presence of bacterial infection (blood, urine, throat and ascitic fluid) in 35 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis and acute bleeding with portal hypertension and compared these results with a group of 35 patients with liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension without acute bleeding. RESULTS: According to the results obtained, there is a statistically higher incidence of bacterial infection among patients with acute bleeding with portal hypertension (25 of 35 patients, 71%) than among patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension without acute bleeding (14 of 35 patients, 40%, p < 0.01). The incidence of bacteriological findings in blood and throat samples is statistically higher in patients with acute bleeding as opposed to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the necessity of administering antibiotic prophylaxis to all cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding, not just to those with confirmed infection or symptoms thereof.

Evaluation of labeling and content of probiotics available in the Czech Republic.

Probiotics are live cultures of mikroorganisms which are good for human health and are used in human medicine as a treatment. Advantageous effect on a human health was proved in many studies in Europe and in the USA. On the other hand, many studies described lack of information about products containing probiotics - in particular the real bacterial strain or quantity of bacteria. We tried to evaluate thirteen products containing probiotics available in the Czech Republic. In all cases the leaflets contained information about the species and amount of bacteria (from seven products containing more than one species of bacteria were only in two cases declared the quantity of particular bacteria, in five cases was declared just the total quantity of bacteria). The declared species of bacteria were cultured in all tested products. Concluding; the information on the leaflets of probiotic products is sufficient for a clinical practice and the real species and quantity of bacteria come up to declared data.

[Factors participating in development of bleeding varices in portal hypertension. Part I: bacterial infection and comparison of intravenous and peroral antibiotics effects--a randomised study]. / Faktory podílející se na vzniku varikózního krvácení pri portální hypertenzi-- I. cást: bakteriální infekce a porovnání úcinnost intravenózního a perorálního podání antibiotik--randomizovaná studie.

An acute bleeding from oesophageal varices as a result of portal hypertension is a frequent and at the same time serious complication of cirrhosis of the liver. One of factors influencing this bleeding can be a bacterial infection. Endotoxines can increase portal pressure and so participate in development of bleeding and simultaneously deteriorate a patient's prognosis. An antibiotic treatment is a part of a treatment algorithm, however what antibiotics to administer and in what manner is unclear. A group of 46 patients who were admitted to a hospital for an acute bleeding from varices has been compared in the study to 48 cirrhosis patients hospitalised for other reasons. An infection incidence was high in both groups (63.0 % vs. 54.2 %), bleeding patients had more often positive hemoculture (17.3 % vs. 8.6 %), and statistically significantly more often positive findings in throat swab culture (36.9 % vs. 17.3 %, p = 0.04) which is an evidence of an increased pathology colonisation of these patients. Bleeding patients were randomised for peroral norfloxacin administration (n = 25) or an intravenous administration of a combination of ampicilin and sulbactam (n = 21). There was no difference in survival of both groups. Due to a high number of bacterial infections antibiotics administration has been indicated in these patients. Intravenous administration is probably of the same effect as peroral administration.

[Factors participating in development of bleeding varices in portal hypertension. Part II: Possible impact of kidney damage and malnutrition, mortality]. / Faktory podílející se na vzniku varikózního krvácení pri portální hypertenzi--II. Cást: mozný vliv poskození ledvin a malnutrice, mortalita.

An acute bleeding from oesophageal varices as a result of portal hypertension is a frequent and serious complication of liver cirrhosis. The development of oesophageal varices and their rupture depends on the portal pressure. However, a range of other factors can contribute to a development of bleeding and its negative prognosis. A sample of 46 patients admitted for the acute bleeding has been compared to 48 cirrhosis patients hospitalised for other conditions in this work. There were significantly higher levels of nitrogenous matters in bleeding patients (urea 14.1 mmol/l vs. 7.78 mmol/l, p < 0.01, creatinine 129.8 micromol/l vs. 106.04 micromol/l, p = 0.09). Perhaps it can't be said that impaired renal functions alone increase the risk of bleeding. From this point of view they could rather be seen as definite prognostic markers of the degree of portal hypertension. Moreover, there was a decreased level of total proteins in bleeding patients (60.7 g/l vs. 69.9 g/l, p < 0.01) at a mild nonsignificant decrease of albumin (26.64 g/l vs. 28.51 g/l). Cirrhotic patients are known to suffer from malnutrition and there is a possibility that malnutrition can contribute to development of bleeding. A prognostic marker of mortality was a considerable impairment of liver function (bilirubin 97.4 micromol/l vs. 57.4 micromol/l; p = 0.1 and prolonged prothrombin time 1.99 INR vs. 1.56 INR; p = 0.09) and impaired kidney function (creatinine 166.7 micromol/l vs. 114.9 micromol/l, p = 0.09). Therefore a care of a good renal function must be a part of the complex care of bleeding patients.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with acute hemorrhage due to portal hypertension--personal experience]. / Antibiotická profylaxe u pacientu s akutním krvácením v dusledku portální hypertenze--nase zkusenosti.

Acute bleeding from upper part of gastrointestinal tract is a frequent and serious complication affecting 20 to 60% of patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. It is associated with a high death rate of 30 to 50% and a frequent relapse of bleeding occurs in up to 40% of these patients. The most recent meta-analyses have shown that bacterial infection is an independent factor in the failure of blood hemostasis and significantly influenced mortality in these patients. The authors investigated 25 patients with acute bleeding from the upper part of gastrointestinal tract due to portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis. Irrespective of the proved bacterial infection the patients were given antibiotic prophylaxis. In 13 patients the authors administered norfloxacin orally and 12 patients were treated intravenously with ampicilin/sulbactam. The prophylaxis of the bleeding cirrhotic patients by norfloxacin (orally) resulted in a statistically significant prevention of early relapse as compared with the therapy by ampicilin/sulbactam (intravenously). The death rate reached 40% in spite of the antibiotic prophylaxis. There was no significant difference in the death rate between the two groups with different treatments.

[Bacterial infections in patients with acute hemorrhage due to portal hypertension--personal experience]. / Prítomnost bakteriální infekce u pacientu s akutním krvácením v dusledku portální hypertenze--nase zkusenosti.

Acute haemorrhage from the upper gastrointestinal tract is a frequent and serious complication which affects 20-60% patients with cirrhosis of the liver and portal hypertension. It is assumed that bacterial infections can be the direct cause of haemorrhage but accurate data on the influence of infection on the development and course of haemorrhage are lacking. Acute haemorrhage as a result of portal hypertension has a very high mortality, 30-50%, and an early relapse of haemorrhage occurs in as many as 40% of these patients. Most recent meta-analyses indicate that bacterial infection is an independent prognostic factor in failure of haemostasis and has a significant impact on the mortality of these patients. The authors examined for the presence of bacterial infection (blood, urine, throat, ascites) 25 patients with cirrhosis of the liver and acute haemorrhage as a result of portal hypertension and compared the results with a group of 25 patients with cirrhosis of the liver and portal hypertension without acute haemorrhage. According to the results in patients with acute haemorrhage due to portal hypertension there is a significantly higher incidence of bacterial infections than in patients with cirrhosis of the liver and portal hypertension without acute haemorrhage. The results confirm the necessity to administer antibiotic prophylaxis to cirrhotic patients with varicose bleeding, not only to patients with symptoms and evidence of infection but also in their absence. Antibiotic prophylaxis extends the survival period of these patients.