RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a CDC category B bioterror agent that may cause significant morbidity. We assessed the in vitro binding of SEB by activated charcoal (AC). METHODS: Aqueous solutions of SEB at three concentrations (0.4, 2 and 10 mcg/mL) were combined in volume rations of 3:1, 6:1, and 12:1 with AC at three concentrations (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/mL) or left untreated as control samples. Subsequently, each sample was tested with a qualitative SEB immunoassay to detect the presence of SEB at concentrations of >12.5 ng/mL. RESULTS: SEB was detectable in each untreated control solution. SEB was undetectable in the 2 mcg/mL and 0.4 mcg/mL solutions after treatment with AC in all quantities. SEB was detected in the 10 mcg/mL solution after combination with all three concentrations of AC. The difference in assay results between charcoal treated and untreated pairs was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: At ratios of 3:1 and above, SEB was adsorbed by AC when combined in the manner described in concentrations of 2 mcg/mL and 0.4 mg/mL. In a quantity of 10 mcg/mL complete charcoal binding of SEB did not occur with any ratio of AC used. These results support a role for AC in treating patients exposed to SEB or purifying liquids or gases containing SEB.
Assuntos
Bioterrorismo , Carvão Vegetal/química , Enterotoxinas/química , Staphylococcus aureus , Imunoensaio/métodos , Técnicas In Vitro , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Penicillium marneffei has emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen in Southeast Asia during the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. We report a case of disseminated P. marneffei in a person with previously undiagnosed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who traveled to Southeast Asia, illustrating the importance of considering this diagnosis in immunocompromised travelers.
Assuntos
Infecções Oportunistas Relacionadas com a AIDS/diagnóstico , Hospedeiro Imunocomprometido , Micoses/diagnóstico , Penicillium/isolamento & purificação , Viagem , Infecções Oportunistas Relacionadas com a AIDS/imunologia , Infecções Oportunistas Relacionadas com a AIDS/microbiologia , Adulto , Sudeste Asiático , Humanos , Masculino , Micoses/imunologia , Micoses/microbiologiaRESUMO
We present a fatal case of neonatal invasive group A streptococcal disease and review of the literature. Twenty-four cases were early onset disease and were associated with concurrent maternal infection, respiratory distress, pneumonia, toxic shock-like syndrome and serotype M1. Fifteen cases were late onset disease associated with soft tissue infections and meningitis. Maternal carriage was identified as an important factor in neonatal group A streptococcal disease.
