• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.158-168
• /
• 2023

Natural products have been used to mitigate the effects of cancer and infectious diseases, as they feature diverse bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Here, we chose 10 natural products that are well-known as pulmonary enhancers and investigated their bactericidal effects on Streptococcus pneumoniae. In the disk diffusion assay, the growth of S. pneumoniae was significantly regulated by G. fructus treatment regardless of extraction method used. We first adopted spraying as a novel delivery method for G. fructus. Interestingly, mice exposed to G. fructus three times a day for 2 weeks were resistant to S. pneumoniae intranasal infection (shown both through body weight loss and survival rates compared to the control group). Moreover, we confirmed that exposure to G. fructus regulated the colonization of the bacteria despite the sustained inflammation in the lung after exposure to S. pneumoniae, indicating that migrated inflammatory immune cells may involve a host defense mechanism against pulmonary infectious diseases. While a similar number of granulocytes (CD11b⁺Ly6C⁺Ly6G⁺), neutrophils (CD11b⁺Ly6C^intLy6G⁺), and monocytes (CD11b⁺Ly6C^intLy6G^-) were found between groups, a significantly increased number of alveolar macrophages (CD11b⁺CD11c^hiF4/80⁺) was detected in BAL fluids of mice pre-exposed to G. fructus at 5 days after S. pneumonia infection. Taken together, our data suggest that this usage of G. fructus can induce protective immunity against bacterial infection, indicating that facial spray may be helpful in enhancing the defense mechanism against pulmonary inflammation and in evaluating the efficacy of natural products as immune enhancers against respiratory diseases.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.51 no.10
• /
• pp.1077-1084
• /
• 2008

Purpose : Despite the seriousness of bacterial meningitis in children, there is little information on the incidence, causative organisms, mortality rate and age distribution. We studied the frequency by age group and causal pathogens, and clinical characteristics in children with bacterial meningitis in the private sector in Korea. Methods : The medical records containing the data on bacterial meningitis patients under 18 years of age confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings were retrospectively analyzed from September, 1993 to August, 2006 at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital. Results : Eighty-one cases of bacterial meningitis were observed. Overall the most common organism was Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus, GBS) (30 cases, 37.0%) followed by Haemophilus influenzae (22 cases, 27.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (12 cases, 14.8%), Escherichia coli (3 cases, 3.7%), Neisseria meningitidis (1 case, 1.2%) and others (13 cases, 16.0%). In neonates and young infants under 2 months, the most common organism was GBS. In children between 3 months, and 5 years, the most common organism was H. influenzae. S. pneumoniae was the most common organism in children over 5 years of age. Thirty-one patients (38.3%) had complications. Of all ages, the mortality rate of bacterial meningitis markedly decreased compared with the previously reported rate. Conclusion : In neonates, GBS meningitis was most common. The frequency of H. influenzae meningitis decreased after the introduction of H. influenzae type b vaccination. A strategy for the prevention of GBS meningitis in neonates should be established. The influence of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on S. pneumoniae meningitis should be studied.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.30 no.1
• /
• pp.69-79
• /
• 2003

The purpose of this present study was to develop a new way of self-curing acrylic resin, using commercially available polyphosphate, Calgon, which is known to be antimicrobial and safe. For the study, polyphosphate(polyP) was blended with acrylic powder and devided into four groups as follows: no polyP(control), 1% polyP, 2% polyP, and 3% polyP. For the experiment, Streptococcus mutans GS5, Streptococcus sobrinus 6715, Streptococcus gordonii G9B and Challis, Porphyromonas gingivalis 2561, and Candida albicans ATCC 90027 were used. Resin specimens in each group were tested in vitro for the purpose of investigating the effect of polyP on the microbial attachment, growth and hydrophobicity of the resin surface. The results were as follows. 1. PolyP added to the acrylic resin decreased attachment of S. mutans GS5, S. sobrinus 6715, S. gordonii G9B. The greater binding inhibition was found in acrylic resin polymerized with polyP at higher concentrations. 2. The addition of polyP to acrylic resin failed to significantly affect the growth of the tested microorganisms. 3. The addition of polyP to acrylic resin seemed to reduce hydrophobicity of the acrylic resin. PolyP in acrylic resin does not seem to exert a direct antibacterial activity, but rather inhibit attachment of oral bacteria, especially mutans streptococci to saliva-coated acrylic resin. The acrylic resin reduces attachment of streptococci may be due to the decreased hydrophobicity caused by polyP added to the resin. PolyP may be included to acrylic resin to inhibit dental caries which often occurs when removable acrylic resin appliance is placed.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.421-432
• /
• 1994

The local route of antibiotic administration can accomplish higher therapeutic doses in subgingival sites than those possible by systemic therapy. This investigation assessed on the clinical and microbiological effect of 30% Minocycline loaded polycaprolactone film (Mino-strip) on rapidly progressive periodontitis. Mino-strip was applied in the periodontal pockets of 15 patients with clinically diagnosed as a rapidly progressive periodontitis. 8sites for each patient with a 5mm probing pocket depth were selected in split mouth design and were assigned into group. i.e., placebo(group 1), supragingival scaling and R/P(group 2), Mino-strip applied only(group 3), R/P and Mino-strip applied(group 4). Supragingival scaling and oral hygiene instruction were performed 1 wk before experiment. Mino-strip was applied weekly on day 0 and 7. Clinical and microbiological test were performed on day 0, 7, 14, 28, 56. In R/P and Mino-strip applied group, Gingival index, GCF volume, probing depth and loss of attachment level were significantly reduced after the first weeks following treatment. In R/P and Mino-strip applied group, the relative proportions of spirochetes and motile rods were significantly reduced and the proportions of cocci and non motile rod were correspondingly increased for eight weeks following treatment. In R/P and Mino-strip treated group, total anaerobic and aerobic bacterial count were significantly decreased for the first two weeks following treatment and streptococcus count was decreased for eight weeks following treatment. In R/P and Mino-strip applied group, P. gingivalis, P. intermedius, B. forsythus, A. actinomycetemcomitans, F. nucleatum, E. corrodens, C. rectus counts were significantly reduced after the first week following treatment. According to this study, it is appeared that 30% Minocycline-loaded polycaprolacton film was effective in the treatment on rapidly progressive periodontitis.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
• /
• v.44 no.4
• /
• pp.247-256
• /
• 2021

The recombinant lysozyme-HJL34 proteins were expressed and purified using commercial Escherichia (E.) coli expression system. Stx2e⁺ F18⁺ E. coli, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), Streptococcus (S.) suis, and Clostridium (C.) perfringens strains were isolated from pigs. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the recombinant lysozyme-HJP34 proteins were examined by means of the microtiter plate method, according to the NCCLS recommendations. The possibility of its as the alternatives to antibiotics was tested in piglets. The MICs were determined as 75 ㎍/mL, 300 ㎍/mL, 75 ㎍/mL, 35.5 ㎍/m against Stx2e⁺ F18⁺ E. coli, APP, S. suis, C. perfringens, respectively. A total of 25 piglets were divied 5 groups. The piglets in group A~C were fed with commercial feed and those in groups D, E were fed with commercial feedstuff. All piglets in groups B~E were challenged with virulent Stx2e⁺ F18⁺ E. coli, APP, S. suis strains. Groups C and D were treated with antimicrobial from 24 h after challenge. All piglets in group B died within 3 days after challenge. Among 5 piglets in groups C and D piglets, 80% survived after challenge. Among group E piglets, 60% were alive until the end of this study. Therefore, this study indicates that recombinant lysozyme-HJP34 proteins is a suitable possibility as a feed additive for reduction of diseases by bacterial pathogens in piglet feed.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.47 no.1
• /
• pp.132-138
• /
• 2019

Among several marine-derived microorganisms isolated from the coast of Jeju Island that had antimicrobial activity against fish disease pathogens, Bacillus subtilis MD-02 was tested for its dietary effect on the innate immune response and disease resistance of olive flounder. Strain MD-02 was fed to the olive flounder at a concentration of $1.2{\times}10^4$, $1.2{\times}10^6$, or $1.2{\times}10^8CFU/100g$, respectively. Consequently, the hematocrit was higher in these three groups than that in the control group at 4 weeks, and the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were decreased in the $1.2{\times}10^8$ and $1.2{\times}10^4CFU/100$ groups compared with the control group levels. The amylase activity and total protein were significantly increased in the $1.2{\times}10^4CFU/100g$ group at 3 weeks. The innate immune response, determined from the lysozyme and macrophage activities, was higher in the $1.2{\times}10^8CFU/100g$ group than in the control group. In addition, treatment of the olive flounders with Streptococcus parauberis at $1.2{\times}10^6CFU/ml$ confirmed the mortality rate, which was 100% in the control group and 40-60% in the groups fed B. subtilis MD-02, indicating that the fish had resistance to fish disease pathogens. Therefore, it was confirmed that when fed MD-02, olive flounder builds an innate immune response and acquires resistance to fish disease pathogens, indicating that B. subtilis MD-02 can be developed as a beneficial feed additive.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.79-86
• /
• 2017

Purpose: This study was aimed at analyzing the serotypes of group B streptococcus (GBS) isolated from Korean infants with invasive disease and evaluating their association with disease manifestation. Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from invasive GBS infections at Gachon University Gil Medical Center from January 2006 to June 2012 and at Samsung Medical Center from April 2010 to November 2012. Serotypes were determined by slide agglutination test. Results: A total of 37 cases were identified, which included 22 full-term infants and 15 preterm infants. Fifteen cases (40.5%) were early-onset, 19 (51.4%) was late-onset, and three (8.1%) was very late-onset. Early-onset diseases among preterm infants were higher than those among full-term infants (60.0% [9/15] vs. 27.3% [6/22], P=0.17). The most common manifestation was bacteremia (70.3%), followed by meningitis and septic arthritis. Among 24 isolates retrievable for serotyping, serotype III (41.7%) was most common, followed by V (16.7%), Ia, Ib, and II (12.5%, respectively), and non-typeable (4.2%). Serotype III was more common in isolates from full-term infants (10/22) than from preterm infants (0/15), whereas serotype V was more common in isolates from preterm infants (4/15) than from full-term infants (0/22) (P=0.002). No penicillin-resistant strain was detected, and resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin were both 64.9%. Conclusions: GBS is an important pathogen in both preterm and full-term infants, and serotype distribution of GBS causing invasive diseases can differ between preterm and full-term infants. It is necessary to monitor the nationwide epidemiology of GBS diseases, including in preterm infants, in order to prepare preventive measures without underestimating early-onset diseases.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.46 no.4
• /
• pp.345-350
• /
• 2003

Purpose : Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of childhood associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. Repeated cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) examination is a useful prognostic indicator and a delayed sterilization is associated with a higher incidence of neurologic abnormalities. In this study we tried to determine the prognostic value of repeated CSF latex agglutination testing. Methods : We retrospectively evaluated 19 patients admitted to Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital for bacterial meningitis from January 1997 to June 2002. Bacterial meningitis was confirmed by a positive CSF culture and a positive CSF latex agglutination test. Repeated CSF examinations were done at three, seven, 14, 21 and 28 days after antibiotics therapy. Neuroradiologic studies were performed. Results : The mean age was $10.6{\pm}12.3months$(range; two to 33 months). The male to female ratio was 2.8 : 1. The causative organisms were Haemophilus influenzae type b 57.9%, Group B Streptococcus 21.1%, Streptococcus pneumoniae 15.7% and Escherichia coli 5.3%. Three days after the initiation of antibiotics therapy, repeated CSF latex agglutination tests persisted as positive in nine (47.4%) out of 19 cases, but all CSF cultures became negative. In those cases with negative latex agglutination tests three days after antibiotics therapy, neuroradiologic findings were completely normal. But, in cases with positive latex agglutination tests three days after antibiotics therapy, neuroradiologic abnormalities such as cerebral infarction, encephalomalasia occurred in 44.4%. Conclusion : Repeated CSF latex agglutination testing was valuable as a prognostic factor in bacterial meningitis. Neuroradiologic abnormalities may occur in cases with delayed clearance of CSF latex agglutination tests more often than in cases with negative latex agglutination tests three days after antibiotics therapy.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.194-202
• /
• 1999

Background : Group B ${\beta}$-hemolytic Streptococcus(GBS) has been the major pathogen of neonatal sepsis in western country. In contrast, GBS has played little role in neonatal sepsis in Korea. But recently, neonatal GBS infections are encountered more frequently. It is important to characterize the clinical and epidemiological features of GBS infection in Korean children. Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of twenty-seven infants and children with GBS infection experienced at the Seoul National University Children's Hospital during 14 year-period from June, 1985 to June, 1999. Fourteen strains isolated from blood and cerebrospinal fluid were serotyped. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of 10 strains were determined by agar dilution method for penicillin, ampicillin, ampicillin with sulbactam, cefarolin, cefuroxime, and cefuiaxone. Results: The numbers of cases with GBS infection increased in 1990s. Among twenty seven cases, twenty-five cases were under three months of age and both of two cases with underlying disease occurred at three years of age. All neonatal infections were late-onset type and meningitis predominated. Serotypes were III(6 strain), Ib(4), Ia(l) and V(2). All of the strain were susceptible to all of the antibiotics tested. Conclusion: GBS infections in infants were increasingly recognized. GBS should be considered as an etiological agent of neonatal sepsis or meningitis in Korea. Maternal screening and prophylactic antibiotic therapy may be considered.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.61 no.8
• /
• pp.245-252
• /
• 2018

Purpose: This study investigated patterns of ischemic injury observed in brain images from patients with neonatal group B Streptococcal (GBS) meningitis. Methods: Clinical findings and brain images from eight term or near-term newborn infants with GBS meningitis were reviewed. Results: GBS meningitis was confirmed in all 8 infants via cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and patients tested positive for GBS in both blood and CSF cultures. Six infants (75.0%) showed early onset manifestation of the disease (<7 days); the remaining 2 (25.0%) showed late onset manifestation. In 6 infants (75%), cranial ultrasonography showed focal or diffuse echogenicity, suggesting hypoxic-ischemic injury in the basal ganglia, cerebral hemispheres, and periventricular or subcortical white matter; these findings are compatible with meningitis. Findings from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were compatible with bacterial meningitis, showing prominent leptomeningeal enhancement, a widening echogenic interhemisphere, and ventricular wall thickening in all infants. Restrictive ischemic lesions observed through diffusion-weighted imaging were evident in all eight infants. Patterns of ischemic injury as detected through MRI were subdivided into 3 groups: 3 infants (37.5%) predominantly showed multiple punctuate lesions in the basal ganglia, 2 infants (25.0%) showed focal or diffuse cerebral infarcts, and 3 infants (37.5%) predominantly showed focal subcortical or periventricular white matter lesions. Four infants (50%) showed significant developmental delay or cerebral palsy. Conclusion: Certain patterns of ischemic injury are commonly recognized in brain images from patients with neonatal GBS meningitis, and this ischemic complication may modify disease processes and contribute to poor neurologic outcomes.