• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1.1-1.6
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• 2016

Although soft tunic syndrome (STS) in the ascidian is a serious disease, helpful measures have yet not been established. It was examined in this study by applying aniti-parasitic drugs to eradicate the causative protozoa Azumiobodo hoyamushi from infected ascidians. Formalin was synergistic in killing parasites in vitro when co-treated with hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) or bronopol, but not with chloramine-T or povidone-iodine (PVP-I), when tested with in vitro parasite culture. The synergistic effects did not change when $formalin-H_2O_2$ (or bronopol) ratios were changed. It was found that treatment periods less than 60 min achieved a sub-maximal efficacy. Increasing drug concentration while keeping 30 min period improved anti-parasitic effects. Anti-parasitic effects of $formalin(F)+H_2O_2$(H) were also assessed in an in vivo STS model infected with cultured parasites. It was observed that combined 50 (40F + 10H) and 100 (80F +20H) ppm were effective in partially preventing STS-caused mortality. In horizontally transmitted artificial STS model, significant prevention of ascidian mortality was also observed after 50 ppm. Marked reduction of living parasites were noted after drug treatments in vivo. The results provide a highly useful basis to develop a preventive or treatment measure against the currently uncontrollable STS in the ascidian.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.137-142
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• 2021

Background: Refractory empyemas with collapsed lung and persistent bronchopleural fistulas pose significant problems to thoracic surgeons and impose a substantial burden in terms of morbidity and mortality. The modified Eloesser flap procedure is a useful palliative option for clearing infections. Herein, we present our experiences with the modified Eloesser flap procedure in mixed suppurative lung pathologies with a new technique of irrigation for persistent infection. Methods: A retrospective review was carried out of 56 patients who underwent the modified Eloesser flap with continuous irrigation at Katurba Medical College. These patients had severe morbidities and were not suitable for major thoracic resection surgery, and electively underwent modified Eloesser flap surgery. Regular follow-up was done at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients with persistent infections were treated with our continuous irrigation technique. Results: The most important finding was that all patients with active sputum acid-fast bacilli-positive findings became sputum smear-negative during the first month of follow-up. Half (50%) of the patients had a patent stoma. Eleven patients had persistent infections, necessitating continuous irrigation. The infection was fully cleared after 1 month in 9 patients, while 2 patients required second irrigation and continued to receive follow-up. In the remaining 50% of the patients, the stoma closed completely, and the lung expanded fully. Conclusion: The modified Eloesser flap is a simple procedure. In suppurative pathologies, infections were well controlled and the general condition of the patients improved. Our continuous irrigation method showed promising results in patients with persistent purulent discharge.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.54 no.5
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• pp.667-671
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• 2016

Myiasis is a relatively common infection of animals kept as pets, although only 1 case of canine myiasis has been described so far in the Republic of Korea. In the present study, we report an additional case of canine wound myiasis with identification of its causative agent, Lucilia sericata. An 8-year-old male Siberian husky dog was referred with anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea to the Chungbuk National University Veterinary Medical Center, Cheongju-si (city), Chungcheongbuk-do (province), Korea in July 2013. Physical examination indicated the patient had a deep wound filled with a maggot swarm as a left gluteal lesion. A total of 216 maggots were removed by forceps, and the wounded area was sponged with gauzes and disinfected with 70% alcohol and a povidone-iodine solution. After daily care and suturing the wound, the patient was discharged at day 19 after admission. Recovered worms possessed morphological characteristics similar to those of L. sericata, namely, a sub-cylindrical body with 6-8 lobed anterior spiracles, round shaped with a button surrounded by a peritremal ring with no gaps, and similar distances between dorsal, median, and outer papillae of the 12th segment. Additionally, cox1 partial sequences (528 bp) obtained in the present study showed 100% identity with those of L. sericata (GenBank no. KT272854.1). L. sericata is indicated as a pathogen of myiasis infection not only in humans, but also in animals kept as pets in Korea.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.17-25
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• 2018

Purpose: Blood culture is an essential diagnostic tool and requires clear indications, proper techniques, and quality control. We aimed to investigate whether blood cultures in children are appropriate for indications, are performed correctly, and receive proper quality control. Methods: We conducted an online survey targeting pediatric infectious diseases (ID) specialists working in general hospitals and neonatologists (Neo) working at hospitals operating a neonatal intensive care unit in Korea. Results: Approximately 81.1% (30/37) of pediatric ID specialists and 72.2% (52/72) of Neo responded to the survey. Some of the respondents (33.3% of ID and 59.6% of Neo) performed blood culture as a regular test irrespective of the indication. Approximately 40% of ID and 65.4% of Neo ordered only one set of blood culture in patients suspected with bacteremia. The most commonly used disinfectant for skin preparation was povidone-iodine, while the skin preparation method varied by institution. Approximately two-thirds of the institutions were monitoring the blood culture contamination rate, whereas relatively few provided staff with feedback on that rate. In addition, less than half of the institutions were providing regular staff training on blood culture (40% of ID and 28.8% of Neo). Conclusions: The indication and methods of blood culture for children varied according to institution, and few hospitals exert effort in improving the quality of blood culture. Institutions have to strive constantly toward improvement of blood culture quality and evidence-based recommendations for pediatric blood cultures should be standardized.