• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.6-12
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• 2005

Many compounds might become activated after absorption of UV light energy. In some cases, the resulting molecule may undergo further biological reaction of toxicological relevance related especially to the photo-carcinogenicity resulting from photo-genotoxicity. However, no regulatory requirements have been issued with the exception of guideline issued by the Scientific Committee of Cosmetology, Commission of the European Communities (SCC/EEC) on the testing of sunscreens for their photo-genotoxicity. Thus, the objectives of this study are to investigate the utility of photo-Ames assay for detecting photo-mutagens, and to evaluate its ability to predict rodent photo-carcinogenicity. Photo-Ames assay was performed on five test substances that demonstrated positive results in photo-carcinogenicity tests: 8-methoxypsoralen (photoactive substance that forms DNA adducts in the presence of ultraviolet A irradiation), chlorpromazine (an aliphatic phenothiazine an a-adr-energic blocking agent), lomefloxacin (an antibiotic in a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones), anthracene (a tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon a basic substance for production of anthraquinone, dyes, pigments, insecticides, wood preservatives and coating materials) and retinoic acid (a retinoid compound closely related to vitamin A). Out of 5 test substances, 3 showed a positive outcome in photo-Ames assay. With this limited data set, an investigation into the predictive value of this photo-Ames test for determining the photo-carcinogenicity showed that photo-Ames assay has relatively low sensitivity (the ability of a test to predict carcinogenicity). Thus, to determine the use of in vitro genotoxicity tests for prediction of carcinogenicity,' several standard photo-genotoxicity assays should be compared for their suitability in detecting photo-genotoxic compounds.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.69-75
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• 2013

Enrofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic approved for the treatment of infections in animals. Because of the side effects to consumers of animal products, the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of enrofloxacin in animal tissues for consumption are regulated. In this study, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against enrofloxacin was prepared and characterized for the development of a direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The obtained mAb, Enro44, was highly specific for enrofloxacin and had a 50% inhibition concentration ($IC_{50}$) of 1.99 ng/ml in a competitive ELISA, and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.50 ng/ml. The cross-reactivity of the mAb with other quinolones and fluoroquinolones was lower than 0.01%. The subclass of the mAb Enro44 was identified as IgG1. The antigen (Ag)-captured direct competitive ELISA using the mAb Enro44 was tested on different spiked samples, including chicken muscle, cattle milk, and cattle urine, and the assay demonstrated recoveries of 82-112%, 80-125%, and 78-124%, respectively. Furthermore, the quantitation of enrofloxacin obtained from the ELISA and from high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was in good agreement, with the linear regression coefficient between 0.933 and 1.056. The cDNAs encoding a heavy-chain Fd fragment (VH and CH1) and a light chain of the mAb Enro44 were cloned and sequenced. Taken together, the results obtained reveal a potential use of this mAb in an ELISA for the detection of enrofloxacin in food samples. The information of amino acid sequence of this mAb will be useful for further modification and production of the mAb in a bioreactor.

• Urogenital Tract Infection
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.72-78
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• 2018

Purpose: This retrospective study was undertaken to investigate whether increasing amikacin dosage for ciprofloxacin prophylaxis in patients with fluoroquinolone (FQ)-resistant rectal flora reduce infectious complications after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSPB). Materials and Methods: A total of 430 patients with FQ-resistant rectal flora based on rectal swab cultures were divided into two groups. Patients in both groups were administered ciprofloxacin (400 mg, intravenous [IV], twice daily) on the same day as TRUSPB and one day after biopsy. However, whereas group 1 patients (n=202) were administered a single injection of amikacin (1 g, IV) one hour before TRUSPB, patients in group 2 (n=228) were administered two injections of amikacin (1 g, IV) before one hour TRUSPB and again on the day after TRUSPB. Results: Of the 430 study subjects, 129 (30.0%) showed extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) positivity. The overall incidence rate of infectious complications was 2.8% (12/430). Infectious complication rates were 4.0% (8/202) in group 1 and 1.3% (3/228) in group 2 (p=0.075). Urinary tract infection and acute prostatitis were more frequent in group 1 (3.5% vs. 0.4%, p=0.029). Infectious complication rates in ESBL negative patients were 3.4% (5/145) in group 1 and 1.3% (2/156) in group 2, whereas those in ESBL positive patients were 7.0% (4/57) in group 1 and 1.4% (1/72) in group 2. Conclusions: Increasing the dosage of amikacin for ciprofloxacin prophylaxis reduce infectious complications in patients with FQ-resistant rectal flora and to be more effective in ESBL positive patients with FQ-resistant rectal flora.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.57.1-57.11
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• 2020

Background: Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) acts as an etiological agent for lameness, neurological signs, and high mortality in pigs. Despite its importance in pig industries and zoonotic potential, little is known about the effects of this pathogen. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the molecular characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of SDSE strains isolated from diseased pigs. Methods: A total 11 SDSE isolates were obtained from diseased pigs. Bacterial identification, PCR for virulence genes, emm typing, and antimicrobial resistance genes, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility test were performed. Results: Nine isolates were from piglets, and 8 showed lameness, sudden death, or neurological signs. The isolates were PCR-positive for sla (100%), sagA (100%), and scpA (45.5%), and only 1 isolate amplified the emm gene (stL2764). Eight different sequence types were detected, categorized into 2 clonal complexes and 4 singletons. All the isolates in this study were included in a small cluster, which also contained other strains derived from humans and horses. The minimum inhibitory concentrations for the tested beta-lactams were low, while those for macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones were relatively high. PCR analysis of the macrolide and tetracycline resistance genes demonstrated that the isolates carried erm(B) (18.2%, n = 2), mef(A/E) (9.1%, n = 1), tet(M) (18.2%, n = 2), and tet(O) (90.2%, n = 10). Two isolates presented a mutation in parC, which is associated with fluoroquinolone resistance. Conclusion: This study provided insight into swine-derived SDSE, as it is related to veterinary medicine, and elucidated its zoonotic potential, in the context of molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance in public health.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.428-437
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• 2023

A simultaneous analytical method was developed and validated for the analysis of prohibited fluoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics including norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and pefloxacin, released by aquaculture in seawater and effluents. The samples were filtered, and extracts were obtained using a solid phase extraction cartridge with methanol (MeOH). The extracts were concentrated, and analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Two different columns and four different mobile phases were compared to achieve optimal separation and sensitivity for target compounds. Typical validation parameters including linearity, recovery of surrogate standard, instrument detection limit (IDL), limit of quantification (LOQ), and method detection limit (MDL) were evaluated. The linearity of calibration curves was over 0.999. Recoveries of surrogate ranged from 87.6% to 113%. The LOQ of target compounds was approximately 3-8 times lower than those reported in previous studies. The IDL and MDL were 0.06-0.57 and 0.06-0.37 ng/L, respectively. Seven effluent samples collected from an aquaculture located in Jeju were analyzed; however, not all target compounds were detected in the samples, suggesting that the banned antibiotics were not used. Overall, this established method was able to simultaneously analyze the three FQ antibiotics, and may be useful for monitoring prohibited antibiotics in the fishery industry.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.128-136
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• 2002

Background: There are few studies that have reported on the pharmacokinetic(PK) disposition of fluoroquinolones in patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis(MDR-Tb), even though fluoroquinolones are frequently co-prescribed to those patients. In this study, the PK disposition of ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, was evaluated in patients with MD R -Tb. Methods: Twenty patients with MDR-Tb were given 2nd line Tb drugs including ofloxacin (300mg twice a day), prothionamide, cycloserine, para-aminosalicylic acid, kanamycin, and streptomycin. The patients were grouped according to their body mass index(BMI) as an index of emaciation (group A : 18.5$\leq$BMI <23, group B : BMI < 18.5). Blood samples were serially drawn and urine samples were collected upto 24 hours after the last dose of those drugs at steady state (over 1 month). The ofloxacin concentrations were determined using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). Results: The AUC of ofloxacin in group B was greater than that in group A ($31.4{\pm}8.9{\mu}g/ml{\cdot}h$ vs. $24.1{\pm}6.2{\mu}g/ml{\cdot}h$)(Check the symbols), (p<0.05). The total clearance(Cl/F) of ofloxacin was $0.16{\pm}0.03$ L/h/kg in group A, and $0.14{\pm}0.03$ L/h/kg in group B. The half-lives of ofloxacin in two groups were similar (group A : $5.3{\pm}0.8$ hours, group B : $5.7{\pm}0.9$ hours). In addition, the other PK parameters in two groups were also similar. Conclusions: The pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin in patients with MDR-Tb appears to be comparable with those of normal subjects, and the extent of emaciation appears to have an influence on the pharmacokinetics of ofloxaicn in chronic debilitated MDR-Tb patients.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.170-181
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• 2011

Purpose: There is considerable variability in rates of hospitalization for patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in part because of physicians' uncertainty in assessing the severity of illness at presentation. The purpose of the study was to examine the current treatment patterns and factors influencing the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and clinical outcomes in the patient with CAP. Method: The retrospective data collection of the patients with CAP was conducted and the data were reviewed. The collected data included demographic, clinical, laboratory and microbiological medical information. All patients were stratified into three risk groups according to PSI: low risk (PSI score I-II), moderate risk (III) and high risk (IV-V) groups. The examined treatment patterns were the appropriateness of admissions, category of antibiotics used. The prognostic factors associated with PSI and clinical outcomes were examined. Results: One hundred and six patients' medical data were reviewed. The overall appropriateness of admissions was low presenting many of patients were admitted or intensely treated in the hospital despite of lower risk of prognosis and treated with intravenous antibiotics instead of oral fluoroquinolones. Primary pneumonia pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae (27%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (21.6%). Mean LOS was 8.5 days and was significantly longer (10.0days) (p<0.001) in high risk group. The patients with age >65 (p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), mental alteration (p<0.001), and/or $PaO_2$ <60 mmHg (p<0.001) had a tendency to have higher PSI. The prognostic factors associated with longer LOS were age >65 years (p=0.008), mental status alteration (p<0.001), dyspnea (p=0.002) and PSI score (p=0.001). The prognostic factors associated with mortality were congestive heart failure (p=0.038), systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg (p=0.002) and arterial pH <7.35 (p=0.013). Conclusion: Most of patients were found to over-utilize medical service according to appropriateness of admissions. The elderly, mentally altered patients with low $PaO_2$ had higher PSI score with increased risk of LOS. The mortality could be increased in the patient with disease state of congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and/or acidosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.72 no.1
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• pp.44-49
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• 2012

Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an increasing public health problem and poses a serious threat to global TB control. Fluoroquinolone (FQ) and aminoglycoside (AG) are essential anti-TB drugs for MDR-TB treatment. REBA MTB-FQ$^{(R)}$ and REBA MTB-KM$^{(R)}$ (M&D, Wonju, Korea) were evaluated for rapid detection of FQ and kanamycin (KM) resistance in MDR-TB clinical isolates. Methods: M. tuberculosis (n=67) were isolated and cultured from the sputum samples of MDR-TB patients for extracting DNA of the bacilli. Mutations in genes, gyrA and rrs, that have been known to be associated with resistance to FQ and KM were analyzed using both REBA MTB-FQ$^{(R)}$ and REBA MTB-KM$^{(R)}$, respectively. The isolates were also utilized for a conventional phenotypic drug susceptibility test (DST) as the gold standard of FQ and KM resistance. The molecular and phenotypic DST results were compared. Results: Sensitivity and specificity of REBA MTB-FQ$^{(R)}$ were 77 and 100%, respectively. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the assay were 100 and 95%, respectively, for FQ resistance. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of REBA MTB-KM$^{(R)}$ for detecting KM resistance were 66%, 94%, 70%, and 95%, respectively. Conclusion: REBA MTB-FQ$^{(R)}$ and REBA MTB-KM$^{(R)}$ evaluated in this study showed excellent specificities as 100 and 94%, respectively. However, sensitivities of the assays were low. It is essential to increase sensitivity of the rapid drug resistance assays for appropriate MDR-TB treatment, suggesting further investigation to detect new or other mutation sites of the associated genes in M. tuberculosis is required.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.101-107
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• 2014

Community-acquired antimicrobial resistant bacteria are an emerging problem world-wide. In Korea, resistant bacteria are more prevalent than in other industrialized countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the isolation frequency of methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), Pseudomonas, and Enterobacteriaceae from surrounding environment (home, colleges, public transportation system and possessions) in Seoul, and to examine the level of drug resistance to 13 antimicrobial agents, which are in wide spread clinical use in Korea, as well as new agent, tigecycline in Enterobacteriaceae isolates. Of total 239 samples, 18 (7.5%) MRS, 10 (4.2%) Pseudomonas, and 30 (12.6%) Entarobacteriaceae were isolated. A total of 5 (2.1%) methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were detected in home (2 samples), colleges (1 sample), and et cetera (2 sample). A total of 5 (2.1%) Escherichia coli were detected in in home (1 samples), public transportations (3 sample), and et cetera (1 sample). Resistance to cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, carbapenems, ${\beta}$-lactams, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides was found in 71.9%, 71.9%, 68.8%, 68.8%, 50.0%, and 25.0% of 32 Enterobacteriaceae isolates, respectively. Also, resistance rate to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole of the isolates was a 43.8%. Moreover, 59.4% of the isolates were resistant to new agent, tigecycline and resistance to all agents tested was observed in 3 isolates. Five E. coli isolates were resistant to most of the agents tested, but some of them were susceptible to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. This study can serve as a data point for future comparisons of possible changes in antibiotic resistance levels in surrounding environment. And multilateral strategies for preventing the incidence and spread of antibiotic resistance are needed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.740-751
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• 2000

Background : Moxifloxacin is a newly developed drug which is more potent and safe compared to previous fluoroquinolones. This drug effectively eradicates organisms such as beta-lactamase-producing or other resistant bacteria. Moxifloxacin is known to be effective in treating respiratory infections such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Chlamydia pneumoniaeme, Legionella spp. and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Methods : In a multicenter, randomized, open, comparative study, the efficacy and safety of oral moxifloxacin taken 400 mg once a day and clarithromycin taken 500 mg twice daily for 7 days were compared for the treatment of Korean patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Results : A total of 170 patients were enrolled, and they were divided into two groups: 87 in the moxifloxacin group and 83 in the clarithromycin group. Of those enrolled, 76 (35 for bacteriologic efficacy) in the moxifloxacin group and 77 (31 for bacteriologic efficacy) in the clarithromycin group were included in the efficacy analysis. All were included in the safety analysis. Clinical success was noted in 70 (92.1%) of 76 moxifloxacin-treated patients and 71 (92.2%) of 77 clarithromycin-treated patients. Bacteriologic success rate seemed to be higher in moxifloxacin group (73.5%) than in clarithromycin group (54.8%), but statistically insignificant (p=0.098). Drug susceptibility among organisms initially isolated was higher in moxifloxacin group on Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae (p<0.001). Adverse events were reported by 12.8% of 86 patients receiving moxifloxacin and 21.7% of 83 patients receiving clarithromycin. Headache (4.7% vs 4.8%, moxifloxacin group vs clarithromycin group, respectively) and indigestion (2.3% vs 6.0%, moxifloxacin group vs clarithromycin group, respectively) were the most frequent side effects in the two groups. Conclusion : This study demonstrated that for the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis a 7-day course of moxifloxacin 400 mg od was clinically equivalent and microbiologically superior to clarithromycin 500 mg bid.