• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.125-130
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• 2009

To figure out the epidemiological status and relevance with other diseases in toxoplasmosis, we checked serum IgG antibody titers of 1,265 patients and medical records of seropositive patients. Seropositive rates were 6.6% by latex agglutination test (LAT) and 6.7% by ELISA. No significant differences were detected between sexes and age groups. The peak seroprevalence was detected in the 40-49-year-old age group. According to clinical department, Toxoplasma-positive rates were high in patients in psychiatry, ophthalmology, health management, emergency medicine, and thoracic surgery. Major coincidental diseases in seropositive cases were malignant neoplasms, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, chronic hepatitis B, chronic renal diseases, schizophrenia, and acute lymphadenitis, in the order of frequency. In particular, some patients with chronic hepatitis B and malignant neoplasms had high antibody titers. These results revealed that the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in a general hospital-based study was similar to that in a community-based study, and T. gondii seropositivity may be associated with neoplasms, diabetes, and other chronic infections.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.54.1-54.11
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• 2020

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of severe infections in humans and animals worldwide. Studies elucidating the population structure, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec types, resistance phenotypes, and virulence gene profiles of animal-associated MRSA are needed to understand spread and transmission. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine 1) clonal complexes and spa types, 2) resistance phenotypes, and 3) virulence/resistance gene profiles of MRSA isolated from animals in Switzerland. Methods: We analyzed 31 presumptive MRSA isolates collected from clinical infections in horses, dogs, cattle, sheep, and pigs, which had tested positive in the Staphaurex Latex Agglutination Test. The isolates were characterized by spa typing and DNA microarray profiling. In addition, we performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the VITEK 2 Compact system. Results: Characterization of the 31 presumptive MRSA isolates revealed 3 methicillinresistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates, which were able to grow on MRSA2 Brilliance agar. Of the 28 MRSA isolates, the majority was assigned to CC398 (86%), but CC8 (11%) and CC1 (4%) were also detected. The predominant spa type was t011 (n = 23), followed by t009 (n = 2), t034 (n = 1), t008 (n = 1), and t127 (n = 1). Conclusions: The results of this study extend the current body of knowledge on the population structure, resistance phenotypes, and virulence and resistance gene profiles of MRSA from livestock and companion animals.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제44권5호
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• pp.1083-1093
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• 1997

Background : So far, there have been numerous reports on organ damage due to cryptococcosis, however, cases of lung localization have been infrequently reported. Recently pulmonary cryptococcosis has been reported more frequently than before due to enhanced diagnostic techniques and increased underlying diseases. Method : The author, therefore, analyzed the clinical manifestations of 5 cryptococcosis cases that we experienced at Hanyang University Hospital from 1985 to 1996 and 9 cases reported in Korea from 1984 and 1996 retrospectively. The following results were obtained. Results : Cryptococcosis occurred frequently over sixth decade and the male to female ratio was 3.6 : 1. Underlying diseases included acute rejection after kidney transplantation, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, diabetes mellitus and state of bilateral adrenalectomy. Remaining 8 cases had no evidence of an underlying disease. Because the symptoms were subacute & nonspecific, and not improved by conventional antibiotics, 6 patients of 14 pulmonary cryptococcosis patients were treated as pulmonary tuberculosis before correct diagnosis was made. There were three asymptomatic cases. According to the results of CXR, solitary alveolar consolidation was the most common finding(8 cases) followed by diffuse infiltration(5 cases). It also showed pleural effusion, hilar lymphadenopathy and cavity formation that was rarely reported in world literature. The diagnasis was made through fine needle aspiration biopsy in 10 cases, open thoracotomy in 2 cases, transbronchial lung biopsy in 1 case. and thoracentesis with pleural biopsy in 1 case. Only one case showed positive result in sputum stain and culture, serum latex agglutination test for cryptococcus neoformans. Treatment modalities were various such as fluconazole, amphotericin B, flucytosine, ketoconazole, surgery and it's combination. After 1990 year, there was a trend that fluconazole or ketoconazole are more used than other therapeutic modalities. Conclusion : Because the symptoms are subacute & nonspecific and not improved by conventional antibiotics, pulmonary cryptococcosis is likely to misdiagnosis as pulmonary tuberculosis in Korea. Because the diagnosic yield of sputum stain, culture and serologic test for pulmonary cryptococcosis is low, histologic diagnosis is need in most pulmonary cryptococcosis.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.79-89
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• 1997

Purpose : Neonatal bacterial meningitis is the disease which clinical manifestations are nonspecific and several neurologic complications may occur. We studied neonatal bacterial meningitis, particularly in treatment and prognosis according to causative organisms -gram positive and gram negative bacteria- to assist in treatment of neonatal bacterial meningitis. Methods : We analysed twenty-four cases retrospectively who had been admitted in NICU or pediatric ward in Chung-ang Gil hospital from Jan. 1991 to Jun. 1996, and who had proven causative organisms in culture or latex agglutination[n test in CSF. Results : 1) The ratio of male to female was 2.4: 1. The mean birth weight and gestational age in cases with gram positive bacterial meningitis were $2.91{\pm}0.79kg$ and $38.4{\pm}2.74$ weeks and those in cases with yam negative bacterial meningitis were $3.30{\pm}0.90kg$ and $37.7{\pm}3.33$weeks respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups. 2) The perinatal predisposing factors were pematurity, mecoinium staining amnionic fluid, matemal diabetes and pregnancy-induced hypertension, etc. The clinical manifestations Were fever, seizure, poor oral intake and fontanel bulging, etc. There were eleven cases with early onset bacterial meningitis(four cases by gram positive bacteria, seven cases by gram negative bacteria), and thirteen cases with late onset bacterial meningitis(seven cases by gram positive bacteria, six cases by gram negative bacteria). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of onset. 3) There were eleven cases with yam positive bacterial meningitis and they were coagulase-negative staphylococci(three cases), group B streptococci(three cases), Staphylococcus aureus(two cases), Streptococcus viridans(two cases), and enterococci(one case). And there were thirteen cases with gram negative bacterial menir gitis and they were Escherichia coli(seven cases), Klevsiella pneumoniae(three cases), Pseudomonas aeruginosa(one case), Acinetobactor(one case) and Enterobacter(one case). 4) The initial CSF WBC counts in cases with yam negative bacterial meningitis were significantly higher than those in cases with gram positive bacterial meningitis but the CSF protein and glucose levels were no significant difference in the two groups statistically. 5) The number of cases with abnormal findings in brain ultrasonography was seven in gram positive bacterial meningitis and ten in gram negative bacterial meningitis. 6) There were relatively high sensitivity to penicillin derivatives, the first generation cephalosporin and vancomycin in gram positive bacteria and to the third generation cephalosporin and amikacin in gram negative bacteria. 7) The mortality rate was 20.8%(5 cases were expired or discharged hopelessly). There was no significant difference between the two groups in prognosis. Conclusions : We recommend active treatment in noenatal bacterial meningitis to improve prognosis because the prognosis is poor.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• 제4권1호
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• pp.73-78
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• 1997

Purpose : Escherichia coli O157 can produce diarrhea as well as hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. In many parts of North America, E. coli O157 often is the second or third most commonly isolated enteric bacterial pathogens. Recently, intakes of fast food, including hamburgers have increased in Korea. Therefore, E. coli O157 infection in Korea are likely to be increased. Methods : Stool samples from 317 pediatric diarrheal patients were analyzed by culture on sorbitol-MacConkey agar. Sorbitol-negative colonies were teated by E. coli O157 latex agglutination test. Results : Of the 317 specimens, one (0.3%) were E. coli O157:NM that not produced Shiga toxin. The 7 year old male patient who had complained of abdominal pain, vomiting and non-bloody diarrhea for 2 days. The patient was improved for 2 days after admission. Conclusions 1 Only one (0.3%) of all fecal samples were isolated E. coli O157 that not produced Shiga toxin. Therefore, routine stool culture for the isolation of E. coli O157 was not likely to be neccessary so far.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• 제23권4호
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• pp.343-347
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• 2008

Recently, Sunshik has been issued because of easy-cook and well-being food. Sunshik basically was made of the heated cereals. Amount of spore-forming Bacillus cereus was detected and it has been caused some problem of food safety. B. cereus was isolate from 57 out of 161 Sunshik samples resulting in the isolation rate of 35.4%. Quantitative analysis of 57 samples showed that 21 samples were less than 100 CFU/g, 33 samples were between 100 and 1,000 CFU/g and distinctively even 3 (1.9%) samples had over 1,000 CFU/g. Typical morphology of B. cereus isolated from Sunshik was observed on MYP agar and then further characteristics was identified by using VITEK 2 (Biomeriux, France). 53 strains out of 57 strains isolated from Sunshik (about 93.0%) produced diarrheal enterotoxin in brain heart infusion broth which was detected by the Bacillus cereus enterotoxin reversed passive latex agglutination test kit (Oxoid England). The D-values of the B. cereus spores were $75^{\circ}C$ (37.1mim), $80^{\circ}C$ (22.5mim), $85^{\circ}C$ (4.9mim), and $90^{\circ}C$ (3.1mim) respectively. The Z-value was calculated $12.8^{\circ}C$ in Sunshik sample inoculated with B. cereus. Therefore, the management of B. cereus in Sunshik is required for the food-safety.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제48권10호
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• pp.1121-1125
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• 2005

Purpose : Rotavirus is the main cause of infantile diarrheal disease worldwide, especially in patients 3-24 months of age. Infants younger than 3 months of age are relatively protected by transplacental antibody. So the purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical features and severity of neonatal rotaviral gastroenteritis less than 1 month of age. Methods : A retrospective chart review was established of 62 neonates less than 1 month of age and with a diagnosis of rotaviral gastroenteritis who had been admitted to Pochon CHA University between June 2002 through July 2004. The rotavirus was examined by stool latex agglutination. Results : During 2 years, the total number of admitted patients for rotaviral gastroenteritis was 688 and among these, less than 1 month of age accounted for 9%(62). The occurrence was generally even distribution from January to July($7.14{\pm}1.0$) but since then decreased($2.4{\pm}1.8$). The most common chief complaint was mild fever(46%) when admitted which subsided within 1 hospital day in most patients. 4 patients had seizure and cyanosis with no typical symptoms of rotaviral gastroenteritis. During admission, all the patients had diarrhea. 17% of the patients had leukocytosis and positive C-reactive protein. In one patient, stool occult blood test was positive but there was no necrotizing gastroenteritis evidence. The mean period of hospital day was $5.8{\pm}2.5$ and breast-milk feeding was 62.9%. Conclusion : Neonatal rotaviral gastroenteritis is not a rare disease. Most patients have fever and diarrhea and improve through conservative therapy but a few patients may have severe complications so we must be more cautious about the hygiene for prevention.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• 제11권1호
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• pp.59-72
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• 2004

Purpose : Rotaviruses are the major cause of gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. It is important to get the epidemiologic data of rotavirus genotype for the application of rotavirus vaccine. So we tried to investigate the distribution of rotavirus genotypes with RT-PCR. Methods : A total of 120 rotavirus latex agglutinin test positive stool samples were collected continually from 120 children from Sep. 2000 to Apr. 2001. Rotavirus P(VP4), G (VP7) genotypes were determined by RT-PCR. Results : The genotype was identified in 116 stool samples of total 120 samples(96%). The incidence of G genotype was as follow; G1 17(14.2%), G2 74(61.7%), G4 1(0.8%), G9 1(0.8%). There were four cases of multiple genotypes; G1/G2, G1/G4, G1/G9, G8/G9 and genotype of G3, G8 were not found. Twenty three(19.2%) samples were nontypeable. The incidence of P was as follow; P[4] 77(64.2%), P[6] 22(18.3%), P4/P6 12(10%), P[4]/P[8] 1(0.8%) p[8] 1(0.8%). Seven(5.9%) samples were nontypeable. Conclusion : Various combinations of G and P genotypes were observed. Most rotavirus strains were P[4]G2 62(51.74%), followed by P[6]G2 7(5.8%), and P[6]G1 7(5.8%), P[4/P[6] G1 4(3%), P[4]/P[6]G2 4(3%), P[4]G1 3(2.5%), P[8]G2 1(0.8%), P[4]G4 1(0.8%) in Kyoungsangnamdo, Korea during 2000~2001.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제46권12호
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• pp.1224-1229
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• 2003

Purpose : Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease, especially in the neonatal period, and it carries a significant degree of mortality and morbidity. Group B streptococcus(GBS) is a common cause of neonatal bacterial meningitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations, treatment results and complications of GBS meningitis. Methods : We analyzed 29 cases retrospectively who had been admitted to the pediatric ward or NICU in Asan Medical Center from May 1990 to January 2002. They had proven GBS in culture or latex agglutination test in CSF. Results : The male to female ratio was 1 : 1.9. There were two cases of early onset type and 27 cases of late onset type. All cases had normal birth weight with full term at delivery. The perinatal predisposing factors were premature rupture of membrane(two cases), and maternal colonization(two cases). The most common presenting symptoms were fever and irritability. Associated diseases were GBS sepsis(21 cases). There was relatively high sensitivity to penicillin derivatives. There were abnormal brain CT or MRI findings in 16 cases(64%), such as infarction, encephalomalatic change, effusion, hydrocephalus, hemorrhage and abscess. The intensive care unit admission rate and the incidence of DIC were higher in the group with complications. Two cases were discharged against advice. Conclusion : We recommend early detection and active treatment in Group B streptococcal meningitis to improve the prognosis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• 제37권10호
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• pp.1343-1356
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• 2008

The evaluation of microbiological quality for school food samples collected from 19 selected middle and high schools located in Seoul was undertaken. Eighty-nine food samples consisting of 38 non-pretreated vegetables, 13 pre-washed and cut vegetables, 9 meats and poultry, 3 fish and shellfish, 7 dried fish, and shellfish and 20 processed foods were collected. Aerobic plate count, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli (E. coli ) were detected using $Petrifilm^{TM}$, and the food-borne pathogens were screened by multiplex PCR with species-specific primer sets. Sequentially, the quantitative and confirmative test of the food-borne pathogens were carried out with the selective media and biochemical kits. The contamination of coliform counts was observed on the pre-washed vegetables ($3.4{\sim}4.3\;log\;CFU/g$) and meats ($2.2{\sim}4.3\;log\;CFU/g$). Also, the cooked foods were heavily contaminated with coliform, ranging from 1.0 to $5.5\;log\;CFU/g$. E. coli counts were found in 16 raw and cooked food samples, exceeding the microbiological standards for the guideline of safety management for school foods. Through PCR detection, B acillus cereus was detected in 32 raw and cooked foods, and quantitatively found in pre-washed carrot, radish, and pan-broiled dried shrimp and filefish ranging from $2.3{\sim}3.6\;log\;CFU/g$, respectively. E. coli O157:H7 was detected on frozen pork sample and was confirmed with API kit. Campylobacter jejuni was found in 3 ready-to-eat type vegetables. Vibrio parahaemolyticus were found in 4 pre-washed vegetables and 2 cooked foods, indicating unsatisfactory quality based upon the microbiological standards of ready-to-eat vegetables and cooked foods by Korea Food and Drug Administration. Salmonella spp. was detected in frozen chicken sample and confirmed by API kit and latex antisera agglutination.