Articles: bacteria.
-
Observational Study
Assessment of bacterial positivity rate changes in anesthesia machine internal circuits within recovery rooms and associated risk factors.
The objective of this study is to investigate bacterial proliferation within the internal circuits of anesthesia machines in post-anesthesia care units (PACUs) following the implementation of the new protocol, where 'a single dedicated external circuit is used for each individual patient.' This measure was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, in alignment with a novel prevention and control strategy. ⋯ Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by the adoption of new prevention and control protocols, the disinfection interval for internal circuits of anesthesia machines in PACUs may potentially be extended. However, the emphasis of disinfection should still be placed on those anesthesia machines that have been used for a longer cumulative surgical duration and by a higher number of elderly patients over 60 years old. This approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively.
-
Background and Objectives: In this study, we aimed to explore the oral bacteria and fungi that can help discern oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and investigate the correlations between multiple key pathogens. Materials and Methods: Twelve participants (8 females and 4 males; mean age, 54.33 ± 20.65 years) were prospectively recruited into three groups: Group 1: healthy control, Group 2: patients with stomatitis, and Group 3: patients with OSCC, with 4 individuals in each group. Unstimulated whole saliva samples from these participants were analyzed using real-time PCR to assess the presence and abundance of 14 major oral bacterial species and Candida albicans. ⋯ L. casei's DNA copy number was strongly correlated with C. albicans (r = 0.931, p < 0.001). These three oral microbes exhibited strong positive correlations with each other and had various direct or indirect relationships with other species. Conclusions: In the OSCC group, T. denticola, L. casei, and C. albicans exhibited strong positive correlations with one another, further emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the complex microbial interactions in the OSCC environment.
-
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Jun 2024
The Lung Microbiome Predicts Mortality and Response to Azithromycin in Lung Transplant Patients with Chronic Rejection.
Rationale: Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) is the leading cause of death after lung transplant, and azithromycin has variable efficacy in CLAD. The lung microbiome is a risk factor for developing CLAD, but the relationship between lung dysbiosis, pulmonary inflammation, and allograft dysfunction remains poorly understood. Whether lung microbiota predict outcomes or modify treatment response after CLAD is unknown. ⋯ Lung bacterial burden was positively associated with CLAD-associated cytokines, and ex vivo growth of P. aeruginosa was augmented in BAL fluid from transplant recipients with CLAD. Conclusions: In recipients of lung transplants with chronic rejection, increased lung bacterial burden is an independent risk factor for mortality and predicts clinical response to azithromycin. Lung bacterial dysbiosis is associated with alveolar inflammation and may be promoted by underlying lung allograft dysfunction.
-
Burn wound healing can be significantly delayed by infection leading to increased morbidity and hypertrophic scarring. An optimal antimicrobial agent would have the ability to kill bacteria without negatively affecting the host skin cells that are required for healing. Currently available products provide antimicrobial coverage, but may also cause reductions in cell proliferation and migration. ⋯ It is likely that ACP can be used to mitigate the risk of bacterial infection during the phase of acute burn injury while patients await surgery for definitive closure. It may also be useful in treating wounds with delayed re-epithelialization that are at risk for infection and hypertrophic scarring. A handheld cold plasma device will be useful in treating all manner of wounds and surgical sites in order to decrease bacterial burden in an efficient and highly effective manner without compromising wound healing.