Necrotizing fasciitis due to a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus isolate harboring an enterotoxin gene cluster

Benign papular eruption on the left leg of a 72-year-old diabetic man developed into rapidly spreading necrotizing fasciitis despite antimicrobial therapy and surgical debridements. This led to eventual amputation to control the infection. The etiological agent was a Staphylococcus aureus isolate harboring the enterotoxin gene cluster seg, sei, sem, sen, and seo but lacked all common toxin genes, including Panton-Valentine leukocidin.     

A Survey on the Occupational Health Status of Gardeners in Bhopal, India

Background:

Occupational gardeners are exposed to various risk factors like dust, allergens, sharp tools, and pesticides, which make them vulnerable to many diseases. This study was designed to survey the health status of this occupational group.

Objectives:

The objective was to collectsociodemographic and health status information of occupational gardeners.

Materials and Methods:

The study group comprised 75 male occupational gardeners of the Bhopal city and suburb. A pretested proforma questionnaire was used to record the necessary information like medical history, sociodemographic factors, and findings of clinical investigations.

Result and Discussion:

This survey reveals that 50% of gardeners are underweight, 31.99% with high normal to high blood pressure, and none with diabetes. The prevalence of vision disturbance (26.66%), eye inflammation (29.33%), stiff nose (21.33%), joint pain, swelling and muscle stiffness (29.33%), and accidental injury (28%) was significantly high among gardeners. Gardeners should be educated to use protective clothing, quit smoking and tobacco consumption, adopt proper body posture, and ensure vaccination.     

Modulatory effects of diallyl sulfide against testosterone- induced oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice

Aim:To investigate the protective effect of diallyl sulfide(DAS),a constituent of garlic,against testosterone-inducedoxidative stress in male Swiss albino mice.Methods:The animals were given low(250 mg/animal)and high dose(500 mg/animal)of DAS in corn oil for 7 days along with testosterone(5 mg/kg body weight,i.p.).At the end of thestudy period,the prostate and the liver were dissected to determine various antioxidant enzyme levels(catalase,superoxide dismutase,glutathione reductase,glutathione-s-transferase)and lipid peroxidation.Results:In testoster-one treated mice,depleted antioxidant enzyme level was accompanied with enhancement in lipid peroxidation inprostate and liver.DAS significantly restored the testosterone-induced antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation inthe both organs.These changes appear to be mediated by the antioxidant-enhancing effects of DAS.Conclusion:The results of the present study suggest that DAS is effective in exerting antioxidant effects by inhibiting testosterone-induced oxidative stress and might be helpful in preventing prostate cancer.(Asian J Androl 2006 Nov;8:719-723)     

The utility of bone marrow examination in renal transplantation: nine years of experience from north India

Renal transplantation may be complicated by persistent fever and cytopenia. Bone marrow examination, though painful and invasive, may be of value because it can be performed in most peripheral hospitals, and the results are rapidly available. In a retrospective analysis, clinical records, marrow aspirates, and trephine biopsies were assessed to determine the indications for bone marrow examination and the findings in 132 patients over a 9-year period. In 7 of 61 (11%) patients with fever, a specific infection or a malignancy was identified, and hypocellularity was seen in 85% of cases. Nutritional deficiency with megaloblastosis or diminished iron stores was noted in 29% of cases. Malignancies were relatively infrequent (3%). Overall, in 12% of the cases, bone marrow examination provided useful information. Examination of the bone marrow may be a useful diagnostic test in pyrexia of unknown origin and cytopenia, particularly in developing countries.     

Outcomes of commercial renal transplantation: a Canadian experience

BACKGROUND: Financial compensation in exchange for live kidney donation is prohibited in Canada. However, patients in Canada with end-stage renal disease and without a suitable biologically or emotionally related live donor face substantial waiting times on lists for deceased donor kidneys, and so may therefore choose to acquire organs from a live donor in a procedure performed outside Canada as part of a commercial transaction. METHODS: We describe the clinical outcomes in such patients transplanted between 1998 and 2005, managed after their surgery at a single Canadian transplant center. RESULTS: Patient and graft survival at three years were significantly worse in this group compared to recipients of live biologically related (P<0.0001) and emotionally related transplants (P<0.01) performed in Canada during this period. A number of different surgical and infectious complications were seen, requiring frequent and often lengthy hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Patients considering this method of acquiring live-donated kidneys should be counseled of the inherent risks and possible adverse outcomes including diminished dialysis-free survival.     

Shift in Staphylococcus aureus clone linked to an infected tattoo

A retrospective investigation of skin and soft tissue infections caused by community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains among inmates in a Wisconsin correctional facility suggested a shift in MRSA genotype. Case timeline indicated a displacement of USA400 clone by USA300 clone. The USA300 index case was associated with an infected new tattoo.