(2006). The Inhibitory Effect of Antihyperlipidemic Drugs on the Growth of Chlamydia pneumoniae In Vitro. Journal of Chemotherapy: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 107-109.
ABSTRACT The inhibitory effects of hinokitiol (β-thujaplicin) on Chlamydia trachomatis D/UW-3/Cx were shown by MIC, minimum lethal concentration (MLC), and preinoculation minimal microbicidal concentration assays using HeLa 229 cells. The MIC and the MLC were both 32 μg/ml. Further evaluation of hinokitiol as a topical agent against C. trachomatis is warranted.
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF), caused by group A β-hemolytic streptococcus infection, is characterized by inflammation affecting several organs. There are few reports on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with ARF. An 8-year-old Japanese boy presented with a prolonged fever of unknown cause and swelling of his right hand. MRI of his hand revealed tenosynovitis. Migratory arthritis and erythema marginatum appeared following the hand swelling. We diagnosed him as having ARF based on the clinical course and serological testing for group A β-hemolytic streptococcus. His serum interleukin-18 levels were lower than those typically seen in cases of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). After treatment with naproxen, his symptoms improved immediately. In conclusion, MRI findings of tenosynovitis may be useful for the diagnosis of not only sJIA but also ARF in patients presenting with a fever of unknown origin. Subsequently, the diagnosis of ARF can be confirmed with specific serological tests. Serum interleukin-18 levels may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of ARF and sJIA. Although ARF is rare in developed countries, including Japan, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to prevent rheumatic heart disease.
In Japan, monovalent and pentavalent rotavirus (RV) vaccines were approved in 2011 and 2012, respectively. To monitor changes in the RV genotypes before and after vaccine introduction, we performed a prospective observational study among children (< 5 years) with gastroenteritis who tested RV-positive on antigen rapid tests. Stool samples were collected from 3 different sites in Japan: Tsu City, Mie Prefecture; Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture; and Isumi City, Chiba Prefecture. RV genotypes were determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In Tsu City, G3P[8] was dominant (61.0–77.1%) before vaccine introduction, but decreased after introduction. Meanwhile, in an inverse proportion to the decrease in G3P[8], G1P[8] increased until the 2013/14 season, when a sudden predominance of G2P[4] (100%) occurred. A similar trend was observed in Kurashiki City in terms of the extent of reduction in G3P[8] and the emergence of G2P[4]. In Isumi City, G1P[8] was dominant (70.3%) before vaccine introduction, and G9P[8] became predominant (83.3%) in the 2013/14 season. To determine whether the genotype changes are attributable to vaccines or natural epidemiological changes, ongoing continuous monitoring of the RV genotypes is required.
Objective Analysis of an outbreak of Bordetella pertussis infection in a university laboratory. To prevent and control the outbreak, we conducted a survey of the laboratory staff and their family members, and we investigated the clinical features of adult pertussis. Patients and Methods During the outbreak, four out of the 10 laboratory staff and five out of 16 family members had a primary complaint of cough. Seven of nine patients were diagnosed as definitive B. pertussis infection using serology and PCR. Results Clinical findings and laboratory data in adult patients with B. pertussis infection demonstrated non-specific cough and normal WBC and lymphocyte count. The patients who received clarithromycin prior to 14 days after clinical onset demonstrated a shorter duration of cough symptoms than patients who received clarithromycin at 14 days or more after clinical onset (duration of cough after administration of clarithromycin: 17.8 ± 6.48 days versus 35.3 ± 5.38 days; duration of total cough after clinical onset: 24.8 ± 6.65 days versus 56.8 ± 6.50 days). Conclusion The clinical findings of adult pertussis are different from pertussis in children. The efficacy of macrolide therapy clearly differed between the catarrhal phase and paroxysmal phase. Physicians should consider B. pertussis in the differential diagnosis of an outbreak of non-specific respiratory infection even in adult populations.
To evaluate pathogens in pediatric inpatients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), an Acute Respiratory Diseases Study Group organized by ten Japa- nese medical institutions devised a rapid, reliable process based on real-time PCR results in nasopharyngeal swab samples plus admission blood test results. From April 2008 to April 2009, we enrolled 903 children with CAP based on chest radiographs and clinical findings who were hospitalized within 5 days of onset. Comprehensive real- time PCR was used to detect 6 bacteria and 11 respiratory viruses. The swab specimens also were used for bacterial cultures. After initial determination of presence or absence of viral and mycoplasmal infections, significant bacterial contributions were defined by bacterial identification, clinical efficacy of antimicrobial agent, and reference to blood test results. Children were stratified by age: below 1 year, 1 year, 2-5 years, or at least 6 years old. Among patients studied, 34.4 % were diagnosed with viral infec- tion; 21.8 %, bacterial infection; 17.5 %, viral/bacterial
