concanavalin-a and Cross-Infection

Nowadays, the bacterial contamination in the hospital environment is of particular concern because the hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections, are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. This work evaluated the capability of Enterococcus hirae to form biofilm on different surfaces and the action of two biocides on the produced biofilms.. The biofilm formation of E. hirae ATCC 10541 was studied on polystyrene and stainless steel surfaces through the biomass quantification and the cell viability at 20 and 37 °C. The effect of LH IDROXI FAST and LH ENZYCLEAN SPRAY biocides on biomasses was expressed as percentage of biofilm reduction. E. hirae at 20 and 37 °C produced more biofilm on the stainless steel in respect to the polystyrene surface. The amount of viable cells was greater at 20 °C than with 37 °C on the two analyzed surfaces. Biocides revealed a good anti-biofilm activity with the most effect for LH ENZYCLEAN SPRAY on polystyrene and stainless steel at 37 °C with a maximum biofilm reduction of 85.72 and 86.37%, respectively.. E. hirae is a moderate biofilm producer depending on surface material and temperature, and the analyzed biocides express a remarkable antibiofilm action.. The capability of E. hirae to form biofilm can be associated with its increasing incidence in hospital-acquired infections, and the adoption of suitable disinfectants is strongly recommended.

Topics: Biofilms; Concanavalin A; Cross Infection; Disinfectants; Enterococcus hirae; Equipment and Supplies, Hospital; Equipment Contamination; Humans; Polystyrenes; Stainless Steel

To determine the value of serum concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein, and glycosylation of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein as tools for diagnosing nosocomial infection in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients.. Prospective, consecutive entry study of patients with an anticipated stay of at least 24 hrs in a surgical ICU.. University hospital, a major provider of acute surgical care.. One hundred four consecutive patients admitted to the surgical ICU between March and June 1990.. Concentrations of IL-6, C-reactive protein, and glycosylation of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein were measured on days 1 and 6 after ICU admission. Clinical evaluation for infection was performed daily in a blinded fashion, i.e., without knowing the results of the acute-phase parameters.. On day 6 after surgery or trauma, nosocomial infection could be ascertained in 13 cases. The clinical parameter of fever > 38 degrees C had a sensitivity of 54% and a specificity of 90% to demonstrate nosocomial infection. Infected patients showed increased concentrations of IL-6 (p < .001), C-reactive protein (p < .001), and increased reactivity of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein to concanavalin A (p < .001) compared with patients without infections. By choosing appropriate cutoff values, IL-6 determinations had the highest specificity (97%), and C-reactive protein values had the highest sensitivity (85%) for diagnosing nosocomial infections. In uninfected patients, 81% of the IL-6 values, but only 29% of the C-reactive protein values, were back to the normal range on day 6 after injury.. Due to the rapid normalization after trauma, a single measurement of the serum IL-6 concentration may be useful to support or refute the clinical suspicion of nosocomial infection.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Body Temperature; C-Reactive Protein; Child; Concanavalin A; Cross Infection; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Fever; Glycosylation; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Interleukin-6; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Orosomucoid; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Sensitivity and Specificity