maltodextrin and Bacteremia

Historically, the study of bacterial catabolism of complex carbohydrates has contributed to understanding basic bacterial physiology. Recently, however, genome-wide screens of streptococcal pathogenesis have identified genes encoding proteins involved in complex carbohydrate catabolism as participating in pathogen infectivity. Subsequent studies have focused on specific mechanisms by which carbohydrate utilization proteins might contribute to the ability of streptococci to colonize and infect the host. Moreover, transcriptome and biochemical analyses have uncovered novel regulatory pathways by which streptococci link environmental carbohydrate availability to virulence factor production. Herein we review new insights into the role of complex carbohydrates in streptococcal host-pathogen interaction.

Topics: Animals; Bacteremia; Bacterial Proteins; Carbohydrate Metabolism; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Mice; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Polysaccharides; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus; Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Streptococcus pyogenes; Virulence Factors

To measure systemic silver absorption when using silver-impregnated alginate central catheter dressings in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates and to monitor blood stream infection.. Fifty infants were enrolled in a prospective, randomized controlled trial lasting 28 days. Each patient was assigned to standard dressing or silver alginate (Algidex) group. Serum silver concentrations were obtained on day 1, 7, and 28.. Significant differences in mean serum silver concentrations for the treatment versus standard dressing group were observed using student's t-test analysis. The silver alginate group had a 45.8% reduction in infection/1000 line days, although too few patients were enrolled to draw meaningful efficacy conclusions about prevention of blood stream infection.. Mean serum silver concentrations in the treatment group were significantly higher than controls although below levels anticipated to result in toxicity. A large study evaluating reduced blood stream infections in VLBW infants is warranted.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bacteremia; Bandages; Catheter-Related Infections; Catheterization, Central Venous; Catheters, Indwelling; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; Male; Pilot Projects; Polysaccharides; Polyurethanes; Silver Compounds