• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.140-148
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• 2005

Purpose : To characterize the epidemiology and clinical features of invasive pneumococcal infections in Korean children. Methods : One hundred ninety four cases of invasive pneumococcal infections diagnosed at the Seoul National University Children's Hospital from October 1985 to December 2003 were analysed retrospectively. All isolates were screened for resistance to penicillin by oxacillin disc diffusion test. Serotypes were determined for 125 isolates. Results : The types of infection were bacteremia without focus 84/194(43%), meningitis 36/194(19%), pneumonia with bacteremia 36/194(19%), peritonitis 24/194(12%), other focal infections 3/194(2%). Fifty seven percent(110/194) of the episodes developed in the immunocompromised and 20%(37/194) were nosocomially acquired. The patients younger than 2 years of age was 60% in the immunocompetent patients and 25% in the immunocompromised patients. The overall case fatality rate was 7%. All the isolates by 1988 were susceptible to penicillin screened by oxacillin disk. Penicillin resistance was first detected in 1989(20%), and then increased rapidly; 89% in 1995, 69% in 1996, and 80~100% thereafter. The seven most frequently isolated serotypes were 23F, 19F, 14, 6B, 6A, 9V and 19A, which accounted for 70% of total isolates. Conclusion : S. pneumoniaeis an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Invasive infections caused by S. pneumoniae most often occurred in infants and young children, while they are frequent in older immunocompromised children as well. This is the largest case series on invasive pneumococcal infections in Korean children.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.81-86
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• 2003

Purpose : Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a leading cause of meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia, and otitis media in children worldwide. Emergence of drug-resistant organism has substantially complicated the therapy of these infections. This study was conducted to determine the clinical features and changing patterns of antibiotic-resistant rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Methods : We have retrospectively examined 306 cases of culture proven patients who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Severance hospital, from the year 1991 to year 2000. The type of culture specimen used, presence of penicillin resistance, characteristics according to various presenting diseases and their prevailing year were also examined. Results : The mean age of cases was 7.9 year and the ratio of male to female was 1.6 : 1. The main age group of pneumococcal infection was under 2 years(42%). Systemic infections associated with pneumococci were sepsis(19.3%) and meningitis(9.5%), while local infections presented as pneumonia(29.2%), otitis media(19.3%), exudative tonsillitis(13.3%), and sinusitis(9.2%) in the order of frequency. Seasonal variation was seen in the incidence of pneumococcal infection: high incidence of infection was seen in Spring(Mar.~Apr; 32%), while the incidence was low during summer(Aug.~Sep.; 6%). Penicillin-resistant rate of pneumococci was steadily on the increase since the year 1991(65%) to year 2000(84%). Conclusion : Antibiotic-resistant pneumococci increased during the past decade. For effective prevention of pneumococcal infections, national survey of pneumococcal infections and expanded use of pneumococcal vaccination would be needed.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.159-166
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• 2003

Purpose : Streptococcus pneumoniae is part of the normal flora but is also responsible for causing many invasive diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis in addition to noninvasive diseases such as otitis in children. Multi-drug resistant strains has raised a lot of concern worldwide and thus the importance of prevention has been emphasized. We have analyzed the current serotypes and antibiotic sensitivity of each serotype as a baseline study to estimate the efficacy of the pneumococcal vaccine in Korean children. Methods : One hundred sixteen cases of pneumococcus cultured at Yonsei Medical Center from September 2001 to January 2003 were analyzed. The serotyping was done with the Quellung reaction and penicillin resistance was tested using the oxacillin disc diffusion method. Results : Pneumococcus were cultured from the sputum in 76 cases(65.5%), from the blood in 13 cases(11.2%), from the ear discharge in 12 cases(10.3%), from the throat in 7 cases(6.0%), from the nasal cavity in 2 cases(1.7%), and one case(0.9%) each from the cerebrospinal fluid, eye discharge, peritoneal fluid, post-operational wound, brain abscess, and catheter tip. Serotyping was possible with 98 cases and the following serotypes were found; 15 cases of type 19F(15.3%), 11 cases of 19A(11.2%), 8 cases of 11A(8.2%), 7 cases each of 6A, 14 and 3(7.1%), 6 cases each of 35, 6B and 23F(6.1%). Eighty two cases(70.7%) out of 116 cases were penicillin resistant and serotypes 19F, 19A, 11A, 23F, 6A, 9V constituted the majority, 48 cases(59.8%). These serotypes showed resistance to cotrimoxazole (74.4%), tetracycline(69.5%), and erythromycin(90.3%) as well. In the 22 cases cultured from children, 19A and 19F were found in 25.0%, 6A, 6B, and 23F in 10.0%, 11A, 14, 19, and 29 in 5.0%. Fifty percent(10/20) of the clinical isolates were represented in the current 7-valent pneumococcal protein conjugate vaccine, and 85%(17/20) when the cross-reacting serotypes were included. Penicillin resistance was found in 86.4%(19/22). Conclusion : The percentage of serotypes included in the 7 valent pneumococcal protein conjugate vaccine found in our study was 40.8% which was less than other prior studies. In anticipation of a change of pneumococcal serotypes, a nationwide multicenter study is needed before the initiation of pneumococcal vaccines in Korea.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.266-275
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to ascertain current status of pneumococcal vaccination for the elderly and their knowledge, awareness and preventive behaviors for the vaccination and to verify the relationship between results. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed using a questionnaire. Data were collected from 114 elderly people over 65 years at one community center from October to November in 2011. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: The vaccination rate of the elderly was as low as 19.3%. The most common reason for no vaccination was 'Because I did not know about it' (64.0%), and the intention to vaccination was to ascertain in 77.2%. The scores of knowledge, awareness and preventive behavior for vaccination were 0.31/1, 1.15/3 and 1.48/2, respectively. The knowledge for vaccination was significantly different by gender and education. The awareness of vaccination showed statistically significant difference by religion, perceived health status and experience of vaccination. A positive correlation was observed between both knowledge and awareness and awareness and preventive behavior for vaccination. Conclusion: The pneumococcal vaccination rate of the elderly was relatively low. To develop, therefore, the educational program for improving awareness and preventive behavior regarding pneumococcal vaccination of the elderly is necessary.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2006

We have previously reported the minimum criteria that can be applied to evaluate efficacy and safety of a DNA vaccine with use of Streptococcus pneumoniae DNA vaccine (SPDNA). The SPDNA was formulated by inserting the DNA sequences that are codons specific for the carbohydrate epitope in the capsule of S. penumoniae by phage display peptide library. Administration of the SPDNA into mice induced both humoral and cell-mediated immunities. The induction was protective even in the absence of CD4+ T lymphocyte in mice. Profiles of cytokine and isotyping of antibody displayed tendency of the Th1. In continuation of these studies, we examined if the efficacy of the SPNDA was provoked by the peptide recognized by codons specific for the capsule. Results showed that the peptide vaccine formulae (SPP) induced protective antibody in mice as did the SPDNA. Involvement of the cell-mediated immunity was also determined. Possible side effects of autoimmune diseases such as myositis and C3a production and tumor-formation were undetectable in mice given 7 times of SPDNA vaccination during entire of 92 days. Even after the frequent immunization, immunogenicity of the SPDNA was observed as determined for antibody production, suggesting that there was no immunotolerance provoked. All together, these examining factors would be applied to measurement of a DNA vaccine safety regarding the immunopathological aspect.

• Proceedings of the KOR-BRONCHOESO Conference
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• 1979.05a
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• pp.9.1-10
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• 1979

The authors have recently observed a case of Ludwig's angina with forming mediastinal fistula & pneumonia. The Ludwing's angina is the cellulitis of the mouth floor and neck, ie, of the sublingual space. The suppurative inflammation of this space develops from dental infection, and can also develop from ulceration or inflammation of the mouth floor and the tongue base, lingual tonsillitis or salivary calculi. The main causes are characterized as mixed infection which hemolytic streptococcus and staphylococcus are considered to be pathognomic organisms. It may be followed as complications of mediastinal extension, parapharyngeal extension and laryngeal edema. This is the report on this case with literature review.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.484-489
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• 2005

Streptococcus pmeumoniae is the leading cause of pneumonia and bacterial meningitis. The current polysaccharide vaccine has been reported ineffective in elderly adults and children less than 2 years of age. Thus, in recent many researchers have been focused on a different approach, DNA vaccine. In our laboratory we developed a Streptococcus pneumoniae DNA (SPDNA) vaccine. This SPDNA vaccine was formulated by inserting the region encoding part of the capsule in the S. pneumoniae into the LAMP-1. In present work, with use of the SPDNA vaccine we attempted to establish a certain methodology useful for evaluation of effectiveness and immunoresponse of a DNA vaccine. Results showed that the subcutaneous route was the most effective for production of antisera specific for S. pneumoniae in mice. By isotyping analyses, IgM, IgGl, IgG2a, and IgG2b were determined. In addition, INF-$\gamma$ and IL-4 were predominantly detected. Combination of those data resulted in a pattern of IgGl < IgG2a=IgG2b and INF$\gamma\>$ >IL-4, which indicates the inmmunity towards the Thl response predominantly; furthermore, the SPDNA vaccination induced resistance of the CD4+T lymphocyte-depleted mice against disseminated pneumococcal infection. These data appear to be possibly due to activation of CDS8+T cell-activation. Taken together, this methodology can be applied for evaluating efficacy and mode of action of a DNA vaccine as minimum critera.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.79-87
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• 2001

Heat shock proteins serve as chaperone by preventing the aggregation of denatured proteins and promote survival of pathogens in harsh environments. In this study, heat shock gene encoding a 84-kDa (p84) protein, which is one of the three major heat shock proteins in S. pneumoniae, was cloned and characterized. PCR with a forward primer derived from N-terminal amino acid sequence of the p84 and a reverse primer derived from the conserved second ATP-binding region of Clp family was used for amplification of the gene encoding the p84 and subsequently the PCR product was used for sequence determination. Sequence analysis of the p84 gene demonstrated that it is a member of ClpL. The deduced amino acid sequence of pneumococcal ClpL shows homology with other members of the Clp family, and particularly, even in variable leader region, with bovine Clp-like protein and L. lactis ClpL. S. pneumoniae clpL is the smallest clop member (701 amono acids) containing the two conserved ATP-binding regions, and hydrophilic N-terminal variable region of pneu-mococcal Clp ATPase is much shorter than any known Clp ATPases. Histidine tagged ClpL was overexpressed and purified from E. coli. Immunoblot analysis employing antisera raised against pneumococcus p84 demonstrated no cross-reactivity with Clp analog in Eschericha coli, Staphylococcus aureus and human HeLa cells. Preimmunization of mice with ClpL extended mice life partially but did not protect them from death.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.68 no.2
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• pp.74-79
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• 2010

Background: Legionella pneumophila has been recognized as an important cause of pneumonia. However, limited data are available in the literature regarding legionella pneumonia in Korea. The objective of this study was to compare epidemiological data and clinical presentation of legionella pneumonia and pneumococcal pneumonia. Methods: We retrospectively compared clinical, radiological, and laboratory data, antimicrobial treatment, and treatment outcomes between 28 cases of legionella pneumonia and 56 cases of pneumococcal pneumonia. Diagnoses of both legionella and pneumococcal pneumonia were based on commercial urinary antigen tests. Results: Legionella pneumonia patients included 23 men and 5 women, with a mean age of 61.6 years (range 36~88). Fifteen were smokers and 26 had some underlying diseases. Legionella pneumonia occurred more frequently in healthcare-associated settings than pneumococcal pneumonia (42.9% vs 21.4%, respectively, p=0.040). There were no significant differences in clinical signs and symptoms. Compared to patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, patients with legionella pneumonia presented more frequently with anemia (39.3% vs 8.9%, p=0.001), increased C-reactive protein (57.1% vs 30.4%, p=0.018) and increased alkaline phosphatase (46.4% vs 16.1%, p=0.003). Also, legionella pneumonia patients more often showed pleural effusion on simple chest X-rays (50.0% vs 12.5%, p<0.001). Conclusion: Legionella pneumonia and pneumococcal pneumonia can not be distinguished by clinical manifestations alone. However, legionella pneumonia occurred as a healthcare-associated pneumonia more frequently and was more often associated with anemia and increased CRP and alkaline phosphatase levels.

• Journal of the korean veterinary medical association
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• v.46 no.12
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• pp.1106-1117
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• 2010

과거 한국의 식품 오염원 중 법적인 규제 등을 통해 구체적인 통제가 이루어지지 못하고 있는 것이 축산물의 항생제로 알려져 항생제 오 남용으로 인한 내성균의 출현으로 비상이 걸렸던 적이 있었다. 요즘은 항생제를 지나치게 많이 사용해 가축이나 인체 내의 병원성 미생물들이 내성이 생겨 문제가 되고 있어 2011년 7월부터 가축용 사료에 항생제 첨가가 금지하게 된다. 한국은 항생제 내성률 1위로, 2000년 세계보건기구(WHO)에 따르면 대표적 항생제인 페니실린에 대한 폐렴구균의 내성률이 70%로 세계 1위이다. 어느 보고서에 따르면, 축산물 1톤을 생산하는 데 사용되는 항생제가 스웨덴이나 뉴질랜드, 덴마크 등 축산 선진국이 31~44g에 불과한데 비해 한국은 911g에 이른다. 투여 경로는 배합사료에 포함된 양이 54%, 농가의 임의 치료가 40%, 수의사 처방은 겨우 6% 순으로 나타났다. 그러나 OECD 회원국 중 수의사 처방 없이 항생제의 임의 투여를 허용하고 있는 나라는 한국뿐이다. 세계보건기구(WHO)에서는 가축사료에 항생제를 첨가하지 말 것을 권장하고 있으며, 유럽연합(EU)도 항생제는 반드시 수의사의 처방에 의해서만 사용토록 제한하고 있다. 최근 국립수의과학검역원에 의하면, 축산용 항생제 사용량이 2008년에 비해 18%, 2001년에 l해 무려 38%가 감소되었으며, 이중 닭은 20%, 소의 항생제 사용량은 36%가 감소하였다고 밝혔다. 사육 가축들의 항생제 오남용을 줄이기 위해서는 사료에 첨가하는 항생제나 성장호르몬, 비소 투여 등의 투여 대신에 미생물 생균사료나 녹차사료, 한약재사료 등의 천연면역물질을 함유한 사료를 먹여 스트레스를 덜 받고 면역력 증강에 좋은 사료를 먹여 키운 건강한 가축으로 생산한 육류는 맛도 특별히 좋다. 본 자료의 대부분은 금년부터 3년간 농촌진흥청 국립축산과학원과 중국청도농업대학과 "고품질 축산물생산을 위한 중약제를 이용한 질병방지체제 연구"라는 과제로 공동협력연구를 수행하게 됨에 따라 지난 11월 4일부터 10일까지 필자가 중국 청도농업대학을 방문하여 세미나시 발표한 자료임을 밝혀두며, 국내 수의학 연구에도 도움이 되고 저 소개한다.