• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.728-736
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• 2015

Cronobacter species (Cronobacter spp.), previously known as Enterobacter sakazakii, are gram negative food borne pathogenic bacteria. They pose a very high risk of infection to neonates and immuno-compromised individuals and can affect the human central nervous system. Consequently, survivors often suffer from severe neurological impairment including hydrocephalus, quadriplegia, and developmental delays. Cronobacter spp. were not only isolated from plant food and products such as cereals, fruits, vegetables, legume products, herbs, and spices but also from animal source foods such as milk, meat, fish, and products made from these foods. Therefore, rapid detection of Cronobacter spp. is essential for food safety. Many detection methods have been developed since the Cronobacter spp. were first reported. However, the development of more rapid, sensitive, and easy-to-use detection methods for the Cronobacter spp. is required. In this review, our aim was to study and compare the available detection methods for Cronobacter spp., including culture-based, molecular biology-based, and immunology-based methods. This study will contribute to the development of new and rapid detection method for Cronobacter spp.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.7
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• pp.760-765
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• 2005

Purpose : We studied the changes in antibiotic sensitivity to the causative organisms of urinary tract infection(UTI), in order to provide useful information on the choice of adequate drugs in the treatment of UTI. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed the major causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivities in 69 patients diagnosed with UTI in the Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Cheil Hospital from 2002 to 2003. Results : The frequency of UTI was the highest in infants younger than 1 year of age(88.4 percent). The male to female ratio was 3.05 : 1. Escherichia coli was the most frequent organism(78.3 percent), followed by Klebsiella(11.6 percent), Pseudomonas(2.9 percent), Proteus(2.9 percent), Enterobacter, Morganelle, and Enterococcus(1.4 percent) in descending order. Antibiotic sensitivity of gram negative organisms was above 90 percent against imipenem, amikacin, 80 percent against aztreonam, cefepime, ceftriaxone, 50-70 percent against gentamicin, trimethoprime-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), and 23 percent against ampicillin(23.4 percent). Conclusion : Antibiotict sensitivity of gram negative organisms was high to amikacin and third generation cephalosporins but low to ampicillin, gentamicin and TMP/SMX. The use of ampicillin or TMP/SMX, as the first choice of the empiric and prophylactic treatment for UTI, should be reconsidered and investigated further.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2007

As the consumption of environmentally friendly agricultural products increases, food safety is at the forefront of public health concerns. We analyzed the biological hazards of 26 species of leaf vegetables and 4 species of fruit according to types of cultivation (conventional or organic filming) and distribution system (giant retailers or organic food stores) using various culture media, automatic bacterial identification systems, and microscopy, Total bacterial count of unwashed agricultural product ranged from $5.2{\times}10^{3}\;to\;1.5{\times}10^{5}\;CFU/mL$ (from 0.1 g of agricultural products), and the average count dropped 25-fold (range, 8-60-fold) after water washing. Microbial levels of washed organic agricultural products were $6.0{\times}10^{2}-1.9{\times}10^{4}\;CFU/mL$, and were not significantly different f개m the microbial loads on conventionally farmed produce. There was no significant difference in bacterial count from agricultural produce purchased from giant retailers or organic food stores. Total microbial count of Chinese cabbage, welsh onion, red chicory and kale were comparatively high, and Enterobacter cloacae was isolated most frequently. Parasites were detected in agricultural products purchased from conventional farm products in the stores of giant retailers, and in organic food stores, and parasite prevalence was especially high in Chinese cabbages and welsh onion. The study indicated that cultivation methods and distribution systems did not cause significant differences in biological contamination levels of agricultural produce. Some vegetables and fruits were highly contaminated effective sanitizing methods to reduce these biological hazards are needed.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.35-44
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and to compare the causative uropathogen and antibiotic susceptibility between the first and recurrent UTI episodes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children with VUR who had recurrent UTI. Group 1 included patients in whom the same pathogen caused the first and recurrent UTI episodes. Group 2 included patients in whom different pathogens caused the first and recurrent UTI episodes. Results: During a 13-year study period (2005-2018), 77 children with VUR experienced at least one episode of UTI. Among these, 47 patients (61.0%) had recurrent UTI. Of the children with recurrent UTI, 19 (40.4%) were in group 1 and 28 (59.6%) were in group 2. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated uropathogen (n=37; 39.4%) in both episodes of recurrent UTIs, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=18; 19.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (n=14; 14.9%), and Enterobacter aerogenes (n=7; 7.4%). Although the difference was not significant, the rate of resistance to the antibiotics ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole increased in patients with the second episode of E. coli recurrence in group 1, and that to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, and meropenem increased in children with the second episode of E. aerogenes recurrence in group 1. Conclusions: When selecting empirical antibiotics for recurrent UTI in children with VUR, it is important to consider that the pathogen and antimicrobial susceptibility of the previous UTI are not always the same in recurrent UTIs.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.421-427
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• 2016

We aim to offer basic materials about infection management through conducting bacterial contamination test about general radiography equipment and CT equipment installed in ER of three general hospitals with 100 sickbeds or more located in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and suggest management plan. It had been conducted from 1st December 2015 to 31st December, and objects were general radiography equipment and CT equipment of emergency room located in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. For general radiography equipment, sources were collected from 4 places such as upper side of control box which employees use most, upper side of exposure button, whole upper side of table which is touching part of patient's skin, upper side of stand bucky's grid, and where patients put their jaws on. For CT equipment, sources were collected from 3 places such as upper side of control box which radiography room employees use most, X-ray exposure button, whole upper side of table which is touching part of patient's skin, and gantry inner. Surface contamination strain found at general radiography equipment in emergency room of radiology are Providencia stuartii(25%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia(18%), Enterobacter cloacae(8%), Pseudomonas species(8%), Staphylococcus epidermidis(8%), Gram negative bacilli(8%), and ungrown bacteria at incubator after 48 hours of incubation (67%) which is the biggest. Most bacteria were found at upper side of stand bucky-grid and stand bucky of radiology's general radiography equipment, and most sources of CT equipment were focused at patient table, which means it is contaminated by patients who have various diseases, and patients who have strains with decreased immunity may get severe diseases. Thus infection prevention should be made through 70% alcohol disinfection at both before test and after test.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.174-181
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• 2009

The consumption of "ready-to-eat" agricultural products is recently increasing and the safety of these agricultural products is forefront of public concerns. The 120 samples of paprikas, strawberries and tomatoes, which are the representative exported agricultural products, were purchased at the department stores and discount stores in Daejeon. And we determined the microbiological and parasitological contamination level of these agricultural products using culture media, multiplex PCR, commercial bacterial detection kit and microscopy, and also evaluated the decontamination method. Mean counts of total aerobic bacteria from these agricultural products ranged from $1.3{\times}10^4$ CFU/g to $1.8{\times}10^5$ CFU/g, and mean counts of coliforms ranged from $1.4{\times}10^3$ CFU/g to $9.6{\times}10^3$ CFU/g. There was no significant difference in the level of bacterial contamination between the agricultural products from department stores and the ones from discount stores. Strawberry showed the highest contamination level for the bacteria and we also found the unidentified parasite eggs. Enterobacter cloacae was the most frequently isolated bacteria strain, but no food poisoning pathogenic bacteria except Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the products by multiplex PCR. Compared to unwashed products, tab water-washed ones showed 80% decrease of the counts of total aerobic bacteria on the agricultural products, and the rates decreased more by incorporating detergent or ultrasonic wave treatment. We concluded that the biological contamination levels among paprikas, strawberries and tomatoes were the highest in strawberries, but there were not significant difference according to distribution systems.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.7
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• pp.847-854
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• 2002

Purpose : Long term hospitalized infants in neonatal intensive care units(NICUs) are prone to systemic infection. It is important to differentiate systemic candidiasis from systemic bacterial infection early in the course. Thus, in this study, we have compared clinical characteristics of systemic candidiasis and systemic bacterial infection, in premature low birth weight infants. Methods : Retrospective chart review of the medical records of 20 patients with systemic candidiasis and 23 patients with systemic bacterial infection was performed. Results : Among the risk factors of systemic candidiasis, total parenteral nutrition(TPN), the use of broad spectrum antibiotics, central catheter insertion, endotracheal intubation and the use of H2 blockers were more frequent in neonates with systemic candidiasis than neonates with systemic bacterial infection. Apnea with bradycardia developed more frequently in neonates with systemic candidiasis compared with systemic bacterial infection(75% vs 39%). In laboratory findings at symptom onset, seven cases(35%) of systemic candidal infections and two cases(9%) of systemic bacterial infections showed leukopenia and thrombocytopenia(P=0.03). Blood was the most frequent isolation site of candida and bacteria. Conclusion : In neonates with systemic candidiasis, apnea with bradycardia, pneumonia and thrombocytopenia were prone to develop more frequently. The use of TPN, antibiotics and central catheters was strongly associated with systemic candidiasis. Empirical treatment with antifungal agent should be considered in critically ill neonates with above findings.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.240-248
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• 1989

The increase in size and numbers of general hospitals in the process of conspicuous development of modem medicine has been accompanied by a serious increase in hospital acquired infections. Hospital aquired infections cause pain and discomfort, may threaten life, adds an economic burden, and delays recovery and return to society. Even though respiratory hospital infection rates resulting for tracheostomy and respiratory inhalation therapy, may be low, they are serious because of their bad prognosis and high mortality rates. This study was designed to assess certain aspects of respiratory infections of patients with a tracheostomy and thus provide baseline data for further research related to preventive or therapeutic nursing interventions. The specific objectives were to determine the incidence of colonization in the trachea, clinical signs, type of colonized bacteria and sensitivity to antibiotics. Data were collected from July 1 to December 10, 1989 at two university Hospital in Seoul. Subjects were 20 patients with a tracheostomy admitted to the Intensive Care Unit or Cerebral Vascular Accident Center. Clinical signs related to respiratory infection were observed using a checklist based on previous study outcomes. Bacterial culture, sensitivity test to antibiotics, WBC counts and chest X-ray were also performed. Cultures were done on the day of tracheostomy, and on the third, fifth and seventh day. Cultures were then done on seventh days after the first colonization. The results were as follows : 1. The incidence of bacteria colonization in a week was 90%(18 patients) 50% (10/20 patients) on the day of tracheostomy, 70%(7/10 patients) on the third day, and 0% on the fifth day, and 33%(1/3 patient) on the seventh day. 3 of 18 patients (16.7%) were colonies of mixed growth isolated. 2. The observed clinical signs related to respiratory infection were high fever 38.9%(7 patients), prulent secretion 16.7%(12 patients) and infiltration seen on chest X-ray 33.3%(6 patients). 3. The total number of types of bacteria isolated among the 18 subjects was 21 ; gram negative 71.4%, gram postive 28.6%. The dominant bacteria type was Staphylococcus aureus(5 cases) for gram(equation omitted) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(3 cases), Klebsiella (4 cases), Enterobacter(3 cases) for gram (equation omitted). The results of culture on 7th day after the first colonization, 6 cases showed same type of bacteria, 3cases showed different type of bacteria and 1 cases showed no growth. 4. The sensitivity tests to antibiotics showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus were strongly resistant to most kinds of antibiotics, but Klebsiella and the rest of gram negative bacteria were moderately sensitive to antibiotics.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.49-60
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• 1988

Reviewing the results of the blood cultures performed at Yeungnam University Hospital during 4-year-period through January. 1, 1984 to December 31, 1987, the following results were obtained. 1) Out of 808:3 blood specimens cultured microorganisms grew in 582 specimens with positivity rate of 7.20%. Polymicrobial bacteremia was found in 16 patients. 2) Among 582 positive specimens, Gram-positive cocci grew in 189 specimens, and Gram-negative bacilli, in 393 specimens. Clinically significant microorganisms consisted of 82 Staphylococcus aureus, and 20 Strptococcus species in Gram-positive cocci group, 80 Salmonella typhi, 72 Escherichia coli, 72 Salmonella paratyphi A in Enterobacteriaceae, and 46 Pseudomonas cepacia, and 16 Pseudomonas aeruginosa in glucose non-fermentating microorganisms. 3) Increasing incidence of Serratia, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas species as major nosocomial infection source is noteworthy. They showed increased tendency from 6.3% of 1984 to 17.7% of 1987 of total positive blood cultures. 4) High isolation rate of Pseudomonas species and Aeromonas hydrophilia was noted in summer, while Salmonella typhi showed high prevalence from May to September and in January. 5) In susceptibility tests of isolated organisms, staphylococcus aureus was sensitive to basic antimicrobial agents except for ampicillin. The glucose non-fermentating microorganisms showed high resistance to basic antimicrobial agents in 32.2%. In conclusion, considering the relatively higher incidence of growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis than ideal level indicates that sampling technique should be improved. Secondly, all the hospital staffs in cooperation with Hospital Infection Committee are desirable to pay efforts to decrease the nosocomial infection.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.120-126
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• 2020

Objective: The rising number of carbapenemase-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) cases has become a concern worldwidely. This study investigated patient characteristics with CRE and analyzed the risk factors associated with its acquisition. Methods: A retrospective review of the electronic medical records of the Kangbuk Samsung Medical Center from May 2016 to April 2019 was performed. The inclusion criterion was hospitalized patients aged ≥18 years with confirmed CRE acquisition. Patients were divided by CRE acquired and non-required patients. CRE acquired patients were those with CRE confirmed by their active surveillance cultures, while non-acquired patients were those with carbapenemase-sensitive Enterobacteriaceae (CSE). If CRE was isolated more than once during hospitalization, only the first isolation was used for data analysis. Patient characteristics, antibiotic used, and the duration of use were compared between two groups using univariate analysis, and the risk factors associated with CRE were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 73 CRE acquired patients, 44 (60.3%) were positive for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). Infection from Klebsiella pneumonia (42 cases, 57.5%), Escherichia coli (17 cases, 23.3%), and Enterobacter cloacae (5 cases, 6.8%). The risk of CRE acquisition was significantly increased by 4.99 times [confidence interval (CI), 1.40-17.78; p=0.013] with mechanical ventilation, 3.86 times (CI, 1.59-9.36; p=0.003) with penicillin administration, and 21.19 times (CI, 6.53-68.70; p<0.001) with carbapenem administration. Conclusions: Proper antibiotic use including the selection, frequency, and duration, and patients on mechanical ventilators need close monitoring.