• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.299-306
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• 2012

Recently, the prevalence of 16S rRNA methylase conferring high-level resistance to aminoglycosides has been increasing in Gram-negative bacilli globally. We determined the prevalence and genotype of these methylase-producing bacteria, and characterized the co-resistance to ${\beta}$-lactam antibiotics and quinolone in Gram-negative clinical isolates collected in 2010 at a hospital in Korea. Among 65 amikacin-resistant isolates screened from 864 Gram-negative bacilli (GNB), 16S rRNA methylase genes were detected from 49 isolates, including Acinetobacter baumannii (43), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2), Proteus mirabilis (2) and Serratia marcescens (1), Empedobacter brevis (1). All of the 16S rRNA methylase genotype was armA and no variant sequences of amplified PCR products for armA were noted. The 16S rRNA methylase producing bacteria showed much higher resistance to aminoglycoside for Enterobacteriaceae and glucose non-fermenting (NF)-GNB and to imipenem for glucose NF-GNB, than the non-producing isolates. All of the 16S rRNA methylase producing Enterobacteriaceae had the extended-spectrum-${\beta}$-lactamase. In addition, two K. pneumoniae concurrently produced both plasmid-mediated AmpC ${\beta}$-lactamase and qnrB gene. All of the amikacin-resistant A. baumannii (43) co-harbored armA 16S rRNA methylase and $bla_{OXA-23}$ carbapenemase. In conclusion, 16S rRNA methylase producing bacteria were very prevalent among GNB in South Korea, and were commonly associated with co-resistance, including carbapenem and quinolone.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2005

Purpose : S. pneumoniae is one of major pathogens of community-acquired respiratory infections. The rate of antibiotic resistance to this organism has increased, and resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents in a single strain of S. pneumoniae may compromise the efficacy of empiric antimicrobial treatment commonly used for respiratory infections. We did this study to find out the penicillin resistant distributions and oral antibiotics susceptibility patterns against S. pneumoniae, isolated from pediatric patients with community-acquired respiratory infections in Korea. Methods : One hundred fifty six pneumococcal isolates obtained from pediatric patients with community-acquired respiratory infections such as acute otitis media(AOM), sinusitis and pneumonia between May 2000 to June 2003. And MICs of penicillin and oral antibiotics(amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefaclor) were performed by broth microdilution methods according to the NCCLS(2003a). Results : Seventy eight percent of the isolates were resistant to penicillin. The isolates, collected from AOM patients showed the highest penicillin resistance(92.7%). The resistant rates of amoxicillin (16.7%) and amoxicillin-clavulanate(9.6%), based on susceptibility breakpoints established by the NCCLS, were markedly lower than these of penicillin. But, the resistant rate of cefaclor was very high, above 95%. Conclusion : We concluded that pneumococci isolated from study cases may be one of the world's highest penicillin resistant rates. But, amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate can be used as a first-line antibiotics. Finally, we hope that a continuous surveillance study to monitor resistant patterns of pneumococcal respiratory infections will be needed for the standard guidelines of empiric antibiotic treatment.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.194-201
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• 2016

Purpose: Monitoring pneumococcal carriage rates is important. We developed and evaluated the accuracy of a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol for the detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Methods: In October 2014, 157 nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from patients aged <18 years admitted to Chung-Ang University Hospital. We developed and evaluated a real-time PCR method for detecting S. pneumoniae by comparing culture findings with the results of the real-time PCR using genomic DNA (gDNA). Of 157 samples, 20 specimens were analyzed in order to compare the results of cultures, real-time PCR, and real-time RT-PCR. Results: The concordance rate between culture findings and the results of real-time PCR was 0.922 (P<0.01, Fisher exact test). The 133 culture-negative samples were confirmed to be negative for S. pneumoniae using real-time PCR. Of the remaining 24 culture-positive samples, 21 were identified as S. pneumonia -positive using real-time PCR. The results of real-time RT-PCR and real-time PCR from 20 specimens were consistent with culture findings for all S. pneumoniae -positive samples except one. Culture and real-time RT-PCR required 26.5 and 4.5 hours to perform, respectively. Conclusions: This study established a real-time RT-PCR method for the detection of pneumococcal carriage in the nasopharynx. Real-time RT-PCR is an accurate, convenient, and time-saving method; therefore, it may be useful for collecting epidemiologic data regarding pneumococcal carriage in children.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.740-751
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• 2000

Background : Moxifloxacin is a newly developed drug which is more potent and safe compared to previous fluoroquinolones. This drug effectively eradicates organisms such as beta-lactamase-producing or other resistant bacteria. Moxifloxacin is known to be effective in treating respiratory infections such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Chlamydia pneumoniaeme, Legionella spp. and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Methods : In a multicenter, randomized, open, comparative study, the efficacy and safety of oral moxifloxacin taken 400 mg once a day and clarithromycin taken 500 mg twice daily for 7 days were compared for the treatment of Korean patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Results : A total of 170 patients were enrolled, and they were divided into two groups: 87 in the moxifloxacin group and 83 in the clarithromycin group. Of those enrolled, 76 (35 for bacteriologic efficacy) in the moxifloxacin group and 77 (31 for bacteriologic efficacy) in the clarithromycin group were included in the efficacy analysis. All were included in the safety analysis. Clinical success was noted in 70 (92.1%) of 76 moxifloxacin-treated patients and 71 (92.2%) of 77 clarithromycin-treated patients. Bacteriologic success rate seemed to be higher in moxifloxacin group (73.5%) than in clarithromycin group (54.8%), but statistically insignificant (p=0.098). Drug susceptibility among organisms initially isolated was higher in moxifloxacin group on Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae (p<0.001). Adverse events were reported by 12.8% of 86 patients receiving moxifloxacin and 21.7% of 83 patients receiving clarithromycin. Headache (4.7% vs 4.8%, moxifloxacin group vs clarithromycin group, respectively) and indigestion (2.3% vs 6.0%, moxifloxacin group vs clarithromycin group, respectively) were the most frequent side effects in the two groups. Conclusion : This study demonstrated that for the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis a 7-day course of moxifloxacin 400 mg od was clinically equivalent and microbiologically superior to clarithromycin 500 mg bid.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1997.04a
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• pp.40-47
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• 1997

New quinolones generally have a broad antibacterial spectrum against gram-positive, gram-negative, glucose-nonfermenting and anaerobic bacteria. Some of newly developed quinolones have potent activities against S. aureus including MRSA, S.pneumoniae including PRSP, B. fragilis, chlamydiae, mycoplasmas and mycobacteria as well, and show good activities against various strains resistant to antibacterial agents of other classes. Quinolones display postantibiotic effects in vitro and are bactericidal at concentrations similar to or twice that of the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for susceptible pathogens. In experimental murine infection models including systemic infections with various pathogens such as S. aureus, S. pyogenes, S. pneumoniae, E. coli and P. aeruginosa, quinolones have shown good oral efficacy as well as parenteral efficacy. Good oral absorption and good tissue penetration of quinolones account for good therapeutic effects in clinical settings. The target of quinolones are two structurally related type II topoisomerases, DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase IV. Quinolones are shown to stabilize the ternary quinolone-gyrase-DNA complex and inhibit the religation of the cleaved double-stranded DNA. Bacteria can acquire resistance to quinolones by mutations of these target enzymes. Mutation sites and amino acid changes in DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase IV are similar in the organisms examined, suggesting that the mechanism of quinolone resistance in the target enzymes is essentially the same among various organisms. Quinolones act on both the target enzymes to different degrees depending on the organisms or agents tested, and bacteria become highly resistant to quinolones in a step-wise fashion. Incomplete cross-resistance among quinolones in some strains of E. coli and S. aureus suggests the possibility of finding quinolones active against quinolone-resistant strains which are prevailing now. To find such quinolones, the potency toward two target enzymes and the membrane permeability including influx and/or efflux systems should be taken into account.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.23 no.2 s.73
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• pp.176-189
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• 1995

For the development of antibiotics from Korean mushrooms, the biological activities of extracts from 98 species of mushrooms and from 25 mushrooms were tested against 9 different Gram-negative bacteria and 8 fungi, respectively. Fruiting bodies of each mushrooms were extracted with petroleum ether (P), 80% ethanol (E), and distilled water (H) in that order. P, E, or H extracts from 20 mushroom samples exhibited the antibacterial activity against 8 different Gram-negative bacteria containing Klebsiella pneumoniae, selectively. Among the mushroom extracts with antibiotic activity, E extracts of Boletus umbriniporus, Armillariella tabescens, Rhodophyllus sinuatus, and Suillus luteus showed various antibiotic activities against several bacteria. E extracts of Abortiporus biennis, Phellinus gilvus, and Polyporus dispansus are highly active against Salmonella typhi and their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was all $10\;{\mu}g/ml$. E extract of Armillariella tabescens showed the antifungal activity against Trichopyton mentagrophytes, and its MIC was $300\;{\mu}g/ml$.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.56-60
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• 2002

Purpose Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major pathogen in both adults and children, causing significant morbidity and mortality In patients with nephrotic syndrome, Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of spontaneous peritonitis, and the increasing incidence of penicillin-resistance strain facilitates the development of effective vaccine. The limitation of current pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine prompted development of polysaccharide- protein conjugate vaccine. Methods: We reviewed the medical record of total 225 steroid responsive nephrotic patients to ascertain the effectiveness of 23- valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Results. Twenty- eight patients have developed peritonitis during the courses, and 7 of those have recurrent peritonitis. Fifty- five patients were vaccinated and followed- up for 1- 108 months (mean 38.5 months), and during the follow- up period, pneumococcus related peritonitis was not detected. Vaccine- related relapse of nephrotic syndrome w as absent. Conclusion: In spite of the non- consensus about the efficacy of PPV23, clinically it benefits, and until the clinical trial of PCV7 is completed, PPV23 will be recommended. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2002;6: 56-60)

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.7-12
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• 2017

The study was performed to investigate the bacteriological contamination of portable digital radiography system and their detectors in a university hospital. CNS and VRE were detected in the samples collected from vinyl cover on detectors used for the infection control patients. On the other hand, no bacteria was detected in the samples collected from detectors with vinyl cover removed. In the series of imaging of patients from general wards, no bacteria was detected from the patient 1. However, CNS was detected from the patients 2 and 3, CNS and Enterococcus faecalis detected from the patient 4, CNS and Enterococcus casseliflavus detected from the patient 5, and CNS, Enterococcus casseliflavus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae all detected from the patient 6. CNS and Enterococcus faecium were detected in the controller handle of collimator. Also, CNS was detected from the handle of detector and exposure switch. In the treatment gloves of the radiological technologist after the imaging, CNS, Enterococcus gallinarum, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were detected. Therefore, it is recommended for DR portable to take images after sterilizing the detector after taking each image and to use disposable vinyl covers on detectors to remove after imaging. And treatment gloves must be changed after each imaging. Also, hospital infection via portables must be prevented by complete sterilization of the controller handles of collimator which are in frequent contact during imaging and infection education of employees.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.79-88
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• 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of CTX-M β-lactamase and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes, and the pattern of antibiotic resistance in cefotaxime-resistant gramnegative bacteria. A total 126 gram-negative bacteria were isolated from hospitalized dogs and cats between 2018 and 2019. The most predominant isolates were E. coli (n=41), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=25), Proteus mirabilis (n=14), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=9), Sphingomonas paucimobilis (n=7), and Enterobacter cloacae and Serratia marcescens (respectively, n=5). Cefotaxime-resistant isolates were identified in 26.2% (33 isolates) of 126 gram-negative bacteria. CTX-M type β-lactamase were found in 15 isolates (10 E. coli, 1 Ent, cloacae and 4 K. pneumoniae, respectively). Among the CTX-M producing gram-negative bacteria, CTX-M-1 and CTX-M-9 were detected in 10 (66.7%) and 5 (33.3%) isolates, respectively. While, CTX-M-2 and CTX-M-8 were not found. PMQR genes were detected in 12 (36.4%) isolates (4 E. coli, 2 Ent, cloacae and 6 K. pneumoniae, respectively), and the predominant PMQR gene was aac(6')-lb-cr (n=9), followed by qnrB (n=8) and qnrS (n=1) alone or in combination. qnrA and qepA were not found. Additionally, 9 (60%) of 12 PMQR positive isolates were co-existence with CTX-M-1 or CTX-M-9. CTX-M or PMQR producing isolates showed highly resistance to penicillins (100%), cephalosporins (100~66.7%), monobactams (72.2%), and non-β-lactam antibiotics (94.4~61.1%) such as quinolones, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline and gentamicin. These findings showed CTX-M-1, CTX-M-9, aac(6')-lb-cr and qnrB were highly prevalent in cefotaxime-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates from companion animals in our region. Moreover, PMQR genes were closely associated with CTX-M type β-lactamase.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.7-13
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• 2011

This study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves, seed and outer seedcoat against bacteria. Antimicrobial effects of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves (GBL), seed (GBS) and outer seedcoat (GBO) were examined by paper disc method and optical density method to determine minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), and observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to figure out the morphological change on the surface when Ginkgo biloba leaves extract was treated. The extracts of GBL, GBS and GBO were extracted by solvents such as methanol, ethanol, water. The methanol extract of GBL and GBO showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia enterocolitica except Escherichia coli and thus was further fractionated. The MICs of the chloroform fraction of GBL methanol extract were $125{\mu}g$/mL against B. subtilis, and L. monocytogenes; GBO methanol extract were $62.5{\mu}g$/mL against B. cereus and $125{\mu}g$/mL against B. subtilis, and L. monocytogenes. The microorganisms were treated with chloroform extracts ($2000{\mu}g$/mL) of GBL and GBO methanol extracts. It was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cells were expanded and a part of cell wall was completely destructed by GBL and GBO. Thus Ginkgo biloba L. leaves and outer seedcoat could be further developed into a natural antimicrobial agent.