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Viral detection using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based assay in outpatients with upper respiratory infection.

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 2012 Nov 22;

Authors: Leekha S, Irish CL, Schneider SK, Fernholz EC, Espy MJ, Cunningham SA, Patel R, Juhn YJ, Pritt B, Smith TF, Sampathkumar P

Abstract
We evaluated a commercial multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in a cross-sectional study among 81 adult and pediatric outpatients-40 cases with upper respiratory infection symptoms and 41 asymptomatic controls-from February to April 2008. Two specimens (throat swab and nasal swab) from each participant were tested using the EraGen MultiCode-PLx Respiratory Virus Panel that detects 17 viral targets. Throat swabs were also tested for Group A Streptococcus (GAS) by PCR. Respiratory viruses were detected in 22/40 (55%) cases and in 3/41 (7%) controls (P < 0.001). GAS was detected in 10 (25%) cases; GAS and respiratory virus co-infection was found in 4 (10%). Agreement between nasal and throat swabs for viral detection was 69% in cases and 95% in controls. Of 22 cases with a detectable virus, 12 (54%) were picked up by only 1 (throat or nasal) specimen, and the detection rate was increased by combining results of nasal and throat swab testing.

PMID: 23182565 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Exercise Limitations by the Oxygen Delivery and Utilization Systems in Aging and Disease: Coordinated Adaptation and Deadaptation of the Lung-Heart Muscle Axis - A Mini-Review.

Gerontology. 2012 Nov 24;

Authors: Burtscher M

Abstract
Cardiorespiratory fitness (aerobic exercise capacity) is one of the most important prerequisites for successful aging in human beings and depends on adequate oxygen transport by the respiratory and circulatory systems from environmental air to the working muscles and the efficient utilization of oxygen by the mitochondria. A linear dose-response relation between aerobic exercise capacity, morbidity, mortality, and quality of life is well documented. The process of normal aging is associated with a variable reduction in functional capacity of the main organs involved in oxygen delivery and utilization. Integrated changes of the heart-lung muscle axis are termed here 'coordinated deadaptation', e.g. due to aging and disease, in contrast to the beneficial effects of 'coordinated adaptation', e.g. resulting from exercise training. Physical inactivity in aging persons initiates a circulus vitiosus resulting in coordinated deadaptation of the oxygen delivery and utilization systems mainly affecting the heart-muscle axis. Whereas in the healthy elderly the deadaptation process starts from inactive locomotor muscles, the lung or the heart represent the origin in patients suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. Specific exercise training programs, considering the state of cardiorespiratory health and physical activity, are the most important and almost the only effective intervention to avoid or to break the circulus vitiosus, thereby promoting quality and expectancy of life in aging humans.

PMID: 23182831 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Antimicrobial Resistance Genotype Trend and Its Association with Host Clinical Characteristics in Respiratory Isolates of Haemophilus influenzae.

Chemotherapy. 2012 Nov 24;58(5):352-357

Authors: Hagiwara E, Baba T, Shinohara T, Nishihira R, Komatsu S, Ogura T

Abstract
Background: β-Lactam resistance genotype trends in clinical isolates of Haemophilus influenzae and their correlation with the clinical background were analyzed. Methods: Five hundred and ten respiratory isolates of H. influenzae collected during the period 2002-2009 were classified by PCR into gBLNAS (genotype for β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-susceptible), gBLNAR (genotype for β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant) and 3 other genotypes. The associations with host clinical data and antimicrobial susceptibility were analyzed in all 144 isolates between 2008 and 2009. Results: The 8-year trend analysis detected an increase in gBLNAR with a decrease in gBLNAS. The probability of being a causative pathogen did not differ between genotypes. Host clinical characteristics such as age and gender did not differ with gBLNAR or gBLNAS, but the underlying respiratory diseases did differ. gBLNAR was found at the highest rate in 83% of isolates from patients with nontuberculous mycobacteriosis. In contrast, gBLNAR accounted for as little as 33% of isolates from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Conclusions: There were no differences in the pathogenicity of gBLNAR and gBLNAS. The underlying respiratory diseases may be related to the resistance genotype.

PMID: 23183338 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Emerging drugs for perennial allergic rhinitis.

Expert Opin Emerg Drugs. 2012 Dec;17(4):543-53

Authors: Passalacqua G, Ciprandi G

Abstract
Introduction: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a high-prevalence disease, sustained by an IgE-triggered reaction with histamine release, followed by an inflammatory response which involves cells, mediators, cytokines and adhesion molecules. According to its duration, AR can be either intermittent or persistent. In the persistent form, the inflammatory component usually predominates. Areas covered: The current therapeutic strategy is based on antihistamines, antileukotrienes and on corticosteroids (which broadly act on inflammation). Allergen-specific immunotherapy is a biological response modifier that affects the immune response to allergens in a broad sense. The available pharmacotherapy is overall effective in controlling symptoms and inflammation, but safety concerns may be present (especially for prolonged treatments), and a proportion of patients remain uncontrolled. The available therapeutic innovations, as derived from the most recent literature are reviewed herein. Expert opinion: In the last years there have been very few innovative approaches to optimize the management of AR. These include new histamine receptor antagonists, combination therapy and strategies to selectively block relevant signaling pathways of the allergic reaction. Some more promising advances have been shown for allergen immunotherapy, where a number of new strategies are currently under development.

PMID: 23186314 [PubMed - in process]