Q Fever in France, 1985–2009

To assess Q fever in France, we analyzed data for 1985–2009 from the French National Reference Center. A total of 179,794 serum samples were analyzed; 3,723 patients (one third female patients) had acute Q fever. Yearly distribution of acute Q fever showed a continuous increase. Periodic variations were observed in monthly distribution during January 2000–December 2009; cases peaked during April–September. Q fever was diagnosed more often in patients in southeastern France, where our laboratory is situated, than in other areas. Reevaluation of the current positive predictive value of serologic analysis for endocarditis was performed. We propose a change in the phase I (virulent bacteria) immunoglobulin G cutoff titer to >1,600. Annual incidences of acute Q fever and endocarditis were 2.5/100,000 persons and 0.1/100,000 persons, respectively. Cases and outbreaks of Q fever have increased in France

Applicabilité de la PCR "universelle" 16S comme outil d'identification et de détection bactérienne en laboratoire hospitalier de bactériologie

La PCR universelle ciblant le gène codant pour l'ARNr 16S à l'aide d'amorces universelles, a d'abord été développée pour des études phylogénétiques. En effet ce gène est universellement retrouvé chez les bactéries et sa fonction est conservée. Ainsi, il peut servir d'« horloge moléculaire » pour mesurer les distances phylogénétiques entre les différentes espèces bactériennes. La PCR universelle a ensuite été appliquée en microbiologie clinique dans deux domaines distincts : la détection et l'identification bactériennes. Dans ce travail, nous avons évalué l'applicabilité de la PCR « universelle » 16S comme outil diagnostique dans un centre hospitalier universitaire (hôpital la Timone, Marseille, France). Tout d'abord, nous avons décrit comment la PCR universelle permet l'identification de souches bactériennes mal identifiées par les techniques phénotypiques conventionnelles. Puis, nous avons montré que la PCR universelle peut être utilisée pour détecter l'ADN bactérien dans des prélèvements à culture négative, soit parce que le patient a reçu une antibiothérapie préalable, soit parce que le microorganisme responsable est de croissance difficile. Enfin, nous avons montré que la PCR 16S utilisée pour l'identification permet de mettre en évidence des souches susceptibles de représenter de nouvelles espèces et/ou de nouveaux genres bactériens. Ainsi, la PCR universelle est applicable dans un laboratoire de bactériologie de routine dans les trois objectifs ci-dessus. Elle permet une identification précise des souches bactériennes et l'amélioration du diagnostic des infections associées à des cultures négatives et, par là-même, l'amélioration de la prise en charge des patients.Broad-range 16S rDNA PCR using universal primers was first developed for phylogenetic purpose since 16S rRNA gene is found in every bacterial species with a conserved function; consequently 16S rRNA gene can be used as a molecular clock for assessing bacterial phylogeny. Broad-range PCR was then applied to medical microbiological diagnosis in two distinct fields: molecular detection and bacteria identification. In the present work, we evaluated the applicability of broad-range PCR as a diagnostic tool in a teaching hospital (Timone Hospital, Marseilles, France). First, we showed that broad-range PCR allows identification of bacteria obtained in culture but misidentified by conventional phenotypic methods. Second, we showed that universal PCR permits bacterial detection in culture-negative infection. Third, we exemplified that using broad-range PCR is a valuable tool to identify new bacterial species and/or genera. Consequently, universal PCR is applicable in routine laboratories in the three above fields; it allows a more accurate identification of bacterial strains and permits to diagnose culture-negative bacterial infections, thus improving patient's management. It also improves our knowledge of infectious diseases together with bacterial diversity and phylogeny. Although universal PCR presents certain limitations (discussed in this work), it remains today the gold-standard for molecular identification and detection in routine laboratories

<it>Robinsoniella peoriensis</it> infection following surgery for scoliosis: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p><it>Robinsoniella peoriensis</it> was recently identified as a Gram-positive, spore-forming, anaerobic bacillus originally isolated from swine manure storage pits. Seven isolates have been subsequently reported from human sources.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report the case of an infection caused by <it>R. peoriensis</it> in a 45-year-old Caucasian woman after posterior instrumentation correction of idiopathic thoracolumbar scoliosis. The identification was made by culture of samples inoculated onto blood agar and chocolate agar and was confirmed by 16 S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequencing.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We discuss similar cases suggesting that <it>R. peoriensis</it> is responsible for health care-associated infections with the colonic flora as a potential source of infection.</p

Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus Virophage Seroconversion in Travelers Returning from Laos

International audienc

Noneruptive Fever Revealing Murine Typhus in a Traveler Returning From Tunisia

International audienceRickettsia species are increasingly being recognized as a cause of infection among returning travelers. Murine typhus (MT) was mistakenly thought to have disappeared in the 1970s in Tunisia, yet recent serological data show that Rickettsia typhi, the causative agent of MT, still circulates in the Tunisian population. We report here a case of MT in a woman returning from Tunisia and hospitalized in France. Her presentation was nonspecific, with acute noneruptive fever. Diagnosis was confirmed by cross-adsorption and immunoblotting. Clinicians taking care of returning travelers with fever should be aware of MT, and know how to diagnose and treat it

Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus Virophage Seroconversion in Travelers Returning from Laos

During January 2010, a husband and wife returned from Laos to France with probable parasitic disease. Increased antibodies against an Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus virophage indicated seroconversion. While in Laos, they had eaten raw fish, a potential source of the virophage. This virophage, associated with giant viruses suspected to cause pneumonia, could be an emerging pathogen