Analysis of the distribution and antifungal susceptibility of Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida isolated from human blood culture

BackgroundCandidaemia is a growing concern worldwide, and its species distribution has shifted toward non-albicans Candida in recent decades, especially in patients with malignancy. The population continues to age worldwide, especially in developing countries and among groups with high socioeconomic status.AimsThis study aimed to analyse the Candida species and associated antifungal susceptibility in one region of Korea.MethodsFrom December 2014 to June 2018, 126 specimens of Candida species from blood cultures were analysed using various methods. We used VITEK 2 to perform the blood culture and the R statistical program for analysis. In addition, an antifungal susceptibility test was performed.ResultsC. albicans was detected in 51 (40.5 per cent), C. glabrata and C. tropicalis in 24 (19.0 per cent), and C. parapsilosis in 16 (12.7 per cent) specimens. The mean age of patients with C. albicans was 63.8 years and that of patients with non-albicans Candida was 65.6 years. We performed an antifungal susceptibility test using six agents, and eight (6.3 per cent) specimens exhibited antifungal resistance. The data showed that C. albicans was the most commonly detected species. Moreover, a large proportion of the elderly subjects were infected with C. albicans, and the rate of antifungal agent resistance was as high as 6.3 per cent.ConclusionOur study indicates that C. albicans was the most commonly detected species and the infection rate was high among elderly patients. Therefore, clinics should remain vigilant, and preparedness levels must be increased in regions with a high percentage of elderly people

Study on the Immunomodulation Effect of Isodon japonicus Extract via Splenocyte Function and NK Anti-Tumor Activity

Here we investigated the potential immune-enhancing activity of Isodon japonicus on murine splenocyte and natural-killer (NK) cells in vitro. The ethanol extract of I. japonicus significantly enhanced the proliferation of splenocyte and induced the significant enhancement of NK cells’ activity against tumor cells (YAC-1). In addition, I. japonicus increased the production of interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, suggesting that the increase in NK cell cytotoxicity could be due to the enhancement of the NK cell production of both cytokines. Taken together, I. japonicus extract inhibited the growth of human leukemia cells (K562) by 74%. Our observation indicated that the anti-tumor effects of I. japonicus may be attributed to its ability to serve as a stimulant of NK anti-tumor activity. In addition, our results support the development of functional food studies on I. japonicus

Hepatic resection of metastatic tumor from serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary.

Metastatic carcinomas are the largest group of malignant tumors of the liver. But parenchymal liver metastasis from cystic ovarian adenocarcinoma is very rare. We report a case in which the resection of metastatic liver neoplasm from ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma was done 7 yr after initial treatment. A 48-yr-old oriental housewife complained of easy fatigability and right lower quadrant discomfort. The hepatic mass was detected by ultrasonographic examination. Serum albumin, bilirubin, and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase were normal. Alkaline phosphatase level was slightly increased at 146 IU/L. A tumor marker study showed alpha-fetoprotein 0.97 IU/mL, carcinoembryonic antigen 0.965 ng/mL, cancer antigen 125 1,267 ng/mL and CA 19-9 106.1 ng/mL. The operation involved cholecystectomy and segmentectomy VI and VII of the liver. The patient recovered from the surgery without any complication. On the 10th postoperative day, the patient received a single-regimen chemotherapy with paclitaxel (Taxol, 155 mg/m(2) BSA) and was discharged. She has been carefully followed-up without any evidence of recurrence after completion of the remaining 5 cycles of chemo-therapy, at intervals of three weeks

Acute Chylous Peritonitis Mimicking Ovarian Torsion in a Patient with Advanced Gastric Carcinoma

The extravasation of chyle into the peritoneal space usually does not accompany an abrupt onset of abdominal pain with symptoms and signs of peritonitis. The rarity of this condition fails to reach preoperative diagnosis prior to laparotomy. Here, we introduce a case of chylous ascites that presented with acute abdominal pain mimicking peritonitis caused by ovarian torsion in a 41-yr-old female patient with advanced gastric carcinoma. An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed but revealed no evidence of ovarian torsion. Only chylous ascites was discovered in the operative field. She underwent a complete abdominal hysterectomy and salphingo-oophorectomy. Only saline irrigation and suction-up were performed for the chylous ascites. The postoperative course was uneventful. Her bowel movement was restored within 1 week. She was allowed only a fat-free diet, and no evidence of re-occurrence of ascites was noted on clinical observation. She now remains under consideration for additional chemotherapy