Electrochemical Antigenic Sensor for the Diagnosis of Chronic Q Fever

In this work, we report the development of an impedimetric biosensor for the direct, quick, and easy diagnosis of chronic Q fever. The biosensor is based on highly sensitive antigens that can selectively recognize antibodies against Coxiella burnetii. The biosensor is based on the immobilization of antigens onto a gold electrode using the EDC/NHS immobilization methodology. The detection is performed by impedance spectroscopy that monitors specific frequencies which provide the maximum sensitivity for the biosensor. Q fever antibodies that are present in the sera of patients interact selectively with the biosensor antigens, thereby altering the impedance of the biosensor surfaceand generating a large impedance change within a few seconds. The biosensor allows for the specific serological detection of chronic Q fever, while the developed system can also be modified for the detection of other biomarkers, such as the ones against acute Q fever

Treatment of Mycobacterium marinum cutaneous infections

Mycobacterium marinum is a non-tuberculous Mycobacterium found in non-chlorinated water, with worldwide prevalence. It is the most common atypical Mycobacterium that causes opportunistic infection in humans. It presents as a solitary, red-to-violaceous plaque or nodule with an overlying crust or verrucous surface, or as inflammatory nodules or abscesses, usually in a sporotrichotic type of distribution. Deep infections may also occur. Although diagnosis is confirmed by isolation and identification of the organism in practice diagnosis remains largely presumptive based on clinicohistological features and the response to treatment. Polymerase chain reaction allows the routine early detection of the organism from a biopsy specimen. In the near future, it seems possible that histopathological examination might be greatly assisted by the rapidly improving possibilities with in vivo imaging. There have been many therapeutic modalities used effectively in the treatment of M. marinum infections. Spontaneous remission has also been reported in untreated infections and in immunocompetent hosts. However, there is no proven treatment of choice because M. marinum is naturally multi-drug resistant species and treatment is based primarily on the personal experience and preference of individual investigators, without the benefit of large studies. In superficial cutaneous infections minocycline, clarithromycin, doxycycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as monotherapy are effective treatment options, but drug resistance varies and thereby combination therapy usually of two drugs may be required. Ciprofloxacin has shown considerable effectiveness. In cases of severe infections, including those with a sporotrichoid distribution pattern, a combination of rifampicin and ethambutol seems to be the recommended regimen. The use of isoniazid, streptomycin and pyrazinamide as empirical treatment options should be avoided. Surgical treatment is not usually recommended and must be cautiously applied. Cryotherapy, X-ray therapy, electrodesiccation, photodynamic therapy and local hyperthermic therapy have been reported as effective therapeutic alternatives. M. marinum infection should always be included in the differential diagnosis of all cases with poor-healing wounds in upper extremities and a history of exposure to aquariums. © 2007 Informa UK Ltd

Pimecrolimus induced tinea incognito masquerading as intertriginous psoriasis

A 58-year-old, obese, male, army officer was presented with tinea incognito of the groin masking intertriginous psoriasis. According to his history, he had pruritic, symmetrical erythematous eruption of the groin of 2-month duration that he treated himself by using topical pimecrolimus 1%. This medication had been prescribed for his 8-year son's atopic dermatitis by the paediatrician. Direct examination with potassium hydroxide preparation showed fungal hyphae and Trichophyton rubrum was isolated in culture. This is the second case of topical pimecrolimus induced tinea incognito. We also review the cutaneous disorders that tinea incognito may mimic. © 2007 The Authors

Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas sp. Strain phDV1, an Isolate Capable of Efficient Degradation of Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Pseudomonas sp. strain phDV1 is a Gram-negative bacterium capable of degrading aromatic hydrocarbons. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of this strain, which consists of 4,727,682 bp, with a 62.3% G+C content and 4,574 genes. Multiple genes responsible for the degradation of aromatics are present in this strai