Evaluation of a Rapid Immunochromatographic ODK-0901 Test for Detection of Pneumococcal Antigen in Middle Ear Fluids and Nasopharyngeal Secretions

Since the incidence of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae has been increasing at an astonishing rate throughout the world, the need for accurate and rapid identification of pneumococci has become increasingly important to determine the appropriate antimicrobial treatment. We have evaluated an immunochromatographic test (ODK-0901) that detects pneumococcal antigens using 264 middle ear fluids (MEFs) and 268 nasopharyngeal secretions (NPSs). A sample was defined to contain S. pneumoniae when optochin and bile sensitive alpha hemolytic streptococcal colonies were isolated by culture. The sensitivity and specificity of the ODK-0901 test were 81.4% and 80.5%, respectively, for MEFs from patients with acute otitis media (AOM). In addition, the sensitivity and specificity were 75.2% and 88.8%, respectively, for NPSs from patients with acute rhinosinusitis. The ODK-0901 test may provide a rapid and highly sensitive evaluation of the presence of S. pneumoniae and thus may be a promising method of identifying pneumococci in MEFs and NPSs

Possible High Rate of Transmission of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae, Including β-Lactamase-Negative Ampicillin-Resistant Strains, between Children and Their Parents

The possible transmission of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae between children and their parents was evaluated in 18 pairs of subjects from 15 families. Of the 33 isolates, 31 were found to be β-lactamase negative, including 10 β-lactamase-negative, ampicillin (AMP)-resistant (BLNAR) strains (AMP MIC, ≥1.0 μg/ml) and 2 were β-lactamase producing. Molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) showed that 10 BLNAR isolates had 6 patterns, 23 non-BLNAR isolates had 13 patterns, and these patterns were different from each other, except for 1 pattern. As a result, the PFGE patterns in 14 of 18 pairs were indistinguishable and those in 4 pairs were different. These data indicate a possible high rate of intrafamilial transmission of nontypeable H. influenzae, including BLNAR strains, between children and their parents

High Rate of Transmission of Penicillin-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae between Parents and Children

Transmission of Streptococcus pneumoniae between children and their parents was evaluated in 29 pairs from 25 families. The serotypes of 35 pneumococcal isolates from 18 (62.1%) of 29 child-parent pairs were identical. Of the 35 isolates, 23 showed intermediate resistance and 10 were fully resistant to penicillin G. PCR indicated that all 35 strains had at least one alteration in penicillin-binding protein genes pbp1a, pbp2x, and pbp2b and 33 strains had macrolide resistance genes mef(A) and/or erm(B). As a result, the PCR patterns of 16 of 18 pairs were identical. Molecular typing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed that 12 pairs were indistinguishable, 3 pairs were closely related, 2 pairs were possibly related, and only one pair was different. Our data indicate the presence of a high rate of transmission of penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae between children and their parents

Serotype Distribution and Penicillin Resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates from Middle Ear Fluids of Pediatric Patients with Acute Otitis Media in Japan ▿

Out of 175 pneumococcal isolates from middle ear fluids, 26.3% were penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP). Serotypes 19F and 23F occurred most frequently among PRSP strains. The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) showed better coverage of PRSP strains (87.0%). The 7-valent PCV may reduce the prevalence of PRSP in Japan

An Application of Outer Membrane Protein P6-Specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detection of <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> in Middle Ear Fluids and Nasopharyngeal Secretions

<div><p>An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific to outer membrane protein P6 (P6-ELISA) was applied for detecting <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> in middle ear fluids (MEFs) from acute otitis media (AOM) patients and in nasopharyngeal secretions (NPSs) from acute rhinosinusitis patients. P6-ELISA had a sensitivity of 83.3% for MEFs and 71.5% for NPSs and a specificity of 85.6% for MEFs and 92.5% for NPSs, respectively. Real-time PCR exhibited significant differences in the number of <i>ompP1</i> gene copies among samples determined by P6-ELISA to be positive and negative for <i>H. influenzae</i>. However, because the P6-ELISA test has the reactivity in <i>Haemophilus</i> species include two commensals <i>H. haemolyticus</i> and <i>H. parainfluenzae</i>, it is thus a weak method in order to detect only NTHi correctly. Consequently, diagnosis using the P6-ELISA should be based on an overall evaluation, including the results of other related examinations and clinical symptoms to prevent misleading conclusions in clinical setting.</p></div

Sensitivity and specificity of the ODK-0901 test for NPSs depending on prior antimicrobial treatment.

<p>Sensitivity and specificity of the ODK-0901 test for NPSs depending on prior antimicrobial treatment.</p

Positive and negative predicting values resulting from evaluating NPSs to determine the presence of <i>H. influenzae</i> in MEFs.

<p>Positive and negative predicting values resulting from evaluating NPSs to determine the presence of <i>H. influenzae</i> in MEFs.</p