Biology of moderately halophilic aerobic bacteria

The moderately halophilic heterotrophic aerobic bacteria form a diverse group of microorganisms. The property of halophilism is widespread within the bacterial domain. Bacterial halophiles are abundant in environments such as salt lakes, saline soils, and salted food products. Most species keep their intracellular ionic concentrations at low levels while synthesizing or accumulating organic solutes to provide osmotic equilibrium of the cytoplasm with the surrounding medium. Complex mechanisms of adjustment of the intracellular environments and the properties of the cytoplasmic membrane enable rapid adaptation to changes in the salt concentration of the environment. Approaches to the study of genetic processes have recently been developed for several moderate halophiles, opening the way toward an understanding of haloadaptation at the molecular level. The new information obtained is also expected to contribute to the development of novel biotechnological uses for these organisms

Factors associated with influenza vaccination among adult cancer patients: a case–control study

AbstractInfluenza vaccination is recommended for cancer patients; however, adherence is low. We aimed to identify predictive factors for vaccination among cancer patients. We conducted a case–control analysis of a patient cohort in the 2010–2011 influenza season. We included adult cancer patients with solid malignancies undergoing chemotherapy, and haematological patients with active disease. Patients who died between October and November 2010 (N = 43) were excluded from analysis. Cases received the 2011 seasonal influenza vaccine, and controls did not. Data were obtained from patients' records, and validated through personal interviews. We collected socio-demographic information, and data on the malignancy and co-morbidities and triggers for vaccination and non-vaccination. We performed bivariate and multivariable analyses, in which vaccination status was the dependent variable. Of 806 patients included in analysis, 387 (48%) were vaccinated. Variables associated with vaccination on bivariate analysis were older age, higher socio-economic status, lower crowding index, marital status (widowed > married > single), malignancy type (haematological > solid tumours) and time from diagnosis, low-risk malignancy, diabetes, past vaccination, country of birth (non-Russian origin), and physicians' recommendations. Predictive factors found to be independently associated with vaccination on multivariable analysis were past vaccinations, low-risk malignancy, and country of birth. In the analysis conducted among interviewees (N = 561), recommendations from the oncologist (OR 10.7, 95% CI 5.4–21.2) and from the primary-care physician (OR 3.35, 95% CI 2.05–5.49) were strong predictors for vaccination. We conclude that ‘habitual vaccinees’ continue influenza vaccinations when ill with cancer. Physicians' recommendations, especially the oncologist's, have a major influence on patients' compliance with influenza vaccination

Hospital water and prevention of waterborne infections

The hospital water system may constitute a reservoir for microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Legionella pneumophila, Acinetobacter spp., mycetes, non-tubercular mycobacteria, and so on, which can cause healthcare-associated infections. Indeed, it has been revealed that 20-50% of cases of nosocomial colonization/infection due to P. aeruginosa are sustained by waterborne strains. Waterborne infections can be spread not only through the ingestion of contaminated water but also by contact with or the inhalation of aerosols. Immunocompromised patients are particularly susceptible to infection by such microorganisms, many of which are multi-resistant to antibiotics. Healthcare effects range from colonization of the airways and urinary tracts to bacteraemia and disseminated infections. In 2011, the WHO issued guidelines on the quality of water for human consumption, including hospital water supplies. In risk assessment and management, these guidelines adopt criteria centred on preventive measures rather than remedial action alone. The guidelines recommend the adoption of a Water Safety Plan for water-risk management. By providing safe water, proper implementation of the Water Safety Plan ensures patient safety and reduces costs, in that waterborne infections prolong hospitalisation and increase morbidity, mortality, treatment costs and compensation claims