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Lee AS, Lee PWY, Allworth A, Smith T, Sullivan TJ. Orbital mycoses in an adult subtropical population. Eye (Lond) 2019; 34:1640-1647. [PMID: 31822858 PMCID: PMC7608426 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-019-0733-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/objectives To report the spectrum of fungal infections involving the orbit encountered in an Australian subtropical population with respect to presentation, host risk factors, involved pathogens, treatment and outcomes. Subjects/methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all adult patients with orbital mycosis treated by the senior author (TJS) from 1986 to 2017 in a tertiary setting. Results Thirty cases of fungal infection involving the orbit were included in this case series. Of these, 26 patients had invasive disease and four patients had non-invasive disease. Causative organisms included mucormycosis (16), aspergillus (8) and other fungi (7). Common risk factors included haematological disorders or malignancy, neutropenia, corticosteroid use and diabetes mellitus. Mucormycosis in three immunocompetent patients was caused by Apophysomyces elegans. Orbital apex syndrome was observed in approximately one third of patients at initial ophthalmological assessment. Amphotericin B was used in most cases of mucormycosis, while there was a more varied spectrum of anti-fungal use in other fungal infections. Seven patients with mucormycosis proceeded to orbital exenteration with a survival rate of 43%. No patients with other orbital fungal infections were exenterated. Conclusions Orbital mycoses are not only opportunistic but true pathogenic infections. While initial symptoms may be varied, the development of orbital apex syndrome should raise suspicion for this condition, regardless of patient immune status or age. Survival and visual outcomes are often poor with invasive disease. Multidisciplinary team management with early orbital specialist involvement is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allister S Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH), Brisbane, QLD, Australia. .,University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Princeton W Y Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anthony Allworth
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tai Smith
- Queensland Eye Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Timothy J Sullivan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH), Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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2
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Chan RJ, Northfield S, Larsen E, Mihala G, Ullman A, Hancock P, Marsh N, Gavin N, Wyld D, Allworth A, Russell E, Choudhury MA, Flynn J, Rickard CM. Central venous Access device SeCurement And Dressing Effectiveness for peripherally inserted central catheters in adult acute hospital patients (CASCADE): a pilot randomised controlled trial. Trials 2017; 18:458. [PMID: 28978332 PMCID: PMC5628427 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2207-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are commonly used for delivering intravenous therapy. PICC failure is unacceptably high (up to 40%) due to mechanical, infectious and thrombotic complications. Poor securement potentiates all complication types. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) aimed to examine the feasibility of a large RCT of four dressing and securement methods to prevent PICC failure. Methods This single-centre pilot RCT included 124 admitted medical/surgical/cancer patients aged ≥ 16 years with a PICC. Interventions were: (i) standard polyurethane dressing and sutureless securement device (SPU + SSD, control); (ii) polyurethane with absorbent lattice pad dressing (PAL + Tape); (iii) combination securement-dressing (CSD); and (iv) tissue adhesive (TA + SPU). All groups except TA + SPU had a chlorhexidine-gluconate (CHG) impregnated disc. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment and safety/acceptability of the interventions. The primary outcome was PICC failure, a composite of PICC removal for local infection, catheter-associated bloodstream infection, dislodgement, occlusion, and/or catheter fracture. Secondary outcomes included individual complications, dressing failure and dwell time, PICC dwell time, skin complications/phlebitis indicators, product costs, and patient and staff satisfaction. Qualitative feedback was also collected. Results PICC failure incidence was: PAL + CHG + Tape (1/5; 20%; 17.4/1000 days), SPU + SSD + CHG (control) (4/39; 10%; 9.0/1000 days), TA + SPU (3/35; 9%; 9.6/1000 days), and CSD + CHG (3/42; 7%; 9.4/1000 days). Recruitment to PAL + CHG + Tape was ceased after five participants due to concerns of PICC dislodgement when removing the dressing. CSD + CHG, TA + SPU (TA applied only at PICC insertion time), and control treatments were acceptable to patients and health professionals. Conclusion A large RCT of CSD + CHG and TA + SPU (but not PAL + CHG + Tape) versus standard care is feasible. Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12616000027415. Registered on 15 January 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond J Chan
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia. .,School of Nursing and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland, 4059, Australia. .,Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR) Group, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia.
| | - Sarah Northfield
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia.,School of Nursing and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland, 4059, Australia.,Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR) Group, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Emily Larsen
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia.,Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR) Group, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Gabor Mihala
- School of Nursing and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland, 4059, Australia.,Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR) Group, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Amanda Ullman
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia.,Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR) Group, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Peter Hancock
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia
| | - Nicole Marsh
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia.,Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR) Group, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Nicole Gavin
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia.,Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR) Group, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - David Wyld
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia.,School of Nursing and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, Queensland, 4059, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia
| | - Anthony Allworth
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia
| | - Emily Russell
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia
| | - Md Abu Choudhury
- Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR) Group, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Julie Flynn
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia.,Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR) Group, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
| | - Claire M Rickard
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Butterfield Street, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia.,Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR) Group, NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, 4111, Australia
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3
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McNamara JF, Paterson DL, Allworth A, Presneill J, O'Connell P, Henderson RD. Re-activation of varicella zoster virus associated with anterior spinal cord stroke in pregnancy. Infect Dis (Lond) 2016; 48:705-7. [PMID: 27207607 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2016.1185535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John F McNamara
- a Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Infectious Diseases , Butterfield Street , Herston , Brisbane , 4006 Australia ;,b Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia , Australia.,c Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane , Australia
| | - David L Paterson
- a Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Infectious Diseases , Butterfield Street , Herston , Brisbane , 4006 Australia ;,b Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia , Australia.,c Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane , Australia
| | - Anthony Allworth
- a Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Infectious Diseases , Butterfield Street , Herston , Brisbane , 4006 Australia ;,b Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia , Australia
| | - Jeffrey Presneill
- a Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Infectious Diseases , Butterfield Street , Herston , Brisbane , 4006 Australia ;,b Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia , Australia
| | - Paul O'Connell
- a Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Infectious Diseases , Butterfield Street , Herston , Brisbane , 4006 Australia ;,b Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia , Australia
| | - Robert D Henderson
- a Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Infectious Diseases , Butterfield Street , Herston , Brisbane , 4006 Australia ;,b Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland , St Lucia , Australia
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4
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Tran H, Allworth A, Bennett C. A case of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated encephalomyelitis in a 16-year-old female presenting to an adult teaching hospital. Clin Med Insights Case Rep 2014; 6:209-11. [PMID: 24385717 PMCID: PMC3873169 DOI: 10.4137/ccrep.s13309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a rare cause of encephalitis that is not often described in the adult clinical setting. Our case was a 16-year-old female who presented with a clinical picture of viral encephalitis; however, magnetic resonance imaging showed a demyelinating lesion of the left frontal lobe. In this age group, differential diagnoses of acute demyelination encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis were entertained. Further investigations demonstrated positive Mycoplasma pneumoniae serology. As a result, a diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated encephalitis was made based on a process of exclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hieu Tran
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
| | - Anthony Allworth
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
| | - Cameron Bennett
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland Australia
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McLeod DSA, Mortimer RH, Perry-Keene DA, Allworth A, Woods ML, Perry-Keene J, McBride WJH, Coulter C, Robson JMB. Histoplasmosis in Australia: report of 16 cases and literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2011; 90:61-68. [PMID: 21200187 DOI: 10.1097/md.0b013e318206e499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe 16 previously unreported patients with histoplasmosis from Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia, and review all previous Australian reports, providing 63 cases in total to study (17 cases of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis, 2 cases of chronic pulmonary disease, and 44 cases of systemic disease, including 17 cases of single-organ infection and 27 instances of disseminated disease). All acute pulmonary disease was acquired in Australia, with 52% of systemic disease definitely autochthonous. Most cases of single-organ disease occurred in immunocompetent patients (76%), and were oropharyngeal (53%) in location. Forty-one percent of disseminated disease occurred in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients with HIV had high rates of systemic symptoms, pancytopenia, fungemia, and hepatosplenomegaly. Oropharyngeal and adrenal involvement as well as systemic symptoms were prominent in immunocompetent patients with disseminated disease, with 6 of 7 cases of adrenal involvement leading to Addison disease. Most systemic disease was diagnosed by culture of Histoplasma capsulatum. Where serology was assessed in cases other than acute pulmonary disease, it was positive in only 32%.Prognosis for patients with single-organ disease was excellent. Disseminated disease was associated with recurrence in 30% and death in 37%. The results of this study confirm several previously known patterns of disease but also provide new insights into this rare but endemic condition in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald S A McLeod
- From Department of Endocrinology (DSAM), Mater Adult Hospital, South Brisbane; Department of Endocrinology (RHM, DAPK), Department of Infectious Diseases (AA, MLW), Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Herston; Pathology Queensland (JPK), Herston; School of Medicine and Dentistry (WJHM), Cairns Base Hospital Campus, James Cook University,Cairns; The Prince Charles Hospital (CC), Queensland; and Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology (JMBR), Queensland; Australia
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7
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Broom J, Woods M, Allworth A. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome producing atypical presentations of cryptococcal meningitis: Case report and a review of immune reconstitution-associated cryptococcal infections. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 38:219-21. [PMID: 16500787 DOI: 10.1080/00365540500333996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Atypical presentations of cryptococcal infection have been described as manifestations of immune reconstitution in HIV-infected patients following introduction of antiretroviral therapy. We describe a patient presenting with cryptococcal meningitis as an immune reconstitution reaction 10 weeks after initiation of anti-retroviral therapy. Subclinical CSF cryptococcal infection was demonstrated and the serum cryptococcal antigen was negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Broom
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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8
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Dancer CM, Woods ML, Henderson RD, Robertson T, Mungomery M, Allworth A. Mollaret's meningitis and pituitary failure associated with a Rathke's cleft cyst. Intern Med J 2009; 38:609-11. [PMID: 18715308 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2008.01709.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Broom J, Woods M, Allworth A, McCarthy J, Faoagali J, Macdonald S, Pithie A. Ethanol lock therapy to treat tunnelled central venous catheter-associated blood stream infections: results from a prospective trial. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 40:399-406. [PMID: 18418801 DOI: 10.1080/00365540701756953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In order to assess the efficacy of 70% ethanol locks in addition to antibiotic therapy to treat tunnelled central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections, a pilot study of 19 patients was performed prospectively using ethanol locks for 5 d in addition to antibiotic therapy to treat tunnelled central venous catheter-associated bacteraemia. 12 patients had mono-microbial infections and 7 had polymicrobial isolates. 17 of 19 patients completed ethanol lock therapy. 15 of 17 patients completing ethanol lock therapy had no recurrence of the original organism and retained their catheter for a median of 36 and an average of 47 d following initiation of ethanol lock therapy. These results demonstrate the safety and potential efficacy of this technique against a broad range of potentially virulent organisms. The intervention was acceptable to both staff and patients with no significant side-effects. These preliminary results from our prospective pilot study suggest that ethanol lock therapy is safe and easily integrated into clinical practice, and may have utility in treating central venous catheter-associated infections, avoiding removal of catheters in patients requiring long-term venous access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Broom
- Infectious Diseases Department, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia.
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10
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Cartner M, Holley A, Allworth A. False impressions from clear cerebrospinal fluid and a normal computed tomography scan: The pressure is still on for a diagnosis. Emerg Med Australas 2008; 20:276-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-6723.2008.01095.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Saul A, Lawrence G, Allworth A, Elliott S, Anderson K, Rzepczyk C, Martin LB, Taylor D, Eisen DP, Irving DO, Pye D, Crewther PE, Hodder AN, Murphy VJ, Anders RF. A human phase 1 vaccine clinical trial of the Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine candidate apical membrane antigen 1 in Montanide ISA720 adjuvant. Vaccine 2005; 23:3076-83. [PMID: 15811655 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2004.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2004] [Revised: 09/10/2004] [Accepted: 09/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A dose escalating, placebo-controlled phase 1 trial was conducted to test the safety and immunogenicity of a vaccine containing recombinant Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) formulated in Montanide ISA720. Three groups of volunteers were vaccinated intramuscularly with 5 microg, 20 microg or 80 microg of AMA1, respectively, in 0.5 mL of formulation at 0, 3 and 6 months. Anti-AMA1 antibody levels and T cell stimulation indices were measured before and after each vaccination. No vaccine-related serious adverse events were recorded. Most subjects generated a mild to moderate, transient local reaction after the first vaccination. Three subjects developed a local reaction approximately 10 days following vaccination. Six of the 29 subjects seroconverted. Only one of these developed a high antibody titre. However, the interpretation of this trial was compromised by a loss of potency of the formulated vaccine during the course of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan Saul
- The Cooperative Research Centre for Vaccine Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.
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12
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Nourse C, Allworth A, Jones A, Horvath R, McCormack J, Bartlett J, Hayes D, Robson JM. Three Cases of Q Fever Osteomyelitis in Children and a Review of the Literature. Clin Infect Dis 2004; 39:e61-6. [PMID: 15472834 DOI: 10.1086/424014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2004] [Accepted: 06/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Q fever is a common zoonosis worldwide. Awareness of the disease and newer diagnostic modalities have resulted in increasing recognition of unusual manifestations. We report 3 cases of Q fever osteomyelitis in children and review the literature on 11 other reported cases. The cases demonstrate that Coxiella burnetii can cause granulomatous osteomyelitis that presents without systemic symptoms and frequently results in a chronic, relapsing, multifocal clinical course. Optimal selection and duration of antimicrobial therapy and methods of monitoring therapy are currently uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Nourse
- Department of Paediatrics, Mater Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia.
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13
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Lipman J, Allworth A, Wallis SC. Cerebrospinal fluid penetration of high doses of intravenous ciprofloxacin in meningitis. Clin Infect Dis 2000; 31:1131-3. [PMID: 11073740 DOI: 10.1086/317462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/1999] [Revised: 02/14/2000] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Nosocomial meningitis due to gram-negative organisms is a difficult clinical problem to manage because of both antibiotic resistance and poor penetration of many antimicrobials across the blood-brain barrier. Ciprofloxacin has potential in treating this condition when used in high doses. We investigated the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of ciprofloxacin in a patient with Pseudomonas aeruginosa meningitis who was treated with 400 mg of intravenous ciprofloxacin every 8 hours. Ciprofloxacin levels in plasma peaked at 10.29 mg/L without resulting in accumulation (8-hour trough levels, <1 mg/L), whereas the CSF level increased to 0.9 mg/L. This CSF level was confirmed to be similar 1 week later. After 1 week of therapy, during which there were no side effects attributable to ciprofloxacin, the organism was eradicated, and there was some clinical improvement. We recommend that 400 mg of intravenous ciprofloxacin every 8 hours be considered for treatment of difficult-to-treat gram-negative bacillary meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lipman
- Intensive Care Facility and Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Queensland, Australia.
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14
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Lawrence G, Cheng QQ, Reed C, Taylor D, Stowers A, Cloonan N, Rzepczyk C, Smillie A, Anderson K, Pombo D, Allworth A, Eisen D, Anders R, Saul A. Effect of vaccination with 3 recombinant asexual-stage malaria antigens on initial growth rates of Plasmodium falciparum in non-immune volunteers. Vaccine 2000; 18:1925-31. [PMID: 10699342 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(99)00444-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A placebo controlled, randomised, double blind trial was conducted in human volunteers to test a mixture of three recombinant Plasmodium falciparum blood stage antigens for its ability to reduce the initial growth rates of parasites. The vaccine contained recombinant MSP2 (3D7 allele), a portion of MSP1 (190LCS.T3) and part of the RESA antigen (C terminal 771 amino acids) in the Montanide ISA 720 adjuvant (SEPPIC). Twelve volunteers received two doses of the vaccine, 6 weeks apart. The five participants in the placebo group received an equivalent volume of the adjuvant emulsion using the same schedule. Antibody responses were low, as has been reported in earlier studies with this combination, while T cell responses were stronger. All the volunteers were challenged with approximately 140 ring infected red cells of the 3D7 cloned line, 4 weeks after the second dose. Parasitaemia was determined once daily from day 4 using a sensitive and quantitative PCR assay. All the volunteers were infected and were treated on day 8, before any developed symptoms. There was no significant difference in initial parasite growth rates between the verum and placebo groups, nor was there any significant correlation between parasite growth rates and any of the measured immunological responses. These results suggest that the formulation tested in this trial did not generate immune responses that were strong enough to reduce parasite growth in naive volunteers.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lawrence
- CRC for Vaccine Technology and Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research and The University of Queensland, Post Office, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
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15
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Saul A, Lawrence G, Smillie A, Rzepczyk CM, Reed C, Taylor D, Anderson K, Stowers A, Kemp R, Allworth A, Anders RF, Brown GV, Pye D, Schoofs P, Irving DO, Dyer SL, Woodrow GC, Briggs WR, Reber R, Stürchler D. Human phase I vaccine trials of 3 recombinant asexual stage malaria antigens with Montanide ISA720 adjuvant. Vaccine 1999; 17:3145-59. [PMID: 10462251 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(99)00175-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Two phase I vaccine trials were conducted to test the immunogenicity and safety of a vaccine containing three recombinant malaria antigens from the asexual stage of Plasmodium falciparum. The three antigens are a fragment of MSP1 (190LCS.T3); MSP2 and a portion of RESA and were formulated in Montanide ISA720 adjuvant. These trials investigated the dose response of each antigen for eliciting both antibody and T-cell responses and the immunogenicity of a mixture of the antigens compared with the antigens injected separately. All three antigens elicited both antibody and T-cell responses. Strong T-cell responses were observed with 190LCS.T3 and RESA with stimulation indices exceeding 100 for peripheral blood leucocytes in some individuals. The antibody responses were generally weak. The human antibody responses observed with MSP2 in Montanide ISA720 were not significantly different from those obtained in an earlier trial which used MSP2 with alum as the adjuvant. No antigenic competition was observed: volunteers receiving a mixture of antigens had similar responses to those receiving the three antigens at separate sites. Tenderness and pain at the injection site were common over the first few days following immunization. In some volunteers, especially those receiving the highest doses tested, there was a delayed reaction at the injection site with pain and swelling occurring approximately 10 days after injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Saul
- CRC for Vaccine Technology and Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Australia.
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Abstract
A case of primary vertebral osteomyelitis due to an opportunistic fungus, Pseudallescheria boydii, in a child with acute myeloid leukemia, is reported. To our knowledge this is the first such case in a child, and only the second reported case in the international literature of primary spinal osteomyelitis due to this organism. We discuss the problems presented by this case both in terms of diagnosis and management. We also discuss the role of surgery and systemic antifungal chemotherapy in the treatment of deep infections due to Pseudallescheria boydii.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gatto
- Department of Pathology, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Rzepczyk CM, Anderson K, Stamatiou S, Townsend E, Allworth A, McCormack J, Whitby M. Gamma delta T cells: their immunobiology and role in malaria infections. Int J Parasitol 1997; 27:191-200. [PMID: 9088990 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-7519(96)00149-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The status of research on gamma delta T cells is reviewed. Recent research shows that gamma delta T cells may see antigens in an immunoglobulin-like manner and that non-peptidic substance can be antigens for these cells. Considerable advances have been made in defining the immunobiology of gamma delta T cells, with evidence for sentinel, protective and immunoregulatory roles. Research on gamma delta T cells in malaria infections suggests that gamma delta T cells are mediators of protective immunity, most probably through the production of Th1 cytokines such as TNF alpha, TNF delta and IFN gamma and that excessive production of such cytokines may contribute to pathology. Our data on the features of the peripheral blood gamma delta T cells response in humans infected with Plasmodium falciparum show that there is considerable variation between individuals in the relative expansion of gamma delta T lymphocytes following primary or secondary infection. They confirm that activation of gamma delta T cells occurs during P. falciparum infection and that activated cells can persist for many weeks after treatment. The possibility that gamma delta T cells have an immunoregulatory function in malaria infections is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Rzepczyk
- Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Australia.
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Rzepczyk CM, Stamatiou S, Anderson K, Stowers A, Cheng Q, Saul A, Allworth A, McCormack J, Whitby M, Olive C, Lawrence G. Experimental human Plasmodium falciparum infections: longitudinal analysis of lymphocyte responses with particular reference to gamma delta T cells. Scand J Immunol 1996; 43:219-27. [PMID: 8633202 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-3083.1996.d01-24.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The kinetics of the gamma delta T-cell response was analysed in the context of the overall haematological response in subjects experimentally infected with sporozoites of Plasmodium falciparum. Numbers of gamma delta and alpha beta T cells and NK cells declined markedly during infection to reach minimum values 12-13 days post-infection when the patients were ill. This decline commenced from the beginning of the erythrocytic cycle and well before parasites could be detected microscopically and clinical symptoms developed. Platelet numbers also declined. In vivo activation of gamma delta T cells was evident with sequential up-regulation of the activation markers CD69 and HLA-DR. gamma delta T cell numbers were highest after treatment with the majority being CD4-CD8-, HLA-DR+ and showing reduced CD45RA expression. Contrary to some published observations gamma delta T-cell percentages remained within the normal range. Little evidence of upregulation of activation or memory markers was observed in the alpha beta T-cell population. In vitro proliferative responses to malaria antigen which involve gamma delta T cells were lost as the infection progressed and the lymphocyte count declined but these could be restored with the addition of exogenous IL-2 to cultures. The authors findings are consistent with a protective and/or immunomodulatory role for gamma delta T cells in malaria.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Animals
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- Erythrocyte Count
- Humans
- Immunophenotyping
- Leukocyte Count
- Longitudinal Studies
- Lymphocyte Activation
- Malaria, Falciparum/blood
- Malaria, Falciparum/etiology
- Malaria, Falciparum/immunology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Platelet Count
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/analysis
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/classification
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/parasitology
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Rzepczyk
- Australian Centre for International and Tropical Health and Nutrition, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Australia
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Allworth A, Ziomek CA. Filipin-labelled complexes are polarized in their distribution in the cytoplasm of meiotically mature mouse eggs. Gamete Res 1988; 20:475-89. [PMID: 3235054 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.1120200408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Unfertilized (germinal vesicle [GV] stage, superovulated and naturally ovulated) and fertilized mouse eggs were treated with the polyene antibiotic filipin, which complexes with unesterified sterols; specimens were observed by fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In all oocytes examined, filipin fluorescence was localized to the plasma membrane and to subcellular structures of various sizes. In the unfertilized oocyte, polarity was observed both in the plasma membrane stain and in the pattern formed by the subcellular structures. SEM of filipin-treated oocytes had several characteristic features including a specific distribution of heterogeneous microvilli that appears to have a spatial relationship with the fluorescent pattern of the filipin-positive subcellular structures. In GV stage and fertilized eggs the filipin-positive subcellular structures were associated with the germinal vesicle and in fertilized eggs they were associated with the site of polar body abstriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Allworth
- Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts 01545
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