Publications (2)4.34 Total impact
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Article: A probe-based method for confirmation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and detection of Panton-Valentine leukocidin and tst virulence genes.
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ABSTRACT: Probe-based detection of mecA, lukS/F-PV (Panton-Valentine leukocidin), and tst virulence genes in 435 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus had comparable sensitivity and specificity to end-point polymerase chain reaction as a reference standard.Diagnostic microbiology and infectious disease 06/2011; 70(4):541-3. · 2.45 Impact Factor -
Article: Increasing prevalence of nasal and rectal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in children with cancer.
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ABSTRACT: Infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), in community-settings, especially with strains carrying the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) genes, have increased markedly in recent years. Colonization with S. aureus is a risk factor for infection. However, there are few studies that examine colonization and infection with PVL-positive strains of MRSA in cancer patients. The epidemiology of colonization and infection with MRSA was studied in children with cancer during two time periods: 2000/2001 and 2006/2007. PVL genes were screened and spa typing performed on the isolates. The prevalence of colonization with MRSA increased from 0.6% in 2000/2001 to 2.9% in 2006/2007 (P = 0.0003). MRSA colonization at admission was associated with infection (P < 0.0001; RR 38.32; 95% CI: 23.36-62.84). The prevalence of infection increased from 0.99% in 2000/2001 to 3.78% in 2006-2007 (P = 0.0002). Of the 32 colonized patients, 18 (56%) had infection. None of the 14 colonized but non-infected patients had dual colonization of nares and rectum, while 8 of the 18 infected patients had colonization of both of these sites (P = 0.004). Ten patients (31%) were colonized with PVL-positive strains. Patients colonized with PVL-positive strains were more likely to be colonized both in the nares and rectum (P = 0.005), and more likely to have infection (P = 0.001). Recurrent MRSA infections were seen in 22% of patients. An increasing prevalence of colonization with MRSA was observed in children with cancer at our institution. Colonization with MRSA especially with PVL-positive strains was associated with infection.Pediatric Blood & Cancer 12/2010; 55(7):1317-22. · 1.89 Impact Factor
