"ASBESTOSIS-CANCER-BACTERIAL-VIRUS-PARASITE-INFECTION-THERAPHY-TREATMENT-PREVENTION-PLASTIC SURGERY" DRUGS - HEALTH INFORMATION: Juni 2008

17 Juni 2008

Honey Preservation

Due to its unique composition and the complex processing of nectar by the bees which changes its chemical properties, honey is suitable for long term preservation and is easily assimilated even after long conservation. History knows examples of honey preservation for decades, and even centuries. "...small residues of edible honey have even been found in the pharaoh's tombs…"

A number of special prerequisites are, however, necessary to achieve the conservation periods of this order. These might include sealing the product in vessels of chosen material, kept in a favorable environment of specific humidity, temperature etc. An example of natural sealing of the honey with wax by the bees in little separated honey comb cells could be taken for reference.When conventional preservation methods are applied, it is not recommended to preserve the honey for longer than 2 (maximum 3) years. As the honey has a strong tendency to absorb outside smells, it is advisable to keep it in clean, hermetically sealed vessels. It is also advisable to keep it in darkened (not lucid) vessels, or in dark store-places. When the honey remains in direct sunlight for about one day its lysozyme (antibacterial albuminous enzyme) is being destroyed. Honey should also be protected from oxygen inflow—the accelerated crystallization is brought about by it. Optimal preservation temperature is +4-10°C. The store-place should be dark and dry, preventing the honey from absorbing the moisture. When excessive moisture is soaked up by the honey, it might start fermenting. "Bee honey can absorb the moisture from the air, therefore it might ferment in a damp place"

"Exposure to fresh air brings about the soaking up of external smells, oxygen and moisture, which cause fundamental chemical change of the product—decay of valuable amino acids, vitamins, enzymes and "antibiotics". The light has a similar influence."
The acacia honey is known to be more resistant against crystallization. "The acacia honey would not crystallize (as quick as other types)…"


Due to the above reasons (high tendency to absorb outside smells and moisture) it is not advisable to preserve the honey in a fridge, especially together with other foods and products.
Honey is considered to gradually become toxic when preserved in metal containers. "Honey must not be preserved in metal containers, because the acids contained in its structure may cause oxidation. This leads to increased content of heavy metals in honey and decreases the amount of valuable healthy ingredients. Such a honey may cause obnoxious sensations in the stomach and even bring about a poisoning…"It used to be preserved in ceramic and wooden containers in ancient times. Glass bottles are recommended nowadays. "The wooden vessels of coniferous wood are not suitable for honey preservation (honey soaks up the coniferous smell in such vessels). In the oak wood vessels honey grows black."


Traditionally honey was preserved in deep cellars, but not together with wine or other products. It is considered even more sensitive to the store-place conditions than the best wines.
Honey should not be heated above 40°С (104°F).The best honey is in the uncut honey combs. After being pumped out from there it is very vulnerable, and the main losses of quality take place during preservation and distribution. Heating up to 37°С causes loss of nearly 200 components, part of which are antibacterial. Heating up to 40°С destroys the invertase—the main bee enzyme, thanks to which the nectar becomes honey; heating up to 50°С turns the honey into caramel (the most valuable honey sugars become analogous to synthetic sugar). Generally any larger temperature fluctuation (10°С is ideal for preservation of ripe honey) causes decay."

From : Wikipedia

Description, Sign and Symptoms of Mesothelioma


Mesothelioma Description


Before recognizing furthermore of mesothelioma we better know the mesothelioma description and asbestosis. The Mesothelioma description is a cancer that develops within the mesothelium of the body. Or there are some expert says : Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).

The mesothelium is the protective covering in the body. It covers various organs, including the lungs. The mesothelium is made up of two thin layers. When cancer develops in the mesothelium it is between these layers. The narrow space makes it very difficult to diagnose mesothelioma in the early stages. Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to treat. Once a diagnosis of mesothelioma is made, the majority of patients will not live longer than eighteen months. There are a variety of reasons for this, including the advanced nature of the disease once it is diagnosed and the lack of an effective

While most cases of mesothelioma occur around the lungs, it can also occur in the abdominal mesothelium, called the peritoneum, or the pericardium. While mesothelioma is most common in the lungs, it is important to differentiate between mesothelioma and lung cancer. They are two very different types of cancer and require different types of treatment.

Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.
Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:
Chest wall pain, pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung, shortness of breath, fatigue or anemia, wheezing, hoarseness, or cough, blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up
In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. The individual may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.

Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at a late stage.
Symptoms include:
Abdominal pain, ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen, a mass in the abdomen, problems with bowel function, weight loss
In severe cases of the disease, the following signs and symptoms may be present:
Blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs, jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin, low blood sugar level, pleural effusion, pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs and severe ascites

A mesothelioma does not usually spread to the bone, brain, or adrenal glands. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs.

14 Juni 2008

Clinical Cancer Centers in USA

Clinical Cancer Centers have support from the National Cancer Institute for programs that investigate new treatments or research programs. For information on a clinical cancer center in your area, call the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 800-4-CANCER.

CALIFORNIA
City of Hope National Medical CenterLocated just northeast of Los Angeles in Duarte, California, City of Hope comprises more than 300 physicians and scientists and over 2,500 employees work to find the causes of and cures for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The 2004 Patients Evaluation of Performance in California (PEP-C) survey, the largest patient satisfaction survey in the nation, named City of Hope as the only hospital in Southern California and one of only four hospitals in the state to receive the highest marks in all applicable categories from patients. City of Hope Medical Center1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010818-359-8111 or 818-301-8164

Salk Institute Cancer CenterThe Salk Institute consistently ranks among the leading research institutions in the world for its faculty’s contributions and the impact of their findings. The Institute has trained more than 2,000 scientists, many of whom have gone on to positions of leadership in other prominent research centers worldwide. Five scientists trained at the Institute have won Nobel prizes, and three current resident faculty members are Nobel Laureates.The major areas of study are: Molecular Biology and Genetics; Neurosciences; and Plant Biology. Knowledge acquired in Salk laboratories provides new understanding and potential new therapies and treatments for a range of diseases—from cancer, AIDS and Alzheimer’s disease, to cardiovascular disorders, anomalies of the brain and birth defects. Studies in plant biology at the Salk may one day help improve the quality and quantity of the world’s food supply.Salk Institute 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037Tel: (858) 453-4100 X 1386

The Burnham Institute for Medical Research Research at the Burnham is organized into 3 disease-focused research centers, bolstered by 3 technology centers. The Cancer Research Center constitutes approximately half the effort. The Burnham has been a member of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) designed Cancer Centers program since 1981 in the category of “basic science” cancer centers. The Cancer Research Center has also been designed by the NCI through special grants we receive as: (1) one of 13 centers for cancer drug discovery; (2) one of six centers for defining the molecular signatures of cancer for generating more powerful diagnostic test, in partnership with neighboring organizations including SKCC, and (4) one of eight centers for cancer bionanotechnology, also in partnership with neighboring organizations. Burnham Institute for Medical Research 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037Tel: (858) 646-3100

Stanford Cancer Center Opened in March 2004, the Stanford Cancer Center offers the latest advances in patient-focused treatment in a warm and supportive environment. Consolidating the medical center’s resources for diagnosing and treating cancer, the new cancer center enhances Stanford’s team approach to care while enabling patients to stay in one location for procedures and tests. The building supports the translational mission of the SCC, bringing together clinicians and researchers to collaborate on the behalf of patients. Housing a tumor registry, a clinical research suite and conference rooms, the center serves as the medical center’s hub for clinical trials of novel cancer therapies and enhances its ability to bring promising research discoveries into clinical practice.Stanford University Cancer Center800 Welch Road, Room 284, Stanford, CA 94305-5796Tel: (650) 736-1808

UC Davis Cancer Center, University of California, Davis UC Davis Cancer Center's research program is unique in the nation. It is a model partnership that unites physicians and scientists from throughout the university with biomedical researchers and engineers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (home to the world's most powerful computer and a Human Genome Project center).Every day, our light physicists, biomedical engineers and oncologists partner with experts in dozens of other fields. All told, we have nearly 300 scientists working fulltime to make the breakthroughs that will offer cancer patients fresh hope. It's a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that sets UC Davis apart. And it's good news for our many patients, who stand to be the first to benefit from our advances.UC Davis Cancer Center4501 X Street, Suite 3003, Sacramento, California 95817Tel: (916) 734-5800

University of California at Irvine Cancer CenterPeople seeking information, support and treatment at the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center have access to new kinds of therapies years before they are generally available to the public, as well as to the full spectrum of conventional approaches to the disease. In addition, patients are assured that a multidisciplinary team of highly trained cancer specialists will wage a concentrated attack on the disease, sensitive to the physical, emotional, and economic impact of the illness on patients and their families. As a university-based facility, the cancer center offers the expertise of a scientific community that has earned an international reputation for its work in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. University of California Irvine Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center 101 The City DriveOrange, CA 92668714-456-8200
University of California at San Diego Cancer CenterThe UCSD Cancer Center ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting basic and clinical cancer research, providing advanced patient care and serving the community through outreach and education programs. Loocated at the University of California, San Diego, the Cancer Center offers over 150 clinical trials at any given time. University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center 200 West Arbor DriveSan Diego, CA 92130619-543-3325

COLORADO
University of Colorado Cancer CenterThe Rocky Mountain region's only National Cancer Institute, UCCC offers information and treatment options not available anywhere else in Colorado - providing a multidisciplinary team approach to care — the opportunity to meet with a variety of specialists, in one location, in one day; Physicians who are highly trained in the treatment of specific cancer types, using the latest technology and a commitment to world-class care and amazing service for patients.UCCC's cancer specialists are dedicated to treating nearly every form of cancer, including mesothelioma. University of Colorado Cancer Center 4200 East 9th AvenueDenver, CO 80262303-270-3007

HAWAII
Cancer Research Center of Hawaii , University of Hawaii at Manoa The Cancer Research Center of Hawaii is a research unit of the University of Hawaii (UH) that was established by the Board of Regents as a freestanding independent institute in 1981. On July 1, 1996, the Center became an NCI-designated center and was awarded the Cancer Center Support Grant. Today, the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii continues to bring together researchers who focus on understanding the etiology of cancer and on reducing its impact on the people of Hawaii.The CRCH conducts research on the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer across a broad array of disciplines. Research areas include epidemiology, molecular carcinogenesis, cancer treatment, prevention methods, quality of life in cancer survivors, new therapeutic approaches to cancer treatment, and community-based interventions to promote cancer preventive lifestyles in our multiethnic population.Cancer Research Center of Hawaii1236 Lauhala Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813Tel: (808) 586-3013

09 Juni 2008

Directory Clinical Cancer in New Mexico, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Maine, and Massachusettes

University of ChicagoBen May Department for Cancer ResearchThe work done by the collection of laboratories within the Ben May Department for Cancer Research has advanced cancer treatment by providing answers to fundamental biological questions and by finding applications for groundbreaking scientific discoveries. UC Department for Cancer Research 929 East 57th Street, W421 Chicago, IL 60637312-702-6180

INDIANA
Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer CenterIndiana University (IU) Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center advances the understanding, prevention and treatment of cancer throughout Indiana and the world with patient-centered care, acceleration of promising science and collaborative educational programs. Over 200 investigators conduct research in the areas of experimental and development therapeutics, breast cancer, cancer control, as well as hematopoiesis, microenvironment and immunology. The IU Simon Cancer Center’s Translational Research Acceleration Collaboration (ITRAC) is the internal planning and funding process which has recently been implemented to speed the development of new cancer diagnostics and therapies from the laboratory to the bedside. Molecular and environmental carcinogenesis is one research area currently in development at the center.Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer CenterIndiana Cancer Pavilion535 Barnhill Drive, Room 455, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-5289Tel: (317) 278-0070
The Purdue Cancer Center The Purdue Cancer Center is an interdisciplinary basic cancer research Center. Its mission is to promote and support multidisciplinary cancer research at Purdue University. The scientific mission of the Center is to promote interdisciplinary cancer research at Purdue University. To accomplish its mission, the Center is organized into three scientific programs: Experimental Therapeutics and Diagnostics; Structural Biology; and Cell Growth and Differentiation. These programs form the scientific core of the Center. Our scientists collaborate across many departments to focus the most advanced biological, chemical, engineering and veterinary technologies on fighting cancer. Such collaborations generate knowledge, concentrate efforts on the most promising diagnostics and therapeutics, create additional research and funding opportunities, and help train future leaders in cancer researchPurdue University Cancer CenterHansen Life Sciences Research BuildingSouth University Street, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1524Tel: (765) 494-9129

MAINE
The Jackson Laboratory Cancer CenterScience at The Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center gains its strength and focus from multidisciplinary approaches to cancer, grounded in the genomics and basic biology of the mouse. Accurate preclinical models for human cancers are a foundation for translational research, a proving ground for target identification and validation. Among the best are modern mouse models, in which sophisticated genetic manipulation in the context of defined genetic backgrounds reproduces molecular aberrations associated with human tumors. The Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center has a single research program, modeling cancer: stem cells to therapy. Several members work on stem/progenitor cells, focusing on aspects of genome organization, nuclear architecture, and nuclear reprogramming, genome instability and programmed cell death in normal and transitional cells. Others investigate mechanisms involved in disease progression and host response, such as angiogenesis, immune recognition, metabolic regulators, and processes of aging. Prevention and therapy research involves targeting signal transduction pathways; bone marrow transplantation; and complications of cancer and therapy that become health issues for survivors, such as bone loss, reproductive failure and anemia. The sophisticated scientific services and resources supported by the Cancer Center enable this research.The Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609-0800Tel: (207) 288-6041

MASSACHUSETTES
MIT Center for Cancer Research Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyThe MIT Center for Cancer Research (CCR) was founded in 1974, and is one of eight National Cancer Institute-designated basic research centers. Our mission is to apply the tools of basic science and technology to determine how cancer is caused, progresses and responds to treatment. Through this effort we have developed an increasingly complete understanding of the nature of cancer cells, which as led directly to improved treatments for the disease. Molecules identified by CCR research teams were used as targets for two of the first few FDA-approved cancer-fighting drugs produced by molecular medicine (approved by the FDA in 1998 and 2001). Today, the Center for Cancer Research continues to generate critical new insights into the basic mechanisms of cancer that are essential for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. We remain committed to our founding vision that we can conquer cancer through research and technology. MIT Center for Cancer Research77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room E17-110, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-4307Tel: (617) 253-8511

NEBRASKA
University of Nebraska Medical Center/ Eppley Cancer CenterThe UNMC Eppley Cancer Center is renowned for its basic research programs in chemical carcinogenesis, molecular, cellular and structural biology, and translational research in new therapies. Promising areas of clinical research include investigating antibodies for diagnosing and treating lymphomas and solid tumors, and developing tumor vaccines for colon and breast cancer, to name a few. In the multidisciplinary Peggy D. Cowdery Patient Care Center, part of the Lied Transplant Center, cancer patients are treated by surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists, as well as by supportive care specialists such as genetic counselors, nutritionists, and social workers. At the Lied Transplant Center, patients with cancer and other diseases requiring transplantation benefit from revolutionary treatment strategies in a comfortable, home-like setting. Cooperative Care, a new model of care delivery, enables family members to stay and participate as partners in a patient’s care. University of Nebraska Medical Center/ Eppley Cancer Center600 South 42nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-6805 Tel: (402) 559-4238

NEW MEXICO
University of New Mexico Cancer Research & Treatment Center Located in a region of rich multicultural and multiethnic diversity, tremendous scientific and technological capability, and challenging health and socioeconomic disparity, The University of New Mexico Cancer Research & Treatment Center (UNM CRTC) is the nation’s newest NCI-Designated Cancer Center. The special characteristics of the UNM CRTC are the multiethnic populations that it serves with their strikingly different patterns of cancer incidence and mortality; the integration of regional scientific strengths in engineering, nanotechnology, microsystems, and high performance computing at UNM, New Mexico State University, and Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories into its Research Programs; and the extensive networks that it has developed for community-based participatory research and cancer clinical trials. With significant support from UNM, The State of New Mexico, its formal consortium partners (Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories), and the community, the UNM CRTC members and programs have grown tremendously over the past five years. Over 45 new clinical and research faculty have been recruited since 2001. University of New MexicoMSC 08 4630, 1 University of New Mexico, 2325 Camino de SaludAlbuquerque, New Mexico 87131Tel: (505) 272-5622

Comprehensive Cancer Centers

Comprehensive Cancer Centers have been designated as such by the National Cancer Institute. They are required to have basic laboratory research in several fields; to be able to transfer research findings into clinical practice; to conduct clinical studies and trial; to research cancer prevention and control; to offer information about cancer to patients, the public, and health care professionals; and to provide community service related to cancer control. At any given time, most if not all comprehensive cancer centers are working on or facilitate research or clinical trials related to mesothelioma treatment.

NorthCarolina
Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center
North Carolina based Duke CCC provides comprehensive compassionate care, cutting edge research, and ongoing support for victims of mesothelioma and other forms of cancer. Duke University Medical Center Comprehensive Cancer CenterDurham, NC 27710919-684-5613

OHIO
The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) based at Case Western Reserve University (Case) is a partnership organization supporting all cancer related research efforts at Case, University Hospitals of Cleveland (UHC), and the Cleveland Clinic. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Case CCC serves the cancer research and clinical needs of an urban manufacturing and rural agricultural region containing 3.8 million people in Northern Ohio. Case Comprehensive Care Center 11100 Euclid AvenueCleveland, OH 44106
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer CenterOSUCCC's mission is to save lives through innovative research designed to improve detection, treatment and prevention of cancer in its many forms. The OSUCCC is home to the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute - a 160+ bed hospital dedicated solely to cancer care. Ohio State Universrity Comprehensive Care CenterArthur G. James Cancer Hospital300 West 10th Avenue Columbus, OH 4321800-638-6996 or 614-293-4878

PENNSYLVANIA
Fox Chase Cancer CenterThe mission of Fox Chase Cancer Center is to reduce the burden of human cancer through the pursuit of new knowledge in basic biological research; to conduct research specifically related to cancer causes, prevention, and treatment; to apply this knowledge to the prevention of cancer; and to render compassionate care and treatment to cancer patients. Fox Chase Cancer Center 7701 Burholme Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19111215-728-2781
University of PennsylvaniaThe Abramson Cancer Center is dedicated to innovative and compassionate cancer care. The clinical program, comprised of a dedicated staff of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, nutritionists and patient care coordinators, currently sees over 50,000 outpatient visits, 3400 inpatient admissions, and provides over 24,000 chemotherapy treatments, and more than 65,000 radiation treatments. Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania 3400 Spruce StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19104215-662-6334
University of Pittsburgh Cancer InstituteSince 1985, the UPCI has been committed to improving the understanding of how cancer develops; to characterizing new lifesaving approaches for cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment; and to educating future generations of scientists and clinicians. University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute200 Meyran AvenuePittsburgh, PA 15213-2592800-537-4063 or 412-692-4670

TENNESSEE
Vanderbilt Cancer CenterA Leading Center for Cancer Care, The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Tennessee. The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is committed to bringing together the best and brightest scientists, clinicians and caregivers to lead the worldwide effort to alleviate suffering from cancer through pioneering research, compassionate care, prevention, outreach and education. Vanderbilt Cancer Center Vanderbilt University649 Medical Research Building II Nashville, TN 37232615-936-1782

TEXAS
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer CenterM. D. Anderson Cancer Center offers integrated programs in cancer treatment, clinical trials, education programs and cancer prevention. The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public. Comprehensive services and treatment geared toward surviving mesothelioma provided through the ACC thoracic center. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 1515 Holcolmbe Boulevard Houston, TX 77030800-392-1611 option 3

VERMONT
Vermont Cancer CenterUniversity of VermontVCC is dedicated to improving the human condition as it is affected by cancer, through fostering and sustaining innovative research in the laboratory and in the clinic, cancer information, prevention and control research and programs, state-of-the art cancer diagnosis and treatment, compassionate care that respects the individual patient, education, and community outreach. Vermont Cancer Center University of Vermont, E-213 Given Building 89 Beaumont Avenue Burlington, VT 05405 802-656-4414

WASHINGTHON
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterThe mission of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is the elimination of cancer as a cause of human suffering and death. The center conducts research of the highest standards to improve prevention and treatment of cancer and related diseases. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center 1124 Columbia StreetSeattle, WA 98104206-667-5000 or 206-667-4302

WISCONSIN
University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only comprehensive cancer center in Wisconsin, as designated by the National Cancer Institute. An integral part of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, the UWCCC unites more than 250 physicians and scientists who work together in translating discoveries from research laboratories into new treatments that benefit cancer patients. University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center 600 Highland AvenueMadison, WI 53792608-263-8610

03 Juni 2008

Examination of Aspergillosis

Laboratory
Direct examinationClinical material, such as fluids, sputa, or tissue, is mounted in 10% KOH. Long, branching, hyaline, septate hyphae approximately 3.0 µm in diameter typify aspergillosis. The demonstration of hyphae in the clinical specimen and the repeated recovery of the same species of Aspergillus in culture is critical in supporting the diagnosis of aspergillosis. It must always be remembered that a number of other fungi can be morphologically identical to Aspergillus in tissue. On rare occasions, the hyphae of an Aspergillus sp. may have lateral conidia in tissue.IsolationInoculate the clinical material onto Sabouraud glucose agar, Inhibitory Mould Agar (IMA) or other proper medium with antibiotics (gentamicin or chlorampenicol) and incubate at 30°C. The aspergilli are sensitive to cycloheximide, hence they will not grow on media containing this antimicrobial agent.

Discard negative cultures after 4 weeks.Mycology (principal fungi) : Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus glaucus group, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus groupDetection of galactomannan antigen in serumThe mortality rate of invasive aspergillosis is as high as 50-100% and definitive diagnosis by culture may take as long as 4 weeks. Thus, early diagnosis is of remarkable significance for earlier initiation of antifungal therapy and reduction of mortality rates. Detection of galactomannan antigen, an exoantigen of Aspergillus, has recently been shown to be a useful screening test for early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. Platelia Aspergillus EIA (Bio-Rad Laboratories) is a commercially available kit used to detect galactomannan antigen in body fluids. This method can detect as little as 1 ng/ml of galactomannan in the tested sample. Serum is the most frequently tested specimen and appears to provide highest sensitivity. Use of other samples such as bronchoalveolar lavage and cerebrospinal fluid also appears to provide promising results.
Galactomannan antigen positivity is among the microbiological diagnostic criteria proposed by European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EUORTC) and Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (MSG) for diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis This tool continues to gain acceptance: the US Food & Drug Administration approved the marketing of Platelia Aspergillus EIA kit in USA on 16 May 2003. Galactomannan antigen positivity can be detected 5-8 days (average) before clinical signs develop (in 65.2% of patients), findings on chest X-ray are visible (in 71.5% of patients) and culture results become positive (in 100% of patient). The test should be used as a screening test for patients at high risk of developing invasive aspergillosis.
Detection of positive results particularly in two consecutive serum samples provides strong support for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis. Platelia Aspergillus EIA can also be used for follow-up of clinical response to antifungal therapy. The titer of the antigen tends to decrease in case of clinical response, except for patients who are treated with an echinocandin compound.The overall sensitivity and specificity of the method were 80.7% and 89.2%, respectively, in the dataset submitted to the US FDA. False positive reactions have been observed in 1-18% of the tested samples and may be due to cross reactivity or false positive antigenemia. Cross reactivity may be due to the existence of other fungi, such as Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium digitatum, Rhodotorula rubra, and Paecilomyces variotii in the tested sample [2208]. The mechanism of false positive antigenemia, on the other hand, has not been fully clarified. It appears to be more frequent in children and may develop after translocation of galactomannan antigen found in various food stuff (bread, pasta, corn flakes, rice, cake, turkey, sausage, etc.) through the damaged intestinal mucosa. In addition to these, very recent data have shown that the serum samples of patients receiving piperacillin/tazobactam (Zosyn®), an injectable antibacterial combination product from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, may also yield false positive galactomannan antigen test results. Detection of galactomannan antigen in certain batches of Zosyn® strengthened this finding. Thus, Bio-Rad, the manufacturer of the Platelia Aspergillus EIA kit, now states that positive galactomannan antigen test results in patients treated with Zosyn® should be interpreted cautiously. Since the existence of invasive aspergillosis cannot be ruled out in these patients, other methods should be used for confirmation of the diagnosis.
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