In vitro activity of tigecycline and molecular characterization of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from a university hospital in south-western Germany.

Background: Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms are spreading worldwide in hospital and community settings.

Methods: A total of 328 unduplicated ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated in 2008 and 2009 at the University Hospital of Tübingen were analysed retrospectively.

Results: Escherichia coli (n = 253) and Klebsiella spp.

Accuracy of serum LDH elevation for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia.

In 328 immunocompromised patients, 105 with and 193 without Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was analysed retrospectively, taking into consideration the time interval from the onset of symptoms to the start of specific therapy. 97 of the 105 PCP patients were negative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Eight were positive.

BK channels in innate immune functions of neutrophils and macrophages.

Oxygen-dependent antimicrobial activity of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) relies on the phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase to generate oxidants. As the oxidase transfers electrons from NADPH the membrane will depolarize and concomitantly terminate oxidase activity, unless there is charge translocation to compensate. Most experimental data implicate proton channels as the effectors of this charge compensation, although large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels have been suggested to be essential for normal PMN antimicrobial activity.

Investigation of mechanisms involved in phagocytosis of Legionella pneumophila by human cells.

Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, is able to survive and multiply efficiently in a variety of mammalian cells. By using in vitro assays, the uptake of L. pneumophila into monocytes has shown to be mediated, at least in part, through attachment of complement-coated bacteria to complement receptors, but complement-independent phagocytosis could also be demonstrated.