Marija Gužvinec

Mycoplasma pneumoniae in adult community-acquired pneumonia increases matrix metalloproteinase-9 serum level and induces its gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Summary Background The objective of this study was to assess the concentration of metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in peripheral circulation and their mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with CAP caused by M. pneumoniae. Material/Methods We prospectively analyzed MMPs in 40 hospitalized patients with M. pneumoniae CAP on admission, and in the convalescent phase. Twenty healthy men were used as controls. Quantitative real-time PCR and ELISA tests were used. Results MMP-9 mRNA expression in PBMCs was increased in the acute phase of illness compared to the control group as well as in convalescent phase in which case it was statistically significant (Mann-Whitney; p=0.028). The same was found for MMP-9 plasma levels (Mann-Whitney test; p<0.001; p=0.001). Circulating MMP-2 concentration in acute patients was significantly lower than in the control group and convalescent phase (Mann-Whitney test; p=0.012; p=0.001), while no MMP-2 mRNA expression was found in PBMCs. The plasma level of MMP-9 correlated with leukocyte count in peripheral circulation (r=0.67, p<0.001). Conclusions We conclude that M. pneumoniae in adult CAP induces activity of MMP-9 in peripheral blood circulation.

Relapsing Bacteraemia due to Corynebacterium striatum in a Patient with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

We describe the first reported case of Corynebacterium striatum (C. striatum) relapsing bacteraemia in a patient with peripheral arterial disease and proven Corynebacterium species colonization of a chronic foot ulcer, focusing on the difficulties in the management of the patient. We conclude that the optimal duration of the antibiotic treatment for relapsing C. striatum bacteraemia from a chronic ulcer should be 6 weeks together with surgical treatment.