Mohamed A. Maksoud

Multi-drug resistance and reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin among Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi isolates from the Middle East and Central Asia.

Typhoid fever is common in developing countries, with an estimated 120 million infections and 700 000 annual deaths, worldwide. Fluoroquinolones have been the treatment of choice for infection with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi). However, alarming reports of fluoroquinolone-resistance and failure of typhoid fever treatment have recently been published. To determine the proportion of S. Typhi isolates with reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (RSC) from six countries in the Middle East and Central Asia, 968 S. Typhi isolates collected between 2002 and 2007 from Egypt, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Qatar, Jordan and Iraq were tested for antibiotic susceptibility to five antibiotics using the disc-diffusion method. MDR was defined as resistance to amicillin, chloramphenicol and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The E-test was employed to determine the MIC of ciprofloxacin only. Nalidixic acid resistance was evaluated as a marker for RSC. Interpretations were made according to CLSI guidelines. MDR strains were considerably more prevalent in Iraq (83%) and Pakistan (52%) compared with the other countries studied (13–52%). Nearly all isolates were susceptible (99.7%) to ceftriaxone. RSC was detected in a total of 218 isolates (22%), mostly from Iraq (54/59, 92%), Uzbekistan (98/123, 80%), Qatar (23/43, 54%) and Pakistan (31/65, 47%). Many of these (21%) were also MDR. Use of nalidixic acid resistance as an indicator for RSC was 99% sensitive and 98% specific. This study reinforces the need for routine antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance of enteric fever isolates and close review of current therapeutic policies in the region.

Complications after maxillary sinus augmentation: a case report.

The maxillary sinus grafting procedure has been routinely performed with predictable results. The procedure has proven to be an acceptable modality for bone augmentation to provide a base for endosseous implant placement. Several complications have been documented in the literature. They vary from sinus membrane perforation to formation of a mucocele inside the bony graft mass. This report describes a serious complication after a maxillary sinus augmentation that resulted in obliteration of the sinus.

Manipulation of the peri-implant tissue for better maintenance: A periodontal perspective

Enhancement of peri-implant soft tissue is an essential factor in implant survival. As in periodontal tissue, the integrity of the attached gingiva, plus gingival contour, color, shape, size, consistency, and bleeding upon probing, is an indicator of bacterial activity that will eventually lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. The trajectory of peri-implant tissue is different from that of periodontal tissue because of periodontal ligament fibers, the absence of which makes the implant-bone interface weaker than that of natural dentition. The destruction of peri-implant tissue can be a faster and more devastating process, so maintenance of the peri-implant tissue is a must in implant therapy to avoid a potentially massive destruction of the understructure. The treatment of inadequately attached gingiva, gingiva hyperplasia, and peri-implant gingivitis is discussed with techniques that can alleviate these problems.

Immediate implants in fresh posterior extraction sockets: report of two cases.

This article demonstrates the use of an implant insertion method for the posterior region. Following an atraumatic extraction of a posterior tooth, an immediate implant can be placed at the time of the extraction. A surgical technique that involves the insertion of the implant into the interseptal bone of a multirooted posterior tooth extraction socket in a manner to provide initial stabilization of the implant and partial fill of the extraction sockets is described. Bone graft and a membrane are also required to augment the remainder of the extraction socket and provide maximum bone fill around the implant. The advantages, disadvantages, and indications for the procedure are described.

Hospital-Based Surveillance for Infectious Etiologies Among Patients with Acute Febrile Illness in Georgia, 2008-2011.

Information on the infectious causes of undifferentiated acute febrile illness (AFI) in Georgia is essential for effective treatment and prevention. In May 2008, a hospital-based AFI surveillance was initiated at six hospitals in Georgia. Patients aged ≥ 4 years with fever ≥ 38°C for ≥ 48 hours were eligible for surveillance. Blood culture and serologic testing were conducted for Leptospira spp., Brucella spp., West Nile virus (WNV), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Coxiella burnetii, tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), hantavirus, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi), and Rickettsia typhi. Of 537 subjects enrolled, 70% were outpatients, 54% were males, and the mean age was 37 years. Patients reported having fatigue (89%), rigors (87%), sweating (83%), pain in joints (49%), and sleep disturbances (42%). Thirty-nine (7%) patients were seropositive for R. typhi, 37 (7%) for Brucella spp., 36 (7%) for TBEV, 12 (2%) for Leptospira spp., 10 (2%) for C. burnetii, and three (0.6%) for S. Typhi. None of the febrile patients tested positive for WNV antibodies. Of the patients, 73% were negative for all pathogens. Our results indicate that most of the targeted pathogens are present in Georgia, and highlight the importance of enhancing laboratory capacity for these infectious diseases.

Characterization of Neisseria meningitidis isolates from Egypt using multilocus sequence typing

To characterize Neisseria meningitidis isolates collected from cerebrospinal fluid of meningitis cases in Egypt (1998-2003) as part of surveillance studies, 67 isolates were serogrouped, tested for antibiotic sensitivity and analyzed using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Results show that isolates expressing serogroup B (50.7%) and serogroup A (34.3%) antigens were predominant in Egypt during the surveillance period, possibly due to suppression of other serogroups by meningococcal vaccines in current use. Intermediate resistance to penicillin was observed in 71% of the isolates, suggesting a need for physicians to shift to third-generation cephalosporins during the empirical treatment of infection. Recurrent lineages of N. meningitidis in Egypt appear to originate from Europe and other Middle Eastern countries. Of 19 sequence types detected, five were unique to Africa and 10 were not observed previously in the MLST database. The information obtained illustrates the changing dynamics of meningitis after vaccine introduction in Egypt.

Slit-Window Technique: An Innovation That Simplifies Lateral Sinus Floor Elevation: Slit-Window Technique for Sinus Floor Elevation

Introduction: Implant placement in an atrophic posterior maxilla is challenging due to sinus pneumatization and presence of insufficient bone volume. Sinus floor elevation (SFE) is a feasible approach to increase the available alveolar bone dimensions. It is known that the maxillary sinus has a potential for healing and bone formation without the need of bone grafts or bone substitutes. However, current graft-free sinus SFE approaches are technique sensitive and non-reliable in consistent bone formation. This paper introduces the slit-window technique as a novel and simple technique to perform graft-free sinus floor elevation. Case Presentation: A 66-year-old male presented with edentulous regions in the posterior maxilla and bilateral sinus pneumatization. The treatment included SFE using the graft-free slit-window technique on the right site and traditional lateral SFE with bone augmentation on the left site. Two implants were placed simultaneously during sinus lift procedures in each side. The slit-window technique was performed using a rigid barrier membrane in conjunction with stabilizing bony slits to tent the Schneiderian membrane superiorly. Healing was uneventful for implants in both sides. Six months postoperatively, the amount of bone formation in the non-grafted site was comparable to that of the grafted site. Conclusion: Slit-window sinus floor elevation procedure is a simple technique to elevate the floor of the sinus without the need for bone grafting. Clin Adv Periodontics 2018;8:106–110.

Popularity of suture materials among residents and faculty members of a postdoctoral periodontology program

AIM The aim of the present study was to determine the favoritism of suture materials among a group of clinicians at a teaching institution. METHODS The surveys included 11 absorbable and nine non-absorbable sutures. The surveyor was asked to select his or her suture preferences when it comes to using it in 13 different, commonly-performed surgical procedures. RESULTS The surveys showed overall preferences for non-absorbable versus absorbable sutures. Chromic Gut with a 4-0 diameter thread reverse cutting FS2 needle was the most favored suture. For periodontal bone grafts and hard tissue ridge augmentation, polytetrafluoroethylene with a 4-0 thread and FS2 needle was preferred. For autogenous gingival grafts, gingival allografts, connective tissue grafts, frenectomy and frenoplasty, Chromic Gut with 5-0 diameter thread reverse cutting P3 needle was favored. For extraction socket preservation, soft tissue canine exposure, ridge augmentation, and dental implants, Chromic Gut with 4-0 diameter thread reverse cutting FS2 needle was preferred, and for sinus augmentation, Vicryl with a 4-0 diameter thread reverse cutting FS2 needle was favored. CONCLUSION Absorbable sutures were preferred in the majority of periodontal procedures; however, non-absorbable sutures were favored in procedures that required longer healing or better stability of the flap edges in cases of periodontal and ridge augmentation.

The use of titanium plates for bone regeneration with root form implants: a case report.

In reconstruction of the partially and totally edentulous ridges that have bony defects due to old trauma or longstanding atrophy, it is necessary to reconstruct both the width and height of the alveolar ridge. This clinical case report covers bone regeneration prior to implant placement to achieve an aesthetic and functional base for prosthetic restoration. The focus of this report will be on bone regeneration, which does not depend on the utilization of a barrier membrane.