Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials via MedWorm.com

First Initial community-acquired meningitis due to Escherichia coli producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase complicated with multiple aortic mycotic aneurysms

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report the first case of E. coli producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase community-acquired meningitis complicated with multiple aortic mycotic aneurysms. Because of the acute aneurysm expansion with possible impending rupture on 2 abdominal CT scan, the patient underwent prompt vascular surgery and broad spectrum antibiotic therapy but he died of a hemorrhagic shock. E. coli producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase was identified from both blood and cerebrospinal fluid culture before vascular treatment. The present case report does not however change the guidelines of Gram negative meningitis in adults. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Superantigen profiles of emm and emm-like typeable and nontypeable pharyngeal streptococcal isolates of South India

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Multiplex PCR analysis revealed the presence of superantigens in all the typeable strains irrespective of their emm types. However, the presence of superantigen genes in emm and emmL nontypeable strains has not been previously reported. In this study, presence of at least one or a combination of superantigen coding genes was identified in all the emm and emmL nontypeable strains. Thus, the superantigens may inevitably play an important role in the pathogenesis of these nontypeable strains in the absence of the primary virulence factor, M protein. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Genotypes and serotype distribution of macrolide resistant invasive and non- invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from Lebanon

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae in Lebanon is mainly through target site modification but is also mediated through efflux pumps, with serotype 19F having dual resistance and being the most prevalent and invasive. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Enteric alpha defensins in norm and pathology

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Microbes living in the mammalian gut exist in constant contact with immunity system that prevents infection and maintains homeostasis. Enteric alpha defensins play an important role in regulation of bacterial colonization of the gut, as well as in activation of pro- and anti-inflammatory response of the adaptive immune system cells in lamina propria. This review summarizes currently available data on functions of mammalian enteric alpha defensins in the immune defense and changes in their secretion in intestinal inflammatory diseases and cancer. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Assessment of the requisites of microbiology based infectious disease training under the pressure of consultation needs

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The results of our study show that certain internal medicine subdisciplines such as pulmonology, neurology and dermatology appear to be the principal clinical requisites in the training of ID specialists, rather than internal medicine as a whole. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Antimutagenic and free radical scavenger effects of leaf extracts from Accacia salicina

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The present study revealed the antimutagen and antioxidant potenty of plant extract from Accacia salicina leaves. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Cholestatic Hepatitis in a patient with Typhoid Fever - A case report

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We report a young patient who presented with fever and jaundice and found to have cholestatic hepatitis secondary to typhoid fever. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Decrease in Shiga-like toxin expression using a minimal inhibitory concentration of rifampicin followed by bactricidal gentamicin treatment enhances survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7-infected BALB/c mice

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The use of non-lethal expression-inhibitory doses of antimicrobial agents prior to bactericidal ones in treating E. coli O157:H7 infection is effective and may be potentially useful in human infections with this agent in addition to other Shiga toxin producing E. coli strains. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Rapid PCR detection of group A streptococcus from flocked throat swabs: a retrospective clinical study

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In this retrospective study, the GAS PCR assay appeared to perform as well as conventional throat swab culture, the current standard of practice. Since the GAS PCR assay, including DNA extraction, can be performed in approximately 1 hour, prospective studies of this assay are warranted to evaluate the clinical impact of the assay on management of patients with pharyngitis. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Correlation between antibutyrylcholinesterasic and antioxidant activities of three aqueous extracts from Tunisian Rhus pentaphyllum

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

For centuries, plants have been used in traditional medicines and there has been recent interest in the chemopreventive properties of compounds derived from plants. In the present study, we investigated the antibutyrylcholinestrasic (anti-BuChE) and antioxidant (against some free radicals) activities of extracts from Rhus pentaphyllum. Aqueous extracts were prepared from powdered R. pentaphyllum roots, leaves and seeds and characterized for the presence of tannins, flavonoids and coumarins. Seeds aqueous extract contained the highest quantities of both flavonoids and tannins (21.12% and 17.45% respectively). In the same way, seeds extracts displayed remarkable inhibition against BuChE over 95%, at 100 ug/ml and with IC50 0.74 ug/ml. In addition, compared to leaves and roots extracts, seeds...

Central Venous Catheter-Related Bacteremia Caused by Kocuria kristinae: Case report and Review of the Literature

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Kocuria species are unusual human pathogens isolated most commonly from immunocompromised hosts, such as transplant recipients and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or from patients with chronic medical conditions. A case of catheter-related bacteremia with pulmonary septic emboli in a pregnant adult female without chronic medical conditions is described. A review of other reported Kocuria infections is provided. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Alterations in the transcriptome and antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus grown in the presence of diclofenac

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

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Antibacterial and resistance-modifying activities of thymoquinone against oral pathogens

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: TQ possesses a selective antibacterial activity against oral bacteria. It is therefore suggested that TQ could be used as a source of natural products with resistance-modifying activity. Further investigation is needed to assess their clinical relevance. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Exploring internal features of 16S rRNA gene for identification of clinically relevant species of the genus Streptococcus.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The markers generated exploring 16S rRNA gene sequences provided useful tool that can be further used for identification of different species of the genus Streptococcus. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Comparative diffusion assay to assess efficacy of topical antimicrobial agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in burns care

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The diffusion assay developed herein detect differences in behaviour against antimicrobials between tested strains and a reference population. The method could be proposed for use in semi-routine practice of medical microbiology. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Synergistic antimicrobial activity between pentacyclic triterpenoids and antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus strains

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Pentacyclic triterpenoids have shown anti-staphylococcal activities and although individually weaker than common antibiotics produced from bacteria and fungi, synergistically these compounds may use different mechanism of action or pathways to exert their antimicrobial effects, as implicated in the lowered MICs. Therefore, the use of current antibiotics could be maintained in their combination with plant-derived antibacterial agents as a therapeutic option in the treatment of S. aureus infections. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Bactericidal activity of oxacillin and glycopeptides against Staphylococcus aureus in patients with endocarditis: looking for a relationship between tolerance and outcome.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In vitro bactericidal test results were not valid predictors of clinical outcome. Physicians need to use additional parameters when treating patients with staphylococcal endocarditis. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Variable antibiotic susceptibility patterns among Streptomyces species causing actinomycetoma in man and animals

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Saprophytic Streptomyces spp. cause actinomycetoma in man and animal belong to separate phenotypes and have a wide range of susceptibility patterns to antimicrobial agents, which pose a lot of difficulties in selecting effective in vivo treatment for actinomycetoma. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

CTX-M-14 beta-lactamase-producing Citrobacter freundii isolated in Venezuela

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 30 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

A clinical isolate of C. freundii with reduced susceptibility to extended-spectrum beta-lactams from a woman with cystocele associated with recurrent urinary tract infection was analyzed. Susceptibility tests, double disk synergy tests (DDST) and enzymatic activity by the agar iodometric method suggested the presence of ESBLs. Conjugation experiments revealed the presence of a large conjugative plasmid (pLM07/20) with an exclusive FrepB replicon type (IncF/FIB). PCR analysis and sequencing confirmed the presence of the blaCTX-M-14 gene in the pLM07/20 from C. freundii LM07/10. Although this is the first report of CTX-M-14 in Venezuela, we alert the medical community that future increase of these beta-lactamases in our city could be due to dissemination of plasmids into bacterial population...

Antifungal activity of redox-active benzaldehydes that target cellular antioxidation

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 30 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Natural benzaldehydes targeting cellular antioxidation components of fungi, such as superoxide dismutases, glutathione reductase, etc., effectively inhibit fungal growth. They possess antifungal or chemosensitizing capacity to enhance efficacy of conventional antifungal agents. Chemosensitization can reduce costs, abate resistance, and alleviate negative side effects associated with current antifungal treatments. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Impact of accessory gene regulator (agr) dysfunction on vancomycin pharmacodynamics among Canadian community and health-care associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 19 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Dysfunction in agr was less common among CA-MRSA vs. HA-MRSA. agr dysfunction demonstrated an impact on vancomycin bactericidal activity and pharmacodynamics against a high initial inoculum of CA-MRSA and HA-MRSA, which may have implications for optimal antimicrobial therapy against persistent, difficult to treat MRSA infections. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

In vitro antimicrobial activity of ten medicinal plants against clinical isolates of oral cancer cases

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 19 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: It can be concluded that treated oral cancer patients were neutropenic and prone to secondary infection of microbes. The medicinal plant can prove as effective antimicrobial agent to check the secondary infections in treated cancer patients. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

A multiple antibiotic and serum resistant oligotrophic strain, Klebsiella pneumoniae MB45 having novel dfrA30, is sensitive to ZnO QDs

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Background: The aim of this study was to describe a novel trimethoprim resistance gene cassette, designated dfrA30, within a class 1 integron in a facultatively oligotrophic, multiple antibiotic and human serum resistant test strain, MB45, in a population of oligotrophic bacteria isolated from the river Mahananda; and to test the efficiency of surface bound acetate on zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs) as bactericidal agent on MB45. Methods: Diluted Luria broth/Agar (10-3) media was used to cultivate the oligotrophic bacteria from water sample. Multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria were selected by employing replica plate method. A rapid assay was performed to determine the sensitivity/resistance of the test strain to human serum. Variable region of class 1 integron was cloned, sequenced a...

Pathogenicity island cag, vacA and IS605 genotypes in Mexican strains of Helicobacter pylori associated with peptic ulcer.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The patients had highly virulent strains since the most of them possessed a complete cag PAI and had a vacA s1b/m1 genotype. All the isolates presented the cag PAI without any IS605 insertion (genotype 1). Combined vacA genotypes showed that 1 NPU, 2 NBPU, and 1 BPU patients (66.6%) had a mixed infection; coexistence of H. pylori strains with different cag PAI status was observed in 1 NBPU and 2 BPU (50%) of the patients, but only two of these patients (NBPU and BPU) had different vacA genotypes.KeywordsHelicobacter pylori, cag PAI, vacA, peptic ulcers, Mexico. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Infective endocarditis caused by Arcanobacterium haemolyticum: a case report

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We describe a case of a 21-year-old female who had endocarditis with cerebral emboli due to Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. This rare condition is associated with significant mortality and to the best of our knowledge; this is the first successfully treated case of A. haemolyticum endocarditis complicated by embolic phenomenon. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Biofilm formation and adherence characteristics of an Elizabethkingia meningoseptica isolate from Oreochromis mossambicus

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 04 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: E. meningoseptica isolate CH2B and strain NCTC 10016T displayed a strong biofilm-forming phenotype which may play a role in its potential pathogenicity in both clinical and aquaculture environments. The ability of E. meningoseptica isolates to adhere to abiotic surfaces and form biofilm structures may result from the hydrophilic cell surface and multiple adhesins located around the cell. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate susceptibility in a community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus epidemic clone, in a case of Infective Endocarditis in Argentina

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This report demonstrates the ability of this epidemic CA-MRSA clone, disseminated in some regions of Argentina, to produce severe and rapidly fatal infections such as IE, in addition to its ability to acquire low-level vancomycin resistance; for these reasons, it constitutes a new challenge for the Healthcare System of this country. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Recurrent Staphylococcus warnerii Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis : A case report and review

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report a case of recurrent S. warneri endocarditis in a patient with prosthetic valve and silicon mammoplasty and we also review the relevant literature (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Primary extrahepatic alveolar echinococcosis of the lumbar spine and the psoas muscle: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We report a case of an 80-year-old man with primary extrahepatic alveolar Echinococcosis of the lumbar spine and the psoas muscle. The etiology, diagnosis, differential diagnoses, treatment options and outcome of this rare disease are discussed in context with the current literature. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Unusual causes of peritonitis in a peritoneal dialysis patient: Alcaligenes faecalis and Pantoea agglomerans

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

An 87 -year-old female who was undergoing peritoneal dialysis presented with peritonitis caused by Alcaligenes faecalis and Pantoea agglomerans in consecutive years. With the following report we discuss the importance of these unusual microorganisms in peritoneal dialysis patients. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Generation of novel cationic antimicrobial peptides from natural non-antimicrobial sequences by acid-amide substitution

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The acid-amide substitution successfully generated some novel CAMPs in our trial study. These novel CAMPs were derived from natural non-antimicrobial sequences, and their sequences were completely distinct from any categories of known CAMPs, suggesting that such mutated natural sequences could be a promising source of novel skeletons of CAMPs. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Antibacterial activity of natural spices on multiple drug resistant Escherichia coli isolated from drinking water, Bangladesh

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Natural spices might have anti-bacterial activity against enteric pathogens and could be used for prevention of diarrheal diseases. Further evaluation is necessary. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Effect of L. plantarum cell-free extract and co-trimoxazole against Salmonella typhimurium: a possible adjunct therapy

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The antimicrobial efficacy of this combination indicates that it may serve as the basis in developing alternative strategies to combat Salmonella infections. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

The role of acidification in the inhibition of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by vaginal lactobacilli during anaerobic growth

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: During anaerobic growth, inhibition of N. gonorrhoeae by the vaginal lactobacilli tested was primarily due to acidification and abrogated by the presence of a buffer. There was no evidence of a specific mechanism of inhibition other than acid production under these conditions and, in particular, hydrogen peroxide was not produced. The acidification potential of vaginal lactobacilli under anaerobic conditions may be their most important characteristic conferring protection against N. gonorrhoeae infection. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

The dilemma of Widal test - Which brand to use? a study of four different Widal brands: a cross sectional comparative study

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Widal test results showed marked discrepancies using different Widal brands. None of the serum samples of the typhoid fever patients showed four fold rise in the antibody titers. Raised O agglutinins were of slightly greater diagnostic value than raised H agglutinins.Significance and impact of study.Widal test done sequentially using two brands could be of value in typhoid fever diagnosis. Single serum sample could be used for typhoid fever diagnosis relying on anti O titer. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Oriental Schistosomiasis with Neurological Complications: Case report

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

We describe a case of cerebral schistosomiasis, caused by Asian (oriental) Schistosoma japonicum trematode blood flukes, in a young Chinese patient and its management. We also provide a brief update for physicians on the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of schistosomiasis, with particular emphasis on neuroschistosomiasis, the most severe clinical outcome associated with this parasitic infection. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Maggot metabolites and their combinatory effects with antibiotic on Staphylococcus aureus

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The combination effect of ES and ciprofloxacin at sub-MIC levels showed enhanced antibacterial activity compared to the effect of ES and ciprofloxacin as single agents. Based on the results of ES-ciprofloxacin combinations, a more effective means of treatment for S. aureus can be proposed. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Synthetic arylquinuclidine derivatives exhibit antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilopsis.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Taken together, our data demonstrate that arylquinuclidine derivatives could be useful as lead compounds for the rational synthesis of new antifungal drugs. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Epidemiology of urinary tract infections and antibiotics sensitivity among pregnant women at Khartoum North Hospital

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Escherichia coli were the most prevalent causative organisms and showing multi drug resistance pattern, asymptomatic bacteriuria is more prevalent than symptomatic among pregnant women. Urine culture for screening and diagnosis purpose for all pregnant is recommended. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action of Nu-3, a protonated modified nucleotide

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results provide additional experimental data that are consistent with the hypothesis that Nu-3 represents a new class of antibacterial agents for treating topical infections and acts via a different mechanism from conventional antibiotics. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

The dissemination of ST80-SCCmec-IV community-associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus clone in Kuwait hospitals.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: ST80-SCCmecIV was the most common CA-MRSA clone in Kuwait hospitals presenting new challenges for infection control. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Automated cleaning of fan coil units with a natural detergent-disinfectant product

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: BATT2 could be considered for cleaning/disinfection of air conditioning systems, that should be performed on the basis of accurate and verifiable sanitization protocols. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Antifungal activity of schinol and a new biphenyl compound isolated from Schinus terebinthifolius against the pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This work reveals for the first time the occurrence of compound 2 and discloses activity of compounds 1 and 2 against several clinical isolates of P. brasiliensis. These results justify further studies to clarify the mechanisms of action of these compounds. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and bronchial asthma: a case report

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: S.stercoralis may cause mortal diseases in patients. Immunosupression frequently causes disseminated infections. Many infected patients are completely asymptomatic. Although it is important to detect latent S. stercoralis infections before administering chemotherapy or before the onset of immunosuppression in patients at risk, a specific and sensitive diagnostic test is lacking. In immunosupressed patients, to detect S.stercoralis might help to have the patient survived and constitute the exact therapy. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Fungal colonization in patients with chronic respiratory diseases from Himalayan region of India

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The point-prevalence of fungal colonization was almost 50%. The combination of fungal culture and serology helped improve diagnostic sensitivity. An interesting predilection was observed for Aspergillus and Candida, to preferentially infect patients with Bronchogenic carcinoma and Tubercular sequelae respectively. In absence of specific predictors, the possibility of fungal colonization needs to be explored actively in these patients. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Effects of antibacterial mineral leachates on the cellular ultrastructure, morphology, and membrane integrity of Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These data suggest that the leachate antibacterial mechanism of action differs for Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. Upon antibacterial mineral leachate exposure, structural integrity is retained, however, compromised membrane integrity accounts for bactericidal activity in Gram-positive, but not in Gram-negative cells. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Primary resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin of Helicobacter pylori isolated from Tunisian patients with peptic ulcers and gastritis: a prospective multicentre study.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: local data regarding the primary resistance of H. pylori to clarithromycin, metronidazole and amoxicillin and the main genetic mutation involved in clarithromycin resistance in vivo (A2143G) are necessary to prove a clear need for a periodic evaluation of antibiotic consumption and new therapeutic strategies in Tunisia in order to avoid the emergence of resistant strains. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Identification of Staphylococcus aureus: DNase and Mannitol salt agar improve the efficiency of the tube coagulase test

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The efficiency of the tube coagulase test can be markedly improved by sequel testing of the isolates with Mannitol salt agar, DNase and Tube coagulase. There is no single phenotypic test (including tube coagulase) that can guarantee reliable results in the identification of Staphylococcus aureus. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Rapid detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from positive blood cultures by quantitative PCR

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This reliable technique may offer a rapid ( (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

The need for continued monitoring of antibiotic resistance patterns in clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from London and Malta

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The data presented here suggests that the monitoring of changing resistance profiles locally in maintaining treatment efficacy to resistant pathogens. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Frequency of conjugative transfer of plasmid-encoded ISEcp1 - blaCTX-M-15 and aac(6')-lb-cr genes in Enterobacteriaceae at a tertiary care center in Lebanon - role of transferases

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In conclusion, the frequency of transfer of antimicrobial resistance in non clonal Enterobacteriaceae at the tertiary care center by conjugation was 49%. Conjugation occurred in isolates expressing the tra encoding transferase genes. Multiple conjugative strains harboring the plasmid encoded antimicrobial resistant genes were circulating in the medical center. Molecular epidemiology analysis showed that conjugative isolates are neither clonal nor linked to a particular site and transfer of antimicrobial resistance is by horizontal transfer of plasmids. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Dissemination of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumanii in various hospitals of Antananarivo, Madagascar

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

This study reports the dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) OXA-23-producing Acinetobacter baumannii clones in hospitals in Antananarivo, Madagascar. A total of 53 carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates were obtained from September 2006 to March 2009 in five hospitals. These resistant strains represent 44% of all A. baumannii isolates. The double disk synergy test was performed to screen for production of metallo-beta-lactamases. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were performed for the detection of bla(AmpC), bla(OXA-51),bla(OXA-23), bla(OXA-24), bla(IMP), bla(VIM). The presence of the insertion sequence ISAba1 relative to blaOXA-23 and blaOXA-51 was assessed by PCR. Isolates were typed by Rep-PCR. All the isolates were MDR and produced the OXA-23 carbapenemase, ...

Antibiotic susceptibility of coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from very low birth weight babies: comprehensive comparisons of bacteria at different stages of biofilm formation

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 26 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We conclude that the resistance of coagulase-negative staphylococci to multiple antibiotics initially remain similar when the bacteria shift from a planktonic growth mode into an early attached mode, then increase significantly as the adherent mode further develops. Furthermore, preformed biofilms of some CoNS are enhanced by oxacillin in a dose-dependent manner. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Hospital infection after major amputations

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 18 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the prevalence of stump infections after major amputations of the lower extremities. Patients rehospitalized in Hospital de Base of the Medicine School in Sao Jose do Rio Preto in the period from January 2005 to January 2007 due to stump infection after major amputations of lower extremities were evaluated in a retrospective study. All the patients underwent prophylactic antibiotic therapy at the time of the surgery. The Fisher exact test was utilized for statistical analysis with an alpha error of 5% (p-value < 0.05) being considered acceptable. A total of 231 patients were submitted to major amputations during this period and 17 (7.3%) were rehospitalized due to amputation stump infections of which 5 (29.4%) died within one month. The associat...

Antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori to the outcome of 10-days vs. 7-days Moxifloxacin based therapy for the eradication: a randomized controlled trial

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

IntroductionAntibiotic resistance decreases success of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication. Recently published results show low rate of resistance and better compliance with moxifloxacin based regiments.Aims&methods: Whether 7 days moxifloxacin with lansoprasole and amoxycillin can be compared with 10 days moxifloxacin with lansoprasole and amoxycillin according to moxifloxacin resistance. Patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia and culture and histology positive Hp infection (n=150) were randomly assigned into two groups. The first group (n=75) received moxifloxacin 400 mg/d during 7 days and the other (n=75) received moxifloxacin 400 mg/d during 10 days. All patients received amoxycillin 1 g twice daily, lansoprasole 30 mg twice daily. All Hp cultures were tested for sensitivity to moxifloxac...

Antimicrobial resistance in equine faecal Escherichia coli isolates from North West England

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Background: Escherichia coli isolates of equine faecal origin were investigated for antibiotic resistance, resistance genes and their ability to perform horizontal transfer. Methods: In total, 264 faecal samples were collected from 138 horses in hospital and community livery premises in northwest England, yielding 296 resistant E. coli isolates. Isolates were tested for susceptibility to antimicrobial drugs by disc diffusion and agar dilution methods in order to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). PCR amplification was used to detect genes conferring resistance to: ampicillin (TEM and SHV beta-lactamase) chloramphenicol (catI, catII, catIII and cml), tetracycline (tetA, tetB, tetC, tetD, tet E and tetG), and trimethoprim (dfrA1, dfrA9, dfrA12, dfrA13, dfr7, and dfr17). Resul...

Multidrug resistant yeasts in synanthropic wild birds

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This finding is of public health significance as these synanthropic wild birds may be reservoirs for transmission of drug resistant yeast infections to humans. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Daptomycin for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis native-valve endocarditis: a case report

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) have been increasing in importance as a cause of native valve endocarditis (NVE). Most cases of NVE caused by CoNS are attributable to Staphylococcus epidermidis. NVE caused by CoNS acquired in a nosocomial setting may differ from cases acquired in the community in several ways. It may be associated with hemodialysis, the presence of a long-term indwelling central catheter or pacemaker, or a recent invasive procedure; nosocomial cases may have a higher rate of methicillin resistance among CoNS isolates, and so be more likely to be treated with vancomycin. Unfortunately, NVE caused by methicillin-resistant CoNS has been associated with significantly higher rates of persistent bacteremia and in-hospital mortality than methicillin-susceptible isolates. ...

Spondylodiscitis and an aortic aneurysm due to Campylobacter coli.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

We report here the first case of C.coli spondylodiscitis complicated by an aortic aneurysm. Outcome was favourable with surgery and antibiotic therapy. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

In vitro antifungal activity of hydroxychavicol isolated from Piper betle L

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The antifungal activity exhibited by this compound warrants its use as an antifungal agent particularly for treating topical infections, as well as gargle mouthwash against oral Candida infections. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Should we use closed or open infusion containers for prevention of bloodstream infections?

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of switching from open (glass, burettes, and semi-rigid) infusion containers to closed, fully collapsible, plastic infusion containers (Viaflex) on the rate and time to onset of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABs). Methods: An open label, prospective cohort, active healthcare-associated infection surveillance, sequential study was conducted in four ICUs in Mexico. Centers for Disease Control National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance Systems definitions were used to define device-associated infections. Results: A total of 1,096 adult patients who had a central line in place for >24 hours were enrolled. The CLAB rate was significantly higher during the open versus the closed container period (16.1 versus 3.2 CLAB/100...

Screening a mushroom extract library for activity against Acinetobacter baumannii and Burkholderia cepacia and the identification of a compound with anti-Burkholderia activity

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The small number of positive hits in this study suggests that finding a new drug from mushrooms to treat Gram-negative bacterial infections may be difficult. Although 2-AQ was identified in one mushroom, and it was shown to inhibit the growth of multi-drug resistant BCC isolates, the relatively high MICs (8-128 mug/ml) for both A. baumannii and BCC strains suggests that 2-AQ is not suitable for further drug development in its current form. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Infected foot ulcers in male and female diabetic patients: a clinico-bioinformative study

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Male diabetic patients with MDRGNB-infected foot ulcers have poor glycemic control and hence they might have higher mortality rates compared to their female counterparts. Plasmid-mediated conjugal transfer, albeit at a low frequency might be the possible mechanism of transfer of blaCTX-M-15 resistance marker in the present setting. Since the docking results proved that the amino acid residues Asn132, Glu166, Pro167, Val172, Lys234 and Thr235 of CTX-M-15 (enzyme) make important contacts with cefotaxime (drug) in the 'enzyme-drug complex', researchers are expected to duly utilize this information for designing more potent and versatile CTX-M-inhibitors. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Characterization of ESBL (SHV-12) producing clinical isolate of Enterobacter aerogenes from a tertiary care hospital in Nigeria

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This is the first study demonstrated the occurrence of SHV-12 in Nigeria. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Microbiological evaluation of the efficacy of two new biodetergents on multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogens

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The natural products BATT1 and BATT2 behave like good biocides even in presence of organic substances. The use of both disinfectants may be beneficial for reducing hospital-acquired pathogens that are not susceptible to disinfectants.However, it has to be stressed that all these experiments were carried out in vitro and they still require validation from use in clinical practice. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Hepatitis G virus infection in Egyptian children with chronic renal failure (single centre study)

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The frequency of HGV exposure in Egyptian children with CRF appears to be high and is mainly related to frequent blood transfusions and longer disease duration. HGV infection in these children is not associated with significant changes in hepatic biochemical parameters. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Genetic commonality of macrolide-resistant group A beta hemolytic streptococcus pharyngeal strains

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Community macrolide resistance has increased following increased macrolide use. These results may have treatment implications if use continues to be high. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

A fatal case of spinal tuberculosis mistaken for metastatic lung cancer: recalling ancient Pott's disease

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The rapid diagnosis of spinal TB demands a high index of suspicion and expertise regarding the appropriate diagnostic procedures. Due to the devastating consequences of a missed diagnosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis should be considered early in every case of spondylitis, intraspinal or paravertebral abscess. The presence of certain alarm signals like a prolonged history of progressive back pain, constitutional symptoms or pulmonary nodules on a chest radiograph, particularly in the upper lobes, may guide the clinical suspicion. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Correction: Are we aware how contaminated our mobile phones with nosocomial pathogens?

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The following reference, "Jeske HC, Tiefenthaler W, Hohlrieder M, Hinterberger G, Benzer A. Bacterial contamination of anaesthetists' hands by personal mobile phone and fixed phone use in the operating theatre. Anaesthesia 2007, 62(9):904-6." was omitted mistakenly at the background section and should be added to literature sited section of this manuscript. The author regrets for the oversights and thanks to editors forgiving opportunity to both cite and give proper credit to Dr. Jeske's study. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens - An unusual case report of bacteremic pneumonia after lung transplantation

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The identification by conventional biochemical assays was unsuccessful and hsp gene sequencing was used to identify Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Activity of tannins from Stryphnodendron adstringens on Cryptococcus neoformans: effects on growth, capsule size and pigmentation

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our data indicate that tannins extracted from S. adstringens interfered with growth, capsule size and pigmentation, all important virulence factors of C. neoformans, and may be considered as a putative candidate for the development of new antifungal agents. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Application of a high throughput Alamar blue biofilm susceptibility assay to Staphylococcus aureus biofilms

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: A reliable, reproducible method for evaluating biofilm susceptibility was successfully applied to S. aureus biofilms. The described method provides researchers with a simple, nontoxic, relatively inexpensive, high throughput measure of viability after drug treatment. A standardized biofilm Alamar blue assay should greatly increase the rate of discovery of S. aureus biofilm specific agents. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of bacterial meningitis in Egypt

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This article addresses profound bacterial agents causing a wide array of infections including but not limited to pneumonia and meningitis. The epidemiology of such infectious diseases and the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae are reviewed in the context of bacterial meningitis. We address prevalent serotypes in Egypt, antimicrobial resistance patterns and efficacy of vaccines to emphasize the importance of periodic surveillance for appropriate preventive and treatment strategies. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Correction: Antifungal treatment for invasive Candida infections: a mixed treatment comparison meta-analysis

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

After publication of this work [Mills EJ, et al. Antifungal treatment for invasive Candida infections: a mixed treatment comparison meta-analysis. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2009, 8:23], we noted that forest plot labels for figure five should read Worse than Comparator on the left hand side and Better than Comparator on the right. This change has been made in this updated figure. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Fatal Chromobacterium violaceum septicaemia in northern Laos, a modified oxidase test and post-mortem forensic family G6PD analysis

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: C. violaceum infection should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with community-acquired septicaemia in tropical and subtropical areas. The apparently neglected but simple modified oxidase test may be useful in the oxidase assessment of other violet-pigmented organisms or of those growing on violet colored agar. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Antifungal treatment for invasive Candida infections: a mixed treatment comparison meta-analysis

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Treatment options appear to offer preferential effects on response rates and mortality. When mycologic data are available, therapy should be tailored. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Hospital-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) in Italy

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, we describe the alternation of MRSA clones that occurred in hospitals from 1990 to 2007 and the increase of the glycopeptide MIC levels, reflecting a worldwide trend. We document the detection of ST1, ST8, ST15 and ST30 in the 1980 isolates; we hypothesize their possible latency and their appearance as the current CA-MRSA clones. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Genetic relatedness and molecular characterization of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated in central Ohio, USA

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study underscores the major role of carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D beta-lactamases, and in particular the acquired OXA-23, in the dissemination of imipenem-resistant A. baumannii. The co-occurrence of additional resistance determinant could also be a significant threat. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

The effect of mimicking febrile temperature and drug stress on malarial development

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In conclusion, febrile temperature was capable of markedly inhibiting the growth of field isolate P. falciparum while the development, reinfection rate and drug (chloroquine, mefloquine and quinine) resistant level of standard strain K1 was enhanced. However, the febrile temperature coped with chloroquine had no effect to the development, drug sensitivity and the parasite number of K1 strain. In the opposite way, heat shock and chloroquine showed extremely effect toward 3D7 and field isolate PF91 as shown by some died parasites. Heat shock protein 70 (pfHSP70) of strain K1 under heat shock with chloroquine might involved in many pathways in order to sustain the parasite. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Isolation and identification of antimicrobial compound from Mentha longifolia L. leaves grown wild in Iraq

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The isolation of an antimicrobial compound from M. longifolia leaves validates the use of this plant in the treatment of minor sore throat and minor mouth or throat irritation. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

In vitro activity of tigecycline in combination with various antimicrobials against multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 21 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the in vitro synergistic activity of tigecycline in combination with colistin, levofloxacin, amikacin and imipenem against five tigecycline non-susceptible A. baumannii strains, opening the way to a more rationale clinical assessment of novel combination therapies to combat infections caused by MDR and pan-resistant A. baumannii. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteraemia: Epidemiology, clinical characteristics and its' association with severe immunosuppression

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Patients with severe clinical immunosuppression had higher mortality, presented more commonly with primary bacteraemia, leukopenia and opportunistic infections and absence of gastroenteritis. Early identification and prompt medical treatment can be life saving because of the high mortality and morbidity associated with this disease especially in the immunosuppressed patients. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Studies on the antimicrobial activity and brine shrimp toxicity of Zeyheria tuberculosa (Vell.) Bur. (Bignoniaceae) extracts and their main constituents

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 18 May 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our results showed that extracts and isolated flavones from Z. tuberculosa may be particularly useful against two pathogenic microorganisms, S. aureus and C. albicans. These results may justify the popular use this species since some fractions tested had antimicrobial activity and others showed significant toxic effects on brine shrimps. However, in order to evaluate possible clinical application in therapy of infectious diseases, further studies about the safety and toxicity of isolated compounds are needed. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Frequency of vacA, cagA and babA2 virulence markers in Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from Mexican patients with chronic gastritis

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results show that the Mexican patients suffering chronic gastritis we have studied had a high incidence of infection by H. pylori. Forty four percent (63/143) of the H. pylori strains analyzed in this work may be considered as highly virulent since they possessed two or three of the virulence markers analyzed: vacA s1 cagA babA2 (9.8%, 14/143), vacA s1 babA2 (4.9%, 7/143), and vacA s1 cagA (29.4%, 42/143). However, a statistically significant correlation was not observed between vacAs1, cagA and babA2 virulence markers (chi2 test; P>0.05). (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Antimicrobial effect of farnesol, a Candida albicans quorum sensing molecule, on Paracoccidioides brasiliensis growth and morphogenesis

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our data indicate that farnesol acts as a potent antimicrobial agent against P. brasiliensis. The fungicide activity of farnesol against this pathogen is probably associated to cytoplasmic degeneration. In concentrations that do not affect fungal viability, farnesol retards the germ-tube formation of P. brasiliensis, suggesting that the morphogenesis of this fungal is controlled by environmental conditions. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Peritoneal tuberculosis and granulomatous hepatitis secondary to treatment of bladder cancer with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Intravesical administration of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin is used as a treatment method in superficial bladder cancer. While it is generally well tolerated, serious side effects may develop. Granulomatous hepatitis cases have been previously reported; however, only one case with tuberculous peritonitis exists in the current literature. We hereby present two cases, one of which is the second tubercular peritonitis case following Bacillus Calmette-Guérin treatment to be reported, and the other a case with granulomatous hepatitis. Complete cure was achieved in both cases with specific therapy. In the patient who developed peritonitis, intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy was recommenced after antituberculosis treatment, and completed without further complications. (Source: Annals of...

Peritoneal tuberculosis and granulomatous hepatitis secondary to treatment of bladder cancer with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Intravesical administration of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin is used as a treatment method in superficial bladder cancer. While it is generally well tolerated, serious side effects may develop. Granulomatous hepatitis cases have been previously reported; however, only one case with tuberculous peritonitis exists in the current literature. We hereby present two cases, one of which is the second tubercular peritonitis case following Bacillus Calmette-Guerin treatment to be reported, and the other a case with granulomatous hepatitis. Complete cure was achieved in both cases with specific therapy. In the patient who developed peritonitis, intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin therapy was recommenced after antituberculosis treatment, and completed without further complications. (Source: Annals of Cl...

A fatal case of Nocardia otitidiscaviarum pulmonary infection and brain abscess: taxonomic characterization by molecular techniques

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100

We report on a rare case of pulmonary Nocardiosis and brain abscess caused by Nocardia otitidiscaviarum in an elderly woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Taxonomic identification involved phenotypic testing, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and complete 16S rRNA gene sequencing. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Verification of the ProPneumo-1 assay for the simultaneous detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae in clinical respiratory specimens

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The ProPneumo-1 assay is a rapid, sensitive and effective method for the simultaneous detection of M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae directly in respiratory specimens. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Inhibitory activity of Indian spice plant Cinnamomum zeylanicum extracts against human and plant pathogenic dematiaceous moulds

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the Cz bark and leaves contain certain fungicidal constituents exhibiting potential antimicrobial activity against A. solani and C. lunata. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Are we aware how contaminated our mobile phones are with nosocomial pathogens?

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results showed that HCWs' hands and their mobile phones were contaminated with various types of microorganisms. Mobile phones used by HCWs in daily practice may be a source of nosocomial infections in hospitals. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

How to compare antivirals in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B?

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

N/A (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Correction : Genotypic detection of rifampicin and isoniazid resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains by DNA sequencing: a randomized trial

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Correction to Genotypic detection of rifampicin and isoniazid resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains by DNA sequencing: a randomized trial Amina Abdelaal, Hassan Abd El-Ghaffar, Mohammad Hosam Eldeen Zaghloul, Noha El mashad, Ehab Badran, Amal Fathy Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials 2009, 8:4 (30 January 2009) We lately discovered an accidental mistake, our manuscript needs some important corrections; we offer our sincerest apologies and correct the text as under. B.15.8 in sentence 2, asparagine is converted to aspartate. B.15.11 in sentence 2, tyrosine is converted to threonine. Table 9 , asparagine is converted to aspartate,tyrosine is converted to threonine. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Genotypic detection of rifampicin and isoniazid resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains by DNA sequencing: a randomized trial

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

This study was carried out on 153 tuberculous patients with positive Bactec 460 culture for acid fast bacilli. Results: Of the 153 patients, 105 (68.6%) were new cases and 48 (31.4%) were previously treated cases.Drug susceptibility testing on Bactec revealed 50 resistant cases for one or more of the first line antituberculous.Genotypic analysis was done only for rifampicin resistant specimens (23 cases) and INH resistant specimens (26 cases) to detect mutations responsible for drug resistance by PCR amplification of rpoB gene for rifampicin resistant cases and KatG gene for isoniazid resistant cases.Finally, DNA sequencing was done for detection of mutation within rpoB and KatG genes. Genotypic analysis of RIF resistant cases revealed that 20/23 cases (86.9%) of RIF resistance were having...

Exogenous re-infection by a novel Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 14 as a cause of recurrent meningitis in a child from The Gambia

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

We report a case of an infant who experienced exogenous re-infection of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 14 as a cause of recurrent meningitis after apparently successful antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxone. eBURST analysis revealed that isolates from the two episodes of meningitis belonged to hypervirulent ST 63 and ST3321 clonal complexes respectively. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Minor contribution of mutations at iniA codon 501 and embC-embA intergenic region in ethambutol-resistant clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in Kuwait

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Analysis of iniA501 and embC-embA IGR in epidemiologically unrelated EMB-resistant M. tuberculosis isolates in Kuwait indicate that mutations at these locations occur very infrequently and their inclusion for the development of a comprehensive molecular screen will make only minor contribution towards rapid EMB resistance detection. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Distribution of Antibody Titer against Salmonella enterica among Healthy Individuals in Nepal

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: When a single Widal agglutination titer is used for the diagnosis of enteric fever, it will be more appropriate to change the currently used cutoff levels against S. enterica serotype Typhi to >1:80 for anti-O and >1:160 for anti-H titers for Nepal. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Pitfalls in efficacy testing – how important is the validation of neutralization of chlorhexidine digluconate?

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Without effective neutralization in the sampling fluid, non-volatile active ingredients will continue to reduce the number of surviving microorganisms after antiseptic treatment even if the sampling fluid is kept cold straight after testing. This can result in false-positive antiseptic efficacy data. Attention should be paid during the neutralization validation process to the amount of antiseptic solution, the storage time and to the choice of appropriate and sensitive microorganisms. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Pitfalls in efficacy testing - how important is the validation of neutralization of chlorhexidine digluconate?

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Without effective neutralization in the sampling fluid, non-volatile active ingredients will continue to reduce the number of surviving microorganisms after antiseptic treatment even if the sampling fluid is kept cold straight after testing. This can result in false-positive antiseptic efficacy data. Attention should be paid during the neutralization validation process to the amount of antiseptic solution, the storage time and to the choice of appropriate and sensitive microorganisms. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Brachyspira pilosicoli bloodstream infections: Case report and review of the literature

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Brachyspira pilosicoli is the etiologic agent of human and animal intestinal spirochetosis and is rarely implicated as a cause of bacteremia. Here, we describe the case of a B. pilosicoli spirochetemia in a 53-year-old male patient suffering from cardiogenic shock. This fastidious bacterium was isolated from blood, likely after translocation from the intestinal tract. Blood cultures were positive after 5 days of incubation (one day after the patient's death), highlighting the problem of the recovery of such type of fastidious bacterium. Identification was achieved by molecular methods (16S rRNA sequencing). A review of the English literature found only 8 cases of bacteremia caused by B. pilosicoli, mostly in immunocompromised or critically ill patients. Finally, difficulties in rapid and a...

Brachyspira pilosicoli bloodstream infections: case report and review of the literature

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Antimicrobial activity of some sulfonamide derivatives on clinical isolates of Staphylococus aureus

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study may help to suggest an alternative possible leading compound for development of new antimicrobial agents against MRSA and MSSA resistant S. aureus. It was also shown here that that clinical isolates of 50 S. aureus have various resistance patterns against to four sulfonamide derivatives. It may also be emphasized here that in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing results for S. aureus need standardization with further studies and it should also have a correlation with in vivo therapeutic response experiments. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Antimicrobial activity of some sulfonamide derivatives on clinical isolates of Staphylococcuc aureus

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study may help to suggest an alternative possible leading compounds for development of new antimicrobial agents against MRSA and MSSA resistant S.aureus. It was also shown here that that clinical isolates of 50 S.aureus have various resistance patterns against to four sulfonamide derivatives. It may also be emphasized here that in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing results for S.aureus species need standardization with further studies and it should also have a correlation with in vivo therapeutic response experiments. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Severe pulmonary tuberculosis complicating Ileocecal intussusception due to intestinal tuberculosis: a case report

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Adult intussusception is a rare clinical entity that is most often caused by a tumor, such as a lipoma, adenoma, or malignant tumor. A case of adult intussusception due to intestinal tuberculosis of the ileocecal region is reported. There are few cases of intussception due to intestinal tuberculosis. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

In- vitro antimycobacterial drug susceptibility testing of Non-Tubercular Mycobacteria by Tetrazolium Microplate Assay

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Tetrazolium Microplate Assay is a rapid and highly reproducible method. However, it must be performed only in tertiary level Mycobacteriology laboratories with proper bio-safety conditions. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Changes in the predominant human Lactobacillus flora during in vitro fertilisation.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Signature matching of nucleotide sequences in the V1 and V3 regions of 16S rRNA genes is a discriminative tool for the study of vaginal Lactobacilli and can be used to track the Lactobacillus flora under a variety of physiological conditions. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Antimicrobial resistance in community and nosocomial Escherichia coli urinary tract isolates, London 2005 – 2006

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: With the exception of nitrofurantoin, resistance to agents commonly used as empirical oral treatments for UTI was extremely high. Levels of resistance to trimethoprim and ampicillin render them unsuitable for empirical use. Continued surveillance and investigation of other oral agents for treatment of UTI in the community is required. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Imported PER-1 producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, PER-1 producing Acinetobacter baumanii and VIM-2-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in Hungary

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 30 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This is the first report of PER-1-producing P. aeruginosa,and PER-1-producing A. baumanii strains in Hungary. This case highlights the importance of spreading of the beta-lactamase-mediated resistance mechanisms between countries and continents, showing the importance of careful screening and the isolation of patients arriving from a different country. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

An uncommon presentation for a severe invasive infection due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clone USA300 in Italy: a case report

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This report highlights that meningitis can be a new serious presentation of CA-MRSA infection. CA-MRSA strains with the genetic background of the USA300 clone are circulating in Italy and are able to cause severe infections. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Fatal bacteremia due to immotile Vibrio cholerae serogroup O21 in Vientiane, Laos - a case report

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Severe bacteremic non-O1, non-O139 V. cholerae is reported from Laos. The organisms were unusual in being non-motile. They possessed the Vibrio flagellin flaA gene. Further research to determine the reasons for the non-motility and virulence is required. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis is not associated with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We found no obvious association of MAP with the incidence of T2DM in Sardinian patients. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Miliary tuberculosis with no pulmonary involvement in myelodysplastic syndromes: a curable, yet rarely diagnosed, disease: case report and review of the literature

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Even if the initial diagnostic investigation for a fever of obscure etiology is negative, MT should not be excluded from the differential diagnosis list. Since it is a curable disease, persistent and vigorous diagnostic efforts are warranted. In suspected cases, mycobacterial blood cultures should be collected as soon as possible after hospital admission and early bone marrow aspirate with mycobacterial cultures is advocated. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Primary psoas abscess due to Streptococcus milleri

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

We report an extremely rare case of PPA caused by Streptococcus milleri. Only one case has been reported in literature so far. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Correction: Helicobacter pylori and gastroduodenal pathology: New threats of the old friend

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Since publication of our article (Ahmed and Sechi: Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2005, 4:1), we have been made aware of several errors. These are described within this correction article. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Fatal necrotizing pneumonia due to a Panton-Valentine leukocidin positive community-associated methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and Influenza co-infection: a case report

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

We describe a fatal case of necrotizing pneumonia in a patient co-infected with Influenza B and a community-associated, PVL-positive methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

In vitro activity of tigecycline and comparators against carbapenem-susceptible and resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates in Italy

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In conclusion, tigecycline had a good activity against the MDR A. baumannii strains while maintaining the same MIC90 of 2 mg/L against the carbapenem-resistant strains. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Osteomalacia in an HIV-infected man receiving rifabutin, a cytochrome P450 enzyme inducer: a case report

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Treatment with rifabutin induces the cytochrome P450 enzymes that metabolise vitamin D and patients treated with rifabutin might be at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. In complex medication regimens involving agents that induce or inhibit cytochrome P450 enzmyes, consultation with a clinical pharmacist or pharmacologist may be helpful in predicting and/or preventing potentially harmful interactions. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Comprehensive bactericidal activity of an ethanol-based hand gel in 15 seconds

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The ethanol-based hand gel was found to have a broad spectrum of bactericidal activity in only 15 s which includes the most common species causing nosocomial infections and the relevant emerging pathogens. Future research will hopefully help to find out if a shorter application time for the post contamination treatment of hands provides more benefits or more risks. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Trends in antibacterial resistance among Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated in the USA: update from PROTEKT US Years 1-4

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Over the first 4 years of PROTEKT US, penicillin and erythromycin resistance among pneumococcal isolates has remained high. Although macrolide resistance rates have stabilized, the prevalence of clonal isolates, with a combined erm(B) and mef(A) genotype together with high-level macrolide and multidrug resistance, is increasing, and their spread may have serious health implications. Telithromycin and levofloxacin both showed potent in vitro activity against S. pneumoniae isolates irrespective of macrolide resistance genotype. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Two or more enteropathogens are associated with diarrhoea in Mexican children

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Background: Diarrhoeal diseases constitute a major public health problem, particularly in the developing world, where the rate of mortality and morbidity is very high. The purpose of this study was to conduct a 2 years and 3 months study in order to determine the prevalence of five enteropathogen diarrheogenic agents in Mexico City. Methods: Faecal samples were obtained from 300 Mexican children diagnosed as positive for diarrhoea, aged >2 to (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Infections caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients with hematological disorders and in recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplant, a twelve year retrospective study

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Tuberculous infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients with various hematological disorders and in recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The early administration of anti-tuberculous therapy and compliance with drug treatment are associated with successful outcomes while delayed management, drug resistance and the presence of miliary infections are associated with poor prognosis and high mortality rates. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Efficacy of eleven antimicrobials against a gregarine parasite (Apicomplexa: Protozoa)

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our results confirm that gregarine infections are difficult to control and suggest the possibility that streptomycin might aggravate gregarine infection. In addition, the insect system described here, provides a simple, inexpensive, and effective method for screening antibiotics. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Factors affecting antimicrobial activity of MUC7 12-mer, a human salivary mucin-derived peptide

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: MUC7 12-mer peptide is effective anticandidal agent at physiological concentrations of variety of ions in the oral cavity. These results suggest that, especially in combination with EDTA, it could potentially be applied as an alternative therapeutic agent for the treatment of human oral candidiasis. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Impact of reduced vancomycin susceptibility on the therapeutic outcome of MRSA bloodstream infections

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether clinical outcome of patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia was correlated with vancomycin susceptibility of the corresponding strains. Methods: A retrospective study on MRSA bacteraemia was performed at a teaching hospital between January 1998 and October 2005 by linking vancomycin susceptibility profiles of patients' isolates with hospitalization data. Results: A total of 20 out of 209 MRSA bacteraemia patients were treated with vancomycin for at least 5 days with adequate trough levels, and fulfilled the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twenty-two S. aureus isolates from these patients' blood cultures were identified as MRSA, including two hetero-VISA from separate patients and two ...

Central venous catheter infection with Bacillus pumilus in an immunocompetent child: a case report

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Bacillus species can cause clinically significant central venous catheter infection, even in an immunocompetent host. Despite adequate antibiotic treatment, the central venous catheter may need removal for complete cure. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

A pharmacodynamic analysis of resistance trends in pathogens from patients with infection in intensive care units in the United States between 1993 and 2004

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100

This study's objective was to ascertain whether MICs among major pathogens in the ICU to several commonly used agents have increased enough to significantly impact their ability to achieve bactericidal effect. Methods: Cefepime, ceftriaxone, imipenem and piperacillin-tazobactam MICs were determined with 74,394 Gram-negative bacilli obtained from ICU patients with various infections in the US between 1993 and 2004. Results were grouped into four 3-year periods. The predicted cumulative fraction of response (CFR) was estimated based on patient-derived pharmacokinetic values and Monte Carlo simulation. Trends in CFR over the four study periods were assessed using the Cochran-Armitage test. The primary analysis included all organisms combined; Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter species ...

Antiherpes activity of Artemisia arborescens essential oil and inhibition of lateral diffusion in Vero cells

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the antiviral activity of the essential oil in toto obtained from A. arborescens against HSV-1 and HSV-2. The mode of action of the essential oil as antiherpesvirus agent seems to be particularly interesting in consideration of its ability to inactivate the virus and to inhibit the cell-to-cell virus diffusion. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

A multi-center blinded study on the efficiency of phenotypic screening methods to detect glycopeptide intermediately susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (GISA) and heterogeneous GISA (h-GISA)

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This is the first multi-center blinded study to be undertaken evaluating various methods to detect GISA and hGISA. These data showed that the ability of clinical laboratories to detect GISA and hGISA varied considerably, and that screening plates with vancomycin have a poor performance in detecting hGISA. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Comparison of disc diffusion, Etest and broth microdilution for testing susceptibility of carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa to polymyxins.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 23:52:19 +0100

Conclusion: Resistance to polymyxins seems to be rare among hospital carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates over a six-year period. Our results showed, using the new CLSI criteria, that the disc diffusion susceptibility does not report major errors (false-resistant results) for colistin. On the other hand, showed a high frequency of minor errors and 1 very major error for polymyxin B. Etest presented better results for colistin than polymyxin B. Until these results are reproduced with a large number of polymyxins-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates, susceptibility to polymyxins should be confirmed by a reference method. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Mechanisms, molecular and sero-epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial respiratory pathogens isolated from Japanese children

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Approximately one-third of H. influenzae isolates from paediatric patients in Japan are BLNAI/BLNAR, mainly as a result of clonally diverse PBP3 mutations. Together with the continued high prevalence of pneumococcal macrolide resistance, these results may have implications for the clinical management of paediatric RTIs in Japan. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Ertapenem susceptibility of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing organisms

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: These results, based on 100% susceptibility, suggest that ertapenem may be an alternative to other carbapenems for the treatment of infections caused by ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Clinical outcomes studies are needed to determine if ertapenem is effective for the treatment of infection caused by these organisms. However, due to lack of resistant isolates, we are unable to conclude whether imipenem susceptibility accurately predicts ertapenem susceptibility. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Pseudomonas aeruginosacontamination of mouth swabs during production causing a major outbreak

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Biofilm formation in the wet part of the production is the most plausible explanation for the continuous contamination of the swabs with P. aeruginosa over a period of at least 30 weeks. When not abiding to production regulations fatal consequences for the users may ensue. For the most vulnerable patient groups only documented quality-controlled, high-level disinfected products and items should be used in the oropharynx. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Evaluating antibiotics for use in medicine using a poloxamer biofilm model

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 07:00:00 +0100

Background: Wound infections, due to biofilms, are a constant problem because of their recalcitrant nature towards antibiotics. Appropriate antibiotic selection for the treatment of these biofilm infections is important. The traditional in vitro disc diffusion method for antibiotic selection uses bacterial cultures grown on agar plates. However, the form of bacterial growth on agar is not representative of how bacteria grow in wounds and other tissue sites as here bacteria grow naturally in a biofilm. The aim of this research was to test a more appropriate method for testing antimicrobial efficacy on biofilms and compare with the standard methods used for antibiotic sensitivity testing. Methods: Outer Membrane Protein analysis was performed on E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aer...

The molecular epidemiology of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteraemia in a tertiary referral hospital in the United Arab Emirates 2000-2004

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: PFGE is a valid and reproducible typing method for S. maltophilia. The precise sources and modes of spread of S. maltophilia in the hospital are still not known. Knowledge that person to person transmission was not a major mode of transmission enabled infection control interventions for S. maltophilia to be targeted more effectively. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

The molecular epidemiology of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteraemia in a tertiary referral hospital in the United Arab Emirates 2000–2004

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: PFGE is a valid and reproducible typing method for S. maltophilia. The precise sources and modes of spread of S. maltophilia in the hospital are still not known. Knowledge that person to person transmission was not a major mode of transmission enabled infection control interventions for S. maltophilia to be targeted more effectively. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Trends in antibiotic susceptibility patterns and epidemiology of MRSA isolates from several hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 07:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Quinupristin/dalfopristin and linezolid are two valuable additions to our antimicrobial armamentarium, but resistance has already been described. To preserve their value, their use should be limited to those rare cases where they are clearly needed. Fusidic acid, the local antibiotic, gentamicin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole should not be relied upon for treatment of MRSA infections, at least empirically as the percentage of susceptible isolates is very low. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

A population-based study examining the emergence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300 in New York City

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The USA300 strain of CA-MRSA is emerging in New York City. In this population-based study, urban regions of lower socioeconomic status and with evidence of overcrowding appear to be at higher risk for the emergence of this pathogen. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Multilocus sequence typing method for identification and genotypic classification of pathogenic Leptospira species

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The main advantages of MLST over other typing methods for leptospires include reproducibility, robustness, consistency and portability. The genetic relatedness of the leptospires can be better studied by the MLST approach and can be used for molecular epidemiological and evolutionary studies and population genetics. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

"In vitro" activities of antimycobacterial agents against Mycobacterium aviumsubsp. paratuberculosislinked to Crohn's Disease and Paratuberculosis

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0100

This article has no abstract (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

"In vitro" activities of antimycobacterial agents against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis linked to Crohn's Disease and Paratuberculosis

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 05:00:00 +0100

This article has no abstract (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Community-acquired MRSA and pig-farming

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 07:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: 1. This report clearly shows clonal spread and transmission between humans and pigs in the Netherlands. 2. MLST sequence type 398 might be of international importance as pig-MRSA, since this type was shown earlier to be present in epidemiologically unrelated French pigs and pig-farmers. 3. Research is needed to evaluate whether this is a local problem or a new source of MRSA, that puts the until now successful Search and Destroy policy of the Netherlands at risk. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

In vitro activity effects of combinations of cephalothin, dicloxacillin, imipenem, vancomycin and amikacin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcusspp. strains

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 06:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In this study the checkerboard analysis showed that amikacin in combination with cephalothin or dicloxacillin was synergistic against most of the resistant strains of S. aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Vancomycin in combination with a beta-lactam (cephalothin or imipenem) showed additivity. An indifferent effect predominated for the combination vancomycin plus amikacin. Even though a synergistic effect is expected when using a beta-lactam plus amikacin combination, it is possible that the effect cannot be clinically achievable. Careful selection of antimicrobial combinations and initial MICs are mandatory for future evaluations. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

In vitro activity effects of combinations of cephalothin, dicloxacillin, imipenem, vancomycin and amikacin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. strains

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: in this study the checkerboard analysis showed that amikacin in combination with cephalothin or dicloxacillin was synergistic against most of the resistant strains of S. aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Vancomycin in combination with a beta-lactam (cephalothin or imipenem) showed additivity. An indifferent effect predominated for the combination vancomycin plus amikacin. Even though a synergistic effect is expected when using a beta-lactam plus amikacin combination, it is possible that the effect cannot be clinically achievable. Careful selection of antimicrobial combinations and initial MICs are mandatory for future evaluations. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

In vitro susceptibilities of Brucella melitensis isolates to eleven antibiotics

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 06:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Brucella isolates remain susceptible in vitro to most antibiotics used for treatment of brucellosis. The establishment of a standardized antibiotic susceptibility method for Brucella spp would be useful for resistance determination in these bacteria and possible evaluation of bioterorism risks. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole: an increasing problem.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 06:00:00 +0100

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) has recently emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen. Treatment of invasive infections caused by this organism is difficult as the bacterium is frequently resistant to a wide range of commonly used antimicrobials. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SXT) is recommended as the agent of choice for the treatment of S. maltophilia infections. However, the development of resistance to this antibiotic represents a real challenge to laboratorians and clinicians. This letter describes the first isolation of S. maltophilia resistant to TMP-SXT from two patients treated at Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital which is a major tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Molecular epidemiology of clinical and carrier strains of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the hospital settings of North India

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 14 Sep 2006 06:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: There is a progressive increase in MRSA prevalence and multi-drug resistance in staphylococci. Vancomycin is still the drug of choice for MRSA infections. The major reservoir of methicillin resistant staphylococci in hospitals is colonized/infected inpatients and colonized hospital workers. Resistance transfer from staphylococci to E. coli as well as from clinical to carrier staphylococci due to antibiotic stress seemed to be an alarming threat to antimicrobial chemotherapy. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Severe osteomyelitis caused by Myceliophthora thermophila after a pitchfork injury

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 06:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Unusual pathogens should be sought following traumatic farm injuries. Pharmacokinetic studies may be of critical importance when utilizing antifungal therapy with agents for which little information exists regarding drug metabolism in children. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Post-ERCP bacteremia caused by Alcaligenes xylosoxidansin a patient with pancreas cancer

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 06:00:00 +0100

Alcaligenes xylosoxidans is an aerobic, motile, oxidase and catalase positive, nonfermentative Gram negative bacillus. This bacterium has been isolated from intestine of humans and from various hospital or environmental water sources. A.xylosoxidans is both waterborne and results from the poor-hygienic conditions healthcare workers are in. In this case report, the bacteremia which appeared in a patient with pancreas cancer after ERCP was described. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

A fixed-dose 24-hour regimen of artesunate plus sulfamethoxypyrazine-pyrimethamine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparummalaria in eastern Sudan

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 06:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: both regimens of AS+SMP were effective and safe for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in eastern Sudan. Due to its simplicity, the fixed dose one-day treatment regimen may improve compliance and therefore may be the preferred choice. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: role of early diagnosis and surgical treatment in patients with acute leukemia

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 06:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This report emphasizes the clinical picture, applicability of recent advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for IPA. For early identification of a patient infected with IPA, a high index of suspicion and careful clinical and radiological examinations with serial screening for galactomannan should be established. If aspergillosis is suspected, anti-aspergillosis drug should be administered immediately, and if a unique pulmonary lesion remains, surgical resection should be considered to prevent reactivation during consecutive chemotherapy courses and to improve the outcome. (Source: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials)