MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents' source. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:04:17 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572321&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004845%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572321 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:20:43 +0100 5572321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572323&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004596%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains one of the principal multiply resistant bacterial pathogens causing serious healthcare-associated and community-onset infections. This paper reviews recent studies that have elucidated the virulence strategies employed by MRSA, key clinical trials of agents used to treat serious MRSA infections, and accumulating data regarding the implications of antibacterial resistance in MRSA for clinical success during therapy. Recent pre-clinical data support a species-specific role for Panton–Valentine leukocidin in the development of acute severe S. aureus infections and have elucidated other virulence mechanisms, including novel modes of internalisation, varying post-invasion strategies (featuring both upregulation and downregula... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572323 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572322&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004602%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to cause major healthcare problems in most countries, both in hospitals and in the community. The introduction of new anti-MRSA antimicrobial agents allows for some complacency and attention has, to some extent, shifted to extreme resistance in Gram-negative organisms. We allow this at our peril. Although we now have good information on the measures necessary to control healthcare MRSA, even in endemic situations , very few countries have been able to implement the necessary control measures. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572322 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572341&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004341%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes β-Lactam antibiotics are the first-line curative treatment for infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae, however increasing resistance to these compounds has been reported in the last decade . Resistance to β-lactams is mediated by the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). CTX-M is the most common type of ESBL and has been reported in Enterobacteriaceae isolates from various countries including Poland, Canada, France, the UK, Russia, Cameroon, Japan and Bulgaria as well as in India . (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572341 Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572325&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004304%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Here we report on the antimicrobial resistance amongst Gram-negative isolates (excluding Acinetobacter spp.) collected from blood culture sources at European study sites as part of the global Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial (T.E.S.T.) from the study start in 2004 until August 2009. All isolates were collected and tested for minimum inhibitory concentrations using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute methodology. Over the collection period, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production was recorded in 21.1% of Klebsiella pneumoniae, 2.6% of Klebsiella oxytoca and 11.3% of Escherichia coli, primarily in Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania and the Slovak Republic. ESBL rates stabilised amongst K. pneumoniae over 2006–2009, but doubled amongst E... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572325 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572327&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004286%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) are at high risk of infections, especially bacteraemia. A prospective, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, single-centre, pilot study was performed on oral moxifloxacin 400mg versus placebo for preventing bacteraemia in PBSCT recipients. Patients received moxifloxacin or placebo for the duration of neutropenia or until emergence of fever or other infections necessitating intravenous antibiotic treatment. Of 68 patients included in the trial, 2 were excluded from the trial before taking their first dose. The remaining 66 patients were eligible for evaluation in the intention-to-treat analysis set. Neutropenia with an absolute neutrophil count of (Source: Internati... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572327 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572331&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004316%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, CI of TZP achieved optimal drug concentrations in most patients with VAP, with a favourable impact on costs. Adequate drug concentrations were achieved for MIC≤4μg/mL, but higher dosages should be considered for the treatment of pathogens with low susceptibility thresholds. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572331 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487048&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100447X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487048 Sat, 10 Dec 2011 07:06:41 +0100 5487048 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572342&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100433X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We reported the G2306T mutation in the 23S rRNA gene of the S. epidermidis strain BF734/08 by relating it to the number of the S. epidermidis strain CP000029 (GenBank accession number) instead of correlating it to the standard E. coli numbering system. Thus, the mutation G2306T is, actually, the same mutation that had been described as G2576T according to the E. coli number. We acknowledge Dr. Shaw for her contributions to this correction.” (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572342 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572330&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004262%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: A set of three cationic undecapeptides, analogous to the previously reported peptide VS2 (KWΔFWKΔFVKΔFVK), was created by alanine substitution in order to probe the effect of hydrophobicity on peptide activity. The activities of these peptides were determined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. VA1, the closest analogue of VS2, showed five-fold augmented activity [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)=10μM] against the Gram-positive bacterium S. aureus. The designed analogues were non-haemolytic and non-cytotoxic at their MICs and clinically relevant concentrations. By alanine substitution, it was also possible to probe the critical role of tryptophan residues in determining peptide potency. Circular dichroism studi... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572330 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572334&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004237%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This report highlights the rapid emergence and spread of OXA-48-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Belgium. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572334 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572329&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004249%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, in critically ill patients with CRF, colistin therapy, although used at a reduced dosage, was as effective as in patients without CRF. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572329 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572340&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004201%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Resistance to carbapenems has recently emerged in Enterobacteriaceae and has resulted in serious clinical consequences as carbapenems are practically the last option to treat infections due to these bacteria. Recently, the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) encoded by the blaNDM-1 gene has been identified from a Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate from a urine sample of a Swedish patient of Indian origin following hospitalisation in India . Members of the family Enterobacteriaceae producing this enzyme have been reported extensively in the UK, India and Pakistan and to a lesser extent in other parts of the world . (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572340 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572324&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004225%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Despite having a reputation of low virulence, Acinetobacter baumannii is an emerging multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen responsible for community- and hospital-acquired infections that are difficult to control and treat. Interest in this pathogen emerged about one decade ago because of its natural MDR phenotype, its capability of acquiring new mechanisms of resistance and the existence of nosocomial outbreaks. Recent advances in molecular biology, including full genome sequencing of several A. baumannii isolates, has led to the discovery of the extraordinary plasticity of their genomes, which is linked to their great propensity to adapt to any environment, including hospitals. In this context, as well as the increasing antimicrobial resistance amongst A. baumannii isolates to the... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572324 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572339&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004183%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study was performed to evaluate the clinical features and risk factors for community-onset FQ-resistant K. pneumoniae bacteraemia amongst patients admitted to the Emergency Department. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572339 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572338&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004171%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we report the in vitro synergistic activity of a combination of colistin with sulbactam against colistin-resistant A. baumannii strains. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572338 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572337&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100416X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, the prevalence of clinically important β-lactamases was determined in a recent representative sample of K. pneumoniae isolates derived from Greek hospitals. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572337 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572335&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004031%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The Mycobacterium simiae complex bacteria can cause opportunistic infections in humans. In the case of definite disease, there are no evidence-based treatment regimens and outcomes are very disappointing. To increase the evidence base underpinning treatment regimens for M. simiae complex disease, drug susceptibility patterns and rifampicin/ethambutol synergy were assessed retrospectively in 69 clinical M. simiae complex isolates from 60 patients (22 patients with M. simiae, 24 with Mycobacterium lentiflavum, 8 with Mycobacterium triplex, 5 with Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum and 1 with Mycobacterium stomatepiae) submitted to the mycobacteriology laboratory at National Jewish Health (Denver, CO). Quantitative drug susceptibility testing (DST) was performed using the radiometric Ba... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572335 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572333&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004055%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, garenoxacin corresponding to an oral dose of 400mg showed excellent bactericidal activity against S. pneumoniae, including QRSP, without the emergence of resistant mutants. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572333 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572336&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004043%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Anti-infective drugs are amongst the most frequently used medications during pregnancy . Maternal infections during gestation are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth . Preterm babies are at risk of mortality and long-term morbidity . Hence, given its impacts on the health of the mother and foetus, prompt antibiotic treatment when an infection occurs during gestation is warranted . However, there is some controversy on the use of anti-infective drugs to prevent preterm birth . Indeed, studies have failed to show convincingly the independent effect of anti-infective drugs used to treat maternal infections on the risk of prematurity. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572336 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572328&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004067%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, there is a suggestion that antibiotics prescribed within 12 months is associated with the carriage of MRSA, but not within 2 months, although the 2-month analysis had fewer data subjects and was therefore underpowered to detect this association. A larger study would be able to clarify these associations further. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572328 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572326&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100402X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: In a project to characterise new antibacterial chemotypes from plants, hyperenone A and hypercalin B were isolated from the hexane and chloroform extracts of the aerial parts of Hypericum acmosepalum. The structures of both compounds were characterised by extensive one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and were confirmed by mass spectrometry. Hyperenone A and hypercalin B exhibited antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibition concentration ranges of 2–128mg/L and 0.5–128mg/L, respectively. Hyperenone A also showed growth-inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and Mycobacterium bovis BCG at 75mg/L and 100mg/L. Neither hyperenone A nor hypercalin B inhibited th... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572326 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387358&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003980%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387358 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:04:21 +0100 5387358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387337&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100392X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387337 Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:04:21 +0100 5387337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5572332&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911004018%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, the impact of inoculum density on the growth inhibitory and killing activities of oritavancin and comparators (vancomycin, daptomycin and linezolid) in vitro against four Staphylococcus aureus strains at clinically relevant drug concentrations was studied. Broth microdilution and time–kill assays were performed using a standard inoculum [ca. 105colony-forming units (CFU)/mL as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines] and a high inoculum (ca. 107CFU/mL). Whereas minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of comparators were 2–8-fold higher when tested at high inoculum, oritavancin MICs were 16-fold higher for all strains at the high inoculum relative to the standard inoculum. However, in time–kill assays, when tested at its fCmin [trough concentr... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5572332 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5572332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487061&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003785%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Phagocyte-dependent cellular immunity in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment is frequently impaired owing to the uraemic state, resulting in an intrinsic susceptibility to developing invasive fungal infections with high mortality rates. Since synergism between phagocytic cells and antifungal drugs may be crucial for successful therapy, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects exerted by caspofungin (CAS) on the functional activities of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in haemodialysed patients (HDs) towards Candida albicans compared with those of PMNs from healthy subjects (HSs). PMNs were separated from venous blood samples of 66 HDs and 30 HSs (as controls), and measurement of phagocytic and intracellular fungicidal activities of HD-PMNs an... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487061 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487058&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100389X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, the emergence of elevated RIF MICs in A. baumannii isolates from our geographical area was mostly caused by mutations in rpoB; low to intermediate RIF MICs were also caused by altered membrane permeability to the drug. The phenomenon was contributed by the selection of two prevalent clones both assigned to ST2 genotype. These data may have implications for the correct identification of cases with A. baumannii infection that would not benefit from addition of RIF to COL. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487058 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487057&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003773%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Development of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae has impacted Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, infection control approaches and treatment strategies. The clinical, phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections at paediatric referral centres are not well described. CRE were identified through the clinical microbiology laboratory at Seattle Children's Hospital (Seattle, WA). Clinical data were retrieved from medical records. Resistance testing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for resistance determinants, and Escherichia coli transformation were carried out for each isolate. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were used to characterise strain relat... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487057 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487056&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003761%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study determined the antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli causing community-acquired, acute, uncomplicated, non-recurrent urinary tract infection in unselected women aged 18–65 years and compared the results with those obtained 8 years earlier in the first ECO·SENS study (1999–2000). During 2007–2008, urine samples were taken from 1697 women in Austria, Greece, Portugal, Sweden and the UK. The countries were chosen to represent areas of Europe indicated to have more (Greece and Portugal) or less (UK, Austria and Sweden) problems with resistance. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 903 E. coli isolates (150–200 isolates per country) to 14 antimicrobials was performed by disk diffusion using European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) bre... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487056 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487059&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003736%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, the good clinical efficacy of daptomycin is associated with a more rapid resolution of the clinical syndrome and a reduced length of hospitalisation. This latter aspect may have important pharmacoeconomic implications, promoting the use of daptomycin in the clinical setting. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487059 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487050&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003748%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The group 2 carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem and, more recently, doripenem) have been a mainstay of treatment for patients with serious hospital infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacteriaceae and other difficult-to-treat Gram-negative pathogens as well as mixed aerobic/anaerobic infections. When ertapenem, a group 1 carbapenem, was introduced, questions were raised about the potential for ertapenem to select for imipenem- and meropenem-resistant Pseudomonas. Results from ten clinical studies evaluating the effect of ertapenem use on the susceptibility of Pseudomonas to carbapenems have uniformly shown that ertapenem use does not result in decreased Pseudomonas susceptibility to these antipseudomonal carbapenems. Here we review these studies evaluating the evidenc... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487050 Wed, 02 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487050 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487064&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100375X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, combinations of imipenem, cefepime and ceftazidime with avibactam may present a promising therapeutic strategy to treat infections due to K. pneumoniae with OXA-48 enzyme as well as K. pneumoniae and E. coli with CTX-M-15 enzyme. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487064 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487064 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487060&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003724%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Vancomycin is currently recommended as first-line therapy for many meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Recent guidelines have advocated loading doses (25–30mg/kg) in critically ill patients in order to achieve therapeutic concentrations rapidly. However, weight-based loading doses are still not widely practised. A drug use evaluation was performed to improve the appropriateness of vancomycin initial doses in a population of critically ill adults. An educational intervention incorporating a vancomycin dosing protocol was carried out. Data were collected pre and post intervention. Vancomycin exposure [area under the concentration–time curve (AUC)] in the first 24h was determined using serum concentrations and the Bayesian software TCIWorks. Initial van... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487060 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487060 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387350&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003542%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, strains of Tsukamurella spp., including T. spumae, are uncommon causative agents of ocular infections and bacteraemia in cancer patients. Molecular diagnostic methods are essential to distinguish species in the Tsukamurella genus from species in other phylogenetically related genera such as Rhodococcus. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387350 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387350 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387347&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003190%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, the antibiotic susceptibilities to tigecycline and tetracycline of 35 selected Bacteroides fragilis group strains were determined by Etest, and the presence of tetQ, tetX, tetX1 and ermF genes was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). tetQ was detected in all 12 B. fragilis group isolates (100%) exhibiting elevated tigecycline minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) (≥8μg/mL) as well as the 8 strains (100%) with a tigecycline MIC of 4μg/mL, whilst tetX and tetX1 were present in 15% and 75% of these strains, respectively. All of these strains were fully resistant to tetracycline (MIC≥16μg/mL). On the other hand, amongst the group of strains with tigecycline MICs4μg/mL. These data suggest that in most cases tigecycline overcomes the tetracycline resistance ... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387347 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387347 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387345&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003219%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: A new antimicrobial peptide (AMP) named PGLa-H has been isolated from the skin of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) using gel filtration and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Its amino acid sequence was determined as KIAKVALKAL by Edman degradation, with a molecular weight of 1053.727Da as analysed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS). No similar AMP was found by BLAST search. Purified PGLa-H demonstrated antimicrobial ability against the reference bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)=23.6μg/mL], Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (MIC=8.7μg/mL) and Bacillus subtilis (MIC=14.4μg/mL) and was active against multidrug-resistant meticillin-resist... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387345 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487055&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003712%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei is the aetiological agent of melioidosis, which is an endemic disease in tropical areas of Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Burkholderia pseudomallei has intrinsic resistance to a number of commonly used antibiotics and has also been reported to develop a biofilm. Resistance to killing by antimicrobial agents is one of the hallmarks of bacteria grown in biofilm. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity and mechanisms of action of LL-37 and its truncated variants against B. pseudomallei both in planktonic and biofilm form, as LL-37 is an antimicrobial peptide that possessed strong killing activity against several pathogens. Antimicrobial assays revealed that LL-31, a truncated variant of LL-37 lac... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487055 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387353&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003360%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Pentamidine is a group I intron splice inhibitor used as a chemotherapeutic agent to treat parasitic infections. It was recently found to be efficient intracellularly against Coxiella burnetii, the bacterial agent of Q fever. This in vitro activity was linked to the presence of self-splicing group I introns that disrupt the 23S rRNA of C. burnetii. However, there are several indications that pentamidine may have a wider range of antibacterial activity. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro activity of pentamidine against Tropheryma whipplei, the agent of Whipple's disease, a chronic disease for which antibiotic treatment remains challenging. In vitro susceptibility testing of pentamidine and doxycycline was assessed both in axenic medium and in cell culture against ... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387353 Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487063&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003487%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Although many studies have been performed on carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, only a few studies have addressed carbapenem resistance in Acinetobacter spp. other than A. baumannii (non-baumannii Acinetobacter). Amongst 287 Acinetobacter spp. isolates from patients with bacteraemia in a South Korean hospital collected between 2003 and 2010, 160 (55.7%) were non-baumannii Acinetobacter spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed and the effect of efflux pump inhibitors was examined. Antimicrobial resistance genes were identified and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis was performed. OprD expression was also evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and CarO disruption was investigated by PCR. Seventeen non-baumann... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487063 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487054&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003700%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study investigated the progression of multidrug resistance upon exposure to imipenem in Acinetobacter baumannii. Eighteen A. baumannii strains, including two reference strains (ATCC 19606 and ATCC 17978), four clinical strains (AB56, AB242, AB273 and AB279) and 12 antibiotic-selected mutant strains, were used in this study. Imipenem-selected mutants were generated from imipenem-susceptible strains (ATCC 19606, ATCC 17978 and AB242) by multistep selection resistance. Amikacin-, ciprofloxacin-, colistin-, meropenem- and ceftazidime-selected mutants were also generated from the two reference strains and were used for comparison. Antibiotic susceptibilities in the absence and presence of the efflux pump inhibitors carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) and 1-(1-naphthylmethyl)-pi... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487054 Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487053&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003694%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of this study was to establish the antimicrobial activities of S-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)isothiourea hydrochloride (A22) and a series of structurally related compounds against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 21 compounds were determined against 18 strains of pathogenic bacteria in addition to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=19) and Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) (n=20) isolated from the sputa of cystic fibrosis patients. Selected compounds were tested against further isolates, including P. aeruginosa (n=100), BCC (n=12) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n=19). The interaction of S-(4-chlorobenzyl)isothiourea hydrochloride (C2) in combination with conventional antimicrobials was examined against 10 P. aeruginosa strains. Select... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487053 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487067&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003530%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Resistance to carbapenems in Acinetobacter spp. is a serious problem that is increasing worldwide. In Acinetobacter baumannii, which is the most important genospecies associated with human infections, resistance to carbapenems is related fundamentally to the production of acquired carbapenem-hydrolysing class D β-lactamases (oxacillinases) (CHDLs) of phylogenetic subgroups OXA-58, OXA-23, OXA-24/40 and OXA 143 and, less frequently, to the acquisition of carbapenem-hydrolysing metallo-β-lactamases (CHMBLs) such as those of type IMP or VIM. For genospecies of Acinetobacter other than A. baumannii, resistance to carbapenems is still rare and has been associated with the production of CHDLs and/or CHMBLs. In Acinetobacter junii, resistance to carbapenems has been associated with the producti... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487067 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487052&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003591%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Molecular identification methods based on the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) genotype are more reliable than clinical risk factors and demographic data for differentiating community-acquired and healthcare-associated (HCA) meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, patients with community-onset (CO) MRSA infections, defined as a culture-positive sample obtained (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487052 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487051&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100358X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Thioridazine (TZ)-induced accumulation of the universal efflux pump substrate ethidium bromide and its subsequent efflux by Salmonella strains with various degrees of overexpressed efflux pumps takes place automatically at pH 7.4, is independent of a metabolic source, is not affected by a proton ionophore and is precluded by palmitic acid. Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis cultured in medium containing increasing concentrations of TZ does not grow during the first 6–8h, after which time its growth is similar to unexposed controls. At the end of a 16-h exposure period, the organism is resistant to >250mg/L TZ. Parallel assessment by real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) of the activity of genes that regulate and code for the AcrB... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487051 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387356&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003359%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Yersinia enterocolitica is an enteric pathogen that usually causes self-limiting gastroenteritis. However, in immunocompromised hosts and in patients with septicaemia or invasive infection, antibiotic therapy is necessary to prevent severe complications and even mortality. Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin represent the first-line agent . However, resistance to these compounds is emerging amongst Enterobacteriaceae and thus the mechanisms of resistance are currently being studied in depth. Amongst them, target gene mutations and increased efflux are those mechanisms contributing to a major resistant phenotype. The former mechanism refers to mutations within the so-called quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) described in both the A and B subunits of the two target enzymes, ... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387356 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387341&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003529%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, significant practice variation exists amongst clinicians’ recommended durations of antibiotic treatment for bacteraemia. There is equipoise for a randomised trial comparing shorter versus longer courses of antibiotics for most bacteraemic syndromes and pathogens. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387341 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387341 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387340&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003578%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Telavancin is a new lipoglycopeptide antibiotic for the treatment of Gram-positive infections. It has a dual mechanism of action by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis and disrupting the bacterial plasma membrane. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of administration of telavancin on the human intestinal microflora. Thirteen healthy subjects (six males and seven females; age range 18–40 years) received 10mg/kg body weight telavancin by intravenous infusion over a 60-min period once every 24h for 7 days. Plasma and urine were collected on Days 5, 6 and 7 for pharmacokinetic analysis of telavancin. Faecal samples were collected on Days −1 (pre-dose), 2, 5, 7, 9, 14 and 21. Faecal specimens were cultured on non-selective and selective media. Diffe... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387340 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387340 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487066&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003505%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Diazepam and NaCl can induce low-level multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes in Gram-negative bacteria ; however, their effects on the expression of regulators associated with MDR phenotypes are still unknown. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487066 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487065&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003499%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In comparison with other anti-meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) agents, e.g. linezolid, tigecycline, vancomycin, teicoplanin and quinupristin/dalfopristin, daptomycin has the most potent in vitro bactericidal activity against Gram-positive pathogens . As therapy for complicated skin and soft-tissue infections (cSSTIs) is generally initiated before susceptibility data are available, empirical antibiotic coverage with an antibiotic with equal activity against meticillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and MRSA, such as daptomycin, is advantageous. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487065 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487065 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387346&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003517%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Bacteriophages (phages) produce endolysins (lysins) as part of their lytic cycle in order to degrade the peptidoglycan layer of the infected bacteria for subsequent release of phage progeny. Because these enzymes maintain their lytic and lethal activity against Gram-positive bacteria when added extrinsically to the cells, they have been actively exploited as novel anti-infectives, sometimes termed enzybiotics. As with other relatively small peptides, one issue in their clinical development is their rapid inactivation through proteolytic degradation, immunological blockage and renal clearance. The antipneumococcal lysin Cpl-1 was shown to escape both proteolysis and immunological blockage. However, its short plasma half-life (20.5min in mice) may represent a shortcoming for clinic... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387346 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387346 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387342&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003566%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of HCAAS on the hospital from 2003 to 2009. Following HCAAS deployment, the gradients of consumption over time during the study period of third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and glycopeptides fell significantly, whilst that of carbapenems increased. The amount and expenditure of antimicrobial use did not increase with the overall healthcare-associated infection rate, and inpatient mortality rate remained stable with a slight decreasing trend. The rate of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus started to decline in 2002 and continued after HCAAS deployment. There was an increasing isolation of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, presumably leading to the inc... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387342 Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487062&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003475%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: To assess the prevalence of efflux-driven fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance in recent clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a worrisome and often hospital-acquired pathogen, 115 unique strains were collected over a 5-month period, of which 27 and 33 had decreased susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (CIP) and levofloxacin (LVX), respectively. The MIC50 (minimum inhibitory concentration for 50% of the organisms) was 16μg/mL for both FQs. The efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) phenylalanine-arginine-β-naphthylamide (PAβN) and 1-(1-naphthylmethyl)-piperazine (NMP) were then used to evaluate their efficacy in reducing CIP and LVX MICs. NMP did not significantly modify CIP MICs, whilst PAβN resulted in MIC50 values of 2μg/mL and 0.125μg/mL for CIP and LVX, respectively. With the addi... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487062 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387351&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003554%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study clearly shows an association between first-phase viral load decrease and the IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism in chronic HCV-infected patients. Furthermore, a higher treatment efficiency factor (ɛ) was found in those HCV-infected patients with a CC genotype compared with those with a CT and TT genotype. This study highlights the importance of host response mechanisms in relation to favourable clearance of HCV. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387351 Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274235&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003396%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274235 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 06:00:43 +0100 5274235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387355&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003347%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We report a case of rhabdomyolysis with creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation that occurred during co-administration of daptomycin with simvastatin, which did not reoccur upon re-challenge of daptomycin at 6mg/kg with temporary cessation of statin therapy. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387355 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387357&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003323%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The author regrets that the publisher's details were missing in the above book review. This information is included below: Kucers’ The Use of Antibiotics Sixth Edition. 3223 pages (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387357 Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387354&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003335%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Although Acinetobacter baumannii has traditionally been considered a nosocomial pathogen with low virulence, recent studies suggest that this microorganism could be more virulent than expected. Thus, although there is some controversy, pooled data suggest that infections by A. baumannii, a paradigm of multiresistant bacteria, may be associated with considerable attributable mortality . Moreover, in cases of pneumonia and bacteraemia, inappropriate treatment is associated, amongst other factors, with mortality . (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387354 Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5487049&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003220%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The prevalence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) caused by Candida spp. is increasing in critically ill patients. Recent development of new antifungal agents has significantly contributed to the successful treatment of IFIs. However, the pharmacokinetics of antifungal agents can be altered in a number of disease states, including critical illness. Therefore, doses established in healthy volunteers and other patient groups may not be appropriate for the critically ill. Moreover, inadequate dosing may contribute to treatment failure and the emergence of resistance. This systematic review provides a critical analysis of the pharmacokinetics of antifungal agents in the critically ill and their relevance to dosing requirements in clinical practice. Based on the limited data availab... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5487049 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5487049 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387352&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003177%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, CAS has demonstrated a favourable safety profile in 1951 adult and paediatric patients enrolled in clinical trials. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387352 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387352 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387349&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003207%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: WLBU2 is a peptide antibiotic designed for broad antimicrobial activity, including bacteria associated with periodontal disease. Although periodontitis is associated with various systemic conditions, ranging from cardiovascular disease to preterm birth, local therapy is needed to treat the source of infection. Biodegradable polymers are often used to control locally the amount and rate of delivery of drugs. In the present study, a bioerodible association polymer comprising cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and Pluronic® F-127 (PF-127) was explored for its interaction with WLBU2. The intrinsic antimicrobial activity of CAP/PF-127 and the combined effects of the polymer and WLBU2 were examined using Streptococcus gordonii, a species involved in early colonisation of tooth surfaces... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387349 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387343&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003311%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The diminishing antimicrobial development pipeline has forced the revival of colistin as a last line of defence against infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative ‘superbugs’ such as Acinetobacter baumannii. The complete loss of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediates colistin resistance in some A. baumannii strains. Atomic force microscopy was used to examine the surface properties of colistin-susceptible and -resistant A. baumannii strains at mid-logarithmic and stationary growth phases in liquid and in response to colistin treatment. The contribution of LPS to surface properties was investigated using A. baumannii strains constructed with and without the lpxA gene. Bacterial spring constant measurements revealed that colistin-susceptible cells were significantly stif... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387343 Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387348&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003165%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, the prevalence of these variants in vivo was analysed in a population of 85 Escherichia coli strains from a variety of phylogenetic groups isolated from healthy subjects and clinical samples in Spain and France from 2004 to 2007. The weakest variants (PcW and PcH1) prevailed (variants associated with the integrase having the most efficient excision activity), whilst the two strongest variants, PcWTGN-10 and PcS, were less frequent. Furthermore, a new variant of P2 associated with PcW was characterised in one integron (harbouring the gene cassette blaOXA-1–aadA1) from a French strain of a healthy subject. This variant was hereafter named P2m3 and shows a G→A substitution in its −10 element (TACAGT to TACAAT), a mutation that doubled the strength of P2 and approached the... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387348 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387348 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387344&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003189%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The current use of silver is limited to certain medical applications owing to two major toxicity concerns, namely low haemocompatibility and silver release-induced skin discoloration, both of which have been attributed to the interaction between silver and blood cysteine. To address these challenges, in this study silver/protein nanocomposites were prepared using α-lactalbumin (ALA), a high-cysteine protein. The effect of the cysteine redox state of ALA on physicochemical characteristics was evaluated, and the nanocomposites were formed by Ag–S or Ag–N coordination bonds and electrostatic attractions. The optimum balance between antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity was achieved by treating freshly prepared silver and reduced ALA (ALAred) nanocomposite with ultraviolet radiati... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387344 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387344 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274253&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003141%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Increasing antimicrobial resistance, e.g. as seen with the spread of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), has complicated the treatment of infectious diseases and has led to an increasing use of ionic silver as a biocide. The number of available silver-based products has also increased outside clinical settings, e.g. in households for water purification, personal care applications and clothes . Due to the extensive and uncontrolled use of silver, it is of increasing public interest to address and monitor the clinical risk related to silver resistance and in an environmental context to study the sources, fate, transport routes and toxicity of environmentally relevant forms of silver . Despite long-term use, there are few reports of silver resistance amongst clinical isolates, ... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274253 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274253 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274251&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002901%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Categorisation of microorganisms as susceptible, resistant or intermediate to an antimicrobial is of utmost importance in the treatment of infections. The criteria for this classification are regulated by international protocols developed by European and North American committees and accepted by the scientific community as the standard. In the majority of cases these criteria coincide, however in some instances there are disagreements. This is the case for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which has the capacity to acquire mobile genetic elements. This ability makes it difficult to find an effective treatment, often leaving carbapenems as the only available alternative. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274251 Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274245&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003153%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, the antibacterial effects of various concentrations of theaflavin as well as combinations of theaflavin and epicatechin were determined using the disk diffusion assay. The results showed strong antibacterial activity of theaflavin against eight clinical isolates of S. maltophilia and A. baumannii. Significant synergy (P≤0.05) was also observed between theaflavin and epicatechin against all isolates. Although the mechanisms for this activity and synergy are not well understood, the clinical potential is clear and further research is recommended to determine the modes of action. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274245 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274244&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003050%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, the present analyses showed that L-AmB dose-dependently induced anaemia and thrombocytopenia in adult patients. It is important to pay attention to causing anaemia and thrombocytopenia when patients are receiving L-AmB at doses of >3.3mg/kg/day and >3.0mg/kg/day, respectively. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274244 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274238&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002925%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: A multicentre resistance surveillance study [Community-Acquired Respiratory Tract Infection Pathogen Surveillance (CARTIPS)] investigating the susceptibilities of 2963 clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, meticillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and Streptococcus spp. from Asia against 12 antimicrobial agents was undertaken from 2009 to 2010. Based on the breakpoints for oral penicillin V recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, the prevalence of penicillin-non-susceptible S. pneumoniae (PNSSP) ranged from 46% to 100%. Azithromycin and clarithromycin exhibited variable resistance rates of 0–88% against S. pneumoniae, 0–57% against MSSA and 0–76.5% against Strept... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274238 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175949&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911003086%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175949 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:18:09 +0100 5175949 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274252&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002937%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Staphylococcus aureus is amongst the most common pathogens causing hospital- and community-acquired infections and is one of the leading causes of sepsis worldwide. In Europe, S. aureus is the second most common causative organism of bacteraemia . Antibiotic treatment of S. aureus infection is complicated by the increasing prevalence of meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) worldwide . The first-line antibiotic agent and even today considered by several guidelines as the gold standard for treatment of invasive MRSA infections is vancomycin. Increasing evidence in the literature indicates that treatment success with vancomycin decreases, and mortality increases, as the vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the MRSA strain increases . (Source: International Journal of Antimicr... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274252 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274249&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002895%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, the in vitro antimicrobial activities of six different combinations of polymyxins and β-lactams against 34 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were evaluated. For the combinations tested by the checkerboard method, an indifferent effect was observed for all strains. However, 27 strains (19 MDR) showed reductions in their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for at least one of the antibiotics in the combinations evaluated. Combination with polymyxins resulted in reductions of the β-lactam MICs, with a change in the resistance category to susceptible in eight MDR strains. These results from the in vitro evaluation suggest that combinations of polymyxins and β-lactams may significantly reduce the MICs of the antibiotics tested. These combinations require further evaluation... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274249 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274242&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002597%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mt-PCR) assay for synchronous detection of carbapenem resistance genes and/or pandrug resistance genes in clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB) and to investigate the association between the genetic make-up and a drug-resistant pattern. In total, 213 MDR-AB isolates were collected. All clinical isolates underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing and were analysed for the presence of oxacillinase genes (blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-51-like and blaOXA-58), class A and C β-lactamase genes (blaTEM-1 and blaAmpC, respectively), and an integron-associated antibiotic resistance gene (int1) by an in-house-designed mt-PCR assay. Of the 213 isolates, 73.87% harboured bot... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274242 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274241&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002949%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aims of this study were to ascertain the presence and spread of class 1 integrons amongst environmental and clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and to characterise their variable regions. A total of 76 isolates (56 clinical and 20 environmental) were studied. The presence of plasmids was explored, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for integron detection. All amplicons were sequenced. PCR detected class 1 integrons in 26 of the 56 clinical isolates; environmental isolates were integron-free. No plasmids were found, thus all the integrons found are possibly on the chromosome. Most isolates presented one amplicon, except PA110514 and PA116136, which showed two PCR products each. Variable regions revealed that 18 strains carried only one gene involved in aminog... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274241 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274240&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002913%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, a multiclonal cluster of MBL-producers was responsible for the first cases of colonisation and/or infection in the ICU. A single integron structure, common in Greek hospitals, efficiently disseminated between clones and species, suggesting that the epidemic was mainly the result of successful horizontal transfer of mobile genetic material rather than the result of horizontal transfer of one or a few clones. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274240 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274246&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002603%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Aspergillus lentulus, an Aspergillus fumigatus sibling species, is increasingly reported in corticosteroid-treated patients. Its clinical significance is unknown, but the fact that A. lentulus shows reduced antifungal susceptibility, mainly to voriconazole, is of serious concern. Heterologous expression of cyp51A from A. fumigatus and A. lentulus was performed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to assess differences in the interaction of Cyp51A with the azole drugs. The absence of endogenous ERG11 was efficiently complemented in S. cerevisiae by the expression of either Aspergillus cyp51A allele. There was a marked difference between azole minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the clones expressing each Aspergillus spp. cyp51A. Saccharomyces cerevisiae clones expressing A. le... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274246 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274250&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002871%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, all MRSA strains isolated from 1 January 2008 to 30 June 2010 in the Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Laboratory of the 4th Department of Internal Medicine, University General Hospital ‘Attikon’ (Athens, Greece) were evaluated. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274250 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274248&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100286X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Daptomycin is highly active against Staphylococcus aureus, including multidrug-resistant strains and those with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin. However, daptomycin-non-susceptible (DapNS) strains [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) >1mg/L] have been derived clinically and in vitro. The mechanism(s) by which this occurs is incompletely understood, but existing data indicate that it is multifactorial. DapNS derivatives of one laboratory and three clinical strains of S. aureus produced using gradient plates were evaluated. The DapNS phenotype included increases in glycopeptide and nisin MICs and in some instances defective autolysis and reduced susceptibility to lysostaphin lysis. Amino acid substitutions in MprF, YycG (WalK), or both, were identified in all DapNS strains.... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274248 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274247&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002883%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: In the present work, the antiviral activity of brequinar (BQR) against the replication of Cantagalo virus was evaluated. BQR is a potent inhibitor of cellular dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, an enzyme of the de novo pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway. Infection in the presence of 0.5μM BQR reduced virus progeny production by >90%, revealing an EC50 (drug concentration required to inhibit 50% of virus replication) of 0.017μM. Replication of other orthopoxviruses was also inhibited by BQR at similar levels. In the presence of the drug, virus early proteins accumulated to control levels, whereas late gene expression was severely impaired. This result was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence assays and analysis of time-regulated expression of a reporter gene under the control of a v... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274247 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175960&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002196%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Since nystatin (NYT) is used only topically owing to its toxicity upon systemic administration, a study was initiated aiming to develop a formulation of NYT that could be used systemically against invasive mycoses. The present research is a continuation of previous in vitro investigation of the antifungal effect of nystatin–Intralipid (NYT-IL) against Candida, exploring its in vivo activity. NYT-IL was tested in murine systemic candidiasis induced in naïve as well as cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed female ICR mice. The infection was assessed by survival rate (SR), mean survival time (MST) and qualitative and quantitative fungal organ colonisation. Mice were treated by intravenous administration of various doses of NYT-IL for 5 consecutive days starting either 24h or 48h afte... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175960 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109835&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002809%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109835 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:37:17 +0100 5109835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175956&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002640%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections, however the origins of these bacteria remain unclear. Sixteen A. baumannii strains collected from animals slaughtered for human consumption were investigated for their susceptibility profiles, resistance islands (RIs), class 1 integrons, insertion sequence ISAba1, and blaOXA-51-like and blaAmpC genes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing approaches were used to identify and type the isolates using the intrinsic gene blaOXA-51-like genes. Genotyping was also performed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to establish whether there was a genetic relationship between animal isolates and the main human isolates of European clones I, II and III (ECI, ECII and ECIII) known to cau... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175956 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274243&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002664%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The virulence-associated Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 (SPI2) type III secretion system supports intracellular replication of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. In contrast, the salicylidene acylhydrazide INP0010 and the benzimidazole omeprazole prevent virulence factor-mediated replication of S. Typhimurium in these cells. Here we show that INP0010 enhances expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO) production, the oxidative burst and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) release in infected RAW264.7 cells. INP0010 also inhibited SPI2 activity in RAW264.7 cells. The ability of INP0010 to suppress bacterial intracellular replication correlated with NO production. The iNOS inhibitor N-monomethyl-l-arginine res... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274243 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274239&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002676%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: During 2005–2006, Salmonella enterica serotype Infantis strains isolated from human and non-human sources and resistant to ampicillin (A), chloramphenicol (C), streptomycin (S), sulphonamide (Su), tetracycline (T), kanamycin (K) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Sxt) emerged in Italy. The aim of this study was to analyse the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance and to evaluate the clonal origin of multiresistant S. Infantis strains isolated from different sources. Seventy S. Infantis strains, susceptible or resistant to antimicrobial drugs, were chosen for this study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and conjugation experiments were performed to identify and localise the resistance genes in multidrug-resistant strains. PCR-based replicon typing was carried out for character... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274239 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175965&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002652%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, anidulafungin (AFG) showed high in vitro activity against 10 isolates of Aspergillus niger by broth microdilution and disk diffusion methods. The efficacy of AFG at 1, 5 and 10mg/kg was tested against six of the isolates in a murine model of disseminated infection. AFG was able to reduce mortality, showing survival rates of 70–100%, 60–100% and 30–60% in mice treated with AFG at 10, 5 and 1mg/kg, respectively. AFG also showed a dose–response efficacy in reducing tissue burden in kidneys and spleen. A parallel experiment demonstrated that administration of AFG did not reduce serum concentrations of galactomannan in mice. Histopathological studies confirmed the efficacy of AFG. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175965 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175964&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002639%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, UB-8902 presents bactericidal activity against A. baumannii strains resistant to CIP. Moreover, it is effective at reducing mortality in a model of peritoneal sepsis with a dose lower than the toxic one, and it is efficacious in a murine pneumonia model. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175964 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175963&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002627%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The activity of ACHN-490 was evaluated against 493 meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates collected in 2009–2010 from 23 US hospitals. The MIC50 and MIC90 values (minimal inhibitory concentrations for 50% and 90% of the organisms, respectively) for ACHN-490 were 1 and 2μg/mL compared with 8 and 32μg/mL for amikacin, 0.5 and 1μg/mL for gentamicin and 2 and >16μg/mL for tobramycin. The gene encoding the aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme APH(2″)-Ia/AAC(6′)-Ie was present in 12% of the subset of 84 isolates examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), whilst the gene encoding ANT(4′)-Ia was present in 89% of isolates. ACHN-490 activity was not affected by either enzyme. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175963 Sun, 07 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175955&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002615%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of this work was to compare the pharmacological properties of levofloxacin and gatifloxacin against Streptococcus pneumoniae by pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modelling of the time–kill curves employing an Emax model. An in vitro infection model was used to simulate free pulmonary fluctuating concentrations expected after multiple dosing regimens of both drugs in humans or constant multiples of the minimum inhibitory concentration. PK/PD parameters and PK/PD indices of the simulated dosing regimens were compared. The levofloxacin EC50 (concentration producing 50% of the maximum effect) (mean±standard deviation 3.57±2.16mg/L) was higher than that for gatifloxacin (0.95±0.56mg/L) when simulating multiple dosing regimens as well as constant concentrations (EC50... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175955 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175955 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175959&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002585%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we assessed the role of meticillin resistance in survival of patients with S. aureus infection included in the EPIC II point-prevalence study of infection in critically ill patients performed on 8 May 2007. Demographic, physiological, bacteriological and therapeutic data were collected for 13796 adult patients in 1265 participating Intensive Care Units (ICUs) from 75 countries on the study day. ICU and hospital outcomes were recorded. Characteristics of patients with meticillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections were compared. Co-morbidities, age, Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, site of infection, geographical region and MRSA/MSSA were entered into a multivariate model, and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence i... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175959 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175961&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100255X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, these data suggest that MA encapsulated in liposome formulations is more effective against Leishmania-infected macrophages than the non-liposomal drug. Development of liposome formulations is a valuable approach to the treatment of infectious diseases involving the mononuclear phagocyte system. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175961 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387339&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002512%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This article describes the clinical and laboratory data supporting its use against this rare group of pathogens. To date, PCZ has been mostly used for salvage therapy and at present there is no strong published clinical evidence to support its role as a single agent in the treatment of mucormycosis. Further studies are required to explore its role as a single agent and in combination therapy for the management of these infections. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387339 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109849&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002561%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Antimicrobial stewardship entails diverse interventions aimed at reducing inappropriate antimicrobial use and limiting the emergence of resistance. Measures such as guidelines for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis, formulary including a list of restricted antibiotics, a multidisciplinary team for antibiotic management and in education, improved diagnostic methods, and computer-assisted decision support systems have been proposed. Here we focus our attention on the management of complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) as a possible model of antimicrobial stewardship. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109849 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109848&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002548%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Melioidosis is a potentially fatal disease caused by the Gram-negative soil bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Although current treatment for B. pseudomallei infection with either ceftazidime or imipenem has previously been shown to effectively reduce the overall mortality rate , the recent emergence of ceftazidime-resistant B. pseudomallei strains in Southeast Asia poses a major concern in antibiotic therapy. Hence, there is an urgent and crucial need to develop new antimicrobial agents against B. pseudomallei. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109848 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175966&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002573%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Burkholderia pseudomallei, an environmental Gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of the serious human infection called melioidosis, which is prevalent in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. Antibiotic therapy of melioidosis is divided into intravenous and oral phases. Ceftazidime or a carbapenem antibiotic is recommended for initial parenteral therapy, which should be administered for at least 10–14 days. This is followed by a prolonged course of oral antimicrobial therapy with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SXT) with or without doxycycline or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. It is necessary to complete 12–20 weeks of treatment, or longer if clinically indicated. Development of resistance of B. pseudomallei to the aforementioned antibiotics has been recognised, in particular ... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175966 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175954&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002536%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of NXL103 in comparison with oral comparators (clindamycin and linezolid). Six clinical isolates [four meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and two Streptococcus pyogenes] were exposed for 48h in an in vitro pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model at a starting inoculum of ca. 106 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. Antimicrobial simulations included NXL103 500mg every 12h, linezolid 600mg every 12h and clindamycin 450mg every 6h. Bactericidal and static effects were defined as ≥3log10 and (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175954 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109844&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002524%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Fluoroquinolones enter eukaryotic cells but the correlation between cellular accumulation and activity remains poorly established. Gemifloxacin is known to accumulate to a larger extent than most other fluoroquinolones in tissues. Using murine J774 macrophages and human THP-1 monocytes, we show that gemifloxacin accumulates more than ciprofloxacin and even moxifloxacin. Whilst showing indistinguishable kinetics of accumulation in J774 macrophages, gemifloxacin was released at an approximately two-fold slower rate than ciprofloxacin and its release was only partial. Gemifloxacin was also a weaker substrate than ciprofloxacin for the efflux transporter Mrp4 active in J774 macrophages. In cells infected with Listeria monocytogenes or Staphylococcus aureus (typical cytoplasmic and ph... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109844 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175958&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002366%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this study was to search for natural sources of molecules able to inhibit efflux pump systems of resistant Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The results indicate that the studied essential oils exhibit interesting activity against the tested bacteria. This activity was significantly enhanced in the presence of an efflux pump inhibitor such as phenylalanine arginyl β-naphthylamide (PAβN). The role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure in the effect of essential oils was also reported in Salmonella LPS deep-rough mutants. In addition, essential oils of Thymus maroccanus and Thymus broussonetii, used at a low concentration (a fraction of the minimum i... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175958 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175957&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100224X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of this study was to isolate and identify phytochemicals with anti-Helicobacter pylori activity from the stem bark of Sclerocarya birrea. The plant crude extract was fractionated by silica gel column and thin layer chromatography techniques, initially with ethyl acetate (EA) and subsequently with a combination of ethyl acetate/methanol/water (EMW). Further fractionation and identification of the phytoconstituents was achieved by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the fractions and compounds was evaluated against five metronidazole- and clarithromycin-resistant strains of H. pylori as well as a reference strain ATCC 43526 using the microbroth dilution technique. Amoxicillin was included in the experiments as a positive ... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175957 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109847&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002408%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we report for the first time an outbreak of a novel Enterobacter sp. harbouring blaCTX-M-15 in a neonatal unit in Tanzania. Seventeen Gram-negative enteric isolates from neonatal blood cultures were studied. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed by disc diffusion testing, and the presence of the blaCTX-M-15 gene was established by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Identification by biochemical profiling was followed by nucleotide sequencing of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA), rpoB and hsp60 alleles. Environmental sampling was done and control measures were established. Isolates were initially misidentified based on their fermentation characteristics and agglutination as Salmonella enterica serotype Parat... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109847 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175953&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100238X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) profile of linezolid, an antibiotic against Gram-positive infections, was characterised in eight critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. Remarkable variation amongst patients in the PK parameters of linezolid was observed, including a 5–7-fold difference in peak serum concentration (Cmax) (mean±standard deviation 15.70±6.58mg/L) and 12-h area under the serum concentration–time curve (AUC0–12) (96.73±56.45mgh/L), although the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was similar amongst patients. In particular, variation amongst patients was found in the ratio of AUC0–24/MIC (range 31.66–216.82, mean 96.73) and the percentage of time that the serum concentration exceeded the MIC (T>MIC) (range 53.4–100%), two parame... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175953 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175953 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109842&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002378%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, 39 antimicrobial peptides, most with documented low haemolytic activity and potent efficacy against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, were evaluated for their haemolytic activity against human red blood cells as well as their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Burkholderia thailandensis, Bacillus globigii and Bacillus anthracis. The majority of the peptides had a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109842 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109838&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002172%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, despite the scarcity of contemporary evidence, available data suggest that TMP/SMT could be an alternative treatment option to TMP/SMX, even in serious infections, when administered intravenously. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109838 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109843&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002391%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study was designed to identify factors associated with adverse outcomes and increased duration of parenteral therapy in patients with skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) managed with outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT). A retrospective cohort study interrogating variables recorded prospectively in an electronic OPAT patient database was performed. ‘OPAT failure’ was defined as hospitalisation following initiation of OPAT, or adverse event or progression of infection necessitating a change in antibiotic therapy. Variables associated with failure or increased duration of therapy were identified via univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. In total, 963 first patient episodes of OPAT-treated SSTIs were observed; 84% were treated with daily ceftriaxone and... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109843 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175952&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002354%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, rates of antimicrobial resistance of P. aeruginosa isolates collected by The Surveillance Network Database–USA (Eurofins Medinet, Chantilly, VA) from 1997 to 2009 were examined. The patient population and specimens were stratified according to patient setting and age as well as specimen source. Multidrug resistance was defined as resistance to three or more of the following antimicrobial agents: aztreonam; cefepime; ciprofloxacin; imipenem; gentamicin; and piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP). A total of 924740 P. aeruginosa isolates were examined in this study. Changes in resistance rates to individual antimicrobial agents were (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175952 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175952 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5387338&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002251%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-producing Staphylococcus aureus is associated with a broad spectrum of diseases, ranging from common uncomplicated soft tissue infections to severe diseases such as complicated soft tissue infections, extensive bone and joint infections, and necrotising pneumonia. Specialised management of infection based on the presence of PVL may not be required for mild infections, whereas it could be lifesaving in other settings. Moreover, most severe PVL diseases are recently identified entities and a ‘gold standard’ treatment from comparatives studies of different therapeutic options is lacking. Thus, recommendations are based on expert opinions, which are elaborated based on theory, in vitro data and analogies with other toxin-mediated diseases. In t... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5387338 Wed, 06 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5387338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109839&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002342%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The concept of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as potent pharmaceuticals is firmly established in the literature, and most research articles on this topic conclude by stating that AMPs represent promising therapeutic agents against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Indeed, early research in this field showed that AMPs were diverse in nature, had high activities with low minimal inhibitory concentrations, had broad spectrums of activity against bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens, and could easily be manipulated to alter their specificities, reduce their cytotoxicities and increase their antimicrobial activities. Unfortunately, commercial development of these peptides, for even the simplest of applications, has been very limited. With some peptides there are obstacles with their man... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109839 Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109840&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002184%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, garenoxacin showed potent in vitro activity against clinical isolates of group G Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis [minimum inhibitory concentration for 90% of the organisms (MIC90)=0.125μg/mL] and was superior to levofloxacin (MIC90=1μg/mL) and moxifloxacin (MIC90=0.25μg/mL). In experimental pneumonia caused by group G S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis in mice, the effective dose for 50% survival (ED50) of garenoxacin following single oral administration was 1.87mg/kg, >10.7-fold and 4.6-fold less than the ED50 values of levofloxacin (>20mg/kg) and moxifloxacin (8.54mg/kg), respectively. The area under the free serum concentration–time curve from 0–24h (fAUC0–24)/MIC ratio of garenoxacin in serum following oral administration of 20mg/kg was 73.2, which... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109840 Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175962&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002238%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, 112 Escherichia coli and 55 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with a multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype were collected from 2007 to 2009. All isolates simultaneously exhibited resistance to cefotaxime (or ceftazidime), ciprofloxacin (or levofloxacin) and amikacin. Plasmid-mediated 16S rRNA methylases, including armA, rmtA, rmtB, rmtC, rmtD, rmtE and npmA, were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Common β-lactamase genes, including blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M, blaPER, blaVEB, blaGES and blaOXA, as well as plasmid-mediated blaAmpC and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants, including qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, qepA and aac(6′)-Ib-cr, were also screened. The transferable capacity of resistance plasmids was established by conjugation testing. The g... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175962 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109846&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002226%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, the antimicrobial activity of fosmidomycin and eight fosmidomycin derivatives towards 40 BCC strains was investigated. All BCC strains were resistant to fosmidomycin, although addition of glucose-6-phosphate reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration values of FR900098, the fosmidomycin acetyl derivative, from 512mg/L to 64mg/L for Burkholderia multivorans and B. cepacia. This enhanced activity was linked to increased expression of the genes involved in glycerol-3-phosphate transport, which appears to be the only route for fosmidomycin import in BCC bacteria. Furthermore, upregulation of a fosmidomycin resistance gene (fsr) encoding an efflux pump was observed during fosmidomycin and FR900098 treatment. These results strongly suggest that the observed resistance in BCC bac... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109846 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109841&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002202%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, a 3-h infusion of 2g of meropenem q8h resulted in the highest PTA rates. The three regimens of meropenem had high probabilities of achieving optimal impact against E. coli and Klebsiella spp. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109841 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109836&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002214%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Kucers has long held a certain cachet amongst ‘Antimicrobialists’. It is the book the specialist turns to for that extra nugget of information, be it related to pharmacology, toxicity or clinical usage of a particular drug. This sixth edition certainly lives up to, and indeed extends, this reputation. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109836 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970654&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002433%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970654 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:25:00 +0100 4970654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109845&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002160%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, dissemination of acquired ISAba1 preceding the blaOXA-23-like gene was the predominant enzymatic resistance mechanism amongst 272 imipenem-resistant isolates. Five isolates harboured the carO gene disrupted by insertion of ISAba1 and three isolates lacked carO. All of the 36 representative isolates belonged to European clone II. Ten STs, including three novel types, were identified. These STs were clustered into CC92 and two distinct singletons. These observations suggest that imipenem-resistant A. baumannii of European clone II, which carries acquired ISAba1 preceding the blaOXA-23-like gene and belongs to CC92, has spread within Western China. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109845 Sun, 26 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970676&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001828%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Espino-Hernández points to ‘the diversity of clinical scenarios analysed and the heterogeneity of the groups’. We rather believe that the diversity of clinical scenarios analysed showing the same homogeneous trend in favour of monotherapy strengthens our conclusions. All analyses are presented by patient subgroups. We initiated the current review on the background of several past systematic reviews that showed no benefit of β-lactam–aminoglycoside combinations in specific patient subgroups . We increased the power of the analysis to show a difference in the current systematic review by looking at the totality of the evidence, but did not find an advantage to combination therapy. Treatment failure for a child with cystic fibrosis is different from treatment failure in sepsis, but co... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970676 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970667&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002044%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Vibrio fluvialis, which causes cholera-like diarrhoea in humans, is one of the aetiological agents of acute diarrhoea in Kolkata, India, and is resistant to many antimicrobial agents. Two V. fluvialis isolates resistant to fluoroquinolones and β-lactam antimicrobials were found to have mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) of GyrA at position 83 and of ParC at position 85 as well as carrying a 150kb plasmid harbouring the quinolone resistance gene qnrA1, the ciprofloxacin-modifying enzyme-encoding gene aac(6′)-Ib-cr and genes encoding for extended-spectrum β-lactamases such as blaSHV and blaCTX-M-3. When this large plasmid was transferred to Escherichia coli by conjugation, the transconjugants showed a 10–75-fold increase in the minimum inhibitor... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970667 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970656&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001336%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity amongst adults in the Asia-Pacific region. Literature published between 1990 and May 2010 on the clinical and economic burden of CAP amongst adults in this region was reviewed. CAP is a significant health burden with significant economic impact in this region. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and advanced age were risk factors for CAP. Aetiological agents included Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Gram-negative bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Burkholderia pseudomallei, Staphylococcus aureus and atypical pathogens (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Legionella spp.), with important differences in the prevalence of... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970656 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970669&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001312%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes l-forms of bacteria are microbial variants with defective cell walls. They can generate spontaneously due to defect mutations in essential genes for cell wall synthesis, or may arise after biosynthesis of cell wall peptidoglycan has been disturbed by antibiotics or other inhibitors . Due to the formation of l-forms, Staphylococcus aureus may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and sarcoidosis . Resistances of l-forms to antibiotics that target the bacterial cell wall are a common reason for therapy failure. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970669 Tue, 14 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970668&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002159%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, the in vitro activity of tigecycline against 1140 enterococci collected from humans, food products, animals and the environment in Portugal (1996–2008) was analysed. Ten isolates (seven Enterococcus faecalis and three Enterococcus spp.) non-susceptible to tigecycline (minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.5–1.0mg/L), which were also resistant to tetracycline and minocycline, were mostly observed in samples collected before the introduction of tigecycline in the therapeutic arsenal. The E. faecalis isolates were recovered from hospitalised patients (n=2; ST319/CC2 and ST34), healthy humans (n=2; ST21/CC21), chicken meat (n=1; ST260) as well as from two swine samples. The remaining isolates were also recovered from chicken meat (n=1; Enterococcus gallinarum) and swine (n=... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970668 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970659&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002020%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Two hundred and fifty tracheal aspirates were subjected to direct antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disk diffusion, Etest and inoculation on antibiotic-enriched MacConkey agar plates. Results were compared with those obtained using an automated system on microorganisms recovered from standard quantitative culture. A total of 255 microorganisms were isolated from 194 positive samples by the standard quantitative procedure. A total of 85.1%, 82.5% and 72.5% agreement between direct disk diffusion, Etest and antibiotic-enriched MacConkey agar plates, respectively, and the standard procedure was observed in 64 microorganisms obtained from monomicrobial cultures that corresponded to 240 individual microorganism–antimicrobial agent combinations. Three (1.3%) and four (1.7%) ver... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970659 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970660&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002032%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study investigated the molecular mechanism of β-lactam and aminoglycoside resistance in extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Salmonella enterica serotype Infantis isolated at the 53-bed neonatology ward of University Hospital Benabib in Constantine, Algeria. From September 2008 to January 2009, 200 S. enterica isolates were obtained from 138 patients (age range 8–80 months) hospitalised in the neonatology ward. Most isolates were from stool cultures, but also from two blood cultures and one gastric fluid. The isolates were multidrug-resistant and produced TEM-1 and CTX-M-15 enzymes as well as the 16S RNA methylase ArmA. The armA, blaCTX-M-15 and blaTEM-1 genes were located on the same 140-kb self-transferable plasmid belonging to the IncL/M incompatibility group. All of ... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970660 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175951&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001968%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing plays a key role in clinical microbiology. The disk diffusion test dates back to the 1940s and became standardised from the 1950s, with the International Collaborative Study (ICS) and National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) as the two major standards. Interlaboratory variation of disk test results was recognised early but has never been dealt with in a satisfactory manner. The error-rate bounded method was described in 1974 and its role is discussed. Species-specific susceptibility interpretation was coined in 1980 for Proteus mirabilis and chloramphenicol. In the late 1970s, more extensive use of species-specific breakpoints was introduced in Lund (Sweden). At the same time, P. Mouton constructed species-specific regressi... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175951 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970679&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002007%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Legionella pneumophila, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), is an intracellular Gram-negative bacterium of environmental origin. Upon inhalation, L. pneumophila can infect and replicate within lung macrophages. Fluoroquinolones and macrolides are the first-line therapies for LD. Guidelines regarding the therapeutic management of LD propose two options. The Infectious Diseases Society of America and the British Thoracic Society recommend a single-drug regimen using a fluoroquinolone or azithromycin (AZI). The European Respiratory Society suggests the addition of rifampicin (RIF) in cases of severe disease, although the benefit of combination therapy has not been demonstrated to date . (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970679 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5175950&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100197X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Acute haematogenous osteomyelitis (AHOM) of childhood usually affects the long bones of the lower limbs. Although almost any agent may cause AHOM, Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacterium, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae and, in some countries, Salmonella spp. and Kingella kingae. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has improved the diagnostic accuracy of traditional radiography and scintigraphy. Except for the pre-treatment diagnostic sample from bone before the institution of antibiotic therapy, no other surgery is usually required. Traditionally, non-neonatal AHOM has been treated with a 1–3-month course of antibiotics, including an intravenous (i.v.) phase for the first weeks, but recent prospective randomised studies challenge this approach. For most uncomplica... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5175950 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5175950 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970678&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001993%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes I have read with great interest the debate on vancomycin continuous infusion , which mirrors one of the hottest topics in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), i.e. the appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy in this setting. I would like to add a personal reflection. Although definite studies comparing clinical outcomes of vancomycin continuous infusion over twice-daily intermittent infusion are lacking, clinicians could be deceived by the different positions stated in the most recent US guideline (vancomycin twice a day intermittent infusion) and some European experiences or pharmacology papers showing the advantages of continuous over intermittent infusion. The expert community has to provide a clear-cut response to intensivists caring for critically ill patients with suspected or proven infe... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970678 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970663&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911002019%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, elimination of vancomycin by CVVH contributed to ca. 50% of the total elimination in critically ill patients. The maintenance dose of vancomycin, calculated from parameters from patients in this study, would be 500–750mg every 12h to provide a steady-state trough concentration of 15–20mg/L. Owing to alterations in clinical conditions, serum vancomycin concentrations must be closely monitored in critically ill patients. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970663 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4885957&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100207X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4885957 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:34:44 +0100 4885957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970677&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001981%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) represent some of the most frequently encountered nosocomial infections in the healthcare setting and are mostly caused by Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) . Proteus spp., notably Proteus mirabilis, comprise an important part of the aetiology of such infections. A wide range of individual antimicrobial agents and combinations of agents is available and recommended for use in the treatment of IAIs, including carbapenems, piperacillin/tazobactam (PTZ), and cephalosporins or quinolones used in combination with metronidazole, although resistance to these antibiotics is becoming more widespread . In the current study, we report the superior activity of ertapenem and PTZ against P. mirabilis intra-abdominal isolates as part of the Study for Monitoring Antimicrobial R... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970677 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970675&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001804%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes I read with interest the article by Marcus et al. that aimed to provide evidence on the true clinical benefits of treatment with combinations of β-lactams and aminoglycosides. This represents a systematic review of the literature that included a total of 52 randomised controlled trials comparing β-lactam monotherapy versus combination therapy with β-lactams and aminoglycosides in different clinical scenarios (febrile neutropenia, pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections, abdominal or urinary tract infections, severe sepsis or bacteraemia, endocarditis, and bronchitis or cystic fibrosis). After performing a detailed methodology, the authors conclude that there is insufficient evidence to support the benefits of treatment based on the use of drug combinations, and they recommend a... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970675 Sun, 29 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970666&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001798%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, these results re-emphasise the worldwide dissemination of OXA carbapenemase genes in multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of A. baumannii and, to the best of our knowledge, report the first IPM-resistant A. baumannii strain isolated from a patient during the Georgian–Russian war with the blaOXA-24 gene located on the chromosome. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970666 Thu, 26 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970672&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001749%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae has been increasingly detected in Europe, Africa, America and Asia . Before 2007, the occurrence of third-generation cephalosporin (3GC) resistance was low amongst K. pneumoniae isolated from bloodstream infections (BSIs) in Danish patients. However, the rate of resistance has increased from 3.7% in 2006 to 11.2% in 2009 . (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970672 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970665&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001786%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The characteristics of 218 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia in nine Asian countries were investigated. In total, 92 isolates (42.2%) produced extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), amongst which 67 (72.8%) possessed CTX-M ESBL genes; CTX-M-15 was the major ESBL (55 isolates; 59.8%). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and plasmid replicon typing were performed to investigate the genetic backgrounds of the 55 CTX-M-15-producing K. pneumoniae isolates. Twenty-five sequence types (STs) were identified. Clonal complex 11 (CC11) including ST11 was the most prevalent clone (20 isolates; 36.4%) and was distributed in all Asian countries except Taiwan. ST15 was the next most frequently identified clone (8 isolates; 14.5%). An IncFIIA-type plas... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970665 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970662&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001816%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Antibiotic therapy improves the outcome of severe sepsis and septic shock, however pharmacokinetic properties are altered in this scenario. Amikacin (AMK) is an option to treat community or nosocomial infections, although standard doses might be insufficient in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate two AMK dosage regimens in comparison with standard therapy with regard to efficacy in achieving adequate plasma levels as well as safety. In total, 99 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock were randomised to different AMK dose protocols: Group 1, 25mg/kg/day; Group 2, 30mg/kg/day; and Group 3, historical standard dose (15mg/kg/day). Peak plasma concentrations at 1h (Cmax) were determined. Pharmacokinetics was determined and renal function was monitored t... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970662 Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970674&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001762%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Detection and differentiation of macrolide resistance genes in group A streptococcus (GAS) (Streptococcus pyogenes) is clinically and epidemiologically relevant. We have developed a rapid, high-resolution melting (HRM) multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for this purpose. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970674 Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970673&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001750%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The progressive increase in antibiotic-resistant Vibrio cholerae O1, including resistance to tetracycline, which is the antibiotic of choice for treating cholera, is a major public health problem. The roles of some compounds as resistance-modifying agents (RMAs) and efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) used to overcome drug resistance have been reported . A novel copper chelate, copper N-(2-hydroxy acetophenone) glycinate (CuNG), has recently been reported to work as a RMA by inhibiting P-glycoprotein activity and also through generation of reactive oxygen species . The present in vitro study was undertaken to explore the role of CuNG as a RMA against multidrug-resistant (MDR) V. cholerae O1. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970673 Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970664&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001774%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, the anti-B. pseudomallei efficacy of a new monosulfactam, BAL30072, was tested against laboratory strains 1026b and 1710b and several isogenic mutant derivatives as well as a collection of clinical and environmental B. pseudomallei strains from Thailand. More than 93% of the isolates had minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the range 0.004–0.016μg/mL. For the laboratory strain 1026b, the MIC of BAL30072 was 0.008μg/mL, comparable with the MICs of 1.5μg/mL for ceftazidime, 0.5μg/mL for imipenem and 1μg/mL for meropenem. Time–kill curves revealed that BAL30072 was rapidly bactericidal, killing >99% of bacteria in 2h. BAL30072 activity was not significantly affected by efflux, it was only a marginal substrate of PenA β-lactamase, and activity was independent of... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970664 Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970658&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001725%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Few studies have investigated the drug resistance profiles of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates recovered from different sites of infection. A total of 4521 non-duplicate MTB isolates, including 3723 (82.3%) from respiratory specimens and 798 (17.7%) from non-respiratory sources, were recovered from patients treated at a medical centre in Taiwan from 2000 to 2010. Trend analysis showed a significant decrease (P (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970658 Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4885966&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001361%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we compared finafloxacin and ciprofloxacin for (i) activity against ciprofloxacin-susceptible and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus as well as wild-type and Lde efflux-positive (Lde+) Listeria monocytogenes, (ii) accumulation in THP-1 macrophages and (iii) intracellular activity towards phagocytised S. aureus, L. monocytogenes and Legionella pneumophila (developing in acidic, neutral and mildly acidic environments, respectively), using a pharmacological approach assessing drug potencies and maximal relative efficacies (Emax). Finafloxacin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were two-fold lower than those of ciprofloxacin against meticillin-susceptible S. aureus ATCC 25923, were only modestly increased in an isogenic strain overexpressing NorA and were ≤0.25mg/L for com... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4885966 Wed, 18 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4885966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970671&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001737%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) are class B enzymes that have emerged worldwide and that are mostly represented by VIM- and IMP-type enzymes as well as by New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1). VIM-type MBLs are frequent in Mediterranean countries and the VIM-1 variant is now commonly found in Enterobacteriaceae . In vitro conjugation experiments have shown the transferability of plasmids carrying blaVIM genes but, to our knowledge, transfer by in vivo conjugation of carbapenemase determinants has never been demonstrated. Here we report on the in vivo transmissibility of VIM-1 through the study of a case of co-carriage of six carbapenemase-producing strains and through conjugation assays in a gnotobiotic mouse model. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970671 Sun, 15 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970670&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001713%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Azithromycin and doxycycline are considered first-line drugs by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection, which is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial diseases in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 92 million new infections occur each year worldwide. Antibiotics play a major role in treating chlamydial infections with a high efficacy, however many researchers report the problem of recurrent infections and treatment failures . It has been reported that in persistently or repeatedly infected women, infection can spread upwards from the endocervix to the Fallopian tubes and may result in infertility or ectopic pregnancy . In India, a high prevalence (>30%) of C. trachoma... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970670 Sun, 15 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4885962&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001579%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, it was found that sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of ciprofloxacin had an inhibitory effect on EAEC adhesion to glass and mammalian HEp-2 cells. It was also observed that bacterial surface properties play an important role in bacterial sensitivity to ciprofloxacin. In an EAEC mutant strain where the hydrophobic positively charged surface protein dispersin was absent, sensitivity to ciprofloxacin was reduced compared with the wild-type strain. Identified here are several antimicrobial effects of ciprofloxacin at sub-MIC concentrations indicating that bacterial surface hydrophobicity affects the response to ciprofloxacin. Investigating the effects of sub-MIC doses of antibiotics on targeted bacteria could help to further our understanding of bacterial pathogen... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4885962 Sun, 15 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4885962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4970661&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001701%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The main efflux pump of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis, which obtains its energy for the extrusion of noxious agents from the proton-motive force, was studied with the aid of an ethidium bromide (EtBr) semi-automated method under conditions that define the role of metabolic energy, ions and pH in the extrusion of the universal substrate EtBr. The results obtained in this study indicate that in minimal medium containing sodium at pH 5 efflux of EtBr is independent of glucose, whereas at pH 8 metabolic energy is an absolute requirement for the maintenance of efflux. In deionised water at pH 5.5, metabolic energy is required for the maintenance of efflux. The inhibitory effect of the ionophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) on efflux is shown to be minimis... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4970661 Wed, 11 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4970661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4885978&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100152X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The authors regret an error in the details for the forthcoming ICC meetings. The 2011 ICC will take place, jointly with the European Congress of Chemotherapy and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID), in Milan and in 2013 the ICC will be in Yokohama. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4885978 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4885978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4885977&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001695%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study aimed to determine the prevalence of integrons in clinical multidrug-resistant A. baumannii isolates from two different Brazilian geographic regions in order to contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of these elements in this species in South America. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4885977 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4885977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4885976&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001683%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Leishmaniasis affects 12 million people worldwide. Chemotherapy of leishmaniasis relies mainly on expensive and toxic drugs, and great efforts are being directed towards identifying new candidate drugs for the treatment of this neglected disease. We have recently described the activity of tamoxifen, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, as an antileishmanial agent. Tamoxifen has been shown to possess in vitro activity against visceralising and cutaneous strains of Leishmania such as Leishmania donovani, Leishmania infantum chagasi, Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania major. Half maximal effective concentrations (EC50) of tamoxifen for these parasites range from 9.3±0.3μM to 19.9±0.3μM in vitro and the drug is active against promastigotes and intracellular... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4885976 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4885976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4885973&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100135X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Livestock-associated meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) strains are increasingly isolated from pigs and humans, particularly those involved in pig farming. There is also growing evidence of transmission through the food chain. The distribution of LA-MRSA has spread throughout Europe and beyond, with the majority of strains belonging to sequence type ST398 and ST9. Here we report the emergence of LA-MRSA in pigs from Thailand. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4885973 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4885973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4885970&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001373%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study also confirms the research on neuropeptides as potential fungicides, which are still in the early stages. The results also suggest that testing of strain-specific susceptibility is mandatory. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4885970 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4885970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4885958&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001348%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes , who died on October 24, 2010, was President of the 10th International Congress of Chemotherapy in Zurich in 1977. He was also President of the German Paul-Ehrlich-Society for Chemotherapy from 1969 to 1971 and again from 1973 to 1977. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4885958 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4885958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5274237&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001518%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Gentamicin-containing polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads are frequently used to prevent and treat orthopaedic infections. The beads are typically inserted to fill anatomical defects secondary to surgical debridement. Local gentamicin use results in low serum levels whilst achieving high concentrations at the site of infection. However, a systematic review of the available literature showed that, despite these theoretical advantages, no prospective study has thus far proven gentamicin-containing PMMA beads to be effective in treating orthopaedic infections. Available studies are based on small patient numbers and do not show significantly better results when local and parenteral antibiotics are combined compared with systemic therapy alone. These poor results may be explained par... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5274237 Mon, 09 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5274237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5109837&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS092485791100149X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: With a decreasing pipeline of novel antibiotics and increasing antibacterial resistance, the need to optimise the current antibiotics in our armamentarium has become vitally important. Daptomycin is a novel lipopeptide antibiotic that exhibits concentration-dependent activity. Currently, the daptomycin dosage is 4mg/kg/day for treatment of complicated skin and soft-tissue infections and 6mg/kg/day for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections, including those with right-sided endocarditis, however higher doses (>6mg/kg/day) have been explored as a possible alternative. A comprehensive review of published data identified through a MEDLINE search of the literature from 1967–2011 and a manual search of references was performed with the primary objective of critically evaluating... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5109837 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5109837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4885974&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001488%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Antibiotic prophylaxis refers to administration of antibiotics to prevent infection. It is distinguished from antibiotic treatment by: (i) short courses (up to 24h), frequently a single dose; and (ii) administration shortly before or at the time of possible bacterial inoculation . The recommended duration of prophylactic antibiotics has gradually been reduced from 5 days to 72h, to 24h (three doses) and finally to a single dose as more and more studies are published in the literature. The National Surgical Infection Prevention Project emphasises that prophylactic antibiotics should be administered within 60min prior to surgical incision and discontinued within 24h after the end of surgery. Common errors in antibiotic prophylaxis are: administration too early (>2h prior to surgical incision... International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4885974 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4885974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4885965&cid=s_35634_13_f&fid=35634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijaaonline.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS0924857911001270%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, vancomycin plus fosfomycin or rifampicin exhibited a synergistic and better antibacterial effect than linezolid or tigecycline alone against high-inoculum planktonic VA2-MRSA. Vancomycin plus fosfomycin or minocycline compared with linezolid exhibited a similar inhibitory effect, better than tigecycline alone, against biofilm-embedded VA2-MRSA. Evaluating the toxicity and efficacy of high-dose vancomycin monotherapy for VA2-MRSA, the fosfomycin combination exhibited a rapid killing effect in both conditions and may provide another therapeutic choice. (Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents) International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4885965 Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4885965