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This page shows you the latest news and research items in this category.

Acinetobacter baumannii: No more a choosy intruder?
Conclusions: In this tertiary care institution of ours, A. baumannii isolates have shown a high frequency of drug resistance, with imipenem being the best sensitive drug. This non-fermenter is the cause of a variety of infections, irrespective of whether the individuals are hospitalized or are outdoor patients. (Source: Indian Journal of Medical Sciences)
Source: Indian Journal of Medical Sciences - February 27, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Baishali ChakrabortyDibyendu BanerjeeBanya Chakraborty Source Type: research

Protracted Outbreak of MDRAB After Transfer of PatientsProtracted Outbreak of MDRAB After Transfer of Patients
Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is an increasing threat to hospitals. Read how this hospital became infected. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - February 21, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Infectious Diseases Journal Article Source Type: news

Repeated Colonization by Multi-Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter calcoaceticus–A. baumannii Complex and Changes in Antimicrobial Susceptibilities in Surgical Intensive Care Units
Surgical Infections , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Surgical Infections)
Source: Surgical Infections - February 20, 2013 Category: Surgery Tags: article Source Type: research

Diagnosis of β-Lactam Resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii Using Shotgun Proteomics and LC-Nano-Electrospray Ionization Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry
Analytical ChemistryDOI: 10.1021/ac303326a (Source: Analytical Chemistry)
Source: Analytical Chemistry - February 19, 2013 Category: Chemistry Authors: Chih-Jui Chang, Jyun-Han Lin, Kai-Chih Chang, Meng-Jiun Lai, Rondla Rohini and Anren Hu Source Type: research

Activity of Vancomycin-Containing Regimens against Colistin-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Strains.
Abstract Treatment of infections due to extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii often involves the use of antimicrobial agents in combination. Various combinations of agents have been proposed with colistin serving as the backbone in many of them. Recent data suggest that glycopeptides, in particular vancomycin, may have unique activity against laboratory-adapted and clinical strains of A. baumannii, alone and in combination with colistin. The aim of the present study was to test this approach against three unique colistin-resistant A. baumannii clinical strains using combinations of vancomycin [VA...
Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy - February 19, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: O'Hara JA, Ambe LA, Casella LG, Townsend BM, Pelletier MR, Ernst RK, Shanks RM, Doi Y Tags: Antimicrob Agents Chemother Source Type: research

Susceptibility of bacterial etiological agents to commonly-used antimicrobial agents in children with sepsis at the Tamale Teaching Hospital
Conclusion: Coagulase Negative, Coagulase Positive Staphylococci, Salmonella and Klebsiella were the aetiological agents of bloodstream infection among children at TTH. While gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria showed low susceptibility to Ampicillin, Tetracycline and Cotrimoxazole, the GNR were susceptible to Gentamicin and third-generation cephalosporins. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - February 18, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Samuel AcquahLawrence QuayeKenneth SagoeJuventus ZiemPatricia BrombergerAnthony Amponsem Source Type: research

Native soil bacteria isolates in Mexico exhibit a promising antagonistic effect against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis‐lycopersici
In this study, we set out to identify bacterial populations which could be used to control this disease through natural antagonism. Five tomato rhizospheric soil samples were collected, dried for 1‐week, and homogenized. Sub‐samples were used to prepare an aqueous solution used to isolate microorganisms in pure cultures. Organisms were purified and grown separately, and used to generate a collection of 705 bacterial isolates. Thirty‐four percent from this bank (254 strains) was screened against Forl, finding 27 bacteria displaying in vitro Forl growth inhibition levels from 5% to 60%. These isolates belonged to the g...
Source: Journal of Basic Microbiology - February 18, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Jesús Damián Cordero‐Ramírez, Raquel López‐Rivera, Alejandro Miguel Figueroa‐Lopez, María Elena Mancera‐López, Juan Carlos Martínez‐Álvarez, Miguel Ángel Apodaca‐Sánchez, Ignacio Eduardo Maldonado‐Mendoza Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research

Diversity in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from paediatric cancer patients in Egypt
Abstract Acinetobacter baumannii is an important nosocomial pathogen, commonly causing infections in immunocompromised patients. It is increasingly reported as a multidrug‐resistant organism, which is alarming because of its capability to resist all available classes of antibiotics including carbapenems. The aim of this study was to examine the genetic and epidemiological diversity of A. baumannii isolates from paediatric cancer patients in Egypt, by sequencing the intrinsic blaOXA–51‐like gene, genotyping by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and multi‐locus sequence typing in addition to identifying the carbapen...
Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection - February 15, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: L. Al‐Hassan, H. El Mehallawy, S.G.B. Amyes Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Spreading of AbaR-type Genomic Islands in Multidrug Resistance Acinetobacter baumannii Strains Belonging to Different Clonal Complexes.
Abstract In order to determine the occurrence of AbaR-type genomic island in multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAb) strains circulating in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, we studied 51 MDRAb isolates recovered from several hospitals over 30 years. AbaR-type genomic resistance islands were found in 36 MDRAb isolates since 1986 till now. MLST technique allowed us to identify the presence of four different Clonal Complexes (109, 104, 119, 113) among the positive AbaR-type island positive strains. This is the first description of AbaR-type islands in the CC104 and CC113 that are the most widespread Clonal ...
Source: Current Microbiology - February 9, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Ramírez MS, Vilacoba E, Stietz MS, Merkier AK, Jeric P, Limansky AS, Márquez C, Bello H, Catalano M, Centrón D Tags: Curr Microbiol Source Type: research

Acinetobacter puyangensis sp. nov., isolated from the healthy and diseased part of Populus x euramericana canker bark.
Abstract Two Gram-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped strains, BQ4-1T and NHI3-2, isolated repectively from the healthy and diseased part of Populus × euramericana canker bark, were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Chemotaxonomic characterization supported the inclusion of the two strains in the genus Acinetobacter, with genomic DNA G+C contents (42.5-43 mol%) within the range observed for this genus(38-47 mol %), and 9-octadecenoic acid (C18:1ω9c, 39.87%), hexadecanoic acid (C16:0, 11.26%) and summed feature 3 (comprising C16:1ω7c/ C16:1ω6c, 18.90%) as major fatty acids. Phylogenetic analysis based o...
Source: International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology - February 8, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Li Y, Piao CG, Ma YC, He W, Wang HM, Chang JP, Guo LM, Wang XZ, Xie SJ, Guo MW Tags: Int J Syst Evol Microbiol Source Type: research

Monitoring the perturbation of soil and groundwater microbial communities due to pig production activities.
This study aims to determine if biotic contaminants originating from pig production farms are disseminated into soil and groundwater microbial communities. A spatial and temporal sampling of soil and groundwater was conducted, and Q-PCR was utilized to determine the abundance of tetracycline resistance genes (i.e., TetQ and TetZ) and integrase genes (i.e., IntI1 and IntI2). We observed that the abundance of TetZ, TetQ, IntI1 and IntI2 in the soils increased by at least six-fold after manure application, and their abundance remained elevated above background for up to 16 months. Q-PCR further determined a total abundance of...
Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology - February 8, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Hong PY, Yannarell A, Dai Q, Ekizoglu M, Mackie RI Tags: Appl Environ Microbiol Source Type: research

Epidemiology of the Acinetobacter-derived cephalosporinase, carbapenem-hydrolysing oxacillinase and metallo-{beta}-lactamase genes, and of common insertion sequences, in epidemic clones of Acinetobacter baumannii from Spain
Conclusions All the studied genes and their related ISs showed a clonal distribution. Imipenem resistance was probably provided by OXA-40 for the most part, while MBL- and OXA-23-encoding genes were absent in the studied population. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - February 7, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Villalon, P., Valdezate, S., Medina-Pascual, M. J., Carrasco, G., Vindel, A., Saez-Nieto, J. A. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

A novel family of genomic resistance islands, AbGRI2, contributing to aminoglycoside resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates belonging to global clone 2
Conclusions AbGRI2-1 is the largest so far of a new type of GRI designated AbGRI2 to distinguish them from the islands in comM in GC1 isolates (AbaR type) and in GC2 isolates (AbGRI1 type). (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - February 7, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Nigro, S. J., Farrugia, D. N., Paulsen, I. T., Hall, R. M. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

Antimicrobial activity of the novel polymyxin derivative NAB739 tested against Gram-negative pathogens
Conclusions The MIC90 of NAB739 for polymyxin-susceptible strains of E. coli and K. pneumoniae was identical to and 2-fold higher than that of polymyxin B, respectively. For polymyxin-susceptible strains of Acinetobacter spp. and P. aeruginosa, the MIC90 of NAB739 was 4-fold and 8-fold higher than that of polymyxin B, respectively. For polymyxin-non-susceptible strains of all these species, the MIC90 values of NAB739 were high and 2- to 4-fold higher than those of polymyxin B. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - February 7, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Vaara, M., Sader, H. S., Rhomberg, P. R., Jones, R. N., Vaara, T. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

Identification of a novel insertion sequence element associated with carbapenem resistance and the development of fluoroquinolone resistance in Acinetobacter radioresistens
(Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - February 7, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Higgins, P. G., Zander, E., Seifert, H. Tags: Research letters Source Type: research

Multi-drug resistant organisms in a routine ward environment: differential propensity for environmental dissemination and implications for infection control.
Abstract Multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) pose significant infection control challenges in settings with high prevalence and limited isolation facilities. This observational study in an 800-bed hospital determined the prevalence, bacterial density and genetic relatedness of MDROs isolated from ward surfaces, medical devices and hands of healthcare professionals. Targeted MDROs were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, and carbapenem-resistant (CR) Acinetobacter bauman...
Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology - February 7, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Tan TY, Tan JS, Tay HY, Chua GH, Ng LS, Syahidah N Tags: J Med Microbiol Source Type: research

John Hopkins Researchers Demonstrate Hydrogen Peroxide’s Effectiveness in Preventing HAIs, May Have Use in Clinical Pathology Laboratories
The study found that a Robotic vapor-dispersing device kills and prevents spread of Drug-Resistant Organisms in high-risk patients by 64% There is a new technology for disinfecting healthcare facilities that is likely to be useful for clinical laboratories and anatomic pathology groups. A team at Johns Hopkins University Hospital recently published a study about their [...] (Source: Dark Daily)
Source: Dark Daily - February 6, 2013 Category: Laboratory Medicine Authors: jude Tags: Instruments & Equipment Laboratory News Laboratory Pathology Acinetobacter baumannii anthrax AsepticSure Bioquell BQE C. diff chlorhexidine Clinical Infectious Diseases clinical laboratory Clostridium difficile DarkDaily.com Di Source Type: news

Potent in vitro antibacterial activity of DS-8587, a new generation of broad spectrum quinolone, against Acinetobacter baumannii.
Abstract We investigated the in vitro activity of DS-8587, a new generation of fluoroquinolone, against Acinetobacter baumannii. The MICs against clinical isolates and inhibitory activity against target enzymes of DS-8587 was superior to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of DS-8587 was less affected by adeA/adeB/adeC or abeM efflux pumps and frequency of single-step mutations with DS-8587 was lower as compared to those with ciprofloxacin. DS-8587 might be an effective agent against A. baumannii infection. PMID: 23380726 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Antimicro...
Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy - February 4, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Higuchi S, Onodera Y, Chiba M, Hoshino K, Gotoh N Tags: Antimicrob Agents Chemother Source Type: research

Appraising freeze-drying for storage of bacteria and their ready access in a rapid toxicity assessment assay.
This study features the use of freeze-dried bacterial cells in combination with a rapid DTA analyser, SciTOX(™). The effects of three factors-cryoprotectant type, bacterial strain, and storage temperature-were tested in order to validate the shelf life of the freeze-dried cells. Three freeze-dried Gram-negative bacterial strains, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida, were tested by using the bacteria in the SciTox(™) DTA assay and recording their responses to two standard toxicants: 2,4-dicholorophenol and 3,5-dichlorophenol. Each freeze-dried strain of bacteria was prepared in two forms...
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - February 3, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Wenfeng S, Gooneratne R, Glithero N, Weld RJ, Pasco N Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Identification and characterization of a cluster of genes involved in biosynthesis and transport of acinetoferrin, a siderophore produced by Acinetobacter haemolyticus ATCC 17906T.
Abstract Acinetobacter haemolyticus ATCC 17906(T) is known to produce the siderophore acinetoferrin under iron-limiting conditions. Here, we show that an operon consisting of 8 consecutive genes, named acbABCD and actBCAD, participates in the biosynthesis and transport of acinetoferrin, respectively. Transcription of the operon was found to be iron-regulated by a putative Fur box located in the promoter region of the first gene, acbA. Homology searches suggest that acbABCD and actA encode enzyme proteins involved in acinetoferrin biosynthesis and an outer membrane receptor for ferric acinetoferrin, respectively. Mu...
Source: Microbiology - February 1, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Funahashi T, Tanabe T, Maki J, Miyamoto K, Tsujibo H, Yamamoto S Tags: Microbiology Source Type: research

Prevalence of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates resistant to imipenem by production of metallo-β-lactamases in Rabat military teaching hospital Mohammed V.
Abstract We studied the production of metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) in Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains resistant to imipenem at the Rabat Mohammed V military teaching hospital, according to Yong et al.'s method, using a sterilized solution of EDTA 0.5 M pH 8. One hundred and five bacterial strains (48 A. baumannii and 57 P. aeruginosa) were identified. 45 (42.9%) with 34 A. baumannii and 11 P. aeruginosa were resistant to imipenem. The prevalence of MBL producing strains was 22.2% (10/45). The existence of this isolates resistant to imipenem by producing metallo-β-lactamases is an emer...
Source: Annales de Biologie Clinique - February 1, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Gildas Comlan Zohoun A, Moket D, El Hamzaoui S Tags: Ann Biol Clin (Paris) Source Type: research

Detection of intrinsic bla(OXA-51-like) by multiplex PCR on its own is not reliable for the identification of Acinetobacter baumannii.
Abstract Three clinical A. baumannii isolates Ab-508, Ab-511, and Ab-653 were recovered from South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey, respectively. Multiplex PCR to detect OXA-type carbapenemases showed atypical bla(OXA-51-like) amplification products. The aim of this study was to investigate the background of changes in bla(OXA-51-like) PCR products. Isolates were confirmed as A. baumannii using gyrB multiplex and rpoB sequencing and were epidemiologically unrelated by rep-PCR-based DiversiLab. Sequencing of bla(OXA-51-like) revealed an insertion of ISAba15 in bla(OXA-66) (isolate Ab-511) and an insertion of the nov...
Source: International Journal of Medical Microbiology - January 31, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Zander E, Higgins PG, Fernández-González A, Seifert H Tags: Int J Med Microbiol Source Type: research

Biofilm formation by clinical isolates and the implications in chronic infections
Conclusions: This study is the first to evaluate biofilm formation in a large collection of infecting clinical isolates representing diverse types of infections. Our results demonstrate: (1) biofilm formation is a heterogeneous property amongst clinical strains which is associated with certain clonal types, (2) biofilm forming strains are more frequently isolated from non-fluid tissues, in particular bone and soft tissues, (3) MDR pathogens are more often biofilm formers, and (4) strains from patients with persistent infections are positive for biofilm formation. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - January 29, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Carlos SanchezKatrin MendeMiriam BeckiusKevin AkersDesiree RomanoJoseph WenkeClinton Murray Source Type: research

Erratum to: Cloning of a dibutyl phthalate hydrolase gene from Acinetobacter sp. strain M673 and functional analysis of its expression product in Escherichia coli.
PMID: 23359001 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology)
Source: Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology - January 29, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Wu J, Liao X, Yu F, Wei Z, Yang L Tags: Appl Microbiol Biotechnol Source Type: research

Colistin inhalation monotherapy for ventilator‐associated pneumonia of Acinetobacter baumannii in prematurity
ConclusionsAerosolized colistin may be used as monotherapy for VAP due to A. baumannii infection in pre‐term infants. A larger controlled study is warranted to corroborate the findings. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Pulmonology)
Source: Pediatric Pulmonology - January 28, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Chia‐Hao Kang, Chih‐Min Tsai, Tin‐Hsin Wu, Hsin‐Yi Wu, Mei‐Yung Chung, Chih‐Cheng Chen, Yi‐Chuan Huang, Shih‐Feng Liu, Da‐Ling Liao, Chen‐Kuang Niu, Chen‐Hsiang Lee, Hong‐Ren Yu Tags: Original Article: Respiratory Infections Source Type: research

Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance among commonly encountered bacteria associated with infections and colonization in intensive care units in a university-affiliated hospital in Shanghai.
CONCLUSION: Because of decreasing susceptibility rates of pathogens (especially ICU-acquired strains) and a significant correlation with the length of ICU stay, intensivists should consider a patient's time of ICU admission and previous microbiological data and should distinguish ICU-acquired strains from non-ICU-acquired strains so as to initiate optimized empirical antibiotic therapy against ICU-acquired infections. PMID: 23357606 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection)
Source: Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection - January 25, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Tan R, Liu J, Li M, Huang J, Sun J, Qu H Tags: J Microbiol Immunol Infect Source Type: research

Recent trends in resistance to cell envelope–active antibacterial agents among key bacterial pathogens
Cell envelope–active agents, particularly β‐lactams, play a pivotal role in the treatment of bacterial infections and the extent to which their activity is affected by the emergence of multidrug‐resistant organisms is of concern. We analyzed the Surveillance Network (TSN) database to evaluate resistant trends for key cell envelope–active drugs among ESKAPE pathogens. Analysis demonstrated that the activity of these drugs has been notably influenced by the emergence of multidrug resistance; this was especially evident for the β‐lactam drugs. For example, Acinetobacter baumannii resistance to imipenem increased f...
Source: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences - January 24, 2013 Category: Science Authors: Ronald N. Master, Jennifer Deane, Carol Opiela, Daniel F. Sahm Source Type: research

Imported and Intensive Care Unit-Born Acinetobacter baumannii Clonal Complexes: One-Year Prospective Cohort Study in Intensive Care Patients
Microbial Drug Resistance , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Microbial Drug Resistance)
Source: Microbial Drug Resistance - January 21, 2013 Category: Microbiology Tags: article Source Type: research

Characterization and Genome Sequencing of Phage Abp1, a New phiKMV-Like Virus Infecting Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
Abstract While screening for alternative antibiotics against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, we isolated a virulent A. baumannii bacteriophage Abp1. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the phage had an icosahedral head with a short tail and should be classified as a member of the Podoviridae family. SDS-PAGE showed that Abp1 contained at least one major and nine minor proteins. In a single-step growth test, we demonstrated that Abp1 had a latent period of 10 min and a burst size of 350. Abp1 also had a relatively narrow host range. The entire genome was sequenced, and the final assembly yie...
Source: Current Microbiology - January 18, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Huang G, Le S, Peng Y, Zhao Y, Yin S, Zhang L, Yao X, Tan Y, Li M, Hu F Tags: Curr Microbiol Source Type: research

The effect of temperature on antibacterial activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles.
Abstract The purpose of this study was the evaluation of two different temperatures on antibacterial activity of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. 38 silver nanoparticles-producing bacteria were isolated from soil and identified. Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by these bacteria was verified through visible light spectrophotometry. Two strains were relatively active for production of silver nanoparticles. These strains were subjected for molecular identification and recognized as Bacillus sp. and Acinetobacter schindleri. In the present study, the effect of temperatures was evaluated on structure and an...
Source: Biometals - January 17, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Pourali P, Baserisalehi M, Afsharnezhad S, Behravan J, Ganjali R, Bahador N, Arabzadeh S Tags: Biometals Source Type: research

Streptomycin inhibits quorum sensing in Acinetobacter baumannii.
Abstract Streptomycin at subinhibitory concentrations was found to inhibit quorum sensing in A. baumannii. Conditioned medium prepared by growth of A. baumannii in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of streptomycin exhibited reduced activation of two quorum sensing regulated genes, abaI encoding an autoinducer synthase and A1S_0112. The reduced expression of AbaI resulted in greatly decreased levels of 3-OH-C(12)-HSL as confirmed by direct analysis using thin-layer chromatography. The effect on AHL signal production was specific to streptomycin, as gentamicin and myomicin had no significant effect at subi...
Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy - January 14, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Saroj SD, Rather PN Tags: Antimicrob Agents Chemother Source Type: research

Ceftazidime-susceptible and imipenem-non-susceptible OXA-58-producing Acinetobacter baumannii from the Comoros archipelago
Carbapenem resistance is being increasingly reported in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates, and this resistance trait is often related to the production of carbapenem-hydrolysing class D β-lactamases that are disseminating worldwide . Four groups of acquired carbapenem-hydrolysing class D β-lactamases have been identified in A. baumannii to date, namely OXA-23, OXA-24/-40, OXA-58 and OXA-143 . Another group corresponds to OXA-51 and its derivatives, corresponding to naturally occurring β-lactamases in A. baumannii that may interfere with carbapenem susceptibility when overexpressed . The OXA-58 carbapenem-hydrolysing clas...
Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents - January 14, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Rémy A. Bonnin, Laurent Poirel, Thierry Benoit-Cattin, Patrice Nordmann Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

Operational Stability to Changes in Composition of Herbicide Mixtures Fed to a Laboratory-Scale Biobarrier.
Abstract The main objective of this work was to evaluate the operational stability of a laboratory-scale aerobic biobarrier designed for the treatment of water contaminated by mixtures of three herbicides frequently found in agricultural runoffs, atrazine, simazine and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The microbial consortium used to degrade the herbicides was composed by six cultivable bacterial strains, identified as members of the genera Variovorax, Sphingopyxis, Hydrocarboniphaga, Methylobacterium, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. The effect caused by a seventh member of the microbial consortium, a ciliate...
Source: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology - January 13, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Ramos-Monroy O, Ruiz-Ordaz N, Galíndez-Mayer J, Juárez-Ramirez C, Nava-Arenas I, Ordaz-Guillén Y Tags: Appl Biochem Biotechnol Source Type: research

Longitudinal surveillance for meningitis by Acinetobacter in a large urban setting in Brazil
Abstract The study aim was to describe the emergency of carbapenem resistance and clonal complexes (CC), defined by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), in Acinetobacter baumannii in a surveillance system for meningitis. Starting in 1996 at an urban setting of Brazil, surveillance detected meningitis by Acinetobacter sp for the first time in 2002. Until 2008, 35 isolates were saved. Carbapenem resistance emerged in 2006, reaching 70% of A. baumannii isolates in 2008, including one colistin‐resistant. A. baumannii belonged to CC113/79 (University of Oxford/ Institute Pasteur schemes), CC235/162 and CC103/15. Dissemination o...
Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection - January 12, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Talita Coelho‐Souza, Joice N. Reis, Natacha Martins, Ianick Souto Martins, Ana Paula O. Menezes, Mitermayer G. Reis, Neide O. Silva, Rubens C. S. Dias, Lee W. Riley, Beatriz Meurer Moreira Tags: Research Note ‐ online only Source Type: research

Endophthalmitis caused by Acinetobacter baumanni: a case series
P Panigrahi, J Malathi, S S Pal, K Nandi, A Patil, E Nigam & V Arora (Source: Eye)
Source: Eye - January 11, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: R Roy Tags: retina endophthalmitis Acinetobacter Source Type: research

Conversion of OXA-66 into OXA-82 in clinical Acinetobacter baumannii isolates and association with altered carbapenem susceptibility
Conclusions Carbapenem resistance in outbreak-related isolates was mediated by conversion of OXA-66 into OXA-82 and its subsequent overexpression. This further highlights the genome plasticity of A. baumannii, leading to carbapenem resistance. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)
Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy - January 11, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Zander, E., Chmielarczyk, A., Heczko, P., Seifert, H., Higgins, P. G. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

Emerging therapies for multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
Abstract The global emergence of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii has reduced the number of clinically available antibiotics that retain activity against this pathogen. For this reason, the development of novel prevention and treatment strategies for infections caused by A. baumannii is necessary. Several studies have begun to characterize nonantibiotic approaches that utilize novel mechanisms of action to achieve antibacterial activity. Recent advances in phage therapy, iron chelation therapy, antimicrobial peptides, prophylactic vaccination, photodynamic therapy, and nitric oxide (NO)-based therapies h...
Source: Trends in Microbiology - January 11, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: García-Quintanilla M, Pulido MR, López-Rojas R, Pachón J, McConnell MJ Tags: Trends Microbiol Source Type: research

In vivo efficacy of telavancin/colistin combination therapy in a Galleria mellonella model of Acinetobacter baumannii infection
Abstract: Treatment of Acinetobacter baumannii infections is challenging owing to widespread multidrug resistance and the lack of novel agents. There is now considerable interest in the potential of unorthodox combination therapies such as colistin and glycopeptides (e.g. vancomycin and teicoplanin), since potent synergy can be demonstrated in vitro. A simple invertebrate model (Galleria mellonella) has been developed to assess the in vivo activity of antimicrobial therapies and was used to investigate the efficacy of colistin combined with the lipoglycopeptide telavancin in the treatment of A. baumannii infection. Galleri...
Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents - January 10, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Michael Hornsey, Lynette Phee, Christopher Longshaw, David W. Wareham Tags: Short communications Source Type: research

Comparison of the Bacterial Etiology of Early-Onset Ventilator Associated Pneumonia and Late-Onset Ventilator Associated Pneumonia in Subjects Enrolled in 2 Large Clinical Studies.
Conclusion:There were no significant differences in the prevalence of potential MDR pathogens associated with early or late-onset VAP, even in subjects with prior antibiotics.Clinical Implications:VAP is classified as early-onset or late-onset, in part, to identify subjects at risk for infection with resistant pathogens. Empiric therapy for early-onset VAP should also include agents likely to be effective for potential MDR pathogens. Further prospective studies should evaluate microbiology trends in subjects with VAP. PMID: 23307825 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Respiratory Care)
Source: Respiratory Care - January 9, 2013 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Restrepo MI, Peterson J, Fernandez JF, Qin Z, Fisher AC, Nicholson SC Tags: Respir Care Source Type: research

Acinetobacter baumannii extensively drug resistant lineages in Buenos Aires hospitals differ from the international clones I-III.
In conclusion, the international clone II (CC92(B)/CC2(P)) was not found among our isolates. CC113(B)/CC79(P)(,) CC103(B)/CC15(P), and ST25(P), suggested also as major components in the A. baumannii population together with the international clone I, were present in Buenos Aires and Rosario with different prevalence rate. Their recent isolates showed high distribution of the bla(OXA-23-like) as well as the XDR pattern. PMID: 23313831 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Infection, Genetics and Evolution)
Source: Infection, Genetics and Evolution - January 8, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Stietz MS, Ramírez MS, Vilacoba E, Merkier AK, Limansky AS, Centrón D, Catalano M Tags: Infect Genet Evol Source Type: research

Acinetobacter calcoaceticus–Acinetobacter baumannii Complex Is Not Equal to A. baumannii
Shih-Yang Su, MD; Chien-Ming Chao, MD Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Volume 34, Issue 2, Page 215-216, February 2013. (Source: Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue)
Source: Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue - January 7, 2013 Category: Epidemiology Tags: article Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

Protracted Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii after Intercontinental Transfer of Colonized Patients
Caroline Landelle, PharmD, PhD; Patrick Legrand, MD; Philippe Lesprit, MD; Florence Cizeau; David Ducellier; Cyril Gouot; Paula Bréhaut; Sophan Soing-Altrach; Emmanuelle Girou, PharmD, PhD; Christian Brun-Buisson, MD Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Volume 34, Issue 2, Page 119-124, February 2013. (Source: Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue)
Source: Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol Latest Issue - January 7, 2013 Category: Epidemiology Tags: article Original Articles Source Type: research

Verification of monoplex and multiplex linear‐after‐the‐exponential PCR gene‐specific sepsis assays using clinical isolates
ConclusionsSixteen pathogens can be identified by monoplex LATE‐PCR assays with sensitivities ≥97·8%. The multiplex assay demonstrated 91·4% sensitivity when tested with DNA extracted from 70 different target strains. Significance and Impact of the StudyThis study demonstrates the potential of LATE‐PCR to serve as an adjunct to culture if the reagents are optimized for sensitivity. Results warrant further testing through analytical and clinical validation of the multiplex assay. (Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology)
Source: Journal of Applied Microbiology - January 7, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: N.L. Gentile, A.M. Dillier, G.V. Williams, J. Ackers, A.H. Reis, L.M. Rice, L.J. Wangh, J.W. Czajka, G.J. Kost Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Loss of the OprD Homologue Protein in Acinetobacter baumannii: Impact on Carbapenem Susceptibility.
PMID: 23275492 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy)
Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy - January 1, 2013 Category: Microbiology Authors: Smani Y, Pachón J Tags: Antimicrob Agents Chemother Source Type: research

Antimicrobial drug-resistant microbes associated with hospitalized community-acquired and healthcare-associated pneumonia: A multi-center study in Taiwan.
CONCLUSION: PADR microbes were common in patients with HCAP and CAP in Taiwan. Broad-spectrum antibiotics targeting PADR microbes should be administered to patients who have undergone previous hospitalization and who exhibit neurological disorders and/or malignancies. PMID: 23332427 [PubMed - in process] (Source: J Formos Med Assoc)
Source: J Formos Med Assoc - January 1, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Wu CL, Ku SC, Yang KY, Fang WF, Tu CY, Chen CW, Hsu KH, Fan WC, Lin MC, Chen W, Ou CY, Yu CJ Tags: J Formos Med Assoc Source Type: research

Liver Transplantation in Patients Infected With Gram-Negative Bacteria: Non–Acinetobacter baumannii and Acinetobacter baumannii
Conclusions: Preoperative MELD scores were more likely to be higher among the non–A baumannii compared with the A baumannii–infected group. However, the 1-year survival of the A baumannii–infected subjects was lower than that of the non–A baumannii infected group. (Source: Transplantation Proceedings)
Source: Transplantation Proceedings - January 1, 2013 Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: C.-E. Hsieh, Y.-L. Chen, P.-Y. Lin, K.-H. Lin, H.-C. Lin, C.-E. Liu, S.-H. Wang, Y.-L. Li Tags: Liver Transplantation Source Type: research

Cloning and characterization of an antibacterial l-amino acid oxidase from Crotalus durissus cumanensis venom.
Abstract An l-amino acid oxidase (LAAO) from Crotalus durissus cumanensis venom (CdcLAAO) was purified to homogeneity using a combination of size-exclusion and ion exchange chromatographies. CdcLAAO is a monomeric protein exhibiting an apparent molecular mass of 55 kDa and a calculated pI of 8. Its complete 498-amino-acid sequence was deduced through cDNA and protein sequencing. The enzyme oxidized l-Leu with K(m) and a V(Max) of 9.23 μM and 0.46 μM/min respectively, and exhibited Kcat and a Kcat/K(m) of 1.8 s(-1) and 195 mM(-1)s(-1). CdcLAAO inhibited in a dose-dependent manner the growth of Staphylococcus ...
Source: Toxicon - December 31, 2012 Category: Toxicology Authors: Vargas LJ, Quintana JC, Pereañez JA, Núñez V, Sanz L, Calvete J Tags: Toxicon Source Type: research

Antimicrobial peptides containing unnatural amino acid exhibit potent bactericidal activity against ESKAPE pathogens.
Abstract A series of 36 synthetic antimicrobial peptides containing unnatural amino acids were screened to determine their effectiveness to treat Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pnemoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species (ESKAPE) pathogens, which are known to commonly infect chronic wounds. The primary amino acid sequences of these peptides incorporate either three or six dipeptide units consisting of the unnatural amino acids Tetrahydroisoquinolinecarboxylic acid (Tic) and Octahydroindolecarboxylic acid (Oic). The Tic-Oic dipeptide units are separat...
Source: Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry - December 27, 2012 Category: Chemistry Authors: Hicks RP, Abercrombie JJ, Wong RK, Leung KP Tags: Bioorg Med Chem Source Type: research

Additional risk factors for infection by multidrug-resistant pathogens in healthcare-associated infection: a large cohort study
Background: There is a lack of consensus regarding the definition of risk factors for healthcare-associated infection (HCAI). The purpose of this study was to identify additional risk factors for HCAI, which are not included in the current definition of HCAI, associated with infection by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, in all hospitalized infected patients from the community. Methods: This 1-year prospective cohort study included all patients with infection admitted to a large, tertiary care, university hospital. Risk factors not included in the HCAI definition, and independently associated with MDR pathogen infection...
Source: BMC Infectious Diseases - December 26, 2012 Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Teresa CardosoOrquídea RibeiroIrene AragãoAltamiro Costa-PereiraAntónio Sarmento Source Type: research