Choice Of Antimicrobial Treatment Research Articles

Culture-negative periprosthetic joint infections: Do we have an issue?

Culture-negative periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) poses a significant challenge in clinical settings. The lack of information on causative organism(s) leads to uncertainties regarding the choice of antimicrobial treatment, which can potentially adversely influence the outcome. Recent advances in molecular-based diagnostic methods have the potential to address the difficulties associated with culture-negative PJIs. These technologies offer a solution to the existing clinical dilemma by providing identification of pathogens and guiding appropriate antimicrobial treatment.In this narrative review, we provide information regarding: 1) incidence and risk factors for culture-negative PJI; 2) the optimal antimicrobial therapy and duration of treatment for culture-negative PJI; 3) outcome comparison between culture-positive and culture-negative PJI; and 4) utilization of novel molecular diagnostic methods in culture-negative PJI, including pathogen identification, and the implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program.

Microbiological diagnosis of pleural infections: a comparative evaluation of a novel syndromic real-time PCR panel.

Current microbial diagnostics for pleural infections are insufficient. Studies using 16S targeted next-generation sequencing report that only 10%-16% of bacteria present are cultured and that 50%-78% of pleural fluids containing relevant microbial DNA remain culture negative. As a rapid diagnostic alternative suitable for clinical laboratories, we wanted to explore a PCR-based approach. Based on the identification of key pathogens, we developed a syndromic PCR panel for community-acquired pleural infections (CAPIs). This was a pragmatic PCR panel, meaning that it was not designed for detecting all possibly involved bacterial species but for confirming the diagnosis of CAPI, and for detecting bacteria that might influence choice of antimicrobial treatment. We evaluated the PCR panel on 109 confirmed CAPIs previously characterized using culture and 16S targeted next-generation sequencing. The PCR secured the diagnosis of CAPI in 107/109 (98.2%) and detected all present pathogens in 69/109 (63.3%). Culture secured the diagnosis in 54/109 (49.5%) and detected all pathogens in 31/109 (28.4%). Corresponding results for 16S targeted next-generation sequencing were 109/109 (100%) and 98/109 (89.9%). For bacterial species included in the PCR panel, PCR had a sensitivity of 99.5% (184/185), culture of 21.6% (40/185), and 16S targeted next-generation sequencing of 92.4% (171/185). None of the bacterial species present not covered by the PCR panel were judged to impact antimicrobial therapy. A syndromic PCR panel represents a rapid and sensitive alternative to current diagnostic approaches for the microbiological diagnosis of CAPI.IMPORTANCEPleural empyema is a severe infection with high mortality and increasing incidence. Long hospital admissions and long courses of antimicrobial treatment drive healthcare and ecological costs. Current methods for microbiological diagnostics of pleural infections are inadequate. Recent studies using 16S targeted next-generation sequencing as a reference standard find culture to recover only 10%-16% of bacteria present and that 50%-78% of samples containing relevant bacterial DNA remain culture negative. To confirm the diagnosis of pleural infection and define optimal antimicrobial therapy while limiting unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, there is a need for rapid and sensitive diagnostic approaches. PCR is a rapid method well suited for clinical laboratories. In this paper we show that a novel syndromic PCR panel can secure the diagnosis of pleural infection and detect all bacteria relevant for choice of antimicrobial treatment with a high sensitivity.

Recent Developments in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Treatment: A Review.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a Gram-positive bacterium that may cause life-threatening diseases and some minor infections in living organisms. However, it shows notorious effects when it becomes resistant to antibiotics. Strain variants of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that have become resistant to existing multiple antimicrobials are termed as superbugs. Methicillin is a semisynthetic antibiotic drug that was used to inhibit staphylococci pathogens. The S. aureus resistant to methicillin is known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which became a superbug due to its defiant activity against the antibiotics and medications most commonly used to treat major and minor infections. Successful MRSA infection management involves rapid identification of the infected site, culture and susceptibility tests, evidence-based treatment, and appropriate preventive protocols. This review describes the clinical management of MRSA pathogenesis, recent developments in rapid diagnosis, and antimicrobial treatment choices for MRSA.

Fluoroquinolones and Other Antibiotics Redeemed for Cystitis-A Swedish Nationwide Cohort Follow-Up Study (2006-2018).

Background: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for outpatient management of cystitis. Previous evidence suggests that certain factors likely beyond the infection seem to influence the choice of antimicrobial treatment. However, studies on the specific antibiotic treatments for cystitis are lacking. This study aimed to explore the antibiotic treatments for cystitis using nationwide primary healthcare data and investigate if factors beyond the infection could be associated with fluoroquinolone treatment. Methods: This nationwide follow-up cohort study consisted of 352,507 women with cystitis. The primary aim was to investigate what specific classes of antibiotics were redeemed by patients within five days from the cystitis diagnosis. Each patient could only be included once. Logistic regression models were also used to examine the relationship between fluoroquinolone (FQ) treatment, parity, and sociodemographic factors. Results: In total, 192,065 antibiotic prescriptions were redeemed. Pivmecillinam (58.4%) followed by nitrofurantoin (22.2%), trimethoprim (12.0%), fluoroquinolone (5.6%), and cephalosporins (1.5%) were the most redeemed antibiotics. Sociodemographic factors were weakly associated with fluoroquinolone treatment; young age was inversely associated with fluoroquinolone treatment. Parity and cervical cancer history were not associated with fluoroquinolone treatment. The proportion of fluoroquinolone and trimethoprim treatments decreased over time, while pivmecillinam and nitrofurantoin increased. Conclusions: The treatment trends of antibiotics redeemed within five days from a cystitis diagnosis were similar to the national surveillance program of these antibiotics (not diagnosis linked). Fluoroquinolones were weakly associated with sociodemographic factors, which likely is only of historical relevance.

Treatment practices after calving-related events on 45 dairy farms in California

Retained fetal membranes (RFM), dystocia, and twinning are common postpartum events that increase the risk of metritis, impair reproductive performance, and contribute to antimicrobial use on dairies. The overall objective of this study was to describe treatment decisions after RFM, severe dystocia (cesarean section and fetotomy), nonsevere dystocia (nonmechanical and mechanical assistance to extract the calf), and twinning. A total of 44 dairies from California's San Joaquin Valley (39 Holstein and 6 Jersey or crossbreed herds) with 450 to 9,500 lactating cows were enrolled in this study. Researchers visited each dairy once to observe cow-side fresh cow health evaluations and to interview health evaluators and maternity workers, using a standardized survey tool. The survey included questions about antimicrobial (class, dose, and duration) and nonantimicrobial therapies for calving-related events. Antimicrobial therapy was used in all 44 dairies to treat RFM at 24 (n = 23), 48 (n = 10), or 72 h (n = 5) after calving, or when puerperal metritis signs were observed (n = 6). Antimicrobial therapy was used after all severe dystocia cases, and after nonsevere dystocia (n = 27) and twinning (n = 15). Ceftiofur products were the most common antimicrobial class; they were used to treat RFM cases (n = 29), nonsevere dystocia (n = 13), and twinning (n = 10). Supportive therapy for calving-related events included nonantimicrobial intrauterine treatments, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, oxytocin, i.v. calcium, or oral drenches. Our study highlights opportunities to reduce extra-label use of antimicrobials in postpartum cows affected with RFM, and the need for education and outreach efforts on judicious use of antimicrobials. Furthermore, antimicrobial treatment choices differed largely across dairies, indicating a need to reach consensus and promote standardized practices within the industry.

Characterization and genome analysis of novel Klebsiella phage BUCT556A with lytic activity against carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) have spread globally and led to the limited choice of antimicrobial treatment of K. pneumoniae-induced infections. Bacteriophages are considered as an effective strategy against bacterial infections. In this study, we isolated a novel Klebsiella phage BUCT556A with lytic activity against KPC-producing K. pneumoniae, which was a multi-drug resistant isolate. Phage BUCT556A had a symmetrical head and a long, non-contractile tail, belonging to the family Siphoviridae, order Caudoviridae. Phage BUCT556A had a relatively narrow host range, and a medium burst size of 91 PFU/cell. It was stable at broad temperature/pH range, and exhibited good tolerance to chloroform. The genome of phage BUCT556A was a 49, 376-bp linear double-stranded DNA molecule with average G + C content of 50.2%, and contained 75 open reading frames. There was no tRNA, antibiotic resistance, toxin, virulence related genes or lysogen-formation gene clusters detected in the genome of phage BUCT556A. Phylogenetic analyses based on the major capsid protein Mcp suggested that this phage had a close relationship with Klebsiella phage KLPN1. Together, through phenotypic combined with genomic DNA sequencing and analyses, our study suggests that phage BUCT556A has the potential to be used as a bacterial treatment tool for multidrug-resistant strains K. pneumoniae.

An Overview of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases and Metallo Beta Lactamases

Antibiotic resistant β-lactamases are diverse and complex enzymes produced by most of the Gram-negative bacteria that are mediated by number of plasmids. The impact of these enzymes has posed a major threat to the health sectors and has challenged the available treatment options for both community and hospital acquired infections. These include the uncomplicated most severe life-threatening infections. Moreover, with resistance to the cephalosporin drugs these MDR strains exhibit co-resistance patterns with different class of antibiotics which is a cause of concern that leads to narrow the limited treatment options. It is alarming situation since there is a steep rise in MDR—Beta lactamase pathogens mainly in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Currently, the clinical detection of Extended Spectrum of β-Lactamases (ESβL) and MβL producing pathogens are carried out by antibiotic sensitivity test on the guidelines of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (formerly the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards) since, the other methods being too expensive. The choice of antimicrobial treatment for infections should rely on the clinical data and the tests (AST) in asymptomatic and mild cases. However, this does not imply for critical infections. The last resorts of treatment for ESβL pathogens are carbapenem and nevertheless, resistances have also been reported for the same. With increasing resistance rate to the antibiotics, it’s very essential to follow the guidelines for detection, implementation of antibiotic rotation to reduce these pathogens, followed by the efficient infection control practices and strategies to avoid such outbreaks.

Nested multiplex PCR for detection of bacterial and fungal blood stream infections in patients with hematological malignancies.

Bloodstream Infections (BSIs) are a main cause of life-threatening complications among patients with cancer. This study aimed to identify microbial pathogens causing BSI in febrile neutropenic patients with hematologic malignancy and compare the results of conventional blood culture with a nested multiplex real time PCR assay done directly on whole blood samples. The nested multiplex PCR was based on 16S rDNA and 18S rDNA sequence-specific primers; hence, it allowed the identification of most species of bacteria and fungi. Forty adult patients with febrile neutropenia, admitted at Hematology ward of Ain Shams University Hospitals, were included in this study. Each patient was subjected to conventional blood culture and nested multiplex PCR. Blood culture was positive in 19 patients (47.5%). About 68.4% of the positive cultures were monomicrobial, while 31.6% were polymicrobial. A total number of 26 isolates were grown from positive cultures; Staphylococcus aureus was the most common (30.8%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (19.2%). Regarding nested PCR, positive results were detected in 37/40 patients (92.5%) which was statistically significantly higher than that of blood culture. Eighteen samples that tested negative by culture were positive using the molecular approach. The agreement between the two approaches was 55%. nested multiplex real time PCR can be a promising tool in order to achieve rapid diagnosis in cancer patients clinically suspected of BSIs. Its utilization could affect the choice of antimicrobial treatment whether bacterial or fungal and, therefore avoid unnecessary use of antimicrobials.

2016. TaqMan Multiplex PCR of a Seven-Gene Host Biomarker to Discriminate Bacterial from Viral Infections

BackgroundAcute infections are among the most frequent diagnoses in outpatient care settings. Early, accurate and rapid differentiation between viral and bacterial infections is critical to guide the choice of antimicrobial treatment, improve patient outcome, and to ensure antimicrobial stewardship. Current microbiological offerings rely on direct pathogen detection, which is limited by insufficient accuracy. Recently, host response-based molecular diagnostics have been considered as a novel alternative or complimentary approach. We have previously developed and validated a seven-gene signature set (higher in viral infections (IFI27, JUP, and LAX1) and higher in bacterial infection (HK3, TNIP1, GPAA1, and CTSB) that accurately discriminated between viral and bacterial infections (in six validation cohorts, summary ROC AUC of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.82–0.96). We here describe the development of a rapid multiplex HostDx™ Fever, a seven-gene host response biomarker PCR assay that discriminates bacterial from viral infections.MethodsTo translate the microarray-derived gene set into a rapid and easy to use assay to be run on an automated PCR instrument, TaqMan® assays were designed, multiplexed and optimized for each of the seven targets. Data were then compared with NanoString® and an ultrafast qPCR platform, respectively.ResultsSeven TaqMan assays were divided into two multiplex reactions, one 5-plex and one 4-plex. KPNA6 was included as housekeeping control in each of the two multiplexes. Ten clinical samples from healthy subjects (3) or patients with confirmed viral (4) or bacterial (3) infections were tested in parallel on three platforms: regular qPCR, an ultrafast qPCR and NanoString platform. We found a high degree of concordance with R > 0.95 between TaqMan and NanoString platforms, and R > 0.94 between TaqMan and the ultrafast qPCR platform. Ultrafast qPCR results were obtained in 12 minutes.ConclusionThe discovered seven-gene set was validated and allows for robust discrimination between bacterial and viral infections. Multiplexing permits are more cost-effective method of testing. As a rapid test, HostDx™ Fever could assist in improved decision making for outpatients with suspected acute infections.Disclosures W. Nie, Inflammatix Inc.: Employee, Salary. D. Rawling, Inflammatix Inc.: Employee, Salary. M. Eshoo, Inflammatix Inc.: Employee, Salary. P. Khatri, Inflammatix Inc.: Board Member, Equity. J. Romanowsky, Inflammatix Inc.: Employee, Salary. O. Liesenfeld, Inflammatix Inc.: Employee, Salary. T. Sweeney, Inflammatix Inc.: Employee, Salary.

Drug utilization study of two generic antibiotics in a tertiary hospital in Bogotá

Introduction: The Colombian national pharmaceutical policy establishes as a strategy the generation of greater pharmaco-epidemiological research at the national level, especially in the case of antibiotic drugs. Objective: To provide local pharmaco-epidemiological evidence regarding the effectiveness, conditions of use and safety of generic meropenem and cefepime in a tertiary hospital in Bogotá. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective drug utilization study. The data were collected from the medical histories of all the patients who had cefepime or meropenem prescribed. Results: We included 82 patients treated with cefepime and 91 treated with meropenem in the study. Most of the patients were in services different from the intensive care unit (taking cefepime: 59.8%, and meropenem: 52.7%). Only 21.9% of the patients treated with cefepime and 49% of those treated with meropenem were seen by an infectious disease specialist. The antibiogram was performed for 47% and 60% of the patients treated with cefepime and meropenem, respectively. The most frequent indication for cefepime were respiratory infections and for meropenem, genitourinary ones. Therapeutic success rates were 61.7% for cefepime and 63.0% for meropenem. Conclusions: This study contributes evidence regarding the therapeutic performance of two generic antibiotics used in tertiary hospitals. There were no reports of therapeutic failure during the study period. In the cases of non-response, pharmacokinetic alterations, unfavorable clinical conditions, and inappropriate choice of antimicrobial treatment were identified as frequent factors.

Study protocol for a multicentre, cluster randomised, superiority trial evaluating the impact of computerised decision support, audit and feedback on antibiotic use: the COMPuterized Antibiotic Stewardship Study (COMPASS)

IntroductionInappropriate use of antimicrobials in hospitals contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions aim to improve antimicrobial prescribing, but they are often resource and personnel intensive. Computerised decision supportsystems...

Rise in Haemophilus influenzae With Reduced Quinolone Susceptibility and Development of a Simple Screening Method.

β-Lactamase-nonproducing ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae are prevalent in Japan. Resistance has increased as a consequence of the expanded use of antimicrobial agents, raising concerns about the rise of multidrug (macrolide and fluoroquinolone)-resistant H. influenzae. In this study, we investigated susceptibility to fluoroquinolones in H. influenzae clinical isolates from 2013 to 2014 and identified the amino acid substitutions in quinolone resistance-determining regions of gyrA and parC. All isolates (n = 145) were susceptible to fluoroquinolones; however, some showed reduced susceptibility. The minimum inhibitory concentration of levofloxacin for these strains was 0.063-0.5 µg/mL, and the strains harbored the amino acid substitution S84L in GyrA. Such strains have seen a significant increase. Importantly, all mutants from 2014 were isolated from pediatric patients. In addition, we developed a simple polymerase chain reaction-based screening method for detecting isolates with reduced fluoroquinolone susceptibility. The mutation in GyrA is important as a first step in the development of fluoroquinolone resistance. Hence, detection of reduced susceptible strains may influence the choice of antimicrobial treatment.

Antimicrobial use Guidelines for Treatment of Respiratory Tract Disease in Dogs and Cats: Antimicrobial Guidelines Working Group of the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases.

Respiratory tract disease can be associated with primary or secondary bacterial infections in dogs and cats and is a common reason for use and potential misuse, improper use, and overuse of antimicrobials. There is a lack of comprehensive treatment guidelines such as those that are available for human medicine. Accordingly, the International Society for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases convened a Working Group of clinical microbiologists, pharmacologists, and internists to share experiences, examine scientific data, review clinical trials, and develop these guidelines to assist veterinarians in making antimicrobial treatment choices for use in the management of bacterial respiratory diseases in dogs and cats.

Population-Based Study of Incidence and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Extraintestinal Escherichia coli Infections in Children in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 2012.

Reported cases of antimicrobial-resistant extraintestinal Escherichia coli infections are increasing.1 These infections may result in poor outcomes and increased health care costs.2 The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in E coli has increased faster than the development of new antibiotics, leading to a paucity of therapeutic agents for highly antimicrobial-resistant strains. Although the increase in antimicrobial-resistant E coli has been well described in adults, the population level incidence of extraintestinal E coli infections in children, including those caused by antimicrobial-resistant strains, is not known. Therefore, we determined the incidence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of extraintestinal E coli infections in children in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Knowledge of the burden of E coli infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant strains, would support the need for preventive interventions and inform antimicrobial treatment choices.

Evaluation of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry in Identification of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

Background/Aims: Species-level identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is important in making decisions about the necessity and choice of antimicrobial treatment. The reason is predictable clinical significance and the susceptibility profile of specific NTM species. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is recognized as a diagnostic tool for routine identification of bacteria and yeasts in the clinical laboratory based on protein fingerprint analysis. The aim of the study was to evaluate MALDI-TOF MS in the identification of NTM. Methods: A total of 25 NTM isolates from liquid cultures were identified with both polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based hybridization assay and MALDI-TOF MS at the University Hospital Center Zagreb. Results: PCR-based hybridization assay identified 96% (24/25) and MALDI-TOF MS 80% (20/25) of tested NTM isolates. Five isolates with no reliable MALDI-TOF MS identification belonged to the Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex. Seventy percent (14/20) of NTM isolates successfully identified with MALDI-TOF MS had a score higher than 2.0, indicating reliable species identification. Conclusion: MALDI-TOF MS is a promising tool for the identification of NTM. With a further improvement of the protein extraction protocol, especially regarding the M. avium-intracellulare complex, MALDI-TOF MS could be an additional standard method for identification of NTM.

Population-Based Study of Incidence and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Extraintestinal Escherichia Coli Infections in Children in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 2012

Reported cases of antimicrobial-resistant extraintestinal Escherichia coli infections are increasing.1 These infections may result in poor outcomes and increased health care costs.2 The emergence of antimicrobial resistance in E coli has increased faster than the development of new antibiotics, leading to a paucity of therapeutic agents for highly antimicrobial-resistant strains. Although the increase in antimicrobial-resistant E coli has been well described in adults, the population level incidence of extraintestinal E coli infections in children, including those caused by antimicrobial-resistant strains, is not known. Therefore, we determined the incidence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of extraintestinal E coli infections in children in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Knowledge of the burden of E coli infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant strains, would support the need for preventive interventions and inform antimicrobial treatment choices.

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Isolated From Patients With Nosocomial Infections Admitted to Tehran Hospitals

Background: Nosocomial infections constitute a global health problem, leading to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The choice of antimicrobial treatment for nosocomial infections is often empirical and based on the knowledge of local antimicrobial activity patterns of the most common bacteria causing such infections. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the 3 most prevalent bacterial pathogens including Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus causing nosocomial infections and their antimicrobial resistant profiles in patients admitted to three hospitals in Tehran city, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus isolates were obtained from different samples of patients with nosocomial infections admitted to different wards of three hospitals including Milad, Motahary and Loghman from November 2014 to April 2015. Nosocomial infections were defined as a culture-proven infection, which occurred more than 48 hours after admission. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: In total, 539 samples were collected during the study period from patients with nosocomial infections. Overall, 198, 75 and 98 A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus isolates were obtained, respectively. Cefepim and meropenem were found to be the most effective antibiotics for nosocomial infections caused by S. aureus with only 1 resistant isolate. Resistance to gentamicin and amikacin and susceptibility to cefepim was the highest compared to other antibiotics amongst P. aeruginosa isolates which is in consistent with the fact that cephalosporins remain useful agents for the management of nosocomial infections caused by P. aeruginosa. Acinetobacter baumannii isolates showed lower susceptibility rates to imipenem and ciprofloxacin than other antibiotics with 189 and 187 resistant isolates, respectively; however 155 isolates were susceptible to co-trimoxazole and ceftazidime. The high resistant rate amongst A. baumannii to carbapenems is likely consequence of heavy empirical usage of this group of antibiotics. Conclusions: The high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in the hospitals highlights the need for further infection control programs. Future regional epidemiological data on antimicrobial resistance patterns will be required to implement strict national antibiotic policies to restrict the spread of these resistance bugs.

Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the gram-negative bacteria isolated from septicemia in Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran.

The choice of antimicrobial treatment for septicemia is often empirical and based on the knowledge of local anti-microbial activity patterns of the most common bacteria causing such bloodstream infections. The current study aimed to study the prevalence of bacterial pathogens causing septicemia and their antimicrobial resistant profiles in hospital admitted patients. This cross sectional study done at Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran. We examined 168 bacterial strains isolated from 186 clinically diagnosed septicemia cases refereed at Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran. Over a period of twelve months from July 2010 to 2011 July. 11446 blood samples from patients of clinically suggestive septicemia were evaluated. Bacterial strains were isolated from 910 (7.95%) of blood cultures. Gram-negative bacteria identified were Pseudomonas species (20.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.86%), Salmonella spp (1.09%), Acinetobacter naumannii (8.13%), Escherichia coli (4.06%), Klebsiella spp (5.16%). Gram-negative pathogens were more than gram positive in bloodstream infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, USA) guidelines against: amikacin ampicillin, amoxicillin, amoxiclav, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, cefoperazone tetracycline, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin. Resistanc to different antibiotics in the most important isolated bacteria were: 32.1%, 10.8%, 87.8%, 96%, 39.1%, 35.2, 49.4%, 69%, 80.02%, 22%, 59%, 30.1% respectively, for Pseudomonas spp, 32%, 3.7%, 84.2%, 83.2%, 80.1%, 75.4%, 44.8%, 45.2%, 33.3%, 19%, 34.1, 11.5% respectively for Acinetobacter species. Resistant to majority of the antimicrobial agents for several pathogens implicated in bloodstream infections, particularly in Gram-negative bacteria, can make complication in treatment of infection cause by them.

Nursing-home-acquired pneumonia in Germany: an 8-year prospective multicentre study

ObjectiveTo determine differences in aetiologies, initial antimicrobial treatment choices and outcomes in patients with nursing-home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP) compared with patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), which is a controversial issue.MethodsData from...

Prevalence of Proteus mirabilis in Skin Abscesses of the Axilla

Gram-positive organisms are the most common infectious etiologic agents in skin abscesses. Empiric antimicrobial treatment choices are influenced by this knowledge. In this report, we describe a high prevalence of Proteus mirabilis, a Gram-negative bacillus, in skin abscesses of the axilla, which has potential implications for selection of antimicrobial therapy.