Selection Of Empirical Antimicrobial Therapy Research Articles

Prevalence of Bacterial Species in Skin, Urine, Diarrheal Stool, and Respiratory Samples in Cats.

Bacterial infections are a significant cause of illness and death in different animals. However, these bacterial infections could be a source of human disease or illness if these pathogenic bacteria are present in companion animals. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria associated with different site infections in cats in the Republic of Korea. For this purpose, samples were collected from the skin/ear, urine, respiratory, and diarrheal stool origins of cats obtained between 2018 and 2019 from seven different laboratories and centers participating in the Korean Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System. These samples were subjected to analysis for the identification and isolation of associated bacterial species using a bacterial culture approach. A total of 609 isolates were identified in four different cat samples. Among them, 267, 184, 57, and 101 were extracted from diarrheal stool, skin, urine, and respiratory samples, respectively. The findings of this study showed that Escherichia coli was the most prevalent species among isolated bacterial species of diarrheal stool and urine origin. Staphylococcus felis and Pasteurella multocida were most prevalent in the skin and respiratory tract, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in bacterial distribution among the different age groups in all samples. This is the first nationwide surveillance report that associates bacterial prevalence with their site of origin and helps in the prevention of bacterial infections in cats. Moreover, the pattern of bacterial prevalence could provide sufficient guidance for the selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy against infections in cats.

Surgery-Associated Infections among Infants Born Extremely Preterm

To assess the burden of invasive infection following surgery (surgery-associated infections [SAI]) among infants born extremely premature. This was an observational, prospective study of infants born at gestational age 22-28weeks hospitalized for >3days, between April 1, 2011, to March 31, 2015, in academic centers of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. SAI was defined by culture-confirmed bacteremia, fungemia, or meningitis ≤14days following a surgical procedure. Of 6573 infants, 1154 (18%) who underwent surgery were of lower gestational age (mean [SD]: 25.5 [1.6] vs 26.2 [1.6], P<.001), lower birth weight (803 [220] vs 886 [244], P<.001), and more likely to have a major birth defect (10% vs 3%, P<.001); 64% had 1 surgery (range 1-10 per infant). Most underwent gastrointestinal procedures (873, 76%) followed by central nervous system procedures (150, 13%). Eighty-five (7%) infants had 90 SAIs (78 bacteremia, 5 fungemia, 1 bacteremia and meningitis, 6 meningitis alone). Coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated in 36 (40%) SAI and were isolated with another organism in 5 episodes. Risk of SAI or death ≤14days after surgery was greater after gastrointestinal compared with central nervous system procedures (16% vs 7%, adjusted relative risk [95% CI]: 1.95 [1.15-3.29], P=.01). Death ≤14days after surgery occurred in 141 of the 1154 infants; 128 deaths occurred after gastrointestinal surgeries. Surgical procedures were associated with bacteremia, fungemia, or meningitis in 7% of infants. The epidemiology of invasive postoperative infections as described in this report may inform the selection of empiric antimicrobial therapy and postoperative preventive care.

Antibiogram of urinary tract pathogens in a tertiary hospital in south-south Nigeria

Background: Antibiograms represent the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates in a given healthcare setting and guides the selection of empiric antimicrobial therapy. Repeated antibiograms over time can be used to ascertain resistance trends of microbes. There is paucity of data on the antibiogram of urinary isolates in Nigeria.Objective: This study aimed to determine the antibiogram of urinary isolates in a tertiary hospital.Materials and Methods: A review of records of mid-stream urine samples received in the Medical Microbiology Laboratory and analysed for pathogen identification and subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility testing over a 4 month period, was carried out. Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index for each isolate was calculated and data was summarized on SPSS 20 using descriptive statistics.Results: Out of the 959 urine samples submitted to the laboratory during the study period, 283 (29.5%) had positive cultures. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were the most frequently isolated organisms. The total mean MAR index was 0.61 ± 0.30. Providencia spp had the highest mean MAR index of 0.82 ± 0.26, followed by Klebsiella spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with mean MAR index of 0.68 ± 0.28 and 0.64 ± 0.32 respectively.Conclusion: There is a high level of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics among UTI pathogens in the hospital. Antimicrobial stewardship strategies are needed to address this negative trend.

Clinical prediction tool for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing enterobacterales as the etiology of a bloodstream infection in solid organ transplant recipients.

Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections are increasingly common among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, leading to challenges in the selection of empiric antimicrobial therapy. We sought to develop a clinical tool to predict which SOT recipients are at high risk for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales (EB) bloodstream infection (BSI). A multicenter case-control study was performed. The source population included SOT recipients with an EB BSI between 2005 and 2018. Cases were those with ESBL-EB BSI; controls were those with non-ESBL EB BSI. The population was subdivided into derivation and validation cohorts based on study site. The predictive tool was developed in the derivation cohort through iterative multivariable logistic regression analyses that maximized the area under the receiver-operating curve (AUC). External validity was assessed using the validation cohort. A total of 897 SOT recipients with an EB BSI were included, of which 539 were assigned to the derivation cohort (135, 25% ESBL-EB) and 358 to the validation cohort (221, 62% ESBL-EB). Using multivariable analyses, the most parsimonious model that was predictive of ESBL-EB BSI consisted of 10 variables, which fell into four clinical categories: prior colonization or infection with EB organisms, recent antimicrobial exposures, severity of preceding illness, and immunosuppressive regimen. This model achieved an AUC of 0.81 in the derivation cohort and 0.68 in the validation cohort. Though further refinements are needed in additional populations, this tool shows promise for guiding empiric therapy for SOT recipients with EB BSI.

Root Cause Analysis to Identify Medication and Non-Medication Strategies to Prevent Infection-Related Hospitalizations from Australian Residential Aged Care Services.

Infections are leading causes of hospitalizations from residential aged care services (RACS), which provide supported accommodation for people with care needs that can no longer be met at home. Preventing infections and early and effective management are important to avoid unnecessary hospital transfers, particularly in the Australian setting where new quality standards require RACS to minimize infection-related risks. The objective of this study was to examine root causes of infection-related hospitalizations from RACS and identify strategies to limit infections and avoid unnecessary hospitalizations. An aggregate root cause analysis (RCA) was undertaken using a structured local framework. A clinical nurse auditor and clinical pharmacist undertook a comprehensive review of 49 consecutive infection-related hospitalizations from 6 RACS. Data were collected from nursing progress notes, medical records, medication charts, hospital summaries, and incident reports using a purpose-built collection tool. The research team then utilized a structured classification system to guide the identification of root causes of hospital transfers. A multidisciplinary clinical panel assessed the root causes and formulated strategies to limit infections and hospitalizations. Overall, 59.2% of hospitalizations were for respiratory, 28.6% for urinary, and 10.2% for skin infections. Potential root causes of infections included medications that may increase infection risk and resident vaccination status. Potential contributors to hospital transfers included possible suboptimal selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy, inability of RACS staff to establish on-site intravenous access for antimicrobial administration, and the need to access subsidized medical services not provided in the RACS (e.g., radiology and pathology). Strategies identified by the panel included medication review, targeted bundles of care, additional antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, earlier identification of infection, and models of care that facilitate timely access to medical services. The RCA and clinical panel findings provide a roadmap to assist targeting services to prevent infection and limit unnecessary hospital transfers from RACS.

Antimicrobial stewardship approach: Prevalence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria at a regional hospital in South Africa.

Antimicrobial stewardship practices are crucial for the regular surveillance to change the antimicrobial policy. This study was conducted to decide the prevalence of common bacteria and their antibiogram regarding antimicrobial stewardship program within one year, at the regional and district, Stanger hospital in South Africa. It was based the study on clinical data and laboratory records of the patients. It reviewed the clinical and laboratory data. The prevalence/proportion rate was calculated and correlated with the majority of microorganism vs empirical therapy. The prevalence of MRSA, MRSE, VRSA, ESBL+ K. pneumoniae; E. coli cultured from the blood was 25%, 49%, 2%, 62% and 27% respectively. Similarly, we analysed for other targeted MDROs organisms (Acinetobacter species and P. aeruginosa, CRE, CPE) isolated from blood culture and endotracheal aspirate. The prevalence of MDR Acinetobacter species exceeded 61%, 33% from the blood and ETA respectively. The prevalence of MDR P. aeruginosa was 10% from ETA. The MRSA, MRSE, VRSA, VRE were observed in blood specimen. The majority of the microorganisms cultured from the CSF was Cryptococcus neoformans and followed by bacteria: Streptococcus pneumonia, Streptococcus group B and Haemorphilus influenza. The selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy relates not only the institutions or unit-specific antibiogram but also the site of infection. We can further suggest continuing to do surveillance of antibiogram and prevalence of MDR organisms for infection control as well as for empirical therapy, part of the antimicrobial stewardship program based on yearly records to change the local hospital antibiotic policy.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia - new guidelines

The role of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens in nosocomial infections is increasing. However national data in Germany do not show significant changes in the spectrum of pathogens in hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). The assessment of individual risk factors for MDR pathogens remains central for the selection of empiric antimicrobial therapy. Thoracic ultrasound may be added as part of the diagnostic work-up and for the detection of complications. Procalcitonin and lactate testing are recommended for the diagnosis of sepsis/septic shock in addition to sepsis scores. Detection of influenza virus by PCR from respiratory samples is recommended during influenza season. Empiric combination therapy is only recommended for patients with severe HAP (invasive ventilation, septic shock) and high risk of infection with MDR pathogens, since combination therapy has only been shown to be superior in this situation. Deescalation according to clinical and microbiological criteria is highly recommended. In patients with septic organ dysfunction/septic shock antibiotic dosing of adequately choosen betalactams according to Pk/Pd criteria is endorsed. adjunctive aerosolised therapy should only be performed in experienced centres. This remains an option for patients with detection of MDR pathogens, who are not deemed successfully treatable with systemic therapy alone.

Pattern of antimicrobial usage in neonatal septicemia at neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata

Introduction: Antimicrobials are the mainstay treatment in neonatal septicemia (NS). National treatment guidelines for antimicrobial use in infectious diseases issued by the Government of India has paved the way for rationalizing antibiotic use, but it needs tailoring according to the prevalent local microbiota and individual patient's needs. A periodic surveillance of the microbial etiology and antibiotic use patterns in NS may be useful in rational selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy. Aims and Objectives: We observed the utilization pattern of antimicrobials and quantified the same in neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with septicemia along with the prospective follow-up of the clinical response to individual regimen. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted from January 2017 to June 2017 on 102 consecutive cases of NS admitted to NICU. Data regarding demographic parameters, antimicrobials used, and outcome were collected through a predesigned case record form. Antimicrobial usage was quantified as days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient days. Results: Common antimicrobials used in descending order of DOT were amikacin, colistin, and meropenem. Ampicillin, cefotaxime, and gentamicin were rarely found suitable for use based on the reported antibiograms. Piperacillin-tazobactam + amikacin regimen was the most commonly used empirical regimen. The case fatality rate was 4% in our study sample. Conclusion: Ampicillin, cefotaxime, and gentamicin had limited effectiveness in the majority of cases. Although there is a need of alignment with national treatment guidelines in NS, yet, the concurrent scope of periodic survey and research must be available for changeover to evidence-based local individualization of empirical antimicrobial therapy wherever required.

Antibiotics in General Surgical Practice

Introduction: Worldwide antibiotic prescription in surgical practices are inappropriate quite often, reasons being inappropriate indication, inappropriate antibiotic prophylaxis, continuation of empiric therapy despite negative cultures in a stable patient, and a lack of awareness of susceptibility patterns of common pathogens. Extended-spectrum b-lactamase, Carbapenemase resistant and multidrug-resistant strains of organisms causing intrabdominal infections, have developed. The occurrence of MRSA surgical site infection (SSI) has a significant impact on clinical and economic outcomes, notably an increase in postoperative mortality.&#x0D; Opportunities: There is an array of web of factors which affect the occurrence of SSI and antibiotics should not be answer or replacement to any of those factors. Narrow spectrum antibiotic active against the most probable pathogen to be encountered during operation, for a short period of time in adequate doses should be utilized. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents don’t result in lower rates of postoperative SSI compared to narrower spectrum. Elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, parotidectomy, chest tube insertion and other clean procedures don’t warrant use of prophylaxis. For most patients who have had their wounds opened and adequately drained, antibiotic therapy is unnecessary. Antibiotics should be discontinued at time of incision closure (exceptions include implant-based breast reconstruction, joint arthroplasty, and cardiac procedures and liver transplantation. Hospital-specific antibiograms are important to guide the usage of diverse antibiotic agents to decrease resistance among pathogens. In intrabdominal infections source control is still integral and most important to the treatment of most patients. Routine use of antimicrobial therapy is not appropriate for all patients with intra-abdominal infections e.g. Patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis. In uncomplicated IAIs, when the focus of infection is treated effectively, the administration of antibiotics is unnecessary beyond prophylaxis e.g. Acute unperforated appendicitis removed surgically. In case of intraabdominal infections selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy depends on various factors which include probable contaminating pathogen/s, individual risk assessment and possibility of resistant pathogens. Higher risk patients are those, with severe sepsis/septic shock, elevated APACHE II score (&gt;10), multiple medical comorbidities, problematic or delayed source control. The possibility of resistant pathogens is low in community acquired infections (CAI) in contrast to healthcare or hospital-associated infection (HAI). In Lower risk patients with community-acquired IAI, narrower-spectrum therapy ( coli, Bacteroides) is recommended and there is no need for anti-enterococcal or antifungal therapy. In Higher risk patients with community-acquired IAI, broader-spectrum therapy is recommended with selective use of anti-enterococcal and antifungal therapy. In Patients with healthcare/hospital-associated IAI, broader-spectrum therapy is recommended with additional agents for resistant pathogens. Do not use clindamycin as an anti-anaerobic agent in combination regimens for the empiric treatment in adults and children unless metronidazole cannot be used. Duration of antimicrobial therapy can be significantly shortened to 4-7 days under most of the circumstances. Routine addition of an aminoglycoside to other agents having broad spectrum gram negative coverage provides no additional benefit in intrabdominal infections.&#x0D; Conclusion: Antibiotics are a treasure but not unlimited. Appropriate use is the need of the hour to save our present and future generations from the menace of antimicrobial resistance. JMS 2018;21(1):54-60&#x0D;

Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in sub-Saharan Africa is a common cause of adult hospitalization and is associated with significant mortality. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence in the region leads to differences in CAP epidemiology compared with most high-income settings: patients are younger, and coinfection with tuberculosis and opportunistic infections is common and difficult to diagnose. Resource limitations affect the availability of medical expertise as well as radiological and laboratory diagnostic services. These factors impact on key aspects of health care, including pathways of investigation, severity assessment, and the selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy. This review summarizes recent data from sub-Saharan Africa describing the burden, etiology, risk factors, and outcome of CAP. We describe the rational and context-appropriate approach to CAP diagnosis and management, including supportive therapy. Priorities for future research to inform strategies for CAP prevention and initial management are suggested.

EVALUATION OF THE MICROBIAL PROFILE AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF BACTERIA CAUSING URINARY TRACT INFECTION IN THE CHILDREN OF KYIV REGION

The rapid growth of the acquired resistance of bacteria to antibacterial agents requires a revision of the selection ofempirical antimicrobial therapy in children with urinary tract infection (UTI).&#x0D; The aim of this work was to investigate the etiological structure of uropathogen flora and its sensitivity to nitrofurantoin and antibacterial drugs ofother classes in children with UTI in Kyiv and region.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Were examined in 95 children aged 3 to 17years in the aediatric Nephrology Department of, Institute of Nephrology NAMS of Ukraine” on the basis of clinical hospital №7 Kyiv city in 2015-2016. The disease duration ofthepatients rangedfrom 3 months to 4years.&#x0D; Results.The microbial spectrum of the urine depended on theform of pyelonephritis, but all patients were dominated by enterobacteria E. coli and Kl. pneumoniae. The greatest number of patients was resistant to ampicillin, co-trimoxazol and cefuroxime – 10.5% of patients with acute and 17.2% with chronic pyelonephritis. The highest sensitivity was preserved in all patients before medications meronem and gentamicin – 100% and 94.7%, respectively. Most children in Kyiv and Kyiv region showed a high sensitivity to nitrofurantoin:furamag – 78.9-75.8%,furagin - 63.8-65.5%. Comparative analysis of therapeutic efficiency of drugsfuramag and co-trimoxazol, demonstrated greater therapeutic efficacy of nitro- furans in the absence of recurrences, compared with co-trimoxazol (Oto 1.68withp=0.021).&#x0D; Conclusions. Among the causative agents of UTI in children of the city of Kyiv and Kyiv region was dominated by gram-negativeflora - E. coli and Kl. pneumoniae. High sensitivity to nitrofurantoin drugs, especiallyfuramag, cephalosporins, and gentamicin and meronem was documented. High rates of resistance to penicillin and co-trimoxazol was revealed. The use of the drugfuramag contributed to a more rapid, complete andpersistent normalization ofclinical and laboratory parameters in children with UTI.

The changing microbiological and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of cerebrospinal fluid organism isolates in a teaching hospital, Tangerang, Indonesia

Central nervous system (CNS) infections have become serious problems that contribute to morbidity and mortality in developing countries. In the recent years, antimicrobial resistance has arisen parallel with the changing trend of infectious pathogens, which resulted in the unavailability of an ideal antimicrobial agent. This study was designed to evaluate the central nervous system pathogens and their susceptibility profile using routine microbiological data. The data of CSF culture and susceptibility testing were collected from January 2010 to August 2015. The majority of eligible sample 68/99 (68.7%) had history of neurosurgical procedures. The most common pathogens isolated were coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) 39/99 (39.4%) followed by Acinetobacter baumanii 10/99 (10.1%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 7/99 (7.1%), Sphingomonas paucimobilis 5/99 (5.0%), and Aeromonas salmonocida 4/99 (4.0%). Almost of all Gram positive cocci were susceptible to tigecycline, linezolide, vancomycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Most Gram negative bacilli (GNB) in this study were multi-drug resistant with high susceptibility level to amikacin, tigecycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The overall susceptibility testing to cephalosporins was low, ranging 34.2% to 58.5%. The susceptibility to several antifungal remained high for Candida spp. and Cryptococcus neoformans. The present study notifies the changing pathogens trend of CNS infections along with their antimicrobial susceptibility level in our hospital. There is a need of local antimicrobial recommendation and surveillance system to control the usage of antimicrobial and selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy.

Brazilian scientific evidence on Fournier’s gangrene

The objective of this study was to describe the Brazilian scientific reports published over the past twenty years on Fournier’s gangrene. It is an integrative review conducted through incursions in the LILACS, MEDLINE, BDENF and Coleciona SUS databases with the descriptor ‘Fournier’s Gangrene’. Texts published between January 1994 and July 2014, in Portuguese, and freely available online were selected. According to the 14 articles found, the main symptoms of Fournier’s gangrene include discomfort with painful sensations, high fever, edema, malaise, and sweating. In most cases erythema and blistering are observed, evolving into a wound. The clinical profile assists in the selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy even before the culture results. It was concluded that early diagnosis and appropriate and aggressive treatment are crucial in patient prognosis. There is still a shortage of Brazilian scientific production with a high power of evidence on the subject.

Year in review 2013: Lung cancer, respiratory infections, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, pleural diseases, bronchoscopic intervention and imaging

This Year in Review examines the most relevant articles published on lung cancer, respiratory infections, tuberculosis (TB), cystic fibrosis (CF), pleural diseases, and interventional pulmonology and imaging in Respirology and other respiratory medicine journals during 2013. Important findings are highlighted with comments in the following sections, each of which was contributed by an author as named in the beginning of each section.

Isolation of Shigella species and their resistance patterns to a panel of fifteen antibiotics in mid and far western region of Nepal

ObjectiveTo determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Shigella species to the most commonly used antibiotics in mid and far western part of Nepal. MethodsStool samples were collected from 458 patients who came from mid and far western region of Nepal, attending OPD & IPD Departments of Nepalgunj Medical College, Nepal, between the periods of September 2011 to March 2013. Standard microbiological procedures were used for isolation and identification of Shigella species while the disc diffusion test was used to determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of the recovered isolates. ResultsA total of 65 isolates were identified as Shigella species. Shigella flexneri, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella boydii and Shigella sonnei were accounted respectively for 43.07%, 27.69%, 21.53% and 7.69% of the total number of Shigella isolated. Resistances to nalidixic acid (95.38%), ampicillin (84.62%), co-trimoxazole (81.54%) and ciprofloxacin (46.15%) were observed. Greater number of isolates (38.46%) was recovered from those aged 1-10 years. This was statistically significant (P<0.05), compared to the other age groups. ConclusionsThe study revealed the endemicity of shigellosis with Shigella flexneri as the predominant serogroup. Children were at a higher risk of severe shigellosis. The results also suggest that nalidixic acid, ampicillin, co-trimoxazole and ciprofloxacin should not be used empirically as the first line drugs in the treatment of shigellosis. Periodic analysis of resistance patterns is necessary for the appropriate selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy.

Aerobic bacterial isolates from infected wounds

Background: Wound infection causes great distress in terms of associated mortality and morbidity, increased length of hospital stay, profound discomfort and significant increased in healthcare cost. Infection in a wound delays healing and may cause wound break down, herniation of the wound and complete wound dehiscence.Therefore the knowledge of the causative agents of wound infection will be helpful in the control of wound infection and selection of empiric antimicrobial therapy as aninfection control measure.Methods:A total of 207 wound specimens collected from patients attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital were used for this study. All specimens were collected using sterile swabs sticks. Specimens were processed using standard microbiological methods.Results:A total of 278 bacterial isolates were obtained from 207 wound specimens processed in this study. Positive growth were observed in 185 (89.4%) of the wound cultures and no bacterial isolates were obtained in 22 (21.1%) of the cultured materials. Staphylococcus aureus (26.9%) was the most predominant isolate followed by Klebsiellapneumoniae (17.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.9%) and Escherichia coli (12.6%). All isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxyillin-clavulanate and tetracycline but show variable susceptibility to other antibacterial used. Majority of theisolates produced beta lactamase. Conclusion: A high proportion of the wounds were infected.The variety of microorganisms observed in this study support the need to obtain culture specimen from infected wounds for microbiological evaluation and antibiotic susceptibility determination, so that adapted chemotherapy can be prescribed.Key words:wound infection, polymicrobial, immune status, host

Increasing antimicrobial resistance and narrowing therapeutics in typhoidal salmonellae.

Multidrug-resistant typhoid fever (MDRTF) is a major public health problem in developing countries and is an emerging problem in the developed world. Because of the difficulties in preventing typhoid by public health measures or immunization in developing countries, great reliance is placed on antimicrobial chemotherapy. The treatment should commence as soon as the clinical diagnosis is made rather than after the results of antimicrobial susceptibility tests but the existence of MDRTF poses a serious clinical dilemma in the selection of empiric antimicrobial therapy. With the widespread emergence and spread of strains resistant to chloramphenicol, ampicillin and trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin became the drug of choice for the treatment of typhoid fever. However, of late the efficacy of fluoroquinolones too has been questioned, mainly due to increasing reports of increasing defervescence time and poor patient response. This indicates that the organism has begun to develop resistance to fluoroquinolones, and is corroborated by a steady increase in Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin. The therapeutics of ciprofloxacin-resistant enteric fever narrows down to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins and azithromycin. However, the emergence of extended-spectrum b-lactamases (ESBLs) in typhoidal Salmonellae poses a new challenge and would greatly limit the therapeutic options leaving only tigecycline and carbepenems as secondary antimicrobial drugs. This increasing resistance is alarming and emphasizes the need of effective preventive measures to control typhoid and to limit the unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility of Shigella species isolated in Children Medical Center Hospital, Tehran, Iran, 2001-2006

Appropriate antimicrobial treatment of shigellosis depends on identifying its changing resistance pattern over time. We evaluated 15,255 stool culture submitted from July 2001 to June 2006 to the Laboratory of Children Medical Center Hospital. Specimen culture, bacterial identification, and disk diffusion susceptibility testing were performed according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards guidelines. From 15,255 stool samples, 682 (4.5%) were positive for Shigella species. The most common species of Shigella were S. flexneri (48%) and S. sonnei (45%); other results were S. dysenteriae (5%) and S. boydii (2%). The rate of sensitivity to ceftriaxone (95%), ceftizoxime (94%), and nalidixic acid (84%) were among our isolates. Resistance to co-trimoxazole and ampicillin was 87% and 86%, respectively. S. flexneri was more multiresistant than other species (47.9%). Our isolates are overall most sensitive to ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and nalidixic acid (> 84%). They were most resistant to co-trimoxazole and ampicillin (> 86%). Because resistance varies according to specific location, continuous local monitoring of resistance patterns is necessary for the appropriate selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy.

Frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility of Shigella species isolated in Children Medical Center Hospital, Tehran, Iran, 2001-2006

Appropriate antimicrobial treatment of shigellosis depends on identifying its changing resistance pattern over time. We evaluated 15,255 stool culture submitted from July 2001 to June 2006 to the Laboratory of Children Medical Center Hospital. Specimen culture, bacterial identification, and disk diffusion susceptibility testing were performed according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards guidelines. From 15,255 stool samples, 682 (4.5%) were positive for Shigella species. The most common species of Shigella were S. flexneri (48%) and S. sonnei (45%); other results were S. dysenteriae (5%) and S. boydii (2%). The rate of Sensitivity to ceftriaxone (95%), ceftizoxime (94%), and nalidixic acid (84%) were among our isolates. Resistance to co-trimoxazole and ampicillin was 87% and 86%, respectively. S. flexneri was more multiresistant than other species (47.9%). Our isolates are overall most sensitive to ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and nalidixic acid (> 84%). They were most resistant to co-trimoxazole and ampicillin (> 86%). Because resistance varies according to specific location, continuous local monitoring of resistance patterns is necessary for the appropriate selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy.

Clinical and economic analyses of antimicrobial therapy in fever wards of a Hong Kong teaching hospital

The aims of this study were to evaluate the use of antimicrobial agents in the fever wards of a Hong Kong teaching hospital and to identify those factors associated with treatment failure and having an influence on the total direct medical costs of antimicrobial therapy. This was a retrospective observational study. Demographic and clinical data were collected on 123 patients admitted to the fever wards in a local teaching hospital between July 2004 and August 2004. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with treatment failure and the total direct medical treatment cost. The rate of treatment failure was 30.1% (37 out of 123 patients). The mean total direct medical cost was HK$ 26,442 +/- 17,153 (US$ 1 = HK$ 7.8). The empirical therapy in 90 (73.2%) patients complied with the institutional guidelines. 25 (20.3%) patients were eligible for renal dosage adjustment and in 7 (28%) of these patients the dosage of antimicrobial agents was renally adjusted. Of the 27 patients in whom pathogens were identified, 9 (33.3%) patients were eligible for antimicrobial streamlining (changing to an antibiotic with a narrower spectrum) but streamlining was only done in 2 (22.2%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that the history of malignant diseases (RR = 5.07; 95% CI = 1.06 - 24.22) and non-compliance with the institutional treatment guidelines for selection of empirical antimicrobial therapy (RR = 3.58; 95% CI = 1.35 - 9.54) were risk factors associated with treatment failure. Duration of intravenous antimicrobial therapy was associated with the total cost of treatment (RR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.35 - 2.10). Non-compliance with treatment guidelines in empirical antimicrobial treatment and the duration of intravenous antimicrobial therapy were modifiable risk factors for treatment failure and total treatment cost, respectively.