Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
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Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Jun 2010
Comparative StudyPreliminary clinical study using a multiplex real-time PCR test for the detection of bacterial and fungal DNA directly in blood.
Early diagnosis of sepsis, rapid identification of the causative pathogen(s) and prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotic treatment have a combined impact on mortality due to sepsis. In this observational study, a new DNA-based system (LightCycler SeptiFast (LC-SF) test; Roche Diagnostics) allowing detection of 16 pathogens at the species level and four groups of pathogens at the genus level has been evaluated and compared with conventional blood cultures (BCs). One hundred BC and LC-SF results were obtained for 72 patients admitted to the intensive-care unit over a 6-month period for suspected sepsis. ⋯ LC-SF results were obtained in 7-15 h, in contrast to the 24-72 h required for BC. According to the LC-SF results, initial therapy was inadequate in eight patients, and antibiotic treatment was changed. Our results suggest that the LC-SF test may be a valuable complementary tool in the management of patients with clinically suspected sepsis.
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Clin. Microbiol. Infect. · Jun 2010
Molecular characterization and susceptibility of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus isolates from hospitals and the community in Vladivostok, Russia.
A prospective study was conducted during an 8-month period, from August 2006 to April 2007, to describe the epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus-associated infections. In addition, the molecular characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibilities and antibiotic resistance determinants were identified in S. aureus isolates from hospitals and the community in Vladivostok, Russia. Among the 63 S. aureus isolates eligible for this study, methicillin resistance was observed in 48% (n = 30). ⋯ One MSSA clone, which was categorized as ST121, spa type 273, and PVL-positive, caused fatal community-acquired pneumonia infections. The strains predominantly isolated in hospitals in Russia belonged to the multidrug-resistant Brazilian/Hungarian ST239 MRSA clone; however, this clone has new antibiotic susceptibilities. Additionally, the emergence of PVL-positive MSSA strains with enhanced virulence was observed, warranting continued surveillance.