Draft genome sequence of Inquilinus limosus strain MP06, a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate

The bacterium, Inquilinus limosus, with its remarkable antimicrobial multiresistant profile, has increasingly been isolated in cystic fibrosis patients. We report draft genome sequence of a strain MP06, which is of considerable interest in elucidating the associated mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in this bacterium and for an insight about its persistence in airways of these patients.

In planta detection of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. commiphorae using fyuA and rpoD genes.

Guggal is tapped for extraction of medicinally important oleo–gum–resin (guggul) by inoculating the stem bark with natural gum suspension containing pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. commiphorae (Xac). The tree dies in the process. In absence of any specific medium for isolation of Xac, it is difficult to assess spread of the pathogen within the plant. A PCR based molecular detection technique using fyuA and rpoD gene specific primers is described here. The primers amplified products only from Xac and not from host tissues or common saprophytes. The method was sensitive enough to produce positive signals for up to 4.4 bacterial cells or 2 pg target DNA per reaction mixture. However, PCR inhibitors present in plant tissues drastically reduced the limit of detection. A simple overnight incubation of surface sterilised plant tissues in nutrient medium was introduced to increase pathogen titre and to overcome this problem. This technique was successfully used to measure spread of Xac in plant tissues away from the site of inoculation. The pathogen showed preference for acropetal movement and did not spread to 7–8 cm below the site of inoculation till 15 days after inoculation. This suggests possibility to manage the disease through plant surgery.

Epidemiologically relevant antimicrobial resistance phenotypes in pathogens isolated from critically ill patients in a Brazilian Universitary Hospital / Fenótipos de resistência antimicrobiana epidemiologicamente importantes de patógenos isolados de pacientes críticos de um hospital universitário brasileiro

Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to public health worldwide and is associated with higher mortality and morbidity. Despite the extensive knowledge about this problem, drug resistance has continued to emerge, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequencies of epidemiologically relevant resistance phenotypes in pathogens isolated from ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), bloodstream infections (BSI) and urinary tract infections (UTI) in patients admitted in the adult intensive care unit (AICU) of the Clinical Hospital of Federal University of Uberlândia, during an one year period. Additionally, at the period of the study, the antibiotic consumption in AICU was verified. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and S. aureus were the main agents of BSI (43.9 percent), with 60.0 percent of oxacilin-resistance for both microorganisms, Klebsiella-Enterobacter group predominated in UTI (23.4 percent), with resistance to third generation cephalosporins in 58.0 percent of the isolates; and, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in VAP (42.0 percent), with 72.0 percent of resistance to imipenem. Cephalosporins (49.6 percent), vancomycin (37.4 percent) and carbapenems (26.6 percent) were the most prescribed antibiotics in the unit. The comparison of the results with a publication of the NNIS program evidenced a worse situation in the studied hospital, mainly between Gram-negative, that had surpassed the percentile 90 percent elaborated by that system. Based on these results a reconsideration on the empirical use of antibiotics and on prevention and control of nosocomial infections practices is recommended.

A resistência aos antimicrobianos é uma ameaça a saúde pública mundial e está associada a uma maior mortalidade e morbidade. Apesar dos vastos conhecimentos sobre este problema, a resistência aos antibióticos continua a emergir, especialmente em unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a freqüência de fenótipos de resistência epidemiologicamente importantes em patógenos isolados de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica (PAV), infecções de corrente sangüínea (ICS) e de infecções de trato urinário (UTI) nos pacientes atendidos na unidade de terapia intensiva de adultos (UTIA) do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, durante o período de um ano. Adicionalmente, no período do estudo, foi analisado o consumo de antibióticos na UTIA. Staphylococcus spp coagulase negativo e S. aureus foram os principais agentes de ICS (43,9 por cento), com 60,0 por cento de resistência à oxacilina em ambos os microrganismos. O grupo Klebsiella-Enterobacter predominou nas ITU (23,4 por cento), com resistência às cefalosporinas de terceira geração em 58,0 por cento dos isolados; e, Pseudomonas aeruginosa nas PAV (42,0 por cento), com 72,0 por cento de resistência ao imipenem. As cefalosporinas (49,6 por cento), vancomicina (37,4 por cento) e os carbapenêmicos (26,6 por cento) foram os antibióticos mais prescritos na unidade. A comparação dos resultados com publicações do programa NNIS evidenciou uma pior situação no hospital estudado, especialmente entre os Gram-negativos, que ultrapassaram o percentil 90 por cento elaborado por este programa. De acordo com os resultados apresentados neste estudo, uma revisão do uso empírico de antibióticos e da prevenção e controle de infecções hospitalares é recomendada.