Differences in Neisseria gonorrhoeae population structure and antimicrobial resistance pattern between men who have sex with men and heterosexuals.

This study compared the antimicrobial susceptibility and genotypes of strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from men who have sex with men (MSM) and from heterosexuals. One hundred and eleven strains were characterized from 107 patients, comprising 57 strains from 54 heterosexuals and 54 strains from 53 MSM. Antimicrobial resistance rates were higher in strains from heterosexual patients, with resistance to cefixime (P = 0·0159) and ciprofloxacin (P = 0·002) being significantly higher. Typing by N. gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) showed that the most prevalent sequence types (ST) and genogroups (G) respectively were ST2400, ST2992, and ST5793, and G1407, G2992, and G2400. A statistically significant association was observed for MSM and genogroups G2400 (P = 0·0005) and G2992 (P = 0·0488), and G1407 with heterosexuals (P = 0·0002). We conclude that in our region distinct populations of gonococci are circulating among subjects with different sexual practices, with their corresponding transmission patterns. Furthermore, the high prevalence of genotype G2400 in MSM, has not to our knowledge been previously described.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial susceptibility in Barcelona: penA, ponA, mtrR, and porB mutations and NG-MAST sequence types associated with decreased susceptibility to cephalosporins.

The aims of this study were to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in our area, to analyze the molecular mechanisms involved in cephalosporins resistance, and to undertake molecular typing of our NG strains. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the Etest. The genes penA, mtrR, penB, and ponA were studied. Molecular typing was performed by N. gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing. Of 329 strains analyzed in 2013, none showed high-level cephalosporin resistance, but 8.2 % had resistance to cefixime [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 0.125 µg/mL] and 0.6 % to ceftriaxone (MIC > 0.125 µg/mL). Azithromycin resistance was documented in 4.3 % and ciprofloxacin resistance in 49.2 %. Among 48 strains with an MIC ≥ 0.125 µg/mL to cefixime, 58.3 % showed the penA mosaic pattern XXXIV, 98 % a Leu → Pro substitution at position 421 of the ponA gene, 100 % amino acid changes at positions 101 and 102 of the PorB1b porin, and 87.5 % of strains an adenine deletion in the promoter region of the MtrC-D-E efflux pump. A significant difference between strains with and without decreased cephalosporin susceptibility (MIC ≥ 0.125 µg/mL) was observed for these four genes. Of the 48 strains with an MIC ≥ 0.125 µg/mL to cefixime, 43.8 % belonged to the genogroup G1407 and 27.1 % belonged to the genogroup G2400. A significant association of G1407 with decreased susceptibility (MIC ≥ 0.125 µg/mL) and G2992 with susceptibility was found, and also between G1407 and mosaic pattern XXXIV and between G2400 and A501T substitution in penA. The NG resistance rate in our area is higher than the median of Europe. We have detected the emergence of G2400, which may be a source of antimicrobial resistance.

Fascitis necrosante por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina adquirido en la comunidad productor de leucocidina de Panton-Valentine / Necrotizing fasciitis due to community-acquired panton-valentine leukocidin methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

El Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina adquirido en la comunidad (SARM-AC) es actualmente un microorganismo emergente en todo el mundo, que puede producir infecciones cutáneas y de partes blandas, algunas de éstas graves, como la fascitis necrosante, además de neumonía y osteomielitis. A continuación se presenta un caso de fascitis necrosante en un niño de 14 meses de edad, que se confirmó mediante resonancia magnética, producido por SARM-AC productor de leucocidina de Panton-Valentine. La evolución clínica fue buena después del tratamiento quirúrgico precoz y de la administración de clindamicina por vía intravenosa durante 2 semanas. En este trabajo se revisan los aspectos microbiológicos y las pautas de tratamiento de estas infecciones (AU)

Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a worldwide emerging pathogen that is able to produce serious skin and soft- tissue infections such as necrotizing fasciitis, as well as pneumonia and osteomyelitis. We present a 14 month child with necrotizing fasciitis, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, produced by CA-MRSA Panton-Valentine leukocidin producer. The clinical outcome was good after early surgical treatment and the administration of intravenous clindamycin for two weeks. We review microbiological aspects and treatment guidelines of these infections (AU)

[Necrotizing fasciitis due to community-acquired panton-valentine leukocidin methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus]. / Fascitis necrosante por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina adquirido en la comunidad productor de leucocidina de Panton-Valentine.

Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a worldwide emerging pathogen that is able to produce serious skin and soft- tissue infections such as necrotizing fasciitis, as well as pneumonia and osteomyelitis. We present a 14 month child with necrotizing fasciitis, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, produced by CA-MRSA Panton-Valentine leukocidin producer. The clinical outcome was good after early surgical treatment and the administration of intravenous clindamycin for two weeks. We review microbiological aspects and treatment guidelines of these infections.

[Intake of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 and its effect on gut flora]. / Efecto de la ingesta de leche fermentada con Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 sobre la flora intestinal.

OBJECTIVE: To study the gut flora in infants who received fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei and Streptococcus termophilus and its effect on secretory immunoglobulin levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An experimental, randomized, prospective, parallel group study was carried out. Thirty-five infants were included (18 in the treatment group and 17 in the control group) with a mean age of 2 years (SD: 0.6 years; range: 1-3 years). The experimental group received both fermented milk (0.5 l/day) containing L. casei and S. termophilus for 6 weeks and standard cow's milk for the following 6 weeks. The control group received standard cow's milk (0.5 l/day) for 12 weeks. Secretory IgA levels in saliva were evaluated in the experimental group at the start of the study (baseline levels) and 6 weeks later. In both groups, stools were collected to study gut flora at 0, 6 and 12 week. RESULTS: Secretory IgA levels significantly increased (p =0.0063) from a mean baseline value of 2.5 mg/dl to a mean of 3.4 mg/dl at 6 weeks. Gram-negative aerobic flora were decreased in the experimental group after 6 weeks compared with the control group (p =0.0203). The number of infants with Lactobacillus spp in their gut flora was greater in the experimental group than in the control group at week 6 and this difference was statistically significant (p =0.028) at week 12. Conclusion The present study provides evidence of L. casei survival in the gastrointestinal tract and of its effect of increasing secretory IgA.

Efecto de la ingesta de leche fermentada con Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 sobre la flora intestinal / Intake of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei DN-114 001 and its effect on gut flora

Objetivo Estudiar las características de la flora microbiana intestinal de niños que recibieron en su dieta leche fermentada con Lactobacillus casei y Streptococcus termophilus y su repercusión en los valores de inmunoglobulinas secretoras. Material y métodos Estudio experimental aleatorizado, prospectivo, con 2 grupos paralelos. Se incluyeron un total de 35 niños (18 en el grupo experimental y 17 en el grupo control), con una edad media de 2 años (DE: 0,6 años; rango: 1-3 años). El grupo experimental recibió en su dieta leche fermentada (500 ml/día) con L. casei y S. termophilus durante 6 semanas y leche de vaca normal estándar durante 6 semanas más. El grupo control recibió leche de vaca normal estándar (500 ml/día) a lo largo de todo el estudio. Se evaluaron los valores de IgA secretora en saliva del grupo experimental al inicio y a las 6 semanas del estudio. Se recogieron heces para el estudio de la flora intestinal a las 0, 6 y 12 semanas en ambos grupos. Resultados Se observó un aumento estadísticamente significativo (p 5 0,0063) de un valor medio basal de 2,5 mg/dl al inicio hasta una media de 3,4 mg/dl a las 6 semanas. Así mismo, se observó un descenso de la flora aeróbica gramnegativa a la semana 6 en comparación con el grupo control (p 5 0,0203). La proporción de niños en los que se les aisló Lactobacillus spp. en la flora intestinal fue superior en el grupo experimental a partir de la semana 6 y llegando a ser estadísticamente significativa (p 5 0,028) a las 12 semanas. Conclusión El presente estudio aporta evidencia sobre la supervivencia de L. casei en el tracto intestinal y su efecto inmunoestimulante en un incremento significativo del la IgA secretora

Objective To study the gut flora in infants who received fermented milk containing Lactobacillus casei and Streptococcus termophilus and its effect on secretory immunoglobulin levels. Material and methods An experimental, randomized, prospective, parallel group study was carried out. Thirty-five infants were included (18 in the treatment group and 17 in the control group) with a mean age of 2 years (SD: 0.6 years; range: 1-3 years). The experimental group received both fermented milk (0.5 l/day) containing L. casei and S. termophilus for 6 weeks and standard cow's milk for the following 6 weeks. The control group received standard cow's milk (0.5 l/day) for 12 weeks. Secretory IgA levels in saliva were evaluated in the experimental group at the start of the study (baseline levels) and 6 weeks later. In both groups, stools were collected to study gut flora at 0, 6 and 12 week. Results Secretory IgA levels significantly increased (p 5 0.0063) from a mean baseline value of 2.5 mg/dl to a mean of 3.4 mg/dl at 6 weeks. Gram-negative aerobic flora were decreased in the experimental group after 6 weeks compared with the control group (p 5 0.0203). The number of infants with Lactobacillus spp in their gut flora was greater in the experimental group than in the control group at week 6 and this difference was statistically significant (p 5 0.028) at week 12. Conclusion The present study provides evidence of L. casei survival in the gastrointestinal tract and of its effect of increasing secretory IgA

[Evaluation of three rapid methods for intrapartum detection of group B streptococcus]. / Evaluación de tres técnicas rápidas para la detección intraparto del estreptococo del grupo B.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate three methods for rapid group B streptococcus (GBS) intrapartum vaginal detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 330 women, at risk of delivering an infant with GBS disease, vaginal exudates were collected and a culture performed. The following rapid tests were also performed: 1) Equate Strep B immunoassay in 133 samples. 2) Icon Strep B immunoassay in 192 samples. 3) Co-agglutination with Phadebact Strep B, with a previous incubation (> 4 hours) of the vaginal swabs in Lim Group B Strep broth, in 88 samples. In some patients, two of these methods were performed simultaneously. RESULTS: GBS was detected in 37 women (11.2%) by culture. The sensitivity of Equate Strep B was 47%, Icon Strep B was 35% and co-agglutination with Phadebact Strep B was 38%. The specificity was 91%, 99% and 100% for each one of these methods. PPV 44%, 90% and 100%, respectively and NPV 92%, 91% and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, none of these methods was shown sensitive enough to be used for the routine detection of GBS. Therefore, in order to know the GBS carrier status and prevent its vertical transmission, the practice of vaginal culture during late pregnancy is mandatory.

[Characteristics of group b streptococcus vertical transmission]. / Características de la transmisión vertical madrefeto del estreptococo del grupo B.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to compare the characteristics of group B streptococcus (GBS) or Streptococcus agalactiae vertical transmission in woman, receiving or not intrapartum. antimicrobial prophylaxis, at risk of delivering an infant with GRS disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 330 women, with risk factors for delivering an infant with GBS disease. The vaginal GBS colonization was studied by conventional culture. A clinical and microbiological follow-up was done in both women and neonates. RESULTS: GHS was detected in 37 women (11.2%). Among these, 21 (56.8%) received intrapartum antibiotics and 16 (43.2%) did not. Forty-one neonates were born from these 37 women. Of these, 11 showed signs of infection (3 with positive blood culture and 8 with blood culture negative for GBS) and 2 presented an asymptomatic bacteremia A GBS neonatal infection (with positive blood culture) was produced in 4.8% of newborns from mothers who received intrapartum antibiotics versus 25% of newborns from mothers who did not receive intrapartum antibiotics. However, this difference was not significant nor was the difference between external colonization by GBS between these two groups of newborns. On the contrary, significant differences were found in the percentage of clinically suspected sepsis (with negative blood cultures), which was more frequent among newborns from mothers without intrapartum antibiotics (30.4% vs 5.6%). A good correlation between the intensity of vaginal colonization and the incidence of microbiologically demonstrated sepsis, suspected sepsis an asymptomatic bacteremia in the newborn was found. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in order to minimize the vertical transmission of GBS, the most efficient strategy seems to be to offer antibiotic prophylaxis to women identified as GBS carriers, since the antibiotic administration to women with "obstetric risks" often means that it is impossible that two hours elapse between antibiotic administration and delivery, resulting in the loss of efficacy of this second strategy.