Topical Antibiotic Use Coselects for the Carriage of Mobile Genetic Elements Conferring Resistance to Unrelated Antimicrobials in Staphylococcus aureus.

Topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin and fusidic acid, are commonly used in the prevention and treatment of skin infections, particularly those caused by staphylococci. However, the widespread use of these agents is associated with increased resistance to these agents, potentially limiting their efficacy. Of particular concern is the observation that resistance to topical antibiotics is often associated with multidrug resistance, suggesting that topical antibiotics may play a role in the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. New Zealand (NZ) has some of the highest globally recorded rates of topical antibiotic usage and resistance. Using a combination of Pacific Biosciences single-molecule real-time (SMRT) whole-genome sequencing, Illumina short-read sequencing, and Bayesian phylogenomic modeling on 118 new multilocus sequence type 1 (ST1) community Staphylococcus aureus isolates from New Zealand and 61 publically available international ST1 genome sequences, we demonstrate a strong correlation between the clinical introduction of topical antibiotics and the emergence of MDR ST1 S. aureus We also provide in vitro experimental evidence showing that exposure to topical antibiotics can lead to the rapid selection of MDR S. aureus isolates carrying plasmids that confer resistance to multiple unrelated antibiotics, from within a mixed population of competitor strains. These findings have important implications regarding the impact of the indiscriminate use of topical antibiotics.

Two Helpful MRI Signs for Evaluation of Posterolateral Bundle Tears of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of partial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears is difficult on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly the isolated tears of the posterolateral bundle. PURPOSE: To describe 2 MRI signs of partial ACL tear involving the posterolateral bundle on conventional knee MRI sequences, specifically, the "gap" and "footprint" signs. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the MRI appearance of the ACL in 11 patients with arthroscopically proven partial ACL tears isolated to the posterolateral bundle, as well as in 10 patients with arthroscopically proven intact ACLs, and evaluated for the presence of gap and/or footprint signs. RESULTS: There was high degree of sensitivity and specificity associated with the MRI findings of "gap" and "footprint" signs with arthroscopically proven isolated posterolateral bundle tears. CONCLUSION: Gap and footprint signs are suggestive of posterolateral bundle tear of the ACL, and the presence of 1 or both of these imaging findings should alert the radiologist to the possibility of a posterolateral bundle tear.

Computed tomography calcium quantification as a measure of atherosclerotic plaque morphology and stability.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the relationship between computed tomography (CT)-quantified calcium and histopathologic atherosclerotic plaque morphology and rupture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven aortae were harvested from autopsy cases. All were scanned, ex vivo, on a 16-slice CT scanner and CT calcium scores (CTCS) were calculated using a Siemens Calcium Scoring package. The aorta segments were physically cross sectioned at 3-mm intervals corresponding to CT reconstructions. Two pathologists evaluated the cross sections for histology calcium score (HCS), plaque fibrous cap disruption, overlying thrombus, internal hemorrhage, size, lipid content, and inflammation. CT and histology data were subsequently paired using predetermined quadrant and slice conventions. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-nine aorta cross sections yielded 41 atherosclerotic plaques. Eleven plaques demonstrated plaque disruption and thrombosis and all contained calcium. CTCS was not significantly different between atherosclerotic plaques with and without evidence of disruption/thrombosis (F[1,30] = 1.525, P = 0.227). CT was 100% sensitive for nodular calcification, but only 56% (5 of 9 plaques) sensitive for non-nodular calcification. There was no significant relationship between CTCS and intraplaque hemorrhage, lipid content, inflammation, and plaque size (P = 0.179, P = 0.230, P = 0.314, and P = 0.054). There was significant correlation between CTCS and HCS (Pearson coefficient = 0.535; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Calcium quantity does not appear to predict plaque morphology or likelihood of rupture. CT has lower sensitivity for non-nodular compared with nodular calcification.