In vitro activity of cefiderocol against Gram-negative bacterial pathogens in Germany.

OBJECTIVES: Widespread antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), particularly carbapenem resistance, represents a major clinical challenge. Cefiderocol is a novel siderophore cephalosporin active against all carbapenemase classes. METHODS: We evaluated the in vitro activity of cefiderocol and other antibacterial agents (ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, colistin and meropenem) against GNB isolates collected in Germany (2013-2018) as part of two multinational studies. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were interpreted according to EUCAST breakpoints. RESULTS: Cefiderocol had high activity against GNB isolates (N = 2298), encompassing both Enterobacterales (n = 1562) and non-fermenter species (n = 736), and maintained high activity against carbapenem-resistant strains (n = 211). The activity of cefiderocol against Enterobacterales was equivalent to that of ceftazidime/avibactam and colistin, while ceftolozane/tazobactam was somewhat less active. Against non-fermenter species, cefiderocol displayed equivalent activity to colistin; both of these agents were more active than ceftazidime/avibactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam. Colistin had similar activity to cefiderocol against the majority of species. These patterns of activity were echoed in carbapenem-resistant isolates. The high activity of cefiderocol was independent of infection site, whereas other antibacterial agents demonstrated slightly lower activity against isolates causing pneumonia compared with those from other key infection sites. CONCLUSION: Cefiderocol exhibited consistently high in vitro activity against a variety of GNB isolates collected in Germany, including resistant phenotypes, across multiple infection sites. These data suggest that cefiderocol is an effective choice of antibacterial agent in patients with GNB infection, regardless of species and resistance phenotype to other agents.

Through our eyes: exploring African-American men's perspective on factors affecting transition to manhood.

BACKGROUND: Premature mortality and disparities in morbidity observed in African-American men may be associated with factors in their social, economic, and built environments that may be especially influential during the transition to adulthood. OBJECTIVE: To have young, African-American men from Los Angeles County identify and prioritize factors associated with their transition to manhood using photovoice methodology and pile-sorting exercises. DESIGN: Qualitative study using community-based participatory research (CBPR) and photovoice PARTICIPANTS: Twelve African-American men, ages 16-26 years, from Los Angeles County, California. APPROACH: We used CBPR principles to form a community advisory board (CAB) whose members defined goals for the partnered project, developed the protocols, and participated in data collection and analysis. Participants were given digital cameras to take 50-300 photographs over three months. Pile-sorting techniques were used to facilitate participants' identification and discussion of the themes in their photos and selected photos of the group. Pile-sorts of group photographs were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis to systematically compare participants' themes and identify patterns of associations between sorted photographs. Sub-themes and related quotes were also elicited from the pile-sorting transcripts. The CAB and several study participants met periodically to develop dissemination strategies and design interventions informed by study findings. KEY RESULTS: Four dominant themes emerged during analysis: 1) Struggles face during the transition to manhood, 2) Sources of social support, 3) Role of sports, and 4) Views on Los Angeles lifestyle. The project led to the formation of a young men's group and community events featuring participants. CONCLUSIONS: CBPR and photovoice are effective methods to engage young, African-American men to identify and discuss factors affecting their transition to manhood, contextualize research findings, and participate in intervention development.