[Frequency of methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains in clinical spacimens obtained from hospitalized patients in 2007].

INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of both hospital- and community-acquired infections worldwide. Since the introduction of methicillin into clinical use, methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains have emerged with increasing frequency throughout the world. The aim of the study was to determine frequency of resistance to methicillin and other most commonly used antibiotics of S aureus strains isolated from hospitalized patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the period 1.1.-31. 12. 2007, 226 strains of S. aureus isolated from hospitalized patients were tested for their susceptibility to penicillin, methicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, gentamycin, sulfamethoxazolle-trimethoprim, fusidic acid and vancomycin using disc diffusion technique. RESULTS: Resistance to methicillin was detected in 20 (7.5%) S. aureus strains. All of them were susceptible to vancomycin. The resistance to other antimicrobial agents varied from 5% for sulfamethoxazolle-trimethoprim to 75% to gentamycin. Among methicillin susceptible strains, high resistance (84.1%) was found to penicillin only The resistance to other antimicrobial agents was low, ranging from 0 for fusidic acid and vancomycin to 12.2% for gentamycin. CONCLUSION: Our results show low rate of methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains compared to other authors "findings, but also the presence of multidrug-resistant isolates and isolates susceptible to vancomycin only These facts suggest the need for further monitoring of susceptibility in order to take adequate measures to prevent and control spreading of resistant strains.

[Common errors in diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections--microbiological aspects].

INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common infectious diseases affecting all age groups, from infants to the elderly. The majority of these infections occur in otherwise healthy individuals who present with symptoms of acute uncomplicated bacterial cystitis or pyelonephritis. Certain patient populations with complicated conditions are at increased risk for acquiring infection or failing therapy. Forty to 50% of adult women have a history of at least one urinary tract infection. DIAGNOSIS AND CLASSIFICATION OF UTI: Although there are general guidelines concerning diagnosis and classification of urinary tract infections, there are wide variations in clinical practice. There are both errors which are frequently committed and mysteries that are still unsolved. Active management is important because under some circumstances urinary tract infections may cause permanent renal scarring. Imaging procedures are a cornerstone for critical evaluation of urinary tract infections, but avoidance of investigative routines will allow a marked saving in terms of costs and in terms of unnecessary radation and psychological stress to the patient.