Epidemiologic characteristics of human campylobacteriosis in the County Primorsko-goranska (Croatia), 2003-2007.

The aim of the study was to investigate campylobacteriosis incidence in the County Primorsko-goranska (Croatia) between 2003 and 2007 and to find out possible connection with environmental factors (the average monthly temperature and total monthly precipitation). The data (number of stool samples examined, age and sex distribution of patients, monthly distribution of isolates and distribution of isolates according to the species) from the Laboratory for Diagnostics of Enteric Infections of the Teaching Institute of Public Health of the County Primorsko-goranska (Croatia) were analyzed retrospectively. During the observed period 30,164 stool samples were examined for Campylobacter spp. Campylobacters were identified in 1,242 (4.12%) samples. The overall annual campylobacter incidence rate was 81.3 +/- 21.9/100,000 population. Campylobacter jejuni was found in 1,093 (88%) and C. coli in 149 (12%) patients. Our findings showed age distribution of patients typical for developed countries. The patients were mostly children under 5 years (484.4 +/- 129.1/ 100,000, p < 0.001) and between 5 and 9 years of age (226.5 +/- 60.5/100,000, p < 0.05). Male consistently experienced higher rates, but the difference between genders was significant in the age groups from birth till late twentieth (p < 0.001). Campylobacter rates were significantly associated with monthly average temperatures (p < 0.05), but not with precipitation. Further investigations into the incidence of campylobacteriosis on the national level are necessary. The causes of the noticed monthly distribution, sources of infection and connection with the routes of transmission in humans need to be elucidated as well.

Microbial colonization of tracheoesophageal voice prostheses (Provox2) following total laryngectomy.

The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of individual microorganisms and the most frequent microbial combinations in the biofilm of the indwelling Provox2 voice prosthesis in situ. Furthermore, we wanted to evaluate the possible influence of biofilm composition on the mean and median lifetime of these voice prostheses. Over a 5-year period, implantation of a Provox2 voice prosthesis was performed in 85 patients, or 90% of the overall number of patients who underwent total laryngectomy. In total 100 implanted voice prostheses, at least one of every patient, were microbiologically processed immediately after being replaced. Out of the total of 292 isolates, 67% were bacteria and the remaining 33% were yeasts. The most frequently found yeast species on voice prostheses biofilms was C. albicans, followed by C. krusei and C. tropicalis. The most frequently isolated bacteria included Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Streptococcus agalactiae. Simultaneous presence of bacteria and fungi was established in 83% of the processed voice prostheses; in 16% of samples the biofilm contained only one or more bacterial species. The mean time of implantation was 238 days and the median lifetime of the device was 180 days. Dividing the prostheses in four groups according to the composition of biofilm revealed that the device lifetimes varied significantly between groups. The longest lifetime of voice prostheses was associated with the presence of single fungal isolate in combination with bacteria. There is a significant correlation between biofilm composition and the device life time.

[Urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)--producing enterobacteria in outpatients from Primorsko-Goranska County, Croatia]. / Infekcije mokracnog sustava, uzrokovane enterobakterijama koje proizvode beta- laktamaze prosirenog spektra (ESBL), kod populacije na podrucju Primorsko-Goranske zupanije u Republici Hrvatskoj.

The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of uropathogens and the frequency of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) producing strains isolated from urine of outpatients in Primorsko-Goranska County in Croatia. We have retrospectively analyzed the results of 44, 321 urine cultures from January 01, 2008 till June 30, 2009. The study showed that ESBL production was confirmed in 189 (1.8%) of the total of 10,757 isolates. Rates of ESBL-producing isolates were 19%, 0,6%, and 5.2% for Klebisella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabillis, respectively. Geographic variations in pathogen occurrence and susceptibility profiles require continuous monitoring to provide information to guide the empiric therapeutic options.