Molecular characterization and epidemiology of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in the United Arab Emirates.

Objectives: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the extent of dissemination of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae at the hospital level in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Materials And Methods: A total of 662 Escherichia coli and Klebsiellapneumoniae samples were collected from three UAE hospitals between January and December 2008. ESBL screening and confirmatory test for ESBL phenotype were conducted using the VITEK system.

Analysis of Helicobacter pylori antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence genes in gastric mucosal biopsies in the United Arab Emirates.

Aim: To determine the virulence attributes (presence of cagA and vacA genes) of Helicobacter pylori , and presence of clarithromycin resistance genes in gastric mucosal biopsy samples obtained in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods: DNA was extracted from antral gastric biopsy samples from 91 dyspeptic patients. Real-time PCR and melting curve analysis were used to identify patients infected with H.

Comparison of the automated Cobas Amplicor Mycobacterium tuberculosis assay with the conventional methods for direct detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in respiratory and extrapulmonary specimens.

Objective: To evaluate the recently available Cobas Amplicor polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in well-characterized clinical specimens and to compare the results with clinical classification, conventional culture and staining techniques.

Methods: Three hundred and forty-four clinical specimens consecutively received for culture of acid-fast bacilli by the laboratory of Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 2004 to 2005, were used in this study. Acid-fast bacilli and culture for tuberculosis were compared with Cobas Amplicor PCR.