Use of a Commercially Available Microarray to Characterize Antibiotic-Resistant Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

A commercially available microarray (IDENTIBAC AMR-ve) for the detection of antibiotic resistance determinants was investigated for its potential to genotype 30 clinical isolates and two control strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Resistance profiles and the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases were determined by disc diffusion and the results were compared with the microarray profiles in order to assess its scope and limitations. Genes associated with resistance to a wide range of antibiotics, including current first line therapy options, were detected.

Proteobacteria, extremophiles and unassigned species dominate in a tape-like showerhead biofilm.

The development of showerhead biofilms exposes the user to repeated contact with potentially pathogenic microbes, yet we know relatively little about the content of these aggregates. The aim of the present study was to examine the microbial content of tape-like films found protruding from a domestic showerhead. Culturing showed that the films were dominated by aerobic α- and β-proteobacteria.

Treatment stage associated changes in cellular and molecular microbial markers during the production of drinking water at the Vansjø water works.

The production of a drinking water that meets current aesthetic, microbiological and chemical standards, generally requires a combination of mechanical purification and disinfection in a multi-component treatment chain. Treatment choices and optimisation of water processing is best informed by using markers (including microbiological parameters) which indicate how each stage contributes to the production of the potable water. The present study combines culture-based and a number of culture-independent analyses to indicate what is happening at each stage of a state-of-the-art water treatment chain at Vansjø near the city of Moss in Norway.

Toxin production and antibiotic resistances in Escherichia coli isolated from bathing areas along the coastline of the Oslo fjord.

The presence of enterovirulent and/or antibiotic resistant strains of Escherichia coli in recreational bathing waters would represent a clear health issue. In total, 144 E. coli isolated from 26 beaches along the inner Oslo fjord were examined for virulence determinants and resistance to clinically important antibiotics.

[Changes in antibiotic consumption among day-care children in Oslo].

Background: Day-care children in Oslo had a high proportion of infections (97 %) and a high consumption of antibiotics (65 %) in 2000. The study from 2000 was repeated in 2006 to see if prescriptions for antibiotics had changed.

Material And Methods: Parents in 22 randomly chosen day-care centres in Oslo answered a questionnaire about their children (concerning infections, contact with physicians and antibiotic treatment).

[Parents' attitude to physician's role in the prescription of antibiotics to their children].

Background: Most children in day care get infections and are given antibiotics. In physicians' view, the main reason for excessive use is pressure exerted on them by anxious parents. We studied parents' view of physicians' influence on the use of antibiotics.

[Parents' attitudes to the prescription of antibiotics to children].

Background: Most children in day care get infections and are prescribed antibiotics. We studied parents' attitude towards such prescription.

Material And Methods: Parents (563 out of 1126 surveyed) in 22 day care centres returned a questionnaire on factors in their own situation and in their day care centre with impact on the use of antibiotics.

[Children in day care centers--infections and use of antibiotics].

Background: Bacterial resistance is a major problem in many countries and is associated with liberal use of antibiotics. In this study infections and use of antibiotics were studied in day-care children in Oslo and Akershus counties in Norway.

Material And Methods: Parents in 22 randomly chosen day-care centers were asked to complete a semi-structured questionnaire about infections and antibiotic treatment of their children over the last 12 months.