Distribution, genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance of clinically important bacteria from the environment of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia.

Objectives: Hospital environments are potential reservoirs of bacteria associated with nosocomial infections. In this study, the distribution of cultivable environmental bacteria of clinical importance from a Malaysian tertiary hospital was determined and their resistotypes and genotypes were investigated.

Methods: Swab and fluid samples (n=358) from healthcare workers' hands, frequently touched surfaces, medical equipment, patients' immediate surroundings, ward sinks and toilets, and solutions or fluids of 12 selected wards were collected.

Evaluation of the Elecsys(®) Anti-HCV II assay for routine hepatitis C virus screening of different Asian Pacific populations and detection of early infection.

Background: Early diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is essential to allow appropriate treatment and prevent transmission.

Objectives: To evaluate the Elecsys(®) Anti-HCV II assay as a routine screening assay in Asia using a large number of samples from different Asian Pacific populations and compare its performance with other HCV assays routinely used in the region.

Study Design: The sensitivity and specificity of the Elecsys(®) Anti-HCV II assay were determined using routine hospital samples and compared with at least one of the following comparator assays at nine independent centers: ARCHITECT™ Anti-HCV; Serodia(®)-HCV Particle Agglutination; Vitros(®) ECi Anti-HCV; Elecsys(®) Anti-HCV; ADVIA Centaur(®) HCV; InTec(®) HCV EIA; or Livzon(®) Anti-HCV.