Unusual genetic heterogeneity of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates in a university hospital in Italy.

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii has become an increasingly important nosocomial pathogen, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this investigation was to study the molecular epidemiology of A baumanii in a university hospital in Italy.

Methods: All A baumanii isolates were collected and typed with phenotypic and genotypic methods during a 7-month period.

Clinical study with cefoxitin in paediatrics.

A trial of cefoxitin was performed on 25 children needing urgent and accurate antibiotic therapy before laboratory test results could be made available. Cefoxitin proved to be highly active in the treatment of infections of bacterial origin. It was therefore found suitable for use in the clinical situation where the urgency of the need for treatment differs from theoretical practice.