Evaluation of phenotypic methods for detection of polymyxin B-resistant bacteria.

Determination of sensitivity to polymyxins has always been a challenge, especially in clinical laboratory routines. This study evaluated two rapid, simple, and inexpensive phenotypic methods to test polymyxin B (PMB) susceptibility in Enterobacterales and non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli. One hundred isolates were used in the tests.

Consecutive outbreaks of Burkholderia cepacia complex caused by intrinsically contaminated chlorhexidine mouthwashes.

Background: We report 2 consecutive outbreaks of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) in an intensive care unit (ICU) and describe its characteristics and consequences.

Methods: Over a 72-day period, a multidisciplinary ICU team detected 2 distinct periods of high and unusual incidence of Bcc isolates that were recovered from cultures of endotracheal aspirate. Cultures of tap water, ultrasound gel and mouthwash (opened and unopened bottles) were performed.

Epidemiologic surveillance of multidrug-resistant bacteria in a teaching hospital: A 3-year experience.

Background: The objective of this prospective study was to verify the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary surveillance program that was implemented in a teaching hospital in southern Brazil, to prevent and control the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.

Methods: The program implemented involved establishment of prevention guidelines, hand-hygiene promotion, isolation of patients colonized or infected by such organisms, enforced contact precautions, and terminal cleaning and disinfection of isolation rooms. A microbiology service, previously provided by an external laboratory, was established in the hospital.

In vitro activity of polymyxins in combination with β-lactams against clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains has made it difficult to treat infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In order to develop new alternative therapies for the treatment of MDR P. aeruginosa infections, the antimicrobial activities of different antibiotic combinations have been studied in vitro and in vivo.