Improved recovery of antibiotic-stressed microorganisms on inclusion of saponin in aerobic blood culture media.

The recovery rates and times to detection of microorganisms isolated from two similar blood culture media, one containing saponin, were compared. A total of 2117 blood cultures were analysed in a prototype automated blood culture system. Significantly more gram-positive organisms (P<0.

Use of prototype automated blood culture system and gas-liquid chromatography for the analysis of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis associated infection.

Aims: (1) To compare the recovery of organisms from continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) effluent fluid obtained from patients with clinical evidence of peritonitis, with an automated system (AS) and the Septichek blood culture system; (2) to evaluate the times to detection of organisms with the two systems; (3) to identify anaerobes from CAPD samples by extended anaerobic culture and gas-liquid chromatography (GLC).

Methods: 168 CAPD effluent fluid samples were studied, representing 157 episodes of peritonitis in 97 patients. CAPD samples were inoculated into two AS bottles-one anaerobic, one aerobic-and a Septichek bottle; samples were also examined for cell count, Gram stain, and direct culture.

Development of o.a.s.i.s., a new automated blood culture system in which detection is based on measurement of bottle headspace pressure changes.

o.a.s.

Monitoring of hospital water supplies for Legionella.

In order to determine the value of regular surveillance for Legionella in the prevention of hospital-acquired (nosocomial) legionellosis, water samples were obtained over a three-year period from 17 hospitals located in England and Scotland. Prior to the study, all of the hospitals had in operation defined protocols and maintenance schedules which followed national guidelines for the prevention of legionellosis in health care premises. Six samples, from key locations in the water system of each hospital, were taken at six-monthly intervals.