[Methicillin-resistant : 15 years of molecular epidemiology in Western Switzerland].

Since the introduction of antibiotics, successive waves of Staphylococcus aureus clones occurred, each one having characteristic susceptibility pattern to antibiotics and virulence factors. We report here the results of a molecular epidemiological surveillance of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in French-speaking Switzerland between 2006 and 2020 showing the emergence and disappearance of clones known for their international dissemination, and the sporadic appearance of other international clones.

Optimal culture incubation time in orthopedic device-associated infections: a retrospective analysis of prolonged 14-day incubation.

Accurate diagnosis of orthopedic device-associated infections can be challenging. Culture of tissue biopsy specimens is often considered the gold standard; however, there is currently no consensus on the ideal incubation time for specimens. The aim of our study was to assess the yield of a 14-day incubation protocol for tissue biopsy specimens from revision surgery (joint replacements and internal fixation devices) in a general orthopedic and trauma surgery setting.

[Quality in microbiology: contribution of the physician].

It is not always easy to choose the right microbiology test to order. Which pathogens to look for? What is the best-fitted method: microscopy, culture, tests for antigens, antibodies, genes or toxins? How to sample and transport the specimen? This article brings some answers to the questions the physician often asks when prescribing microbiology exams on stools, deep respiratory tract secretions, blood and wounds. By selecting the appropriate tests and respecting the guidelines for sampling and transporting specimens, the physician greatly contributes to the quality of results.

Changing molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a small geographic area over an eight-year period.

The epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at an international level shows that most MRSA strains belong to a few pandemic clones. At the local level, a predominance of one or two clones was generally reported. However, the situation is evolving and new clones are emerging worldwide, some of them with specific biological characteristics, such as the presence of Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL).

Effect of sputum induction by hypertonic saline on specimen quality.

Microbiologic work-up of expectorated material is routinely used to search for the etiology of pulmonary infections, but sputum is often contaminated by saliva. Inhalation of hypertonic saline induces bronchial secretions and theoretically may improve specimen quality. We compared in a laboratory-blinded, randomized study the quality of sputum obtained either with induction by saline or without induction in patients with respiratory tract infection and a history of productive cough.