Genomic investigation and clinical correlates of the β-lactam: NaHCO responsiveness phenotype among methicillin-resistant isolates from a randomized clinical trial.

NaHCO responsiveness is a novel phenotype where some methicillin-resistant (MRSA) isolates exhibit significantly lower minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) to oxacillin and/or cefazolin in the presence of NaHCO. NaHCO responsiveness correlated with treatment response to β-lactams in an endocarditis animal model. We investigated whether treatment of NaHCO-responsive strains with β-lactams was associated with faster clearance of bacteremia.

Comparison of contemporary invasive and non-invasive isolates reveals new insights into circulating anti-microbial resistance determinants.

is a major human pathogen with a high burden of disease. Non-invasive isolates (those found in non-sterile sites) are thought to be a key source of invasive isolates (those found in sterile sites) and a reservoir of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) determinants. Despite this, pneumococcal surveillance has almost exclusively focused on invasive isolates.

A statistical genomics framework to trace bacterial genomic predictors of clinical outcomes in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.

Outcomes of severe bacterial infections are determined by the interplay between host, pathogen, and treatments. While human genomics has provided insights into host factors impacting Staphylococcus aureus infections, comparatively little is known about S. aureus genotypes and disease severity.

Niche-specific genome degradation and convergent evolution shaping adaptation during severe infections.

During severe infections, moves from its colonising sites to blood and tissues and is exposed to new selective pressures, thus, potentially driving adaptive evolution. Previous studies have shown the key role of the locus in pathoadaptation; however, a more comprehensive characterisation of genetic signatures of bacterial adaptation may enable prediction of clinical outcomes and reveal new targets for treatment and prevention of these infections. Here, we measured adaptation using within-host evolution analysis of 2590 .

Comprehensive Genomic Investigation of Adaptive Mutations Driving the Low-Level Oxacillin Resistance Phenotype in Staphylococcus aureus.

Antistaphylococcal penicillins such as oxacillin are the key antibiotics in the treatment of invasive methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) infections; however, gene-independent resistance adaptation can cause treatment failure. Despite its clinical relevance, the basis of this phenomenon remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the genomic adaptation to oxacillin at an unprecedented scale using a large collection of 503 clinical -negative isolates and 30 -adapted isolates from independent oxacillin exposures.

Draft Genome Sequences of Six Strains Isolated from Malaysian Clinical and Environmental Origins.

is known to cause a variety of nosocomial infections, including urinary tract infections. Antibiotic resistance and virulence properties in this species are of public concern. The draft genome sequences of six strains isolated from clinical and environmental sources in Malaysia are presented here.

Genetic diversity of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from environmental, animal and clinical sources in Malaysia.

Enterococcus faecalis ranks as one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections. A strong epidemiological link has been reported between E. faecalis inhabiting animals and environmental sources.

Public Health Risks of Multiple-Drug-Resistant Enterococcus spp. in Southeast Asia.

Enterococci rank as one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections, such as urinary tract infections, surgical wound infections, and endocarditis, in humans. These infections can be hard to treat because of the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance. Enterococci inhabiting nonhuman reservoirs appear to play a critical role in the acquisition and dissemination of antibiotic resistance determinants.

Isolation and identification of gastrointestinal microbiota from the short-nosed fruit bat Cynopterus brachyotis brachyotis.

Studies on the microbial ecology of gut microbiota in bats are limited and such information is necessary in determining the ecological significance of these hosts. Short-nosed fruit bats (Cynopterus brachyotis brachyotis) are good candidates for microbiota studies given their close association with humans in urban areas. Thus, this study explores the gut microbiota of this species from Peninsular Malaysia by means of biochemical tests and 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis.

A National Guard outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia infection and colonization secondary to intrinsic contamination of albuterol nebulization solution.

Background: Burkholderia cepacia, a gram-negative pathogen, has been a known cause of hospital outbreaks because of a contaminated common source such as multidose medications. We describe an outbreak with Burkholderia cepacia infection in 2 major hospitals affiliated to the National Guard, related to an intrinsic contamination of a locally manufactured, multidose Albuterol nebulization solution (Tabouk Pharmaceutical Company, Tabouk, Saudi Arabia) and we report the interventions taken to interrupt this outbreak.

Methods: During the outbreak period between May 2003 and March 2004, a combined prospective surveillance and a retrospective chart and microbiologic data review were conducted in 4 major hospitals affiliated to the National Guard.