Volatile organic compounds in headspace characterize isolated bacterial strains independent of growth medium or antibiotic sensitivity.

Introduction: Early and reliable determination of bacterial strain specificity and antibiotic resistance is critical to improve sepsis treatment. Previous research demonstrated the potential of headspace analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to differentiate between various microorganisms associated with pulmonary infections in vitro. This study evaluates whether VOC analysis can also discriminate antibiotic sensitive from resistant bacterial strains when cultured on varying growth media.

Unraveling the Modes of Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) During a Nursing Home Outbreak: Looking Beyond the Church Superspreading Event.

Background: An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a nursing home in the Netherlands, following an on-site church service held on 8 March 2020, triggered an investigation to unravel sources and chain(s) of transmission.

Methods: Epidemiological data were collected from registries and through a questionnaire among church attendees. Symptomatic residents and healthcare workers (HCWs) were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS).

Obtaining nasal and rectal swabs from general practice patients to assess carriage of antibiotic resistant microorganisms: a feasibility study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of obtaining nasal and rectal swabs from general practice patients for measuring carriage of antibiotic resistant microorganisms in an area in Rotterdam (the Netherlands) with low socioeconomic status and a large immigrant population.

Methods: Data collection was from May to December 2017, in one general practice in Rotterdam. We asked adults (≥18 years) visiting the general practitioner (GP) with complaints not related to infections for one nasal and two rectal swabs and tested these for highly resistant microorganisms (HRMOs).

Author Correction: Global phylogenetic analysis of Escherichia coli and plasmids carrying the mcr-1 gene indicates bacterial diversity but plasmid restriction.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Low antimicrobial resistance in general practice patients in Rotterdam, the city with the largest proportion of immigrants in the Netherlands.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing problem. The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in general practice patients is expected to be relatively high in Rotterdam, the Dutch city with the largest proportion non-Western immigrants. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant uropathogens (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis) in general practices in Rotterdam, and to find a possible association between the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E.

Prevalence and risk factors for carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a population of Dutch travellers: A cross-sectional study.

Background: We investigated prevalence and predictive factors for ESBL-E carriage in a population of mostly travellers prior to their travel (n = 2216). In addition, we examined ESBL genotype before travel and compared these to returning travellers.

Method: A questionnaire and faecal sample were collected before travel, and a second faecal sample was collected immediately after travel.

Distribution of serotypes and patterns of antimicrobial resistance among commensal Streptococcus pneumoniae in nine European countries.

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a commensal of the human upper respiratory tract and a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This paper presents the distribution of serotypes and antimicrobial resistance in commensal S. pneumoniae strains cultured from healthy carriers older than four years of age in nine European countries.

Global phylogenetic analysis of Escherichia coli and plasmids carrying the mcr-1 gene indicates bacterial diversity but plasmid restriction.

To understand the dynamics behind the worldwide spread of the mcr-1 gene, we determined the population structure of Escherichia coli and of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) carrying the mcr-1 gene. After a systematic review of the literature we included 65 E. coli whole genome sequences (WGS), adding 6 recently sequenced travel related isolates, and 312 MLST profiles.

Travel-related acquisition of diarrhoeagenic bacteria, enteral viruses and parasites in a prospective cohort of 98 Dutch travellers.

Background: Limited prospective data are available on the acquisition of viral, bacterial and parasitic diarrhoeagenic agents by healthy individuals during travel.

Methods: To determine the frequency of travel associated acquisition of 19 pathogens in 98 intercontinental travellers, qPCR was used to detect 8 viral pathogens, 6 bacterial enteric pathogens and 5 parasite species in faecal samples collected immediately before and after travel.

Results: We found high pre-travel carriage rates of Blastocystis spp.

Rapid assessment of antimicrobial resistance prevalence using a Lot Quality Assurance sampling approach.

Aim: Increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires rapid surveillance tools, such as Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS).

Materials & Methods: LQAS classifies AMR as high or low based on set parameters. We compared classifications with the underlying true AMR prevalence using data on 1335 Escherichia coli isolates from surveys of community-acquired urinary tract infection in women, by assessing operating curves, sensitivity and specificity.

Surveillance of antimicrobial use in Dutch long-term care facilities.

Objectives: : Residents living in a long-term care facility (LTCF) are more susceptible to infections. Treatment with antimicrobials is sometimes necessary; however, antibiotic use is considered one of the most important drivers of the development of antibiotic resistance. Surveillance data on antibiotic use in these LTCFs are necessary to get more insight into these patterns.

Can the composition of the intestinal microbiota predict the development of urinary tract infections?

Aim: To evaluate whether intestinal microbiota predicts the development of new-onset urinary tract infections (UTIs) in postmenopausal women with prior recurrent UTIs (rUTIs).

Patients & Methods: Fecal samples (n = 40) originated from women with rUTI who received 12 months' prophylaxis of either trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) or lactobacilli. Microbial composition was assessed by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing.

Import and spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae by international travellers (COMBAT study): a prospective, multicentre cohort study.

Background: International travel contributes to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. We investigated the acquisition of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) during international travel, with a focus on predictive factors for acquisition, duration of colonisation, and probability of onward transmission.

Methods: Within the prospective, multicentre COMBAT study, 2001 Dutch travellers and 215 non-travelling household members were enrolled.

Detection of the plasmid-mediated colistin-resistance gene mcr-1 in faecal metagenomes of Dutch travellers.

Background: Recently, the first plasmid-mediated colistin-resistance gene, mcr-1, was reported. Colistin is increasingly used as an antibiotic of last resort for the treatment of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant bacteria, which have been rapidly disseminating worldwide in recent years.

Objectives: The reported carriage rate of mcr-1 in humans remains sporadic thus far, except for those reported in Chinese populations.

Prolonged carriage and potential onward transmission of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Dutch travelers.

Aim: The aim was to study acquisition and persistence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) among travelers.

Materials & Methods: Stools from 2001 travelers and 215 nontraveling household members, collected before and immediately post-travel as well as 1, 3, 6 and 12 months upon return, were screened for CPE.

Results: Five travelers, all visiting Asia outside the Indian subcontinent, acquired CPE.

Carriage of antimicrobial-resistant commensal bacteria in Dutch long-term-care facilities.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess carriage of antimicrobial-resistant commensal microorganisms, i.e. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and its predictors in long-term-care facilities (LTCFs).

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of commensal Streptococcus pneumoniae in nine European countries.

The human microbiota represents an important reservoir of antibiotic resistance. Moreover, the majority of antibiotics are prescribed in primary care. For this reason, we assessed the prevalence and antibiotic resistance of nasal carriage strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most prevalent bacterial causative agent of community-acquired respiratory tract infections, in outpatients in nine European countries.

Evaluation of phenotypic and molecular methods for identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Aim: The objective of this study is to compare various Streptococcus pneumoniae identification methods.

Materials & Methods: In total, 1371 putative S. pneumoniae isolates were tested with three phenotypic methods and a molecular-based method targeting a virulence factor (CpsA).

Analysis of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath to diagnose ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a nosocomial infection occurring in the intensive care unit (ICU). The diagnostic standard is based on clinical criteria and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Exhaled breath analysis is a promising non-invasive method for rapid diagnosis of diseases and contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can differentiate diseased from healthy individuals.

Is a wound swab for microbiological analysis supportive in the clinical assessment of infection of a chronic wound?

Aim: To determine whether bacteriological analysis of a wound swab is supportive in the clinical assessment of infection of a chronic wound.

Methods: Patients attending an outpatient wound clinic who had endured a chronic wound for more than 3 weeks were clinically assessed for infection. In addition, standardized wound swabs were taken according to the Levine technique and the microbiological findings of the swabs compared with the clinical assessment of the wounds.

Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum (ESBL)- and plasmid-mediated AmpC ß-lactamase -producing Gram-negative bacteria associated with skin and soft tissue infections in hospital and community settings.

Aim: To investigate the characteristics of meticillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum (ESBL), and plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamase producing Gram-negative bacteria causing skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in hospital and outpatient settings of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Methods: Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disc-diffusion and broth microdillution methods according to CLSI guidelines.

Antibiotic Exposure and Other Risk Factors for Antimicrobial Resistance in Nasal Commensal Staphylococcus aureus: An Ecological Study in 8 European Countries.

Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global public health concern which threatens the effective treatment of bacterial infections. Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) increasingly appears in individuals with no healthcare associated risks. Our study assessed risk factors for nasal carriage of resistant S.

Primary care treatment guidelines for skin infections in Europe: congruence with antimicrobial resistance found in commensal Staphylococcus aureus in the community.

Background: Over 90% of antibiotics for human use in Europe are prescribed in primary care. We assessed the congruence between primary care treatment guidelines for skin infections and commensal Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) antimicrobial resistance levels in community-dwelling persons.

Emergency (clonal spread) of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended spectrum (ESBL)--and AmpC beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria infections at Pediatric Department, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Purpose: Aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum (ESBL) and plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamase producing Gram-negative bacteria in children.

Methods: Antibiotic susceptibility of MRSA and beta-lactamase producing Gram-negative bacteria was determined by disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods according to CLSI guidelines. Methicillin resistance was confirmed by the presence of mecA gene by PCR.