Mechanisms of bla dissemination across diverse carbapenem resistant clinical isolates.

Objective: The IMP-4 carbapenemase is an endemic cause of carbapenem resistance in the Asia-Pacific region. Our aim was to determine the dissemination mechanism of the bla gene.

Methods: Twelve representative Australian IMP-4 clinical isolates from The Alfred Hospital, were characterised using antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genome and plasmid assemblies analysed.

Ceftolozane/tazobactam disrupts Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms under static and dynamic conditions.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms limit the efficacy of currently available antibacterial therapies and pose significant clinical challenges. Pseudomonal biofilms are complicated further when other markers of persistence such as mucoid and hypermutable phenotypes are present. There is currently a paucity of data regarding the activity of the newer β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination ceftolozane/tazobactam against P.

Effect of perioperative blood transfusion on preoperative haemoglobin levels as a risk factor for long-term outcomes in patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery: a prospective multicentre observational study.

Background: Preoperative anaemia and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are associated with poorer clinical outcomes. It is unknown whether perioperative RBC transfusions mediate the relationship between preoperative haemoglobin levels and postoperative outcomes.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study among patients aged ≥50 yr undergoing elective major noncardiac surgery from four Swedish hospitals.

Evaluation of the analytical performance of four different manufacturer's reagent red blood cells in antibody detection and identification.

Objective: The detection/identification of clinically significant antibodies to red cell antigens form the foundation for safe transfusion practices. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of commercially available 0.8% reagent red blood cells (RRBCs) in Australia.