Multidrug-Resistant and Carbapenemase Gene-Carrying Isolated from Bloodstream Infection.

In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular characteristics of antimicrobial resistance of strains isolated from the bloodstream using whole-genome sequencing. Clinical isolates identified as and showing colistin resistance at the time of detection were collected. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using the VITEK2 system (bioMérieux) and Sensititre system (Thermo Fisher Scientific).

Genetic characterization of tetracycline-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with reduced vancomycin susceptibility using whole-genome sequencing.

This study aimed to analyze the genetic characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus with reduced vancomycin susceptibility (RVS-SA). Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 27 RVS-SA clinical isolates, and comparative genomic analysis was performed using S. aureus reference strains.

Large-Scale Clinical Evaluation of Rapid Blood Culture Identification Panels for Bloodstream Infections at a Tertiary Hospital.

The prompt implementation of optimal antibacterial therapy through the rapid identification of the causative organisms is essential for improving outcomes for critically ill patients with bloodstream infections. We evaluated the clinical performance of the FilmArray blood culture identification (BCID) panel for rapidly identifying causative pathogens in the bloodstream using large-scale clinical samples. We analyzed the results of identification using a BCID panel performed on 2005 positive blood culture bottles from September 2019 to June 2022.

Immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Korea.

Eighty-five Korean kidney transplant recipients who received three doses of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine were tested with anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody and neutralizing antibody. High anti-RBD antibody (≥ 100 U/mL) and neutralizing antibody responses (≥ 30%) were detected in 51/85 (60.0%) patients.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of COVID-19 Booster Vaccinations in Healthcare Personnel.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of different COVID-19 booster vaccines by measuring the serum antibody titer. SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid protein antibody (N-Ab), anti-spike protein antibody (S-Ab), and neutralizing antibody (Neut.Ab) were measured before and 4-6 weeks after booster vaccinations in healthcare personnel with a previous vaccination within 3-6 months.

Different Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Methods to Determine Vancomycin Susceptibility and MIC for with Reduced Vancomycin Susceptibility.

The methods and results obtained using commercialized automation systems used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing are not entirely consistent. Therefore, we evaluated different antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods to determine vancomycin susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Staphylococcus aureus with reduced vancomycin susceptibility (SA-RVS). A total of 128 clinical isolates of S.

Whole-genome sequencing for the characterization of resistance mechanisms and epidemiology of colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Background: Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is an important causal pathogen of healthcare-associated infections, and colistin-resistant strains have recently emerged owing to the increased use of colistin. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a single whole-genome sequencing (WGS) protocol can identify and type pathogens, analyze genetic relationships among different pathogens, predict pathogenic transmissions, and detect antibiotic resistance genes. However, only a few studies have applied NGS in studying the resistance mechanism and epidemiology of colistin-resistant A.

Nationwide Survey for Current Status of Laboratory Diagnosis of Infection in Korea.

Background: The interest in infection (CDI) has increased, and the choice of assays became wider since the first national survey in Korea on CDI diagnosis in 2015. We conducted a survey of the domestic CDI assays with more varied questions to understand the current situation in Korea.

Methods: In April 2018, about 50 questions on the current status of CDI assays and details on implementation and perceptions were written, and a survey questionnaire was administered to laboratory medicine specialists in 200 institutions.

Comprehensive DNA repair gene expression analysis and its prognostic significance in acute myeloid leukemia.

Background: Deficiency in DNA damage response (DDR) pathway and accumulation of DNA damage increases mutation rates resulting in genomic instability and eventually increases the risk of cancer. The aim of our study was to investigate expressions of DNA repair genes as new prognostic biomarkers in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Methods: We utilized The Cancer Genome Atlas AML project (TCGA-LAML cohort, 15 acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and 155 non-APL AML) for the expression data of DNA repair genes.

Risk of Absence of Measles Antibody in Healthcare Personnel and Efficacy of Booster Vaccination.

We aimed to identify the presence of the measles IgG antibody (mIgG-Ab) in healthcare personnel and finding out who needs the measles vaccination. The history of measles vaccination was obtained from the national vaccine registry. A baseline mIgG-Ab test was performed, and the measles vaccine was administered to participants who tested negative or equivocal for mIgG-Abs.

Laboratory Diagnostic Methods for Infection: the First Systematic Review and Meta-analysis in Korea.

Background: Various methods are used for the diagnosis of infection (CDI). We systematically analyzed and investigated the performance of current laboratory diagnostic methods for CDI.

Methods: We performed systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed.

Laboratory Diagnosis of Infection in Korea: The First National Survey.

In May 2015, we conducted a voluntary online survey on laboratory diagnostic assays for infection (CDI) across clinical microbiology laboratories in Korea. Responses were obtained from 66 laboratories, including 61 hospitals and five commercial laboratories. Among them, nine laboratories reported having not conducted CDI assays.

Antibiotics-Associated Hemorrhagic Colitis Caused by : Two Case Reports.

Nowadays, is described as a causative organism for antibiotic-associated hemorrhagic colitis (AAHC). Here we report two cases of pediatric AAHC, from which was cultured after starting amoxicillin-clavulanate or amoxicillin treatment. The patients developed severe abdominal pain and a large amount of bloody diarrhea.

Evaluation of the performance of C. DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE and its usefulness in a hospital setting with a high prevalence of Clostridium difficile infection.

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is crucial for patient care, infection control, and efficient surveillance. We evaluated C. DIFF QUIK CHEK COMPLETE (QCC; TechLab), which detects glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) antigen (QCC-Ag) and toxin A/B (QCC-Tox) simultaneously, and compared it to the laboratory diagnostics for CDI currently in use in a tertiary hospital setting with a high prevalence of CDI.

Levofloxacin Efflux and smeD in Clinical Isolates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is the first-line antimicrobial combination for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections. However, allergy or intolerance and increasing resistance limit the use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Quinolones can be used as an alternative therapeutic option, but resistance can emerge rapidly during therapy.

Diagnostic Utility of Serum Glycated Albumin for Diabetes Mellitus and Its Correlation With Hyperlipidemia.

Background: Glycated albumin (GA) is a better marker of short-term glycemic control than glycated hemoglobin (A1c). Dyslipidemia is the main cause of cardiovascular complications in diabetes mellitus (DM). Studies on the correlation of GA with lipid indices are sparse.

Mechanisms of ertapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae isolates in a tertiary university hospital.

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of ertapenem resistance among Enterobacteriaceae isolates in a clinical microbiology laboratory at a tertiary university hospital. A total of 40 clinical isolates including 20 resistant and 20 intermediate isolates were collected from August 2012 to July 2013. Ertapenem susceptibility was confirmed by the broth microdilution method.

Calreticulin mRNA expression and clinicopathological characteristics in acute myeloid leukemia.

Calreticulin, encoded by CALR, is a multifunctional protein with roles in calcium homeostasis and chaperoning molecular processes. This study aimed to evaluate calreticulin mRNA expression levels in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) compared with other hematologic malignancies, and to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics associated with expression in AML patients. The study group included 43 patients diagnosed with AML, 57 with other hematologic malignancies, and 21 benign hematologic conditions.

KMT2A (MLL)-MLLT1 rearrangement in blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare hematologic malignancy characterized by CD4 and CD56 coexpression without apparent lineage commitment. The molecular pathogenesis of BPDCN has been studied in only a limited number of cases, and specific chromosomal aberrations are lacking thus far. KMT2A (MLL) rearrangements are observed in various types of pediatric and adult leukemia, but only one adult case report has so far showed KMT2A (MLL)-MLLT1 gene rearrangements in BPDCN.

Comparative evaluation of two matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) systems, Vitek MS and Microflex LT, for the identification of Gram-positive cocci routinely isolated in clinical microbiology laboratories.

We evaluated the performance of two MALDI-TOF MS systems for the identification of clinically important Gram-positive cocci. Vitek MS and Microflex LT correctly identified 97.2% and 94.