Optimization of the β LACTA test for the detection of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing bacteria directly in urine samples.

The β LACTA™ test (BLT) is a chromogenic test detecting resistance to third-generation cephalosporins on bacterial colonies. Some studies have shown that this test can be used directly in urine samples. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal conditions of use of this test in order to detect the ESBL-producing bacteria directly in urine samples.

Randomized intubation with polyurethane or conical cuffs to prevent pneumonia in ventilated patients.

Rationale: The occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is linked to the aspiration of contaminated pharyngeal secretions around the endotracheal tube. Tubes with cuffs made of polyurethane rather than polyvinyl chloride or with a conical rather than a cylindrical shape increase tracheal sealing.

Objectives: To test whether using polyurethane and/or conical cuffs reduces tracheal colonization and VAP in patients with acute respiratory failure.

Ten-year decrease of acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia at a single institution: the result of a multifaceted program combining cross-transmission prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.

Background: In France, the proportion of MRSA has been over 25% since 2000. Prevention of hospital-acquired (HA) MRSA spread is based on isolation precautions and antibiotic stewardship. At our institution, before 2000, the Infection Disease and the Infection Control teams had failed to reduce HA-MRSA rates.

Polymorphisms in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion protein, PcrV - implications for anti-PcrV immunotherapy.

The type III secretion system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, responsible for acute infection, is composed of over twenty proteins that facilitate cytotoxin injection directly into host cells. Integral to this process is production and secretion of PcrV. Administration of a recently developed, anti-PcrV immunoglobulin, either as a therapeutic or prophylactic has previously demonstrated efficacy against laboratory strains of P.

Diagnostic accuracy of a rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for universal intrapartum group B streptococcus screening.

Background: Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is currently given to mothers who test positive for group B streptococcus (GBS) by antenatal culture-based screening, with a risk-based approach for cases with an unknown GBS status. A rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of GBS became available recently, making intrapartum screening possible. We aimed to assess its diagnostic accuracy and to compare it with antenatal screening.