Achromobacter xylosoxidans in hospital environments: still waters run deep!

Background: Hospital reservoirs of Achromobacter xylosoxidans, responsible for nosocomial infections, are poorly known.

Methods: We examined the growth, survival and biofilm formation of five A. xylosoxidans strains for up to 2 y in distilled, dialysis or microfiltered water.

Achromobacter spp. healthcare associated infections in the French West Indies: a longitudinal study from 2006 to 2016.

Background: Bacteria of the Achromobacter genus, more particularly xylosoxidans species, are responsible for various healthcare associated infections (HAI) which are increasingly described since the last decade. Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are considered as potential reservoirs in hospitals. We performed a retrospective study to estimate the frequencies of Achromobacter spp.

Achromobacter xylosoxidans resistance to antiseptics and disinfectants is far from obvious.

Background: Achromobacter xylosoxidans is described as being resistant to antiseptics and disinfectants. We studied in vitro the ability of five strains to survive and grow in such solutions, with and without starvation.

Methods: Bacterial suspensions in rich media and in distilled water were inoculated into eight antiseptics or disinfectants under conditions of use.

Evaluation of different serological assays for early diagnosis of leptospirosis in Martinique (French West Indies).

Background: Leptospirosis is a potentially life-threatening but curable zoonosis whose prognosis depends on accurate and timely diagnosis. Because of its non-specific clinical presentation, laboratory testing is essential to confirm the diagnosis. Here, we aimed to assess the performance of two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) (ELISA Serion and ELISA-Hb Pasteur) and one immunodot (GenBio) using quantitative PCR (qPCR) as gold standard, instead of the traditional microscopic agglutination test, for the diagnosis of acute leptospirosis in an endemic area.