Susceptibility of clinical Moraxella catarrhalis isolates in British Columbia to six empirically prescribed antibiotic agents.

Background: Moraxella catarrhalis is a commensal organism of the respiratory tract that has emerged as an important pathogen for a variety of upper and lower respiratory tract infections including otitis media and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Susceptibility testing of M catarrhalis is not routinely performed in most diagnostic laboratories; rather, a comment predicting susceptibility based on the literature is attached to the report. The most recent Canadian report on M catarrhalis antimicrobial susceptibility was published in 2003; therefore, a new study at this time was of interest and importance.

Determination of susceptibility to fosfomycin and tigecycline of Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Escherichia coli isolates, producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases from multiple regional Canadian hospitals.

Background: The worldwide spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Escherichia coli, has significantly limited therapeutic options, especially for urinary tract infections. Although limited in their indications, fosfomycin and tigecycline are potential agents to treat infections due to ESBL-producing organisms. Although not routinely performed, susceptibility testing to both is necessary to ensure there is not an increase in resistance.

Family caregiver participation in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings: how does it affect the nature and content of communication?

Collaboration between family caregivers and health care providers is necessary to ensure patient-centered care, especially for hospice patients. During hospice care, interdisciplinary team members meet biweekly to collaborate and develop holistic care plans that address the physical, spiritual, psychological, and social needs of patients and families. The purpose of this study was to explore team communication when video-conferencing is used to facilitate the family caregiver's participation in a hospice team meeting.

Penicillin susceptibility and macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance in group B Streptococcus isolates from a Canadian hospital.

Background: Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) is recommended for pregnant women who test positive for group B Streptococcus (GBS) in their genitourinary tract to prevent GBS-induced neonatal sepsis. Penicillin G is used as the primary antibiotic, and clindamycin or erythromycin as the secondary, if allergies exist. Decreased susceptibility to penicillin G has occasionally been reported; however, clindamycin and erythromycin resistance is on the rise and is causing concern over the use of clindamycin and erythromycin IAP.