[Optimization in the detection of bacteremia: Integrated use of FilmArray (BCID2) and MALDI-TOF].

The usefulness of the combined use of MALDI-TOF MS from a subculture with 3-5h of incubation and the BCID2 panel (FilmArray) for the identification of microorganisms from positive blood cultures and its importance in the adjustment of antimicrobial therapy was analyzed. Overall identification with BCID2 was 90.4% (142/157) and with Maldi-TOF MS 83.

[Bordetella holmesii endocarditis in an asplenic patient].

The case of a 52-year-old female patient with a history of critical aortic stenosis, hypothyroidism and splenectomy as treatment for her Hodgkin's lymphoma is herein presented. In April 2011, the patient was admitted to the cardiology service due to global heart failure, fever and poor response to diuretic and vasodilator therapy. A transesophageal echocardiogram showed images compatible with vegetations in the aortic, pulmonary, and mitral valves.

[Evaluation of direct susceptibility testing from blood culture bottles. Clinical usefulness].

A prospective observational study was conducted in two hospitals of Buenos Aires city (Argentina); 191 clinically significant monomicrobial gram-negative bloodstream infections were included in the study, which combined the Bact-Alert System Blood culture machine and the Vitek 2C System. Organism identification and susceptibility results directly from blood culture bottles were compared with those obtained from cards inoculated with a standardized bacterial suspension obtained following subculture on agar. By comparing the results obtained from pure cultures with those by the Vitek 2C System as reference method, the agreement between the reference method and the direct identification from positive blood cultures was 99 %.

[Optimization of screening methodologies for the detection of Streptococcus agalactiae in pregnant women].

Streptococcus agalactiae is a significant worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women and their newborn infants. The objective of this work was to determine the usefulness of bioMerieux chromogenic medium chromID Strepto B (CR) for detecting S. agalactiae in pregnant women from the selective Todd-Hewitt broth (sel-THB ) against the methods proposed by the CDC .