Bloodstream Infections by AmpC-Producing Enterobacterales: Risk Factors and Therapeutic Outcome.

Bloodstream infections associated with AmpC-producing Enterobacterales are severe medical conditions which, without prompt and effective treatment, may have dire ramifications. This study aimed to assess whether certain comorbidities and previous surgical procedures coincide with resistance determinants of AmpC-producing Enterobacterales associated with bloodstream infections. Antibiotic resistance patterns and therapy outcome were also determined.

Emergence and Spread of Enterobacterales with Multiple Carbapenemases after COVID-19 Pandemic.

Resistance to carbapenems in has become a matter of the highest concern in the last decade. Recently, harboring multiple carbapenemases were detected in three hospital centers in Croatia and in the outpatient setting, posing a serious therapeutic challenge for clinicians. In this study, we analyzed eight and two complex isolates with multiple carbapenemases, with regard to antibiotic susceptibility, β-lactamase production and plasmid content.

Evolution of Beta-Lactamases in Urinary Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Croatia; from Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases to Carbapenemases and Colistin Resistance.

K. pneumoniae isolates often harbor various antibiotic resistance determinants including extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases (p-Amp-C) and carbapenemases. In this study we analyzed 65 K.

CAN IgG ANTIBODIES DIRECTED AGAINST DIFFERENT TARGETS SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF FALSE-POSITIVE RESULTS IN SARS-CoV-2 SEROLOGY?

In addition to RT-PCR assays, serology testing that has been recognized as a useful tool to assess the spread of infection in the population is considered successful and important strategy in the control of the global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Now, a great number of manufacturers offer their serologic tests on the market. When interpretating the results, the rate of seroprevalence should be taken in consideration because it may influence the positive predictive value, as well as cross-reactivity with other coronaviruses in case of assays with poorly designed antigens.

Detection and characterisation of extended-spectrum and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase produced by isolates found at poultry farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) hydrolyse extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) and aztreonam. As ESBL-producing organisms have been identified in food producing animals, the aim of our study was to detect and analyse such isolates from poultry. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined with disk-diffusion and broth microdilution methods.

Parvovirus B19 in Croatia: A Large-Scale Seroprevalence Study.

: Seroepidemiological studies indicate that parvovirus B19 circulates in all areas of the world, although with some differences. The aim of this study is to analyze the seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 in the Croatian population. : From 2010 to 2021, 1538 serum samples from different populations were tested for the presence of parvovirus B19 IgM/IgG antibodies.

Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) in urinary infection isolates.

Recently, emergence of carbapenem-resistance, in particular due to Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC), was observed among K. pneumoniae causing urinary tract infections in Croatia. The aim of the study was to characterize, antimicrobial susceptibility, carbapenem resistance, virulence traits and plasmid types of the urinary KPC positive isolates of K.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and plasmid diversity in urinary isolates of Escherichia coli in Croatia: a nation-wide, multicentric, retrospective study.

In recent years, a dramatic increase in the prevalence of Escherichia coli strains producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) has been observed - both in the community and in healthcare settings. This multicentric study aimed to characterize ESBLs produced by E. coli isolates causing hospital-onset and community urinary tract infections, as well as to compare their antimicrobial sensitivity patterns, β-lactamase content and plasmid types.

FALSE POSITIVE PHENOTYPIC DETECTION OF METALLO-BETA-LACTAMASES IN .

Phenotypic detection of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) in is a serious challenge to clinical microbiologists. MBLs are inhibited by metal chelators such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) (EDTA). Production of MBLs cannot be recognized based on resistance phenotype.

Anaerobic Bacteria in Implants and Homologous Teeth 2-14 Years after Implantation.

Objective: The objective of the study was to establish whether there is a difference in the presence of potentially pathogenic anaerobic microorganisms around the implant and the homologous tooth in implant-prosthetic patients who received individual information about maintaining their oral hygiene.

Material And Methods: The study included 30 subjects with dental implants and metal-ceramic crowns. A periodontal probe was used to record the approximal plaque index (API), the papilla bleeding index (PBI), the periodontal pocket probing depth (PD) and the gingival recession.

NDM-1-producing Enterobacter aerogenes isolated from a patient with a JJ ureteric stent in situ.

Urinary tract infections after JJ stent insertion are among the most common complications, and the associated microorganisms carry more antibiotic resistance determinants than those found in urine prior to stent insertion. In line with the trends in healthcare epidemiology which implicate multi-resistant microorganisms in a plethora of healthcare-associated infections, prosthetic stent material also represents an ideal milieu for biofilm formation and subsequent infection development with resistant bacterial agents. Here we describe a case of a 73-year-old Caucasian woman presenting with urinary tract infection after JJ ureteric stent insertion due to ureteric obstruction and hydronephrosis of her left kidney.

In vitro synergy and postantibiotic effect of colistin combinations with meropenem and vancomycin against Enterobacteriaceae with multiple carbapenem resistance mechanisms.

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine in vitro synergy and postantibiotic effect of colistin alone and combined with meropenem or vancomycin against Enterobacteriaceae producing multiple carbapenemases; combinations of two metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) or MBL with OXA-48. Colistin-resistant strain positive for OXA-48 was also included in the study.

Methods: The antibiotic susceptibility was tested by broth microdilution method.

Herpes Group Viruses: a Seroprevalence Study in Hemodialysis Patients.

Herpes group viruses (herpes simplex virus, HSV; varicella-zoster virus, VZV; cytomegalovirus, CMV; and Epstein-Barr virus, EBV) remain an important cause of morbidity in immunocompromised persons. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, CMV and EBV in patients undergoing hemodialysis. During a three-year period (2013-2015), 152 consecutive serum samples from hemodialysis patients and 150 healthy subjects (control group) were tested for the presence of IgM/IgG antibodies to herpes group viruses.

Seroepidemiological Study of Epstein-Barr Virus in Different Population Groups in Croatia.

Background: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common viruses found in humans, causing lifelong infection in up to 95% of the world population.

Objectives: To analyze the seroprevalence of EBV infection in different population groups in Croatia.

Methods: During a 2 year period (2015-2016), a total of 2022 consecutive serum samples collected from Croatian residents were tested for the presence of EBV-specific viral capsid antigen (VCA) immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunoassay.

Efficacy of Three Different Lasers on Eradication of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans Biofilms in Root Canal System.

Objective: The objective was to compare the efficacy of three different lasers in disinfection of root canals inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans biofilms.

Background: Endodontic space disinfection depends on the type of root canal irrigant used and the way it is delivered and agitated because irrigants have limited ability to reach all parts of root canal system.

Materials And Methods: Thirty single-rooted human teeth were selected.

Seroepidemiology of cytomegalovirus infections in Croatia.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is endemic worldwide, with marked differences in the seroprevalence rates between countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the seroprevalence of CMV infections in Croatia.

Methods: During a 3-year period (2013-2015) 2438 consecutive serum samples collected from Croatian residents were tested for the presence of CMV IgM and IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassay.

[EVOLUTION OF BETA-LACTAM ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN ENTEROBACTER SPP. IN CROATIA].

Enterobacter spp. develops resistance to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins by induction or derepression of chromosomal AmpC β-lactamase, or production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) or carbapenemases. The aim of the study was to analyze the mechanisms of resistance to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins and the evolution of resistance mechanism during the study period (2008–2011) on a collection of 58 randomly collected Enterobacter spp.

Abdominal Wall Defect Reconstructed by Breast Flaps Using a Mercedes Closure Pattern.

Background: Surgery of the abdominal cavity may lead to postoperative defects to the ventricular segment of the abdominal wall. The reconstruction of these defects, especially in the area of the median line, represents an issue during the course of healing due to the role of the abdominal cavity in respiratory processes.

Methods: Reconstructive surgical procedure was performed on an infected vast defect to the ventral segment of the abdominal wall in a 77-year-old woman by a modified "Mercedes closure pattern," i.

Postantibiotic effect of colistin alone and combined with vancomycin or meropenem against Acinetobacter spp. with well defined resistance mechanisms.

Previous studies found short postantibiotic effect of colistin on Acinetobacter baumannii. Many studies have evaluated the potential for synergy between colistin and other antibiotics against A. baumannii.

[First report of carbapenemases in Osijek-Baranja County in imported Enterobacter cloacae isolate in vitro susceptible to carbapenems].

Carbapenems are often the only therapeutic option to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Emergence of carbapenemases in the isolates of Enterobacteriaceae limits therapeutic options. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae have emerged since 2008 throughout Croatia.

Nursing Home as a Reservoir of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an increasingly common pathogen in healthcare settings globally. It is frequently resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents and there are recent reports on strains that are pandrug resistant. The aim of the study was to characterize the mechanisms of carbapenem resistance of A.

[Diagnostic approach and therapy for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection following allogeneic stem cell transplantation].

In spite of improvements in diagnostics and prevention of CMV disease in recent decades, CMV infection still remains major concern in terms of diagnosis and therapy in recipients of allogeneic stem cells. Besides considerable morbidity with direct effects of CMV infection (hepatitis, gastrointestinal disease, pneumonia, retinitis), there are also indirect effects such as increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and an increased risk of graft rejection and transplant-related mortality. Also, myelosuppression, nephrotoxicity and emergence of drug-resistant CMV strains may limit the use of antiviral agents for the control of CMV infection.

The role of cytomegalovirus infection in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases.

The main characteristic ofperiodontal disease is chronic inflammation that leads to progressive destruction of the connective tissues and bone with subsequent tooth mobility and finally tooth loss. Traditionally, the pathogenesis of periodontitis was based on the infection caused by bacteria that colonize tooth surface and gingival sulcus. Accumulated evidence show that host response factors such as inflammatory reaction and activation of the innate immune system are critical to the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Clonal spread of CTX-M-15-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Croatian hospital.

This study was conducted to detect and analyse the presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae associated with a nosocomial outbreak at a Croatian hospital. During 2007, 162 K. pneumoniae isolates with reduced susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins were collected from various hospital units and patient specimens.

Emergence of CTX-M group 1 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains in the community.

Aim: Molecular characterization of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae strains isolated from urine of outpatients in Zagreb region during the last five years.

Methods: During the five-year study period a total of 2, 651 K.