Methenamine hippurate to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections in older women: protocol for a randomised, placebo-controlled trial (ImpresU).

Introduction: Methenamine hippurate is a urinary antiseptic used as preventive treatment for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in some Scandinavian countries. However, the scientific evidence for the preventive effect and safety for longer-term use is limited. The aim of this study is to assess whether methenamine hippurate can reduce the incidence of UTIs in older women with recurrent UTIs.

An immunosuppressed woman in her sixties with a high fever.

Investigation of fever in immunosuppressed patients can be challenging. Rapid and correct microbiological test results are essential for steering the investigation in the right direction. Our patient was eventually diagnosed with a condition that was initially suspected, but the time to reach a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis was unusually long.

The efficacy of pivmecillinam in oral step-down treatment in hospitalised patients with E. coli bacteremic urinary tract infection; a single-arm, uncontrolled treatment study.

Background: The role of oral beta-lactam antibiotics in treating febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) is not yet definite. Today, fluoroquinolones together with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-MTX) are considered standard of care and often the only available evidence-based oral treatment for febrile UTI. This study clarifies the efficacy and safety of pivmecillinam (PIV) used as step-down therapy for bacteremic urinary tract infection (UTI).

Low prevalence of tick-borne encephalitis virus antibodies in Norwegian blood donors.

Background: Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) constitutes a public health concern in Europe. Certain coastal municipalities in southern Norway are considered TBE risk areas and in the last two years, there have been increasing numbers of TBE cases. Since the majority of infections are claimed to be asymptomatic, the aim of the current study was to assess the seroprevalence of antibodies to tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) among unvaccinated adults living in a TBE endemic area in Norway.

Predicting the use of antibiotics after initial symptomatic treatment of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection: analyses performed after a randomised controlled trial.

Objective: To predict antibiotic use after initial treatment with ibuprofen using data from a randomised controlled trial comparing ibuprofen to pivmecillinam in the treatment of women with symptoms of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI).

Setting: 16 sites in a primary care setting in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Participants: Data from 181 non-pregnant women aged 18-60 presenting with symptoms of uncomplicated UTI, initially treated with ibuprofen.

Microbial risk factors for treatment failure of pivmecillinam in community-acquired urinary tract infections caused by ESBL-producing Escherichia coli.

The aim of this study was to identify microbial risk factors for treatment failure of pivmecillinam in community-acquired urinary tract infections (ca-UTIs) caused by ESBL-producing Escherichia coli. Eighty-nine ESBL-producing E. coli isolated from women suffering from ca-UTIs were included.

Serological diagnostics of Lyme borreliosis: comparison of assays in twelve clinical laboratories in Northern Europe.

Lyme borreliosis (LB), caused by spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, is the most common tick-borne infection in Europe. Laboratory diagnosis of LB is mainly based on the patients' medical history, clinical signs and symptoms in combination with detection of Borrelia-specific antibodies where indirect enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is the most widely used technique. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy (sensitivities and specificities) of serological tests that are currently in use for diagnosis of LB in clinical laboratories in Northern Europe, by use of a large serum panel.

Predictors of Symptom Duration and Bacteriuria in Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection.

Objective: To identify baseline predictors of symptom duration after empirical treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) and significant bacteriuria in a cohort of women treated for UTI.

Design: Prospective single-centre cohort study.

Setting: Outpatient clinic in Norway.

Clinical and bacteriological efficacy of pivmecillinam treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections caused by ESBL-producing Escherichia coli: a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study.

Objectives: To compare the clinical and bacteriological outcomes of pivmecillinam treatment for community-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by ESBL-producing Escherichia coli versus non-ESBL-producing E. coli in an outpatient setting.

Methods: A prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study of women aged ≥16 years, with pivmecillinam-treated community-acquired UTIs caused by E.

Ibuprofen versus pivmecillinam for uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women-A double-blind, randomized non-inferiority trial.

Background: Although uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often self-limiting, most patients will be prescribed antibiotic treatment. We assessed whether treatment with ibuprofen was non-inferior to pivmecillinam in achieving symptomatic resolution by day 4, with a non-inferiority margin of 10%.

Methods And Findings: This was a randomized, controlled, double-blind non-inferiority trial.

Species Level Description of the Human Ileal Bacterial Microbiota.

The small bowel is responsible for most of the body's nutritional uptake and for the development of intestinal and systemic tolerance towards microbes. Nevertheless, the human small bowel microbiota has remained poorly characterized, mainly owing to sampling difficulties. Sample collection directly from the distal ileum was performed during radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.

Chlamydia testing in practice - requisitioners and patients.

Background: Optimising the diagnostic work-up and treatment of genital chlamydia infection requires knowledge of the sampling patterns of those who order chlamydia tests. We wished to determine which groups of doctors collect specimens for chlamydia testing, and to examine the sex and age distribution of patients tested, and the proportion of positive tests, from general practitioners, gynaecologists in private practice, and youth health services.

Material And Method: The study includes 43 465 specimens analysed for genital infection with Chlamydia trachomatis at Vestfold Hospital Trust over the period 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011.

Bacteriology in uncomplicated urinary tract infections in Norwegian general practice from 2001-2015.

Background: Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women are common, and urine samples from these patients are not routinely cultured. Empirical treatment is based on knowledge of resistance patterns for common uropathogens.

Aim: To evaluate the bacteriological findings and resistance patterns in urine samples from women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and to assess the relationship between antimicrobial use and resistance patterns from 2000-2015 in Norway.

Blood donor Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato seroprevalence and history of tick bites at a northern limit of the vector distribution.

In order to study the antibody seroprevalence of the causal agent of Lyme borreliosis, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), and the history of tick bites at a geographical distribution limit of Ixodes ricinus, we compared healthy blood donors in geographically extreme regions: the borreliosis-endemic Vestfold County (59°N) and the region of northern Norway.

Incidence and antibiotic treatment of erythema migrans in Norway 2005-2009.

The first stage of Lyme borreliosis (LB) is mainly the typical skin lesion, erythema migrans (EM), which is estimated to comprise 80-90% of all LB cases. However, the reporting of, and the actual incidence of LB varies throughout Europe. Studies from Sweden and Holland have found EM incidences varying from 53 to 464 EM/100,000 inhabitants/year.

Prevalence of M. genitalium and U. urealyticum in urine tested for C. trachomatis.

Background: Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum cause sexually transmitted infections. While M. genitalium is an established aetiological agent, U.

High Mortality from Blood Stream Infection in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Is Due to Antimicrobial Resistance.

Background: Managing blood stream infection in Africa is hampered by lack of bacteriological support needed for antimicrobial stewardship, and background data needed for empirical treatment. A combined pro- and retrospective approach was used to overcome thresholds in clinical research in Africa.

Methods: Outcome and characteristics including age, HIV infection, pancytopenia and bacteriological results were studied in 292 adult patients with two or more SIRS criteria using univariate and confirming multivariate logistic regression models.

Antibiotic resistance patterns of bacteria causing urinary tract infections in the elderly living in nursing homes versus the elderly living at home: an observational study.

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a problem in nursing homes. Presumed urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most common infection. This study examines urine culture results from elderly patients to see if specific guidelines based on gender or whether the patient resides in a nursing home (NH) are warranted.

Subjective health complaints are not associated with tick bites or antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in blood donors in western Norway: a cross-sectional study.

Background: There is controversy about chronic health consequences of tick-borne infections, especially Lyme borreliosis. This study aims to assess whether general function, physical fitness and subjective health complaints are associated with tick bites or antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in blood donors.

Methods: Sera from 1,213 blood donors at four different blood banks in Sogn and Fjordane county in western Norway were obtained during January to June 2010, and analysed for specific IgG and IgM antibodies.

A randomized controlled trial of a diagnostic algorithm for symptoms of uncomplicated cystitis at an out-of-hours service.

Objective: To compare the clinical outcome of patients presenting with symptoms of uncomplicated cystitis who were seen by a doctor, with patients who were given treatment following a diagnostic algorithm.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Out-of-hours service, Oslo, Norway.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae detection causes excess antibiotic use in Norwegian general practice: a retrospective case-control study.

Background: The 2011 Mycoplasma pneumoniae epidemic in Norway resulted in many GP consultations and significantly increased the prescription of macrolide antibiotics.

Aim: To investigate the signs, symptoms, course, and prescription patterns of antibiotics in patients positive for M. pneumoniae compared with patients negative for M.

Ibuprofen versus mecillinam for uncomplicated cystitis--a randomized controlled trial study protocol.

Background: Although uncomplicated cystitis is often self-limiting, most such patients will be prescribed antibiotic treatment. We are investigating whether treatment of cystitis with an NSAID is as effective as an antibiotic in achieving symptomatic resolution.

Methods/design: This is a randomized, controlled, double blind trial following the principles of Good Clinical Practice.