Beneficial effects of a semi-intensive stroke unit are beyond the monitor.

Background And Purpose: Precise mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of the stroke unit (SU) are not fully established. Studies that compare monitored stroke units (semi-intensive type, SI-SU) versus an intensive care unit (ICU)-based mobile stroke team (MST-ICU) are lacking. Although inequalities in access to stroke unit care are globally improving, acute stroke patients may be admitted to Intensive Care Units for monitoring and followed by a mobile stroke team in hospital's lacking an SU with continuous cardiovascular monitoring.

Prevalence and risk factors for carriage of multi-drug resistant Staphylococci in healthy cats and dogs.

We investigated the distribution of commensal staphylococcal species and determined the prevalence of multi-drug resistance in healthy cats and dogs. Risk factors associated with the carriage of multi-drug resistant strains were explored. Isolates from 256 dogs and 277 cats were identified at the species level using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight mass spectrometry.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in healthy companion animals living in nursing homes and in the community.

Background: Animals could be reservoirs of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) strains, but epidemiologic data on ESBL-producing bacteria in healthy pets are missing. We determined the prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in pets living in nursing homes and in households to investigate the potential role of companion animals as carriers of ESBL.

Methods: Three hundred seventy-six rectal swabs were taken from cats and dogs visiting or living in 68 randomly selected nursing homes or brought to 26 veterinary practices in Switzerland for routine mandatory vaccination.

Evaluation of pet contact as a risk factor for carriage of multidrug-resistant staphylococci in nursing home residents.

Background: Pets, often used as companionship and for psychological support in the therapy of nursing home residents, have been implicated as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We investigated the importance of pets as reservoirs of multidrug-resistant (MDR) staphylococci in nursing homes.

Methods: We assessed the carriage of MDR staphylococci in pets and in 2 groups of residents, those living in nursing homes with pets and those living without pet contacts.