[Do Multiplex PCR techniques displace classical cultures in microbiology?].

Multiplex PCR technologies progressively find their way in clinical microbiology. This technique allows the simultaneous amplification of multiple DNA targets in a single test run for the identification of pathogens up to the species level. Various pathogens of infectious diseases can be detected by a symptom-oriented approach clearly and quickly with high reliability.

Diagnostics as essential tools for containing antibacterial resistance.

Antibacterial drugs are overused and often inappropriately selected. This exacerbates drug resistance and exacts a high burden from acute respiratory tract, bloodstream, sexually-transmitted, diarrheal and other infections. Appropriate use of existing diagnostic tests, and developing better ones, could avert these costs and would avoid selective pressure from unnecessary antibacterial use.

[What is the significance of extended spectrum betalactamases in clinical practice?].

Extended spectrum betalactamases (ESBL) confer resistance to most commonly used betalactam antibiotics. Their emergence in Gram negative bacteria was observed after the widespread use of cephalosporins and quinolones. They can cause severe infections in the hospital as well as in the community.

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated in Switzerland contains the Panton-Valentine leukocidin or exfoliative toxin genes.

Among 10 strains of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) isolated in 2002 from patients with skin infections, seven harbored the Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene, two harbored the exfoliative toxin A gene, and one harbored neither of these genes. CA-MRSA isolates producing a variety of exotoxins are currently spreading in the Swiss community.

Bronchopneumonia and oral health in hospitalized older patients. A pilot study.

Aims: To correlate microbial findings obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage in pneumonia patients with the clinical situation of the oral cavity.

Method: Quantitative aerobic and anaerobic cultures were carried out in 150 ml samples of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) obtained by means of an endoscope (Video Endoscope Pentax) inserted per os in the infected bronchus.

Material: Twenty consecutive patients with a tentative clinical diagnosis of bronchopneumonia in whom BAL was carried out for diagnostic purposes.