Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Differently Processed Smoothies and Fresh Produce from Austria.

Plant-derived foods are potential vehicles for microbial antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), which can be transferred to the human microbiome if consumed raw or minimally processed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the amount of clinically relevant ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in differently processed smoothies (freshly prepared, cold-pressed, pasteurized and high-pressure processed) and fresh produce samples (organically and conventionally cultivated) to assess potential health hazards associated with their consumption. The MGE and the class 1 integron-integrase gene were detected by probe-based qPCR in concentrations up to 10 copies/mL in all smoothies, lettuce, carrots and a single tomato sample.

Unraveling novel mutation patterns and morphological variations in two dalbavancin-resistant MRSA strains in Austria using whole genome sequencing and transmission electron microscopy.

Background: The increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains resistant to non-beta-lactam antimicrobials poses a significant challenge in treating severe MRSA bloodstream infections. This study explores resistance development and mechanisms in MRSA isolates, especially after the first dalbavancin-resistant MRSA strain in our hospital in 2016.

Methods: This study investigated 55 MRSA bloodstream isolates (02/2015-02/2021) from the University Hospital of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria.

In vitro resistance development gives insights into molecular resistance mechanisms against cefiderocol.

Cefiderocol, a novel siderophore cephalosporin, demonstrates promising in vitro activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including carbapenemase-producing strains. Nonetheless, only a few reports are available regarding the acquisition of resistance in clinical settings, primarily due to its recent usage. This study aimed to investigate cefiderocol resistance using an in vitro resistance development model to gain insights into the underlying molecular resistance mechanisms.

Staphylococcus aureus small colony variants: A potentially underestimated microbiological challenge in peritoneal dialysis.

Introduction: Peritonitis remains the major infectious complication in the setting of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Despite known only moderate pathogenicity, the most frequently detected pathogens in PD-related peritonitis are surprisingly coagulase-negative staphylococci. However, this could be explained, at least in part, by Staphylococcus aureus small colony variants (SCVs) induced by PD fluids (PDFs) and misidentified by routinely used microbiological methods.