Evaluation of the DNA microarray "AMR Direct Flow Chip Kit" for detection of antimicrobial resistance genes from Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial isolated colonies.

Introduction: The AMR Direct Flow Chip assay allows the simultaneous detection of a large variety of antibiotic resistance genetic markers. To assess this kit's performance, we use isolated colonies as starting material. The assay has been approved by the European Economic Area as a suitable device for in vitro diagnosis (CE IVD) using clinical specimens.

Achalasia and mycobacterium goodii pulmonary infection.

Achalasia is a common adult disorder that rarely manifests in children and infrequently can be associated with pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria infections. We describe here the first case of Mycobacterium goodii pulmonary infection associated with achalasia in a pediatric patient. Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication and 12 months of treatment with ciprofloxacin and doxycycline resulted in complete clinical and radiologic improvement.

[Molecular diagnosis of parasitic and fungal infections].

Conventional microbiological diagnosis of fungal infections and parasitic diseases has been characterized by low diagnostic sensitivity, laboriousness, and the need for expert microscopists. Consequently, diagnostic methods based on the detection of nucleic acids are a magnificent alternative to overcome these problems, but have not yet provided a satisfactory response in all situations. The molecular methods used are varied and most are based on techniques of nucleic acid amplification.