Extensively Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Outbreak Associated With Artificial Tears.

Background: Carbapenemase-producing, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CP-CRPA) are extensively drug-resistant bacteria. We investigated the source of a multistate CP-CRPA outbreak.

Methods: Cases were defined as a US patient's first isolation of P.

Application of whole-genome sequencing for norovirus outbreak tracking and surveillance efforts in Orange County, CA.

Noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis and foodborne illness in the United States. Traditional Sanger sequencing of short genomic regions (~300-600 bp) is the primary method for differentiation of this pathogen; however, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) offers a valuable approach to further characterize strains of this virus. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of WGS compared to Sanger sequencing to differentiate norovirus strains and enhance outbreak investigation and surveillance efforts.

Detection and quantification by real-time RT-PCR of hepatitis A virus from inoculated tap waters, salad vegetables, and soft fruits: characterization of the method performances.

Water, salad vegetables and fruits exposed to fecal contamination may cause outbreaks of hepatitis A. A protocol of viral concentration by filtration on electronegative membrane filter and a protocol based on a viral elution in Tris-glycine buffer, pH 9.5 with concentration by polyethylene glycol precipitation were associated with real-time, reverse transcriptase-PCR to detect hepatitis A virus (HAV) artificially inoculated in 2 l of tap water, or on 25 g of fruits or salad vegetables.

[Cardiac surgery in France (supply, service and needs response): a national survey].

This paper describes the results of a national study of the 70 french cardiac surgery units. This study was required by the ministry of health in order to prepare the planning process of cardiac surgery in France. Results concerning the year 1994 show important regional variations of resources among the country.