Susceptibility of clinical Moraxella catarrhalis isolates in British Columbia to six empirically prescribed antibiotic agents.

Background: Moraxella catarrhalis is a commensal organism of the respiratory tract that has emerged as an important pathogen for a variety of upper and lower respiratory tract infections including otitis media and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis. Susceptibility testing of M catarrhalis is not routinely performed in most diagnostic laboratories; rather, a comment predicting susceptibility based on the literature is attached to the report. The most recent Canadian report on M catarrhalis antimicrobial susceptibility was published in 2003; therefore, a new study at this time was of interest and importance.

Determination of susceptibility to fosfomycin and tigecycline of Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Escherichia coli isolates, producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases from multiple regional Canadian hospitals.

Background: The worldwide spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, particularly Escherichia coli, has significantly limited therapeutic options, especially for urinary tract infections. Although limited in their indications, fosfomycin and tigecycline are potential agents to treat infections due to ESBL-producing organisms. Although not routinely performed, susceptibility testing to both is necessary to ensure there is not an increase in resistance.

Penicillin susceptibility and macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance in group B Streptococcus isolates from a Canadian hospital.

Background: Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) is recommended for pregnant women who test positive for group B Streptococcus (GBS) in their genitourinary tract to prevent GBS-induced neonatal sepsis. Penicillin G is used as the primary antibiotic, and clindamycin or erythromycin as the secondary, if allergies exist. Decreased susceptibility to penicillin G has occasionally been reported; however, clindamycin and erythromycin resistance is on the rise and is causing concern over the use of clindamycin and erythromycin IAP.

Viridans streptococci bacteremia in children with malignancy: relevance of species identification and penicillin susceptibility.

Our aim was to determine the significance of species identification and penicillin susceptibility of viridans streptococci in children with malignancies. Streptococcus mitis accounted for 58% of invasive viridans streptococcal infections of which 51% were penicillin-nonsusceptible. There was no significant association between species or penicillin susceptibility pattern and clinical presentation or outcome.

Evaluation of a diagnostic polymerase chain reaction assay for Neisseria meningitidis in North America and field experience during an outbreak.

Context: Meningococcal infection has a high public profile because of its dramatic presentation, high fatality rate, and propensity to occur in outbreaks and clusters of cases. Use of a diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay could enhance laboratory confirmation of cases and guide the public health response in North America.

Objective: To assess the performance of a PCR assay for the diagnosis of meningococcal disease after its implementation in a North American setting and to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of the assay for the detection of prevalent bacterial isolates.