Rapid culture-based LNZ test for detection of linezolid susceptibility/resistance in staphylococci and enterococci.

A rapid, easy-to-handle, cost-effective and universal culture-based test was developed for the identification of linezolid resistance among the most clinically relevant enterococcal and staphylococcal species. Our technique was tested using linezolid-resistant (n = 50) and linezolid-susceptible (n = 67) Gram-positive isolates: 34 Enterococcus faecium, 20 Enterococcus faecalis, 20 Staphylococcus aureus, 38 Staphylococcus epidermidis, and 5 Staphylococcus capitis. The susceptibility/resistance phenotype of E.

Occurrence of plasmid-mediated fosfomycin resistance (fos genes) among Escherichia coli isolates, Portugal.

Objectives: To evaluate the occurrence of plasmid-mediated fos genes among fosfomycin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates collected from patients in Lisbon, Portugal, and characterize the fos-positive strains.

Methods: A total of 19 186 E. coli isolates were prospectively collected between April 2022 and January 2023 from inpatients and outpatients at a private laboratory in Lisbon.

Comparative complete scheme and booster effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infections with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (BA.1) and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants: A case-case study based on electronic health records.

Background: Information on vaccine effectiveness in a context of novel variants of concern (VOC) emergence is of key importance to inform public health policies. This study aimed to estimate a measure of comparative vaccine effectiveness between Omicron (BA.1) and Delta (B.

ESBL- and Carbapenemase-Producing and among Bivalves from Portuguese Shellfish Production Areas.

Bivalves are filter-feeding organisms and biomarkers of bacterial pollution. Our study aimed to analyze the occurrence and characteristics of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-producing among bivalves. A total of 522 bivalve samples were collected along Portuguese shellfish production areas.

Multiplex PCR for detection of acquired plasmid-borne fosfomycin resistance fos genes in Escherichia coli.

A rapid (<3 hours) and reliable multiplex PCR was developed for detecting simultaneously known plasmid-mediated fos genes conferring acquired resistance to fosfomycin. Our technique was tested on a collection of Escherichia coli isolates previously identified as bearing the fosA-, fosC- and fosL-like genes, showing a sensitivity and a specificity of 100%.