Unravelling Streptococcus agalactiae: Serotype distribution, virulence factors, obstetrics history and clinical presentation correlations in tertiary care hospitals of the western province of Sri Lanka.

Purpose: This study investigated to detect serotypes and virulence genes of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) isolated from pregnant women.

Methods: Forty-five samples of GBS isolates from January to August 2019 at antenatal clinics of 4 teaching hospitals in Western Province, Sri Lanka were included. Isolated GBS were carried to identify 9 serotypes by multiplex PCR.

Is adherence to national guidelines for parenteral empiric antibiotic therapy effective? Experience from a Sri Lankan center.

Introduction: Guidelines for the selection of empirical antibiotics have been developed to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. We assessed the extent of adherence to the national guidelines for the selection of parenteral empirical antibiotics for three selected infections at a tertiary care center.

Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in medical and surgical wards of a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka.

Antibiotic Sensitivity of Group B Streptococcus from Pregnant Mothers and Its Association with Resistance Genes.

Objective: This study assessed the antibiotic susceptibility and characterized antibiotic resistance genes of group B Streptococcus (GBS) isolates from selected tertiary care hospitals in Western Province, Sri Lanka.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to determine antibiotic sensitivity of GBS among 175 pregnant women of >35 weeks of gestation attending antenatal clinics in four teaching hospitals. Low vaginal and rectal swabs were collected separately, and GBS was identified by standard microbiological methods.

Biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance among Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus species isolated from central venous catheters of intensive care unit patients.

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the biofilm formation of coagulase negative Staphylococcus species (CoNS) isolated from patients with catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI) and colonized central venous catheters (CVC) and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns and in situ biofilm formation of CVC tips.

Methods: Eighty-two CoNS isolated from intensive care unit (ICU) patients with CRBSI (n ​= ​8) or colonized CVC (n ​= ​74) were included. Species identification and antibiotic susceptibility test were done.

Distribution of mecA and qacA/B genes among coagulase negative staphylococci isolated from central venous catheters of intensive care unit patients.

Purpose: This study was designed to detect the prevalence of antibiotic and antiseptic resistance genes, mecA and qacA/B in coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) species isolated from intensive care unit patients with catheter related blood stream infections (CRBSI) or colonized central venous catheters (CVC).

Methods: Consecutive CoNS isolates from ICU patients with CRBSI or colonized central venous catheters were speciated and antibiotic susceptibilities were determined. The mecA and qacA/B genes were detected by polymerase chain reaction.

Appropriateness of the Empirical Antibiotics Prescribed and Their Concordance with National Guidelines for Three Selected Infections among Cancer Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre in Sri Lanka.

Background: Prophylactic and empirical antibiotic use is essential in cancer patients due to the underlying immune deficiencies. We examined the spectrum of causative bacteria and the appropriateness of empirical antibiotic prescription for three selected infections in cancer patients. .

Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Associated Severe Pneumonia in Hospitalized Children.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of severe respiratory infections. We examined the burden of RSV-associated severe community-acquired pneumonia among hospitalized children and factors that predict RSV etiology. A hospital-based prospective study examined children below five years of age admitted with radiologically confirmed severe or very severe pneumonia in two tertiary care centers in Sri Lanka.

Invasive Candidiasis Associated with Adenovirus Pneumonia.

Invasive infections in immunocompetent children lead to high morbidity and mortality despite available treatment. and are the most common pathogens; however, there are newly emerging pathogenic non- species. Adenovirus accounts for at least 5-10% of respiratory infections in children, and specific serotypes are associated with severe pneumonia.

A novel low temperature transcutaneous energy transfer system suitable for high power implantable medical devices: performance and validation in sheep.

Transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) systems use magnetic fields to transfer power across the skin without direct electrical connectivity. This offers the prospect of lifetime operation and overcomes risk of infection associated with wires passing through the skin. Previous attempts at this technology have not proved suitable due to poor efficiency, large size, or tissue damage.