Characterization and Fitness Cost of Tn, a Novel Integrative and Conjugative Element Conferring Multidrug Resistance in .

A multidrug-resistant (MDR) strain of , Hi-228, with phenotypic resistance toward ampicillin, cefotaxime, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, and azithromycin, was isolated in Oslo, Norway. The strain was part of a clonal outbreak (2016-2017) comprising five ST143 strains with identical resistotypes. Hi-228 carries a novel integrative and conjugative element (ICE), Tn, contributing to this remarkable and previously unreported MDR profile.

Rapid diagnosis and reduced workload for urinary tract infection using flowcytometry combined with direct antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Background: We evaluated if flowcytometry, using Sysmex UF-5000, could improve diagnosis of urinary tract infections by rapid identification of culture negative and contaminated samples prior to culture plating, thus reducing culture plating workload and response time. We also evaluated if it is possible to reduce the response time for antibiotic susceptibility profiles using the bacteria information flag on Sysmex UF-5000 to differentiate between Gram positive and negative bacteria, followed by direct Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (dAST) on the positive urine samples.

Methods: One thousand urine samples were analyzed for bacteria, white blood cells and squamous cells by flowcytometry before culture plating.

The impact of age on risk assessment, therapeutic practice and outcome in candidemia.

Background: In Norway, the epidemiological situation of candidemia is followed closely. We have previously demonstrated the highest incidence of candidemia in elderly >65 years of age. However, knowledge of other aspects of this infection is lacking.