Syphilis and HIV: a dangerous duo.

HIV and syphilis affect similar patient groups and coinfection is common. All patients presenting with syphilis should be offered HIV testing and vice versa. Syphilis can enhance the transmission of HIV.

Emergence of KPC-possessing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Brooklyn, New York: epidemiology and recommendations for detection.

Among 257 isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae collected in Brooklyn, NY, 24% were found to possess bla(KPC). Clinical microbiology laboratories that used automated broth microdilution systems reported 15% of the KPC-possessing isolates as susceptible to imipenem. The imipenem MIC was found to be markedly affected by the inoculum.

Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Brooklyn, NY: molecular epidemiology and in vitro activity of polymyxin B and other agents.

Objectives: To describe the molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Brooklyn, NY and assess the in vitro activity of various antibiotic combinations.

Methods: Clinical isolates with suspected carbapenem resistance were referred to the central research laboratory from August 2003 to June 2004. Isolates underwent MIC testing, ribotyping, and were analysed for the presence of KPC carbapenemases.