Fast and Economic Microarray-Based Detection of Species-, Resistance-, and Virulence-Associated Genes in Clinical Strains of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE).

Today, there is a continuous worldwide battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and that includes vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Methods that can adequately and quickly detect transmission chains in outbreaks are needed to trace and manage this problem fast and cost-effectively. In this study, DNA-microarray-based technology was developed for this purpose.

Counselling sessions for patients in contact isolation due to multi-drug-resistant organisms improve informedness and reduce dissatisfaction.

Background: The spread of multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is a critical health issue. Isolation measures imposed to prevent transmission may result in adverse psychological effects among affected patients. This emphasizes the need for better communication and information to improve their hospital experience and mental well-being as well as to prevent inadequate treatment.

Photodynamic coatings kill bacteria on near-patient surfaces in intensive care units with low light intensities.

Background: Surfaces in close proximity to patients within hospitals may cause healthcare-associated infections. These surfaces are repositories for pathogens facilitating their transmission among staff and patients. Regular cleaning and disinfection of these surfaces provides only a temporary elimination of pathogens with inevitable recontamination.

Impact of Selective Reporting of Antibiotic Susceptibility Test Results on Antibiotic Use in Patients with Bloodstream Infection with .

Introduction: Invasive pneumococcal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in infectious diseases. Selective reporting of antibiotic susceptibility test results might lead to a tailored antibiotic therapy and could therefore be an important antibiotic stewardship program intervention. The aim of this study was to analyse whether a switch to selective reporting of antibiotic test results leads to a more focused antibiotic therapy in patients with a bloodstream infection with .

Retrospective genome-oriented analysis reveals low transmission rate of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from contaminated toilets at a bone marrow transplant unit.

Background: Prevention of toilet-to-patient transmission of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR PA) poses management-related challenges at many bone marrow transplant units (BMTUs).

Aim: To conduct a longitudinal retrospective analysis of the toilet-to-patient transmission rate for MDR PA under existing infection control (IC) measures at a BMTU with persistent MDR PA toilet colonization.

Methods: The local IC bundle comprised: (1) patient education regarding IC; (2) routine patient screening; (3) toilet flushing volume of 9 L; (4) bromination of toilet water tanks, and (5) toilet decontamination using hydrogen peroxide.