Detection of blaCTX-M genes in ESBL-producing Klebsiella isolates from animals in Croatia.

This study investigated the frequency of third-generation cephalosporin resistance in Klebsiella spp. isolated from animals in Croatia and the presence of blaCTX-M genes. A total of 711 enteric bacteria were isolated from clinical samples, and Klebsiella spp. isolates accounted for 6.9% (n = 49). Thirteen Klebsiella isolates (26.5%) were ESBL producers, nine isolates from the Klebsiella pneumoniae species complex (69.2%), and four (30.8%) Klebsiella oxytoca isolates. All carried the blaCTX-M-15 gene, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed them as multidrug resistant. All were resistant to all tested cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides and aztreonam, 92.3% showed resistance to tetracycline, 84.6% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 69.2% to nitrofurantoin. No isolate showed resistance to imipenem and meropenem. It can be concluded that ESBL-producing Klebsiella expressing the blaCTX-M gene are not rare among Klebsiella isolates from animals in Croatia.

Pilot study: Internally cooled orthopedic drills - standard sterilization is not enough?

Bone drilling causes focal temperature rise due to metal-to-bone contact, which may result in thermal osteonecrosis. Newly constructed internally cooled medical drill of an open type decreases temperature rise at a point of metal-to-bone contact although standard sterilization of such a drill could be inadequate due to bacteria retention within the drill lumen. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effectiveness of sterilization and to propose sterilization recommendations for internally cooled open type bone drills. Unused internally cooled medical steel bone drills were tested. Drills were contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp., beta-hemolytic Streptococcus sp., Enterobacter sp. and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and then incubated for 24 hours at 37 °C. Afterwards, drills were autoclaved for 15, 20 and 30 minutes at 132 °C and 2.6 bar. When 15-minute sterilization was used, one out of 16 drills was contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the other 15 drills were sterile. Extended cycle sterilization in autoclave lasting for 20 and 30 minutes resulted in 100% sterility of all drills tested. In conclusion, lumened drills should be exposed to extended sterilization times in autoclave. Minimal recommended time for sterilization of lumened drills is 20 minutes.

The Short-Term Impact of Educational Programs on Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Antimicrobial Stewardship among Veterinary Students in Serbia.

Effective antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is crucial for combating the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly in veterinary medicine. Educational programs targeting veterinary students can play a significant role in shaping their knowledge and attitudes toward antimicrobial use and stewardship. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of educational programs on the knowledge and attitudes regarding AMS among veterinary students in Serbia. A structured educational program on AMS was implemented for veterinary students at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad. Pre- and post-symposium assessments were conducted to measure changes in students' knowledge and attitudes. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and focus groups, to gather quantitative and qualitative data. The study resulted in significant short-term improvements in students' knowledge of AMS principles and their attitudes toward responsible antimicrobial use. Participants demonstrated a better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance and the importance of adhering to stewardship guidelines. Qualitative feedback indicated increased awareness of the consequences of inappropriate antimicrobial use and a stronger commitment to applying stewardship practices in their future careers. The educational programs effectively enhanced immediate veterinary students' knowledge and attitudes regarding AMS. These findings underscore the importance of integrating targeted educational programs into veterinary curricula to promote responsible antimicrobial use and combat resistance in veterinary practice.

Molecular characterization of high-level mupirocin resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

The genetic analysis of high-level mupirocin resistance (Hi-Mup(r)) in a Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolate from a dog is presented. The Hi-Mup(r) ileS2 gene flanked by a novel rearrangement of directly repeated insertion sequence IS257 elements was located, together with the aminoglycoside resistance aacA-aphD determinant, on a conjugative plasmid related to the pSK41/pGO1 family plasmids.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterococcus spp. from urine of dogs and cats in northwestern Croatia.

This study investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of enterococci isolated from dogs and cats with urinary tract infections in northwestern Croatia. During this study, the laboratory received 787 urine samples, 651 from dogs and 136 from cats. A total of 260 urine samples (211 from dogs and 49 from cats) were bacteriologically positive. Of these, 29 isolates belonged to Enterococcus spp.; 22 from dogs and seven from cats. Enterococci isolates were identified by PCR method, 12 of which were Enterococcus faecium and 17 were Enterococcus faecalis species. In dogs, 16 E. faecalis and six E. faecium strains were identified, whereas in cats, six E. faecium and only one E. faecalis strain were identified. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method for nine antimicrobials: penicillin, ampicillin, vancomycin, nitrofurantoin, rifampicin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin. The isolates were tested for high-level resistance to streptomycin and gentamicin. The highest resistance of Enterococcus spp. was observed to rifampicin (86%) and enrofloxacin (83%), followed by tetracycline and ciprofloxacin (69%). Resistance to vancomycin was 28%, and the lowest resistance was to chloramphenicol (17%). Multidrug resistance was found in 76% of enterococci isolates. High-level streptomycin resistance was detected in 17% and high-level gentamicin resistance in 10% of the isolated enterococci. When comparing species susceptibility, E. faecium isolates were significantly more resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, nitrofurantoin, and ciprofloxacin (p < 0.05). Eleven E. faecium isolates (92%) and 12 E. faecalis isolates (76%) were multidrug resistant.